Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1879-12-04

gent OF Weigntv, VIII ever dl-piace the zeal 1
Of our people in defense of the primary rights |
OF citizenship, and that the power of public |
opinion will override all political prejudices, |
aud all sectional and State attachments, in /
demanding that all over our wide territory
the name and character of citizen of the
United States shall mean one and the same
thing, and carry with them unchallenged Sc
eurity and respect. earnestly appeal to the
intelligence and patriotism of ali good citi-
zens Of every part of the country, however
much they may be divided in opinions on
other political subjects, TO unite in compelling
obedience to existing laws aimed a. the pro
lection Of the right Of Suffrage. ! respectfully
urge upon Congress 10 supply any defects in
these laws which experience has shown and
which it Is within its power to remedy. |
again invoke the cooperation of the execu-
tive and legislative authorities of the State
ia this great purpose. am fully convinced
that If the public mind can be set at rest on
this paramount question Of popular rights, no
serious obstacle will thw4rt or delay the CON-
plete pac6cation of ths country, or retard
the general diffusion Of prosperity.
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.
In former message invited the attention
Of Congress 10 the subject Of the reformation
expressed the intention OF transmitting to
Congress as early as practicable report up
on this sutj-ci By tae chairman Of the Civil
Service Commission.
In view Of the facts that, during a consid
cradle period, the government OF Great Brit
ian has been dealing with administrative
problems and abuses, in various particulars
analogous to those presented in this country,
and that in recent years the measures adopt
ed were understood to have been effective
and in every respect highly satisfactory,
tho ught il desir. Bile to have fuller informa-
ton upon the subject, aud accordingly re-
quested the chairman of the civil service
commission 10 make thorough investigation
for this purpose. The result has been an
elaborate and comprehensive report.
The report sets forth the history Of the
partisan spoils system in Great Britain, and
Of the rise and fall Of the parliamentary pat
ronsge, and Of official interior ence with the
freedom of elections. II shows that after
long trials of various kinds Of examinations,
those which are competitive and open on
equal terms 10 all, and which are carried on
under the superintendent Of a single Com
mission, have, with great advantage, been es
/ tablished as conditions Of admission 10 al
most every official place in the subordinate
! administration of that country and of British
India. The completion Of the report, owing
ing 10 the extent Of the labor involved in its
preparation, and the commission of Congress
to make any provision either for the compen-
sstion or the expenses of the Commission,
has been postponed unit! the present time.
Il is herewith transmitted 10 Congress.
While the reform measures Of another gov
ernment are of no authority for US, they are
entitled 10 influence, 10 the extent TO which
their intrinsic wisdom, and their adaptation
10 our institutions and social life msy CON-
mend them 10 our consideration.
The views have heretofore expressed
concerning the defects and abuses 10 our civil
administration remain unchanged, except in
so far as an enlarged experience has Deep
ened my sense Of duty both Of officers and oil
the people themselves 10 cooperate for their
removal. The grave evils and perls Of q
Partisan spolls system of appointment to Of
fee and of Office tenure, are now generally
recognized. In the resolutions of the great
parties, in the reports OF departments, in the
debates and proceedings OF Congte ss, in the
messages Of Of executives, the gravity Of
these evils has been pointed out and the
need Of their reform has been admitted.
To command tie necessary support. every
measure Of reform must be based on common
right and justice, and must be compatible
which are inevitable and essential in free
State.
When the people have approved policy
at a national election, confidence on the par
Of the officers they have selected, and Of the
adviser who, in acco d1nce with our politica
institutions, should be consulted. 10 the poll
cy which II is their du ) 10 carry into effect
is indispensable. II il sminently proper tina
they should explain il before the people, al
well as illustrate its spirit 10 the perform
aDce of their official daties.
Very different considerations apply TO thu
great number of those who all the subordi
nate places in the civil service. Their re
sponsbility is 10 their superiors in offcia
position. II is their duty 10 obey the lega
instructions of those upon whom rhe al hor
liy is devoved. and their best pubic servic'
consists IN the discns rging OF their function
irrespective of partisan politics Their du
ties are the same, whatever party is in pow
, er and whatever policy prevails. As con
, sequence, il follows thai their tenure OF Of
! nee should not depend On the prevalence o
any policy or the supremacy OF any party
! but should be determined BY their capaci'.
, to serve the people most usefully, quite ire
spsctive of partisan interests. The sam
f considerations that shout govern the tenure
should also prevail in the appointment, dis
cipline, and removal OF these subordinates
The authority of appointment and remova
IS not perqulsite, which may be used to al
f friend or reward partisan, but is a trus
, to be exercised m the public terest, unde
all the sanctions which attend the obligation
: to apply the public funds only for publ
A purposes.
; Every citizen has an equal right TO IN
. honor and profit of entering the public ser
vice Of his country The only just ground q
1 discrimination, is the measure of characte
n and capacity be has TO make that servic
most useful 10 the people. Except in case
$ where, upon jus, and recognized principles
as upon the theory of pensions, offices an
: promotions are bestowed as rewards for pas
3 services. Their bestowal upon any theor
which disregards personal merit is an act c
,. injustice TO the citizen, as we'll as breac
e OF that trust subject to which the appoiniin
/, power is held.
r Ia the light OF these principles, it become
j OF greater importance to provide just and ed
e equate means, especially for every depart
/. ment, and large administrative ONCE, wher
: personal discrimination on the part OF !,
head is not practicable, for sscertainin
those qualifications to which appointment
y and removals should have reference. I
n fail TO provide such means is not only to d.
i ny the opportunity OF ascertaining the fact
f upon which the most righteous claim 10 OIL
e fee depends, but of necessity TO discourag
}, all worthy aspirants, by handing over az
$ potntments and removals TO mere infiueDc
o and favoriteism. If il is the right Of III
d worthiest claimant TO gain the appointing n
n and the interest of the people 10 bestow
Y upon him, il woulc seem clear that a wis
5 and Jus. method of sscertaining personal fl
a ness for office must be an important and pei
n manent function of every just and wise GOV
1 eminent. II has long since become impo,
E sible, in the great offices, for those havin
/. TIE duty OF nomination and appointment |
personally examine into the individual qua
ifeations OF more than snail proportion
a those seeking Office; aud, with the enlarge
ment Of the civil service, that pToportIo
e must continue TO become less.
n In the earlier years ofthe Government III
2 subordinate Offices were so few IN numbe
that II was easy for those making appein
ments and promotions TO personally sscel
| tain the merits of candidates. Party mana
gers and methods had not then become pow
eriui sgencies of coercion, hostile to the fire.
. and just exercise Of the appointing power.
A large and responsible part OF the dut
Of restoring the civil service 20 the desire
purity and efficiency rests upon the pres
dent, and itIs my purpose TO DO what
within my power TO advance such prudei
and gradual measures OF reform as will mos
surely and rapidly bring alb ,ut that radica
change Of system essential TO make our al
illustrative methods satisfactory to fire.
ard intelligent people. BY proper exercis
of authority II is in the power of she execu
RI 70 do -, II