Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1880-07-14

Chinese to our Pacific coast parLakes but
little of the qualities of such emigration,
either in its purpose or its result. IL IS
too much like an importation to be vel
coined witeout restriction, too much like
an invasion to be looked upon without
solicitude. We cannot consent to allow
any form of servlle labor to be introduced
among us under the guise Of immigration.
Recognizing the gravity Of this subject the
present administration, supported by con-
eress, has sent to China a commission of
distinguished citizens for the purpose of
securing such modification of the exist
ing treaty as will prevent the evils likely
to arise from the present situation. 1t is
confidently believed these diplomatic ne
gotiations will be successful without the
loss of commercial intercourse between the
two powers, which promise great ln-
crease of reciprocal trade and enlarge
ment of our markets. Should these efforts
fail it will be the duty of congress to limit
evils already felt and prevent their in
crease by such restrictions rs without
violence or injustice will place upon
sure foundation the peace of our commune
ties and the freedom and dignity of labor.
The appointment of citizens to the various
executive and judicial offices of the gov
eminent is perhaps the most difficult
of all the duties which the constitution
has imposed upon the executive. The
convention wisely demands that congress
shall cooperate with the executive depart
ments in placing the civil service on bet
ter basis. Experience has proved that with
our frequent changes of administration
no system of reform can be made effective
and permanent without the aid of legisla-
ton. The appointments to the military
and naval service are so regulated by law
and custom as to leave but little ground
for complaint. 1t may not be wise to
make similar regulations by law for civil
service, but without invading the authority
or necessary discretion of the executive,
congress should devise some method that
will determine the tenure Office and great
ly reduce the uncertainty which makes
that service so uncertain and unsatisiacto-
ry. Without depriving any officer of his
rights as citizen, the government should
require him to discharge all his official
duties with intelligence, efficiency and
f.ithfulness. To select wisely from our
vast population those who are best fitted
for the many offices to be filled requires
an acquaintance far beyond the range of
any one man. The executive should,
therefore, seek and receive information
and assistance of those whose knowledge
of communities in which the duties are to
be performed, best qualities them to aid
in making the wisest choice. The doc
trines announced by the Chicago conven-
tion are not the temporary devices of the
party to attract votes and carry an election
they are deliberate convictions resulting
from careful study Of the spirit of our
institutions, the events of our history and
the best impulses of our people. In
my Judgment these principles should con
troll the legislation and administration Of
the government. In any event they will
guide my conduct until experience
points out better way. If elected it will
be my purpose to enforce strict obedience
to the constitution and laws and to pro-
mote as best may the interest and honor
of the whole country. Relying for support
upon the wisdom of the country, the intel
igence and patriotism of the people and
the favor of God, with great respect | au
very truly yours. (Signed.)
j. A. GARFIELD.
To Hon. Geo. +. Hoar, chairman o
committee.