The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1884-07-26

Citizenship oil the republic must be the
panorly aud safeguard Of him who wears
it. The American citizen, rich OF poor,
native OF naturalzed, white or coiored,
must everywhere walk secure i'll his per
sonal and civil rights. The republic
should never accept a lesser duty, it can
never assume Il nohlcr one, than the pro-
lection OF the humbiest man who owes
it loyalty protection at home, and plo-
lection which shall follow him abroad,
lawful crrand.
TIE SOUTHERN STATES.
| recognizes, not without regret, the
necessity lor speaking Of two sections Of
oar common country. But the regret
diminisheS when see that the elements
which separated them are fast disappear
ing Prejudices have yielded and are
yielding, while a growing cordiality
warns the Southern and the Northern
heart alike. Can any one doubt that be-
tween the sections confidence and esteem
are today more marked than at any per
iol i'll the sixty years preceding the clcr-
ton of President Lincoln? This is the
result in part Of time and in part Of Re-
publican principles applied under the
favorable conditions of uniformity. it
would he Il great calamity to change
these Influences under which Southern
commonwealth are learning to vindicate
civil rights, and adapting themselves to
The conditions OF political tranquility and
industrial progress. If there be occa-
sional and violent outbreaks in the South
against this peaceful progress, the public
opinion of he country regards them rs
exceptionabie and hopefully trusts that
each will prove the last.
The South needs capital and occupa-
ton, IL 1t controversy. AS much as any
put of the North, the South needs the
fall protection Of the revenue laws which
the Republican party offers. Some of
the Southern States have already entered
upon career OF industrial development
and prosperity. These, at least should
not lend their electoral votes to destroy
their own future.
Any effort to unite the Southern States
upon issues that grow out of the memo
rics Of the war will summon the North
erm States 10 combine in the assertion Of
that nationality which: was their inSpir-
alton in tie civil struggle. And thus
great energies, which should be united
in common industrial development, will
be wasted in hurtlul strife. The Demo-
cratic party shows itself a foe t" South
crn prosperity By always Invoking and
urging Southern political consolidation.
Such policy qucnchcS the rising in
stinct of patriotism in the heart of the
Southern youth it rcvives and stimu-
lates prejudiccs it substitutes the spirit
of balbaric vengeance for the love of
peace, progress, and harmony.
TIE CIvII. SERVICE.
The general character Of the civil SER
vice of the United States under all adj
miniStratiunS has been honorable. In
the one Supremn test-the collection and
disbursement of rcveuue-the record of
fidelity has never been surpassed in any
nation. With the almost fabulous sums
which were received and paid during the
late war. scrupulous integrity was the
prevailing rule. Indeed, throughout
that trying period, it can be said to the
honor of the American name, that I'M
taithfulness and dishonesty among civil
officers were as rare as misconduct and
cowardicc on the field of battle.
The growth Of the country has contir-
ullly and necessarily enlarged the civil
service, until now it includes a large body
of officers Rules and methods of APP
pontment which prevailed when the
number was smaller have been insulic-
lent aud impracticable, and earnest ef-
forts have been made to separate the
great mass of ministerial officers from
partisan Influence and personal control.
Impartiality i'll the mode of appointment,
to be based on qualification, and security
of tenure to be based on faithful dis
charge OF duty, are the two ends to be
accomplished. The public business will
be aided by separating the Legislative
branch Of the government from all con
troll Of appointments, and the executive
department will be relieved by subject
ING appointments to fixed rules and thus
removing them from the caprice of favor
itism. But there should be rigid ebscr
vance of the law which gives i'll all cases
o. equal competency the preference to
the soldiers who risked their lives in de-
fence OF the Union.
| entered Congress in 1863, and i'll
somewhat prolonged service never found
it expcdient to request OF recommend
the removal of Il civil officer, except in
four instances, and then for non-polltical
reasons which were instantly conclusive
with the appointing power. The officers
in the District, appointed by Mr.. Lincoln
in 1861 upon the recommendation of my
predecessor, served, as Il rule, until death
or resignation. | adopted at the begin
ming of my service the test Of COMPETE
tive examination for appointments to
West Poiat, and maintained it 50 long as
had the right by law to nominate ca
Diet In the ease of many officers found
that the present law, which arbitrarily
limits the term of the commission, offered
constant temptation to changes for
mere political reasons. have publicly
expressed the belief that the essenta.
modification of that law would be, III
many respects, advantageous.
My observation i'll the Department of
State confirmed the conclusions of my