St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1880-07-23

OF the government 20 prov LOT Ane
common defense. not by standing ar
mics alone, but ~ raising among the
people great army of artisans whose
intelligence ara skill should powerfully
coutTihute To the safety aud glory of
the nation.
Fortunately for the interests of com-
merce there j. DO longer any formi-
dahle opposition 10 appropriations for
Improvement of oui harburs aud great
navigahls rivers, provided that the sE-
Penditures for that purpose are strictly
limited % works of national impor-
tance. The Mississippi riFer with its
great tributar = of such vital impor-
tauce % 30 many millions Of people
that the safety Of its navigation re
quires exceptional consideration. 10
order to secure 10 the nation the control
n all IT. waters. President jefferson
neg"tiated the purchase OF a vast terri
tory extending from the gulf of Mexico
To the Pacific ocean. The wisdom Of
C0ngreH- should be invoked to devise
some plan 10y which thaf great river
shall cease 10 be a terror 10 those who
dwell upon its banks, aud by which its
I shipping nag NIFTY ----~ '@~ !s..i"=-
trial products ct - millions Of people.
-. .ale. ..Il ~ 1gr'rrlture. which j.
the bHsis ui aii OdE material prosperity
and In which seven-TWeiiIns Uf ,r,ii
population are engaged. as well as the
interests ef manufactures aud com
merce, demand that the facilities OF
cheap transportation shall be increased
by the use of all our great water-cOurs-
es.
The national interests of the coun-
try, the traditions of its settlements,
and the sentiment of our people have
led the government to offer the widest
hospitality to emigrants who seek our
shores for new and happier homes, and
willing to share the burdens as we'll as
the benefits of our society, and intend
ing that their posterity shall become an
undistinguishable part of our popula-
ton. The recent movement of the
Chinese to our Pacific coast partakes
but little of the qualities of such an
emigration, either in its purpose or in
its results. 1t is too much like an i'm
portatiOn to be welcomed without re-
striction, too much like an invasion to
be looked upon without solicitude. We
cannot consent to allow any form of
servile 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 a COM
mission of distinguished citizens for
the purpose of securing such a modi-
fication of the existing treaty as will
prevent the evils likely to arise from
the present situation. 1t is confidently
believed that these diplomatic negoti-
atiOns will be successful without the
loss of commercial intercourse between
the two powers, which promises great
increase of reciprocal trade and the en-
largement of our markets. Should
these efforts fail, it will be the duty of
Congress to mitigate the evils already
felt and prevent their increase by such
restrictions as, without violence or in
justice, will place upon a sure founda-
tiOn the peace of our communities and
the freedom aud dignity of labor.
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 upon the executive.
The convention wisely demands that
Congress shall cooperate with the ex-
ecutive departments in placing the civ
il service on better basis. Experience
has proved that with our frequent
changes of administration no system of
reform cen be made effective and per-
manent without the aid of legislation.
Appointments to the military and ma
val service are so regulated by law and
custom as to leave but little ground of
complaint. 1t may not be wise to
make similar regulations by law for the
civil service, but without invading the
theory of the necessary discretion of
the executive, Cangress should devise
a method that will determine the ten
ure of Office and greatly reduce the un-
certainty which makes that service 50
uncertain and unsatisfactory. Without
depriving any officer of his rights as a
citizen, the government should require
him to discharge all his official duties
with intelligence, efficiency and faith
fulness. To select wisely from our
vast population those who are best fit
ted for the many offices to be filed
requires an acquaintance far beyond
the range of any one man. The exec
utive should therefore seek and receive
the information and assistance of those
whose knowledge of the communities
in which the duties are to be performed
ueSG qudliuoS Cuem 10 alU Ill making
the wisest choice.
The doctrines announced by the Chi
cagO convention are not the temporary
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 institutions,
the events of our history, and the best
impulses of our people, In my judg-
ment these principles should CONTROL
the legislation and administration of
government. In any event, they will
guide my conduct until experience
points out a better way. If elected, it
will be my purpose to enforce strict
obedience to the constitution and laws.
and to promote as best 1 may the in
terest and honor of the whole country,
relying for support upon the wisdom of
Congress, the intelligence and patriot
ism of the people, and the favor of
God.
With great respect, am very truly
yours,
j. A. GARFIELD.
10 Hon. George F. HOar, Chairman OF
Committee.