Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1871-1872, 1871-12-05

tanning precisely the same views
but of less stiuding in their
communities. It may lie said that the for
fler violated an oath, while the later did
not. The latter did not have it ia their
power to do so. If they had taken this
oath it cannot tie doubled that they would
have broken it as did the former class. If
there are a. y great criminals distinguished
above all 9th, rs for the part they took in
opposition to the government, they might
in The Judgment of Cor gress be excluded
flom such an amnesty This subject Is
submitted for your careful consideration.
The condition Of the Southern States lie
unhappily not such as all tue atrlotic
citizens would like to see as social
ostracism for opinions sake and personal
violence or threats towards persons enter
tanning political views opposed to those
entertained by the mejrity of the citi-
zens, prevents immigration and the flow
of much needed capital toto the States
lately IN rebellion. 1t will be a happy
condition of the country when the old
citizens of these States will take an 10.
terest in public off4irs, and promulgate
ideas honestly entertained, vote for
men representing their views, and permit
the sole fire. dom Of expression and ballot
in these entertaining different political
lcornt ctions.
| DISTRICT CT COLOMBIA.
Under the pre- visions of the act of Con
grsss approved February 21st, 1871. a ter
ritorisl government was organized in the
District of Columbia. Its results have
thus far fully realized the expectations of
its advocatts. Under the direction of the
f territorial officers a system of improve.
ments has been inaugurated, by means Of
which Washington is rapidly tecomiDg
! city worthy the na'ion's capitol. The cit
} izens Of the District have voluntarily
e taxed themselves to large amount for
? the purpose Of contributing to the ad-
| vancement Of the seat of government, l
: recommend liberal appropriations on the
3 part of Congress, in order that the gov
? eminent may bear its share Of expense of
? carrying out the various iystt ms CT inn
b proVements.
} GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS IN CHICAGO.
7 BIZ the great fire in Chicago the most
important government build ngs in that
0 city were destroyed. Those buried had
? already become inadequate to the wants
4 of the government in that city, and as re-
: garded the rear future were totally m
n adequate. recommend therefore that an
i appropriation be made immt distel7 TO
= which the the buried buildings stood,
e provided it can be Iurthas td at fair
J. valuation, and provided the legislai ure of
d Illinois will lass law authorizing
3 its condemnation for government pur-
e. poses and also an appropriation of as
d much money as can properly be exper ded
u towards the erection of new buildings.
IMrosITIoHs UPON EMIeBhNTa
of
emiGrants ignorant Of our laws and hab-
., its coming into our county annually has
c. become so great, and imposiiions pIacticed
j. upon them are so numerous and fragrant,
TT that suggest grsssional action for
c. their protection. / cannot now state as
er fully as | desire the complaints made by
; emigrants Of the treatment they receive,
in but will erdeavor to do so during the Res-
le sion of Congress, particularly if the sub
ID iect should receive your attention.
81 THE CIVIL SERVICE.
y, 1t has been the aim of the administra-
. ton to enforce honesty and efficiency in
- public officers Every public servant who
has violated the trust placed IN him has
been proceeded against with all the vigor
9 of the law. If bad men have secured
r, places, it has been the fault Of tie system
n established by law, the custom for making
b. appointments, or the fault of these who
IN recommend for government position, per-
Of sons rot sufficiently well known to them
be personally, or who give letters endorsing
90 the character of office seekers without q
proper sense of The grave responsibility
G. which such a course dtvolyes On them.
ie- A civil service reform which can cor
IL rect this abuse is much desired. n mer
90 CATTLE pursuits the business men who
ed give letter OF recommendation to frienG
IL to enable him to obtain credit from Z
lie stranger, is regarded as moral
ro- ly responsible for the integrity
of of his friend, and his ability TO meet hi
to obligations. A reformation which would
OF enforce this principle against all endoIs
ul ers of persons for public place, would en-
IA sure great caution in making recOmmen
IS iations. A salutary lesson has been taught
.ly the careless and the dishonest servant In
Is the great number of prosecutions and
1t convictions in the last two years. IL i!
lis gratifying to notice the favorable chang,
ess which is taking place throughout thu
cts country in bringing to punishment thos
who have proved reeresnt to the trust
coniided to them, and in elevating 70 pub
he lie office none but those who possess tn
DO. confidence of the he nest and yirtuOui
ng who, it will always be found, compris
il the majority Of The community in whic
ed. they live.
sa- In my message to Congress one yesr age
lille I urgently recommended reform in til
I've civil service of the c2untry. In conformit
en-. with that recommendation, Congress
A the ninth section of an act making Apr,
ule priations for the sund y civil exptnts
government and for other purposes, al
proved March 80; 1871, gave the necessar
49, authority to the executive to inaugurate
NC civil service reform, and placed upon hi
.s the responsibility of doing so. Under Il
ess authority of said act convened boar
su of gentlemen eminen:iy qualified Tor Il
90 work, to devise rules and regulations
' ~ effect the needed reform. Their labors q
not yet complete, but it is believed ID
ave they will succeed in devising pan whi'
can be adopted to the g-eat relief # I'll
Executive, the heads OF Departments an
sea members of Congress, and which will r
he. dound to the true interests of the pu5ii
inst service. AT ali eVeh,s the
the SNAIL nave laif 'riai.
II CONCLUSION.
not have thus hastily summed up the "Pei
by atoms of the government during Tug Ia
re- year, and made such suggestions as oeeS
ex. to me to be proper for your co nsiuerator
dis submit them with confidence that you
acc lcomb;ned action will be wise. statesman
80 ILL., 90 IN the hest interests of the who'll
do country. ,n.>rr
ex. (Signed) " Q. 1hANi'
use By the President