The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1882-12-13
THE RIVER PRESS

the retirement of honest and faithful
subordinates whose duties are purely
administrative and have no legitimate
connection with the triumph of any po-
litical principles o II the success Of any
political party or faction"
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS.
"Among the questions which have
been the topic of recent debate in the
halls of congress-, none are of greater
gravity than those relating to the ascer-
tainment of the vote for the presidential
electors, and the intention of the con-
stitution in its provisions for d%evolving
executive functions upon the vice-presi-
dent when the president suffers from in
ability to discharge the powers and
duties Of his office. I trust that no en-
barrassment may result from a failure to
determine these questions before another
national election"
ILLITERACY.
No survey Of more material conditions
should cause us to fail to excite inquiry
into the moral and intellectual progress
Of the people. The census returns dis
close an alarming extent of illiteracy in
certain portions of the country where
the provision for free schools is mostly
neglected, and congress alone car afford
relief.
Those portions of this message which
most vitality concern the people of the
territories we give in full, and are as be-
low:
INDIAN AFFAIRS.
In respect to Indian affairs nothing
has occurred which has changed or SER
iously modified the views to which [ de-
voted much space in former communi-
cations to Congress. [ now renew the
recommendations therein contained as
to extending to the Indian the protec-
ton of the law, allotting land in sever
to such as desire it, and making
suitable provision for education. Such
provisions as the Secretary forcibly
will prove unavailing unless
broad enough to include all those who
are able and willing to make use of it,
and should not solely relate to intellec-
tual training but also to instruction in
such manual labor and such useful and
arts as can be made practically
available.
Among other important subjects in
in the Secretary's report and
will doubtless furnish occasion
for Congressional action, may be men
the neglect of railroad companies
to which large grants of lands were
made by the acts of 1862 and 1864 to take
title thereto and the consequent inequit-
exemption from local taxation.
PoLYGAMY.
The results which have thus far at
the enforcement Of the recent
for the suppression of polygamy
in the territories are reported by the
Secretary Of the Interior. It is not
probable that any additional legislation
IN this regard will be deemed desirable
until the effect of existing laws shall be |
more closely observed and studied. I
congratulate the commissioners under
supervision these laws have been
put in operation. I am encouraged to
believe that the evil at which they are |
aimed may be suppressed without resort
70 such radical measures as by some
have been thought indispensable for |
THE TERRITORIES.
The close relations of the general gov
ernment to the territories, preparing to
great states, may we'll engage your
special attention. It is there that the
indian disturbances occur and that
has found room for growth.
cannot doubt that a careful survey Of
he territorial question would be of the
utility to life and property. The !