New York, February 2,1864.
. . . You ask me what is my view about introducing the
system of competitive examinations. I reply that it is most desirable, and at
the same time, doubtless, in our country, most difficult. But is it not one of
those cases in which the mere breaking the ice is of importance? There are many
things in which it is practically very important not to make an attempt without
certain success; there are others in which it is important to pronounce the
thought and form the first speck of generative life, even though non-success at
the time is certain, — cases in which the public mind must be familiarized with
the idea; cases which I would call battering-ram cases, — trying again and
again, — like the Reform question in England, like Christianity in history. Is
not the Civil-Service Examination such a question? The life of every active man
furnishes many instances of this kind. There is now a plan of mine probably to
be realized in Columbia College, for which I have written, spoken, worried, for
five years. Yet my general rule in life is to ask for nothing but what I am
pretty sure to get. . . .
SOURCE: Thomas Sergeant Perry, Editor, The Life and
Letters of Francis Lieber, p. 339
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