The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-07

institution implied an undertaking on the part
of their government that their money should be
safely kept for them. When this COM
pany failed it was liable IN the
sum of 81, 939, 925 % to 81 131 depositors. Dvi-
dends amounting in the aggregate to 81 per cent
have been declared. and the sum called for and
paid of such dividends seems to be ST, Gas, ISL II
This sum, deducted from the entire amount of
deposits leaves 81, 291. IA 90 still unpaid. Past
experience has shown that quite a large part of
this sum will not be called for. There are as
sets still on hand amounting to the estimated
sum of $4,000. / think the remaining SO per
cent of such of these deposits such as have
claimants, should be paid by the government
upon principles of equity and fairness The re-
port of the commissioner, soon to be laid before
Congress, will give more satisfactory data on
this subject
The control of the affairs of the District of
Columbia having been placed in the hands of
purely executive officers. while the Congress
still retains the legislative authority relating to
its government, it becomes my duty to make
known the most pressing needs of the District
and recommend their consideration. The laws
of the District appear to be in uncertain and
unsatisfactory condition, and their codifcation
or revision is much needed During the past
year one of the bridges leading from the Dis
trlct to the State of Virginia became unfit for
use and travel upon it forbidden This
leads me to suggest that the Improvement of all
the bridges crossing the Potomac and its
branches from the city of Washington is worthy
the attention of Congress. The Commissioners
OF the District represent that the laws regulating
the sale of liquor and granting licenses therefore
should be at once amended, and that legislation
is needed to consolidate, define and enlarge the
scope and powers of charitable and penal insttu-
tions within the District. i suggest that the
commissioners be clothed with the power to
make, within fixed limitations, police regula-
tons. believe the power granted and carefully
guarded would tend to subserve the good order
OF the municipality. It seems that trouble
ists growing out of the occupation of the streets
and avenues by certain railroads having lines in
the city. 1t is very important that such
laws should be enacted upon this sub
Ject will secure the rail-
roads all the facilities they require for
the transaction of their business and at the
same time protect citizens from injury to their
persons property. The Commissioners again
complain that the accommodations afforded them
for the necessary Offices for District business.
and for the safe keeping of valuable books and
papers, are entirely insufficient. l recommend
that this condition of affairs be remedied by the
Congress- and that suitable quarters be fur
nished for the needs of the District govern
ment.
In conclusion, earnestly invoke such wise ac-
ton on the part of the peoples legislators will
subserve the public good and demonstrate, dur
ing the remaining DAYS of the Congress, as at
present organized its ability and inclination to
so meet the peoples needs that it should be
gratefully remembered by an expectant constit-
uency. GROVER CLEVELAND.
WASHINGTON D. G. Dec e 1896