The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1880-07-13

|
navigable rivers. provided that the ex~
penditures for that purpose are strictly
limited to works of national importance.
The Mississippi river. with its great
tributaries are ofsuch vital importance to so
many millions Of people that the safety Of
| it's navigation requires exceptional consid :
| GRAFTON. In order to secure to the nation
| the control of all its waters. President
eferson negotiated the purchase of a
| vast territory extending from the Gulf of
Mexico to the Pacific ocean. The wisdom
of congress should be invoked 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 millions of people. The
interests of agriculture, which is the basis
of all our material prosperity, and in
which one twelfth of our population are
engaged, as well ss the interests of manu>
features and commerce, demand that the
facilities for cheap transportation shall be
increased by the use of all our great water
courses.
The material interests of this country.
the tradition of its settlement and the
sentiments of our people have led the
government to offer the widest hospitality
to emigrants who seek our shores for new
and happier homes. willing to share the
burdens as well as the benefits of our
societies, and intending that their posteri-
ty shall become an undistinguishable part
OF population. The recent movement of
the Chinese to our Pacific coast partakes
but little of the qualities Of such an emf
grafton, either in it's purposes or result.
1t is too much like an importation to be
welcomed without restrictions. too much
like an invasion to be looked upon with
out solicitude. We cannot consent to
allow any form of servile labor to be
introduced among US under the guise of
I'M migration. Recognizing the gravity
OF this subject the present administration,
supported byfCongress, has cent to China
a commission of distinguished citizens for
the purpose of securing such a modifca
tion 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 sue
oessful, without the loss of commercial
intercourse between the powers, which
promises a great increase of reciprocal
trade and the enlargement of our markets.
Should these efforts fail. it will be the
duty of Congress to mitigate the evils
already full and prevent their increase BY
such restrictions rs without violence or
injustice will place upon sure foundation
the peace of our commonwealth and the
freedom and dignity OF labor.
The appointment OF citizens to the vari-
GUS executive and judicial Offices of the
government is perhaps the most difficult
of all the duties which the constitution
has imposed upon the executive. The
constitution wisely demands that Congress
shall cooperate with the executive depart
ment IN placing the civil service on bet
ter basis. Experience has proved that
with our frequent changes of administra-
ton no system of reform can be made eff
fectve and permanent without the aid of
legislation. The appointments to the
military and naval service are SO regulat-
ed by law and custom as to leave but little
ground for complaint. 1t may not be
wise to make similar regulations by law
for the civil service; but without invad-
ing the authority or necessary direction
of the executive. Congress should devise
a method that will determine the tenure
of office and greatly reduce the uncertain
ty which makes the service go uncertain
and unsatisfactory. Without depriviug
any officer of his rights as a citizen, the
government should require him 10
discharge all his official duties with intelli-
gence. efficiency and faithfulness. To
select wisely from our vast population
those who are best fitted for the many
Offices TO be filed requires an acquaintance
tar beyond the range of any man. The
executive should therefore seek and re-
ceive the information and assistance of
those whose knowledge of the communi-
ties in which the duties are to be per
formed best qualities them to aid them in
making the wisest course. The doctrines
announced by the Chicago convention are
not the temporary devices of party to
attract votes and carry an election. They
are deliberate convictions resulting from
careful study of the spirit of our instltu~
tons, the events of our history and the
best impulses of our people. 10 my
judgment these principles ehould control
the legislation and administration of the
government Iu any event they will guide
my conduct until experience points bet.
ter way. If elected, it will be my purpose
to enforce strict obedience to the constitu-
ton and the laws and TO promote as best
L 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, am, very
truly yours. j. A GARFIELD.
To Hon. George f. Hoar. Chairman Of
COMMITTEES.