Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes Co., O. [Ohio]) 1870-1895, 1871-12-07

such a way, it is hoped,as to induce
those still pursuing their old habits
Of life to embrace the only opportu-
nifty which is left them to avoid ex-
termination. 1 recommend liberal
appropriations to carry out the In
dian peace policy,notE only because
| it is humane, Christian-like, ,econom-
ical, but because it is right. 1 rec
ommend to your favorable consider
alton, also, the policy of granting a
territorial government to the Indi-
ans, in Indian Territory west of
Arkansas and south of Kansas.
The Secretary of the interior has
treated upon this subject at length,
and recommend to you this sugges-
ton.
BUREAU REPORTS.
The report of the Secretary of the
Interior, submitted with this, will
give you all the information collect
ed and prepared for publication in
regard to the census taken during
1870, the operations Of the Bureau
of Education for the year, the Pat
ent Office and the Indian Bureau.
AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT.
The report of the Commissioner
of Agriculture gives the operations
of his department for the year. 1t
is in the hands of an able head, with
able assistants, all zealously deyot
ed to introducing into the agricultu-
raj productions of the nation all
such products adapted to any of the
various climates and soils of our
vast territory.
THE QUESTION OF AMNESTY.
More than six years having elapsed
since the last hostile gun was fired be-
tween the armies then arrayed against
each other-one for the perpetuation,
the other for the destruction of the
Union-it may well be considered wheth
er it is not time that the disabilities i'm
posed by the Fourteenth Amendment
should be removed. That amendment
does not exclude the ballot, but only i'm
poses the disability to hold offices upon
certain classes. When the purity of the
ballot is secure, majorities are sure to
elect officers rejecting the views of the
majority. do not see the advantage or
propriety of excluding men from Office,
merely because they were, before the re-
bellion, of standing and character suf-
ficient to be elected to positions requir-
ing them to take oaths to support the
Constitution; End admitting to eligibil-
ity of those entertaining precisely the
same views, but of less standing in their
communities, it may be said that the
former violated in oaths while 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 there are any
great criminals distinguished above all
others for the part they took in opposi-
ton to the government, they might, in
the Judgment of Congress, be excluded
from such in 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. Os-
tracism for opinions sake, threats of
personal violence toward persons enter
tanning political 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. 1t will be a
happy condition of the country when
the old citizens of these States will take
an interest in public affairs, promulgate
ideas honestly entertained, vote for men
representing their views, and tolerate
the same freedom of expression and
ballot in those entertaining different
political convictions.
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
Under the provisions of the act of
Congress, approved February 81, 1871, a
territorial government was organized in
the District of Columbia. Its results
have thus far fully realized the expec-
tations of its advocates. Under the di-
rection of the territorial officers, sys-
tenn of improvements has been made in
augurated, by means of which Wash
ington is rapidly becoming city worthy
of the nations capital. The citizens of
the District having voluntarily taxed
themselves to a large amount for the
purpose of contributing to the arrange
ment of the seat of government, l rec
ommend several appropriations on the
part of Congress, in order that the Gov
ernment may bear its Just share of the
expense of carrying out judicious sys-
tenn of improvement.
GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS IN CHICAGO.
| By the great fire in Chicago the most
important of the government buildings
of that city were consumed. Those
burned had already become inadequate
to the wants of the government in that
growing city, and, looking to the near
future, were totally inadequate. 1 rec
ommend, therefore, that an appropria-
tion be made Immediately to purchase
the remainder of the square on which
the burned buildings stood, provided it
can be purchased at fair valuation, or
provided that the Legislature of Illinois
will pass law authorizing its condemn
nation for government purposes; and
also an appropriation of as much money
as can properly be expended toward the
erection of new buildings during this
fiscal year.
PROTECTION OF IMMIGRANTS.
The number Of immigrants ignorant
of our laws, habits, &C., coming into
our country annually has become so
great, and the impositions practised up
on them so numerous and fragrant, that
I suggest Congressional action for their
protection. 1t seems to me fair sub
lject of legislation by Congress. / can
not now state as fully as l desire the ma
ture of the complaints made by immi-
grants of the treatment they receive,
but will endeavor to do so during the
session of Congress, particularly if the
subject should receive your attention. -
HONESTY AND EFFICIENCY IN PUBLIC OF
| FICES.
1t has been the aim of the admins
tration to enforce honesty and efficiency
in all public offices. Every public SER
want who has violated the trust placed
in him has been proceeded against with
all the vigor of the law. If bad men
have secured places, it has been the fault
of the system established by law, the
custom for making appointments, or the
fault of those who recommend for gov
ernment positions persons not sufficient
ly well known to them personally, or
who give letters indorsing the charac-
tter of office-seekers without proper
sense of the grave responsibility which
such course devolyes upon them. A
| this abuse, is much desired. In mercan-
tile pursuits, the business man who
gives letter of recommendation to a
friend to enable him to obtain credit
from stranger, is regarded as morally
l II Al : q