The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1917-01-29
Amendment Offered BY Poin-
dexter, Republican, May Keep
Democrats in Office.
ALL UNDER CIVIL SERVICE
Senator, Enthusiastic for Re-
form, Does Just What
BurIeson Tried.

By reason OF an amendment tackled
onto the legislative, executive and
judicial appropriation bill by Senator
Miles Poindexter OF Washington, q
progressive Republican, 10000 Demo.
Gratis appointed first, second. and
third class postmasters during the
Administration OF President Wilson
stand a fair chance OF holding their
jobs for life.
In his enthusiasm for civil service
reform. Senator Poindexter last week
proposed his amendment during a
listless debate of the bill. 1t pro-
vides as follows:
Text of Amendment.
The office OF postmaster In
each class shall hereafter be a
non-political office, and shall be
within the classified civil service,
ana appointments thereto shall be
made In accordance with the civil
service rules. and. so far as prac-
ticaL by promotion, or transfer,
upon merit, without regard to
politics, from the employees of the
postofnce Department, subject to
ihe permanent civil service regu-
lations and requirements
Contrary, no doubt, to the expecta-
lions OF Senator Poindexter there was
no objection from the Democratic
side. The few Democrats who heard
the amendment read, to be sure, look.
eo little surprised, but no voice
was raised in protest. Senator Over
man OF North Carolina, a Democrat
ana acting chairman OF the Appro-
priations Committee, quietly accepted
the amendment without debate. and
1t was adopted.
Only Realised Today.
That the Democratic majority of
the House, through which body the
appropriation bill had preyiousIy'
PASSED, will accept the amendment
without question goes almost with
out saying. For some time the Demo
cratic leaders have been hoping to
find way to legislate the first, sec.
ond, and third class postmasters into
Hfe Jobs, just as was done when the
so,OOO fourth clasa postmasters were
placed under the civil service.
Postmaster General Bureslon, who
10 the recognised politician OF the Ad-
ministration. went so far as to pro-
pose such a step in his annual report
last year, but the Republicans raised
such a storm OF protest that the mat
Ter was not pressed.
Meant Life Jobs.
At that time the Republicans real
lied that putting these 10000 post
masterships under the civil service"
meant nothing short of legislatinK
the 10000 Democrats holding them
into life jobs.
Under the Poindexter amendment
the 10000 will have to pass the ex-
to be sure. but with che
advantage in their favor that the
provides that. as far as
practicable, the positions shall be
hiled from the employees Of the Post
office Department"
1t was a novel sight today TO see
Democrats in the corridors OF the
Capitol gravely agreeing that civil
service reform has its good points.
Though the President appointed
these 10000. the appointments in
every case were made on
the recommendation of the Demo-
cratic Senators and Representatives.
Could Save Millions.
According to Senator Poindexter.
he proposed the amendpent in the
belief that the Government could
save millions OF dollars annually
the employment of efficient
postmasters.
He still believes that the adoption
Of the measure would ultimately
serve to weed out those of the pres
ant incumbents who are incompetent.
z Heretofore. the first, second and
third class postmasterships have al
ways been regarded as prize political
plums for incoming Administrations.
when Mr.. Wilson be-
came President all the Republicans
holding the Jobs were dismissed and
their places given to deserving Demo-
Gratis.