Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1871-12-13
The Indian Policy.

The policy pursued towards the Indians has re-
suited favorably, so far can be judged from the
limited time during which it has been in operation
Through the exertions of the various societies Of
Christians, to whom has been entrusted the execu.
ton of the policy, and the board OF commissioners
authorized by the law of April 10th 1862 many
tribes of Indians have been induced tc
| settle upon reservations, to cultivate the
sou, and perform productive labor of various
h1nos, and to partially accept civilization
They are being cared for in such way it is hoped
as to induce those still pursuing their old habits of
life to embrace the only opportunity which is left
them to avoid determination. recommend liberal
appropriations to carry out the Indian peace policy
not only because it is human, Christian-like and
economical, but because it is perfectly right
L recommend to your favorable consideration also
the policy of granting territorial government to the
Indians, in the Indian Territory west of Arkansas
and Missouri, and south of Kansas. In doing SO,
every right guaranteed to the Indians by a treaty
should be secured. Such a course might in time
be the means of collecting most of the Indians now
between the Missouri and the Pacific, and south of
the British dominions into one territory, or one
state. The Seci etary of the Interior has treated
upon this subject at length and recommend to
you hls suggestions. ~ @
The Civil Service,
It has been the aim of the administration TO en-
force honesty and efficiency i'll all public Offices
Every public servant, who has violated the trust
placed in him. has been proceeded against with all
the Tlgor OF the law. If bad men have secured
places has been the fault Of the system established
by law and customs, for making appointments, or
the fault of those who recommend for government
positions persons not sufficiently well-known
to them personally, or who give letters endorsing
the character of Office seekers without proper sense
of the grave responsibility which such course de-
wolves upon them. civil service reform which
can correct this abuse is much desired In Inercan-
tile pursuits, the business who gives letter of
recommendation to friend, to enable him to OBJ |
tain credit from stranger, is regarded morally
responsible for the integrity of his friend and his
ability to meet his obligations. -. s.4E
reformatory law which would enforce this prin-
ciple against all endorsers of persons for public
in
sa1utary lesson has been taught
the careless and dishonest servant in the great
Der of prosecutions and convictions of the last two
years. 1t is gratifying to notice the favorable change
which is taking place throughout the country in |
bringing to punishment those who have proved re-
creant to the trust confded to them, and in eeva-
ing to public office none but those who possess the
confidence of honest and yirtuous men, who will |
always be found to comprise the majority of the
in which they live. In my message to
Congress one year ago, urgently recommended |
reform in the civil service of the country. In con-
fornity with that recommendation, Congress- in the
9th section of act making appropriations for
sundry civil expenses of the Government, and for
other purposes approved March Sd, 1871, gave the
authority to the executive to inaugurate
civil service reform, and placed upon him the res
pom ibilty of doing so under the authority of
said act convened board of gentlemen, /
sminently qualified, for the work to devise |
rules and regulations to effect reform. |
Their labors not yet complete, but it is believed
hat they will succeed in devising plan which can
De adapted to the great relief of the executive the
which will rebound to the interest of the public
ce. At al events, the experiments shall have fair
rial.
Ihave thus hastily summed up the operations ef |
he Government during the last year, and made such
uggestons occur to me to be proper for your
consideration. submit them with confidence
hat your combined action will be wise, statesman
Ike and in the best interests Of the whole country.
[Signedl U. S. GRANT.
Executive Mansion, Dec. 18th, 1871.