The semi-weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1882-1886, 1885-12-09

.na1 We may ascertain from such lnepec-
tlon what, II any, Of the reservations may
De reduced in area, and in such cases, what
part, not needed for Indian occupation,
may be purchased by the Government from
che Indians and disposed of for their ben
ent; what it any Indians may, with their
consent, be removed to other reservations
with a view to their concentration. The
message directs that the powers and func-
tions of the Commissioners should be
defined.
THE LAND LAWS.
The message recommends the repeal and
modification of certain of the land laws,
and deprecates the filling of large tracts
the bands of s~yndicates for specula-
ton. The President urges hat trans-con-
tinental roads be held to strict account
ability in the matter of their grants.
The message cites that in July, 1885,
there were 345, 125 persons borne upon
the pension rolls. IN increase during ten
years OF 10000 persons. He recommends
that care be taken to cleanse the rolls
from any fraudulent p~ersonages.
UTAH'sP oLYGAMY.
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
o: convictlons have been secured for unlaw-
ful cohabitation, n in some cases the
pleas of gu lily have been entered. and slight
punishment imposed pon q promise by
accused that they would not again offend
against the law nor advise. counsel, aid or
abet in any way it's violation by others.
The Utah Commissioners express the opin-
ions. based upon such information as they
are able to obtain, hat but few polyga-
nous marriages have taken place in the
Territory during the last year:
there connot be found upon the
registration lists of voters the name of a
man actually guilty of polygamy, and while
none of that class are holding Office. yet
at the last election in the Territory all the
officers elected except in one county were
men who though not actually living in the
practice OF polysa-,y, ~~h-a-;he 30 +A~ aee-
trine OF ~polygamous marriage as a di-
vine OF revelation, and a law higher and
human law. local or National. Thus is the
strange spectacle presented of a commu-
form Of government, to which they
owe allegiance, sustaining by their
suffrage a principle and a belief
which sets at naught chat obligation of alb
solute obedience to the law OF the land
which lies at the foundation of Republican
institutions. The strength, the ~perpetuity
and the destiny Of the Nation rest upon
our homes, established by the law of God,
guarded by parental care, regulated by
parental authority and sanctified by par
entail love. These are not the homes OF
.polygamy. The mothers of our land who
tiers and guide the actions OF their sons,
live according to Gods holy ordinance, and
each. pure and happy in the exclusive love
of the father Of her children, sheds the
warm light of true w%omanhood,
u nperverted and uppolluted, upon
all within her pure and wholesome family
circle. These are not the cheerless, crushed
and unwomanly mothers OF polygamy.
The fathers of our families are the besG citi-
lens of the Republic. Wife and children are
sources of patriotism, and conjugal and
parental affection beget devotion to the
country. The man who
UNDEF1LED WITH PLURAL MARRIAGE,
is surrounded in his single home with his
wife and children, has a state in the
country which inspires him with respect
it's laws and courage for it's defense.
are not the fathers OF p~olygamous
There is no feature Of this prac-
tice or the system which sanctions it
is not opposed to all that is OF value
in our institutions. There should be no
relaxat ton in the firm but just execution OF
the law now in operation, and I should be
glad to approve such further discreet leg
islation as will rid this country OF this
blot upon it's fame.
CIVIL SERVICE.
Devoted to the civil service question the
says: II am inclined to think
49, AI--a 800 ~1,%soon,,% MORO OanQrQl
in the minds of the people OF our country
than the conviction of the correctness OF
the principle upon which the law enforcing
civil service reform is based" He reiterates
his former expressed views on the subject
and saws: Il venture to hope that we
never shall again he remitted to the system
which distributes public positions purely
as a reward for partisan service. Doubts
NAV we'll be entertained whether our Gov
eminent could survive the strain OF a con-
~tinuance OF this system, which, upon every
change of administration, inspires an
army of claimants Tor office to
lay siege to the patronage OF the Govern
ment, e%ngrossing the time OF public offlcers
and their opportunities, spreading abroad
the c~ontagion of their disappointment, and
filjnq the air with the tumult OF their dis
The functions OF the Presidential
office has caused a public anxiety and a
lust demand that a recurrence OF such a
OF affairs should not be per-
A CLOSING ~ADMONITION.
Tn conclusion | commend to the wise care
and thoughtful attention OF Congress the
needs and welfare of al intelligent Nation.
To subordinate these to the narrow advan-
tayes of craftsmanship or to the accomplish"
,nents of selfish aims is TO violate the peo-
Dle's trust and to betray the peoples
But an individual sense Oh re-
sponsibility on the part OF each OF us n
a stern determination to perform
well, must give us place among those VINO
have added in their day and g~enerat1on 70
the glory and prosperity OF our beloved
land. dRoVEh oAh' IN