The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1881-12-07


ment by which life or property can be pro
tected. While the extent Of its population
does not justify the application OF the cost
" machinery OF territorial administration,
there Is immediate necessity for constitli-
ting such form of government ~ will
promote the education OF the people and
secure the administration of justice.
The Senate, az its last session, passed q
bill providing for the construction OF q
building for the Library OF Congress, but
IL failed TO become law. The provision
OF suitable protection for this great collec-
ton OF books, and for the copyright de-
partment connected with II, has become a
subject OF national importance and should
receive prompt attention.
The report OF the Commissioners OF
TIE DISTRICT or COLUMBIA,
herewith transmitted, win inform you fully
OF the condition OF the affairs Of the Dis
trict.
They urge the vital Importance OF legis-
lation for the reclamation and improvement
OF the marshes and for the establishment OF
the harbor lines along the Potomac river
front.
j. 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 Washington monument. This improve
ment would add TO that park and to the
park south Of the Executive Mansion
large area OF valuable land, and would
transform what is now believed 10 De a
dangerous nuisance into an attractive land
scape extending 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 dep0ts in such places ~ may be
convenient for the public accommodation
and they call attention 10 the deficiency OF
the water supply, which seriously affects
the material prosperity OF the city and the
health and comfort OF its inhabitants.
commend these subjects to your fayora-
bic consideration.
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS.
The importance OF timely legislation with
respect 10 the aSccrtainment and deciara-
ton OF the vote for presidential electors
was sharply called to the attention OF this
people more than four years ago.
1t Is to be hoped that some welLdefined
measure may be devised before another na
tional election, which will render unneces.
sary resort to any eXpedient OF tempo
rary character for the determination oi
questions upon contested returns.
WHAT CONSTITUTES THE "INABLTTy OF
THE PRESIDENT.
Questions which concern the very exist
ence OF the Government and the liberties
OF the people were suggested by the pro-
longcd illness OF the late President, and
his consequent incapacity 10 perform the
functions OF his office.
II is provided by the second article OF
the Constitution, in the fifth clause Of its
first section. that ain ease OF the removal
OF the President from Office, or OF his death.
resignation, or inability 10 discharge the
powers and duties OF said office. the same
shall deyolye on the Nlce-President."
What is the intendment OF the Constitu-
ton in it, specification OF "inability 10
discharge the powers and duties Of said
Office" as one OF the contingencies which
calls the Vice-PreSident to the exercise OF
presidential functions2
Is the inability limited in it, nature 10
long-cOntinued intellectual mcapacity, or
IN, it q broader import?
What must be it, extent and duration2
How must it, existence be establiShed2
Has the President, whose inability II the
subject OF inquiry, any voice in determin-
lng whether or not 1t exists, or il the deci-
sion OF that mOmcntOhs and delicate gues-
ton contided TO the Vice-President, or IL
il contemplated by the Constitution that
Congress should provide by law precisely
what should constitute inability and bow
md by what tribunal OF authority il should
be aSccriaincdy
II the inability proves 10 be temporary
IN it, nature. and during liz continuance
The Nice-President lawfully exercises the
Of the Executive, by what tenure
loes he hold his Officer
Docs he continue az President for the
OF the four-years' term2
Or would the elected President. II his in
lbility should cease in the interval, he enI-
powered 10 resume his Office
And ii having such lawful authority he
should exercise it, would the Nicc-Pres-
dent be thereupon empowered 10 resume
MS powers and duties n such?
| cannot doubt that these important
questions will receive your early and
thoughtful consideration.
Deeply impressed with The gravity OF the
which have 80 unexpected
v dcvolycd upon me, il will be my con-
'tant purpose to cooperate with you in
such measures a. will promote the glory Of
he country and the prosperity OF its peO-
BE. CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
WASHINGTON, December 6, 1881.