Franklin Roosevelt actually said...

"For the first time in the history of this Government the greatest possible opportunities are now open for the development of a broad merit system."

"It is under the authority of this Act that today's Order is issued."

"I have decided to subject Government lawyers, like other professional men in the service of the Government, to the standards and the requirements of the merit system."

"The issuance of this Order is a significant milestone in civil service reform."