The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1881-12-09

shores they first reach the burden which II now
bears. For this reason, and because OF the
national importance of the subject, recon-
mend legislation regarding the supervision TO
transitory care Of immigrants at the ports Of
regret to state that the people Of Alaska
have reason to complain that they are as yet
unprovded with any form of government by
which lie or property can be protected.
While the extent OF its population does not
justify the application OF the costly machinery
of Territorial administration, there il imme-
date necessity for constituting such form
of government az will promote the ed
ucation of the people and secure the admin
istration OF justice. The Senate at it's
last session passed bill providing for con-
struction of building for the library OF Con-
gress, but 1t failed to become q law. The pro-
vision OF such able profession for this great
collection Of books, and for the copyright de-
partment connected with 1t, has become sub
ject OF national importance, aud should receive
prompt attention.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
The report of the Commissioners OF tho
District OF Columbia, herewith transmitted,
will inform you fully OF the condition of the
affairs of the District. The vital importance
OF legislation for the reclamation and improve
ment of the marshes, and for the establish
ment OF the harbor lines along the Potomac
river front il undoubted. II is represented
that in their present condition these marshes
seriously affect the health of the
residents OF the adjacent parts OF the
city, and that they greatly mar the general
aspect of the park in which stands the Wash
ington Monument. This improvement would
add 10 that park and the park south of the
Executive mansion q large area of valla ole
land, and would transform what is nov be-
leved to be a dangerous nuisance into an at
tractive landscape extending to the river front.
Thaxr no xral ~ fhn otA
railway lines from the surface Of the streets
OF the city. and the location Of the necessary
depots in such places as may be convenient for
the public accommodation. They call attention
to the deficiency of the water supply, which
seriously affects the material prosperity of the
city and the health and comfort of its inhabi-
tants. / commend these subjects to your care
full consideration.
The importance OF timely legislation with
respect TO the ascertainment and declaration OF
THE VOTE FOR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS
was sharply called TO the attention of the
people more than four years ago. 1t
is 10 DO hoped that some well-defined
national election, which will render unneces-
sary resort to any expedent of tempo
rary character for the de ermination Of
questions upon contested returns. Questions
which concern the very existence of the
Government and the liberties of the people
the late President, and his consequent inca
pacity to perform the functions of his Office.
1t is provided bv the second article of the con-
stitution in the fifth clause of its first section,
that in case of the removal of the President
from Office, or of his death, resignation, ina
bility to discharge the powers and du-
ties of said Office, the same shall devolve
on the Vice President. What is the intention
OF the constitution in its specification
of "inability to discharge the powers and
duties of said Office" is one OF the con-
tingencies which calls the Vice President to
the exercise of Presidential functions is the in
ability delegated in its nature to long-contnued
intellectual incapacity, or has it broader inn
port What must be its extent and duration !?
How must its existence be established? Has
the President, whose inability is the subject Of
inquiry, any voice in determining whether or
not it exists Or is the decision Of that mo-
mentous and delicate question confded to the
constitution that Congress should provide by
law precisely.
WHAT SHOULD CONSTITUTES INABILITY,
and how and by what tribunal or authority it
should be ascertained? Ii the inability proves
temporary in its nature, and during its con-
tinuance 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, if his inability should cease in the
interval. be empowered to resume his Office ;
and II, having such lawful authority. he should
exercise it, would the Vice President be there
upon empowered to resume his powers and
duties as suchl l cannot doubt that these inn
portant questions will receive your early and
thoughtful consideration.
Deeply impressed with
THE GRAVITY OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES
which have so unexpectedly devolved upon me,
it will be my constant purpose to cooperate
with Won in such measures as will promote the
glory of the country and the prosperity of Its
people. CHESTER A. Arthur.
WASHINGTON, ID. c., Dec. 6, 1881.