The Warner sun. (Warner, Brown Co., Dakota [S.D.]) 1885-1???, 1885-12-18
MISCELLANEOUS.
CONGRESSIONAL LIBRARY

THE CONGRESSIONAL LIBRARY.
It Is a source of considerable and not unnat-
ural discomfort that no adequate provision has
vet been made for accommodating the principal
library of the government. OF the vast collec-
ton OF books and pamphlets gathered at the
capitol, numbering some seven hundred thou
sand, exclusive OF manuscripts, maps. and the
products of the graphic arts, also of great vol
ume and value, only about three hundred thou
sand volumes, or less than half the collection,
are provided with shelf room; the others, which
are increasing at the rate of from twenty-five to
thirty Thousand volumes a year, are not only in
accessible to the public, but are subject TO seri-
GUS damage and deterioration from other causes
In their present situation A consideration of
the fact that the library Of the capitol has twice
increasing value and it's Importance, at a place
or deposit Of books under the law relating TO
copyright, makes manifest the necessity of
prompt action to insure Its proper ~accommoda-
tion and protection.
DISTRICT MATTERS.
My attention has been called to a controversy
which has arisen from the condition OF the law
relating to railroad facilities in the city of Wash
ington, which has involved the commissioners OF
the district in much annoyance and trouble. /
hope the difficulty will be promptly settled by
represent that enough of the revenues of the
district are now on deposit In the treasury Of the
United States to repay the sum advanced by the
s sos 81 5nne 80 aSr 1ssI' l% ssT yss9rs so und sn s sse
vance Of the share which ultimately should Sc
borne by the district OF the cost OF extensive
Improvements 70 the streets Of the city. The
total expenses OF these contemplated improve
fnenrs is estimated at 81. 600, O0O. and they are
OF the opinion that a considerable sum could be
saved If they had all the money in hand, so that
contracts for the whole work could be made at
the same time. They express confidence that IL
the advance asked for should be made the gov
eminent would be reimbursed the same within q
reasonable time. / have no doubt that these
improvements could be made much cheaper IL
Undertaken together and prosecuted according
70 q general plan. The license Law now In force
within the district is deficient and uncertain In
some OF its provisions and ought TO be amended.
The commissioners urge, with good reason, the
necessity OF providing a building for the use Of
the district governments, which shall better Sc
cure the safety and preservation or its valuable
books and records.
THE PRESIDENTIAL Succession.
The present condition OF the law In relation
TO the succession to the presidency In the event
OF the death, disability or removal OF both the
president and vice president Is such as TO se-
quire immediate amendment. This subject has
repeatedly been considered by congress, but no
result has been reached. The recent lamentable
death OF the vice president. and vacancies at the
same time In all other Offices, the abb OF
which might immediately exercise the functions
Of the presidential Office, has caused public anx-
iety. and a just demand that q recurrence OF
such q condition Of affairs should not be per-
mftted. In conclusion / commend to the wise
and thoughtful attention OF congress the needs,
the welfare and the cooperation OF an intelli-
gent and generous nation. To subordinate these
accomplishment OF selfish aims Is to violate the
peoples trust and betray the peoples interests.
But an individual sense Of responsibility on the
part Of each Of MS. and . stern determination to
perform our duty well, must giveus place among
those who have added in their day and genera
tion TO the glory and prosperity OF our beloved
land. tSignedl GROVER CLEVELAND.
Washington. D. @. Dec 8. 1855.