Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-09-20

capital receives its dividends from a 5,ust
fund. Producers who refuse to ioia the
combination are destroyed, and competi-
ton as an element of prices is eIiminat-
ed. 1t cannot be doubted that the legis-
iatlys authority should and viii find a
method of dealing fairly and effectively
with these and other abuses connected
with this subject.
THE SUBJECT OF PENSIONS
1t can hardly be necessary fer me to
say that l am heartily in sympathy with
the declaration of the convention upon
the subject Of pensions to our soldiers
ana sailors. What they gave and what
they suffered, | have had some opportuni-
~ to observe, and, in q small measure. to
experience. They gave ungrudgingIy; it
was not trade but an Offering The
measure ,1LS was heaped up-running over.
nnat they achieved, only a distant gener.
dtIoh can adequately tell. Without at
'en Pslng 10 discuss any particular pro-
posttlon, may add that measures in
oehalt OF the surviving veterans of the
WAT anu OF the families OF their dead
coArauSs snouid be conceived and exc
eeVso IN spirit of justice of the most
grateIui lioerahey, and that in the COM
petition Tor cjvl appointment, honorable
military service should have appropriate
recognition.
THE LAW REGULATING APPOINTMENTS
to the classified civil service received nv
support IN the senate on the belief that
it opened the way t0 much needed re-
form. still think so, and therefore,
cordially approve the clear and forcible
expressions OF the convention upon this
subject. The law should have the aid of
a friendly Interpretation and be faithful
iy and vigorously enforced. All appoint.
ments under itshould be absolutely free
from partisan considerations aud inflU-
ence. Some extensions of the classifi ed list
are practicable and desirable and further
legislation extending the reform to 9TH
er branches of the service which it is
applicable would receive my approval.
In the appointments to every
grade and department, fitness and
not party devices should be the
essential and discriminating test, and
fidelity and efficiency the only sure ten
ure Of office. Only the interests of the
public service should suggest removals
from office. L know the practical diff
culties attending the attempt to
service rules to ali appointments or
removals. It viii, however, be my sin
cere purpose if elected 20 advance the re-
form. ] notice with pleasure that the
convention did not 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 tends to make the home life of our
people free, pure and prosperous, and will
in the future be true so its history in this
respect.
OUR RELATIONS WITH FOREIGN POWER
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
hrmness. Our nation is too great, both
in material, strength and in moral power
to indulge in buster or TO be sus pected
of timOrousDess. Vaciilation and incon-
sistency are as incompatible with success
full diploma OF as they are with the nation
al dignity. We should especially culti-
vate aud extend our diplomatic and COM
mercial relations with the Central and
South American states. Our fisheries
should be fostered and protected. The
udEdsul pS anu IlSkS bnhJ are the ueceS-
sary incidents OF the business should not
be increased by an inhos pitable exclu-
sion from the near lying ports. I he
resources of firm, dignified ana &C n
sistent diplomacy are undoubtedly
equal to the prompt and peaceful solu-
ton of the difficulties that now exists.
Our neighbors will not surely expect in
our ports commercial spitality they
deny to Us in theirs.
OTHER SUBJECTS TOO NUMEROUS TO MENTION.
[ cannot extend this letter by a special
reference to other subjects upon which
the convention gave an expression.
In respect to them, as well
as to those [ have noticed,
am in entire agreement with the declara-
tions Of the convention. The resolutions
relating to the coinage, to the rebuiiding
of the navy, to coast defenses and to
the public lands, express conclusions to
all of which [ gave my support in the
senate.
Inviting calm end thoughtful consid-
Grafton of these public questions, we sub
nit them TO the people. Their intelli
gent 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.