Mr. HUBBARD, of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bespeak the favor of the house for the bill under consideration. I regard it as one of the most important bills ever offered here since I 1st had the honor to take a seat in this Hall. It proposes to inaugurate a new system for the regulation of the civil service of the country, than which nothing can be more needed. It does not appear to have been framed by the distinguished lawyer from RhdIsland, who has charge of it, in hostility to any party, or in the interest of any party, but in the interest of the country and for the best good of all. It is not only not partisan in its character, but it seeks to bring down the partisan leader from his throne, W. I contemplate the Present vicious system of appointments and removals, which tolerates the practice of so itism and ". ”.” much favor. engendering so much dislike and hatred of the Government, when every one of its acts should be calculated to inspire sentiments of respect and affection; when I see how liable the Government is to suffer in its finances for the want of a more efficient system, I feel certain that there is now Pressing upon us a great public necessity for the adoption of the bill. It is emphatically a bill to retrench and reform by way of regula ting the civil service of the country. It may have defects; if so, they can be remedied by amendment or by future legislation. It provides for a systematic examination of candidates for office, which shall be open to all, and prefers those who shall be found best qualified, having regard to age, character, and ability. It provides also for just and reasonable inquiry in all cases of alleged misconduct of persons installed in office, by means of which they may be relieved from the odium of the charge if innocent, or may be dismissed from office if found wanting in fidelity to the Government or lacking in ability to discharge the duties as signed to them. These are the operative fea tures of the bill. It throws wide open the door, and invites all to come in and compete for the honor of a place in the civil service of the country.. Be they Republicans or Democrats, they shall be entitled to wear the medal of merit if found worthy. Perhaps one of the best features of the bill is that within its scope it kills out partisanship in appointments to office. As the proposition comes from the Republican side of the House, I hope gentlemen of the Democratic side will accept it and vote for i.It. think they will if they love their country, which I do not question. I have not been accustomed to call them disloyal because they differed with me, radically, in political views. I will take occasion to state right here that upon the breaking out of the rebellion I raised a company of men to fight for the flag, and that 1/2 of them were Democrats. The company was ordered to NewOrleans, and at Irish Bend and at Port Hudson. When General Banks called for volunteers to make the 2nd attack upon that impregnable fortress that company, all that had survived of it, under its gallant commander, stepped out to a man and asked to be counted in, and they were half Democrats. The company was then ordered to join the Army of the Potomac, and with thinned ranks they fought with Sheridan when the guns of the enemy shook the hills that skirt the valley in which those 3 great and glorious victories were won.