Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1883-12-06

without the aid afforded By forests In contrib
uting 70 the regularity and eonstaney OF tho
supply OF water.
During the past year severe suffering and
by prOfuse foods. followed by periods OF un-
usually low water In many Of the great rivers
OF thccountry. These Irregularities were In
about the sources Of the streams in question
Of the timber by which the water supply had
been nourished and protected. The pneser-
walton OF such portion OF the forests on
the National domain as essentially contribute
- the eQuable How OF important water courses
Is OF the highest conses .ueuce. Important
tributaries OF the Missouri. LAs Columbia and
the Saskatchewan rise in the mountains OF
Montana near the northern boundary or
the United States, between tho Black
feot and Flathead Indian reservations. This
fow from 1t depends in the future agricultural
development OF a vast tract OF country. The
attention of Congress is called to the necessity
OF Withdrawing from public snle this part OF
the public domain and establishing there q
forest preserve.
INDUSTRIAL ExPosITIoNs.
The industrial exhibitions which have been
held in the United States during the present
year attracted attention In many foreign
countries where the announcement of those
enterprises had been made public through the
foreign agencies of this Government. The
industrial exhibition at Boston and the South
ern exposition ut Louisville were largely at
tended by the exhibitors of foreign countries,
Notwithstanding the absence of any profess
siOnal character of these undertakings.
The Centennial Exhibition to be held next
year at New Orleans In commemoration OF
the centenary of the first shipment of cotton
from port OF the United States bids fair TO
meet with gratifying success. Under the act
of Congress of the 10th of February, 1888, de-
claring the exposition to be national and in
ternational in character, all foreign govern
ments with which the United States maintain
relations have been invited to participate.
The promoters of this important undertaking
have already received assurances of the lively
interest which 1t has excited abroad.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
The report of the Commissioners of the
District of Columbia is herewith transmitted.
l ask for it your careful attention, especially
for those portions which relate to assess
ments, arrears of taxes and water supply.
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.
The Commissioners who were appointed un-
der the act of January 10. 1888, entitled IAN
of the States" Entered promptly upon the
discharge of these duties, a series of rules
framed in accordance with the spirit of statute
was approved and promulgated by the Presi-
don't.
In some particulars wherein they seemed de-
fective these rules were subsequently amend
ed 1t will be perceived that they dis
countenance any political or religious tests
for admission to the offices of the public SER
vice to which the statute relates. The act is
limited In its original application to the
tive departments ut Washington numbering
about $500 and to similar positions in GUS
toms districts and postotices where as many
as fifty persons are employed A classifica-
ton of these positions analogous to that
existing in the Washington offices was duly
made before the law went into effect. Eleven
Customs districts and twenty-three post
offices were thus brought under the immedi.
ate operation of the statute. Tho annual
report of the Civil Service Commission, which
will soon be submitted to Congress, will
doubtless afford the means of more definite
Judgment than Il am now prepared to ex-
press as to the merits of the new system am
persuaded that its effects have thus far
proved beneficial and its practical methods
| and there have been no serious difficulties in
| carrying them into effect Since the 10th OF
| July last no person, SO far as am aware, has
| been appointed to the public service In the
| classified portions thereof ut any of the de-
partments or at any of the post-Ofices or GUS
| toms districts above named, except those GER
tilted by the commission to be the most com.
petent on the basis of the examinations held
| In conformation OF the rule.
| Q THE PRESIDENTIAL SUCCESSION.
At the time when the present Executive en-
tered his Office his death, removal, resignation
| or inability to discharge his duties would have
| left the Government without Il constitutional
head. 1t is possible, CT course, TINT a similar
contingency may again arise unless the wis
dom of Congress shall provide against
its recurrence. Tho Senate ., at its last last
1
an act relating to this subject, which
| will now, trust. commend itself TO tho ap-
proval of both houses of Congress. The clause
Of the Constitution upon which must depend
| any law regulating the Presidential success
| sion presents also for solution other questions
of paramount importance. These questions
relate to the proper Interpretation Of the
| phrase Inability to discharge the powers and
DUTIES of said Office" Our organic law provid-
| ing that, when the President shall suffer from
such inability, the Presidential Office shall
devoIye upon the Vice President, who must
himself, under like circumstances, give place
to such officer rs Congress may by law appoint
to act as President. need not here set forth
numerous and interesting inquiries which are
They we're. fully stated in my first
| communication to Congress and have
since been the subject of frequent delibera.
| tions in that body. 1t Is greatly to be hoped
| speedy solution, lest emergencies may arise
when longer delay will be impossible and any
determination albeit the wisest may furnish
cause for anxiety and alarm
CONCLUSION.
For the reasons fully stated in my last an
nual message repeat my Recommendation
that that provision PROVISION Of h the Constitution which
prescribed the formalities for the enactment
of laws whereby, in respect to bills for the
appropriation of public moneys, the Exeeu
tive may be enabled, while giving hii
approval to particular items, to interpose his
veto as to such other as do not commend
themselves to his judgment The Fourteenth
amendment of the Constitution confers tn,
rights of citizenship upon all persons born Of
naturaized in the United States and subjec
to the jurisdictions thereof. 1t was the specia
purpose of this amendment to insure to mem
bers of the colored race the full enjoyment Of
civil and political rights. Certain statuatory
provisos Intended to secure the enforcement
of those rights have been recently declared
legislation whereby Congress may lawfully
supplement the guarantees which the Consti
tuition affords for the equal enjoyment OF al
the citizens of the United States of every
right privilege and immunity of citizenship
will receive my unhestating approval.
ISigned} CHESTER A. ARTHUR.