The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1885-12-10


In the territory of Utah the law of the United
States passed for the suppression of polygamy has
been theoretically and faithfully executed during
the past year, with measurably good results. A
number of convictions have been secured for I'M
lawful cohabitation In some cases pleas of guilty
have been entered and a slight punishment inn
would not again offend against the law nor advise,
counsel, aid or abet in any way its violation by
others.
The Utah commissioners express the opinion
based upon such information as they are able to
obtain, that but few poygamous marriages have
taken place in the territory during the last year
They further report that while there could not be
found upon the registration list of voters the name
OF man usually guilty of polygamy and while
none of that class holding Office yet at the last
election in the territory all the officers elected ex
cept in one county, were men who, though not &C
to the doctrine that revelation is law unto all,
higher and more binding upon their condition than
any human law, local OF national.
The fathers of our families are the best citizens
of the republic. The wife and children are the
of patriotism, and conjuga and parental af-
lection beget devotion to country. The man who,
undetled with plural marriages. is surrounded in
his single home with his wife and children has
stake in the country which inspires him with re-
Those not the fathers of polygamous families
There is no feature of this pra tce, the system
which sanctions it, which is not opposed to all that
Is OF value in our constitution.
AGRICULTURAL.
Our agriculturaists have but slight personal
representation in the councils of the union, and
are generally content with the humber duties of
citizenship and willing to trust to the bounty of ma
ture for reward of their labor. But the magni-
tude and the value of this industry is appreciated
when the statement is made that of our total an
nual exports more than three fOurths are the
products of agriculture and of our total popula-
ton nearly one-half are exclusively engaged in
that occupation. The department of agriculture
was created for the purpose OF acquiring and difus
ing among the people useful information respecting
the subjects it has in charge and aiding the Of
Intelligent and progressive farming.
Ry Tho IF cfof
ues and usefulness of new seeds and plants, and
the distribution of such found desirable
among agriculturalists This and other powers
and duties with which this department is invested
are of the utmost Importance and if wisely exer-
clsed, must be of benefit to the country. The aim
of our benefcent government is the improvement
of the people in every respect, and the anchor
alton of their condition. Surely our agricultur-
alists should not be neglected Instrmentality es-
talished in aid of the farmers of the land should
| not only be well equipped for the accomplishment
of its purposes, but those for whose benefit it has
been adopted should be encouraged to avail them
selves fully of its advantages.
CIVIL SERVICE.
1 am inclined to think that there is no sentiment
more general in the minds of the people of our
country than constitution founded on correctness
| of principle, upon which the law enforcing civil
service reform is based In its present condition,
| the law regulates only part of the subordinate
public positions throughout the country. 1t ap-
plies test of fairness to applicants for the posi-
tons by means of competitive exam nation, and
gives large discretion to the commissioners to
the character of the examination, and many other
matters connected with its execution. Thus the
| rules and regulations adopted by the commission
have much to do with the practical usefulness of
the statute and with the result of its application.
Bestowals in recognition of partisan activity de-
bauch the suffrage and rob political action of its
| thoughtful and deliberate character. The evil
would increase with the multiplication of offices
consequent upon our extension, and the mania for
Ofice-hOlding growing from its indulgence would
pervade our population generally that patriotic
purposes the support of principle, the desire for
the public good and desire for the nations welfare
would be nearly banished from the activity of our
party contests and cause them to degenerate into
ignoble, selfish and disgraceful struggles for the
possession OF office and public place.
Civil service reform enforced by law, came not
too soon to check the progress of Generalization.
One of its effects is not enough regarded and the
freedom it brings to the political action of those
conservative and sober men who, in fear of the
confusion and risk attending an arbitrary and sud
den change in all the public offices, with change of
party rule, cast their ballots against such change
Parties seem to be necessary and will continue to
exist, can it be now denied that there are le-
ultimate advantages connected with Office holding
| which follow party supremacy.
And the people who desire good government,
having secured this statute will not relinquish its
benefits without protest, they unmindful of
the fact that its full advantages only be gained
| through the complete good faith of those having
its execution in charge, and this they will insist
| upon.
l recommend that the salaries of the civil serv-
ice commissioners be increased to a sum more
| yearly commensurate to their important duties
THE LIBRARY.
1t is source of considerable, and, not unnatural
discomfort that no adequate provision has been
made for accommodating the principal library of
the government.
OF the vast collection of books and pamphlets
gathered at the capitol, numbering some 100000
exclusive of manuscripts, maps and the product OF
the graphic arts, also of great volume and value
only about 100000, less than half the collection
are provided with shelf room. The others, which
increasing at the rate of from 25 600 GOO
year, are not only inaccessible to the public, bu
are subject to serious damage and deterioration
from other causes in their present situation.
THE CONCLUSION.
In conclusion commend to the wise care ant
thoughtful consideration of congress the needs
welfare and aspirations of intelligent and gen
erous nation. To subordinate these to the marrow
advantages of partisanship, or the accomplishment
of selfish aims, is to violate the peoples trusts
betray the peoples interests. But an individual
sense of responsibility on the part of each of us
and stern determination to perform our duty well
must give us place among those who have added il
their day and generation to the glory and prosper
ity of our beloved land
(Signed) GROVER CLEVELAND.
} WASHINGTON, December 8, 1885.
, DEATH OF VANDERBILT.
|