Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1877-12-11

Ii Is here that the Constitution seems 10 me
to prove its claim to the great wisdom accord
ed to it. IL gives to the executive the assis
lance of the knowledge snd experience OF
the Senate, which, when acting upon nomina
tons as to which they may be disintcrested
and impartial judges, seems as strong aguar-
antee of freedom Of errors ofimportance as is
perhaps possible in human affairs.
In addition to this ] recognize the public
advantage Of making all nominations ss
nearly as possible impersOnal, in the sense
of being free from mere caprice or favor in
the selection, and in those offices In which
spcial training gives greatly increased value,
| believe such rule AS 10 the tenure or Office
should obtain as may induce men Of proper
qualifications to apply themselves Indus
triously 10 the task Of becoming prof clients.
Bearing these things in mind | have en-
deayored 10 reduce the number Of char ges in
subordinate places usually made upon the
change of the general administration, and
shall most heartily cooperate with Congress
in the better systematizing of such methods
and rule of admission to the public service
and of promotion within il, as may promise
to be most successful in making thorough
competency, efficiency and character the de-
cisive tests in these matters.
ask IeNeNtu Ol AOu8lehs ~
what has already been done by the civil se--
vice Commission, appointed in pursuance Of
act Of Congress, by my predecessor, 10 pro-
pose and revise civil service rules.
In regard to much of the department ser
vice, especially at Washington, il may he diff
fcult 10 organize a better system than
that which has thus been provided,
and is now being used TO considerable
extent under my direction. The Commission
has still legal existence, although for sew
eral years no appropriation has been made
for defrayiRg its expenses. Believing that
this Commission has rendered valuable sery-
ice, and will be a most useful agency in im5
proving the administration of the civil service,
| respectfully recommend that a suitable nppre-
priation, to be Immediately available, be made
10 enable it 10 continue its labor.
1t is my purpose 20 transmit to Congress as
early as practicable report by the chair
man Of the Commission, and to ask your at
tentiOn TO such measures on that subject as
in my opinion will further promote the im-
provement of the civil service.
Our Foreign Relations.
During the past year the L. $. have con-
tnued TO maintain peaceful relations with
foreign powers. The outlook ofwar between
Russia and Turkey, though at one tine at
tended by grave apprehensions as 70 its
effect upon other European nations, han had
no tendency to disturb the smicable relations
existing between the United States and each
of the two contending powers.
An attitude of just and impartial neutrality
has been preserved, and l am gratificd to
state that in the midst Of their hOstilities,
both the Russian and the Turkish govern
ments have shown an earnest desire Ia ad-
here 10 the obligations of all treaties with
the United States and to give due regard to
the rights of American citizens.
By the terms of the treaty defining the rights,
immunities and privileges ofcOnsuls betTeen
Italy and the United States, ratified in 1868,
either government may, after the lapse Of ten
years, terminate the existence OF the treaty
by giving twelve months notice of its inten-
ton. The government of Italy ayailing ia
self of this condition, has now given the re-
quired notice, and the treaty will according
Iy end on the 18th Of September, 1873
Il is understood, however, that the Italian
wishes 10 renew Il in its general
scope, desiring only certain notifications in
some of its articles. In this disposition
concur, and shall hope that ne serious cbsta-
cles may intervene to prevent or delay the
negotiation of a satisfactory treaty.
Numerous questions in regard 10 PASSPORTS,
and exemption from military
service, have continued to arise in the case
Of emigrants from Germany, who have re-
turned to their native country
The provisions of the treaty Of Febteary
%, 1865, however, have proved 10 be so
ample and judicious that the legation OF the
United States a; Berlin have been able TO
adjust all claims arising under it, not only
without detriment TO the amcGble relations
existing between the two governments hut,
il is believed, without injury or injustice TO
duly naturalized American citizens.
Ii is desirable that the treaty originally
made with the North German Union, 1877,
should nov be extended so as 10 apply equal
Iy to all states of the Empire OF Germany.
The invitation of the government OF
France to participate in an exposition OF the
products Of agriculture, industry anu the
fine arts, to be held al Paris during the com
ing wear, was submitted for your consilera-
ton at the extra session. II is not doubted
that its acceptance by the United States, and
A well selected exhibition of the products Of
American industry on that OCCASION Will tend
to stimulate international commerce and enI-
grafton as well as TO promote the traditional
between the two countries.
A question arose some time since as 10 the
proper meaning Of the extradtion articles Of
the treaty of 1912 between the L. 5. aHd Great
Britain. Both governments, however, are r.ow IN
the belief that the questionis net one
which should be allowed TO Illustrate the ends
of Justice, or to disturb the friendship be-
teen the two nations. No serious difficulty
has arisen in accomplishing the extradltion
Of criminals when necessary. Ii is probable
thst all parts Of disagreement will IA due
time be settled, and it needs more explicit
declaration in Il new treaty.
The fishery commission under certain ar
ticles of the treaty of Washington has con
cluded its session at Halifax. The result of
the arbitration of the Commission is made
public by the commissioners and will be com
TO Congress.
A treaty for the protection of trade marks
has been negotiated with Great Britain, which
has been submitted TO the Senate for it' con-
sideratiCu.
The revolution which recently Occlrred
in Mexico was followed by the accession Of
the successful party to power and the install
latioa of its CHEZ, General Porherro Diaz, IN
the presidential office. II has been the Gus
tom of the United States, when such changes
of government have heretofore occurred in
Mexico to recognize and enter into Official
relations with the de fdetO government, as
soon as il should appear to have the approval
of the Mexican people, and should manifest
q DISPOSITION to adhere 10 the obligations OF
treaties and international friendship. In the
present case such official recognition has
heen deferred by the occurrences on the kIO