The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 18??-1882, 1881-12-16

strongly urge upon you my conviction that
| every consideration OF national safety, econo-
my and honor imperatvely demands thor.
ough rehabilitation of our navy, with full an
probation OF the fact that compliance with the
sugge stions OF the head OF that department
and OF the advisory board must involve a large
expenditure Of the public moneye. earnest
iy recommend such appropriations as will ac-
| compllsh In the end what seems to be 30 de-
sirable. Nothing can he more inconsistent
with true public economy than the withhold
ing OF means nect ssary TO accomplish objects
intrusted, by the constitution, to the national
legislature. One Of these objects, and one
which Is OF paramount Importance, is declared
y our law e % the provision
more essential to the defense OF the United
States and all the people than the efficiency Of
our navy. We have fer many
years maintained with foreign gov
ernments relations of honorable peace,
and that such relations may be permanent h
lie. But IL we read the teachings of history
we shall not forget that In the life of every
nation emergencies may arise when resort to
arms can alone save II from dishOnor. No dan.
ger from abroad now threatens this people,
nor have We any cause to distrust the friendly
professions OF other governments, but for
avoiding as well as repelling daBgers that
may threaten us In the future we must be pre-
pared to face any policy which we think wise
TO adopt; we must be ready to defend our hsr-
Dors against aggression, to protect by the dis
tribution Of our ships Of war over the highways
or commerce the varied interests Of our foreign
trade and the person and property OF our citi-
zens abroad, to maintain everywhere the honor
OF our flag and the distinguished position
which we may rightfully claim among the ma
tiOns OF the world.
THE MERCHANT MARINE.
The continued decline of the merchant ma
rine OF the United States Ia to be greatly de-
plored. In view Of the fact that we furnish 30
large proportion OF the freight Of the com
mercial world, and that our shipments are
steadily and am rapidly increasing, i Is cause Of
est diminishing, it is less than when our ex-
ports and imports were not half 80 large as
now, either in bulk or in value. There must
be some peculiar hindrance to the development
OF this interest 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 spprem-
acy. The substitution OF iron for wood md Of
steam for sail have wrought great revolutions
In the carrying trade of the world, but these
changes could not have been adverse to Amer
lea, IL we had given to our navigation interest
a portion Of the aid and protection which have
been 30 bestowed upon our manufactures. l
commend the whole subject to the wisdom of
congress with the suggestion that no question
OF greater magnitude or farther reaching i'm
portance can engage their attention.
PRESIDENTIAL INABILITY.
Questions which concern the very existence
of the government and the liberties OF the peO-
pie were suggested by the prolonged illness OF
the late President and his consequent incapac-
ity to perform the functions of his Office. II
Is provided by the second article of the consti-
k.NfA t. AlxcE al IA e.
that in case of the removal of the President
from office, or OF his death, resignation or ina
bility to discharge the powers and duties Of
his Office, the same shall devOlve on the Vice
President What is the intention Of the constl-
tuition in lis specification of inability to dis
charge the powers, and duties of said office as
one OF the contingencies which calls the Vice
President to the exercise OF Presidential func-
tions? Is the inability limited In It's nature to
long continued intellectual incapacity, or has
it broader import? What must be it's extent
and duration? How must its existence be %
tablished9 Has the President, whose inabil--
ity is the subject of inquiry, any voice IN deter
mining whether or not it exists or is tho
decision of that mOment0us and
delicate question confided to the Vice -Presi-
dent, or is it contemplated by the constitution
that congress should provide by law precisely
what should constitute inability, and how and
by what tribunal or authority 1t should be as
certaiHedP If the inability proves to be tenn
porary in its nature, and during its continuance
the Vice President lawfully exercises the
functions Of the executive, by what tenure
does he hold his office? Does he continue as
President for the remainder Of the four years
term, or would the elected President, II his in
ability should cease in the interval, be empow-
cred to resume his Office, and If, having such
lawful authority, he should exercise IL. would
the Vice President be thereupon empowered
to resume his powers and duties as such? /
cannot doubt that these important questions
will receive your early and thoughtful cOnsid-
Grafton.
Deeply depressed with the gravity of the re-
sponsbilities which have 80 Unexpectedly de.
velved upon me, 1t will be my constant purpose
to cooperate with you in such measures as
will promote the glory Of the country and the
OF its people.
CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
WASHINGTON, D. c.. December 8, 1881.