Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1881-12-15

ment This Improvement would add TO the park
and the park soLth of the executive mansion-a
large area of valuable land-and would trans
form what is now believed to De dangerous nui-
sance In attractive landscape, extending to the
river front
They recommend the removal of the steam rail
way 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 def
cheney of the water supply which seriously af-
feet the material prosperity OF the city, and the
health and comfort of its inhabitants. l COM
mend these Subjects to your favorable eonsidera-
ten.
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS.
The Importance of timely legislation with re-
Spcct to the ascertainment and declaration of the
vote for presidential electors was sharply called to
the attention of the people four years ago.
1t is to be hoped that some well defined measures
may De devised before another national election
which will render unnecessary a resort to any ex-
pedient of a temporary character for the deter
mination of questions on contested returns.
QUESTIONS OF INABILITY.
Questions which concern theI very existence of
the government. and the liberty of the people
were suggested by the prolonged illness of the
late president nd his consequent incapacity
to perform the functions Of his office.
1t is provided by the ID article of the consti-
tuition in the 9Th clause of its first section that
in case of the removal of the president from office,
of his death assassination, or inability TO dis
charge the powers and duties of said office, the
same shall devolve on the vice president. What
is the intention of the constitution in its specifca
ton of the inability of said oficel 1t is one of
the contingencies which calls the vice pres
ident to the exercises of the presidential function
Is the inability designated, a long con-
tinued intellectual incaT acity, or has it broader
impartl 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 mOmentous and delicate
question confded to the vice president, or is it
contemplated by the constitution that congress
should provide by law precisely what should
constitute inability and by what tribunal
y authority 1t should be ascertained. If the in
ability proves to be temporary in nature, and
during its continuance the vice president lawfully
exercises the functions Of the executive, by what
tenure does he continue as president for the re-
mainder 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 if, having such equal au-
thority, he should exercise it, would
the vice president be thereupon empowered to re-
sumo his powers and duties as such. | cannot
doubt that these impo rtant questions will re-
.eiye your early and thoughtful consideration.
Deeply impressed with the gravity
of the responsibilities which have
Sc Unexpectedly devolved on me, it will be my
constant purpose to cooperate with you ii such
measures as viii promote the glory Of the coun-
try and the prosperity of its people
CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
Washington, d. c., Dec. g. 1881.