Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1871-12-12

the former class. If there are any great
criminals distinguished above all others
for 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 rs all true patriotic
citizens would like to see. Social oStra'
ciSm for opinions sake. personal violence
or threats towards persons entertaining
political views opposed to those entertain
ed by majority of the old citizens, pre-
vents immigration and the flow of much
needed capital into the States lately in re-
beuion. 1t viii be happy condition OF
the country when the old citizens of these
States viii take an interest i'm public AT.
fairs, promulgate views honestly enter
tanned, vote for men representing their
views and 10 create the same freedom OF
the expression and ballot in those enter
tanning different political convictions.
DISTRICT or COLUMBIA.
Under the provisions Of an act OF Con-
greSS, approved February l. 1871, terri
torial government was organized in The
District of Columbia. Its results have
thus far fully realized the expectations of
rs advocates. Under the direction OF the
territorial officers. q system of improve
mentS has been inaugurated, by means of
which Washington Is rapidly becoming
city worthy of q nations capitol. The
citizens OF the District have voluntarily
taxed themselves 10 a large amount tor
the purpose OF contributing to the seat of
Government. / recommend liberal ap-
preparations on the part of Congress. in
order that the government may bear it.
Just share of the expense of carrying ont
a iUdiciouS system Of Improvement.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS IL CHICAGO.
BY the great fire in Chicago the govern
ment buildings in that city were con-
sumed. Those burned had already be-
come inadequate 70 the wants OF the gov
eminent in thar growing city, and look
inc % a near future. were totally made
quate. l recommend, therefore, an APP
preparation be Immediately made to pur-
chase the remainder OF the square in
which the burned buildings stood, pro.
Vided it can be purchased at a fair valua-
ton, or provided that the legislature of
Illinois will pass q law authorizing its
condemnation for government purposes,
and also an appropriation of As much
money rs can be properly expended
towards the erection OF new building
during this fiscal year.
PROTECTION OF IMMIGRANTS.
The number Of immigrants ignorant of
our laws, habits, etc, coming into our
country annually has become so great
and impOSitiOuS practiced upon them so
numerous and so fragrant that | suggest
congressional action for their protection.
IL seems 20 me q fair subject oflegislatiOn
by Congress. | cannot now state rs fully
Is ! desire, The nature of the complaints
made by immigrants of the treatment
they receive, but will endeayor 10 do so
during the session Of Congress, particu-
larry. If the subject should receive Your
attention.
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.
Il has been the aim Of the adminiStra-
ton 20 enforce honesty and efficiency in
an public offices. Every public servant
vs. DO has violated the trust placed in him.
has been proceeded against with all the
yj-or of the law. II bad men have Sc
cured places, IL has been the fault of the |
system established by law. and the Gus !
tom for making appointments or the fault |
pt those who recommend. for government /
al positions, persons not sufficiently we'll |
known to them personally or who gave !
letters endorsing the characters of office |
seekers without proper sense Of the |
grave responsibility which such course |
lryolve> upOn them. A civil service re |
form which can correct this abuse. is !
much desired. In mercantile pursuits. !
be business mau who gives a letter of I
recommendation 10 a TREND TO enable him /
' obtain credit from stranger, is re- |
-arded as morally responsible for the in- |
.c-riry Of his friend and his ability 10 |
meet his obligations.
4 re'ormaJory law which would en-
orcc thi, principle against all endorsers |
1fperS9u- for public place would ensure 1
great caution in making recommends /
lions. \ ~alU,ary lesson has been taught /
careless and dishonest public servants ma /
le great number Of prosecutions and I
convictions OF the last two years. Il is |
gratifying % notice the favorable change .
which is taking place Throughout the /
country I'm bringing 20 pUEi>hl eut those !
who have proven recre2ut 10 trusts cOu-
.yrred and eleyating 10 public offies none 4
1ur those WHO possess the confidence OF /
he honest and yirtuOuS. who. it will !
.iways Dee found, comprise the majority
.. the community in which they live.
tn nv message 10 Congress one wear
,Lo. urgently recommended the reform
u the civil service Of the country. In
uniformity with that recommendation.
ouLre>,, in the ninth section Of an act
making appropriations for Sundry civil
expenses of the government and for other
purposes approved March 81. ISL. gave
Dee necessary authority % the Executive
a Haucuratc civil service reform and
placed upon him the responsibility Of
LONG So under the authority Of said act
I convened board of gentlemen. emf
leuliy qualified for the work, 10 devise
uies and regulations 10 effect the needed
efOrm. Their laborS are not vet COM
',ergd. but il is believed they viii succeed
D deyi>iug plan which can be adapted
O the great relief OF the executive. the
departments and members of Congress,
ud which viii rebound 10 the true in
ercSts Of the public service. At all
vents the experiment shall have fair
rial
CONCLUSION.
I have thus hastily summed up the OPP
ration> Of the government during the
3St Year and made such suggestions as
crUr 90 me % De proper tor Your con-
Liberation.
| Submi, them with q confidence thar
oar combined action will be wise, states
lan,ike and in the best interests Of the
whole country.
l>igued.) L. =. GRANT.
Executive Mansion. Dec I. 1871.
The plan of the Mormons, a diyulg.