The States and Union. [volume] (Ashland, Ohio) 1868-1872, 1871-12-13

ing TO the near future, were totally made.
quate. recommend therefore, that an appro-
priation he made Immediately to purchase
the remainder o 1.-THE square on which the bur-
ned buildings stood, provided il can be pur-
Legislature of illinois viii pass a law auth
orfzing its condemnation for Government
much money as can properly he expended to-
ward the erection o new buildings during
| The number OF immigrants ignorant of our
laws and habits coming into our country an
tions practiccd upon them so numerous and
fragrant, that / suggest Congressional action
for their protection 1t seems to me a fair
subject OF lcgislation by Congress. / cannot
now state as fully as 1 desire the nature of
the complaints made by emigrants OF the
treatment they receive, but Will endeayor to
do so during the session ofCoug ress. particu-
larry ifthe subject should receive your atten-
ton. 1t has been the aim OF the AdminiStra-
ton to eniorcS honesty and efficiency in all
has violated the trust placed in him has been
proceeded against with all the rigor of the
Jaw. If bad men have secured places, it has
been the fault of the system established by
| aw and custom Tor making appointments, or
the fault of those who recommend for Gov
we'll known to them personally, or who give
letters indorsins the character of ofice-sesk-
sponsibiiity which such acoursedeTo,yes up
on them A civil service reform which ctn
camille pursuits the business man who gives
a letter of recommendation TO u friend to ena-
bic him to obtain credit from a strange r is re-
gardcd as morally responsible for the lntegri-
" ofhis friend and his ability to meet his OBJ
legations. a law which would
enforce this principle against ali indorsers
of persons for public place, would insure far
greater caution in max ing recommendations.
A s~alutary lesson has been taught the care
less and the dishonest servant in the great
number of prosecutions and convictions Of
the last two years
1t is gratifying to notice the favorable
change which lie taking place throughout the
country in bringingt to punishment those who
have proved rccreant TO the trusts confded to
them, and in elevating to public office none
but those who possess the confidence OF the
honest and virtUous, who. it VIII always be
found, comprise the majority ofthe commune
ty in which they live.
In my message to Congress ono year ago /
urgently recommc nded n reform in the civil
service of the country II conformity with
that commentator. Congress, in the ninth
section OF an act making appropriations for
sundry ciyiIeNpepses of the Government and
for other purposes, approved March 3, 1871
gave the necessary authority to the Executive
to in auguratc a civil service reform, and pla-
ced upon him the responsibility Under
the authority of said law, l convened a board
of gentlemen, eminently qualified for this
work. to dcTiSe rules and regulations to cf-
feet the needed reform. Their lSbors are not
yet completed, but it is believed that they
W i'll succeed in dcyisiEg Il plan which can be
the heads Ofdcpartnents and the members of
Congress. and which Will rebound to the true
interests of the public service. At all events,
the experiment shall have n fair trial.
L have thus hastily summed up the opera
lions of the Government during the last year,
aud made such sug G%estionS as occur 20 me to
be proper for your consideration. / submit
them with a confidence that your combined
Lctlon Will be wise, stateSnanllEe, and in
the best interests o. the whole country.
(Signed.9 US. GRANT, President,
EXECUTIVE MANSION. December 4, 1871.