Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1886-03-10


as have thus far done, to furnish, at
the request of the confirming body,
all the information possess touching
the fitness of the nominees placed be-
fore them for their action, both when
they are proposed to FIJI vacancies
and to take the place of suspended
officials. Upon refusal to confirm
| shall not assume the right to ask
the reasons for the action of the Sem
ate nor question its determination. |
can not think that anything more is
required to secure worthy incumbents
in public office than a careful and in
dependent discharge of our respective
duties within their well defined limits.
Though the propriety of suspen-
sions might be better assured if the
action of the laws have placed this
responsibility upon the executive
branch of the government, it should
not be divided nor the discretion
which it involves relinquished.
1t has been claimed that the pres
ent Executive having pledged him
self not to remove officials except for
cause, the fact Of their suspension i'm
plies such misconduct on the part of
suspended official as Injuries his
character and reputation, and there
fore the Senate should review the
case for his vindication.
l have said that certain officials
should not, in my opinion, be remov-
ed during the continuance of the
term for which they were appointed,
solely for the purpose of putting in
their place those in political affilia-
ton with the appointing power, and
this declaration was Immediately fol-
lowed by description of official par
tisanship which ought not to entitle
those in whom it was exhibited to
consideration. 1t is not apparent how
an adherence to the course thus an
nounced carries with it the conse-
quences described. IF in any degree
the suggestion is worthy of consider
alton. it is to be hoped that there may
be a defense against unjust suspen-
sion in the justice of the Executive.
Every pledge which have made
by which have placed limitation
upon my exercise of executive power
has been faithfully redeemed. Of
course the pretense is not put forth
that no mistakes have been commit
ted; but not a suspension has been
made except it appeared to my salts
faction that the public welfare would
he improved thereby. Many appli-
cations for suspension have been de-
MED. and the adherence to the rule
laid down to govern my actions as to
such suspensions has caused much ir-
ritation and Impotence on the part
IF those who have insisted upon more
changes in the offices.
The pledges l have made were made
to the people, and to them am re-
sponsible for the manner in which
they have been redeemed. | am not
responsible to the Senate, and | am
unwilling to submit my actions and
official conduct to them for Judge
ment.
There are no grounds for an ale
CATION that the fear of being found
false to my professions influences me
in declining to submit to the demands
of the Senate. l have not constantly |
refused to suspend officials, and thus
incurred the displeasure of political
friends, and yet wilfully broken faith
with the people for the sake of being
false to them.
Neither the discomfort of party
friends nor the allurements constantly |
offered of combinations of appointees
conditioned upon the avowal that sus-
pensions have been made OH party
grounds alone, nor the threat propos.
ed in the resolutions now before Senate
that no combinations will be made
unless the demands of that body be
with, are sufficient to dis
or deter me from following in
the way which l am convinced leads
to better government for the people.
AS long as President Cleveland acts
in accordance with the laws, he will
be earnestly supported by Democrats,
and he need not fear any attacks
from that small band of 40 who ina
CINE they rule this country.
This band Of 40 men threatens that
unless President Cleveland submits
20 their orders, they, the majority of
he Senate, will refuse to confirm the
persons appointed in place of the of.
icials removed. The law gives the
Senate the power of confirming APP
oointments, and they can refuse to
confirm if they so desire. The only
aw on this subject to which they are
liable to conviction, is the law of
public opinion and its effects at the
polls.
The great majority Of the Demo-
,rats are not after office; do not ex-
pect office. but expect thatall vacan-
cies will be filled by Democrats. We
believe however that they hope the
President will adhere to the course he
has taken on this question.
The Senate not only threatens, but
hey also offer to bribe the President.
They really say, if the President will
humble himself and submit to their
imperial and unlawful dictation, that
they will confirm most of his APP
pointments. The publicly expressed
pdict of the Senate that they will not
confirm unless the President obeys
ha nrforo &C tba An e.ooto-. 2. IoxL