The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1881-12-07
OUR MERCHANT MARINE.

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The continuing decline of the merchant
marine Of the United States Is to be greatly
deplOred in view Of the fact that we furnish
so large proportion OF the freights OF the
commercial world and our shipments are
steadily and rapidly increasing. II Is a
cause OF surprise that not only Is our navi.
CATION interest diminishing, but it Is less
than when our exports and imports were
not one.lalf so large as now either In bulk
or value. There must be some peculiar
hindancc to the development Of this In.
terest or the enterprise and energy Of
American mechanics and capitalists
would have kept this country at least
abreast OF our rivals in the friendly contest
for ocean supremacy. The substitution OF
iron for wood, and steam for sail, hive
wrought great revolution in the carrying
tradg Of the world, but these changes haye
been adverse TO America. We should give
TO our navigation interest q portion OF the
aid In protection which has been so
wisely bestowed upon our manufacturers.
| commend the whole subject to the wis.
dom OF Congress with the suggestion that
no question OF greater magnitude or further
reaching importance Gun engage their at.
tention. In 1875 the Supreme Court Of the
United States declared Unconstitutional
the statutes Of certain States which i'm.
posed upon ship owners or consipnees n
tax oil one dollar and half for each pas.
senger arriving from foreign country, and
IN lieu thereof required them 10 indemnify
the Suite and local authorities against ex.
pehse for the future relief or support OF
such passengers Since this decision tile
expense attending the cure and superyi.
vision Of immigrants has not fallen on lie
States at whose ports they have landed, as
q large majority oil such Immigrants imme.
dlately upon arrival proceed 10 the inland
States and Territories 10 seek permanent
homes. 1t Is inahliestly unjust to impose
Upon the States whose shores they first
reach the burden which they now bear, For
This reason, and beCahse OF the national
Importance Of the subject, | recommend
legislation regarding the supervision and
ttansitory care Of immigrants ut the ports
Of debarkRtion.
ALASKA,
] regret TO state that the people of
Alaska have reason to complain tllat thew
are as yet unproyided with any form Of
government by which life or property can
be protected. While the extent Of its popu.
lation does not iustifythe application Of The
costly machinery Of territorial admins.
ttatioh, there Is immediate necessity for
constituting such form Of government as
Will promote the education Of the people
and secure the administration Of justice.
CONGRESSIONAL LIBRARY BUILDING.
The Senate, at lis last session provided
ior the construction Of building for the
library Of Congress, but Il failed to become
q law. The provision OF such able prolec.
ion for this great collection Of books, and
Tor the upright department connected with
" has become subject Of M.
lional Importance, and should receive
prompt attention.
DISTRICT or COLUMBIA.
The report Of the Commissioners Of tho
District OF Columbia, herewith transmitted.
will inform you fully oithe condition Of The
affairs oil the District They urge the vital
importance Of legislation for the replama.
lion and improvement Of the marshes and
for the establishment OF the harlor lines
along the Potomac river front. IL IA fepre-
scented that In their present. these
marshes seriously effect The health Of The
rrsidends Of adjacent parts Of the city, and
greatly mar the general aspect ii the