Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-12-07
national Importance and should receive prompt
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

nhtiOnal importance ana bnOuld receive prompt
attention.
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
The report Of the commissioners Of the District
OF Columbia herewith transmitted will inform you
fully of the condition Of affairs in the district;
They urge the vital importance Of legislation for
the reclamation and improvement Of the marshes
and for the establishment Of the harbor lines
along the Potomac river front. 1t Is represented
that In their present condition these marshes Sc
riously 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 Washington monument This improve
ment would add to the park and TO the park south
OF the executive mansion large area OF valuable
land and would transpose what Is now believed to
be dangerous nuisance into an attractive land
scape, extending TO to the river front. They
recommend the removal Of the steam 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, and they call attention
to the deficiency Of the water supply, which
seriously affects the material prosperity Of the
city and the comfort Of its inhabitants. / COM
mend the subjects to your favorable considera-
ton.
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS,
The importance Of timely legislation with re-
spect TO the ascertalnment and declaration OF the
vote for presidential electors was sharply called
to the attention OF the people more than four
years ago 1t IL to be hoped that some we'll
defined measure may be devised before another
national election which will render unnecessary a
resort to any expedient Of a temporary character
for the determination Of questions upon contested
elections.
PRESIDENTIAL INABILITY.
Questions which concern the very existence of
the government and the liberties OF the people
were suggested by the prolonged illness OF the
late president and his consea nent incapacitv IN
perform the functions of his office 1t is provided
by the second article Of the constitution in the
fifth clause Of its first section that in case of the
removal OF the president from office. or Of his
DEATH resignation or disability to discharge the
powers and duties OF said office, the same shall
devolve upon the vice-president. What IL the in
tention of the constitution in the specification of
inability to discharge the powers and duties of
said office as one OF the contingencies which calls
the vice-presdent to the exercise of the presi-
Dental functions? Is the inability limited in its
nature to long continued intellectual ncapacity or
has it broader import? What must be its ex-
tent 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
momentous and delicate question confided to the
vice president? Or is it contemplated by the con-
sitution that congress should provide by law pre-
cisely what should constitute disability and how
and by what tribunal or authority it should be as
certaned II the inability proves to be temporary
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 time or would the elected pres
ident, II his inability should cease in the interval
be empowered to resume his office D.? And II hav-
ing such lawful authority he should exercise it,
would the vice president be thereupon empowered
to resume his powers and duties as such ? can
not doubt that these important questions will re-
ceve your early and thoughtful consideration
Deeply impressed with the gravity of the respon-
sibilities which have SO Unexpectedly devolved
upon me, 1t will be my constant purpose to CO.
operate with you in such measures as will promote
the glory OF the country and the prosperity Of the
people.
(Signed) CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
Washington, December 8, 1881.