Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1881-12-07

De tne incumbent Ol ail OIllCe the uutleS VI
which he is for any cause unfit to perform;
who is lacking in the ability, fidelity.
or integrity which proper administration
of such Office demands. This sentiment
would doubtless meet with general acqui-
escence, but the opinion has been widely
divided upon, the wisdom and practicable
ity of the various reformatory schemes,
which have been suggested, and of certain
proposed legislation governing appoint
ments to public Office. The efficiency OF
such regulations has been distrusted,
ed eI' to e1ait mere educational
absolute tests above the general business
capacity and even special fitness for the
particular work on hand. 1t seems TO me
that the result that should be applied to
the management of the public service may
properly confirm in the main to such as
regulate the condition of a successful pri-
.yate business. Original appointments
should be based upon ascertainsd fitness.
The tenure of office should be stable. Po-
sitionS of responsibility should so far as
practicable be filled by the promotion OF
worthy and efficient officers. The inyesti-
cation of all complaints and the punish
ment of all official misconduct should be
prompt and thorough. The views expressed
IN the foregoing letter are those which will
govern my administration of the executive
office.
He then proceeds to elaborate system
sVf~eiyil service. based on that of England,
providing for promotion and tenure of OF
flee, and adds that should Congress decide
TO establish competitive tests for admission
to the civil service, no doubt such as he
suggests as to the policy of such proceed
ing, will prevent him from giving the
measure his earnest support. He concludes
the subject by paying a high tribute to the
honesty and efficacy of the present em-
ploycs of the Government.
Our Merchant Marine.
He thus briefly dcplorcs the decline Of
our merchant marine, while at the same
time our shipments and commercial inter
ests were rapidly increasing. He insists
that something should be done TO remedy
this. and that America should at least keep
abreast with our riyclS in the friendly con-
test for ocean supremacy. II, he continues.
we had given to our navigation interest a
portion of the aid 80 wisely bestowed upon
our manufactures, the result would have
been different. lie then. .eoinmends ii To
Congress, with the suggestion that 10 qucs-
ton of greater or more far reaching import
ance can engage their attention.
Alaska
is given a paragraph. lie regrcI- thar So
far no provision has been made tor the
establishment Of any form of government
by which life and property can he protect
ed and recommends the constitution OF
such system of government rs will pro
mote the education of the people and secure
the administration OF Justice.
Miscellaneous.
He then recommends the construction OF
q library building, the reclamation and i'm
prov cnIcnt OF the marshes along the river
front OF the District OF Columbia the re-
moval of steam railway lines from the sur
face of the streets, an increased water sup.
ply and other matters pertinent TO the
District and city.
The Presidential Count.
He called attention to the fact that time
lv legislation on the subject Of the asccr-
tainmCnt and declaration of the vote for
Presidential Electors, which was so sharply
brought to the attention of the people more
| than four years ago and expresses the hope
! that some well considered measure may be
| devised before another National election,
| which will render unnecessary resort I"
! any Cxpcdicnt for determination "i the
| question.
Presidential Inability.
The prolonged Illness Of the late PrcNi-
| dent and his consequent mCapaCity TO per.
| form the functions of his office is referred
to. and suggestion j. made that some lcgiS-
| ton bc had so aS To- determine what
| shall constitute such an inability
| as contemplated by the Constitution,
| and how and by what tribunal the same
| shall bc aSccrtaincd. and also whether the
! Vice President. when called to the duties OF
the Presidency, shall hold his position for
the remainder OF the four wears, or only
while such disability continues
! Conclusion.
Deeply impressed With the gravityof the
RESPONSIBILITIES which have so unexpectedly
dcvolvcd upon me- it will be my constant
purpose to cooperate with you in such
measures as will promote the glory OF the
country and the prosperity of its people.
CHESTER a. AETHUE.
WgsE;,Gigp. D. e.. D.c,micr e. ISL.