Morris tribune., 1880-12-02

President Hayes to the Second Session
Of the Forty Second Congress,
Delivered at IL O'clock r5
Monday, Dec. 6. 1

Fellow Citizens Of the Senate and House of
Representatives: congratulate You on the
continued and increasing prosperity of our
country. BY the favor of Divine Providence
We have been blessed during the past year with
health, with abundant harvests, with profit
able employment for all our people and with
cOntentment az homo and friendship with
other nations.
The occurrence of the twenty-fourth election
OF achief magistratehas afforded another oppor.
tunity to the people Of the United States to OK.
hibit to the world significant, example of the
transmission of the power and
authority of the government from
public servants, whose terms of office
are about to expire, to their newly chosen sue
cessors. This example cannot fail to impress
profoundly the thoughtful people of other
countries with the advantages which republi-
can institutions afford. The immediate, gem
eral and cheerful scquiescence of all good citi-
Gems in the result of the election gives crafty
ing assurance to our country and its friends
throughout the world that the government
based on the free consent of an intelligent and
patriotic people possesses elements of strength.
stability aud permanency, mot found in any
other form of government.
g.s, sUFFTAGE. -... ...s.,.-
Continued opposition to the full and free en-
joyment of the rights of citizenship conferred
upon colOred people by the recent amendments
30 the constitution, still prevails in several of
the late slave shedding States, 1t has, perhaps,
not been msnifested in the recent election to
any large extent by acts of violence or intimi-
dation. 1t has, however, by fraudulent prac-
tices in connection with ballots, with regula-
tions as to the places and manner of voting and
with counting the returns and canvassing The
votes cast, been successful in defeating
the exercise of the right preservative of ali
rights, the right Of suffrage which the consti-
tuition expressly confers upon our enfranchised
citizens. It is the desire of good people of the
whole country chat sectionalism as fact or in
politics should disappear.o They prefer that
no section of the country should be united in
section. The disposition to refuse
prompt and hearty : obedience to
the equal rights amendments to the consti.
tuition 10 all that now stands in the way Of
complete obliteration of sectional lines in our
political contests. As long as either of these
amendments is fagrantly violated or disre
garded IL Is safe to assume that the people who
placed them in the constitution as embodyiug
the legitimate results of the war for the Un-
ion, or who believe them to be wise and neces-
snS T q io n.ss tia. t. , sSs sSgs'G ss
obeyed. The paramount question
still is as to the enjoyment of the right by every
American citizen who has the requisite qalif-
cations to freely cast his vote, and have it hon.
estly counted. With this question rightly set
tied the country will be assured the conten-
tions of past bygones will indeed be by
cones, and political and party issues with re-
spect to economy and efficiency Of administra-
ton, internal improvements, the tariff, domes-
tic taxation, education, finance and other i'm
pOrtant subjects will then receive their full
share of attention. But resistance to and
nullidcation of the results of the war
will unite together in resolute purpose for
their support, all who maintain the authority
of the government and the perpetuity of the
Union and who adequately appreciate the
value of the victory achieved. This deter
mination proceeds from no hostile sentiment
country, or to any of their interests. The
inviolsbility of the amendments rest upon the
fundamental principles of our govern
n %ens. They al. are the solemn
people OF The United States. The sentiment
that the constitutional rights of all our citi.
zens must be maintained does not grow weaker.
1t will continue to control the government of
the country. Happily, the history of the late
election shows that in many parts Of the conn.,
try where opposition to the fifteenth amend.
ment has heretofore prevailed, it is diminish
ing. and is likely to cease altogether if firm and
we'll considered action is taken by Congress. I
trust the House of Representatives and the
Senate. which have the tight to Judge of the
elections, returns and qualifications of
their own members, will see to i,
that every case of violation of the letter or
~ investigated, and that no benefit from such
violation shall accrue to any person or party.
1t Will be the duty of the executive with suf-
fcient appropriations for the purpose, to prose-
cute unsparingly all who have been engaged in
depriving citizens of the rights guaranteed to
them by the constitution. .t-
II is not, however, to be forgotten that the best
and surest guarantee of the primary rights of
citizenship is to be found in that capacity for
self'prOtectioD, which can only belong to q eco
pie whose right to universal suffrage il sup
ported by personal education. The resources
ut the command of local and State authorities
are in many cases wholly inadequate to furnish
free instruction to all who need it. This ia
especially true, where before emancipation the
education of the people was neglected or pre-
vented in the interests of slavery. am firmly
convinced that the subject Of popular education
deserves the earnest attention of the people of
this country, with view to wise and compre.
hensive action by the government
of the United States. I respectfuIIv
recommend that Congress by suitable leeisla-
tion and with proper regulations supplement
the locslG educational funds in the several
States where the grave duties and responsible.
ties of citizenship have been devolved on I'M
educsted people, by deyoting to the purpose
grants of the public lands, aud If necessary. by
appropriations from the treasury of the United
States; what else the government can fairly do
TO promote free popular education ought to be
DONE Wherever general education IL found
peace, virtue and social order prevail and civil
and religious liberty are secured.
oTTIL SERVICE REFORM.
In my former annual messages have asked
the attention of Congress to the urgent neces-
sity Of reformation Of the civil service sys-
tenn Of the government. My views concerning
the dangers of patronage or appointment for
personal or partisan considerations, have been
strengthened by my observation and expe-
xience in theexecutive Office, and belieTe these
dangers threaten the stability of the govern
ment. Abuses 30 serious in their nature cam
not be permanently tolerated. They tend to
become more alarming with the enlargement of
the administrative service, as the growth of
the country in population increases the num-
Der OF officers and placemen employed. The
reasons are imperative for the adoption Of
fixed rules for the regulation of appointments,
promotions and removals by establish ng
uniform method having exclusively in view
In every instance the attainment of best quail.
fcations for the position in question. Such
method alone 10 consistent with the equal rights