ol eae 
through which we are now passing, the security afforded Government em-— 
ployees by the Civil Service system is one not lightly to be cast aside 
because this same Civil Service system occasionally places a limit on 
our activities. 
In short, the Civil Service system is not perfect in concept or 
free from error in operation. It does, however, make an honest effort to 
work the greatest good to the greatest number. It affords candidates a 
chance to prove their qualifications and to be placed in Federal positions 
for which they are fitted. It affords Government appointing officers the 
widest possible field of candidates from whom to make their choices. 
It gives them every reasonable opportunity to file objections to eli- 
gibles who may not be fitted for a particular assignment and provides 
a six-month period after appointment during which an appointee is on 
trial, subject to removal without the preferring of charges or other 
formalities, if his services prove unsatisfactory. Thus it insures 
justice to both employer and employee and closes the door to no one, 
as the examinations are open to all citizens of the United States who 
can meet the requirements. On the whole it seems that the Civil Serv— 
ice Commission is entitled to be considered as a friend not only to the 
Executive Departments but also to the individual workers. 
F. Hs Spencer, 
Business Manager. 
JOSEPH THOMAS BYRNE 
The Division of Cereal and Forage Insects sustained a serious 
loss in the death of Joseph T. Byrne on May 14, last. Mr. Byrne had 
been in charge of the fiscal affairs of the division since April, 1916, 
but had been in the employ of the Government for 31 years, including 
4 years as secretary to various senators. Capable and painstaking, 
kindly and considerate, Mr. Byrne had many sterling qualities of mind 
and heart. His life was replete with charitable works and his out-— 
Standing attribute was that of a Christian gentleman. He will be greatly 
missed by his associates and a large circle of friends. 
FOREST INSECTS 
Bark beetle control projects completed.--J. M. Miller, Berkeley, 
Calif., reports: "Control work on the projects on the Sierra and Stan— 
iglaus Forests * * * was practically complete by April 30. Following 
the heavy snows on these areas during January and February, warmer 
weather prevailed during March and the greater part of April. Brood 
development was accelerated by these warm temperatures, so that sea— 
sonal development was advanced to normal by April 20 and a few bee— 
tles of the overwintering broods were emerging. However, low tempera— 


