Debate of May 15, 1894.Question: "Resolved, That all officers of the federal government except cabinet officers should be prohibited from taking any active part in political discussion or party organization.

Brief for the Affirmative.W. F. Williams.

Best generla references: Bryce, American Commonwealth II, caps. 55, 67, 88; Lalor's Cyclopedia I, pp. 478-485; Eighth Report Civil Service Commission, June, 1884, pp. 1-15; Forum XIV, October, 1892, p. 201; Nation XLVIII, June 6, 1889, p. 467.

I. Party service is today rendered solely in the hope of receiving a reward. (a) Political party interference causes the deterioration of the public service. (b) Office holders regard their positions as spoils retainable only by aiding the party machine which secured their appointment.

II. To separate the public service from the political machine is essential to Civil Service Reform.

III. The exclusion of federal officers from party politics would do much to effect such a separation. (a) Parties would then be held together only by the questions of public principle. (b) Government service would be base on merit alone.

Brief for the Negative.C. H. Beckwith.

Best general references: Atlantic Monthly, LXV, 433 (April, 1890), LXVII, 252 (Feb., 1891); Sixth Report U. S. Civil Service Commission (1889); pp. 1-8.

I. The change proposed would not be an effective benefit. (a) In the case of those under the civil service rules (1) The incentive to the harmful exertion of political influence is already removed, (2) Their tenure of office depends on their efficiency. (b) In the case of those not under civil service rules, (1) The incentive to harmful activity would

(Continued on third page.)