davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-12-09
EDUCATION.

IT'S ADvIsABILITY AND NECESSITY.
Although our system of government docs not
contez,ssr q that the nation should provide or
support system for tho education Of our peo-
pie no measures calculated to promote that gen
eral intelligence and virtue upon which tie
perpetuity of our institutions so greatly
depend have been regarded ever with
indifference by congress or the executive
A large portion of the public domain has been
from time to time devoted to tho promotion #
education. There is special reason why by
setting apart the proceeds in sales of
public lands, or by some other course, the gov
ernment should aid the work of education.
Many who now exercise tho right of
suffrage are unable to read the bal
lot which they cast Upon more
who had just emerged from II condition Of
slavery where suddenly devolved the response
bilities of citizenship in that portion of the
country most impoverished by war. i have been
pleased to learn from the report of the coni-
missioner of education, that there mas beor
tcly a commendabe increase of in
terest and effort for their instructor,
but all that can DO done by local lie. b.
ation and private geuerosiy should DO SUI
pemented by such aid as can DO constitution
ally rendered by the national government.
| would suggest that if any fund be dedicated
to this purpose il may be wisely distributed in
different States according to the rate of ilit-
eracy as by this means those localities which
are most i. need of such assistance will reap
its special benefit
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-12-09
DISTRICT or COLUMBIA.

The report of tho commissioners of the Dis
trict of Columbia herewith transmitted will
inform you fully of the condition Of the affairs
of the District and tho vital importance Of
legislation for the reclamation and i'm
proyement of the marshes and
for the establishment of the harbor
lines along the Potomac river
front 1t is represented that in their present
condition these marshes seriously affect 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 Wash
ington monument This improvement would
add to that park and tho park south
of the executive mansion largo area
of valuable land and would transform
what is believed to be dangerous nus-
ance to an attractive 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 tho
necessary depots in such places as may be con-
venient for the pubic accommodation. They
call attention to the deficiency of the water
supply, which seriously affects the material
prosperity of the citt,, and the health and COM
fort OF its iahabifants.- commend those sub
jects to your favorable consideration.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-12-09
OUR MERCHANT MARINE
ITS DECADENcE DEpLoRED.

The continuing decline of the merchant ma
rine of the United States is to be greatly de-
pored. In view OF the fact that we furnish
30 large q proportion of the freights of the
commercial world, and that our shipments are
steadily and rapidly increasing it is cause Of
surprise that not only is our navigation inter-
est diminishing, but it is less than
when our exports and imports were not half
SO large as now, either in bulk or value There
must be some peculiar hindrance to the devel-
opment of this interest or the enterprise and
energy Of American mechanics and capitalists
would have kept this country at least abreast
of our rivals Ill the friendly contest for ocean
supremacy. The substitution of iron for
wood and of steam for sail has
wrought great revolutions in the
carrying trade of the world; but
these changes could not have been
adverse to America il we had given to our
navigation interests q portion of the aid and
protection which have been SO widely bestowed
upon our manufacturers. l commend the
whole subjec; to the wisdom Of congress, with
tho suggestion that no question of greater
magnitude or farther-reachiBg importance can
engage their attention. In 1879 the su-
preme cour. of the United States declared
unconstitutional the statutes Of certain States
which imposed on shpowners or consignees
tax of 81. 90 for each passenger arriving from
foreign country, or in lieu thereof required q
board TO indemnify tho State and local author
tiles against expense for future relief
or support of snch passengers.
Since the decision. the expense attending tho
care and supervision of emigrants has
fallen on States at whose ports have landed, as
a large majority of such immigrants immedi-
ately on arrival proceed to the inland States
aud the Territories to seek permanent homes.
1t is manicestly unjust TO impose on a State
whose shores they first reach to bear the bur-
dei which it now bears For this reason aud
because of the national importance of the sub
ject recommend legislation regarding the
supervision of transitOry immigrants at the
ports of debarkation.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-12-09
PENSIONS.
PENSIONS.
NUMBER and AMOUNT OF CLAIMS.

