The new North-west., 1888-09-21

the classified civil service received my
support in the senate In the belief that it
opened the way to a much needed re-
form. still think 50, and, therefore,
cordially approve the clear and forcible
expression of the convention upon this
subject. The law should have the aid of
friendly Interpretation and be
faithfully and vigorously enforced. All
appointments under it should be absO-
lutely free from partisan considerations
and influence. Some extensions of the
classified list are practicable and desir-
able, and further legislation extending
the reform to other branches of the serv-
vice, to which it is applicable, would re-
ceive my approval. In appointments to
every grade and department., fitness. and
not party service, should be the essential
and discriminating test, and fidelity and
efficiency the only sure tenure of Office.
Only the interests of the public service
should suggest removals from office. I
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.
notice with pleasure that the con-
vention did not omit to express its solici-
tude for the promotion of virtue and
temperance among our people. The Re-
publican 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 its 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
firmness. Our nation is too great, both
in material strength and moral power, to
indulge in bluster or to be suspected of
timorousness Vacillation and inconsis-
tency are as incompatible with success
full diplomacy as they are with the ma
tional dignity. We should especially
cultivate and extend our diplomatic and
commercial relations with the Central
and South American states. Our fish
cries should be fostered and protected.
The hardships and risks that are the
necessary incidents of the business should
not be increased by an inhospitable ex-
clusion from the near lying ports The
resources of firm, dignified and con-
sistent 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.
cannot extend this letter by special
reference to other subjects upon which
the convention gave an expression In
respect to them, as we'll 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
defenses and to public lands, express con-
clusions to all of which I gave my sup
port in the senate. Inviting calm and
thoughtful consideration of these pnblic
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 resp ectfully, your
obedient servant,
BENJAMIN HARRISON