The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1888-09-19

tons, may add that measures in behalf of the
surviving veterans of. the and of the fam
lilies of their dead comrades should be con-
eeived and executed in a spirit of justice and
of-the most grateful liberality, and that, in the
competition for civil appointments, honorable
military service should have appropriate recog-
milton.
The law regulating appointments to the clas-
sifed civil service received my support in the
senate, in the belief that it opened the way to
a much-needed reform. | still think so, and,
therefore, cordially approve the clear and fOrc-
BILE expression OF the convention upon this sub
ject. The law should have the aid of friendly
Interpretation and be faithfully and vigorously
enforced. All appointments under it should
be absolutely free from partisan considerations
and influence. Some extensions of the CLASH
fed list arc practicable and desirable, and
further legislation extending the reform TO
other branches of the service, to which it is APP
pllcable, would receive my approval. In ap-
pointments TO every grade and department, fit
ness, and not party service, should be the es-
sential and discriminating test, and fidelity and
efficiency the only sure tenure of Office Only
the interests of the public service should sug
gest removals from Office. | know the practi-
cal difficulties attending the attempt to apply
the spirit of the civil-seryice rules to all APP
pointments and removals. 1t will, however be
my sincere purpose, if elected, to advance the
reform.
] notice with pleasure that the convention
did MOB omit to express its solicitude for the
promotion of virtue and temperance among our
people. The republican party has always been
friendly TO everything that tended to make the
home life of our people free, pure and pros
porous, and will in the future be true to its his
tory in this respect
Our relations with foreign powers should be
characterized by friendliness and respect. The
right of our people and of our ships TO hospita-
bic treatment should be insisted upon with
dignity and firmness. Our nation is too great,
both in material strength and in moral power, to
indulge in bluster or to be suspected of timor-
business. Vacillation and inconsistency are as
incompatible with successful diplomacy as they
are with the national dignity. We should es-
pecially cultivate and extend our diplomatic
and commercial relations with Central and
South American states. Our fisheries should
be tostered and protected. The hardships and
ness should not be increased by an inhospitable
exclusion from the near lying ports. The re-
sources of firm dignifed and consistent
diplomacy are undoubtedly equal 10 the
prompt and peaceful solution of the difficulties
that now exist. Our neighbors will surely not
expect in our ports a commercial hospitality
they deny us in theirs.
Icannot extend this letter by special refer
ence to other subjects upon which the conven-
ton gave an expression.
In respect to them as well as to those
| have noticed, l am IN entire agree
ment with the declarations of the con-
vention. The resolutions relating TO
the coinage, to the rebuilding of the navy, to
coast defenses and TO public lands, express
conclusions to all of which gave my support
| in the senate. Inviting a calm and thoughtful
| consideration of these public questions, we
submit them to the people. Their intelligent
patriotism and the good providence that made
| and has kept us a nation will lead them to wise
and safe conclusions. Very respectfully, your
obedient servant, BENJAMIN HARRISON.