The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1881-12-07
ESTABLISHED OCT. IS, 1851.

that in their present conditions 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 Washington
| Monument. This improvement would lend
to that park and the park south Of the Elk
ecutive Mansion large area of valuable
| land, and would transform what is now
believed to be a dangerous nuisance, into
an attractive landscape, extending to the
river. They recommend the removal of
! the seeam railway lines from the surface of
the streets of the city, and the location of
| the necessary departments in such places
as may be convenient for the public accom-
mediation. They call attention to the defc-
| lency of the water supply which seriously
affects the material prosperity of the city
and the health and comfort of its inhabi-
tants. commend the subject to your IA
vorable consideration.
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS.
The importance of timely legislation
with respect to tho ascertainment and dec
laration of the vote for Presidential cleo
tors was sharply called TO the attention of
the people more than four years ago. 1t
is to be hoped that some well defined
measure may be devised before another
National election which will render unnee-
essary a resort to any expedient of tenn
porary character for the determination OF
questions upon contested returns. Ques-
tions which concern the very existence of
the government, and the liberty 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 ha a af f1sa
1st section, that in case of the
removal of the President from Office,
or of his death, resignation, or in
ability to discharge the powers and
duties of said office, the same shall devolve
on the Vice President. What is the inten-
ton of the constitution in its specification
of inability to discharge the powers and
duties of said office? Is one of the eOntin-
gencies which calls the vice president 10
the exercise Of presidential functions? Is
the inability delegated in its nature to long
continue6Antellectual incapacity, or has 1t
broader import? What mnst be its extent
and duration? How must its existence be
established? Has the president, whose in.
ability is the subject of inquiry, any voice
In determining whether or not it exists, or
is the decision of that momentous and del
icate question confided TO the vice presi
ident, or is it contemplated by the consti-
tuition that congress should provide by law
precisely what shall constitute inability and
how and by what tribunal or authority it
should be ascertainedr If the inability
proves to be temporary in its nature, and
during continuance the vice president law
fully exercises the functions of the execu-
tive, by what tenure does he hold his officeS
Does he continee as president for the re-
mainder of the four years term, or would
the elected president, if his disability should
cease in the interval, be empowered to re-
sumo his office, and if having such lawful
authority, he should exercise it, would the
vice president be thereupon empowered to
resume his powers and duties as such2 l
cannot doubt that these important ques-
tions viii receive your early and thought
full consideration.
Deeply impressed with the gravity of the
responsibilities which have so unexpectedly
devolved upon me, it will be my constant
purpose to cooperate with you in such
measures as will promote the glory of the
country and the prosperity of its people.
CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 9th. 1881.