The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1889-03-08

environment. We have not sought 10 domi-
nate or to absorb any OF our weaker neigh
bors, but rather to aid and encourage them to
establish free and stable governments, rest.
ing upon the consent of their own people.
We have clear right to expect, therefore,
that no European government will seek to
establish colonial dependencies upon the
territory of these independent American
states. That which a sense Of justice re-
strains us from seeking, they may be reason.
ably expected willingly to forego.
II must not be assumed, however, that our
interests are SO exclusively American that
our entire inattention to any events that may
transpire elsewhere can be taken for granted.
Our citizens, domiciled for purposes of trade
In all countries and In many Of the islands of
tho sea, demand and will have our adequate
care in their personal and commercial rights.
The necessities Of our navy require con-
venient coaliug stations and dock and harbor
privileges. These and other trading priv
ileGes we will feel free to obtain only by
means that do not in any degree partake Of
coercion, however feeble the government
from which we ask such concessions But,
having fairly obtained them by means and
for purposes entirely consistent with the
most friendly disposition toward all other
powers, our consent would be necessary to
any modification or impairment Of the con-
cession.
We shall neither fail to respect the flag Of
any friendly nation, or the just rights Of its
citizens, nor to exact the like treatment for
our own. Calmness, Justice and considera-
ton should characterize our diplomacy. The
offices Of an intelligent diplomacy or of
friendly arbitration in proper cases, should
be adequate to the peaceful a justment of all
international difficulties By such methods
we will make our contribution to the worlds
peace, which no nation values more highly,
and avoid the opprobrium which must fall
upon tie nation that ruthlessly breaks it.
The Public Service.
The duty devolved by law upon the presi-
dent to nominate and, by and with the advice
and consent of the senate, to appoint all pub
lie officers whose appointment is not otherwise
provide for in the constitution or by act of
congress has become burdensome, and its
wise and efficient discharge full of difficulty.
The civil list is SO large that personal knowl-
edge of any large number of the applicants
is impossible. The president must rely upon
the representations of others and these are
often made without consideration and without
any Just sense of responsibility. l have a
right, think, to insist that those who volun-
teer or are invited to give advice as to ap-
pointments shall exercise consideration and
fidelity.
A high sense of duty and an ambition to
improve the service should characterize all
~,
which the convenience and comfort of those
who have business with our public officers
may be promoted by thoughtful and
obliging officer, and l shall expect those
whom may appoint to justify their selec-
ton by conspicuous efficiency in the dis
charge of their duties. Honorable party
service will certainly not be esteemed by me
disqualification for public flee; but it will
in no case be allowed to serve as shield OF
official negligence, incompetency or delin-
quency. It is entirely creditable to seek Of
flee by proper methods and with proper mo-
tves, ard applicants will be treated with
consideration; but shall need and the heads
of departments will need time for inquiry
and deliberation. Persistent inquiry will pot.
therefore, be the best support of an appllca.
ton for Office.
Civil Service Reform.
Heads of departments, bureaus and all
other public officers having any Guty con-
nected Herewith, will be expected to en-
force the civil service law fully and without
evasion Beyond this obvious duty ] hope
to do something more to advance the reform
of the civil service The ideal or even my
own ideal shall not probably attain. Re-
Prospect will be safer basis of judgment
than promises. We shall not, however, am
sure, be able to put our civil service upon a
non-partisan basis until we have secured an
incumbency that fair-lninded men of the op.
position will approve for impartiality and
integrity. As the number Of such in the
civil list increases, removals from Office will
diminish
The Nations Needs.
While treasury surplus is not the greatest
evil it is a serious evil. Our revenue should
be ample to meet the ordinary annual de-
mands upon our treasury, with sufficient
margin for those extraordinary but scarcely
less imperative demands which arise now and
then. Expenditure should always be made
with econ, my and only upon public neces-
sity. Wastefnlness, profigacy or favoritisln
in public expenditures is criminal. But there
is nothing in the condition Of our country OF
Of our people to suggest that anything pres
emily necessary to the public prosperity, Sc
curity or honor should be unduly postponed.
1t will be the duty of congress wisely to fore
cast and estimate these extraordinary de-
mands, and, having added them to our or
binary expenditures to so adjust our revenue
laws, that no considerable annual surplus
will remain
We will fortunately be able to apply to the
redemption of the public debt any snail and
unforeseen excess of revenue. This is better
than to reduce our income below our neces'
sary expenditures with the resulting choice
between another change of our revenue laws
and an increase Of the public debt. 1t is quite
possible. am sure, to effect the necessary re.
| ducton in our revenues without breaking
down our protective tariff or seriously injur.
| ing any domestic industry.
The constr uction of a sufficient number OF
modern war-sbps, and of their necessary
armament, should progress as rapidly as is
consistent with care and perfection in plans
and workmanship The spirit, courage and
skill of our naval officers and seamen have
many times in our history given to weak ships
and inefficient guns rating greatly beyond
that of the naval list That they will again
do so upon occasion do not doubt; but they
| ought not by reconciliation or NEGLECT to b<