An Order in Council, dated Juno 4th, was published on
Tuesday, directing that after 31st August next all entrance appointments to all situations in all civil departments of the State, except the Foreign Office, or posts requiring professional knowledge, shall be filled by open competition. We have else- where discussed this great innovation, which has been received throughout the provinces with enthusiasm, but may add that the order contains two new provisions. The Chiefs of Departments are distinctly vested with the power of dismissal, the candidate after his appointment continuing to hold his office at their pleasure, a proviso which, of course, will be little used, but enables the chiefs to dismiss for continued inefficiency, and thus to compel work. Moreover, the victorious candidate in the examination must pass through a six months' probation, during which his actual efficiency will be tested, as his knowledge has already been. A Crichton who would not work, or could not endure drudgery, would be of little use in most Government departments.
