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SIR:

United States Civil Service Commission,

Washington, D. C., February 7, 1884.

We have the honor to submit herewith the first annual report of the United States Civil Service Commission, for the year ending January 16, 1884.

DORMAN B. EATON,

The PRESIDENT.

JOHN M. GREGORY,

LEROY D. THOMAN,

Commissioners.

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FIRST ANNUAL REPORT

OF

THE UNITED STATES CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION.

The first report from a new branch of the executive service, the purpose and methods of which are by many misunderstood, should present all the facts and explanations needed for a correct judgment.

*

In conformity with the requirement of the civil service act, the rules and regulations in force for carrying it into effect are made a part of this report. They will be more readily understood if we have in mind the leading provisions of the act itself. Its ultimate purpose is plainly declared in its title, which is, "An act to regulate and improve the civil service of the United States." But, subordinate to that end, several results must be attained which, both in the law and in the rules, appear to be the more direct objects of their provisions.

1. Official authority and influence must no longer be used to impair the freedom of elections or to coerce the political action of citizens.

2. Extortion from those in the public service, whether under the form of political assessments or otherwise, for the purpose of paying the expenses of parties or candidates, must come to an end.

*The act was approved January 16, 1883. It took effect from its passage, though one of its provisions allowed vacancies in the service to be filled, according to the old methods, until July 16; after which none could be filled, within the sphere of its first application, except from among those who had been examined under it. It is the six months from July 16 to January 16, the close of the first year, to which all the appointments herein mentioned refer. The three commissioners nominated by the President, Dorman B. Eaton, of New York, John M. Gregory, of Illinois, and Leroy D. Thoman, of Ohio, were confirmed by the Senate March 1. On the 9th of that month they took the oath of office, and on the same day the first meeting of the Commission was held at Wormley's Hotel, Washington, D. C. Mr. Thoman acted as secretary until June 11, when W. S. Roulhac entered upon his duties as secretary.

Pursuant to a request from the President, the Commission entered at once upon the consideration of the subject of rules, which, after very slight modifications, were approved and promulgated by the President on the 7th day of May. Mr. Charles Lyman entered upon his duties as chief examiner May 12. During that month and the next, the members of the Commission more than once visited every office, except those in California, to which the rules were applicable; first for the purpose of selecting examiners, and next for the supervision of the first examinations. It was essential to have persons examined, marked, graded, and ready for filling all vacancies after July 16. There was no failure or delay in that regard.

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