A comparison of the numbers for the years 1876, 1886, and 1896-Continued. G.-INTERIOR DEPARTMENT. 5 NOTE.-In collecting statistics of the Interior Department the year 1877 and not 1876 was taken, for reason that the records for 1876 are imperfect. A comparison of the numbers for the years 1876, 1886, and 1896-Continued. H.-DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. Approximate number of Presidential appointees in the miscellaneous organizations for the years 1876, 1886, and 1896, not previously taken up under the heads of the Executive Departments. NOTE.-No attempt has been made to collect any statistics relative to miscellaneous organizations for years prior to 1896 other than above, as the data is not at present accessible. J.-GENERAL RECAPITULATION. Approximate number of Presidential appointees in service of the United States for the years 1876, 1886, and 1896. A table showing the approximate increase or decrease in the number of Presidential appointees in the Executive Departments and in miscellaneous organizations for the years 1876, 1886, and 1896. 5 Appropriations made by Congress for the support of the Civil Service Commission for salaries, traveling and contingent expenses, and number of persons provided for in the fiscal years ending June 30, 1883 to 1898, inclusive. Appropriations made by Congress for the support of the Civil Service Commission for salaries, traveling and contingent expenses, etc.-Continued. In its Eleventh Report the Commission presented information, obtained by our ministers and consuls, relative to the administration of the civil service of foreign countries. On March 9, 1897, the Commission received, through the State Department, from the United States minister at The Hague, a report on the system of the Netherlands Government. In his letter to the Secretary of State Minister Quinby said: It will be observed that admission to all the branches thereof is obtained subsequent to passing a competitive examination, in conformity with prescribed regulations, and that promotion follows in order of merit. The age fixed for retirement is 70 years, a pension being allowed to all retiring officials. The report is as follows: CIVIL SERVICE IN THE NETHERLANDS. Diplomatic and consular service.-Admission to the diplomatic and consular service is obtained by passing the prescribed examinations, which are competitive, to the satisfaction of a committee of examiners, appointed for the purpose by the Sovereign on the recommendation of the minister of foreign affairs. As many of the candidates as the requirements of the service shall demand are subsequently attached to the foreign office, or occasionally to foreign missions or consulates, in order that they may acquire proficiency in the practical part of the service, and thereupon promotion follows, in order of merit, as vacancies occur. The chiefs of missions, consuls-general, and consuls are appointed by royal order. Clerks.-Government clerks of all the departments, as also the assistants in the postal telegraph, excise, customs, and pilot service prior to entering upon office, are |