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or to gratify some personal friend. I suppose that it is much the same every- where — and will be to the end of the chapter. And, indeed, it is marvelous how well, on the whole, boards appointed in this fashion do their work — men chosen frequently who have never shown the slightest spark of interest, not to say special knowledge, in the kind of institutions they are called upon to manage. It is a compliment to the latent intelligence and conscientious- ness of the average citizen, even if it does look a trifle hazardous. In the appointments of city charity commissioners there is a distinct tendency to ignore politics. How long it will last is a question.
In the election of town officers one correspondent says :
Politics enters into the choice of these officials in a good many cases, leading to frequent changes and consequent confusion in the administration.
Another letter from Connecticut says of the insane asylum of the state :
The appointment of trustees may have something of a political flavor, but that of the superintendent has been given for merit only, although no exami- nation or competitive tests have been employed. The local sentiment in regard to this institution favors the appointment on grounds of professional fitness rather than by political favor ....
The office of county commissioner is a political one, and in some cases there may have been a political element in the appointment of superintend- ents, but as a rule, I should say, they were chosen on account of their general fitness for the position. No examination or competitive tests are held. Local sentiment in regard to the county homes (for dependent and neglected chil- dren) favors the appointment of officers for merit.
The office of selectman is a political one, and in some cases politics influences the appointment or removal of the superintendent of the alms- house, although in other cases superintendents who have shown themselves especially fitted for the position have been retained throughout a long term of years. I fear there is a considerable local sentiment in favor of consider- ing the position of superintendent of the town almshouse as a political prize, although I do not think that this sentiment obtains largely among the best class of citizens.
In respect to the state prisons :
The board is largely filled by political appointments. Politics is doubt- less an influence in the appointment of the warden, and no competitive exami- nation is held for any of the positions. There is reason to believe that local sentiment is not averse to this political element, if the matter is not abused.
There is no competitive examination for positions in the state school for boys, and no evidence of local sentiment requiring it. The offices of sheriff and jailer are elective and political. It would be difficult to alter the system
