The government service to-day, particularly the postal branch, is no place for indifferent, sluggish, or inefficient men. Though 70 per cent. is the passing mark to obtain a place on the list, it is a poor recommendation of a man’s intelligence and efficiency, or of his possible growth in these attainments. And really there is no excuse for a man who can read and write getting so low a percentage. It shows, more or less convincingly, that he was not diligent, that there was little or no earnestness in his purpose, and the average postmaster will not be over-eager to find a place for him.
The questions in each subject are simple, and any man of ordinary education can, unaided by outside instructors, fit himself to obtain 90 per cent. with ease. A few simple text books, and steady, pains-taking study during leisure hours are all that are necessary. A postal card to THE CHIEF will promptly bring to you a list of books covering each subject, each book prepared by an expert on civil service.
Applicants are notified of the date and place of an examination at least two weeks in advance of the time set.
Subjects of Examination.
The table given below indicates the subjects of the examination and the weights given to each:
| Weights. | |
| 1. Spelling | 15 |
| 2. Arithmetic | 20 |
| 3. Letter Writing | 20 |
| 4. Penmanship | 20 |
| 5. Copying from plain copy | 15 |
| 6. Reading Addresses | 10 |
| —– | |
| Total | 100 |
The following are specimen questions given at a previous examination.
First Subject—Spelling.
Twenty words are dictated by the examiner. Each word is pronounced and its definition given. The competitor is required to write only the words and not their definitions, and to write them in the blank spaces on the first sheet of the examination paper. All words should be commenced with capital letters.
Opponent: One who opposes; as, a political opponent.