Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1880-07-17
NO. 10.

| 0nt WAFER COURSES. Inc mAter1-
al Interests of this country, the
traditions of its settlement, and
the sentiment of our people, have
led the government to offer the
widest hospitality to immigrants
who seek our shores for new and
happier homes, willing to share
the burdens as we'll as the benefits
OF our society, and intending that
their posterity shall become an
undistinguishable part OF our pop
ulation.
The recent movement of the
| Chinese to our Pacific coast par
takes but little OF the qualities OF
such an immigration, either in its
purpose or its results. Ii Is too
much like an importation to be
welcomed without restriction too
much like an invasion TO be look
ed upon without solicitude. We
cannot consent to allow any form
or servile labor to be introduced
among us under the guise OF i'm
migration. Recognizing the grav-
| ity OF this subject, the present adj
ministration, supported by Con-
gress. has sent to China commits
sion Of distinguished citizens for
the purpose OF securing such b
modification of the existing treaty
as will prevent the evils likely to
arise from the present situation.
1t is confidently believed that
these diplomatic negotiations will
be successful without the lost of
commercial intercourse between
the two powers, which promises q
great Increase of reciprocal trade
and the enlargement of our mar
kets. Should these efforts fail. 1t
will be the duty OF Congress to.
mitigate the evils already felt and
prevent their increase by such re-
strictions as, without violence or
injustice, will place upon sure.
foundation the peace of COM
munities and the freedom and dig.
nifty OF labor. The appointment
OF citizens to the various executive
and judicial offices of the govern
ment Is, perhaps, the most diff
cult Of all duties which the Con-
stitnion has imposed upon the ex-
ecutive. The convention wisely
demands that Congress shall co.
operate with the executive depart
ments In placing the civil service
on better basis. Experience has
proved that with our frequent
changes of administration no sys-
tenn of reform can be made effec-
tive and permanent without the
aid OF legislation.
Appointments to the military
and naval service are so regulated
by the law or custom as 10 leave
but little ground for complaint. 1t
may not be wise to make similar
regulations by law for the civil
service, but without invading the
authority or necessary discretion
OF the Executive, Congress should
devise a method that will deter
mine the tenure of office and
greatly reduce the uncertainty
which makes that service so un-
certain and unsatisfactory. With
out depriving any officer Of his
rights as a citizen, the government
should require him to dischare all
his official duties with intelli-
gence, efficiency and fathfulness.
To select wisely from our vast
population those who are best fit
ted for the many offices to be fill
ed requires an acquaintance far
beyond the range of any one man.
The executive should, therefore,
seek and receive the information
and assistance of those whose
knowledge of the communities in
which the duties are to be per-
formed best qualified them to aid
In making the wisest choice.
The doctrines announced by the
Chicago convention are not the
temporary devices OF party to
attract votes and carry an election.
They are deliberate convictions,
resulting from a careful study of
the spirit of our institutions, the
events Of our history and the best
impulses OF our people. In my
Judgement, these principles should
control the legislation and admin
istration OF the government. In
any event, they will guide my
conduct until experience points
out better way. II elected,
1t will be my purpose to enforce
strict obedience TO the. C0nstitu-
ton and the laws, and to promote
as best / may the interests and
honor of the whole country, rely
ing for support upon the wisdom
OF Congress, the intelligence and
patriotism of the people, and the
favor of God.
With great respect, am very
truly yours.
]. A. GARFIELD.
To Hon. GEO. +. Hoar, Chair.