CIVIL SERVICE REFORM CLUB.

A large number of men availed themselves of the opportunity of meeting the United States Civil Service Commission at the reception given at the Colonial Club Saturday afternoon. The president of the club introduced the chairman of the commission, Hon. John R. Procter, who said:

Nothing has more encouraged the friends of good government at the present time than the great interest aroused in young men for civil service reform. No greater service can be rendered in the army or the navy than in civil life, in fighting against the predominat evils of the time. Our resources have been so great hitherto that not even bad legislation or incompetent officials could retard our steady progress. We have not felt that there might be dangers in fostering class interests. But now other nations are coming to the front, and we must work hard to keep pace with our rivals. To this end we must put only experienced men in positions of trust. With trusty men in office we need fear the competition of no nation.

Hon. William G. Rice followed, with an outline of the practical outcome of the work of the commission. He first showed that the evils which civil service reform aimed to eradicate were no new thing, but the logical outcome of the world's progress. Thirteen years ago the first law was passed in relation to the reform movement. It sought to remove the higher offices from the control of the party spoilsmen. Since that time the idea has by degrees obtained a firmer footing, until today we have 55,000 positions open to men by competition. The speaker traced the reform in its various phases up to the present time, showing the great widening in the reform field.

One of the most important works of the commission has been the codification of rules. The aim has been to have one code which shall apply all over the United States.

Mr. Rice closed by outlining the reforms which he still considered necessary.

In a few well-chosen words, President Eliot thanked the commissioners on behalf of the club for coming to Cambridge and giving the students an opportunity of becoming familiar with the work of the commission.