Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1888-12-13

and necessities. The extent to which the CON
sideration OF such matters subordinate and
postpone action upon subjects OF great public
importance but involving no special, private o.
partisan interest should arrest attention and
lead to reformation.
A few Of the numerous illustrations Of this
condition may be stated:
The crowded condition OF the calendar Of the
Supreme Court, and the delay TO sultors and de
NAL OF justice resulting therefrom, have beer
strongly urged upon the attention OF the Con
gress with plan for the relief Of the situation
approved by those well able to judge Of its mer-
its. Viii e this subject remains without effect
i've consideration. many laws have been passed
providing for the holding Of terms OF inferior
courts at places to suit the convenience of loo
tiles or to lay the foundation OF an application
for the erection OF a new public building.
Repeated recommendations have been sub
mitted for the amendment and change OF the
laws relating to our public lands, SO that theil
spoliation and diversion to other uses than as
homes for honest settlers might be prevented
While measure to meet this conceded neces'
the Congress many claims to the public lands
and applications for their donation in favor OF
States and individuals have been allowed
A plan in aid of Indian management, recon-
mended by those we'll informed as containin
valuable features in furtherance Of the solution
OF the Indian problem, has thus far failed OF
legislative sanction. while grants OF doubtful
expediency to railroad companies. permitting
them to pass through Indian reservations, have
greatly multiplied
OF one or more prisons for the confinement OF
United States convicts and a post-ofice build
ing in the National capital are not disputed.
but these needs yet remain unanswered. while
scores Of public buildings have been erected
where their necessity for public purpose is not
apparent. Essay
A revision of our pension laws should be
made. which would rest upon just principles
and provide for every worthy applicant. But
while our general pension laws remain con-
fused and imperfect. hundreds It our private
pension laws are annually passed which are
tie sources OF unjust discrimination and pop
ular decentralization.
Appropriation bills for the support of the
Government are defaced by items and provis-
ions to meet private ends and it is freely as
serted by responsible and experienced parties
that o bill appropria ting money for public in
ternal improvement would tail to meet with
favor, unless it contained items more for local
and private advantage than for public benefit.
These statements can be much emphasized
by an ascertaiDment of the proportion OF
Federal legislation, which either bears upon
Its face its private character or which, upon
examination, develops such Q motive power.
And yet the people wait and expect from their
chosen representatives such patriotic action as
will advance the welfare of the entire country
and this expectation can only be answered by the
performance Of public duty with unselfish pur-
pose.
Our mission among the nations OF the earth
and our success in accomp i>hing the work God
has given the American people to do, require
OF those intrusted with the making and execu-
ton of our laws, perfect devotion above all
other things. to the public G Cd. This devotion
will lead us to strongly resist all Impotence of
constitutional limitations of Federal power and
to persistently check the increasing tendency
to extend the scope of Federal legislation into
the domain OF State and local jurisdiction upon
the plea of subscribing the public welfare.
The preservation of the partitions between
proper subjects of Federal and local care and
regulation, is of such importance under the
Constitution, which is the law Of our very ex-
istence that no consideration of expedience or
sentiment should tempt us to enter upon
doubtful ground. We have undertaken to dis
cover and proclaim the richest blessings Of a
free Government with the Constitution as
our guide. Let us follow the way it points out.
It will not mislead. And surely no one who
has taken upon himself the solemn obligation
to support and preserve the Constitution can
find justification or solace for disloyalty in the
excu @ that he wandered and disobeyed in
search OF q better way to reach the public well
fare than the Constitution offers.
What has been said is deemed not inappro-
pirate at q time when, from q century's height
we view the way already trod by the American
people and attempt to discover their future
paths. The seventh President of the United
States-the soldier and statesman and at all
times the firm and brave friend of the people
In vindication OF his course as the protector OF
the popular rights and championship OF true
American citizenship, declared:
1.-THE ambition which leads me on is an anxious
desire and q fixed determi alton to restore to
the people, unimpaired, the sacred trust they
have cOnfided to my charge: to heal the wounds
OF the Constitution and to prevent its violation.
To persuade my countrymen, SO far as
I may, that 1t is not in splendid
government supported by powerful monop
olies and arlstocratic establishments that
they will find happiness or their liberties pro
tected, but in plain system. void of pomp-
protecting all and granting favors to none. dis
pensing its blessings like the dew of Heaven
unseen and unfelt save in the freshness anl
beauty they contribute to produce. 1t is such
a Government the genius of our people require.
such an one only under which our States may
remain for ages to come united, prosperous anl
free"
FOREIGN AFFAIRS.
The President announces that the close of thu
year finds the United States in the enjoymen
of domestic tranquility and at peace with all thu
Nations. Foreign relations have been strength
ened and improved by performance of individual
good offices and by new and renewed treaties o
amity, commerce and reciprocity and extradi
ton Of criminals.
The Fisheries question has not beel
satisfactorily adjusted, but since Marcl
| Sd, 1851, no cases have been re
ported to the Department of Stat
wherein complaint has been made of unlawful
| or unfriendiy treatment by Canadian authori
| ties in which reparation was not promptly an,
satisfactorily obtained by the United State
sul-General at Hall az. I continue in tn,
| opinion that the treaty OF February last. which
| failed tn receive the approval of the Senate
did supply - satisfactory, practicable and tina
adjustment, on o basis honorable and just t.
both parties, to the difficult and vexed Ques
| ton to which it related" and having subse
Quently a'd unavailingly recommended othe
| legislation to Congress which hoped woul'
suffice to meet the urgency creates
by the rejection of the treaty, I nov
/ again invoke the earnest and immediat
| attention Of the Congress to the COZ
dition OF this important question as it nov
| stands before them and the country. and for tn
| settlement of which I am deeply solicitous.
| The West incident is treated as follows
| shear the close of the month of October las
Occurrences OF a deeply regrettable nature wer
| brought to my knowledge, which made it m
i min yl I'M Inn dutv n obtain with q