The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1871-12-12

moved t... autndm- al does not excl lc
the ballot, but only imposes the disa',i ty
to hold office upon certain classes. WI n
the purity Of the ballot is secure, the
majoritics are sure to elect officers re-
hecting the views of the majority. 10
not see the advantage or propriety Of cx.
Guiding men from Office merely because
they were before the rebellion of char
actcr sufficient to be elected to position
requiring them to take oaths TO support
the constitution, and admitting to clig-
bility those entertaining precisely the
same views, but of less standing in their
communities. 1t may be said that the
former violated an oath while the latter
did not. The latter did not have it in
their power to do so. If they had taken
this oath it cannot be doubted they would
have broken it, as did the former class.
If there arc any great criminals distingu
ished above all others for the part they
took in opposition to the Government,
they might, in the judgment of Congress,
be excluded from such an amnesty. This
subject is submitted for your careful con-
sideration The condition of the South
ern States is, unhappily, not such as all
true, patriotic citizens would like to see.
Social ostracism, for opinions sake, per-
sonal violence or threats towards persons
entertaining political views opposed to
those entertained by the majority of the
old citizens, prevents immigration and
the flow Of much needed capital into the
States lately in rebellion. 1t will be
happy condition of the country when the
old citizens of the States will take an in
terest in public affairs, promulgate ideas
honestly entertained, vote for men repre-
senting their views, and to concedc the
same freedom of expression and ballot to
those entertaining different political con-
victions.
1t has been the aim Of the Admnistra-
ton to enforce 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
rgor of the law. If bad men have Sc
cured places, it has been the fault Of the
system established by law and custom
for making appointments, or the fault Of
those recommending for government posi-
lions persons not sufficiently known to them
personally, or who give letters endorsing
the character of office seekers without a
proper sense Of the grave responsibility
which such course devolvcs upon them.
A civil service reform which can correct
this abuse is much desired. In mercan-
tile pursuits, the business man who gives
letter of recommendation to friend to
enable him to obtain credit from strang-
er is regarded as morally responsible for
the integrity of his friend, and his ability
to meet his obligations. A reformatory
law which would enforce this principle
against all indorscrs of persons for public
place would insure great caution in max
ing recommendations A salutatory les
son has been taught the careless and dis
honest public servants in the great num-
Der 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 proven recreant to the
trusts conferred, and in elevating to pub
lie office none but those who possess the
confidence of the honest and virtuous,
who, it will always be found, comprise
the majority Of the community in which
they live.
In my message to Congress one year
ago | urgently recommended reform in
the civil service of the country. In con.
formity with that recommendation, Con.
gress, in the ninth section Of an act max
ing appropriation for sundry civil expen-
ses of the Government, and for other
purposes, approved March 3, 1871, gave
the necessary authority to the Executive
tqo itnaugqratc civil service reform, a ao,
ing SO. Under the authority of said act,
| convened board of gentlemen eminent
ly qualified for the work, to devise rules
and regulations to effect the needed re.
form. Their labors are not yet complete
but it is believed that they will succeed
in devising plan which can be adopted.
to the great relief of the Executive, the
Departments and members of Congress,
and which will rebound to the true in
terests Of the public service. At all
events, the experiment shall have a fair
trial.
have thus hastily summed up the OPP
erations Of the Government during the
last year, and made such suggestions as
occur to me to be proper for your consd-
Grafton. | submit them with confidence
that your combined action will be wise,
statesmanlike, and in the best interests of
the whole country
(Signed) u. S. GRANT.
Executive Mansion, Dec, 4, 1871.