The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1886-12-10

charge. should. among other things, be practi-
sally applied TO the home production, Mt . low
COST Of articles OF foo which are now imported
necessarily, Of course in the beginning,
be within the domain Of intelligent
experiments. and the subject in every etage
the Government. The interests of millions OF
our citizens engaged in agriculture are invol ged
in an enlargement Of the results of their labor
and a jealous regard for their welfare should be
n willing tribute to those whose productive re-
turns are a main source OF our progress and
power.
The existence OF pleuro-pneumonia among the
cattle OF various States has iod to burdensome,
important branch of our commerce. threatening
to affect the quantity and quality OF our food
supply. This 10 a matter OF such importance.
I hope it viii engage the serious attention OF
tho Congress to the end that such a remedy
may be applied as to the limits OF a constitu-
ornment will permit l commend to the con-
sideration OF the Congress the rcpor, Of the
Commissioners, and his suggestions concerning
the interests intrusted to his care.
CIvIL-sERvIcE REFORM.
The continued operation OF the law relating
to our civil service has added to the most con-
vincing proofs OF it's necessity and usef lness.
It 10 fact worthy OF note that every public Of
hccr who las a just idea OF his duty to
s rns people testiss to the value OF this
among those who understand it best,
end its warmest supporters are those who are
restr ined and protected by its requirements.
The meaning of such restraint and protection
is not appreciated by those who want places I'M
der the Government, regardless OF merit and
efhciency, nor by thoso who insist that the Sc
lection for such places should rest upon
o proper credential showing active par
tisan work. They mean TO public officers
the only opportunity afforded them to attend to
public business, and they mean to the good REQ
pie OF the country the better p rforrnance of the
work OF their Government. 1t is exceedingly
md ms fura off Ia ~ form
are SO little understood, and that so many things
not included within its plan are called by it's
name. When cavil yields more fully TO OK
animation, the system will have large additions
to the number Of it's friends. Our civil service
reform may be imperfect In some of its details;
1T may be misunderstood aud opposed il may
not always be faithfully applied; its designs
may sometimes miscarry through mistake
or wiliful intent; it may sometimes tremble
under the misguided zeal OF impractcable
friends, but II the people OF this country ever
submit to tho banishment OF it's underlying
ment, they will abandon the surest guarantees
of the safety and success of American institu-
tions. / invoke for this reform the cheerful
and ungrudging support Of Congress-
last year, that the Commissioners be made
like duties and responsibilities, and hope TINT
such reasonable appropriations may be made
as will enable them to Increase the usefulness
OF the cause tuey have charge OF.
FnEEDMAN's BANK DRPosIroRs
desire to call the attention OF the Congress
to plain duty which the Government owes To
the depositors in the Freedman's Savings and
Trust Company. This company was chartered
by the Congress for the benefit OF the most
illiterate and humble of our people, and
with the intention of encouraging them
in industry and thrift. Most Of the
branches We're presided over by officers holding
the commissions and clothed in the uniform of
the United States. These and other circum-
stances reasonably, L think, led these simple
people to suppose that the invitation to deposit
41.2.x 1....l
implied an understanding on tho part Of their
Government that their money should be safely
kept for them, When this company failed it
was liable in the sum of 81, ,935.22 to 81 131
depositors. Dividends amounting in the az
gregate to 62 per cent have been declared, and
the sum called for and md paid Of such dividends
from the entire amount of deposits, leaves
81, 231, 744.5o still unpaid. Past experience
be for par Of assets
still on hand amounting to the estimated sum
of $4,000. l think the remaining thirty-eight
should be paid by the Governments
upon principles of equity and fairness. The re-
port OF the Commissioners, soon TO be laid be-
fore Congress, will give moro satisfactory de-
tails on this subject.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
The control Of the affairs of the District Of
Columbia having been placed in the hands or
purely executive officers, while tho Congress
still retains ell legislative authority relating TO
its government. 1t becomes my duty to make
recommend their consideration. The laws OF
the District appear to be in an uncertain and
condition, aud their codifcation
or revision is much needed.
During the past year one of the bridges lead
ing from the District to the State OF Virginia
became unfit for use and travel upon it was for
hidden. This leads me to suggest that the inn
of all the bridges crossing the Poto-
mac and it's branches from the City of Wash
ington is worthy of the attention Of Congress
The ommissioners Of the District represent
that the laws regulating the sale Of liquor and
granting licenses therefor should be at once
amended. and that legislation il needed
to consolidate, define, aud enlarge tho
scope and powers OF the charitable.
suggest that the Commissioners be clothed with
the power to make, within hxed limitations, po-
lice regulations. believe this power granted
and carefully guarded would tend to subserve
the good order of the municipality.
1t seems that trouble still exists growing out
of the occupation of the streets and avenues by
certain railroads having thor termini In the
city. It is very important that such laws should
be enacted upon this subject rs will secure to
the railroads all the facilities they require for
tho transaction of their business, and at the
same time protect citizens from injury to their
persons or property.
The Commissioners again complain that the
afforded them for the nee
essary Offices for District business and for the
safe keeping of valuable books and papers. are
entirely Inefficient recommend that this con-
dition of affairs be remedied by Congress, and
that suitable quarters be furnished for the needs
of the District Government.
CONCLUSION.
In conclusion, earnestly invoke such wise
action on the part of the peoples Legislators as
will subserve the public good, and demonstrate
during the remaining days Of the Congress as ut
pres mt organized. its ability and incination TO
so meet the peoples needs that it shall be gratc
fully remembered by an e1pectant constituency
GROVER CLEVELAND.
WASHINGTON, December O. 1885,