The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1871-12-07

eraI appropriations TO carry ont the Indian
peace policy, only because it is humane,
christian-like and economical, but because il is
alton ALSO the policy of granting ten ritorial
government 70 Indians in the Indian Territory
west of Arkansas and Missouri, and south OF
Kansas, In doing so every right guaranteed te
Indians by treaty should be secured. Such a
course might in time be the means of collecting
most of the Indians now between the Missouri
and the Pacific and south OF the British posses
sioRa, into one territory or one state. The Sec
retary OF the Interior has treated upon the sub
ject at length and l recommend to you his
suggestions,
renew my recommendation that the Public
Lands be regarded as Il heritage to our children
and to actual settlers Those already granted
have been in great part disposed of in snch a
hardy settler who may wish to avail themselves
of them. But caution should be exc cised even
interests may well be served BY the grant of the
pros eeds of the public lands to settlers I do
not wish 10 be understood as recommending IN
the least degree curtaiiment of what is being
done by the general government for the encour-
agement of edu cation. The report CT the Secre-
tary, of the Interior. submitted with this, will
give YOU information collected and prepared ior
publication in regard TO the census taken during
the year 1S7O. the operations OF the Bureau OF
Education for the year, of the patent Office, the
pension Office, the land Office and the Indian
THE AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT
The report of the Commissioner of Agriculture
gives The operations of his department Tor the
year. AS agriculture is the groundwork of our
prosperity too much Importance cannot be at
tached TO the iabors OF this Department 1t Is
in the hands Of sn able head, with able assist
ants all ZealouSly devoted to Introducing into
the agricultural productions of the nation all
useful products adapted to any of the various
climates and soils OF our vast territory and Civ
ing all useful information as to the method of
cuitiyating the pants and sereals and other
products, adagted to particular localities. Qui-
elly, but surely, the Agricultural Bureau is
working great national good, and if liberally
snn WlHaiV axtin fNn
extended and the less dependent we shall be
upon the products of foreign countries.
INCREASED PAY TO OFFICIALS,
The subject of compensation to the heads of
bxreaus and to officials holding positions of re-
TO tit them properly, is one to which your atten-
tion is invited. But few of he officials receives
u family w hile their duties are such as 10 in
volve millions OF dollars of interest, In private
services rendered, and wise economy would
dictate the same rule in the Government service.
DECREASED EXPENDITURES.
have not given the estimates for the support
OF the Cover ninent Tor the ensuing year nor the
comparative statement between the expenditures
for the year just passed and the just proceed
ing, because all these figures are contained in
the accompanying reports or in those presented
directly to congress. These estimates have my
THE QUESTION OF DISABILITY.
More than six years have elapsed since the
last hostile gun was fired between the armies
then arrayed against each other, the one
for the perpetnation, the other for the des-
-
whether it is not now time that the disabilities
imposed by the Fourteenth Amendment should
from the ballot but only establishes the disabil-
ity to hold office of certain classes. When the
purity of the ballot is secure majortieS are sure
to elect oficere rejecting the views of the ma
jortty. do not see the advantage propriety
were, before the rebellion, of standing and
character sufficient to be elected to positions re-
tuition, and admitting to eligibility those enter
tanning precisely the same views but of less
standing in their communities. may be said
that the former violated an oath while the latter
did not The latter did not have it in their pow
er to do SO. If they had taken this oath it can
as did the former class. II there are any great
criminals distinguished above all others for the
psrt they took in opposition to the government
they might, in the Judgment of Congress be ex-
cluded from such an amnesty. This subject is
submitted for your careful consideration.
