New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-09-12
r abuses connected with this subIec.

other abuses connected with this subject
1t can hardly be necessary for me to say that
am heartily in sympathy with the declaration OF
the Convention upon the subject of pensions TO
our soldiers and sailors. What they gave ana
what they suffered, had some opportunity TO
observe and in a small measure 20 experience
They gave unsrudglngy; it was not trade puV
an Offering The measure WAS heapcd up run
ming over VIVA, they achieved, only distant
generation can adequately tell Without at
tempting to discuss particular propositions ma!
add that measures in behalf of the surviving Ne,-
Grams OF the and Of the famlhcS Oh lhc'5
dead comrades should be conceived ana eNecuteu
in a spirit Of justice aud OF the most gratelut
libcrality, and that in the competition Tor elNli
appointments honorable military service shoulu
have appropriate recognition. .
The law regulating appointments 70
Support in the Senate in the belief
thst IL opened the way 20 much-needed re-
form still think so, and therefore cordially APP
prove the clear and forcible expression OF the Con
the aid Of friendly Interpretation and he faith
fully and vigorously enforced. All appointments
under it should be absolutely free from partisan
considerations and influence. Some extensions OF
The classified list are practicable and desirable
and further legislation extending the reform 10
other branches of the service, TO which II Is APP
plicable would receive my approval In appoint
ments TO every grade and department. fitness, ana
not marty service, should be the essential ana as
eliminating test, and fidelity and efficiency the
only sure tenure of Office only the ,eTsst f,o %,
office | know the practical dlihcultes attendihg
the attempt to apply the spirit OF the olNil OCT.
vice rules TO all appointments ana remDN"s', ~
will however be my sincere purpose, ii eIeCtcu, W
advance the reform. o. n,
l notice with pleasure that the convention olu
not omit to express Its sollctude ior the I
Of virtue and temperance among our people: Inc
Republican party has always been irlehuiy
to everything that tended to make the
prosperous, and Will IN the future pe true W i'S
history in this respect
A pIGNIFIED AND FIRM FOREIGN POLICY.
Our relations with foreign powers should he
characterized By frcndliuess and respect. The
right OF our people and Of our ships TO hospltable
treatment should be insisted upon with dignity
and frmness Our nation is too great both IN
material strength and in moral power, 10 lhuuise
in buster or to be suspected OF tmoroushess.
Nacillation aud inconsistency are as lncompallUle
with successful diplomacy as they are WIN Cl'e
National dignity. we should especaly cuiin1 W.
and eNteId our diplomatic and commercial rela-
tons with the Central and South American STATES
Our fisheries should be fostered ana protected.
The hardships and RISKS that are ldle n'ces,''.A
incidents Of the business should not De lhcI d,'"
nv an inhosptable exclusion from the near-lylng
ports The resources of a firm, dlgnlneu anu
consistent diplomacy are undoubtedly equas 10 lie
rrompt and peaceful solution Of the dliicultlcs
that now exist. Our neighbors will surely not
expect in our ports commercial hospitality
/ cannot extend this letter by a special refer
encc 10 other subjects upon which the Convention
gave an expression In respect TO thcni, as wen
rs to those | have noticed, | am in entire agree
ment with the declarations of the Convcntlon.
The resolutions relating to the coinage, TO the re-
building of the Navy, TO coast de1ences ana 70
public lands. express conclusions TO all of which
/ gave nv support i'll the Senate
Inviting 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
Nation will lead them 20 wise and safe conclu-
BENJAMIN HARRISON.