The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1881-12-17

have reason to compliant that they are as yet IN
provided with any form of government by
which llfe or property can be protected. While
the extent of its population does not justify
the application of the costly machinery of ter
ritorial administration, there is immediate
necessity for constituting such form of gov
eminent as will promote the education of the
people and secure the administration of Justice.
CONGRESSIONAL LIBRARY.
The senate at its last session passed bill
providing for the construction of q building for
the Library of congress, but it failed to become
law. The provision of such protection for
this great collection of books and for the de-
partment connected with it, has become sub
Ject of national Importance, and should receive
prompt attention.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
The report of the commissioners of the Dis
trict of Columbia herewith transmitted will in
form you fully of the condition of the affairs
of the District The vital Importance Of legls-
lation for the reclamation and improvement of
the marshes and for the establishment of the
harbor lines along the Potomac River front
is shown. 1t is represented that in their
present conditions these marshes seriously af-
feet the health of the residents of the adjacent
parts of the city and that they greatly
mar the general aspect of the park in which
stands the Washington monument. This i'm
provement would add to that park and the park
south of the executive mansion large area of
valuable land and would transform what Is now
believed to be dangerous nuisance into an at
tactive landscape extending to the river front.
They recommend the removal Of the steam
railway lines from the surface Of the streets of
the city and the location of the necessary
depots III such places as may be convenient for
the public accommodation; they call attention
to the deficiency of the water supply which
seriously affects the material prosperity of the
city and the health and comfort of its inhabi-
tants. | commend these subjects to your IA
Vorable consideration.
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS.
The importance of timely legislation with
respect to the ascertainment and declaration Of
the vote for presidential electors was sharply
called to the attention of the people more than
four years ago, and it is to be hoped that some
well-defned measure may be devised before
another national election, which win render
unnecessary a resort to any expedient of tenn
porary character for the determination of ques-
tons upon contested returns.
THE "INABIIITY QUESTION.
Questions, which concern the very existence
of the government and the liberties of the peo-
pie, were suggested by the prolonged illness of
the late president and his consequent incapacity
to perform the functions of his Office. 1t is
provided by the second article of the constitu-
ton in the fifth clause of its first section
that, III case of the removal of the
President from Office on of his death, assassi-
nation, or inability to discharge the powers
and duties of said Office, the same shall de-
volve on the vice president. What is the in
tentiOn of the constitution In its speculation Of
inability to discharge the powers and duties
of said Office 2" Is one of the contingencies
that which calls the wee president to the exer-
else of presidential functions? Is the
Inability delegated in its nature to long
continued intellectual incapacty or has it broader
import? What must be its extent and duration :?
How must its existence be established? Has
the president, whose inability is the subject of
inquiry, any voice in determining whether or
not it exists or is the decision of that moment
Gus and delicate question confined to
the vice president? or is it contemplated
by the constitution that congress
should provide by law precisely
what should constitute inability, and how and
by what tribunal or authority it should be ascer-
tanned? If the inability proves to be temporary
in nature, and during its continuance the vice
president lawfully exercises the functions
of the executive, by what tenure does
he hold the Office? Does he continue as Presi-
dent for the remainder of the four years term
or would the elected President, if his
be empowered to resume his Offices, and if hay
ing such equal authority he should exercise
1t, would the vice president be thereupon en-
powered to resume his powers and duties as
such? l cannot doubt that these important
questions will receive your early and thought
full consideration.
Deeply impressed with the gravity of the re-
sponsibilities which have so Unexpectedly de-
yolTed upon me it viii be my constant purpose
to cooperate with you in such measures as will
promote the glory of the country and the pros
perity of its people. Signed,
CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
WASHINGTON, D. c., December 6, 1881.