The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1871-12-07

p6SsF TODD soslf they had taken
the oath it can not be doubted they
would have brokon 1t as did the form.
or class. If thcre are any great
criminale distinguished above all
others for the part theytook in OPP
position to the Government, they
might, In the Judgment Of Congress
be excluded from such amnesty
This subject u submitted tor your
careful consideration.
THE CONDITION OF THE SOUTHERN
srATEs
Is unhappily not such a. true patri-
otto citizens would like to see.-l
Social ostracism for opinions sake,
persouM violence, threats towards
persons entertaining views opposite
to those entertained By 1 majority |
OF citizens, prevents emigration and
the now Of much needed capital into
the States lately ID rebellion. II will
be q happy condition ofthe country
when the citizens Of those States
will take more interest in public at-
fairs, promulgate their ideas honestly
entertained BY voting for the repre-
sentative of their views, and permit
the same freedom Of EXPRESSION
and ballot to those entertaining diff.
ferent political convictions.
THE DISTRICT.
Under the provisions Of the act of
Congress, approved February 21st,
1871, = territorial government was
organised in the District Of Colum-
bia. Its results have thus far fully
realized the expec. ations Of it's advo.
Gates. Under the direction Of the
territorial officers . system Of i'm
provements has been inaugurated BY
the means Of which Washington is
rapidly becoming . city worthy Of
the nations capital.
The citizens Of the district having
voluntarily contributed themselves q
large amount for the purpose Of con.
tri6uting to the adornment OF the
seat Of government, I. recommend
liberal appropriations GU the part Of
Congress, in order that the Govern
ment bear its full share of the ex-
pense of carrying out the various
systems Of improvements. =
CHICAGO FIRE.
BY the great fire In Chicago the
most important Of the government
buildings in that city were consumed.
Those burned Had already become
inadequate to the wants OF the gov
eminent in that growing city, and
looking to the near future, were
totally inadequate. l recommend.
therefore, that an appropriation be
made Immediately to purchase the
remainder of the square on which the
burned buildings stood, provided it
can be purchased at q fair valuation,
and provided the legislature Of Iii
nois will pass a law authorizing its
condemnation for government pur-
poses and also IN appropriation Of
as much money ~ oan properly be
expended towards tho erection oi
new buildings during this fiscal year
PROTECTION OF EMlaRANrs.
The number of emigrants ignoran,
of our laws and habits. coming into
our country annually has become &c
great, and the impositions praoticed
upon them so numerous and fragrant
thatI suggest Congressional action
for their protection. 1t seems to me
a fair subject Of Legislation by Con
gress. / cannot now state rs fully ..
I desire the nature OF the complaints
by emigrants of the treatment they
receive, but will endeavor to do &C
during this session of Congress
particularly if this subject should re
ceive your attention.
CIVIL SERVICE.
1t has been the aim Of the admin,
istration to enforce honesty aud eHa.
oienoy in all public Offices. Every
public servant who has violated tht
trust reposed IN him, has been pro
ceeded against with the rigor Of The
law. If bad men have secured
places IL has been the fault Of thu
system established by law and Gus
tom for making appointments, o.
the fault of those who recommend
for Government positions, person.
not sufficiently well known to then
personally, or who give letters en-
dorsing this character ofofice-seekorl
without a proper sense OF the grave
responsibility which such a course
involves upon them.
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM
which can correct this abuse is much de
sired In merchantile pursuits, the bust
ness man who gives letters OF recommeu'
dation to a friend to enable hing 70 obtain
ly responsible 70. ine Integrity of his
friend and his ability to meet his cbliga
ton A reformation which would enforce
this principle against all endorsers of per
sons for public place would insure greal
caution in making recommendation. A
l 88lutaTy AeSSON HIS Deeu tduRul tUS CARE
less and dishonest servant 10 the great
number of prosecutions and convictions
of the last tive years.
It IL gratifying to notice the favorable
change which is taking place throughout
the country in bringing to punishment
those who have proved recreant to trusts
confided to them and in elevating to pub
lie office non but those who possess the
confidence OF the honest and vii tuoas,
who it will always be found comprise q
majority OF the community in which they
live.
In my message to Congress one year
ago, | urgently recommended a reform In
the civil service Of the country. In con-
formity with that recon- mendation, Con-
Rress gave the necessary authority TO the
Executive to inaugurafe o civil service re-
form and placed upon him the response
biiity OF doing 70. Under the authority
of said act I convened a body OF gentle-
men eminently qualified for the work OF
drafting rules and regulations to effect
the needed reform. Their labors arc not
yet complete, but Ii il believed that they
will succeed In devising q plan which can
b. adopted to the great relief of the Elk
ecutive, the heads of departments and
members Of Congress. and which win re-
S~v~~ - tha tpna
vice. AT all events the experiment shall
lave a lair trial..
CONCLUSION.
i have thus hastily summed up the OPP
crations Of The government during the
last year, and made such suggestions a.