The National tribune., 1885-10-29
The Political Campaign Just Closing
in New York.
THE PATRIOTIC CATECHTSM,
And How the Candidates Have
Answered It.
LET VOTERS CONSIDER.
Soldiers Should Support Those
Who Pledge Their Aid.
The Veterans Rights Cuion Circular.

The Veterans Rights Union Circular.
Some time ago the Veterans Rights Union
sent out the following circular to every nominee
for the New York Assembly:
New YORK, Oct !, 1885.
DEAR SIR: In view OF the object of this
Union made necessity in 1882 by reason OF
the nou-enforcement Of the statute laws OF the
United States on the subject, aud the fact that
Won are a nominee for the Legislature OF 1856
In this State, at the election to be held Nov. 3
prcximo we hereby respectfully present our
understanding of and wishes in the matter OF
Veterans Rights, and earnestly desire to be
advised as to your views of the same. 10 that
end we submit the legal cnactments now exist
ing the position we assume towards certain
phases of the law. recommending such changes
as we think would be proper ones, ana request
answers TO the questions We PROFOUND.
CHAPTER 312, LAWS OF NEW YORK OF 1854.
Sec l. In every public department and
upon all public works of the State of New York
honoraby- discharged Union soldiers and sailors
shall be preferred for appointment and employ
ment: age, loss of limb. or other physical I'M
pairment. which does not IN fact lncaIacltate,
Shall not be deemed to disqualify them, pro-
vided they possess the other requisite qua!ifica-
ton"
''Sec. p This act shall take effect immedi-
atcly'
We understand that an honorable discharge
from the military naval service OF the United
States during the late war and the business
capacity necessary to discharge the duties OF
the position applied for, together with good
character are requisite; and then, by virtue of
the premises that the word shall IN the law
makes the preference of such persons manda-
tory.
Do you accept this as a fair understanding?
ARs.
We believe this law was intended to show
the public policy of the State in regard to the
veteran.
Do you agree with this view of it? Ans.
That it was intended it should be faithfully
observed and its promises fulfilled.
Do YOU agree with us in this? ARs
We believe it should have gone further and
in unmstakable language be made TO apply TO
the public departments and public works OF
the cities, towns and villages OF the State.
Doyou agree with US in this? Aas.
If elected, will you pledge yourself 10 support
change. and then recognize and enforce that
preference to the best of your ability? Ams.
CHAPTER 49, LAWS OF NEW YORK OF 1854.
"Sec l. In grateful recognition of the serv-
ices sacrifices and suierings of persons who
served in the Army and Navy of the United
States in the late war and have been honorabiy
discharged therefrom, they shall be preferred
ice OF the State and of the cities affected by this
act over ether persons lof equal standing), as
ascertained under this act and the act hereby
amended, and the person thus preferred shall
not be disqualified from holding any position
in said Civil Service account of his age nor
by reason of any physical disability, provided
such disability does not render him incompe-
tent TO perform the duties Of the position applied
for"
We believe that this law was intended TO give
some substantial preference. under the Civil
Service system of the State TO persons men
toned therein.
Do you coincide in this view? Aus
We understand:
First.-That when a number OF persons enter
competitive examination under this system
and prior TO examination, all are of equal
standing
Second. That when an examination has
been completed, and those who failed to pass
the minimum percentage have been dropped
from the list as incompetent and not qualified,
all those who attain the requisite marking and
are certified as competent and qualified, of
equal standing, as ascertained under this act,
regardless of grade
Third-That in such cases it is mandatory
upon the Commission TO certify and the appoint
ing power TO appoint or employ, if any there
be- such persons on the eligible list as are
entitled to such rights and privileges.
Do you accept these views? Ans.
If, In your opinion, this was not the intent |
and meaning OF this law will you, if elected
support an amendment TO the same which shall |
clearly define what preference under Civil !
Service examinations, shall be given to the |
veterans? AnS.
In connection with this matter we would re- |
spcctfully invite your attention TO the public |
policy shown in declarations of both political |
parties in Convention assembled at Saratoga |
\. Y, during the week ending Sept 26 ult.
REPUBLICAN PLATFORM.
THAT the provisions of the existing Civil |
Service law Of the State and Nation should be
strengthened and extended TO all grades of the |
public service to which they may be applicable !
so that the selection Of administrative officers
i'll the Civil Service shall, so far possible, be
governed solely by capacity and fitness. We
insist upon the enforcement Of these laws by all |
public officials not only in the letter, but also
in the spirit. HoEorably- discharged soldiers
and sailors, who are shown By competitive ex-
animation to possess the necessary require
ments, should be given the preference in GER
ufcalion and ia appointment"
DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM.
1--WE are IN favor Of such legislation as shall
insure to honorabiy discharged soldiers and
sailors Of the late for the preservation of
the Union priority in examination under the
Civil Service laws and regulations Of this State
and cities thereof, and, upon passing such ex-
animation successfully, priority in cc:tiGcation
and appointment over all other persons"
We send two copies. One of these we request
you 10 fill out and send in incloscd addressed
envelope by mail, or if handed you by member
Of our Committee, return TO MIN and he will
forward; the second copy you may desire for
reference.
We are, very respectfully. yours, for the
GAR Veterans Rights Union.
GEO +. HOPPER,
JOS. w. KAY,
DENNIS SULLIVAN,
NICHOLAS w. DAY,
GEO. 5. LITTLE,
Subcommittee.
Official: THOMAS BELL, Secretary.