ROSA: REORGANIZED CIVIL SERVICE 541 



A Civil Service Advisory Council composed, as proposed by the 

 Congressional Commission, of representatives of the administra- 

 tors and of the employees, could render a very important service 

 in connection with administrative questions/^ It could be of 

 great service to the Commission in connection with current 

 administration and also in connection with modifications of pro- 

 cedure, revision in classification, or recommendation to Con- 

 gress regarding changes in the scale of pay. It could serve as a 

 channel of communication between the Commission and the con- 

 stituencies represented by the members of the Council, bringing 

 suggestions or criticisms or complaints and taking back the 

 views or the answers of the Commission. 



Although it would have no authority or administrative func- 

 tion, it would serve a useful purpose in keeping the Commission 

 in closer touch with administrators and employees, and afford 

 an opportunity for exchange of views on all questions of common 

 interest. This is one of the most progressive features of the 

 Commission's bill, and if the members of the Council take the 

 matter seriously and attend meetings regularly, as it seems cer- 

 tain they would do, they could not fail to exert helpful influence. 

 Such a Council is indeed a departiu-e in practice, but it seems 

 abundantly worth trying, with the hope that it will aid materially 

 in promoting a good understanding between employees, admin- 

 istrators, and the Civil Service Commission, and a better under- 

 standing of the truth about the service by the general public. 

 There is a great deal of suspicion in the public mind, and fre- 

 quent irresponsible and exaggerated statements about politics 

 and inefficiency in the public service are made ; and such a Council 



with men and women borrowed from various departments, 222 such people being 

 detailed to field offices at the present time. Being away from their home stations, 

 and often overlooked when promotions are made, these men cannot be expected 

 to take a very lively interest in their work, or make a great success of it. 



It is not more law or more authority that the Civil Service Commission needs, 

 but an adequate and well paid permanent staff. This would make it possible for 

 the Commission to discharge with credit and success the high duties resting upon it 

 and to raise the tone of the government service everywhere. 



5 The Council is to consist of twelve members, six to be appointed by the Pres- 

 ident to represent the administrators and six to be elected by the employees from 

 among their own number. 



