Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1922-04-28
Smashing the Civil Service

| y the vigorous fight that William Dudley
Foulke. acting president of the National
Civil Service Reform League is making to
prevent the success OF what he terms a
dangerous organized effort" to cripple
competitive civil service by a reaction to
the spoils system in the Federal government
he is not content with merely defensive
campaign, but boldly points the accusing
finger at various members of Congress and
others high in government places as among
those engaged i'll this pcrnicious effort
calling attention 10 the declaration in
the Republican platform OF 1920. that the
civil service law should not only be OBJ
served but extended. he says various promi-
nent Republican Congressman are insisting
publicly that Democrats should be removed
from Office and Republicans put in their
places on account OF their political opinions.
Certain members OF the Presidents Cabi-
net are also openly opposing the platform
of their party in voicng their opposition
10 the law, he says. Secretary of Labor
John J. Davis is quoted by him as saying
that there should be less of the classified
service" while Attorney General Daugherty
testified before committee Of Congress
that the civil service was a hindrance to the
sovernment--that he would rather take the
recommendation OF a political committee
than go through the requirements of the
III
rressions on the part of others high in the
confidence OF the administration are cited
Indeed, those who have followed the az
gressive campaign Foulke is making are
left in no doubt that the adminiSt ration is
lending active support to movement that
plainly involves the destruction of the merit
system II that movement is allowed 10
continue, he solemnly warns the public that
the merit system will be undermined and
uprooted and shall return to the de-
plorabie spells methods of the past But
particularly significant is his charge that the
prohibition enforcement service of the Fed
eral government has been kept clear of the
merit system OF appointment. The appoint
ments in that service he says ar, almost
wholly political.
supporting that statement, Mr.. Foulke's
colleague, r. W. Marsh, secretary OF the Ma
tional Civil Service Reform Leagu says
The thoroughly discreditad spo'ls system
has been in operation for ,ha past ;wo venrs
for the selection OF government e1npioyess 10
enforce the Nolstead act 1t is common
knowledge TO all readers of the newspapers
that graft, eXtortion. inefficienc> and crime
OF various sorts have been more common.
among the employees who enforce the ma
tional prohibition law than in almost rsny
class Of public servants. Working s!Ge;:bv
side with the employees of the Prohibition
Bureau are the government agents 10 en-
for"e the provisions OF the Harrison anti
narcotic law. The former are spells an
pointees and the latter are selected through
civil service examinations. OF the latter we
hear no murmur or criticism or complaint.
no charges OF corrupton: while of the for
mer the newspapers are constantly carry
ing scandaous stories
The public should awaken TO a realizing
sense OF the danger tina, is involved 10 the
merit system by this organized movement in
high official circles 10 bring about its de-
struction and register a vigorous protest
through concerted action covering the whole
country The National Civil Service Re-
form League is making a courageous fight
TO prevent the return OF the outrageous
spoils system, but it will lose the fight If tho
public does not come TO lis assistance