Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-07-17
DRY STAFF DEFERS
/ CIVIL SERVICE PLAN
L.; of Funds Obstacle in
| .ay of Complying With
Ill., Law by October |.

By the Associated Press.
The Treasury has run into obstacles
that will prevent placing the Prchi'
bition Bureau on a civil service basis
by October /, as provided by law.
Handicapped by lack of funds,
steps toward carrying out the legisla-
tion Of the last Congress have been
slackened. it was learned yesterday
and until Congress provides an appro-
priation transfer of prohibition en-
forcement activities to civil service
will be postponed.
Although examinations have been
given most of the administrators by
I the Civil Service Commission, no
, funds are available for compilation OF
q list of eligibles, either for these
posts or for the positions of agents
and investigators. Until such a list
is certified to the bureau permanent
appointments will not be made.
Congress is expected to provide sufti-
cient funds at the next session, ana
it is regarded at the Treasury as prob
able that the reorganization will take
place around the first Of the year.
Enforcement Provisions.
/ The transfer to civil service status
will in no way affect prohibition en-
forcement, Assistant Secretary Low
man declared yesterday. Most or the
administrators are expected by MN
to stay on the job. although 1t Is
probable that the names of few VIII
, be certified for appointment in the
:. Fall. A considerable gap in enforce
Ement machinery would be created, II
was held, if the requirements or CON
gress that reorganization take place
October were met.
} THE Civil Service Commission 1as
done everything in its power TO eA-
pedite this work, William Z. DENNIS
president of the commission, SAID
However, lack of an appropriation
70 carry it on and the thoroughness
of the test which each candidate IS
compelled to undergo have been FAC
tors in delaying it's early completion
The basic test, which is a written eX'
animation in most cases, or In the
case of the higher positions proof OF
demonstrated ability and fitness, IS
augmented by an oral interview with
each candidate and a searching char.
acter investigation.
Temporary Arrangements
at is possible that the commission
will not be able to certify eligibles Tor
any of the positions for which it has
held examinations before the lapse
of the six-month period provided by
law. At the expiration of this period.
in accordance with the usual proceed
ure prescribed by the civil service
rules. the commission will give the
Treasury Department authority to eX-
tend such temporary appointments as
NAV be necessary until eligibles for
probational employment can be GER
titled"
The reorganization bill provided for
Termination of all appointments Oc'
tober /, placing the entire enforce.
ment machine, with the exception OF
the commissioner Of prohibition, on
civil service basis. The positions
thus vacated will be filled by appoint
ment from the list of eligibles. which
will include agents and others now
in the bureau who have been success
full in the examinations.
The change in reality will amount
to a paper reorganization" inasmuch
as most of the present personnel is
expected to remain.