The Cheyenne daily leader. [volume] (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 1870-1884, 1881-12-07

n large POIliOu OI Inc puDllc QOadlu
has been from time to time devoted to
the promotion Of education. There
Is now especial occasion why, by setting
apart the proceeds Of its sales Of public
lands, or by some other course. the gov
erment should aid the work Of educa-
tiop, for many who now exercise the
right of suffrage are unable to read the
ballot which they cast Upon many who
had just emerged from condition Of
slavery were suddenly devolved the re-
sponsibilities of citizenship. In that por-
tion Of the country most impoverished
by war. have been pleased to learn
from the report of the commissioner Of
education, that there has been lately q
commendible increase of interest and
effort for their instruction, but all that
can be done,by local legislation and pri-
yate generosity. should be supplemented
by such aid as can be constitutionally
afforded by the national government. I
would suggest that If any fund be dedi-
Gated to this purpose it may be wisely
distributed in the different states ac-
cording to the ratio of illiteracy, as by
this means those locations which are
most in need of such assistance will
reap its separate benefits.
THE NAVY.
call your especial atte ntion also to
the appended report of the advisory
board, which convened to devise suita-
BILE measures for increasing the efiicien-
cy of the navy, and particularly to re-
port as to the character and number Of
vessels necessary to place it upon a
footing commensurate with the neces-
aifia an no nannnt ton
strongly urge upon you my conviction
that every consideration of national
safety, economy and honor, imperative
ly demands thorough rehabilitation Of
our navy, with tull appreciation of
the fact that compliance with the
suggestion of the head of the depart
ment and OF the advisory board must
involve large expenditure of the pub.
lie money. earnestly recommend
such appropriations as will accomplish
that which seems to be SO desirable.
Nothing can be more inconsistent with
the true policy of economy than with
holding the means necessary to accom-
plish the objects intrusted by the the
constitution to the national. Legislative.
One of these objects, and one which is
of paramount Importance, is defined
by our fundamental law to be the pro-
vision for the common defense. Surely
nothing is more essential to the defense
of the United States, and of all Of our
people, than the efficiency of our navy.
We have for many years maintained
with foreign governments the relation
of honorable peace, and hope that such
relations may be permanently desired
by every patriotic citizen of the repub-
lie; but il we read the teachings OF
history, we shall not forget that in the
life of every nation emergencies may
arise when resort to arms can only
secure it from dishonor. No danger
from abroad now threatens this nation,
nor have we any cause to distrust the
friendly professions to our government,
but for the purpose of avoiding as well
as for repelling any dangers that may
threaten in the future, we must be pre-
pared to face any policy which we may
think wise to adopt. We must be ready
to defend our harbors against aggres-
sion, and to protect, by the distribu-
tion of our ships over the highways of
commerce, the varied interests of our
foreign trade; the people and property
of our citizens abroad; to maintain
everywhere the honor of our flag, and
the distinguished person which may
rightfully claim to be the nation of the
world.
PROVISION NEEDED.
| 1t is to be hoped that some well de.
fined measure may be devised before
another national election, which will
render it unnecessary to resort TO any
expedient of a temporary character for
the determination of the question on
contested returns.
| Questions which concern the very ex
istence of the government and the lib
critics of the people, were suggested by
the prolonged illness of the late presi
dent, and his consequent incapacity tC
perform the functions of his office. Ii
| is provided by the second article of the
| constitution, in the fifth clause of it,
first section, that in CAGE of the remova
of the president from Office, or of his
death, assassination, or inability to dis
charge the powers and duties of sale
office, the same shall devolve on the
vice president. What is the intention
of the constitution in the specification
of inability to discharge the powers
and duties of said office? Is it one OF
the contingencies which calls the vice
president to the exercise of presiden-
tial functions? Is the inability to bt
long continued, intellectual incapacity
or has it broader view? What mus
be its extent and durationP How mus
its existence be establishedp Has tn,
president whose inability is the subject
of inquiry any voice in determining
whether or not il exists? Is the decis
| ion of that momentious and delicate
question confided to the vice president
or is it contemplated by the constitu
tion that congress should provide by
law precisely what should constitute
inability, and how, and by what tribu
nal or authority it should be eascertained'
If the inability proves to be temporar,
in its nature, and if during its contin
uance the vice president lawfully exer
cises the functions of the executive, b,
what tenure does he hold his office
Does he continue as president the re
mainder of the four years term, o
would the elected president, If hi
J disability should cease In the interval
be empowered to resume his office, an,
if having such lawful authority h
should exercise it, would the vice pres
: dent be thereupon empowered to oresum
his powers and duties as suchp
l cannot doubt but that these i'm
portant questions will receive you
early and thoughtful consideration
Deeply impressed with the gravity O
the responsibilities which have SO un
exyectedly devolved upon me, it will b
my constant purpose to cooperate wit
you in such measures as will promot
the glory of the country and the pros
perity of its people.
Signed, CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
Washington, Dec. 9, 1881.