Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1871-12-13

between the armies then arrayed
against each other, the one for the
perpetuation, the other for the de-
struetiOn of the Union. L may well
be considered whether it is not now
tIne that the disabilities imposed by
the Fourteenth amendment should be
removed. That amendment does not
exclude from the ballot, but only
establishes the disability to hold office
OF certain classes. When the puritv
of the ballot is secure, majorities are
sure to elect officers respecting the
views of the majority. 1 do not see
the advantage or pIopriety of exclu-
ding men from office merely. Thev
were, before the rebellion, of standing
and character sufficient to be elected
to positions requiring them to take
oath to support the Constitution, and
admitting to eligibility those enter
tanning precisely the same views, but
of less standing in their communities.
1t may be said that the former viola
ted an oath, while the latter did not.
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 for
mer class. If there are any great
criminals distinguished above all 9TH
ers for the part they took in oppOsi-
tion to the government they might,
in the judgment of Congress, be exeIu-
ded from such an amnesty. This sub
jeet Is submitted for your careful con-
sideration.
VIOLENCE IN THE SOUTH.
The condition Of the Southern
States is unhappily not such as all
true patriotic citizens would like to
see. Social Ostracism for opinions
sake, personal violence or threats to-
ward persons entertaining political
views opposed to those entertained by
the majority of the old citizens, pre-
vents immigration, and the flow of
much needed capital into the States
lately in rebellion. 1t viii be a hap
py condition of the country when the
old citizens Of these States will take
an interest in public affairs, promul-
gate an idea honestly entertained,
vote for men representing their views
and permit the same freedom of ex-
preston and ballot to those entertain
ing different political convictions.
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA GOVERN
MENT.
Under the provisions of the act Of
Congress approved February Dist, 1871, /
a territorial government was organ
lied in the District of Columbia. Its
results have thus far fully realized the /
of its advocates. Under
the direction of the territorial officers
a system of Improvements has been |
by means of which |
is rapidly becoming a /
city worthy of the Nations capital
The citizens of the District having /
taxed themselves to a /
large amount, for the purpose OF con-
tributing to the adoTnment of the seat |
Of government, / recommend liberal /
appropriations on the part of Congress
N order that the Government may
bear its just share of the expense Of
carrying out a judieious system Of
THE CHICAGO FIRE.
By the great fire in Chicago the
most important of the Government
in that city were consumed.
Those burned had already become in
.dequate to the wants of the Govern
nent in that growing city, and look
ng to the near future were totally
inadequate. recommend, therefore,
hat an appropriation be made imme-
lately to purchase the remainder of :
he square on which the buildings
tand, provided it can be purchased at
fair valuation, and provided the {
Of Illinois will pass law
its condemnation for the l
government purposes and also an
ppropriation of as much money as
an properly be expended towards
he erection of new buildings during
be fiscal year.
IMMIGRATION.
The number of immigrants ignor- :
Mt of our laws and habits and coming ;
ltO our country annually has become !
} great, and the impOsItions prac-
eed upon them so numerous and fla :
rant that suggest Congressional ac- !
on for their protection. 1t seems to ;
le a fair subject for legislation by !
ongress. / cannot now state as fully :
J desire, the nature of complaints Z
iade by immigrants Of the treatment .
ley receive, but will endeavor to do +
} during the session of Congress, :
if the subject should re- :
i've your attention. :,
THE CIVIL SERVICE. v
It has been the aim of the adminis-
alton to enforce honesty and efficien- d
: in all public offices. Every public b
rvant who has violated the trust 81
-. . =,
-ainst with all the Vigor of the law. il
bad men have secured places it has a
zen the fault of thesystem establish C
10y law and custom for making il
,pointments, or the fault Of those c.
hO recommend for government posi- a
1ns, persons not sufficiently known "
them personally, or who give letters u
ldOrsing the character of Office o.
eksrs without a proper sense of the n
ave responsibility which such a p
urse devolves upon them. A civil o.
rviee reform which can correct this al
use is much desired. In mercantile n
lrsuts the business men who give q d.
tier of recommendation to friend \
enable him to obtain credit from a h
ranger, is regarded as morally el
spOnSible for the integrity of his cl
end, and his ability to meet his obli- ic
tions. A IeformatOTy law which fe
Ould enforce this principle against al
indOrsers of persons for public n
ace, would insure greater caution in al
aking recommendations A salutary "
sson has been taught the careless al
d the dishonest servants in the W
eat number of prosecutions of the al
i two years. 1t is gratifying t. sc
tice the favorable change which is W
king place throughout the country pl
bringing to punishment those who W
We proved recreant 70 the trust con- al
led to them, and in elevating to pub ii
Office none but those who possess IL
e confidence of the honest and virtu- OI
;, who, it will always be found, IS
mprise the majority of the cOmmu- re
ty in which they live. In my mes I'll
20 to Congress, one year ago, l pl
gently recommended reform in the "
vii Service of the country. In con- re
rmity with that recommendation,
ingress, in the ninth section of an
making an appropriation for sun
y civil expenses OF the government, .,
d for other purposes, approved -
arch Sd, 1871, gave the necessary - -
thority to the Executive TO inaugu- g
-e a Civil Service reform, and placed q,
on him the responsibility of doing ~
Under authority of said act l con- -
ned board of gentlemen eminently q,
alified for the work to devise rules ~ ~
d regulations TO effect the needed -