The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1922-12-08
REFORM League
! SPROTEST
]. 0N.C! y SERVICE.
Appointment Of Postmasters
Strictly on Merit Basis
Advocated.

u tlAof1lN5ION,s Dec. .. - Inc
National Civil Service Reform
League, which began Its annual
convention here yesterday took up
for consideration the question OF re-
SHOWING the Postotflce Department
from politics by bringing about
the appointment Of postmastefs
strictly on a merit basis, Other
problems emphasized in its pro-
gram were the effect upon efici-
ency In giving World War vet
Grams preferred status IN filling
Jobs and the alleged appointment
Ffot political workers to enforce the
yoIstead Act.
one Of the chief tasks set for
the convention was the formula
ton Of a program to bring about
amendment OF laws and delegates
should find at fault and to plan
campaigns for enactment Of civil
service statutes by, thirty-eight
states whose legislatures have not
yet adopted thnt method If Sc
lekpg applicants for employ
meHt.
kAlleged discrimination against
women in government employ
. ment, Classification of the fed
eral civil service and appoint
sma I'm the diplomatic and coz
d rsseryice also were listed for
discussion.
Among the speakers announce
ed for the sessions was Repre-
sentative +. r. Lehlback Of Mary
land.
Asdemand upon Congress for the
repeal of all laws giving prefer
ence TO veterans Of the World War
Y appointment to position under
Re Federal government is made
in the report OF the council OF the
reform league.
The report also demands that
political appointments OF postmas.
tiers and .spoils appointments" of
prohibition agents, declared to
have resulted in nationwide scan
DIAL be terminated by placing en-.
torcement officials under civil
service rules and requiring selee-
ton as postmasteFs Of persons
standing highest on the eligible
lists Established by the United
States Civil Service Commission.
The relative ability and ,capa-
city OF veterans appointed to FEEDER
Al office under the various pre-.
ference laws is shown by the re-
suits Of Competitive examinations,
The report states, to be far below
that OF other non veterans on the
eligible lists. The minimum pass
ing mark for veterans under the
laws Of, the League wishes Tepeais
eds five points less than for nom
Veterans.
"a veteran who is worth his
salt will want to stand on his own
feet ans not be dependent on spe-
clal faSors for his future exis-
tences the report says. at is on
III the derelicts and mediocre vet.
Grams who will seek the advantage
olkthe preference given. The pre-
faf6nce law was never justified. 1t
repeal Is imperative"
a Scandals Cited
Numerous scandals, which, tho
council of the league says, are d.
tectly traceable to the appoint
ment OF political henchmen" to
enforce the prohibition laws, are
cited in the report.
under the Republican admins
ration; It is stated, appointment
have been dictated in large meas
ire by the Republican leaders in
the various states, as they we've by
democratic leaders during the dem
ocratic administration"
Republican politicians who have
been indicted by federal grand
iuries for violations Of the Vol
stead Act are listed In the report.
Placing the vast corps Of Federal
agents employed to enforce tt1s
act In the competitive classified
se1yice, the report asserts, is the
Stirst essentialsto adequate en-
forcement of the law"
The postoffice department Is
severely condemned by the re-
port for seeking, the reeommen-
dations Of congressman as to
witch Of the three candidates
passing civil service examinations
With the highest ratings shall be
DON'T GET UP NIGHTS