The New York herald., 1879-12-01

uniform justice. Reports from the Secretary OF the
Interior from the Postmaster General from the POST
master in the city OF New York. where such exami-
nations have been some time trial. and also from
the Collector of the Port. the Naval Officer and the
Surveyor in that city and from the postmaster
and collectors in several of the other large cities.
show that the competitive system where appnea
has in various ways contributed TO improve tue
public service. The reports show that the res
have been salutary in marked degree aha
that the general application of similar rules cannot
fail to be OF decided benefit the service The re-
ports of the government officers in the CITY OF New
York especially bear decided testimony 10 the unity
of omen competitive examinations in their respec-
tive offices, showing that ''these eHainna,ions aiiu
the excellent qualifications OF those i au ~ III
service through them have had marked ihciuen.ai
effect upon the persons previously IN tne serse'
and particularly upon those aspiring 20 pIomo.ion'
There has been on the part OF tnese iatter' az IA
creased interest in the work and desire to extend
acquaintance with it beyond particular desk, ana
thus the morale of the entire force has been raised
The examinations have been attended by many citi-
zens who have had an opportunity to thoroughly
the scope and character of the tests and
The method of determ ning the results, and those
visitors have without exception approved the modes
employed. and several OF them nave pupiiciy at
tested their favorable OPINION upon sucn consuera
POLITICAL LEvIEs FOR PARTY PURPOSES.
In closing discussion of the civil service ques-
ton the President declares that in whatever aspect
considered, the practice of making levies for party
purposes upon the salaries OF officers is highly de-
moraizing to the public service and discreditabe to
the country. Though an officer should be as free as
any other citizen to give his own money in aid OF
his opinions or his party he should also be az free
any other citizen to refuse to make such gifts.
II salaries but fair compensation for the time
and labor Of the officers it is gross injustice to levy
a tax upon them II they are made excessive in or
der that they may bear the tax the is an indi
rect robbery OF the public funds. lie. therefore,
recommends such a revision and extension of pres
ent statutes shall TO those in every grade
official life public employment the protection
with which q great and enlightened nation should
guard those who faithful in its service.
FOREIGN RELATIONS.
Relations with Austria, Russia Italy, Portugal.
Turkey and Belgium continue amicable and marked
by no incident OF especial Importance. With the
German Empire frequent questions arise in connec.
tion with the subject OF naturalization and
expatriation. but the imperial government has
constantly manifested desire to strictly
maintain and comply with all treaty stipu-
iations in regard to them. Some questions with
Switzerland in regard to pauper and convict emf
grants have arsen but it is not doubted that they
will be arranged upon just and satisfactory basis
The questions OF grave Importance with Spain,
growing of the incidents OF the Cuban insurrec
tion have been, for the most part happily and
honorably settled. The treaty recently made be-
Japan and the United States, in regard to the
revision Of former treaties it is now believed Will be
followed Ly similar action on tho part of other
treaty Powers. The government OF China has signi-
fed its Willingness to consider the question OF the
emigration OF its subjects to the United States with
a dispassionate fairness and to cooperate in such
measures may tend to prevent injurious conse-
auences to the Unitea States. The negotiations
still proceeding and will be pressed with diligence.
THE FORTUNE BAY MATTER.
The United States Minister in London has been
instructed to present a demand for $10530 C2. in
view of the damages received by American citizens
at Fortune Bay the 9th day of January 1873.
the British government and an early reply is an
ticipated. Upon the completion of the necessary
preliminary examination the suo1ect OF our par,
by treaty. will at once be brought to the attention
of the British government. with a view to an early
and permanent settlement OF the whole question,
which was only temporarily adjusted by the
Treaty of Washington. Efforts have been made
to obtain the removal Of restrictions found injuri-
GUS to the expectation of cattle to the United King
dom. Some correspondence has also occurred with
regard to the rescue and saving OF life and property
lab hna fa6 in ant
notifications Of the previous regulations OF the Do
minion government on the subject in the interest
of humanity and commerce. In accordance with
the joint resolution OF the last session of Congress
Commissioners appointed to represent the
United States at the two international exhibitions in
Australia, Of which snow in progress at Sydney
and the other to be held next year at Melbourne
desire has been expressed by our merchants and
manufacturers interested i'll the important and
growing trade with Australia that an increased pro-
vision should be made by Congress for the repre-
sentation of our industries at the Melbourne Exhbi
ton of next wear and the subject is respectfully sub
mitted to your favorable consideration.
THE NEW FRENCH CABLE
The assent of the government has been given to
the landing on the coast OF Massachusetts OF new
and independent Transatlantic cable between France,
by way of the French island of st. Pierre and this
country, subject to any future legislation of Con-
press on the subject. The conditions imposed, be-
fore allowing this connection with our shores to be
established, are such to secure its competition
with any existing or future lines OF marine cable
and preclude analgamation Herewith. To provide
for entire equality OF rights to government and
people with those of France in the use of the cable.
and prevent any exclusive possession of the privilege
as accorded by France to the disadvantage of any
future cable communication between France and the
United States which may be projected and accom-
plished by our citizens an important reduction of
the present rates of cable communication with
Europe. felt to be too burdensome to the interests
of our commerce. must necessarily flow from the
establishment or this competing line.
TRADE WITH RRAzIL.
Cordial relations continue with Brazil and the
Argentine Republic and trade with those countries
is Improving. provision for regular and more tre-
quent mail communication in our own ships. be-
tween the ports OF this country and the nations Of
South America to me to deserve the attention
of Congress essential precursor of an enlarge
ment OF our commerce with them and an extension
OF our carrying trade.
Diplomatic intercourse with Colombia is again
fully restored by the arrival of Minister from that
country to the United States. This is especially
turate, view of the fact that the question of
in nteroceanic canal has recently assumed new and
i'm mportant aspect aud is now under discussion with
the Central American countries, through whose ter
ritory the canal by the Nicarausa route would have
to pass. 1t is trusted that enlightened statesman
ship their part will see that the early prosecu-
ton of such work will largely inurc to
the benefit. not only of their own citizens
and those of the United States, but of
the commerce OF the civilized world. 1t
is not doubted that should the work be under
taken under the protective auspices of the United
States, and upon satisfactory concessions for the
right OF way and it's security by the Central Ameri
can governments the capital for its completion
would be readily furnished from this country and
Europe which might. failing such Guarantees prove
inaccessible
BORDER RAIDS sTOPPED.
Through the judicious and energetic action Of tho
military commanders of the two nations each
side of the Rio crande. under the instructions OF
their respective raids and depredations
greatly decreased, and in the localities where
formerly most destructive have now almost wholly
ceased In view of this result the President enter
confident expectation that the continuance of
the prevalence of quiet on the border will be-
come assured as to justify a modification of the
present orders to military commanders as to
crossing the border. without encouraging such dis
turbanccs would endanger the peace Of the two
CO untries.
INCREASE OF FOREIGN TRADE.
There Is gratifying increase OF trade with nearly
ali European and American countries, and 1t is be-
lieved tn t, with judicous action i'll regard to it's
development, it and will be still more enhanced
and that American products and manufactures will
lind new and expanding markets. The reports OF
diplomatic and consular officers upon this subject,
under the system now adopted, have resulted in OBJ
tanning much valuable information which has been
and will to be laid before Congress and the
public from time to time.
PROVISION FOR ALASKA.
The President says that both the obligations of tho
treaty with Russia aud the necessities Of the people
NJ