"G. W. Curtis and Civil Service"

Professor Henry Loomis Nelson, L.H.D., of Williams College, delivered a lecture on "George William Curtis in his Relation to Civil Service Reform" last evening in the New Lecture Hall.

Professor Nelson pointed out in great detail the difficulties in political life which beset the country and those which Mr. Curtis had to face. Under the present regulations, continued the speaker, there are over one hundred and seventy-two thousand persons, in the classified service list who are subject to civil service examination, but there still remain some seventy-five thousand offices throughout the country which are the spoil of the Senate.

Spoliation of offices was commonly accepted throughout the higher departments of the government. Fidelity and integrity of service did not insure promotion, and the very character of the country became demoralized. Those who contributed to the campaigns received legislative favors; the body politic was threatened and the voter scarcely realized that the power of nominating his candidate had been taken from him and transferred to a machine which turned out officials by clock work.

Professor Nelson concluded with an appeal to all young men for an honest and hearty co-operation in public service.