Litchfield enquirer., 1871-12-14
THE BuREAus

land office, and the Indian bureau. The | report of the commissioner of agriculture 1 gives the operations of his department for | the year. As agriculture is the ground work of our prosperity, too much import ance cannot be attached to the labors of this department It is in the hands of an able head, withEable assistants, all zeal ously devoted to introducing into the ag- ricultural productions of the nation, all useful products adapted to any of the various climates and soils of our vast ter ritory, and to giving all useful informa- tion as to the method ofcultivation. The plants, cereals, and other products adapt ed to particular localities quietly but surely the agricultural bureau is working a great national good, and ifiberally sup ported, the more widely it's influence will De extended, the less dependent we shall be upon the products of foreign coun- tries.
 SALARIES.
 The subject of compensation to the heads of bureas and officials holding posi- tions of responsibility and requiring abil- ity and character to fill properly, is one to which your attention is invited But few of the officials receive compensation equal to the respectable support of a fam fly, while their duties are such as to in- volve millions of interest. In private life, services demand compensation equal to the services rendered A wise economy would take the same rule in the govern ment service.
 ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURES.
 1 have not given the estimates for the support of the government for the ensu- ing year nor the comparative statement between the expenditures for the year just passed, and the one just proceeding, because all the figures are contained in the accompanying reports or in those pre- sented directly to Congress- These esti- mates have my approval.
 -# .E AMNESTY a4.
 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 whether it is not now time that the disabilities imposed by the XTVth amendment should be removed. That amendment does not exclude from the ballot but only imposes the disability to hold office upon certain classes When the purity of the ballot Is secure maiori- ties are sure to elect officers refecting the views of the majority, I do not see the advantage or propriety of excluding men from office merely because they were, be- fore the rebellion, of character sufficient to be elected to positions requiring them to take oaths to support the constitution, and admitting to eligibility those entertain ing precisely the same views but of less standing in their communities. It may be said that the former violated an oath while the latter did not. The latter did not have it in their power to do so. If they had taking the oath, it can not be doubted they would have broken it. as did the former class s 3oa There are many great criminals distin- gulshed above all others for the part they took in opposition to the government, they might in the judgment of Congress be excluded from such amnesty This subject is submitted for your careful con. sideration.
 The condition of the Southern States is unhappily not such as all true, patriotic citizens would like to see. Social ostra- clsm for opinions sake, personal violence or threats towards persons entertaining political views opposed to those entertain ed by the majority of the old citizens pre- vents immigration and the flow of much needed capital into the states lately in re- bellion. It will be a happy condition oi the country when the old citizens of these States will take an interest in public af- fairs, promulgate ideas honestly enter tanned, vote for men presenting their views and tolerate the same freedom and expression and ballot in those entertaining different political convictions.
 
 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
 Under the provision of the act of Con- gress approved February 21, 1871, a Ter ritorial Government was organized in the District of Coluimbia. Its results have thus far fully realized the expectations of its advocates under the decision of the territorial officers. A system of improve. ment has been inaugurated by means of which Washington is rapidly becoming a city, worthy of the nations Capitol. The citizens of the District having volunta- rily taxed themselves, to large amount, for the purpose of contributing to the adornment of the seat of Government, may recommend liberal appropriations on the part of Congress in order that the Government may bear it's just part of the expenses of the carrying out of judicious system of improvements. M
 NEW GOVERNMENT BuuD1Nos AT cH1cAao,
 By the great fire in Chicago the most important of the government buildings in that city were consumed. Those bufned had already become inadequate to the wants of the government, in that growing city, and looking to the near future. were totally inadequate. I recommend, there fore, that an appropriation be made im- mediately to purchase the remainder of the square on which the burned buildings stood, providing 1t can be purchased at q fair valuation, or provided that the legis- latnre of Illinois will pass g law authoriz- ing its condemnation for government pur- poses, and also an appropriation of as much money as can properly be expended towards the erection of new buildings, during the fiscal year.
 IsfMIGRATIoN.
 The number of immigrants ignorant of our laws and habits coming into our coun- try annually has become so great and the impositions upon them so numerous and fragrant, that suggest Congressional &C., tion for their protection. It seems to me fair subject of Legislation by Congress. cannot state as fully as I desire the na- ture of the complaints made by emigrants of the treatment they receive, but will en- deayor to do so during the session of Con. gress, particularly if the subject should receive your attention. Wa 1
 THE AIM OF THE ADMINISTRATIONS. It has been the aim of the administa- tion to enforce honesty and efficiency in all public offices. Every public servant who has violated the trust placed in him, has been proceeded against with all the vigor of the law.-If bad men have eecur- ed places, it has been the fault of the. sTs- tenn established by law and custom for making appointments, or the fault of those who recommended for government positions persons not sufficiently yell known to them personally, or who ise letters endorsing the characters of oInCe seekers without Q proper sense of the grave responsibility which such course devolved upon them.
 ]aa efvL sERviCE REFORM.
 A civil service reform which cssi correct \