Civil Service in Great Britain: A History of Abuses and Reforms and Their Bearing Upon American Politics (Classic Reprint) - Softcover

Excerpt from Civil Service in Great Britain: A History of Abuses and Reforms and Their Bearing Upon American Politics

The author of this book, Mr. Dorman B. Eaton, is the chair man of the commission for devising rules and regulations for the purpose of reforming the Civil Service, which was author izod by the Act of Congress approved by President Grant March 4th, 1871. Soon after President Hayes entered upon the duties of his office, he requested Mr. Eaton personally to investigate the operation of the reformed system in England, and to prepare a report upon the results of his observation. Mr. Eaton accepted the invitation of the President, and de voted several months, with characteristic zeal and thorough ness, to an exhaustive inquiry upon the spot into the reasons, methods, and results of the reform. His studies soon showed him that the new system of appointment and the new tenure of place in the Civil Service were but logical steps of progress in the political development of England. The unreformed Civil Service in Great Britain, as in the United States, was founded upon the theory of feudal times, that public offices are the property of the ruler. Upon this theory they were filled for his benefit, and without regard to the fitness of the oflicer or to the public welfare, and Mr. Eaton well calls the Forty fifth Article of Magna Charts the first Civil Service Rule.

By that article the king engaged not to make any justices, constables, sheriffs, or bailifis but Of such as know the law of the realm. This was a' declaration that administrative Offices should be filled by those who were competent, and not merely by royal favor.

Pursuing his interesting researches from epoch to epoch,mr. Eaton's report has taken, naturally and fortunately, the form of a history Of the development Of the Civil Service in Eng land, from the earliest day down to its present efficient and excellent condition. It is a comprehensive manual Of informa tion upon the subject, and there is no other work Of the kind. It answers the historical, theoretical, and practical questions which are asked by every inquirer, the answers to which have been hitherto very difficult to find. The work, indeed, is a timely and valuable contribution to the literature of the re form, as well as an exceedingly interesting study in a neg lected branchsof historical and political inquiry. The history Of the movement for reform in the United States does not fall within the scope Of Mr. Eaton's work, nor could he properly, in this report, express at length his views of the results that have been accomplished under the present administration. Yet he treats fully Of those principles Of a sound service which are common to both countries, and he presents a complete and well reasoned argument for their enforcement in the United States. There are few points which any serious thinker upon the sub jcet w 0 have escaped Mr. Eaton's attention, while the evi e in the preparation of the work is sure to com mand symphthy and confidence.

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