participation in the proceedings of Congress. "This system," said
he, "will require the selection of the strongest men to be heads
of departments, and will require them to be well equipped with
the knowledge of their offices. It will also require the
strongest men to be the leaders of Congress and participate in
the debate. It will bring those strong men in contact, perhaps
into conflict, to advance the public weal and thus stimulate
their abilities and their efforts, and will thus assuredly result
to the good of the country."* The report--signed by such party
leaders as Allison, Blaine, and Ingalls among the Republicans,
and by Pendleton and Voorhees among the Democrats--reviewed the
history of relations between the executive and legislative
branches and closed with the expression of the unanimous belief
of the committee that the adoption of the measure "will be the
first step towards a sound civil service reform, which will
secure a larger wisdom in the adoption of policies, and a better
system in their execution."

* "Senate Report," No. 837, 46th Congress, 3d session, February
4, 1881.


No action was taken on this proposal, notwithstanding the favor
with which it was regarded by many close students of the
political institutions of the country. Public opinion,
preoccupied with more specific issues, seemed indifferent to a
reform that aimed simply at general improvement in governmental
machinery. The legislative calendars are always so heaped with
projects that to reach and act upon any particular measure is
impossible, except when there is brought to bear such energetic