Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1871-12-14

uiic citizens would like to see. Socia
ostraclem for opinions sake, personel
violence Or threats. towards persons en-
tsrtaining political views opposed to those
entertained by the majority Of the old
citizens prevents emigration and the flow
of much needed capital into the States
lately in rebellion. It will be a happy
condition of the country when the old cit
isens Of these States will take an interest
IN public affairs. promulgate ideas hon.
sssly entertained both for men represent
ING their views, and tolerate the same
freedom Of Repression and ballot to those
ensertaiaing different political conyic-
tioas.
Ciri1 Service Rsforns.
1t has been the aim of the Admiuistra-
lion to enforce honesty aud effic iency in
all the public Offices. Every publ SER
want who has VIC lated the trust placed in
him has been proceeded against with all
the rigor of the law. If bad men have
secured places it has been the fault Of
the system established by law and Gus
tom for making appointments. or the
fault of those who recommend for Gov
ernmcns positions personally. OF who give
letters endorsing the characters of office
seekers without q proper sen Sc of the
grave responsib ility whic such course
developes upon them. Civil Serv zee Re-
form, which can correct this abuse, is de-
sired. In mercantile pursu its, tho bust.
ness man who gives letter of reccommen
dation to FREUD to enable i'm to obta in
credit from Stranger is reg arded as
morally responsible for the integrity Of
his friend and bis ability to meet his OBJ
ligatiops. A rcformaiory law, which
would ca force this principle against all
advisers Of persons for public place would
insure great caution il making RECON-
mendations.
A salutary lesson has been taught the
careless and dishonest public servant ~
the great number of prosecu tions and
convictions of the la.t Two years. II
is gratifying to notice the favorable
change which is taking place throughou t
the country in the bringing to punishment
of those who have proven recreant to
the trust confded TO them, and in elevating
70 public Office none but those who possess
the confidence of the honest and virtuous
who, it will always be found, comprise the
majority CT the community in which they
live.
In my message to Congress enc year ago,
| urgently recommended reform in the
civil service OF The country. IN Conformity
With The Recommendation. Congress in the
9th section of an act making appropriation
for sundry expenses of the Government, and
fer other purposes, approved March Sd, 1871,
gave the necessary authority TO the Esecu-
tive TO ihaugurate a civ il service reform and
placed upon him The responsib ihty Of Doing
Sc.
Under lie authority of said act convened
a board eff gentlemen eminently qua lifted for
the work TO devise rules and regulations to
effect the needed reform. Their labors are
not &c mplete, but it is believed that they
will succeed in devisina a plan which can be
adopted 10 the great relief of the Executive,
the heads Of depar tments and members O
Congress, and which will rebound TO thr true
in,erest of the public service. Atall events
the experiment shall hava q fair trial.
/ have thus hastily summed up the opera
tlons Of the Government dur .ng the last year
aud made such suggestions as occur to me to
be proper for your consideration.
submit this it'll confidence that your
combined action will be wise, statesmanike
and i'll he bests interests ofihe whole coun-
try.
tSigncd) Z 8. GRANT.
Executive Mansion, December IA, 1871.