Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1871-12-08

UnlCed otdCeS ana uellVerered to the mar
shal to be dealt with according to law. In
two Of said counties, York and Spartans-
burg, many arrests have been made. At
the last account the number Of persons thus
arrested was one hundred and sixtv-eioht
Several hundred, whose criminality was
ascertained to be of an inferior degree, Were
released for the present. These have gene
rally made confessions of their guilt. Great
caution has been exercised in making these
arrests, and, Notwithstanding the large
number, 1t IS believed that no innocent per-
son IS new in custody. The prisoners will
De held Tor regular trial in the judicial tri-
bunals OF the United States. AS soon az II
appeared that the authorities of the United
States We're about to take vigorous measures
to enforce the law, many persons abscond-
ed, and there is good grounds for sunnosing
that all of such persons have violated tLe
law. "A full report of what has been dore
under this law will be submitted to Con-
Sress by the Attorney General.
THE MoRMoNs.
In Utah there still remains remnant If
Darbarlsm repugnant to civilization, to de-
cency and to the laws of the United States.
territorial officers, however, have been
found who are willing to perform their duty
III spirit OF equity aud with due sense of
sustaining the majesty of the law. Neither
polygamy nor any other violation of exiSt-
ing statutes will be permitted within the
territory Of the United States. 1t il NOT
with the religion of the self-styled saints
that We are now dealing, but with their
practices. They will be protected in tho
worship of God according to the dictates ~
their cOnscienCeS, but they will not be nor
mitted to violate the laws under the cloak
of religion. 1t may be advisable for Con-
gress to consider what, in the execution of
In l0II-
status OF plural wives and their offspring,
The prOpriety Of Congress passing an ena-
bling act authorizing the Territorial Legis
lature of Utah to legitimatize all children
born prior to time fixed in the act might
be justified by its humanity to these limo
cent children. This is a suggestion only
and not a recommendation.
AGRICULTURE.
The report of the Commissioner of Aori
culture gives the operations of his depart
ment for the year. AS agriculture is the
ground work Of our prosperity, too much
Importance cannot be attached to the labors
of this department 1t is in the hands Of
an able head, with able assistants, all zeal
ouSly devoted to introducing into the agri-
cultural productions Of the nation all useful
products adapted to any of the various eli
mates and soils of our vast territory, and to
giving all useful information as the method
of cultivation Of the plants, cereals and
other products adapted to particular local.
ties. Quietly but surely the agricultural
bureau is working a great national good
and if literally supported, the more widely
its influence will be extended, and the less
dependent we will be upon fhe products g.
foreign countries.
REMOVAL OF DISABILITIES.
More than six years having elapsed since
the last hostile gun was fired between the
armies then erayed against each other
one for the perpetuation, the other for the
| destruction Of the Union-it may we'll be
| considered whether it is not now time that
the disabilities imposed by the 18th amend
ment should be removed. That amendment
| does not exclude the ballot, but only i'm
! poses the disability to mold office upon GER
| tain classes. When the purity of the ballot
| is secured, majOritieS are sure to elect Off
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 of
standing and character sufficient to be
! elected to positions requiring them to take
/ OathS to support the constitution, and ad-
hitting to eligibility those entertaining pre-
cisely the same views, but of less standing
! in their communities. 1t may be said that
the former violated their 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 these are any
great criminals, distinguished above al
Diners, for the part they took in opposition
to the government, they might, in the judg-
ment of Congress, be excluded from such
amnesty. The subject is submitted for
your careful consideration.
The condition Of the Southern States j.
unhappily; not such as all true, patriotic
citizens would like to see. Social ostracism
for opinions sake, personal violence or
threats towards persons entertaining politi-
cal 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. Ii
will be a happy condition of the country
when the old citizens Of these States will
take an interest in public affairs-promul-
gate ideas honestly entertained, vote for men
representing their views and tolerate the
same freedom of expression and ballot TO
those entertaining different political convic-
tons.
OFFICIAL DISHONESTY.
1t has been the aim of the administration
to enforce honesty and efficiency in all pub
lie offices. Every public servant who pa
violated the trust placed in him has been
proceeded against 'wieh all the rigor Of the
law. If bad men have secured places it has
been the fault Of the system established by
law and custom for making appointments,
or the fault Of those who recommended fol
government positions persons not sufficient
| ly well known to them personally, or who
give letters endorsing the characters OF
office seekers without proper sense of the
grave responsibility which such course de-
wolves upon them. Civil service reform,
which can correct this abuse, is much de-
sired. In mercantile pursuits the business
man who gives letter of recommendation
to friend to enable him to obtain credit
from a stranger is regarded rs morally re-
Sponsible for the integrity OF mis- lI1end 4nA
his ability to meet his obligations. A Ter
ormatOry law, which would enforce this
principle against all endorsers Of persons for
public public place. would insure great caution ip
making recommendations.
A sAutary lesson has been taught tn
| careless and the dishonest public servant ali
the great number of prosecutions and con-
victions Of the last two years. 1t is crafty
ing to notice the favorable change which is
taking place throughout the country u.
bringing to punishment those who hav9
proved recreant to the trusts cOnfded ID
them, and in eleyating to public office npne
! but those who possess the confidence or ths
honest and VirtuOus, who, it viii always be
found, comprises the majority Of the c0I'
munity in which they live.
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.
In my message to Congress one year age
l urgently recommended a reform IN ire
civil service of the country. In conformity
with that recommendation, C2ngrelS, -
the ninth SeCtiOn of an act making dppTpA