Connecticut western news., 1876-07-21
THE PRESIDENCY.
The Letter of Governor Hayes, of Ohio,
 Accepting the Nomination.

The Letter of Governor Hayes, Of OhlOs
 Accepting the Nomination.
 In accepting the nomination rendered him by the Republican national conven- tion at Cincinnati, Rutherford B. Hayes, of Ohio, says he does not deem it neces- sary to enter upon any extensive exami- nation of the declaration of principles made by the convention ; the resolutions are in accord with his views, and he honestly concurs in the principles they announce. He adds:
 The fifth resolution adopted by the convention is of paramount interest. More than forty years ago system of making appointments to office grew up, based upon the maxim: "To the victors belong the spoils." Tie old rule, the true rule, that honesty, capacity, and fidelity constitute the only real qualifi- cations for office, and that there is no other claim, gave place to the idea that party services were to be chiefly consid- cred. All parties in practice have adopt ed this system. It has been essentially modified since its first introduction it has not, however, been improved. At first the President, either directly or through the heads of departments, made all the appointments, but gradu- ally the appointing power, in many cases, passed into the control of mem- bers of Congress. The offices in these cases have become, not merely rewards for party services, but rewards for ser vices to party leaders. This system de- stroys the independence of the separate departments of the government. cit tends directly to extravaganza and official incapacity." It is temptation to dis honesty it flinders and impairs that careful supervision and strict accounta- bility by which alone faithful and ef- fcient public services can be secured it obstructs the prompt removal and sure punishment of the unworthy in every way it degrades the civil service and the character of the government. It is felt, am confident, by large ma jority of the members of Congress to be an intolerable burden and an unwarrant, able hindrance to the proper discharge of their legitimate duties. It ought to be abolished. The reform should be thorough, radical and complete.
 We should return to the principles and practices of the founders of the government, supplying by Legislation, when needed, that which was formerly the established custom. They neither expected nor desired from the public officers any partisan service. They meant that public officers should give their whole service to the government and to the people. They meant that the officer should be secure in his ten ure as long as his personal character re mained satisfactory. If elected, shal conduct the administration of the gov ernment upon these principles, and al constitutional powers vested in the Exc cutive will be employed to establish this reform.
 The declaration of principles by th. Cincinnati convention makes no an nourcement in favor of single. Presi dential term. do not assume to ado to that declaration, but believing tha
 the restoration of the civil service t.
 the system established by Washington and followed by the early President ? can best be accomplished by an Execu tive who is under no temptation to ust F the patronage of his office to promot' . his own reelection, I desire to perforn what l regard as duty in statlug nov , my infexible purpose, if elected, not t. be candidate for election to 8 secon' , term.
 . The resolution with respect to tn public school system is one which shoul, 5 receive the hearty support of tn American people. Agitation of the sub iect is to be apprehended, until, by con stitutional amendments, the schools ar : placed beyond all danger of sectaria l control or interference. The Republican 3 party is pledged to secure such a l amendment.