Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 4.djvu/224

 206 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

of Boston institutions for children and for the insane seem to be free from partisan interference. Political influences do not prevail in state institutions for delinquent children. County jails and sheriffs are somewhat affected by political considerations. The police and lock-ups in cities are protected by civil-service rules.

NEW YORK.

The information collected by Mrs. Josephine Shaw Lowell comes from superintendents of institutions, managers, superintendents of the poor, and from other persons in a favorable position to know the facts. The mode of working under the civil-service rules is of interest.

State institutions. — The answers from half the superintendents of state institutions heard from state that appointments and removals are made under the civil-service law and rules, and that political and per- sonal favor is not considered. Extracts from less general replies reveal something of the old leaven working beneath the surface. "A" says :

I do not think that there is any "spoils system " in our school at the present time. Whatever may have been the custom in the past, I feel that our present board of management has an earnest desire to promote the best interests of the school. Of course, there may be a case now and then where some pressure may be exerted in behalf of a personal friend seeking appointment, or something of that kind, but it is never pushed to extremity ; and the civil service and the views of the superintendent rule in the matter. Local sentiment in this community, as in all communities, doubtless is apt to be selfish and to consider its own interests first. This must be taken, as we take human nature, I suppose, with some amount of allowance. I feel that we have no special reason here for complaint.

"B":

I think, if the selection of men and women to fill public offices were based w^OTi fitness and ability alone, every department would be better served.

The board of directors of this institution having changed in its political character has made some little difference in the positions filled. I can see, however, no detriment in these new appointments, and in many cases they are distinct improvements over the officers occupying positions under the old regime.

The sentiment throughout the county in regard to this institution is that it has been, since its inception, distinctly Democratic in its officers and manage- ment. This is not untrue to fact.

"C":

I believe in civil service in institutions of this character. 1 must decline to express my views on the subject at length, as, in all probability, I shall