Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1872-02-16
Civil Reform.
The following petition is in circulation in this
and we suppose in other States /;

The following petition is in circulation in this
and we suppose in other States:
To the Senate and House of Representatives. OF
the United States Of -AmsricG;
We. the undersigned citizens of the United
States. having at heart the best interests Of our
country above all party or selfish considerations
do most earnestly petition you in such behAi, 10
give YOUR earliest and most thorough ATTENTION
to wins. we deem to be some Of the most 'i'Ai
questions Of the day, viz
The laws and regulations affecting ana govern
ing the following subjects
First, Appointments 10 and removals from
public offices. .;..;.. of
Second, Salaries, perquisites. and moieties oil
public officers.
We believe, and many of US from personal ex-
perience or observation know, that IN all these
departments gross and iniquitous practices sre
the inevitable result of the various existing tys-
tens. =, ,-,,
The considerstions which should alone govern
appointments to pnblic Office are capabiiity' ell
cheney and honesty.
Removals from Office should occur solely upon
proof of incspsbility, inefiiciency OF us-
honesty.
me eAlarles OF puDllC biuOclo sAS~'-
mensurate with the quality OF the men required
and the duties to be performed.
All perouisities and moieties to officers should
he abolished. as the inevitable effect to either is
10 demorslze the service, corrupt its servants,
and even extend its pernicious influence TO Inc
business community st large.
The seizure snd examination Of books and
naners Of merchants and manufacturers, IS
now authorized and prscticed, h IN enect
placing in the hands Of irresponsible persons
The mower to ipjure and even ruin the business
and character of citizens Of the highest known
respectability. An informer," upon MS
ati1ayit based simply on his g belief, can or
tsip the seizure of the private books and papers
of any merchant, and cause their INDEFINITE re-
tention. to the certain injury Of his business
and the Public defamation of his name. ms
,oWer. in the hands of those who are interested
in 6nes nenalties and forfeitUres, may be, and
frequently has been, used for the persecution Of
innocent men with the hope Of intimldaung
them into compromises and settlements OF IN
founded charges, as preferable to the alternative
of extensive and time-cOnsuming lawsuits.
Lsws authorizing such proceedings are SUD
yersiye of private rights and unworthy Of Tree
country. .-...,.
Other matters than these, pertaining to Gus,
toms revenue laws, require your Atten''OH eHN
will doubtless be brought before you. We CONNIE
ourselves here to the evils most patent and oil
brosdest effect, to the reform Of which every
good citizen must lend bis aid, and we confidently
hope for your early and favorable seton
The copy Of the above which came to US has
attached to it the printed signatures OF 700
citizen. of Vermont the respected names Of l.
At. Fairbanks * Co., Of St. Johuhbury, head
ing the list. The remaining signers are chieny
business men Of ST. Johnsbury, Brattleboro ana
Vergennes. We suppose the main object OF the
petition is indicated in the paragraphs relating
% seizures Of books and papers Of merchants
There il probably no difference Of opinion on
that point among business men everywhere OF
indeed On most of the evils alluded to, and sig
natures can probably be obtained by thousands
instead of hundreds, if sny one will take the
trouble to secure them.