[The same message was sent to the House of Representatives.]
EXECUTIVE MANSION, _March 2, 1889_.
_To the Congress_:
I herewith transmit the fifth report of the Civil Service Commission,
covering the year which ended June 30, 1888.
The cause of civil-service reform, which in a great degree is intrusted
to the Commission, I regard as so firmly established and its value so
fully demonstrated that I should deem it more gratifying than useful if
at this late day in the session of Congress I was permitted to enlarge
upon its importance and present condition.
A perusal of the report herewith submitted will furnish information of
the progress which has been made during the year to which it relates in
the extension of the operations of this reform and in the improvement of
its methods and rules.
It is cause for congratulation that watchfulness and care and fidelity
to its purposes are all that are necessary to insure to the Government
and our people all the benefits which its inauguration promised.