Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1880-07-23

its great tributaries is of such vital i'm
portance TO so many millions OF people,
that the safety Of its navigation re
quires exceptional consideration. In
order to secure TO the nation the con-
troll of its waters, President Jefferson
negotiated the purchase of vast ter
ritory extending from the Gulf OF Mex
leo to the Pacific Ocean. The wisdom
of Congress should be invoked TO de
wise some plan by which that great
river shall cease TO be IA terror to those
who dwell upon its banks, and by
which it's shipping may safely carry
the industrial products of $4,000, 900 OF
people. The interests of agriculture
which is the basis of all our material
prosperity, and in which seven-twelfths
of the population are arrayed, as well
as the interests of manufactures and
commerce, demand that the facilities
for cheap transportation shall be in
creased by the use of all our great
water-courses.
THE CHINESE QUESTION.
The material interests of this country,
the traditions of it's settlement and the
sentiment of our people have led the
government to offer the widest hospi-
tality to emigrants who seek our shores
for new and happier homes, willing to
share the burdens as we'll as the beni-
fits of our society, and intending that
their posterity shall become an undis-
tinguishable part of our population.
The recent movement of the Chinese
to our Pacific coast partakes but little
of the qualities of such an emigration,
either in its purposes or its result. II
is too much like an importation to be
| welcomed without restriction, too
much like an invasion to be looked
upon without solicitude. We cannot
consent to allow any form of servile la.
Dor to be introduced among us under
the guise of immigration. RecogniZ
ing the gravity of this subject, the pres
emf administration, supported by Con
gress, has sent to China IL commission
of distinguished citizens for the pur
pose of securing such a modification
of the existing treaty as will prevent
the evils likely to arise from the pres
ent situation. 1t is confidently be
lieved that these diplomatic negotia
tons will be successful without tn,
loss of commercial intercourse between
the two powers, which promises grea
increase of reciprocal trade and en-
largement of our markets. Should
these efforts fail, it will be the duty o
Congress to investigate the evils al
ready felt and prevent their increas
by such restrictions as, without vic
lence or injustice, will place upon ,
sure foundation the peace of our com
munities and the freedom and dignit,
of labor.
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.
The appointment of citizens to tn
various executive and judicial office
of the government is, perhaps, TIN
most difficult of all duties which tn
constitution has imposed upon the En-
ecutive. The convention wisely de
} mands that Congress shall cooperate
with the executive departments il
placing the civil service on better ba
sis. Experience has proved that, wit
our frequent changes of administra
ton, no system of reform can be mad
effective and permanent without tn
: aid of legislation, Appointments t
the military and naval service are $
regulated by law and custom as t
leave but little ground for complaint
1t may not be wise to make simila
: regulations by law for the civil service
but, without invading the authority c
necessary discretion of the Executive
Congress should devise a method tina
will determine the tenure of Office an
| lyv ,oJ,na fl,n t,iy ,f1 H,yINt Ia,
makes that service so uncertain ant
unsatisfactory. Without deprivin
any officer of his rights az a. citizen
the government should require him
: discharge his official duties with int
ligence, efficiency and faithfulnes,
: To select wisely from our vast popult
ton those who are best fitted for til
many Offices to be filled, requires a
acquaintance far beyond the range {
any one man. The Executive should
therefore, seek and receive the infol
nation and assistance of those who's
knowledge of the communities j
which the duties are to be performe
best qualities them to aid in maxim
the wisest choice.
IN CONCLUSION.
The doctrines announced by til
; Chicago Convention are not the ten
porary devices of a party to attrat
! votes and carry an election; they al
!; deliberate convictions, resulting froi
l careful study of the spirit of our il
$ stitutions, the events of our histor
: and the best impulses of our peopl
e In my Judgment these principle
: should control the legislation and az
ministration of the government. |
+ any event they will guide my condu,
J, until experience points out u bett,
i way. If elected, it will be my purpos
to enforce strict obedience to the col
S stitution and the laws, and to promo
. as best may the interest and honor
L the whole country, relying for suppo
: upon the wisdom of Congress, the il
l. telligence and patriotism of the poop
}, and the favor of God.
: With great respect, l am
: Very truly yours,
}, J. A. GARFIELD.
a To Hon George +. IIoar, chairman