Weekly Phoenix herald. [volume] (Phoenix, Maricopa County, Ariz. Territory [Ariz.]) 1882-1896, 1882-12-08

to their official status. In his judg-
ment such collections should be pro.
hibited by law. A bill to that effect
will receive the cordial approval OF
the executive, who hopes that before
another election the question of the
manner of ascertaining the Presiden-
tial vote and tie intention of the
| constitution in devOlving executive
functions upon the Vice President
during disability of the President
may be determined. He closes with
a reference to the prosperity of the
country and with a hope that the
dictates of prudence. patriotism, jus
tice and economy will cause the
adoption of measures in which Con-
gress and the executive may heartily
unite.
The report of the Secretary of War
says that little danger is to be APP
pretended from Apachss. The sea
coast Notifications are VIGOROUSLY
inadequate, but pending the consid-
Grafton of the report of the board
made to Congress last session, the
war department has done nothing
toward making or converting heavy
cannon. Means for an earlier action
are hoped for as well as more ade-
quate providing for arming and
equipping the militia. He recon-
mends a law regarding the retire
ment of officers, which need amend
ing. He hopes nothing like the
River and Harbor Bill of last scs-
sion will be deemed necessary dur
ing the present session, although
provision may be required for spe-
cial cases on the Mississippi river,
for instance. The practice of group
ing in such bill appropriations for
a great diversity of objects is to be
deprecated, although there may be
objections 10 making each appropri-
alton subject to separate bill. He
recommends, therefore, the careful
consideration of an amendment to
the federal constitu ion, whereby the
President may veto any particular
clauses Of any bill.
The report of the Secretary of the
Navy shows the excellent character
and discipline of the naval organiza-
ton, and pays tribute of respect
to the Jeanette party. 1t recon
mend< the gradual reconstruction of
the navy by iron or steel cruisers,
moderned armed vessels and heavy
rifled guns. He suggests that Con-
gress consider means of restoring
the merchant marine, but offers no
practical ideas on the subject.
The exhibit of the Postmaster
General is very gratifying in the re-
duction of letter postage to two cents.
He objects to the postoffice depart
ment controlling the telegraph sys-
tenn of the country.
Regarding the Star Route frauds,
the President says that if the guilty
parties are not brought to justice it
will not be for lack of diligent and
urgent prosecution, and he trusts
the national bankrupt Jaw may be
enacted. Regarding the report of
the Secretary of the Interior, he re
news lis previous suggestions to ex-
tend to the Indians protection laws,
and make suitable provisions for
their education, including training
in manual labor. He calls the at
tention of Congress to the neglect of
railroad companies to perfect title
to the land grant~, thereby escaping
local taxation. He considers it a
momentous question for Congress
whether the general government
should extend aid in promoting pub
lie education in those States where
educational facilities at present are
inadequate. In regard to inter
State transportation hurtful combi-
nations and discrimination, can only
be obviated by Congress. 1t is not
probable that additional legislation
on the polygamy question will be
deemed necessary until the effect of
existing laws is further developed.
The Utah Commission.
WASHINGTON. Dec. 6-The Utah
Commission, in its report TO the Sec.
rotary of the Interior, recommends
that a marriage law be enacted by
Congress. The Commission says
that owing to the peculiar state of
affairs in Utah Territory the law al
lowing women the right of suffrage
is an obstruction to the speedy solu-
tion of the question, and should be
repealed or annulled. The Commits
sion says the law, so far as 1t has
been decided upon, excludes polyg-
amists from the right of suffrage.
The 1KormOas and the Presidents
Message.
SALT LAKE, Dec. 6-The Presi-
dents message in relation to Utah
cases created surprise among the
anti-mormons who anticipated other
wise, as it was int mated here before
the Utah Commissioners left for the
East that they had recommended
further legislation in their report.
They were in favor of repeal of
female suffrage law and the enact
ment of a marriage law and several
other amendments to the mormon
law giving the commission increased
powers. The Mormons are pleased
with the message and say God has
interposed in their behalf. The
heads of the church have lust re