South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-05-21

OF the first. second and third classes. ouch nom
ination being subject to confirmation by the
1T is well known that the president was
strongly urged 20 abolish altogether the
animation system FOR the selection OF presiden-
ual postmasters and TO revert entirely TO the
spoils system az means OF filing the positions
The National Civil Service Reform league
therefore views with satisfaction the resistance
by the president and the postmaster general
OF this pressure. 1t regrets. however that the
president has found II necessary 20 discontinue
the provision for the selection OF the first name
Experience has shown that the appointment
OF the first name on the eligible LIST has worked
well and TO the advantage Of the service. and
has done away very largely with political
manipulation. Investigation has shown that as
result Of nearly 1000 examinations in the
northern states over 500 republicans were
chosen and only 500 democrats under a demo-
cratic administration. The examinations were
conducted and will continue TO be conducted
based the applicants business training. ex-
perience, fitness. organizing and executive abil-
ity and general qualifications for an efficient
administration and Will be in a
clustered scholastic examination which might
result in high grade in theory but not a
guaranty Of efficiency in fact such Prest
Harding pretends 20 fear. AS long the exam
nations continue 10 be conducted along these
lines there need be little fear that the best
man will not be found at the head OF the ell
gible list. The league fears that the announce
ment that the selection will be made from the
first three may be interpreted by possible can
didates as notification that only republicans
with political influence will be appointed. with
the result that democrats will make the ef-
fort and that many republicans not active in
politics will also be deferred. The league there
fore hopes and urges that the postmaster gem
eral will adoLt a general policy the selec-
ton of the first name for submission the
president
The league again heartily approves what is
recommended by Pres't Harding. that these
important positions be promptly brought with
in the competitive classified service by act OF
congress- Until such action is taken and tho
necessity OF confirmation by the senate Is done
away with there cannot fail to be friction be-
tween the executive and the post Office depart
ment the hand. and the senators and
members Of congress on the other. Such legis-
iation is ready and the league will urge It's
passage in the present session % congress.
OF course. IT wouldn't do for the league to cal
"a spade spade" and expect consideration from
president OF the Harding type: Of the school o
politicians 80 confident that they know it ALL and
so convinced that the least criticism is sacrilege
We merely publish the statement of the league tina
hose who wish may read and observe that it is no
I'll the criticism of the NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
school of politics. that sees the loop-hole in tbs
Harding ruling. AS 1t stands now the only appli
lminations that need feel certain OF being turned
DOWN. If they are republicans. those who come
fourth fifth or sixth. etc. in the scale OF recon-
Thanks to the league for pointing It out TO ui
10 nicely-and non-partisanly.