Franklin Roosevelt actually said...

Aside from the undoubted fact that the merit system affords the best method for administration of government business, the particular featur...

Please let me urge upon the Congress the desirability of placing all but policy-forming positions under the merit system.

Government business, of course, should be performed with the highest economy and efficiency.

I would, therefore, urge upon the Congress that all but policy-forming positions be placed within its provisions.