Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1871-12-08

GERS rejecting the views of the majority
do not see the advantage or propriety
Of excluding men from office merely be
cause they were before the rebellion, o
standing and character sufficient to b,
elected to position requiring them u
take an oath to support the constitution
and admitting to eligibility those enter
tanning the same views, but of less stand
ing in the communities. 1t may be said
that the former violated an oath which
the latter did not. The latter did not
have it in their power 10 do so. If they
had taken this oath it cannot be doubted
they would have broken it, as did the
former class. If there are any great
criminals, distinguished above all others,
for the part they took in opposition to
the Government, they might in the judy
ment of Congress be excluded from such
amnesty. This subject is submitted for
your careful consideration.
CONDITION OF THE SOUTH.
The condition of the Southern States
is, unhappily, not such as all true patri-
otto citizens would like to see. Social
ostracism, for opinions sake, personal vi
olence or threats towards persons enter
tanning political views opposed to those
cultivated by the majority oe the old cit
liens, prevent immigration and the flow
of much needed capital into the States
lately in rebellion. 1t will he happy
condition of the country, when the old
citizens of these States will take an in.
terest in public affairs, and with honest
ly entertained convictions vote for men
representing their views, and extend the
same freedom of expression and ballot
to those entertaining different political
convictions.
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.
1t has been the aim of the administra,
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
rigor CT the law. If bad men have Sc
cured places it has been the fault of tht
system, established by law and custom fol
making appointments, or the fault o
those who recommend for government
positions, persons not sufficiently wei
known to them personally, or who Civ,
letters endorsing the characters of Office
seekers, without proper sense of tn,
grave responsibility which such cours
devolves upon them.
A civil service reform, which can cor
rect this abuse, is much desired. In mer
camille pursuits, the business man VIII,
gives letter of recommendation to
friend, to enable him to obtain credi
from a stranger, is regarded as morall
responsible for his friends integrity, ant
his ability to meet his obligations. 1
reformatory law which would enforce thi
principal against all endeavors of pei
sons for public place, would insure grea
caution in making recommendations
A solitary lesson has been taught th
careless and dishonest public servant, il
the great number of prosecutions an,
convictions of the last two years. 1t
gratifying to notice the favora Bile chang
which is taking place throughout tn
country in bringing to punishment thos
who have proven recreant to the trust
confided to them, and in elevating to pub
lie Office none but those who possess th
confidence of the honest and virtuous
who it will always be found comprise
the majority of the community in whic
) they live.
CONCLUSION.
; / have thus hastily summed up the OF
erations Of the Government during til