Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1866-04-13
Presidential Circular.

We are pleased to record the circular in
regard to giving the appointments to dis
abled soldiers and sailors when practical
Bile. and when qualified. We shall not,
hereafter, hear Of any more complaints OF
Post offices remaining without any one to
act as Postmasters. down South. because
no one can take the iron clad oath; nor
shall we hear that the Collectors of ems
toms in Southern ports have to serve with
out pay, because the occupants served i'll
the rebel army. and therefore cannot sub
scribe to the oath required to be taken
North as well as South. because there are
scores of able, and competent men who
periled their lives in SherInan's or Grants
army. while in the South. who would ike
to fill all these places, and who would
take the necessary oaths. willingly and
could take them honestly. Let the offices
in those states that were in rebellion. then.
be filled by Union soldiers or sailors. The
object to be gained. by this arrangement
will be two-fold, it will carry into the
country company of true men, who will
always be found loyal to the Government.
and they will be blessing also to the
section where they are located. because
these men will be active. wide-awake men.
i,nparting life and energy to those around
them.
We are pleased to notice also that dis
elimination is made by the President, in
favor Of those who have been wounded and
disabled. This is right. Some officers aad
soldiers had soft places during their term
Of service, and were therefore well paid for
all they did. Others had high bounties.
while many had none, so that a discrimi-
nation should be made in this particular -
Many subaltern and private, serving with
small pay, equally capable, and full as able
as those greatly their superior in rank, will
be neglected, while some, who would not
enter the service unless with the pay and
the position of an officer will win the Off
ces:
The Prcsi lent has issued the following
circular to the heads of departments, in
reference to appointments to office
1T is eminently right and proper tina,
the government of the 4. s. should give
earnest and substantial evidence of its lust
appreciation of the services of the patriot
ic men who, when the life of the nation was
imperilled, entered the army aud navy to
preserve the integrity of the Union. defend
the government, and maintain and perpet.
uate unimpaired its free institutions.
1t is therefore directed-First. That in
the appointment to Office in the several
Executive Departments of the General
Government. aud the various branches of
the public service connected with the said
preference. shall be given to
such meritorious and honorably discharged
soldiers and sailors, particularly those who
have been disabled by wounds received or
diseases contracted in the line of duty, az
may possess proper qualifications.
Second, That in all promotions in said
department and the several branches Of the
public service connected Herewith. snoh
persons shall have preference. when equal
ly eligible and qualified, over those who
have not faithfully and honorably served
in the land or naval forces Of the United
States.
(Signed) ANDREW JOHNSON.
Executive Mansion, April 7, 1896"