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A man labeled “Navy” wearing a white uniform and a man labeled “Army” wearing a khaki uniform carry on their shoulders a large yoke labeled “Civilian Authority.” Two men wearing business suits sit on top of the yoke, one of them holding a dove with an olive branch. Caption: As the uniform views the frock-coat.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1914-01-07
Civil Service Commissioner Roosevelt tells journalist Edward Porritt he will send him half a dozen reports of the Commission. He insists “probably not one percent” of jobs in the classified service are influenced by politics and asks Porritt to give him the names of his informants so Roosevelt can speak with them. He admits the spoils system of the last sixty years leaves the impression favoritism is used in classified service appointments but that it is no longer the case.
1895-01-12
Civil Service Commissioner Roosevelt answers journalist Edward Porritt’s letter by sending him copies of reports dealing with the Civil Service Act and Rules, addressing the abuses and consequences of the spoils system. Roosevelt responds to a paper written by Porritt by saying there is no basis for a charge of favoritism in the working of the Civil Service Law at Washington. He adds that the belief appointments and removals are based on favor and influence was perpetuated by the spoils system that prevailed for sixty years.
1895-01-11
The writer states as United States senators were discussing excluding work on the canal from civil service regulations, the Panama Canal Commission voted to place work on the canal under civil service regulations. The writer supports excluding politics from the work.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-03
After his dismissal from the bindery of the Government Printing Office, William A. Miller filed a complaint with the United States Civil Service Commission. The commission determined that the reason for Miller’s removal violated civil service regulations and requested that he be reassigned to duty. President Roosevelt and Secretary of Commerce and Labor George B. Cortelyou are also investigating the matter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-07-21
Commissioner Foulke has spoken with Mr. Andrews and Senator Quay regarding the illegal circular sent to federal employees requesting campaign contributions. The violation will be laid before Attorney General Knox.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-10-19
Thomas Roberts Slicer is making the case that Edward F. McSweeney has performed admirably at his position in the United States Industrial Commission and quotes a letter from Albert Clarke to do so. McSweeney has other supporters including Jacob Riis and Arthur Von Briesen. Slicer thinks that McSweeney should resign, but only after he has had the opportunity to answer the charges against him as an civil servant should.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-11
Henry H. Smith provides information about George R. Bidwell, who is being considered for reappointment as Collector of Customs at the Port of New York. Bidwell was involved with the “Quigg Affair” and Smith notes several other violations of duty by Bidwell.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-21