President Hayes has taken the first decided step towards a
reform of the American Civil Service. He has issued a circular to all holders of office, in which he informs them that "No officer should be required or permitted to take part in the management of political organisations', caucuses, conventions, or election campaigns. Their right to vote or to express their views on' public questions, either orally or through the Press, is not denied, provided it does not interfere with the discharge of their official duties. No assessment for political purposes on officers or subordinates should be allowed." The first sentences, if obeyed, will break up the Republican organisation ; while the last, which will be obeyed, destroys the "campaign fund," formed by a deduction of five per cent, from officials' salaries. The object, of course, is to detach the officials from " political " work before making their offices permanent.
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