Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1884-09-02
should be more Watohful of the artful
machinations of those who allure
them to self-intlicted injury.

should be more WatGilful of the artful
machinations of those who allure
them to self-inflicted injury.
In o free country the curtailment
of the absolute rights of the Individual
should only be such as is essential
to the peace and good order of the
community. The limit between the
proper subjects of governmental con-
troll and those which can be most
tittingly left to the moral sense and im1
posed edrestrainte of the citizen should be
carefully kept in view, Thus laws un-
necessarily interfering With the habits
and customs of any people which are
not offensive to the moral sentiments
of the civilized world, and which are
consistent with good citizenship and
the public welfare, are unwise and
vexatious.
The commerce of q nationto great
extent determines its supremacy
Cheap and easy transportation should
therefore beEiberally fostered. With
in the limits of the constitution the
general government should soimprove
and protect its natural waterways as
will enable tile producers of the couns
try to reach profitable market
The people pay the wages of the
public employees, and they are cnti-
tied to the fair and honest work Which
themOney thus paid should command.
1t is the duty Of those entrusted with
the management of their affairs to see
that such public service is forthcom-
ing. The selection and retention of
subordinates in government employ
ment should depend upon their as
ceTtained fitness and the value of their
work, and they should be neither ex-
pccted nor allowed to do questionable
party service. The interests of the
people will be better protected; the
estimate of public labor and duty will
be immensely improved; public en-
ptoyment will be open to all who can
demonstrate their fitness to enter it.;
the unscenly scramble for places
under the government, with the con-
sequent importantly which cmbitters
official life, will cease, and the public
departments will not be filed with
those who conceive it to be their first
duty to aid the party to which they
owe their places, instead of rendering
patient and honest return to the peo-
pie.
believe that tue public temper is
such that the voters Of the land are
prepared to support the party which
gives the best promise of administers
ing the government in the honest,
simple and plain manner which is con-
sistent with its character and pur-
poses. They have learned that mys-
terry and concealment in the manage
ment of their affairs cover tricks and
betrayal. The craftsmanship they
require consists in honesty and fru-
gality, q prompt response to the needs
of the peopic rs they arise, and the
vigiIant protection of all their varied
interests.
If L should be called to the chief
magistracy of the nation by the suf-
frages of my fellow-citizens, will
assume the duties of that high Office
with solemn determination to dedi-
cate every effort to the country's
good, and with an humble reliance
upon the favor and support of the SUI
prcme Being, who ! believe will
always bless honest human endcavor
Fin the conscientious discharge of pub
lie duty. GROVER CLEVELAND.