NUMBER AND AMOUNT OF CLAIMS.
II appears from the report of the commits
sioner of pensions that since 1860, 1894
original pension claims have been filed: 49,
g4s of these have beap aIIowad and inscr;hed
ON tha -ons;on ro,I. 20 "a, havo hoon "a
oH o Pona'oh ion' $500 law Den
Jee'eo anu apaiaohea, DeihS ID Fef
cent Of the whole number OF
claims settled. There are now pending
for settlement 065 575 original pension
claims. 2I2 OIO of which were filed prror to
july l. 1856. These when allowed will IN
yolye the pay,nent of arrears from the date of
discharge m case of an invalid and from date
of death or Termination of nrior rlabt. On ali
other cases. from aiI the data obtainable.
Ii is estimated that IS per cent OF
the number of claims now pending
will be rejected or abandoned. This wouId
show the probable rejection of "a O4O eases
and the probable admission of 1913 600 claims
all of which involve the payment of arrears of
pensions With the nresent force employed
the number of adipdcatons rrmaininp the
same and no new business intervening tbis
number of claims U93 OOO could be
acted upon in a period of six wears. and taking
Januarv / 1881 "a a near neriod from Which
TO estimate in each case tbe average amount of
arrears. it il found that every case allowed
would require for the first payment upon il
the ann of 81 35O MuItnIving mis- annnnt
by the whole number of prob-
able admissions gives $3.50. OOU 900
as the sum required for the first paymeut
This represents the sum which must be paid
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-12-09
THE MORMONS.
BLAST AGAINST poLyGAMY.


For many years the executive, in his annual
message to congress, has urged the necessity
of stringent legislation for the suppression of
polygamy in the Territories, especially
in Utah. The existing statute for
the punishment Of this odious crime,
so revolving TO the moral and religious sense #
Christianity, has been persisiently and con-
temptously violated ever since is enactmeI (.
Indeed, in spite of commendable effcrs
on the part OF the authorizes
who represent the United States in that Terl.
tory, the law las in no instance been enforced
and for cause to which reference will pre-
sently be NJ ade, is practically dead letter.
The fact that the adherents Of the Mormon
church, which rests upon polygamy as tie
corner stone, have recently been peopling in
large numbers. Idaho, Arizona and Utah,
our western Territories, is well
calculated to excite the liveliest
interest and apprehension. 1t lmpos
upon congress and the executive the duty Of q
war against this barbarous system all the pow
er which under the constitution and law they
eau WELD for it's destruction. Reference las
been already make to the distractions which
tho United States officers have encountered IN
their efforts to punish violations of law Prom
inent among the obstacles is the diff
snify of procuring legal evidence evidence
even in the case of most notorious offender.
Your attention is called to the language of Il
supreme court Of the United States explaining
its Judgment of reversal in the case of Milc.,
who had been convicted of bigamy in Utul.
Tho court refers to the fact that tho secresy
attending tho celebration of marriages in that
Territory makes that part of polygamy very
difficult, and the propriety is suggested Of
modifying that law of evidence which now
makes wife incompetent to testify
against her husband This sugg, h
ton is approved. recommend
also the passing OF an act providing that in Il
Territories of these United States the fact that
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-12-09
THE CIVIL SERVICE.

In my letter accepting the nomination for
vice president stated that, in my judgment,
no man should be an incumbent OF an Office
whose duties he is, for any cause, unfit TO per-
form, who is lacking i'll the ability, fidelity Ct
integrity which proper administration of sn, h
Office demands. This sentiment would doubtless
meet with general acquIesence, but opinion
has been widely divided upon the wisdom and
practicability of tile various rcformatoiy
schemes which have been suggested, and OF
certain proposed regulations governing APP
continents TO public office; the efficiency of
such regulations has been dislrusted, mainly
because they have seemed to ex-
act more educational and abstract
tests above general business capacity and
even special fitness for tue particular work in
hand. 1t seems to me that the result that
should be applied to the management of public
service may properly conform in the main to
such as regulate the condition of successful
private business The original appointment
should BIO based upon ascertained fit
ness. Tho tenure of Office should be
stable. Positions of responsibility should be so
far as practicable, filled by the promotion of
worthy and efficient officers. The inves;iga-
ton of all complaints and punishment OF all
official misconduct should be rrompt and
thorough. The views expressed in the fore
going letters are those which will
govern my administration of the cx-
ecutive Office. They arc doubtless
shared by all intelligent and patriotic citizens,
however dIverged i'll their opinion as to the
best method of putting them into practical CD
Grafton. For example, the assertion that
original appointments should be based on as
certalned fitness is not open 10 dispute; but the
question how in practice such fitness can be
most effectualy obtained is ono which has for
years excited interest and discussion. The
measure which, with slight variation
in its details has lately been urged OH the at
tantiOn
principal feature the scheme competitive ex-
animation. Save for certain exceptions, which
need not hero be specified this plan would
be applicable to the service in only its lowest
grade, and would accordingly demand
that all vacancies in higher positions
should be filed by promotion alone In these
particulars it is in conformity with tho existing
CIVIL service system of Great Britain and in
deed the success which has attended that sys-
tenn in the country of its birth IL
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-12-09
Bits or Fun.

