The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1880-07-28

UuO uuhl1plC0 Va ooSA tA ~o
either in its purposes or its result. II
is too much like an importation to OF
welcomed without restriction; TOO
much like an invasion to be looked upon
without solicitHde. We cannot consen,
to allow any form of servile labor to DE
introduced among us under the guise Of
emigration. Recognizing the gravity
of this subject the present adminlstra'
ton supported by Congress, has sent to
China a commission of distinguished
citizens for the purpose OF Sc.
curing such a modification of the
existing treaty as will prevent the evils
likely to arise from the present situa.
ton. 1t is confidently believed that
these diplomatic negotiations will be
successful without the loss of CONNER
cial intercourse between the two pow.
ers, which promises a great increase oil
reciprocal trade and the enlargement Of
our markets. Should these efforts tail,
it will be the duty of Congress to miti.
gate the evils already felt, and prevent
their increase by such restrictions as,
without violence or injustice, will place
upon a sure foundation the peace Of our
communities and the freedom and dig
nifty of labor.
THE CIVIL SERVICE.
The appointment of citizens to the
various executive and judicial offices OF
the government is, perhaps, the most
difficult of all duties which the Consti-
tuition has imposed on the Executive.
The convention wisely demands that
Congress shall cooperate with the Exc
cutive departments in placing the sivil
service on a better basis. Experience has
proved that with our frequent changes OF
administration no system Of reform can
be made effective and permanent with
out the aid of legislation. Appoint
ments to the military and naval SER
vice are so regulated by law und Gus
tom as to 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 determine the tenure
of Office, and greatly reduce the 1lncer-
tainty which makes that service so un-
certain and unsatisfactory. Without
depriving any officer of his rights as a
citizen, the governme emit should require
him to discharge all his official duties
with intelligence, efficiency ard. faith
fulness. To select wisely from our vast
population those who are best fitted for
the many offices to be filed, requires an
acquaintance far beyond the range Of
any one man. The Executive should,
therefore, seek and receive the informa-
ton 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 tenn
porary devices of a party to attract
votes and carry an election; they are
deliberate convictions resulting from a
careful study of the spirit of our institu-
ions, the events of our history and the
best impulses OF our people. In my
Judgment these principles should control
the legislation and administration ofthe
government. In any event, they will
guide my conduct until experience
points out a better way.
If elected, it will be NY purpose to
enforce strict obedience to the Constitu-
ton and the laws, and to promote, as
best | may, the interest and honor OF the
whole country relying 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,
j. A.. GARFIELD.
To the Honorable GEORGE F. HoAR,
Chairman of Committee.