The Mineral argus., 1883-12-20
INTERIOR
EVILS TO BE REMEDIED.

Much interest and varied information is con-
tanned in the report Of the secretary of the
interior. particularly call your attention to
his presentation Of certain phases of the
indian question, to his recommendations for
the repeal OF the presumption and timber Gull
ture acts and far more stringent legislation to
prevent frauds under tho pension laws. The
statutes which prescribe tho definition and pun-
shments OF crimes pertaining to pensions. could
doubtless be made more effective by certain
amendments and additions, which are pointed
out IN the secretary's report. i have pravi-
ously referred TO the alarming state of filter
acy ~ certain portions of the country, and
again submit for the consideration of congress
whether some federal aid should not be extended
70 public primary education wherever ade-
quate provision therefor has not already been
made.
Inc Utah commission has ubmitted to the
secretary of the interior its second annual re-
port AS a result Of its labors supervising
inc recent election in that Territory. pur-
suant 70 the act Of March %, 1882.
70 appears that the persons by that ACT
disqualified, TO the number Of shout ~ 600.
were excluded from the polls. This fact, how
ever, affords little cause for congratulation,
ana 4 lear that i Is fay from indicating anv
real aud substantial progress toward the extir-
patton OF pOlygamy. All of the members cf
the legislature are Mormons. There is grave |
reason to believe that they are in sympathy
with the practices that this government is seek |
ing to suppress, and that is effort in that re-
gard will be more likely TO encounter their !
opposition than receive their encouragement |
and support Even il this view shou.d
happily be erroneoUs, the law under
which the commissioners have been acting.
should be made more effective by the incorpor-
atom Of some such measures as they recon-
mend and as were included in bill Nc. 2.23S !
on the calendar of the senate at its last session.
intrenchod in the Territory Of Utah that it Is
prohtless to attack with the state weapons
Which constitutional legislation provide. ia
vor, therefore, the repeal of the act upon which
me government depends, the assumption bythe
national legislature OF entire political control
OF the Territory and the establishment of a
commission with such powers and duties as
shan be delegated to il by law.
TIE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
10 accomplishing much in the direction of the
agricultural development Of the country, and
the report OF the commissioners giving
the results OF his investigations
and experimental. will be found inter-
eshng and valuable. AT his instance a
convention Of those interested in the cattle IN
dustry OF the country was lately held at
Ohicago. The prevalence of pleuro-pneu-
monia and other contagious diseases Of ami
mails was one OF the chief topics of dis
cussion. A committee Of the convention
VIII invite your cooperation in invesligat-
ing the causes OF these diseases, and pro
yidlng methods for their prevention and cure.
1 trust that congress will not fail at its present
session to put Alaska under the protection of
laws. lts people have repeatedly demonstrated
against our neglect to afford them the main
tenance and protection expressly guaranteed by
the terms OF the treaty, whereby that territory
was coded TO the United States. For sixteen
years they have pleaded in vain for that which
they should have received without ask
ing They have no law for the
Of the debt. the support
Of schools the conveyance OF property. the
ADMINISTRATION OF laws, or the enforcement Of
contracts-none indeed for the punishment OF
except such as are Afforded by GER
tain customs, and navigation acts.
The resources OF Alaska, especially in fur.
mines and lumber, are considerable in extent F,
and capable of large development, while its geo
graphical situation 10 one OF political and com
mercial importance. The promptings Of inter- ,
est therefore. as well as considerations OF honor ,
goo0 faith, demand the immediate estab- I
lishment Of civil government in that Territory. +,
Complaints have lately been numerous and =
urgent that certain corporations controlling in /
Whole or part the facilities for the Interstate :
OF merchandise by the great RAILWAYS :
OF the country have resorted in their dealings
with the public 10 divers measures unjust {
and oppressive in their character. In some .
instances the State governments have attacked i
and suppressed these evils, but in
others they have been unable TO AZ I
lord adequate relief because of the Z
limitations which are imposed q
them by the federal constitution. The '
question whether the national government NAV I
swfully interfere in the premises, aud what {
{ any, supervision OF control 1t ought 10 exer. 1
is one which merits your careful cousid- n
ration While we cannot fail to recog- a
IKE the importance OF the vast rail 2
ay systems Of the country, and their i
reat and beneficial influence upon the {
evelopment OF our material wealth. We
on thu othsr hand, remember that no
corporation ought to be invested
ffn ahanlnta nOVuaF nVar tha fnkaraak - -
her citizen or class Of citizens. The right III n
lnaa railway cornnraiinna 70 any nrnRfahIn "a y