Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-07-13

TO devise some plan BY which that great rive
shall cease to be terror to those Who dwell
upon its banks and by which its shipping
may safely carry the industrial products Of
u. oo0, ooo Of people. The interests vf agri-
cultural. which is the basis Of all our material
prosperity aud in which seven-twelfths of our
population are arrayed, as well a. the inter-
ests of manufactures and commerce, demand
that the facilities for cheap transportation be
increased BY the use Of all our great water
courses.
| The National 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 emigrants who
| seek our shores for new and happier
homes, willing to share the burdens
rs well as the benefits Of our society
and intending that their pcsterity shall be-
come an undistinguishable part OF our popu.
lation. The recent movement Of Chinese to
our Pacific coast partakes but little Of the
question of such an emigration, either in its
purposes or its results. Ii is too much like
an importation to be welcome without re-
striction; too much like an invasion to be
looked on without solicitude. We cannot
consent to allow any form of servile labor to
be introduced among us under the guise Of
immigration. Recognizing the gravity of
this subject. the present administration, sup
ported by Congress, has sent to China COM
mission of distinguished citizens. for the pur-
pose of securing such modification of the ex-
listing treaty rs will prevent the evils likely
TO arise from the present assimilation. 1t is
confidently believed that these diplomatic ne
gotiations will be successful. without loss Of
the commercial relations between the two
powers, which promises great increase of
r,ciprneal fra1a nj lar Of
kets. Should these efforts fail, il will be the
duty of Congress to mitigate the evils already
felt and prevent their in, r,ase by such re-
strictions as, without violence or injustice,
will place upon secure foundation the peace
Of our communities and the freedom and dig
nifty OF labor. The appointment of citizens
10 the various executive and judicial offices
of the government is perhaps the most diff
cult of all the duties which the Constitution
has imposed on the executive. The conven-
ton wisely demands that Congress shall CO.
operate with the executive departments in
placing the civil service on better basis.
Experience has proved that with our frequent
changes of administration no system of re-
form can be made effective aud permanent
without aid of legislation. Appointment to
the military and naval service is SO regulated
by law and custom rs to leave but little
ground for complaint. Ii may not be wise to
make similar regulation by law for the civil ser
vice, but without invading authority OF nee
essary discretion of the executive, Congress
should devise some method to determine the
tenure of office and greatly reduce the uncer-
tainty which makes that service SO uncertain
and unsatisfactory. Without depriving any
officer Of his rights as citizen, the govern
ment should require him to discharge all his
official duties with Intelligence, efficiency
m fa,tbf,,lnn,s r., S,lact xSis,lxy from,
vast population those who are best fitted for
the many offices to be filed, requires an ac-
quaintance far beyond the range Of any one
man. The executive should therefore seek
and receive information and assistance Of
those whose knowledge of the communities
in which the duties are to be performed, best
qualities them to aid in making the wisest
choice.
The doctrines announced by the Chicago
convention are not the temporary devices Of
party t. attract votes and carry an election.
They are the deliberate convictions resulting
from careful study of the spirit of our in
situations, the events of our history and the
best impulses of our people. In my judg-
ment these principles should control the leg
islation and administration of our government.
In any event. they will guide my conduct, till
experience points out a better way. If elect
ed, it will be my purpose to enforce a strict
obedience to the constitution and laws and to
promote as best as | may the interests and
honor of the whole country. Relying for sup
gence and patriotism of the people and the
favor of God. with great respect,
am, very truly yours,
(Signed.) J. A. GARFIELD.
To Hon. George f. lIoar, Chairman Of COM
mittee