hearty support of the mayor and the heads of the different departments. We have not endeavored to establish high educational standards for ordinary positions in the competitive class, as we have observed in most of the positions which have been included in our examinations that it was more desirable that such examination should relate more especially to experience. and practical knowledge of the duties to be required.

In compliance with your request of December 22, 1902, we herewith submit the following answers to your questions:

1 The commissioners are: William J. Homer, Superintendent of the Bradstreet company; P. A. Dowling, printer; W. G. Benedict, railroad baggage master; appointed March 27, 1902; salary $5 per meeting.

2 The secretary of the commission is P. H. Mack, appointed May 1, 1902; salary, $20 per month.

3 Twenty-seven meetings were held during the year. 4 233 persons are employed in the unclassified service.

5 (a) 12 persons are employed in the exempt class.

(b) 109 persons are employed in the competitive class.
(c) 9 persons are employed in the non-competitive class.
(d) 165 persons are employed in the labor class.

6 The following examinations in the competitive class have been held by the commission during the year:

7 Number of non-competitive examinations held during the

9 There have been five removals from positions in the competitive class.

10 Number of resignations:

Exempt class, 1.

Competitive class, 3.

Non-competitive class, 5.

11 Number of transfers, 3, from sidewalk inspectors to paving inspectors.

12 Number of promotions, 5.

13 Exceptions from examination under the provisions of paragraph 2 of section 14 of the civil service law, none.

14 The provisions of law giving preference to veterans have been strictly complied with.

15 All pay-rolls have been reviewed and certified to by the secretary of the local board.

16 The provisions of the law regarding the registration of laborers and certifications from the labor list have been strictly complied with.

17 This commission has in its possession a complete roster of all city employees, showing names, titles of positions, dates of appointment and salaries.

18 The financial officers of the city require the certificate of the commission upon all pay-rolls.

19 There has been a slight decrease in the number of persons employed in the civil service of the city during the year as compared with 1901, on account of the fact that the present administration found it necessary to curtail expenses.

20 It is the opinion of the commission that the municipal government, by the application of the civil service law compelling those who desire to enter its service to enter competitive examinations as the basis of appointment, has secured a better class of employees, both in regard to character and efficiency, than were secured under the "spoils " system.

The practical application of civil service is an incentive for a young man to give his position, no matter how humble, close attention; and by so doing he is better enabled in time to perform the higher duties of his department. In corroboration of this, we might state that during the past year there have existed two vacancies at the heads of the different departments, and in each case, regardless of party affiliations, has the next man in line been promoted to fill the vacancy.

21 The different commissions of the city have complied with the civil service law. The police commission has made no appointments during the year, but there is no doubt that they prefer to employ men who, by competitive examination, have shown absolute proof of their ability to fill the positions, rather than to employ men by personal favor or the influence of friends, who later would depend on the same influence, instead of fitness, for promotion.

In the fire department the position of chief was made vacant by resignation, and the fire commissioners recommended for a non-competitive examination the next man in command, who, after showing his fitness by examination, was appointed. We sincerely believe that the fire commissioners will concur in the statement that the other employees secured during the year are good, efficient young men who ultimately will be competent to fill higher positions in their department.

The law has the effect on the commissions to restrain them from showing favoritism to employees on account of party affiliations, and does also retain those who by their service have shown their competency. It further eliminates aspirants for positions who from the lack of prior experience or education are not capable of filling the positions.

To the State Civil Service Commission:

GENTLEMEN. I will try and answer questions on list sent

to me.

1 The municipal civil service commissioners are F. J. Switzer, grocer; C. R. Bennett, paper mill employee, and H. A. Allen, clothier, all appointed April 19, 1902. The commissioners receive $3 per meeting.

2 The employees of the commission are W. M. Hinsdale (city clerk), secretary, salary $20 per month, and H. P. Marsh, M. D., medical examiner, who receives $1 for each examination.

3 The commission has held twenty-nine meetings.

4 There are 143 persons in the unclassified service.

5 In the exempt class there is 1 person; in the competitive, 18; in the non-competitive, 4; in the labor class, 134.

6 The following competitive examinations have been held: Patrolmen, 2 examinations, 11 passed, none failed.

Firemen, 1 examination, 3 passed, 4 failed.

Stationary engineer, 1 examination, 1 passed.

Stationary fireman, 1 examination, 1 passed.

Janitors, 1 examination, 8 passed.

Foreman, 1 examination, 1 passed.

Sewer inspector, 1 examination, 1 passed, 1 failed.

Plumbing inspector, 1 examination, 1 passed.
Chainman, 1 examination, 1 passed.

Truant officer, 1 examination, 1 passed.

7 The following non-competitive examinations were held: Chief police, 1 examination, 1 passed.

Chief fire department, 1 examination, 1 passed.

City engineer, 1 examination, 1 passed.

Superintendent of public works, 1 examination, 1 passed.

8 Number of appointments:

To exempt positions, 1.

To competitive positions, 24.

To non-competitive positions, 4.

To labor positions, 130.

9 Number of removals in all classes, none.

10 Number of resignations, 3, competitive class.

11 Number of transfers, none.

12 Number of promotions, none.

13 Exceptions from examinations under section 14, paragraph 2, of the civil service law, none.

14 The provisions of the law giving preference to veterans have been strictly complied with.

15 The provision of the law regarding certification of payrolls and accounts has been strictly complied with. Pay-rolls and accounts are reviewed and certified by the secretary of the commission.

16 The provisions of the law regarding registration of laborers and certification from the list have been strictly complied with. 17 The commission has a complete roster of all city employees, showing names, titles of positions, dates of appointments, and salaries.

18 The financial officers of the city require the certificate of the commission upon all pay-rolls and accounts.

19 There has been no important increase or diminution of the number of persons employed in the civil service of the city as compared with 1901.