1t takes just three people to keep . Sc
cret properly, but two of the three must be
dead.
A man must be going slowly when he
lets old age overtake him.
1t is useless for physicians tn argue
against short sleeved dresses. The Con-
stltution of the United States says: The
right to bare arms shall not be infringed."
A Tex,s man was lvnched for riding
mule on Sunday. 1t was another mans
mule, by the way.
A Maine minister has just preached
sermon which a local paper compares to "a
jackscrew raising earth to heaven"
Don't you think white gloves make ones
hands look awfully bigp' asked Angelina,
holding out her gloved hands. Us it the
gloves that makes them look so larger"
lima got alone that evening she confiden-
tally remarked TO herself that somebody or
other was great hateful thing.
A country editor who had the misfortune
to loss his wife had the following comb ma.
ton epitaph engraved upon her tombstone;
Trombone, terms, SO o year, inva-
rlably in advance. A kind
mother and an exemplary vito.
ITO the memory of Tabitha, wife of Moses
Skinner, Esq, gentlemanly editor of the
Office over Colenan's grocery, up two
flights Of stairs. Knock hard. We shall
miss thee, mother, We shall miss thee.
Job printing solicited"
An old Connecticut deacon once took to
church with him young man, educated,
refined, and lover of nature. The autum.
nal hues were at the height Of their glory,
and the Young man called
the attention of his companion to
clump OF trees. The staggering response
that the old deacon gave was: Il never see
trees on Sunday"
2 run
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-12-09
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS.

The importance of timely legislation with re-
spect 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. 1t is to be hoped that we'll
defined measure may be devised before another
national election which will render unnecessary
q reaort TO any expedent of a temporary char
acter for the determination of questions upon
contested returns, questions which concern
the very existence Of the government and the
liberties OF the people, were suggested by the
prolonged illness of the late president and his
consequent ipcapaclty 10 perform the functions
of his office was provided by the second arti-
Gle of the constitution III tho fifth clause of
lis first section, That in case of the removal of
the president from office, or of his death, as
slssination or inability to discharge the
duties of the said Office, the same shall deyolvo
on the vice president. What is the in-
tention OF the constitution in its specliica-
ton of inability for the discharge
of the powers and duties of the said Office is
one of tie contingencies which calls the vice
president to the exercise of the presidential
functions. Is the inability limited in ITS
ture to long continued intellectual incapacity.
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 OK
lists? Or is the decision of that momentous
ana delicate question cOnDucu 10 tne Vlc0
president? Or is it contemplated by the con-
stiturion that congress should provide by law
precisely what should constitute inability, and
low, aud by what tribunal or author
ity it should be ascertaincd?
II the inability proves to be temporary III ma
ture. and during its continuance the vice
president lawfully exercises the functions of
the executive, by what tenure does he hold his
office? Does he continue as president for the
remainder of the four years term, or would
the elected president, if his inability should
cease in the interval, be empowered to re-
sumo his Office; and if, having such equal
authority, he should exercise it, would
the vice president be thereupon empowered to
resume his powers and duties such?
cannot doubt that these important questions
will receive your early and thoughtful con-
sderation. Deeply impressed with the gravity
of the responsibilities which have so unex-
pectedly devolved upon me, it will be my con-
slant purpose to cooperate with you in such
measures as will promote the glory of the
country and the prosperity Of its people.
(Signedl CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
WASHINGTON, d. c.. Dec. q, 1881.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-12-09
history we shall not forget that IN

of history we shall not forget that IN
tho life Of every nation emergencies
may arise when a resort to arms can
alone save it from dishonor. No danger from
abroad now threatens tho people, nor have we
any cause TO distrust the friendly professions
of other governments; but for avoiding as well
rs for repeling dangers that NAV threaten us
in tho future, we must be prepared to face any
policy which we think best to adopt We must
be ready to defend our harbors against ag-
gression; TO protect, by the distribution of our
ships of war over tho highways Of commerce,
the varied interests of our foreign trade and
the personal property of our citizens, and tho
honor of our flag. and tho distinguished posi-
ton which We may rightfuly claim among the
nations of the world.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-12-09

o woman has been married to person charged
with bigamy, shall not disqualify her as wit
ness upon his trial for tho offense. / further
recommend legislation by which any person
solemnizing marriage in any Of the Terri
tories shall BIO required under the stringent
penalties for neglect or refusal, to file t
certificate of such marriage in tho supreme
court of the Territory unless conSr
may devise other practicable measures itr
obviating the difficulties which have hitle q
attended the efforts to suppress this iniquity,
assure you of my detri mined purpose 10 CO.
operate with you in any lawful and discreG;
measures which may DO proposed to that end.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-12-09
ALASKA.
THE NEED OF A GOV

TIE NEED OF n uUFEhN MLNIs
regret to state that the people of Alaska
have reason to complain that they arc as yet
unprovided with any form of government by
which life or property can be protected.
While the extent of its population does not
justify the application of tile costly machinery
Of Territorial administration, there is imme-
dia;e necessity for constituting such form of
government as will promote the education of
the people and secure the administration Of
justice.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-12-09
AGRICULTURE.

