It is intended to make provision for carrying into effect the stipulations of the civil-service law in relation to promotions in the classified service.  To that end the rule requiring compulsory examination has been rescinded.  In my opinion the examination for promotion of those who present themselves should be chiefly, if not wholly, upon their knowledge of the work of the bureau or Department to which they belong and the record of efficiency made by them during their previous service.  I think the records of efficiency kept from day to day should be open to the inspection of the clerks.

Very respectfully, yours,

BENJ.  HARRISON.

[Footnote 21:  Addressed to the heads of the Executive Departments.]

THIRD ANNUAL MESSAGE.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, December 9, 1891.

To the Senate and House of Representatives: 

The reports of the heads of the several Executive Departments, required by law to be submitted to me, which are herewith transmitted, and the reports of the Secretary of the Treasury and the Attorney-General, made directly to Congress, furnish a comprehensive view of the administrative work of the last fiscal year relating to internal affairs.  It would be of great advantage if these reports could have an attentive perusal by every member of Congress and by all who take an interest in public affairs.  Such a perusal could not fail to excite a higher appreciation of the vast labor and conscientious effort which are given to the conduct of our civil administration.

The reports will, I believe, show that every question has been approached, considered, and decided from the standpoint of public duty and upon considerations affecting the public interests alone.  Again I invite to every branch of the service the attention and scrutiny of Congress.

The work of the State Department during the last year has been characterized by an unusual number of important negotiations and by diplomatic results of a notable and highly beneficial character.  Among these are the reciprocal trade arrangements which have been concluded, in the exercise of the powers conferred by section 3 of the tariff law, with the Republic of Brazil, with Spain for its West India possessions, and with Santo Domingo.  Like negotiations with other countries have been much advanced, and it is hoped that before the close of the year further definitive trade arrangements of great value will be concluded.

In view of the reports which had been received as to the diminution of the seal herds in the Bering Sea, I deemed it wise to propose to Her Majesty’s Government in February last that an agreement for a closed season should be made pending the negotiations for arbitration, which then seemed to be approaching a favorable conclusion.  After much correspondence and delays, for which this Government was not responsible,