The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1881-12-15
fMNr0nATrON.

In 1875 the Supreme Court OF tho United
f,ates declared unconstitutional the statutes Of
certain states which imposed upon shipoYnars
or consignecs tax or sl50 FOR each passen-
ger arriving from a foreign country, or, III lieu
thereof, required q bond TO indemnify tho
State and local authorities against expense Tor
tue future relief OF support Of such passenger.
since this decision tho expense attend
Ing tho caro- and supervision Of immigrants
has fallen on the States 1t whose ports
they have landed. Az . largo majority OF
such immigrants, Immediately upon their ar
rival, proceed to the inland States and tho Ter
ritories to seek permanent homes 1t Is mani
festy unjust to impose upon the state whose
shores they first reach the burden which 1t now
bears. For this reason, and because Of tho
national Importance Of the subject, recon-
mend legislation regarding the supervision to
transitory care Of immigrants at the ports Of
debarkatlon.
Iregret to state that the people OF Alaska
have reason to complain that they are ~ yet
unproslded with any form OF government by
which lie or property can be protected.
While the extent OF its population does not
Of Territorial administration, there Is immc-
date necessity for constituting such form
Of government no will promote the ed
ucation Of the people and secure the admn-
istration OF justice. Tho Senate at its
last session passed bill providing for con-
strliction OF building for the library OF Con-
gfesB, but 1t failed to become law. The pro-
vision OF such able protection for this great
collection Of hooks. and for the copyright de-
partment connected with 1t, has become a sub
ject Of national importance, and should receive
prompt attention.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
Tie report Of the Commissioners OF tho
District of Columbia. herewith transmitted,
will inform vou fully of tho condition Of the
Affairs If the District. The vital inheritance
ment Of tile marches. and for the establish
inent OF tho harbor lines along the Potomac
river front is undoulted. It is represented
that in TIER rreeent condition these marshes
sefiouslf affect the health Of the
residents Of the adjacent parts OF tho
ely, ard that they greatly mar the general
aspect OF the park in winch stands tine WASH
inston Monument This improvement would
aid 10 that park ind the park south of tho
Executive mansion large area Of yalnanlo
Eld, and wou'd transform what il now he
iesed to he dangerous nuisance into al at
tractive landscape extending to the RIVER front.
| They recommend the removal OF the steam
| railway lines from the surface Of tho streets
OF the city. and the location of the necessary
| derots in such places as may he convenient for
| the public accommodation. They call attention
| To the deficiency OF the water supply which
seriously Affects the material prosperity OF tho
city and tic healta and comfort Of its inhahl-
| tants. commend these subjects to your care
| full consideration.
The importance of timely legislation with
| respec. TO the ascortainment and declaration Of
TIE VOTE FoR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS
/ WAS sharply called TO the attention OF tire
| people more than four years ago. It
| is 10 be hoped that some wcli-dehned
/ measure may lie devised before another
national election. which will render unncccs-
/ sary resort 10 ally cxpedient Of q tempo
i rary character for the lie erminatoa OF
/ nj II tod rein I'm
/ Which concern the very existence OF the
| Government and the liberties Of the people
were suggested by tho prolonged illness Of
the late President, and his consequent inca
| paciis to perform the functions OF his Office.
II IL provided b. the second article Of the com
stitutlon, in the fifth clause of its first section,
| that in case Of the removal Of the President
/ from Office, or OF his death, resigna, ion ina
billy to discharge tue powers and du-
| tics OF said Office, the same snali devolva
on the Vice President. What is the intention
| OF tho constitution in IT'D specification
OF Inability 10 discharge the powers and
| duties Of said cili,e,' is one oil tho con-
| tlngencies which calls tho Vice rresi lent to
the exercise Of Presidential functions, is The in-
| ability delegated III its nature to long-coatnued
/ intellectual incapacty. or has 1t broader iu,-
| port What must be lis extent and duration?
How must its existence be estabisheds Has
the President, whose inability is the subject OF
inquiry, any voice in determining whether or
/ not 1t exists !? Or il the decision OF that mo-
mentions and delicate question con,ided to the
| Vice President, or is it contemplated by the
| constitution that Congress should provide by
| law precisely.
WHAT SHOULD CONSTITUTE INABILITY,
| AMI how and by what tribunal or authority il
/ should be asclrfained? Iii the inability proves
| temporary ia its natare, and during its con-
| tinnanee the Vice President lawfully exercises
| the functions Of the Executive, by what tenure
| does he hold his Officer Does be continue
| az President for the remainder Of tho
four-y,ars term. or would tho elected
| President il his INABILITY should Cease in the
| interval. lie empowered to resume his Office 1
| and If. having such lawful AUTHORITY he should
| exercise il, would the Vice President b there
| upon empowered to resume his powers and
| duties az such. cannot doubt that these inn
portant questions will receive your early and
| .aaughiful consideration.
Deeply IMPRESSED with
THE GRAVITY OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES
| which haze SO unexpectedly devolved upon me,
will he my constant purpose 10 cooperate
viii yen IN such measure - will promote tho
| i,ss Or tie country AMI fhs prosperity IF rs
eide. CHESTER A. AETnCR.
/ Nss5.rS,igoS. n. e.. De. 4. 1881.