Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1883-12-06

some particulars wherein they seemed de-
| fectlve, those rules were subsequently
amended. 1t will be perceived that they
| discountenance any political and religious
tests for admission to those offices of the pub
lie service to which the statute relates. The
act is limited in its original application to the
classified clerkships in the several executive
departments at Washington numbering
about 5000 and to similar positions in Gus
toms districts and postoffices where as many
as fifty persons are employed. A claSsifca-
tion of these positions analogous TO that ex-
isting in the Washington offices was in oper-
alton before the law went into effect. Eleven
customs districts and twenty-three postoffices
were thus brought under the immediate
operation of the statute
The annual report of the civil service COM
mission, which will soon be submitted TO
Congress will doubtless afford the means of
q more definite judgment than / am now
prepared to express as to the merits of the
new system. l am persuaded that its effects
have thus far proved beneficial. Its practi-
cal methods appear to be adequate for the
ends proposed, and there has been no serious
difficulties in carrying them into effect.
Since the 10th Of July last, no person, SO far
as am aware, has been appointed to the
public service in the classified portions there
of, at any Of the departments, or at any of
the postotfices and customs districts above
named, except those certified by the COM
mission to be the most competent on the
basis OF the examinations held in conformity
TO the rules.
PRESIDENTIAL SUCCESSION.
At the time when the present executive
entered upon his office his death, removal.
resignation or inability to discharge his
duties, would have left the government
without constitutional head. 1t is possible,
OF course, that similar contingency NAV
again arise, unless the wisdom of Congress
shall provide against its recurrence. The
Senate at its last session, after full considera-
tlon, passed an act relating to this subject,
which will now trust commend itself to
the approval of both Houses of Con-
gress. The clause of the Constitution
upon which must depend any
law regulating the presidential succession,
presents also for solution other questions of
paramount importance. These questions
relate to the Interpretation of the phrase sin
ability to discharge the powers and duties of
said office" Our organic law providing that
when the President shall suffer from such
inability the presidential office shall devolve
upon the Vice President, who must himself
under like circumstances, give place to such
officer as Congress may by law appoint
to act as President. need not here set forth
numerous and interesting inquiries which
are suggested by these words of the Consti-
tuition. They were fully stated in my first
been the subject of frequent deliberations in
that body. 1t is greatly to be hoped that
these momentouS questions Will find speedy
solution lest emergencies may arise when
longer delay will be impossible, and any
determination, albeit the wisest, may furnish
cause for anxiety and alarm.
MODIFICATION OF THE VETO.
For the reasons fully stated in my last an
nual message 1 repeat my recommendation
that Congress propose an amendment to that
provision of the Constitution which pre-
scribed the formalities for the enactment of
laws, whereby in respect to bills for the ap-
preparation OF public moneys the executive
may be enabled, while giving his approval
to particular items, to interpose his veto as
to such others as donot commend themselves
to his judgment.
CIVIL RIGHTS.
The fourteenth amendment of the Con-
stitution confers the rights of citizenship
upon all persons born or naturalized in the
United States and subject to the Jurisdiction
thereof 1t was the special purpose of this
amendment to insure to members of the
colored race the full enjoyment of civil and
political rights Certain statutory provisions
intended to secure the enforcement of those
rights have been recently declared unconsti-
tutional by the Supreme Court. ANY legis-
lation whereby Congress may lawfully sup
plement the guarantees which the Constitu-
tion affords for the equal enjoyment by all
the citizens of the United States of every
right, privilege and immunity of citizenship
will receive my unhesitating approval.
CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
Washington, Dec. 8, 1888.