Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1880-07-13
THE CHINESE QUESTION

AhG SniNhoE QNESiioNs
The material interests of this country, the
traditions OF its settlement and sentiments of
our people, have led the Government to offer
the widest hospitality to emigrants who seek
Our shores for new and happier homes, will.
ing to share the burdens as well as the bene.
fits of society, and intending that their pos
terity shall become an undistinguishable part
of our population. The recent movement of
the Chinese to our Pacific coast partakes but
little of the qualities of such an immigration,
either in its purposes or its result. 1t is too
| much like an Importation to be welcome,
without restriction, too much like an invasion
to be looked upon without solicitude. We
cannst consent to allow any form of seryile
labor to be introduced among us under
the guise of immigration. Recognizing the
gravity of this subject, the present
Administration, supported by Congress, has
sent to China Commission of distinguished
citizens, for the purpose of securing such a
modification of the existing treaty as will
prevent the evils likely to arise from the
present situation. 1t is confidently believed
that these diplomatic negotiations will be
successful, without the loss of commercial
intercourse between the two Powers, which
promises great increase of reciprocal trade,
and the enlargement Of our markets. Should
these efforts fail it will be the duty of Con-
gress to mitigate the evils already felt, and
prevent their increase by such restriction as
without violence or injustice will place upon
a sure foundation the peace of our communi-
ties and the freedom and dignity of labor.
THE CIVIL SERVICE.
The appointment of citizens to the various
executive and judicial Offices of the Govern
ment is perhaps the most difficult of all the
duties which the Constitution has imposed
upon the Executive. The Constitution wisely
demands that Congress shall operate with the
Executive Departments in placing the civil
service on better basis. Experience has
proven that with our frequent changes of Ad-
ministration no system of reform can be made
effective and permanent without the aid of
legislation. Appointments to the military
and naval service are SO regulated by law and
custom as to leave but little ground for COM
plant. 1t may not be wise to make
civil service. but without invading the
authority or necessary discretion of the Ex-
ecutive, Congress should devise a method
that will determine the tenure of office, and
greatly reduce the uncertainty which makes
that service so unsatisfactory. Without de-
priving any officer of his rights as citizen,
the Government should require him to dis
charge all OF his official duties with lntelll-
gence. efficiency and faithfulness. 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 the infor-
nation and assistance of those whose
knowledge of the communities in which
the duties are to be performed best quail
ies them to aid them in making
the wisest choice. The doctrines announced
by the leaders of the party to attract votes
and carry an election should be the result of
careful study of the spirit of our institu
tions, the events of our history, and the best
impulses of our people. In my Judgment,
these principles should control the legislation
and administration of the Government. In
any event. they will guide my conduct until
experience points better way. If elected,
it will be my purpose to enforce strict obedi-
ence to the Constitution and laws, and pro-
mote, 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, 1 am very
truly yours, j. A. GARFIELD.
To.Hon. Geo. T. Hoar, Chairman of Com
rnittee