Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1871-12-08

reau is working a great national good,
and if literally supported, the more wide
ly it's influence will be extended and the
less dependent we shall be upon the pro-
ducts of foreign counties
The subject of compression to the
heads of bureaus and officials holding pc
sitions of responsibility, and requiring
ability and character to fill properly, IS
one to which your attention is invoked.
But few of the officials receive compen-
sation equal to the respectable support
of family while their duties are such as
to involve millions of interest. In pri-7
.vate life, services demand compensation
equal to the services rendered, and wise
economy would dictate the same rule in
the government service. have not CIV
en- the estimates for the support of gov
eminent for the ensuing year, nor the
comparative statement between the ex-
penditures for the year just passed and
the one just preceding, because all these
figures are contained in the accompany
ing reports, or in those presented, direct
ly to Congress. These estimates have my
approval.
More than six years having elapsed
since the last hostile gun was fred be-
tween the armies then arrayed against
each other, one for the perpetuation, the
other for the destruction of the Union,
lit may be considered whether it is not
now time that the disabilities imposed by
the fourteenth amendment should be re-
moved. That amendment does not ex-
clude the ballot, but only imposes the
disability to hold Offices upon certain
classes. When the purity Of the ballot
is secure, majorities are sure to elect Of
fcers rejecting the views of the majori-
ty. do not see the advantage or pro-
priety of excluding men from Office mere
" because they were, before the rebel
lion of standing and character sufficient to
be electedto positions requiring them to
take oaths to support the Constitution,
and admitting to eligibility those enter
tanning precisely the same views, but of
less standing in their communities.
It may be said that the former violat-
ed 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
can't be doubted they would have bro
ken 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 judgment Of Congress, be exclud
ed from such an amnesty. This subject
is submitted for your careful considera-
ton. The condition of the Southern
States is unhappily not such as all true
patriotic citizens would like to see. So
cial ostracism, for opinions sake, person
al violence or threats towards persons
entertaining political views opposed to
those entertained by the majority Of the
ed citizens, prevents emigration and the
flow of much-needed capital into the
States lately 10 rebel.ieh 1t will be a hap
Ply condition of the country when the old
citizens Of the States will take an interest
in public affairs, promulgate ideas honest
ly entertained, vote for men representing
their views, and tolerate the same free
dom of expression and ballot in those en-
tertaining different political convictions
Under the provisions of the act Of Con-
gress, approved February LIST, 1871, a
territorial government was organized in
the District of Columbia. Its results
have thus far fully realized the expecta-
tions of its advocates Under the direc-
ton of the territorial officers, a system
Of improvements have been inaugurated
by means of which Washington is rapid
ly becoming city worthy Of the nations
capital. The citizens of the District have
voluntarily taxed themselves to large
amount for the purpose of contributing
to the adornment of the seat Of govern
ment. I recommend liberal apprepria-
tions on the part of Congress in order that
the Government may bear it's just share
of the expense of carrying out a judi
cious system Of Improvements.
By the great fire in Chicago the most
important of the Government buildings
in that city were consumed. Those burn
ed have already become inadequate to
the wants, Of the government in that grow
ing city, and looking to the near future
were totally inadequate. [ recommend,
therefore, that an appropriation be made
Immediately TO purchase the remainder
of the square ON which the burned build
ings stood, provided it can De purchased
at fair valuation, or provided that the
Legislature of Illinois will pass law
authorizing it's condemnation for govern~
ment purposes and also an appropriation
of as much money as can properly be ex-
pended towards the erection ofnew build.
ings during this fiscal year.
The number of immigrants, ignorant
of our laws, habits, &c, coming into our
country annually, has become so great
aud the impositions practiced upon them
SO numerous and fragrant, that | suggest
Congressional action for their protection.
1t seems to me fair subject of legisla-
tion by Congress. I cannot now state as
fully as desire the nature of the COM
plants made by immigrants of the treat
mont they received, but will endeavor to
do SO during the session of Congress, par
ticularly if the subject should receive
your attention. ,
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 Of the law. Ii 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 who recommend for government po-
sitions persons not sufficiently we'll known
to them personally, or who give letters
endorsing the characters of ofhce-seekers
without proper sense Of the grave re-
sponsibility which such q course devolyes
upon them. A civil sarvlcG reform which
can correct this abuse is much desired
In mercantile pursuits the business man
who gives letter of recommendation to
n friend RI onohla hin, ~ oh+o;a oJ4