Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1880-12-15
A Synopsis Of The Presidents Mes.
sage.

A Synopsis Of The Presidents Mes
sage.
In his message the President refers
to the late election, denouncing the
Southern States for fraudulently count
ing out the votes OF the negroes, thus
virtually DISTINGUISHING them. He asks
for the abolishment of sectional issues.
He speaks of the necessity of general
system of education in the South,
urging that Congress shall make ap-
preparations to this end and establish
Federal supervision over the expendi-
ture of such grants as it may make.
In the South the means at the COM
mand of the local and state authorities
are in many cases wholly inadequate
| to furnish free instruction to all who
need it, Whatever the government
can fairly do to promote free popular
education ought to be done. Wherever
general education is found, peace,
virtue and social order prevail, and
civil and religious liberty are secure.
He reviews at some length the sue
cess which he believes has been at ain
| ed during his administration in improv-
ing the tone ard efficiency OF the civil
service The danger of patronage, or
| appointments for personal or partisan
considera ions, have been strengthened
by observation and experience in the
executive Office, and believe these
dangers threaten the stability Of the
government. The reasons are impera-
tive for the adoption Of fixed rules for
the regulation of appointments, promo
tions, and removals, establishing a uni
| form method, having exclusively in
view, in every instance, the attainment
of the best qualifcat ons for the posi-
tion in question. Such method alone
is consistent with the equal rights of
all citizens, and the most economical
and efficient administration Of the pub
| lie business. In several Of the depart
ments he says they have tried the COM
petitive mode of appointment, and it
has wonderfully benefited the service ;
SO method which has so approved
itself by experimental test at points
where such tests may be fairly consid-
cred conclusive, should be extended to
all subordinate positions under the
government.
He recommends an annual appro-
priation of $25, 900 to pay the expenses
of commission whose duty it shall be
to devise a just system of competitive
examinations throughout the country
for applicants for the service, which
would relieve the president and con-
gressmen greatly The first step in
| the reform of the civil service must be
complete divorce between congress
and the executive in the matter of APP
pointments. The corrupting principle
that "to victors belong the spoils," is
inseparable from congressional patron
age as the established rule and practice
Of parties in power.
The question Of oiysamy in Utah
| has also a share of attention. He
heartily denounces the "crying evil" +"
and asks for the abolishment of the
| "crime"
Our foreign relations have been good.
He refers to the fisheries question, the
| firing on Amer can vessels in Cuban
waters, and says that these matters
are approaching settlement The
| President considers it as one of the
| striking successes Of his administra-
ton that resumption has been accom-
| Plished and maintained, and the country
brought out Of the disasters following
| the panic.
He calls attention to the fact that
the legislation OF the last congress in
regard to silver has failed to produce
the effect then predicted The United
States PRODUCES more silver than any
other country, and is diroctly interested
in maintaining it "a one of the precious
metals.
He recommends the legislation for
organizing, arming and disciplining the
militia. and asks for liberal appropria-
tions for this puPpoae,
He recommends the completion Of
the new war department building, and
the erection Of tire-proof building for
the army medical museum and library.
He commends to the attention Of
congress the great services OF the com
mapder-in-chief of our armies during
the war for the union, whose wise, firm
and pltriotic conduct did SO much TO
bring that momentous conflict TO II
close. The Legislation of the United
States contgins many precedents for
the recognition of distinguished mill
tary merit, authorizing rank and emol-
uments to be conferred for eminent
services to the country. An act of con-
gress authorizing the appointment of q
captain-general of the army. with suit.
able provisions relating to a compensa-
tion, retirement and other details,
would, in my judgment, be altogether
fitting and proper, and be warmly APP
proved by the country.
He recommends the establishment
of American lines Of steamers to carry
ibe mails between our own ports and