The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-12-04
|CLEVELAND'S MESSAGE.


com panies which have received land
grants and the guaranty OF the public in aid of
fhe construction of their roads should receive
early attention. The report of majority of
the commissioners appointed to examine the
affairs and Indebtedness of these roads, in
which they favor an extention of the time for
the payment Of such indebtedness in at least
| one case where the corporation ap-
peers to be able to comply
with the well-guarded and exact terms
Of such extension, and the Endorsement of
their opinion by gentlemen Of undoubted bust
ness Judgment and experience, appointed to
protect the interests of the government as
directors of said corporation, may well lead to
the belief that such an extension would be to
the advantage of the government. The subject
should be treated as a business proposition with
a view to a final realization of its Indebtedness
by the government, rather than as a question
TO be decided upon prejudice or by way of pun
ishment for previous wrong doing.
District of Columbia.
The report of the commissioners of the Dis
trict of Columbia-with its accompanying doc
uments-giYes in detail the operations of the
several departments of the district government
and furnishes evidence that the financial affairs
of the district are at present in such Satisfac
tory condition as to justify the comm 'oners
in submitting to the congress estimates for de-
sirable and needed improvements. The commits
sioners recommend certain Legislation which,
in their opinion, is necessary to
advance the interests =. of the district.
for such legislation as will enable the commits
sioners without delay to collect, digest and
properly arrange the laws by which the district
Is governed. aud which are now embraced in
several collections making them available only
with great difficulty and labor. The sugges
tons they make touching desirable amendments
to the laws relating to licenses granted for car
ryng on the retail traffic in spirituous liquors,
TO the observance of Sunday, to the proper as
sessrnent and collection of taxes, to the speedy
punishment of minor Offenders and to the man
sgement and control of the reforma-
tory and charitable institutions supported
by congressional appropriations, are com
mended to careful consideration,
again call attention to the present inconven-
ience aud the danger of life and property attend
ing to the operation of steam railroads through
and across the public streets and roads of the
district The propriety of such legislation as
will properly guard the uSe OF these rail
roads, and better secure the convenience
and safety of citizens, is manifest.
Closing Words.
The consciousness that | have presented but
an imperfect statement OF the condition of our
country and its wants occasions no fear that
ANYTHING omitted is not known and appreciated
by tae congress, upon whom rests the RESPONSE
bility of IN elligeDt legislation in behalf of q
great nation aud a contiding people. AS public
servants we shall do our duty well if we con-
stantly guard the rectitude of our intention,
maintain unsullied our love Of country and with
unself1sh purpose strive for the public good.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
Washington, ID. c.. Dec. 3, 1888.