CONDITION OF SOUTHERN STATES
The condition OF the southern States is unhap-
ply net such as all true patriotic citizen would
like to see. Social ostraciSm for opinions sake
personal violence threats towards persons
enter taining political views opposed to those
tertained by majority of the old citizens. pre-
vents migration and the flow of much needed
capital into the states lately in rebellion twill
old citizens of these states will take an interest
in public affairs, promulgate an idea honestly
views, and permit the same freedom of express
ion and ballot in those entertaining different
pN-'' TINE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
Under the provisions of the act of Congress
| approved February. s1; 1871 a territorial gov
ernment was organized in the District of Co.
lumbia. Its results have thus far fully realized
the expectations of its advocates. Under the
direction of the territorial officers q system of
improvements has been inaugurated, by means
of which Washington is fast becoming city
of the District having Voluntarily taxed
themselves to a large amount, for the purpose
of contributing to the adornment of the seat of
government. recommend liberal appropriation
on the part of Congress in order that the govern
nlent MAY bear its just shore of the expense of
| tfTlor
PUBLIC BUILDINGS IN CHICAGO.
By the great fire in Chicago the most import
were consumed. Those burned had already be-
come inadequate TO the wants of the government
future We're totally inadequate I recommend,
therefore that an appropriation be made imme-
on which the burned buildings stand, provided
it can be purchased at a fair valuation and pro-
vided the Legislature of Illinois will pass law
authorizing its condemnation for government
purpose, and also an appropriation of as much
money as can be properly expended towards the
erection of new buildings during this fiscal year.
INMIGRATION MATTERS.
The number of Immigrants ignorant of
laws and habits, and coming into our country
annually has become so great and the imp6si-
| tions practieed upon them so numerous and fla
grant that suggest Congressional action for
their protection. 1t seems to me a fair subject
| for legislation by congress. 1 cannot now state
as fully as desire the nature of the complaints
made by immigrants of the treatment they re-
ceive but will endeavor to, do SO during the ses-
sion of congress, particularly if the subject
| should receive your attention.
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.
| 1t has been the aim OF the administration to
| enforce honesty and efficiency in all public Of
| fees. Every public servant who has violated
the trust placed in him has been proceeded
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
recommend for government appointments, those
| not sufficiently well known to them personally.
| or who give letters endorsing the character of
office seekers without proper sense of the grave
/ responsibility which such a course devolvcs up-
! on them A civil service reform which can
! correct this abuse is much desired. In mercan-
| tile pursuits the business men who give letter
| of Recommendation to a friend to enable him to
| obtain credit from stranger is regarded as
morally responsible for the integrity of his
| friend, and his ability to mset his obligations
| A reformatory law which would enforce This
| principle against all endorseIs of persons for
| public place, would insure great caution. in
making recommendations: 1,a en- salutary lesson
ants in the great number of prosecutions and
convictions Of f. the last tTo years It is CRAFTY
ing place throughout the country in bringin.r TO
punishment those who have proved recreant to
the trusts confided to them and is eleyatinp to
otiioe none but those who possess,the CONFIDENCE
of the honest and virtuous. who, it will ALWAYS
mites in which they live. In my message to
congress one year ago urgently recommended
conformity with that recommendation CONGRESS
in the ninth section of an act making an an
preparation for sundry civil expenses of the
government, and for other purposes approved
March Sd, 1871. gave the necessary authority to
the Executive TO lnauSufate civil service
form and placed upon him the responsibility of
doiug so. Under authority of said act / con
vened board of gentlemen eminently qualified
for the work, to devise rules and regulations 10
effect The needed reform. Their labors are not
yet completed, but it is believed that they will
succeed in d.vising plan which can be adopted
to the great rel ief of the Executive the heads of
the departments and members of Congress. and
which will rebound 70 the true interest of the
public service. at all events the experiment
Shall have u fair trial,
have thus hastily summed up the operations
II a, ln. VnaN ,.r.l
made such suggestions as occur to me to be prop
or for your consideration. l submit them with
Il confidence that your combined action will be
wise. statesmanlike, and in the best interest of
the whole country.
(Signed) US GRANT
President.
Executive Mansion, Dec 4th. 1871.
The Favored Glass.
Some of the Republican presses are
beginning to squeal over the eXemp-
ton of capital from the ordinary bur-