POLITICS IN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS 207
shortly be a victim to the spoils system, as you term it, and, consequently, it would be indelicate for me to protest against it at this time, for fear of being charged with selfish motives.
"D":
First, under the laws of the state of New York, the managers of state hos- pitals appoint the treasurer from an unclassified list, and he can only be removed by the managers after charges have been filed in writing and an opportunity to be heard is given. The managers also appoint the superin- tendent from the merit list, as submitted by the State Civil-Service Commis- sion. Formerly they were compelled by the law to select from the first three names of the eligible list certified by the commission, but under the present civil-service law they hold a fitness examination of all those who are on the eligible merit list and select the one whose combined standing for merit and fitness is highest. The superintendent, like the treasurer, can only be removed by the managers upon charges preferred in writing, and an oppor- tunity to be heard being granted.
Second, all other appointments in state hospitals are made by the super- intendent, certain positions being in the classified list of the civil service, while others are exempted.
First assistant physicians, second assistant physicians, assistant physicians, junior assistant physicians, and internes all have to undergo a competitive examination for merit, which is conducted by the State Civil-Service Com- mission. In addition, the same regulation in regard to an examination for fitness prevails as in the case of the superintendent, with the exception that the superintendent appoints, instead of the board of managers.
I might say here that the civil-service regulations provide certain qualifi- cations for these positions as well as that of the superintendent. The super- intendent must be at least thirty years of age, and have had not less than five years' experience in the care and treatment of the insane. First assistant physicians must have had three years' experience in the care and treatment of the insane and must be at least twenty-five years of age. Second assistant physicians are promoted without examination from either the list of assistant or junior assistant physicians. Assistant and junior assistant physicians must take a competitive examination, and must have had an experience of at least one year in hospital work. Internes pass an examination without having had any previous hospital or other experience. Their salaries are lower than the junior assistant physicians', and the intent is that they should be drilled in hospital work and thus become trained for the higher places.
Stewards are appointed by the superintendent from an unclassified list, and can only be removed by the superintendent upon charges preferred in writing and an opportunity to be heard being granted. This same regulation applies to the various positions in the medical service.
Skilled mechanics (positions paying more than S720 a year), clerical
