Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-09-12

It can hardly be necessary for me to say that l am heartily in sympathy with the declaration of the convention upon the sub Ject Of pensions to our soldiers and sailors. What they gave and what they suffered had some opportunity to observe and, in & small measure, to experience. They gave ungrudgingly; it was not a trade, but an offering. The measure was heaped up, run ming over What they achieved only dis tant generation can adequately tell. With out attempting to discuss particular proposi- tons, may add that measures in behalf of the surviving veterans of the war and of the families of their dead comrades should be conceived and executed in a spirit of justice and of the most grateful hberality, and that, in the competition foe civil appointments, honorable military service should have ap- propriate recognition
 The law regulating appointments to the classified civil service received my support in the senate, in the belief that it opened the way to much needed reform. I still think so, and, therefore, cordially approve the clear and forcible expression of the convention upon this subject. The Jaw should have the aid of friendly interpretation and be faith fully and vigorously enforced. All appoint ments under it shouM be absolutely free from partisan considerations and influence Some extensions of the classified list are practicable and desirable and further legislation extend ing the reform to other branches of the serv- ice to which it is applicable would receive my approval In appointments to every grade and department fitness, and not party service, should be the essential and discrim- mating test, and fidelity and efficiency the only sure tenure of office. Only the interests of the public service should suggest removals from office. 1 know the practical difficulties attending the attempt to apply the spirit of the civil service rules to all appointments and removals. It will, however, be my sincere purpose, if elected, to advance the reform.
 l notice with pleasure that the convention did not omit to express its solicitude for the promotion of virtue and temperance of our people. The Republican party has always been friendly to everything that tended to make the home life of our people free, pure and prosperous, and will in the future be true to it's history 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 hospitable treatment should be insisted upon with dignity and frmness. Our nation is too great, both in material strength and moral power, to indulge in buster or to be sus- pected of timorousnesS. Meditation and in- consistency are as incompatible with success full diplomacy as they are with the national dignity. We should especially cultivate and extend our diplomatic and commercial rela- tion with the Central and South American states. Our fisheries should be fostered and protected. The hardships and risks that are the necessary incidents of the business should not be increased by an inhospitable exclusion from the near lying ports. The resource of a firm, dignitied and consistent diplomacy are undoubtedly equal to the prompt and peaceful solution of the difficulties that now exist. Our neighbors will surely not expect in our ports commercial hospitality they deny to us in theirs
 l cannot extend this letter by a special refer ence to other subjects upon which the con- vention gave an expression. In respect to them as well as to those have noticed, am in entire agreement with the declarations of the convention. The resolutions relating to the coinage, to the rebuilding of the navy, to coast defences and to public lands express conclusions to all of which gave my support ill the senate
 Inviting a calm and thoughtful considera- tion of these public questions, we submit them to the people. Their intelligent patriotism and the good providence that made and has kept us nation will lead them to wise and safe conclusions, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, BENJAMIN HARRISON.