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

THE GONdhE0OlONAL I1BhARI. ...a
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-
tion 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
been destroyed or damaged by fire, is daily
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 It's proper accommoda-
ton 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 arc now on deposit III the treasury of the
United States to repay the sum advanced by the
government for sewer improvements under the
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
menCs Is estimated at 81, 600, 900, and they are
OF the opinion that a considerable sum could be
saved il 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 If
the advance asked for should be made the gov
eminent would be reimbursed the same within q
reasonable time. l have no doubt that these
improvements could be made much cheaper If
undertaken together and prosecuted according
TO a 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 government, which shall better Sc
cure the safety and preservation OF 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 re-
qu1re 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 incumbents of
which might Immediately exercise the functions
of the presidential office, has caused public anx-
iety, and a just demand that a recurrence Of
such a condition of affairs should not be per-
mitted. 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
to the narrow advantages of partisanship or the
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 us. and a stern determination TO
perform our duty well, must give us place among
those who have added in their day and genera
tion to the glory and prosperity Of our beloved
land. CSignedl GROVER CLEVELAND.
Washington, D. G., Dec. 8, 1855.