White Cloud Kansas chief. [volume] (White Cloud, Kan.) 1857-1872, 1871-12-14

pensation equal To the services rendered. wise
economy would dictate the same rnIe in the
government service.
have given the estimates for the support of
the government for the ensuing year, nor the
comparative statement between the expenditures
Tor the year just passed and the one Just prece-
ding, because all these figures are contained in
the accompanying reports, or in those presented
directly to Congress. These estimates have my
approval.
More than six years having elapsed since the
last hostile gun was fired between the armies then
arrayed against each other one for the perpetua-
tian, the other fer the destruction of the Union.
IL may well be considered whether it is not now
time that the disabilities imposed by the l4th
amendment should be removed That amendment
does not exclude the ballot, but only specifies the
disability to hold Office of certain calsscs. The
purity of the ballot, and secure maorties are sure
TO elect officers rejecting the views of the maori-
ty do not see the advantage or propriefy of
excluding men from Office merely because they
were before the rebellion of standing and charac-
Ter s'ificient to be elected to positions requiring
them to take an oath to support the Constitution,
and admitting to eligibility those entertaining
precisely the same views, but Of less standing in
their communities. 1t might be said that the
former violated an oath while the latter did not
Inc latter did not have it in their power to do So
II they had taken this OATH it can not be doubted
they would have broken it, did the former class.
Ii there are any great criminals distinguished
above all Others for the part they took in oppo-
stion to the government, they might, in the judg-
ment of Congress, be excluded fr0m such an am
nesty. This suljec, is submitted for your care
full consideration.
The condition of the Southern States is, unhap-
PLY, not such all true patriotic citizens would
like to see. Social ostracism for opinions sake,
personal violence threats toward persons enter
tanning political views opposed tothose entertain
ed by the majority of the old citizens, prevents
immigration aud the flow of much needed capital
will Ix,,
happy condition Of the country when the old cit
ize,is Of these States will take interest in pub
lie affairs promulgate ideas honestly entertained,
vote for men representing their views, and permit
the same freedom of expression and ballot in those
entertaining different political convictions.
Under the provisions of the act of Congress ap-
proved Feb. u, 1871, territorial government was
organized in the District of Columbia. Its results
have thus far fully realized the expectations of its
advocates. Under the directions of the territorial
officers, a system of improvements has been in
auguratetl by means Of which Washington is rap
idly becoming city worthy Of the nations cap
ital. The citizens of the district having vounfa-
rily taxed themselves to u large amount for the
purpose of contributing to the advancement of the
seat of government, recommend liberal appropr-
ations on the part Of Congress-. in order that the
government may bear its just share of the expense
Ofcarrying out judiciOus system Ofimprov emeuts.
BY the great fire in Chicago the most important
of the government buildings in that city were
consumed. Those burned had already become in
adequate to the wants of the government in that
growing city, and hooking to the near future, were
totally inadequate. l recommend, therefore, that
an appropriation be made Immediately tn purchase.
the remainder of the square ON which the burned
buildings stood, provided it can be purchased at
fair valuation. and provided the Legislature of
Illinois will pass law authorizing its condemna-
tiOn for government purposes, and also an apprO-
priation Of as much money can properly be eX-
pended toward the erection of new buildings du-
ring this fiscal year.
Thennmber of immigrants, ignorant Of our laws,
habits and coming into our country annually, has
become so great, and the iInpositions practiced
upon them numerous and fragrant, that suy-
gest congressional action for their protection 1t
seems to fair OflegslatiOn by Congress.
l can not now state rs fully Us desire the nature
of the complaints made by emigrants of the treat
ment they receive, but will erdeavor to do so dii-
ring the session of Congress; particularly if the
subject should receive your attention.
Ii has been the aim Of the administration to en-
force honesty and efficiency in all public offices.
Every public servant who has violated the trust
placed in him has been proceeded against with all
the vigor of the law. Ii bad men have secured
places, it has been the fault Of the system cstal
lished by law and custom for making appoint
ments, or the fault of those who recommend for
government positions persons not sufficiently well
known to them personally, or who give letters
indorsng the character of office seekers without
proper sense Of the grave responsibility which
such course, devOlves upon them. A civil SER
vice reform which can correct this abuse is much
desired. In mercantile pursuits the business
who give a letter of recommendation TO a friend
to enable him to obtain credit from stranger is
regarded morally responsible for the integrity
of his friend and his ability to meet his
refOrmatOry law which would enforce this prn-
ciple against all indorsers of persons for public
places wonld insure great caution in making rec
concentrations.
A salulary lesson has been Taught the careless
aud the dishonest servant in the great number of
prosecutions and convictions of the last two years
1t is gratifying to notice the favorable change
which is taking place Throughout the country in
bringing to punishment those who have proved
recreant to the trusts conslesl to them, and in
elevating to public Office but Those who
possess the confidence of the honest and virtuous
who it will always be found comprise the major
ity of the community in which they live.
In my message to Congress, one year ago, ur-
gently recommended reform in the civil service
of the country. In conformity with that recon-
mendatiOn, Congress, in the 9th section of All act
making appropriation for sundry civil expenses of
the government, and for other purposes, approved
March 3, ls7l gave the necessary authority to the
Executive to inangurate a civil service reform,
and placed upon him the responsibility Of doing
Under the authority Of said law, convened n
board of gentlemen, eminently qualified for the
work. to devise rules and regulations to effect the
needed reform. Their labOrs are not yet complete,
but il is believed that they will succeed in devil
sing plan which can he adopted, to the great
relief of the Executive, the heads Of departments,
and members of Congress, and which will re,lound
to the true interest of the public service. At all
events, the experiment shall have fair trial.
have thus hastily summed up the operations
of the government during the last year, and made
such suggestions occur to me to be proper for
your consideration. submit them with conf
tlcncc that your combined action will be wise.
statesmanlikc and in the best interest of the whole
country.
(Signed1 L. s. GRANT, President.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, Dec. 4, 1s71.