The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-12-15
NO. Sc

marshes and for the establishment of the h,.,,o
| lines along the Potomac river front W A
1t s represented that in their present condt+io,
these marshes seriously affect the health Of tb.,
residents of the adjacent parts OF the city and
they greatly mar the general aspect OF the park in
which stands the Washington Monument. This
improvement would add TO that park and the part
south of the Executive Mansion large area Of val
liable land, and would transform what is now be
neVeo 10 De dangerous nuisance into attractive
landscape extending to the river front.
They recommend the removal Of the steam rail
way lines from the surface of the streets of the city
and the location of the necessary depot In such
places as may be convenient for the public accom-
m 9 ,, ana they call attention to the deficiency
OF the water supply, which seriously effects the
terfal prosperity of the city, and the health and
comfort of It's inhabitants.
L commend these subjects to our faith ful eonsid-
ation
ELECTORAL LEGISLATION
The Importance of timely legislation with resnect
to the and declaration Of the vote Tor
presidential electors was sharply called to the at
tention OF the people more than four wears ago If
Is TO be hoped that some we'll defined measure NAV
DC devised beJore another national election, which
VIII render unnecessary resort to any expedient
or temporary character for the determt nation or
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 the late Presi
dent, and his consequent incapactty perform the
functions OF his Office 1t is provided by the second
article OF the Constitutions In the fifth clause of.its
nrst section, that lin case of the removal of the
President from Office, or of his DEATH Resignation
or inability to discharge the powers and duties or
said ou1ce, the sam shall devove on the Vice Pres
dent What is the intendment of the Constitution
In It's specification OF Inability to discharge the
powers and duties of said office as one Of the con
tingencles which calls the Vice President to the ex
ercse OF presidential functions Is the inability
limited In It's nature to long-continued intellectual
lucapaclty, or has 1t a border import? What must
% us extent and duration: How must Its existence
De established? Has the President whose inability
Is tue SUBJECT OF Inquiry, any voice in determining
"hether or not 1t exists? Or is decision of that
nomentous and delicate question confined to the
ice PRESIDENT? Or is 1t contemplated by the Con
'ltutlon mat Congress should provide by law pre-
'iseiy what should constitute inability, and how
snd py what tribunal authority 1t should be as
ertained? II the inability proves to be temporary
n us nature, and during its continuance the Vice
resident lawfully exercises the functions of the
executive, by what tenure does he hold his office
Coes ne continue as president for the remainder OF
ne 1our years term Or would the elected presi-,
lent, II his inability should in the interval
'e empowered to resume his office and IL having
ucn iawrui authority, he should exercise 1t, would
ne vice PRESIDENT be thereupon empowered to re-
ume MS powers and duties as such? | cannot
oups these important questions will receive your
ariy and thoughtful attention.
Deeply impressed with the gravity Of the respon-
ioluNes Whlch have so Unexpectedly devolyed
pom me, IL Will be my constant purpose to cooper
.e with you In such measures as will promote the
iory OF the country and tue prosperity Of its peo-
io- CHESTER A. ARTHUR.