Custer chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, Black Hills, D.T. [S.D.]) 1880-1890, 1885-12-19
VARIOUS MATTERS.
THE INDIAw QUESTION.

NiNAA hAf' AsiAt ~ = AeEDAA
in the report of the secretary OF the interior.
After reviewing the facts about the education Of
the Indians and their tribal relations, the presi-
dent says: II recommend the passage of Il law
authorizing the appointment Of six commission
ers, three Of whom shall be detailed from the
army. to be charged with the duty OF a careful
inspection from time to time of all Indians upon
our reservations, or subject to the care aud con-
troll OF the government. with a view OF discover
ing their exact condition and need, and de-
termining what steps shall be taken on behalf
of the government 10 improve their situation In
the direction of their self-support and complete
civilizations: that they ascertain from such in
spectlon what, IL any, of the reservations may
be reduced III area, and in such cases what part
not needed Tor Indian occupation may be pur-
chased by tho government from the Indians and
disposed of for their benefit: what, il any. In
dians may with their consent be removed 10
other reservations with a view Of their concen-
tratlon." The MESSAGE directs that the powers
and functions Of the commission should be
strictly defined.
THE Lam LAWS.
The message recommends the repeal and mod
ihcation Of certain OF the land laws and depre-
Gates the falling OF large tracts into the hands of
syndicates for speculation. The president urges
that transcontinenta roads be held TO asirict ac-
countability in the matter of grants.
PENSIONS.
The message cites that in July, 1885. there were
s45, l25 persons borne upon the pension rolls. ga
increase during ten years OF IlUIEH pefsOna. Ile
recommends that care DO taken TO cleanse the
rolls from any fraudulent personageg.
THE MORMON QUESTION.
In the territory of Utah the law Of the United
States passed for the suppression of polygamy
has been energeticslly and faithfully executed
during the past year, with measurably good re-
suits. A number OF convictions Eave been Sc
cured for unlawful cohabitatinn and in some
cases pleas Of guilty have been entered and
slight punishment imposed upon prom
ise by the accused that they weuld
not again offend against the law, nor advise,
counsel, aid or abet in any way, its violation by
others. The Utah commissioners express opin-
ions, based upon such information as they were
: able to obtain, that but few ~polyganous mar
riagee have taken place in the territory during
the ant year. They further report that while
these cannot be found upon the registration lists
of votes the name or a man. actually guilty OF
polygamy, and while none of that class are hold
ing office, yet at the last election in the territory
all the officers elected, except i'm one county,
were men who, though not actually living in the
practice Of poIygamy. subscribe la the doctrine
OF polygamous marriage rs a divine revelation,
and a law unto all higher and more binding upon
the conscience. than any human Lax, local or ma
uonal. This Ia the strange spectacle presented
lican form of government, to which
suffrage a principle and a beii1f Which, sets at
naught that obligation Of absolute obedience To
the law OF tho Land which lies at the foundation
of republican institutions. The strength, the
perpetuity and the destiny Of the nation rests
upon our homes established 10y the law of God,
guarded by parental care, regulated by parental
authority and sanctiled by parental love. These
are not the homes of pOlygslny. The mothers of
our land who rule the nation rs they mould the
characters and guide the actions of their sons
live according TO COTS holy ordinance, and each
pure and happy in the exclusive love Of the
father OF her chi dreA, sheus the warm light of
true womanhood, unpOlluted, upon all within
her pure ana Wholesome. family circle. These are
not the cherries, crushed and unwoInanly
mothers of polygamy. The fhtrers of our fam
lilies are the best citizens Of tho republic. The
WIfp and rlIlaTpu nra the a rcaS ,I la.rinftsyn
and conJuGal and parental affection beget de
votion to country. The man who, undetilcd
with plural marriage, il surrounded in his single
home with his wife and children has a state in
the country which inspires with respect for it,
laws and courage for its defense. These are not
the fathers of pOlygamous families. There is no
feature OF this practices or the system which
sanctions il which is not opposed to all that is
OF value in our institutions. There should be no
relaxation in the firm, but just, execution of the
law now in operation, and | should be glad to ap-
prove such further discreet legislation as will rid
this country of this blot upon it's tame. Since
the people IN our territories are reinforced by
immigration from other lands l recommend that
q law be PASSED TO prevent the importation
OF Mormons into this country.
THE AGRICULTURAL INTERESTS
Of the country, the message says, demands n. just
recognition and libe al announcement. 1t sus-
tains with certainly and unfailing strength our
national prosperity and bears its full share of the
burden OF taxation without complaint. Ont OF
our total annual reports more than three-fOurths
are the products OF agriculture, and of our total
population nearly one-half are exclusively en-
gagged in that occupation. The message recon
mends that especial attention be paid to this de-
partment.
Referring to the prohibitory laws adopted by
several counties REGARDING the importation of
our animals AND their products, the message sug-
gests tho importance Of such precautions for the
protection of orr stock or all kinds against dis
ease 10 will disarm SUSPICION OF danger and cause
the removal OF such injnIiOus prohibition. The
president recommends additional legislation on
this %subIec,;, II necesSsry' AID recommends tr
the consideration Of congress the suggestions
contained III the report OF tho commissioner o.
agriculture.
The closing portion of tho message Is devoted
THE CIVIL SERVICE QUESTION.
Tho president says: II am inclined 10 think thai
there Is no sentiment more general il thn Minis
OF the people ~ our country than the conviction
OF the correctness of tho principle upon whit
the law enforcing civil service reform is based 4
ie %reiterat = his former expressed views on TIC
subj ct, and says: II venture 10 hoye thai "t
never snail acain he. RENTED to the systeIo
which distributes public positions purely ae n r.
ward for partisan service. Doubts may well Lt
entertained whether our government could sur-
vve the strain of "A con'inuance. OF this system.
which, upon every change of administration IN
>pircs IN immense army of claimants for oIlic
TO Law siege to the patronage of the government
en.srossing the time Of public officers and thei
importunitics speeding abroad tho contagiou o
their disappointment and hlling the air wi h IT,
tumult OF their descent" The message recon
mands that the aaiaries Of the civil service COZ
missiuners bo increased 10 a sum more near,
commensurate To their important duties.
The message recommends IN appropriation (;
secure a library-room for valuable books ant
pamphlets belonging TO the government, ant
also an appropr iation for certain District o.
Columbia internal improvements.
The moe age concludes Is follows: The pres
mt condition Of the law
RgLATINa TO THE SUCCESSION TO THE PREsl
DESCY
in the event OF the death, disability. or removs'
# both the pr sident and vice-president is sue
~ To require immediate amendment. This sub
rect has repeatedly been considered by congress,
but no result has been reached. The recen
lamentabls death Of the vice-president an
vacancies ct the same time In al other Offices.