Connecticut western news., 1883-12-12

Aob dnoauy poOA nn"uo'
 THE MORMON QUESTION.
 I am convinced, says the President, that polygamy has become 50 strongly intrenched in the Territory of Utah that it is proftless to attack it with any but the stoutest weapons which constitu tional legislation can fashion. I favor therefore the repeal of the act upon which the existing Government depends, the assumption by the National Legisla- ture of the entire political control of the Territory, and the establishment of a commission with such powers and duties as shall be delegated to it by law.
 PROTECTING THE FORESTS.
 In my last annual message called Attention to the necessity of protecting by suitable legislation the forests situ- ated upon the public domain. In many portions of the West the pursuit of gen eral agriculture is only made practicable by resort to irrigation, while successful irrigation would itself be impossible without the aid afforded by forests in contributing to the regularity and con- stancy of the supply of water.
 AMERICAN PORK IN FRANCE.
 The legislation of France against the importation of prepared swine products from the United States has been re- pealed. That result is due no less to the friendly representations of this Govern ment than to 8 growing conviction in France that the restriction was not de- handed by any real danger to health. Germany still prohibits the introduction of all swine products from America.
 I extended to the Imperial Govern ment friendly invitation to send exports to the United States to inquire whether the use of those products was dangerous to health. This invitation was declined. have believed it of such importance, however. that the exact facts should be ascertained and promulgated that l have appointed competent Commission to make thorough investigation of the subject.
 Its members have shown their public spirit by accepting their trust without pledge or compensation, but trust that Congress will see in the national and international bearing of the matter a sufficient motive for providing at least for reimbursement of such expenses as they may necessarily incur.
 1d1 OA444h AN0Oo4n4s
 At the instance of the Commissioner of Agriculture convention of those in- terested in the cattle industry of the country was lately held at Chicago. The prevalence of pleuro-pneumonia and other contagious diseases of animals was one of the chief topics of discussion. A Committee of the Convention will invite your cooperation in Investigating the causes of these diseases and providing methods for their prevention and cure,
 CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.
 The annual report of the Civil Service Commission, which will soon be sub- mitted to Congress, will doubtless afford the means of a more definite judgment, than I am now prepared to express as to the merits of the new sys- tenn. I am persuaded that it's eHects hnxo--thus- -for--.=pnezaG- %han- eficial. Its practical methods appear to be adequate Tor the ends proposed, and there has been no serious difficulty in carrying them into effect. Since the 16th of July last, no person, so far as am aware, has been appointed to the public service in the classified portions thereof at any of the departments, or at any of the post-ofices and customs dis tricts above named, except those certified by the Commission to be the most com petent on the basis of examinations held in conformity to- the rules.
 THE PRESIDENTIAL SUCCESSION.
 At the time when the present Execu- tive entered upon his office, his death, removal, resignation, or inability to dis charge his duties would have left the Government without constitutional head.
 It is possible, of course, that similar contingency may again arise, unless the wisdom of Congress shall provide against it's recurrence. The Senate at it's last session, after full consideration, passed on act relating to this subject which will now, I trust, commend itself to the ap proval of both Houses of Congress.
 The clause of the Constitution upor which must depend any law regulating the Presidential succession, presents also for solution other questions of para mount importance.
 These questions relate to the proper interpretation of the phrase inability to discharge the powers and duties O said office," our organic law providing that, when the President shall suffer from such inability, the Presidentia office shall devolve upon the Vice Presi dent, who must himself, under likt circumstances, give place to such office as Congress may by law appoint to nc as President.
 need not here set forth the numerous and interesting inquiries which are sug L., # IL sl..As They were fully stated in my first com munication to Congress, and have sine been the subject of frequent deliberatiol in that body. =........ It is greatly to be hoped that thes momentous questions will find speed solution, lest emergencies may aris when longer delay will be impossible and any determination, albeit the wisest may furnish cause for anxiety and alarn,
 NEED OF A PARTIAL VETO.
 For the reasons fully stated in my las annual message, repeat my recon mendation that Congress propose a amendment to that provision ( the Constitution which prescribe the formalities for the enac ment of laws, whereby, in respe' to bills for the appropriation of publ moneys, the Executive may be enabled while giving his approval to particult items, to interpose his veto as to sue others as do not commend themselves his judgment.
 CIVIL RIGHTS LEGISLATION.
 The fourteenth amendment of the Col stution confers the rights of citizenshi l mon all persons born or naturaliZed ln ti United States, and subject to the juri diction thereof. It was the special pu pose of this amendment to insure
 members of the colored race the full e joyment of civil and political rights.
 Certain statutory provisions intendt to secure the enforcement of those righ have been recently declared unconstit
 tional by the Supreme Court,