Bristol news. [volume] (Bristol, Va. & Tenn.) 1867-189?, 1880-07-20

mas HOl Olll ulduc IL every WllcTe tQudl
to coin, but has brought into use our
store Of gold and silver. The circulat-
ing medium is more abundant than ever
before, and we need only maintain the
equality of all our dollars to ensure to
labor and capital measure of value
from the use of which no one can suffer
loss. The great prosperity which the
country is now enjoying should not be
endangered by and violent changes or
doubtful financial experiments. In ref
erence to our custom lawsa policy should
be pursued which will bring revenue to
the treasury and will enable the labor
and capital employed in our great in
dustres to compete fairly in our own
market with the labor and capital of for
eign production.
We legislate for the people of the
United States-nOt for the whole world,
and 1t is our glory that the American
laborer is more intelligent and better
paid than his foreign competitor. Our
country cannot be independent unless
its people, with their abundant natural
resources, possess the requisite skill at
any time TO clothe, arm and equip them
selves for war; and, in time of peace, to
produce all the necessary supplements Of
labor.
1t was the manifest intention of the
founders of the government to provide
for the common defense; not by stand
ing armies alone, but by raising among
the people greater army of artisans,
whose intelligence and skill should pow
fully contribute to the safety and Z ory
of the nation.
Fortunately for the interests of COM
merce, there is no longer any formidable
opposition to appropriations for the inn
provement of our harb0rs and great
ravigable rivers, provided that the'eX-
nenditures for that purpose are strictly
limited to works Of national importance.
The Mississippi river, with its great
tributaries, Is of such vital importance
to so many millions of people that the
safety of its navigation requires eXcep-
| tional consideration. In order 10 secure
to the nation the control of all its waters,
President Jefferson negotiated the pur-
chase of n vast territory, extending from
the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Ocean.
The wisdom of Congress should be in
| voked TO devise some plan by which that
great river shall cease to be terror to
those who dwell upon its banks, and by
which its shipping may safely carry the
| industrial products of twenty-five mil
| lions people. The interests of agricul-
ture, which is the basis of all our mate
rial prosperity and in which seven
| tWclfths Of our population are engaged,
as well ms the interest of manufactures
and commerce, demand that the facili-
ties for cheap transportation shall be in
creased by the Use Of all our great
water courses. The material interest of
this country, the traditions of its settle
ment and the sentiments Of our people,
have led the government to offer the
widest hospitality to cmigrants who
seek our shores for new and happier
homes, willing to share the burdens as
well as the benefits of our society, and
intending that their posterity shall be-
come an undlstinguishable part of our
population.
The great movement of the Chinese to
the Pacific coast partakes but little of
the qualities of such an emigration, Ell
ther In Its purposes or result. 1t Is too
much like an importation to be welcom-
cd without restriction; TOO much like an
invasion without solicltude. We cannot
consent to allow any form of servile la
bor 10 be introduced among us under the
guise Of immigration. Recognizing the
gravity Of this subject, the present nd
minstratlon, supported by Congress,
has sent to China u commission OF dis
tinglIished citizens for the purpose Of Sc
curing such modification of the exist
ing treaty as will prevent the evils like
" 10 arise from the present situation.
Ii Is confidently believed that these di-
plOmutic ncgotlatiations Will be success
ful without the loss Of commercial inter-
course between the two powers which
promises great increase of reciprocal
trade and enlargement of our markets.
Should these efforts fail II would be- the
duty Of Congress to mltig tie the evils NJ
ready felt and prevent the increase by
such restrictions, without violence or
injustice, as will place upon sure foun-
dGtion the peace Of our communities and
the freedom aud the dignity of labor.
The appointment of citizens to the yn-
rious executive and judicial offices Of
the Government, Is perhaps the most
difficult of all the duties which the Con-
stilullon has imposed upon the Execu-
tive. The convention demands that Con-
gross shall cooperate Win the cXcpu-
tive departments In placing the civil SER
vice on q better 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 legislation. The ap-
pOintmcnts 10 the military and naval SER
vice are so regulated by law and custom,
that they leave but little ground ofcom-
plant. II may not bc wise TO make sim
ilar regulations by law for the civil SER
vice, but without invading the authority
or necessary discretion of the Executive,
Congress should devise method that
will determine the tenure Of office and
greatly reduce the uncertainty which
makes that service 80 uncertain and so
unsatisfactory, without dcphvhg amy
officer Of his rights as citizen. the Gov
crnment should require him 10 discharge
all his official duties with intelligence,
efficiency and nithfulnpss- 10 select
wisely from our vast population those
who ARE beat fitted for the many Offices
20 be filled, requires an acquaintance far
beyond the range Of any one mnn. The
Executive should, therefore, seek aud
receive the information and assistance of
those whose knowledge Of the communi-
ties In which the duties are 10 be- per.
formed, best qualities them to aid In
making the wlsest choice.
The doctrines announced by the Chi
cago convention nrc uof the temporary
devices of n party TO attract votes aud
carry an election. They ARE deliberate
convictions, resulting from careful
study Of the spirit Of our institutions.
the events OF our history aud the best
impulses of our people. In my Judge
ment these principles should control the
legislation aud administration Of the