Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1881-12-13

I commend the whole subject 10 ti.e wisdom, OF
| Congrss, With the suggestion that question OF
greater magnitude or farther reaching importance
eau engage their attention
Care OF Emigrants.
In 1875, The Supreme Court Of the United states
declared unconstitutional the statutes OF certain
States which imposed upon shipowners or con
signees tax OF so for each pass-ngrr arriving
from foreign country, or In lieu thereof required
bond 10 indemnify tho state and local authorities
against expen for the future relief or support Of
such passengers since this decision OF .erpeas<
attending the care ami supervision Of immigrants
has fallen OH the states AZ whose ports they have
landed. As large majority OF such Immigrants
Immediately upon their arrival proceed 10 Inland
states or territories 10 seek permanent homes, n
u manifesily unjust to impose upon the Stale
whose shores they hrst reach, the burden which
now rests. For this reason. and because OF tho
national Importance OF the subject. frecommend
legislation regarding the supervision aud trabsto
~ care Of grants at ports Of debarkatio1.
Alaska.
regret ~ state the people OF Alaska have Tes.
sou ~ complain that they are unproyiied with
any form OF government bJ which life 1r property
eau b. protected While the extent VI 10 popula.
ton does not Justify application Of costly marlin
cry 81 territorial administration there Il immediate
necessity for constituting such form of govern
mcni will promote education Of people sst
administration u justice.
Congregational Library.
The senate NJ IT. last session passed bin proyid
ing for tie construction Of building for the
library VI Cougress. It failed 10 become a law.
The provision ~ suitable protection for the great
collection 81 book. has become q subject OF mater
ial Importance aud should receive promp, allen.
ton.
District OF Columbia.
The report u the commits ,oner. Of the Disurtct
90 Columbia, herewith tTAnsmiuei VIII Inform
you fully OF the condition OF the affairs OF the Dis
tric.. They urge the vital Importance Of led,la-
ton Tor reclamation and Improvement Of the
marshes and tor the establishment o. the harbor
lines along the Potomac river front IL Is repre-
scnted that Ia their present condition these marshes
seriously Affect the health Of the resident. Of sdla
cent parts II the city, and that they greatly ls
general aspect Of the park, In which stands the
Washington monument. TIL. inprov emcDt wosh
adl 10 that part and - the park south of the Exc
cutlVc Mansion large area OF valuable land, and
would transform what !, now believed 10 H. y
dangerous nuisance Into nm attractive lADdsape
extending 10 The river front They recommend the
removal - steam railway lines from the surface
0f the streets Of the city and the location OF neces
sAry denots In such places a. may no convenient
for public accommodation, and they call attention
to the deficiency OF the water supply, which
riously affects the material prosperity Of the city
aud hcaltl and comfort Of 10. inhabitants I con.
mend these subjects "a your favorable consid'Ta
ton.
Presidential Elections
Tho Importance OF timely l-gi-la Il on with aspect
o. tie as.'ertanmcni AMI declaration OF votes for
Presidential electors was sharply called 10 The al
tcnIion Of the people more than four year. ago
r. 8, q bs hoped that some we'll defined measure
may b. devised before another nationa! elsctIos
which will render unnecessary resort TO any er
Ue'llent OF a temporary character FOR the determi
nation Of ques lons upon contested returns.
Presidential Disability.
Questions which concern the very existence Of
the government AMI the liberties Of the people
were suggested by the prolonged Illness OF the late
President aud his consequcut iDcapacity 10 per
form the functions ~ his oflics. IL l. provided by
the second article OF tie constitution, IN tie nrh
clause 81 Its hrst section. TINT In Of rrmoyal
81 the President from Office. or Of his death, res
iguailOu er Inability - discharge the powers and
duties o; .ald Office. the same shall deyolve upon
the Vice President. What - the intsndment Of
Constitution, Of IL specification OF inability 10
~ .,hargc the powers aud duiie, ~ said oficr''
~ one ~ tho contingencies which calls the
Wee President - tn exercise 81 the
Presidential functions. l. The Inability lnt'si In
, nature 10 long cont Eued lntel.e tuAl capacity,
or has Il broader import What must be- It's et
tut amt duratiOns How must IT. existence he ~
tablishcdy Has the President whose inability IL the
subject % inquiry ANY voice Ia determining hothsr
not II exists, OF l. the decision of that monmcnt
ous anl delicate question conite'gtO the Vice Pre-i
dcut. or Is IL contemplated by the constitution that
Congress should provide by a law precisely what
should constitute inability, AMI how and by what
tribunal ur authority Il should lie ascertaineif n
the inability prove % be temporary In IL nature
aud during Its continuance the Vice Prr-ident law
fully exercise. the functions 81 executive, by
what tenure does be EolI his Office Does he con.
time ~ President for tine rmAinder
Of ih. four year term, or would
the elected President u his Inability should cease
In The Interval De Empowered to resume
his onc,. ani n having such lawful authority
be- -hould exercise IL. Woull the Vic. President
H. t.crrupOn empowered d re-ino biz power,
ard duties a. such cannot doubt that these In
portant questions VIII receive your early aud
thoughtful consideration.
Conclusion.
Deeply Impressed with the gravity Of the Je
spouslbiiity which has uucN pecte,lly deYVlyed
upon me, it viii De nv constant purpose - 60
Operate with YOU Ia such measures "a will promote
the glory OF the country 1nh the prosperity OF iGs
people CHESTER A. AEInUH
Washington, u. e.. Dec. q, 1851.