Evening journal., 1888-09-12
ONE CENT.

1t can hardly be nee sssary Tor me to say
that l am heartily in sympathy with this
declaration Of the convention upon the sub
ject of pensions TO our soldiers and sailors
What they gave and what they suffered I
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, rum
ming over What they achieved only dis
tant generation can adequately tell. With
out attempting 70 discuss particular PROPOSE
tions, | 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 spirit of Justice
and Of the most grateful liherality, ard that,
in the competition for civil appointments.
honorable military service should have ap-
proprinte recognition
The law regulating appointments to the
classified civil service received my support in
the senate, in the belief that it opened the
way 10 a much needed reform / still think
so, ard, therefore, cordially approve the clear
and forcible expression OF the conventiou
upon this subject The law should have tho
aid Of a friendly Interpretation and be faith
fully and vigorously enforced All appoint
ments under It should be absolutely free frous
partisan considerations and influence Some
extensions Of the classified list are practicable
aud desirable, and further Legislation extend
ing the reform to other branches of the scr-v-
ice o. which 1t is applicable would receive
my approval. In appointments TO every
grade and department fitness, and not rarty
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
attending the attempt 10 apply the spirit OF
the civil service rules to all appointments and
removals II will. however, be my sincere
purpose, If elected, 10 advance the reform.
notice with pleasure that the convention
did not omit 10 express its solicitude for ths
| proniltion 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 win 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 flrmness. Our nation is too
great, both in material strength and moral
/ powor, to indulge in buster or 10 be sus-
| pectel Of timorousness. Nacillation and in
] consistency are rs Incompatible with Success
ful diplomacy rs 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
/ protested. The hardships and risks that ara
the necessary incidents Of the business should
not be increased by an inhospitahle exclusion
from the near lying ports. The resource Of a
firm, digniiled and consistent diplomacy ara
undoubtedly equal TO the prompt and peaceful
solution Of the difficulties that now exist
our neighbors win surely not expect IN our
ports a commercial hospitality they deny to
us in theirs
cannot extend this letter by a special refer
enee to other subjects upon which the CON
vention gave an expression In respect tu
them, as well as 10 those 1 have noticed am
in entire agreement with the declarations Of
the convention. The resolutions relating ia
the coinage, 70 the rebuilding OF the navy, to
coast defences and 10 public lands express
conclusions 10 all Of which gave my support
in the senate
Inviting calm and thoughtful consdera-
tion of these public questions, we submit them
20 the people Their intelligent patriotism
and the good providence that made and has
kept us a nation win lead them 30 wise and
safe conclusions. Very respectfully, your
obedient servant, BENJAMIN HARRISON.