The sun. [volume] (Morris, Stevens County, Minn.) 1882-1895, 1886-12-09
DIVERS SUBJECTS.
THE FREEDMEN's BANK.


desire to call the attention Of the congress- "a
plain duty which the government owes to the
depositors of the Freedmen's Savings and Trust
company. This company was chartered by the
congress for the benefit Of the most illiterate
and humble Of our people aud with the intention
of encouraging them to industry and thrift. Most
OF its branches were presided over by officers
holding the commissions and clothed in the
uniform of the United States. These and other
circumstances reasonably, think, led these
simple people to suppose that the invitation to
deposit their hard-earned savings in this insti-
tuition implied an undertaking on The part Of the
government that their money should be safely
kept for them. When this company failed Il
was liable in the sum Of 5000, 925.22 to 81.
aggregate to 62 per cent have been declared, and
the sum called for aud paid Of such dividends
seems to be 81, 648, 181,72. This sum deducted
from M, the entire amount Of deposits leaves
has shown that large part Of this sum will not
be called for. There are assets still on hand
amounting to the estimated sum Of $4,000
think the remaining 80 per cent Of such of these
deposits as have claimants should be paid by the
government, upon principles Of equity and fair.
ness The report Of the commissioner soon to
factory details on this subject The control 81
the affairs of
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
having been placed in the hands Of purely ex-
all legislative authority relating to its govern
ment. 1t becomes my duty to make known the
most pressing needs Of the district and recon-
mend their consideration. The laws Of tbs dis
trict appear to be in an uncertain and unsatis-
factory condition, and the publication Of theiy
provisions '1s much needed. During the past
year one of the bridges leading from the dis.
trict to the state of Virginia became unit for
use. and travel upon It was forbidden. This
leads me to suggest that the improvement OF
all the bridges crossing the Potomac and It's
branches from She city OF Washington is worthy
of the attention OF congress-. The commission.
ers OF the district represent that the laws regu.
lating the sale Of liquor and granting license
therefor should b. at once amended and
that legislation is needed to consolidate
and penal institutions within the district.
suggest that the commissioners be clothed with
the power to make, within fixed limit ations, po-
and carefully guarded would tend to subserve
the good order of the municipality. Il seems
that trouble still exists growing out Of the occu-
patton OF the streets and avenues by certain rail-
important that such laws should be enacted
upon this subject as will secure to the railroad
all the facilities they require for the transaction
Of their business, and at the Same time protect
citizens from injury to their persons or prop,
erty. The commissioners again complain that
the Communications Afforded them for the nee
essary officers for district business and for thu
safe keeping o. valuable books and papers ~
ditl0n Of nffairs, be remedied by congress and
that suitable quarters be furnished for the needl
Of the district government In conclusion.
earnestly invoke such wise action on the part 81
lie good and dsmonstrato. during the remaining
days of the congress ~ at present organized, ita
ability and inclfnations to SO meet the people'i
need that T. ss,, ns srassfuly remembered BY
wAsHnaros. 90. 1855.