Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1871-05-15

IL u certainly gratifying evidence OF the Chri
usn benevolence Of the people of the District
mat they should have expended for the relief OF
the poor, sick, and helpless in their midst sum
equal 10, II not considerably larger than that
dlsoursed by the public authorities Such
enorts, however, being specific in their objects,
poor OF the District. As before suggested VII az
wanted IL thoroughly organized system
which III ITS operation will relieve every case OF
inoigence, and which will apply a reformatorv
remedy wherever such ind gence Is the result a.
lntemperance, vice or crime. The executive az a
legislative guardians of the District have hiyh,
duty to perform than the mere development
OF material resources. They can not ev ade the
responsibility, too often ignored. of restraining
vice. Cuitiyating the popular virtue proyi,,inS
LOT the poor, and enlightening tue ignorant.
virtue snd intelligence are the found stions OF
al permanent public prosperity. IL is cheaper
Tor tie TAX payer, as a mere commercial prom
osition, TO maintain schools and reiormstory in
suthuonS than 10 MAINTAIN prisons and aims
houses. The sentence of the Offenders OF rreat,r
or les gree, should look no less TO their refor
mation than TO their punishment.
IL f therefore, recommended a AT Board If
Chsfiues and Correction, with ample powers to
carry out the general plan above submitted n.
provided for by legislation.
REVISION AND CoDIFYING OF TIE lEws
The revision and codifving of the laws in toree
In the District rs subject which has long
st,racted public attention. Several ATTEMPTS
have been made to prepare such a code, which
Tor various reasons have failed. This work l.
rendered more necessary Eow than ever before
owing TO the consolidation of the several govern
ments OF the District, and to the fact that many
OF the existing laws have thereby become in
operative, While others require essential mod
hcations. Reference Il made 10 an accompany
ing statement, prepared AZ the request of the
EXECUTIVE, 10y legal gentleman of WASHINGTON
city;l which statement exhibits succinctly the
different classes of laws now in force within the
Dleflot; and shows in detail the necessity for a
thorough revision. IL is recommended that
the Legislature take the proper stems 10 proenra
without delay such revision.
In CONCLUSION, lt Is suggested that Won are
about TO enter upon your labors under cir
cuDstances peculiarly auspiciour The Con
erese OF the United States acCuated by a liberal
hEd sagacious appreciation OF the necessities of
the District Of Columbia, has conferred upon
its people the privilege OF self COVE rnment 20
en- extent far greater than they have ever be-
fore enjoyed. In return. the people of the Dis
trlct, While iuily realizing the value OF this
Its recipients, reasonably expect the terrific
rial government TO Justify the action of the
national government by wise and careful use
OF these enlarged powers. IL is not doubted
that your legislation will equally fulfil the de-
signs OF Congress and the just expectations of
the people; and II is hoped that the admins
trauon AID execution OF the laws you NAV enact
may also be efficient and scceptahle TO both
The former has given TO the legislative And
executive branches OF the new government
ample authority, and the latter with remarka
bic unanimity, are cordially disposed 10 second
every measure designed to advance the mate
rial, moral, and social interests of the District
AZ uSNlsiHg anu executing these measures We
should remember that privileges and RESPONSE
ties are corelatives, and that Wherever
authority lodges duties encamp around it
Above all, in order that We may wisely use our
privileges and authority, and Faithfully dis
chorge our duties and responsibilities we should
earnestly seek the blessing and guidance 81
Divine Providence, which have so steadfastlv
be friended our Republican Union, and which
during the lafe civil ar, so Sisnally preserved
the Nation from disruption and Is csritaI frnr'
threatened conquest
H. ID COOKE, Governor.
Washington, May IS, ISL.