The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-12-06

erecting these islands into "a judicial dis
trict providing for the appointment ~
"a Judge and other proper officers and
methods OF procedure in appellate pro-
ceedngs and that the government OF this
newly acuired territory under the Fede-
raj constitution shall be fully defined and
provided for"
As TO PORTO RICO.
For the government OF Porto Rico ~
President recommends that Congress pass
a law for the organization of temporary
government which shall provide for the
appointment by the President subject TO
confirmation by The Senate of a governor
and such other officers as the general
administration OF tho island may re-
quire and that for legislative purposes
upon subjects of "a local nature not par
taking OF a Federal character legisla-
tie council composed partly Of Porto
Ricans and partly or citizens OF the
United States shall be nominated and
appointed hy the President subject to
confirmation by the Senate their acts 10
be subject 20 the approval OF the Con-
gress or the President prior 10 going into
effect I'm the municipalities and other
local subdivision. Doc recommends that
the principle OF local self-goyernment be
applied at once sO as 90 enable the intel
ligcnt citizens of the island 90 participate
in their government and 20 learn by prac-
teal experience the duties and require
ments of seif-coutaned and self-gov-
erning people.
"Ihe love of law aud the sense Of obedi-
once and submission to the lawfully con-
sututed judicial tributes are embedded In
the hearts of our people and any viola
ton of these sentiments and disregard Il
their obligations justly ar0uses public
condemnation
so LNNCHlNGS.
"What / said i'm my inaugural address
of March g. 1897 I now repeat: The con-
stitutcd authorities must Boz oheerfuly
and vigorously upheld. Lynchings must
not Doe tolerated in q great and civilized
country like the United States. Courts.
not mobs must execute the penalties ~
the laws. The preservation OF public
order the right OF discussion the integ-
ritr Of courts and the orderly admins
trati0n OF Justice must continue forever
the rock Of safety upon which our gov
eminent securely rests
"The executive order of My g. 1895, ex-
tending the limits OF tho classified SER
vice. brought within tine operation of the
civil Service Law and rules nearly an ~
the executive civil service mot previously
elm ssifod.
some n the ncusions were found
Wholly lII-INNI ana NIIr llff0 To TIE VOL n
of the several departments. The applica-
ton OF the rules 20 many OF Tho places
so included was found to result I'm friction
and embarrassment After long and very
careful consideration TO became evident 10
the heads of thc departments. responsible
for their efficiency. chat boz order 90 re-
move these difficulties and promote an efii-
cient and harmonious administration GER
tain amendments were necessary These
amendments were promulgated by me in
executive order dated MAY %. 1850
THE EXEMPTIONS.
The principal purpose of the order was
10 except from compe titive examination
certain places involving hduciary respon-
sibilties or duties Of strictly confden-
tlal. scientific or executive character,
which it was thought might better be
filled either by nOn-cOmpettiye cXamina-
ton, or I'm the discretion of the appoint
ing officer than hy open D.mna iU1u.
These places were comparatively few ia
number The order provides f0r the filling
of "a much larger number Of places. mainly
in me outside service OF the War Depart
ment by what is known as the registration
system, under regulations 20 be approved
by the President, similar 20 those which
have produced such admirable results in
the navy yard service.
IAN Of the amendments had FOR their
main object a more efficient and sstsfac-
tory administration Of the system ~ APP
pOintments established by the Civil Ser
vice Law. The results attained show that
under their operation the public service
has improved and that the civil service
system is relieved OF many Objectionable
features which has heretofore subjected
DO 10 just criticism and the administrative
officer 10 the charge of urbusiness-llke
methods in The conduct Of public affairs.
r. is believed that the merit system has
been greatly strengthened and lis per-
manence assured. II will be my constant
aim ion the administration OF the Govern
mont in our new possessions 10 make IT.
ness. character and merit essential 20
appointment. 10 Office and 20 give 10 tho
capable and deserving inhabitants prefer
ence In appointments
RICH INHERITANCE.
"The lith OF December will be the one
hundredth anniversary OF the death of
Washington. For "A hundred years the
Republic has had the priceless advan-
tage Of the lofty standard of character
and conduct which he beQueathed 20 the
American people. n is an Inheritance
which time. instead Of wasting continu-
ally increases ard enriches We may
justly hope that In the years to come the
benign influence OF the Father of his
| country may be even more potent Tor
! good than the century which is drawing
( 70 a close. 1 have been glad 10 learn
that In many parts OF the country tho
| people will httlnsly observe this historic
! anniversary.
Presented 10 this Congress are great
J opportunities, with them come great re-
| sponsibilities the power conhded to us
| Increases the weight Of our obligations
70 the people and We must be profoundly
sensible OF them az We contemplate the
new and grave problems which confront
us Aiming only al the public good We
| cannot err. A right OF Interpretation OF
the peoples will and Of duty cannot fail
| 10 insure wise measures for the welfare
of the islands which have come under
the authority OF the United States and
inure 10 the common interest and lasting
honor OF our country. Never has this
nation had more abundant cause than
during the past year Tor thanktulness to
God for manifold blessings and mercles.
for which We make reyerent acknowlcdg.
ment.
WILLIAM MkINLEY.
Executive Mansion. December 5. 1884