Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1881-12-07


Iregret to state that the people Of Alaska
nave reason TO complain that they are as yet
unprovided with anv form Of government by
the e1ta. Ie on properly can oe protected Wnlle
tne application of the costly machinery OF
territorial administration, there Is immediate
necessity for constituting such form Of gov
eFnmene as viii promote the education Of the
people and secure the administration Of Jus
tice.
TIE CONGRESSIONAL LIBRARY.
The Senate at its last session, passed bill
proEfding for the construction of building
for the Library of Congress, but it fsiled to be-
come law. The provision of suitable protec-
ton for this great collection of books and for
the copyright department connected with it.
has become subject of national Importance
and should receive prompt attention.
THE POTOMAC RIVER AND FLATS.
The report of the Commissioners of the Dis
trict of Columbia. herewith transmitted. viii
inform you fully of the condition of the affairs
of the District They urge the vital importance
of legislation for he reclamation and improve
ment OF the marshes, and for the establish
ment of the harbor along the Potomac river
front 1t is represented that in their present
the health of the residents Of the
adjacent parts of the city, aud that they
greatly mar the general aspect OF the section
in which stands the Washington monument.
This improvement would add to that part and
to the part south of the Executive Mansion a
large area of valuable land. and would
transform what is now believed to be
dangerous nuisance into an attractive
landscape, extending TO the river front. They
recommend the removal of the steam railway
lines from the surface of the streets OF the
city. aud 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 m e-ial prosperity of the
city and the health and comfort of its inhabi-
tants. commend these subjects to your IA
vOrable consideration
COUNTING ELECTORAL VOTE
The Importance of timely legislation with
respect to the sscersainmsnr and declaration of
the vote for Presidential electors, was sharply
called to the attention of the people more
than four years ago. It is to be
hoped that some more defined measure NAV be
devised before another national election which
VIII render unneceSS Sary resort to any expe-
dent of a temporary character for the deter
mination of the question upon contested re-
turns.
THE PRESIDENTIAL SUCCESSION.
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 incapa-
city to perform the funch ms of his office Il
is provided by the second article of the Com
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 or inability to discharge the pow
ers and duties Of said rfflcer the same shall
devove on the Vice President" What
is the intendment of the Copstitu
ton in its specification of ina
biity to discharge the pow-rs and duties
of said Office as one of the contingencies which
calls the Vice President to the exercise of
Presidential functions Is the inability limit
ed in its nature to long continued intellectual
InoapacIty, or has it a broader import
What must ha its extent and duration
How must its existence be establisheds 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-
vice President, or is it contem-
plated by the Constitution that
Congress should provide by law
precisely what. should constitute inability
and how and by Whist tribunal or authority jt
should be ascertalned. If the inability proves
TO be temporary in its nature. and during its
continuance the Vice President llwfully exer-
tive. by what tenure does he
mold his Off se2 Does he continue as President
Tor the remainder OF the four years termP or
would the elected President, if his inability
should cease in the interval, be empowered to
resume his office, and if, having such lawful
authorlty. he should exercise it. would the
vice President be thereupon empowered to re-
sumo his powers and duties as such?
CONCLUSION.
l cannot doubt that these important oues
t'ons will receive your early and thOughtfuI
consideration Deeply impressed with the
gravity OF the responsibilities which have
SO unexpectedly devoIved upon me, 10
to cooperate with you in such measures sV as
will promote the glory of the country and the
prosperity Of its people
CHESTER A ARTHUR.
Washington, D. c., December 6, 1881.