The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-09-12

to our soldiers and sailors. What they gave
and what they suffered had some opportunity
to observe and, in a small measure to exper-
ience. They gave ungrudgingly; it was not
trade. but an Offering. The measure
was heaped up. running over. What they
achieved, only distant generation can ade-
quately tell. Without attempting to discuss
particular propositions, may add that meas
ures 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 liberality, and
that, in the competition for civil appointments,
honorable military service should have appro-
pirate recognition.
The law regulating appointments to the classi-
fed civil service received my support in the SEN
ate, in tho belief that it opened the way to
much needed reform. / still think so, aud.
therefore, cordially approve the clear and
forcible expression of the convention upon this
subject The law should have the aid Of a
friendly Interpretation and be faithfully
and vigorously enforced. All appoint
ments under il should be abso-
lutely free from partisan considerations and
influence. Some extensions of the classified
list are practicable and desirable, and further
legislation extending the reform to other branch
es OF the service to which it is applicable, would
receive my approval. In appointments to every
grade and department, fitness, aud not party
service, should be the essential and discriminat-
ing test and fidelity and efficiency the only sure
tenure of Office. Only the interests Of the pub
lie service should suggest removals from Office
] know the practical difficulties attending the
attempt to apply the spirit of the cvil-service
rules to al appointments and removals 1t will,
however, be my sincere purpose, if elected, to
advance the reform.
/ notice with pleasure that the convention did
not omit to express its solicitude for the promo
tion OF virtue and temperance among our pso-
pie The Republican party has always been
friendly to every thing that tended to make the
homo life of our people free, pure and prosper
ous and will in the future be true to its history
in this respect
Our relations with foreign powers should be
characterized by friendlipess and respect. The
right OF our people and Of our ships to hosrita-
bic treatment should be insisted upon with dig
nifty and frmness. Our nation is too great, both
in material strength and in moral power, to In
dulge in bluster or to be suspected Of timorous-
ness vacilation and inconsistency are a. in
compatible with successful diplomacy as they
ara with the national dignity. We
should especially cultivate and extend our
diplomatic and commercial relations with the
Central and South American States. Our fsh-
cries should be fostered and protected. The
hardships aud risks that are the necessary Incl
dents of the business should not be increased
by an inhospitable exclusion from the near lying
ports. The resources OF o firm, dignifed and
consistent diplomacy undoubtedly equal to
the prompt and peaceful solution of the dificul-
ties that exist. Our neiehbors will surely
not expect In our ports commercial hospitality
they deny to Us in theirs.
cannot extend this letter by special refer
ence to other subjects npon which the conven-
ton gave expression. In respect to
them, as we'll as TO those have no.
ticed, 1 am in entire agreement with the de-
clarations Of the convention. The resolutions
relating to the coinage. to the rebuilding Of the
navy. 10 coast defenses and to public lands,
s<pssss conciuzi7cs 70 81 OF which gave ny
support IN the Senate. Inviting a calm aud
thoughtful consideration Of these public quss-
tious, We submit them to the people. Their in
telligent patriotism and the good Providence
that made and has kept us q nation will lead
them 10 wise and safe conclusions.
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant
BENZ HARRISON