The report of tho commissioner Of agricul-
ture exhibits the results of the experiments in
which that department has been engaged
during the past year and makes important
suggestions in reference to the ag-
ricultural development of the country
the steady increase of our population and con-
sequent addition to the number of those en-
gagins in husbandry are giving to this depart
ment growing dignity and Importance. The
commissioners suggestions touching It's ga
pacity for greater usefulness deserve attention.
as it more aud more commeuGs itself to the in
terest which il was created TO promote.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-12-09
CONGRESSIONAL LIBR AIRY.

The senate at its last session passed bill
providing for the construction of building
for the library of congress, but it failed TO be-
come law. The provision of such able pro-
for the important department connected with it
has become a subject of national importance
and should receive prompt attention.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1881-12-09

At Buffalo, Orrn c. Thomas. connected with
the grave robbery aud insur ,ncs case, has been
indicted for murder in the first degree aud DIR.
H. E. Cotton, JAS H. Kennedy, Chas A.
Thomas and Undertaken Parker for conspiracy.
The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1881-08-19
TIE PRESIDENT.

The doctors in attendance upon the
President assert their sst'sisct'on
with the progress towards recovery
made by the patient on Thursday
They claim that re ia prog esslpg as
rapidly as they could rea.onably ex-
pecs, and some Of them assume an
almost positive degree OF confidence
that he will soon be well. Notwith
standing the doctors assertion, the
dispatches are not of an especially re-
assuring character. The vein Of
doubt that runs through them Leads
one to question whether Thursday
was really a "good day." marking 9
genuine improvements the condition
OF the patient. a new danger was
developed in the form of parotitis,
which may intensity The already
serious gastric trouble. 1t is even
limited that there are symphonic
OF bIood-poisoning. Should this
latter develop, doctors say there
will be no hope of saving the life o!
the President. One good sign il
found in the better state of the stom'
arh, which seems to be fast recover
ing from it's late serious disturbance.
The patient was able to swallow and
retain some liquid nourishment,
though symptoms Of nausea mani
fested themselves at times. The con-
fdenoe OF the doctors and attendants
is commendabls, and it inspires the
public with hope that would not
otherwise be felt. Bat confident as
the surgeons seem to be, it must be
evident to the reader OF the bulletins
and press dispatches from the White
House, that the "crisis" has not been
successfully passed. When it is, the
evidences of improvement will be
much better marked than they can
be said to be this morning.
The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1881-08-19
Stocks.

New York, 18.-The Post says:
When the money stringency was
relaxed in the last hour, there came
a sudden change in the tone of the
market from weakness to strength,
and in dealings the rush to buy was
as eager as that to sell was earlier in
the day. 1t is true that buying was
largely to cover shortage" al
though it begins to look as if the
stringency in money has been
worked for the purpose of getting
long stocks in view of the settle
ment of the trunk line difficulties,
which may be near. There was a
marked turn for the better at the
close. At the Produce Exchange
there was renewal of the excite
ment noticeable of late, and the
effort Of shorts to cover drove prices
up from 1c. to 4c'. the greatest rise
being in oats. Wheat closed weak
at an advance, while corn and oats
were firm. Flour advanced from
1Oc. to 15c. per barrel. Pork was
firm and lard again higher.
The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1881-08-19

AFFAIRS ALONG the border between
Arizona and Mex'co are 10 deplor.
able condition. Thieves and desper-
ADDE'S from either side the line are
raiaing the territory of the foreign;
republic, stealing stock and killing
people. A Mexican army officer is
in Arizona seeking The cooperation OF
the authorities in efforts to check the
lawlessress. A party OF American
roughs from Arizona are now ia
Mexico bent on revenging them.
selves upon anybody who comes in
their way. for the murder by Mexi-
cans, last week, OF half dozen raid
ers from this side. One good
feature about ;his little war is
that few who deserve to live
are likely to die, Whsther on this SIDE
or the other. the people along the
border. aud especially those who are
from each other, are gen
orally bard cases, VINO may be spared.
When either side gets to Strengthening
good people, it will be time for the
authorities to interfere.
The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1881-08-19
Two HRrtma0nR.

Chicago, 1S.-Despite the fact that
the Tribune had a column interview
with Leo Hartmann, yesterday, OBJ
tanned just as he was boarding the
train for Detroit, a New York dis
patch says he appeared in the SUI
perior court clerks Office, that city,
this morning, and renouncing allie
glance to the Emperor of Russia,
fled declaration Of his intention of
becoming a citizen of the United
States. 1t seems from this fact that
there are two Hartmanns. The
Chicago Hartmann is claimed, how
ever, to be the only Authentic one,
and the public are cautioned against
all others as base limitations.