re drawing their pensions cuts off from this bounty
a few survivors of the War of 1812 residing in the Southern States.
I recommend the restoration of this bounty to all such. The number of
persons whose names would thus be restored to the list of pensioners is
not large. They are all old persons, who could have taken no part in the
rebellion, and the services for which they were awarded pensions were in
defense of the whole country.

The report of the Commissioner of Agriculture herewith contains
suggestions of much interest to the general public, and refers to the
approaching Centennial and the part his Department is ready to take
in it. I feel that the nation at large is interested in having this
exposition a success, and commend to Congress such action as will secure
a greater general interest in it. Already many foreign nations have
signified their intention to be represented at it, and it may be
expected that every civilized nation will be represented.

The rules adopted to improve the civil service of the Government have
been adhered to as closely as has been practicable with the opposition
with which they meet. The effect, I believe, has been beneficial on
the whole, and has tended to the elevation of the service. But it is
impracticable to maintain them without direct and positive support of
Congress. Generally the support which this reform receives is from
those who give it their support only to find fault when the rules are
apparently departed from. Removals from office without preferring
charges against parties removed are frequently cited as departures from
the rules adopted, and the retention of those against whom charges are
made by irresponsible persons and without good grounds is also often
condemned as a violation of them. Under these circumstances, therefore,
I announce that if Congress adjourns without positive legislation on
the subject of "civil-service reform" I will regard such action as a
disapproval of the system, and will abandon it, except so far as to
require examinations for certain appointees, to determine their
fitness. Competitive examinations will be abandoned.

The gentlemen who have given their services, without compensation, as
members of the board to devise rules and regulations for the government
of the civil service of the country have shown much zeal and earnestness
in their work, and to them, as well as to myself, it will be a source
of mortification if it is to be thrown away