The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-12-05

Is no excuse lOr dn~uHJuSI DISCRIMINATION
against the people in the matter OF their postal
correspondence, and it is an outrage to charge
the expense of the free-delivery system upon
the local correspondence of cities, towns and
country which do not enjoy the facilities of
carriers. This recommendation is not in
harmony with that made by the Postmaster
general, but the Presidents will be the one
sustained by the judgment of the great body
OF the people. On the postal telegraph the
President agrees with General Gresham in
opposition, but urges legislation which will
give some degree of control over interstate
telegraphy. Cognate with this the Presi-
dent argues with force for governmental
supervision of interstate railway transporta-
ton. While recognizing the full rights OF
corporations, the right of the people to just
and equitable treatment by these vast mo-
nopolies is insisted upon earnestly, and the
power of the general government is invoked
to supplement the lack of jurisdictional au-
thority by States. This portion of the mes
sage will meet with warm popular approval.
The President renews his recommends
tons as to federal aid for education; asks
that Alaska be put under a lawful govern
ment, as provided in the treaty of purchase
with Russia; urges legislation for the pro-
lection of forests, and recommends the with
drawal of certain lands from sale in the
Northwest, which protect the sources of our
great streams; calls attention to the value OF
this country, in extending a knowledge of
our material and industrial resources and
progress, and calls special attention to the
approaching cotton exposition at New
Orleans; asks Congress for immediate legisla-
ton upon the highly important
question of the presidential sue
cession, and for the determination of what
shall be regarded constitutional
inability; asks the submission of a constitu-
tional amendment so as to give the President
the right of veto upon specific items i'll APP
preparation bills, and commends the opera
tons of the civil-service act since its inaugu-
ration in July last.
The vigorous words of the President with
respect to the crime and curse of polygamy
minded people. The President is tired of
throwing grass and turf and recommends
the repeal of the territorial government, and
the puttingof Utah under a federal commits
sion. There can be no question of con-
stitutional right in this matter, for
the authority of Congress over the Terrific
ries is absolute and complete, and has been
frequently affirmed by the Supreme Court.
1t is question simply of disposition. The
time is ripe for peremptory action. Longer
delay will only add to the danger and the
necessity. Sooner or later, polygamy must
go, and it must go by the strong arm of the
general government The message closes
with reference to the recent civsl-rights
decision, and the affirmance of the duty of
the general government to protect The citi-
zenship it conferred upon the colored peo-
pie.
The message will still further enhance the
good opinion in which President Arthur
is already held by the conservative
elements of the people of all classes and
conditions. 1t shows him to be a
man of the highest executive ability
and insight, and of force OF character;a man
of his own opinions, not afraid to avow them,
and yet SO wise and prudent in his methods
as never to obtrude "a policy" that disturbs
or offends. Under him the affairs of the
government have moved smoothly and
effectively, allowing every citizen, every
business man, every interest, to lay plans and
pursue work without fear or foreboding
Whatever irritation or senstiveness comes
to the commercial and industrial interests of
the nation cannot be charged against the
administration of President Arthur.