examinations, and during the short period of time it has been in operation here we find it an improvement over the former method. Among the exhibits annexed to this report is one containing in blank the report of examination and eligible list, the form being used by us upon examinations in the competitive class. The following illustration will serve to show the method referred to upon such examinations. Illustration-Charles D. Clark, Applicant for Position of Inspector It has been our endeavor to make examinations practical. We have not endeavored to establish any high educational standards for ordinary positions in the competitive class, for we have observed in most of the positions which have been included in our examinations it was far more desirable that such examination should relate more especially to experience and practical knowledge of the duties to be required. That part of the examination which relates to practical knowledge and experience has usually been conducted orally, and when so conducted has been in the presence of a stenographer who has taken a record of the same as required by the rule. By oral examinations, in which many and various questions are asked, we have been able to judge more accurately of applicant's practical ability. Of course, we continue as formerly certain written examinations in such subjects as spelling, arithmetic, general information and whenever desirable. The results of our examinations as thus conducted have given us reason to feel satisfied therewith and to justify our belief in the continuance of present methods. EIGHTH CONCERNING EXHIBITS ANNEXED HERETO Constituting a part of this report, we have annexed hereto in addition to the record of the classified service certain forms used relation to the civil service of this city. Exhibits referred to are as follows: Exhibit 1, copy of civil service rules and regulations for Elmira. Exhibit 2, record of the classified service in and for the city of Elmira. Exhibit 3, application blank (competitive class). Exhibit 4, application blank (labor class). Exhibit 5, report of examination and eligible list. We have found the forms in use convenient and practical and take pleasure in calling your attention to the same. NINTH-CONCLUSION We conclude our report by expressing our commendation generally with the requirements of the present civil service statute, and our satisfaction with the results of the local administration thereunder. While in some particulars we believe the present statute deserves amendment, we recognize the fact that it is seemingly impossible for any statute of technical requirements to receive unanimous and unqualified approval. All of which is respectfully submitted. ARCHIE M. BOVIER CHAS. B. SWARTWOOD Commissioners HENRY T. SADLER, Secretary Dated January 9, 1900 Geneva To the Civil Service Commission of the State of New York The civil service commission of the city of Geneva, N. Y., respectfully reports, in accordance with the provisions of section 10 of the civil service law: The rules of this commission have been approved by your Board, and are now on file with your secretary. Annexed is a copy of the roster of the classified civil service of the city of Geneva, also a statement showing what examinations we have held during the year 1899. We are directed by the law to report the manner in which the law and the rules and regulations thereunder have been administered, and the results of their administration. We take pleasure in reporting that the city officials have cooperated with us in our endeavors to properly administer the law, and that, so far as we can determine, the law has effected its object in eliminating partisan and political influence in appointments to positions in the classified service. We find, however, that the provisions of the law in regard to cities are somewhat difficult to carry out in a city so small as Geneva. The principal difficulty arises in the case of laborers. There are times when no laborers are needed. At other times a number are needed. For certain jobs there are certain men whose services are particularly desired by the appointing power. It is next to impossible to keep good men on a waiting list. We should advocate an amendment of the statute whereby laborers in the smaller cities should be put into the exempt class. The village of Geneva became a city on the 1st day January, 1898. Acting under the advice of your Board, we have held that all officers in office at that date continued in office and employment of the city until removed, and were exempt from examination. We have also held, in effect, that prior employment by the village was equivalent to a position on an eligible list, so that one who had been so employed was not required to take an examination on reemployment. The question came up in the case of a leveler, who had been employed on the public work of the village of Geneva and had been discharged, for lack of work, shortly before the village became a city. He was taken on again as soon as there was occasion for his services. For us to refuse to certify a payroll containing his name would seem to contradict the spirit, if not the letter of the act, which aims to procure efficient service and to eliminate political influence. His previous experience and satisfactory work had been a better test of fitness than any examination. (Signed) A. P. ROSE Dated Geneva, N. Y., January 15, 1900 THOS. H. CHEW Commissioners STATEMENT OF EXAMINATIONS HELD, GENEVA The following examinations were held during the year 1899: January 18, 1899, examinations held for the following positions: clerk of board of public works; clerk, sanitary inspector and health officer of the board of health. February 6, 1899, examinations held for the following positions: first assistant engineer under the fire department; firemen in the fire department; civil engineer under the board of public works. May 3, 1899, examinations held for the following positions: paving inspector; leveler; engineer steam road roller; rodman; chainman; firemen of the fire department. June 8, 1899, examinations held for the following position: plumber and tapper of water mains. July 26, 1899, examinations held for the following position: firemen at pumping station. Gloversville GLOVERSVILLE, January 15, 1900 CLARENCE B. ANGLE, ESQ., Secretary of State Civil Service Commission, Albany, N. Y. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 6th came to hand on the 10th and noted. Replying, I herewith submit the work of the municipal civil service commission of the city of Gloversville for the year ending December 31, 1899. The only work done by the commission was a meeting called for the purpose of receiving applications and holding an examination for the position of police officers, December 11, 1899. The result of said examination was as follows: Average standing of the respective candidates: The commission, by the request of the common council, certified to the candidate having the highest standing, namely, George Hulbert, and he was elected by the common council, December 18, 1899. His name is, therefore, the only one added to the roster of the classified list of the city of Gloversville during the year 1899. You undoubtedly have the roster of 1898 on file. Should you wish another copy of the roster with the name of George Hulbert, police officer, added, kindly advise me and I will forward the same. at once. Very respectfully yours (Signed) JAS. E. BELDEN Hornellsville Secretary During the past year the commission has held one police examination in which there were three applicants. They have also examined the health officer and registrar of vital statistics. In accordance with the law passed in 1899, they have certified to all payrolls and checks that come under their jurisdiction. Upon complaint that one of the persons registered in class D was not an old soldier as he claimed to be, the board ordered him to appear before them and bring proofs of the same. He appeared, but was unable to produce any evidence and finally admitted that he was not an old soldier. The board ordered that his name be taken off the list as an old soldier and directed that he be discharged. There are now applications filed for paving inspector, janitor city building, plumbing inspector, clerk of board of health, superintendent of fire alarm, rodman and chainman. Examinations for these positions will be held some time this month. ITHACA, N. Y., January 15, 1900 To the State Civil Service Commission, Albany, N. Y. Gentlemen: In pursuance of section 10 of chapter 370 of the laws of 1899, we beg to report as follows as to the manner in which the civil service law and the rules and regulations thereunder have been and are administered in this city: |