The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1923-02-08
copyright. Western Newspaper Union
XIV.
UP TO YOU AID CONGRESS
By EDWARD G. LOWRY


by the establishment of the civil serv-
ice commission and the merit system
has touched but one phase of the per-
sonnet problem, and that but partially
entrance into the government sery-
ice. Practically nothing has been done
in the way of erecting the government
services into careers that will attract
and retain efficient men. Bad as con-
ditionS were in this respect before tie
war, they have become many times
worse during and since that event
The correction of these evils pre-
sents problem of great complexity.
1t cannot be achieved by half
hearted or halfway tinkering with the
present system. Nothing but thor
ough overhauling Of the whole person
mel system and the establishment of
a new system covering all phases of
the question and embodying the most
approved principles of personnel adj
miniStration will meet the needs of
the situation. Fortunately a begin
ming has been made in this direction.
1t at least furnishes a starting point
for action looking to the giving to the
government of the personnel system
that it must have if government work
is to be even measurably well done.
The situation now is that there is
an insistent demand on the part of
the public that the whole administra-
ton of the national government be put
upon a more efficient basis, and that
the present waste of public funds, re-
sulting from present defective organ
ization and methods, shall cease; that
congress is alive to this demand and
has made a start toward meeting it;
that the fundamental defects in the
existing system are well known; and
that the direction efforts looking to
reform should take are clearly estab-
lished. The responsibility is thus
up to congress.
If the problem that confronts con-
gress in securing this laudable end is
analysed it will be found that the
reforms are: The re-
form by congress itself of its own or
ganizatfon and methods of procedure;
the entire revision of the present sys-
tenn under which the financial needs |
Of the government are determined and |
provided; the setting up of an agency |
and procedure through which the ex-
penditure of public funds may be |
controlled and congress be |
given that information regarding such
=
s to assure itself that its agents, the
services, are properly |
performing their duties, and to act in
in respect to the future
grant of funds; the provision of an
organ through which the President
nay in fact, as well as in name, dis
.harge his duties as head of the adj
the reorganization of
he administrative branch Of the gov
so as to eliminate the pres
mt widespread overlapping of juris-
lotions and functions and indefensi-
lie duplication of services, Organiza-
ion, plant and work; and the COM
,lete recaSting of the present system
nder which the personnel required
O man the governmental plant is Sc
ured, compensated, promoted, as
igned to particular tasks and con-
rolled, to the end that not only JUS
ice will be done to the several classes
f governmental employees, but that
personnel system will be established
hat will insure a maximum of eff
iency in the actual conduct of public
fairs.
A study of action actually had or
ow under way shows that steps have
cen taken toward the accomplishment
each of these fundamental reforms
he introduction Of budget system
a long step forward. :.
l don't mean in the least to give the
IMPRESSION that all private business i.
perfectly run and that only govern .
lent business is badly managed, or
nat all the efficient people are in pri-
ate employ and only inefficient in the
ublic service. Neither of those con-
itions exists.
In the common phrase, you have got
!, hand it to Alexander Hamilton for I
evising a scheme that has stood up
nee revolutionary days. 1t has not {
cen fundamentally altered since his J
ay. There has been no REIMBURSEMENT
salaries in the departmental serv- :
e for sixty years. That implies
,rtain loyalty and faithfulness on the c
art of the workers. \
My only desire is to disclose the t
resent condition of government en-
oyment that good men are leaving, S
I'D that the present tendency, if not {
lecked, will inevitably drive out of
lie service all of the efficient and =
ave only the mediocre and incOm- A
etent. I have said little myself but
Ave chosen to let the men working F
+ the government tell the story. Ev- t.
v assertion of fact In these articles
mes from some responsible source c
authority within the service. ana 1
vt making criticism or attack from T.
e outside, but merely serving as :,
outEpiece for your hired men.