The sun. [volume] (Morris, Stevens County, Minn.) 1882-1895, 1888-12-06
RAILROADS.
Consideration of the Majority Report
of the Pacific Roads Commission-In
Conclusion.

The adjustment of tie relations between the
government and the railroad companies which
have received land grants, and the guaranty Of
the public credit in aid of the construction OF
the railroads, should receive early attention
The report of a majority OF the commissioners
appointed to examine the affairs and indebted
ness of these roads. in which they favor an ex-l
tension of the time for the payment
of such Indebtedness in at least cue
case, where the corporation appears to be
able to comply with we'll guarded aud exact
terms of such extension and their enforcement
by gentlemen OF undoubted business Judgment
and experience appointed to protect the
interests Of the government as directors of said
corporation may we'll 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 view to final reali-i
cation of it's indebtedness by the government
rather than as question to be decided upon,
prejudice or by way OF punishment for previous
wrong doing. The report of the commissioner
Of the District OF Columbia with its accompany
ing documents gives in detail tho operations
OF the serera! departments of the district
government, and furnish evidence that the
financial affairs of the district are at present in
such satisfactory condition as to justify the
commissioners in submitting to congress est1-
mates for desirable and needed improvements.
RECOMMENDATIONS.
The commissioners recommend certain legis-
lation which, in their opinion. Is necessary to
advance the interests of the district. I invite
your special attention to their request for such
legislation as will enable the commissioners
without delay to collect. digest and properly ar
range the laws by which the district is gov
erned. and which are now embraced in several
collections making them available only with
great difficulty. The suggestions they make
touching desirable amendments to the laws
relative to licenses granted for carrying on the
retail traffic in spurious liquors. to the observ
ance of Sunday, TO the proper assessment and
collection Of taxes and the speedy punishment
of minor offenders, and to the management
and control of the refor:natOry and charitable
institutions supported by congressional appro-
priations, are commended to care and conSidera-
ton. / again call attention to the present in
convenience and the danger to life and property
attending the operation OF steam railroads
throughout and across the public streets and
roads of the district. The proorlety Of such
legislation as vii! properly guard the use Of
these railroads and better secure the convenience
and safety Of citizens is manifest.
The CONSCIOUSNESS that have presented. but
an imperfect statement of the condition Of our
country aad its wants. occasions no fear that
anything omitted is not known and appreciated
by the congress upon whom rests the response
bility of intelligent legislation in behalf of
great nation and confding people. AS public
servants we shall do our duty well If we con-
stantly guard the rectitude OF our intentions:
maintain unsullied our love of country. and
with unselfsh purposes strive for the public
good. GROVER CLEVELAND.
= w cr5rNcToN n n Dec :, 1899