The Cairo daily bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1870-1872, 1871-12-06

nor the comparative statement between
the expenditures for the year Just passed
ana the one just preceding, because all
these hgures are contained in the accom-.
panylng reports, or in those presented dir.
Getty to Congress. These estimates 0nayt
my approval.
POLITICAL DISABILITIES.
More than six years have elapsed since
the last hostile gun was fred between the
armies then arrayed against each other
one for the perpctuation, the other for the
destruction of the union, it may well be
considered whether IL is not now timo
that the disabilities imposed by the four
teenth amendment should be removed.
That amendment does not exclude the
oaiiot, but only requires tho disability to
hoid ONCE of certain classes. When the
purity of the ballot is secured, majorites
are sure to elect officers rejecting the
views Of the majority. I do not see the
advantage or propriety of excluding men
from office merely who were before the re-
beliicn OF standing and character sufficient
70 oe elected TO positions, requiring them
10 take oath to support the constitution,
and admitting to eligibility those enter
taining precisely the same views, but of
less standing in thcr community.
1t may be said the former violated an
oath while the latter did not. The latter
ala not have it in their power to do so. IL
they mad taken this oath il cannot be
doubted they would have broken it as did
the former class. II there are any great
criminals, distinguished above ali others
Tor the part they took in opposition to the
government, they might, in the Judgment
OF congress, be excluded from such an
amnesty. This subject is submitted for
| your careful consideration.
THE CONDITION OF THE SOUTHERN STATES
Is unhappily not such as all true patriotic
citizens would like to sec Social ostracism
Tor opinions sake, personal violence or
| threats towards persons entertaining po-
lltical views opposed to those entertained
| by the majority of the ofd citizens, pre-
vent immigration, the flow of much needed
capital into the states lately in rebellion .
1t Will be happy condition of the
| country when the old citizens of these
states viii take an interest in public affairs.
| promulgate ideas honesty entertained. vote
for men representing their views. and per-
NIT the same freedom of expression and
ballot IN those entertaing different poli,-
ical convictions.
TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT.
Under the provisions of the act of con-
gress approved February 81, 1871, a terri
torial government was organized in the
District of Columbia. Its results have
thus far fully realized the expectations Of
Its advocates. Under the direction of the
territorial officers, system of improve
ments has been inaugurated, by means of
which Washington is rapidly becoming a
city worthy of the nations capital, the cit.
izens of the District having Voluntarily
taxed themselves to large amount for the
purpose of contributing to the advance
ment Of the state of government. reco-
mend liberal appropriations on the part of
congrerss, in order that the government
may bear its just share of the expenses of
carrying out a judicisus system of i'm
provements' BY the
THE GREAT FIRE Is CHICAGO,
the most important of the government.
buildings in thac city were consumed.
Those burned had already become inade-
quate to the wants of tho government in
that growing city, and, looking to the near
future, were totally inadequate.
rocon,mend. tbsrofore, ,Lat % .Ppr..-
priation be made Immediately to purchase
the remainder of the square on which
the burned buildings stood provided 1t
can be purchased at u fair valuation and
provided the legislature ofIllnois will pass
a law authorizing its condemnation fer
government purposes and also an appro-
prlation of as much money as can properly
be expended toward tn, erection of new
buildings.
lMMIGRAIIoN LAWS.
During this fiscal year the number of
immigrants ignorant Of our laws and hab-
It's, and coming into our country annually,
has become so great, and the impositions
prac,iced upon them SO numerous and
hagrant, that suggest congressional action
for their protection. 1t seems to me a fair
subject of legislation by congress. l can
not now state MS full Y as desire the nature
of the complaints by immigrants of the
treatment they receive, but will endeavor
to do SO during the session of congress,
particularly if the subject should receive
yeur attention.
PUBLIC oEFIcERs.
1t has been the aim of the administration
to enforce honesty and efficiency In nil
public offices. Every public servant who
has violated the trust placed i'll him has
been proceeded against with all the vigor
of the law. If bad men have Sc
cured places it has been the fault
of the system established by law and Gus
tom for making appointments or the |
fault of those who recommended for gov
ernmcnt positions persons not sufficiently |
well-known to them personally, or who |
give letters endorsing the character of
officc-seckcrs without proper sense of the
grave responsibility which such course
devolves upon them.
n civil service reform which can correct
this abuse Is much desired. In mercan-
tile pursuits, the business man who gives
letter of recommendation to n friend to
enable him to get credit from stranger, is
regarded rs morally responsible for the in
tegrty Of his friend and his ability to
meet his obligations a reformutory law
which would enforce this principle against
all indorscis Of persons for public place
would insure great caution in making rec
concentrations. A salutary lesson has
been taught the careles; and the dishonest
servant in the great number of prosecu-
tions and convictions of the last two
years.
1t is gratifying to notice the favorable
change which is taking place throughout
tho country in bringing to punishment
those who have proved recreant to the
trusts coniided to them, and in eleyating to
office none but those who possess the conf
dence of the honest and virtuous who, 1t
Will always b, found, comprise tho ma
inrity pt fha nil II, Al