CIVIL SERVICE AT LAST

President Roosevelt has definitely and firmly come out, in a Press Conference, for the bill pending in Congress which would put postmasters of the first three degrees under Civil Service rules. At present only postmasters of the fourth degree are chosen under the merit system, the rest being appointed on four year terms for their spiritual qualities. This bill, therefore, definitely reverses the trend toward more and more spoils under this administration, and makes a great step forward on the path followed without break from 1882 to 1932.

Republicans were probably not the first to notice that the bill came just in time to keep the present "deserving" Democrats in their posts beyond four year terms, even until they die or retire on government pensions. Their only distinction was their indignation at the fact.

But the motives are unimportant. A good thing is a good thing, however accomplished. If more such starry-eyed innocents appear in the New Deal brood, we shall have to withdraw our uncompromising snobbery; they must be judged of themselves, not for their parenthood. President Roosevelt deserves the greatest credit for showing politicians of the most successful variety a way of extending indefinitely and forever the scope of honest and intelligent administration in government. Give your friends longer and better jobs; insure that when they die off they will be replaced by their betters.