acquaintance with its methods, was well known. Both the removal of Mr. McKinstry, who had become an extremely efficient Commissioner, and the appointment of Mr. Lord, were against the protest of the Civil Service Reform Associations of the State, and of many other bodies and individual citizens interested in the successful continuance of the Commission's work. It is significant that the non-competitive classification of the Liquor Department employees was adopted by the votes of Commissioners Cobb and Lord, and against that of Commissioner Burt. It remains to be seen whether there will be similar opposition within the Commission to the reforms shortly to be proposed. A number of measures designed to injure the Civil Service system were introduced in the Legislature during the recent session. Notable among these was a bill taking the control of examinations in the municipal Fire Department from the Civil Service Commission, and vesting it in a board to consist of one Fire Commissioner and two subordinate officers. This bill passed both Houses. At a hearing before Mayor Strong it was opposed by this Association, and by the Board of Fire Underwriters, the Municipal Civil Service Commission, and other bodies. It was returned without the Mayor's approval, shortly after the adjournment of the Legislature, and too late to allow an opportunity for its repassage. The other objectionable bills, with a single exception, were defeated at various stages. The exception was a bill introduced by Assemblyman O'Grady, of Rochester, exempting from examination all assistants to a City Attorney or to a Corporation Counsel, the purpose being to legalize the appointment of two assistants to the City Attorney of Rochester, who had been unable to draw their salaries because of the determined stand taken by the Mayor of that city against illegal appointments. It applies, however, to similar offices in every part of the State. It is now in the hands of the Governor, who has been requested on behalf of the Committee to withhold his signature. In New York City efforts have been made to secure the extension of the rules to the bulk of the higher places still exempt from examination. Of the total of 20,933 employees in the city service on the 1st of February last, approximately 14,300 were subject either to competitive examination or the labor registration system. Of those remaining, 5418 in the Educa-. tional Department were subject to a separate system; 529 in the Courts were subject to the State rules; 417 in the County offices were held to be beyond the jurisdiction of the Civil Service Commission; and about 250 high subordinates in the various Departments were classified in the excepted schedule. Several months ago a conference was held between members of the Municipal Supervisory Board and committees representing the Civil Service Reform Association, the City Club and the Council of Confederated Good Government Clubs, and a proposition submitted by the latter that the excepted list be reduced virtually to deputies, private secretaries, and a few of the higher professional offices, such as principal assistants to the Corporation Counsel. The Supervisory Board recommended to the Mayor the transfer of the places in question to the competitive list, without exception. The Mayor has not as yet acted in the matter, but there is every reason to believe that he will approve practically all the changes suggested. When this upward extension is accomplished, and the county employees are classified, the requirements of the constitution will be fully carried out in the Municipal Service. The system of labor registration has been in successful operation since the 1st of May, 1895. Up to April 1st, last, 8261 names had been placed upon the list of those eligible for appointment. About 12 per cent. of those applying had failed either to appear for the physical examination, or to present the necessary testimonials of good character and ability for work. About 6 per cent. failed to pass the physical tests; and about 8 per cent. of those registered had been selected for employment. The system of registration and certification adopted by the Labor Bureau is very nearly automatic. The eligibles secured have been exceptionally good, and the various heads of departments have expressed great satisfaction with the results. Considerable information relative to the operation of the system has been furnished to labor organizations during the year. The Committee is satisfied that there is a growing appreciation among laboring men of the advantages secured to them through the system, and a constantly increasing interest in its operation. The Supervisory Commission has been enabled to transfer a number of mechanical positions formerly subject to registra tion only, to the competitive lists. Arrangements have been made with the trustees of the New York Trade School for the holding of practical examinations for positions of this character in the school shops, under the conduct of the instructors therein employed. State Civil Service acts have been pending during the year in Maryland and Ohio. The bill in Maryland was passed by the Senate, but defeated in the House of Delegates. A proposed constitutional amendment was adopted, however, providing for the establishment of the merit system in the State and in every city and county. This is to be submitted to popular vote at the State election of 1897. The bill in Ohio was passed by the Senate, but on a motion to reconsider was defeated. The strongest efforts were made by the local reform bodies to secure the passage of these two measures. The way has at least been well prepared for future work in the same direction. It A bill prepared for introduction in the Legislature of Pennsylvania has been approved by the State Republican Convention, and by the Republican General Committee, is announced that it will be made a party measure during the coming session. Plans have already been completed for the introduction of bills in the Legislatures of Minnesota and Louisiana in 1897 and similar measures will doubtless be introduced in other States. In each of these local movements our Association has been able to assist materially, furnishing literature, speakers, etc. Within the past few weeks rules have been adopted by popular vote in the cities of Seattle and Tacoma, Washington. In the local movements preceding these elections, we were also able to co-operate. A notable victory for the reform has been secured in Massachusetts where the act of 1895, exempting war veterans from all examination and compelling their appointment to any vacant office for which they might apply, has been held to be unconstitutional by the supreme court of the State. Several newly organized Civil Service Reform Association have been added to the membership of the National League during the year. The College League of Civil Service Reform Clubs has also been extended materially, and now includes organizations in very nearly all of the great 1 universities and colleges. A Women's Auxiliary to our own Association has been organized, and for several months has been engaged actively, and most helpfully, in promoting the local work. The Association continues to circulate a large amount of literature, the increased demand for which has been very encouraging. The information formerly transmitted to members through the printed abstracts of the Secretary's reports, is now published monthly in GOOD GOVERNMENT, the organ of the National League, the publication of which has been transferred to the New York office, under the Secretary's direction. A As the work of the Association has increased efforts have been made to enlarge the income from regular sources. class of " Sustaining Members" has been created, to consist of those paying twenty dollars annually in excess of the ordinary dues. Fifty sustaining members have already been secured. The Finance Committee will endeavor to add to this list during the coming year, and to increase by other means the amount of funds neccessary to the successful continuance of the work. Much may now be accomplished, and the progress of the year is substantial encouragement to renewed effort. Respectfully submitted, EVERETT P. WHEELER, Chairman. GEORGE MCANENY, Secretary. |