The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-12-04

ciples and just dealing should be waived.
These idens have been, unhappily, much
encouraged by legisl tive acQu essence. Re-
liet from contracts made with the Govern
ment is too easily accorded in favor OF the
citizen. The failure 10 support claims
against the Government b. proof is often
supplied by no better consideration than
the wealth OF the Government and the pow
erty of the claimant Gratuities In the
form of
PENSIONS ARE GRANTED
upon no other real ground than the needy
condition OF the applicant or for reasons
less valid, and large sums are expended for
pubic buildings and other Improvements
upon representation scarcely claimed g. he
related 10 public needs and necessities. The
extent 10 which the consideration Of such
matters subordinate and POSTPONE action
upon subjects Of great public importance
but involving no special, private or partisan
interest, should arrest attention and lend 10
reformation. A few Of the numerous illus
tratlons Of this condition may bu stated
The crowded condition of the calendar Of
the Supreme Court. and the delay TO suitos
and denial OF justice resulting there
from, has been strongly urged upon
the attention Of the Congress with
plan for the relief OF the sit
uation approved by those well able TO
judge OF is merits. While this subject &c
mains without effective consideration, many
laws have been passed providing for the
holding of inferior courts az places 10 suit
the convenience OF localities or 10 lay the
foundation OF an application for the erection
of new public building.
Repeated recommendations have been sub
mit,cd for the amendment and change OF the
laws relating TO
OUR PUBLIC LANDS,
so that their spolation and diversion 10
other uses than ~ homes for honest settlers
might be prevented While measure TO
meet this conceded necessity of reform re-
mains awaiting the action OF the Congress,
many claims q the public lands and appli-
cations for the donation In favor Of States
aud individuals have been allowed.
a plan in aid Of Indian management,
recommended 10y those well informed as con-
tanning valuable features in furthomnoo OF
tho solution of the Indian problem, has thus
far failed of Legislative sanction while
grants Of doubtful oXpcdioncy tO railroad
corporations. permitting them 10 pass
through Indian reservations, have greatly
multiplied.
GOVERNMENT PRISONS.
The propr ETY. and necessity OF the erection
Of one or more prisons for the confinement
OF United States convicts and posiotilcc
building at the national capital are not dis
putcd. but these needs yet remain unan-
swercd, while scores Of public buildings have
been erected where thclrneccssity FOR public
purposes l. not apparent
a revision Of our pension laws could easily
be made which would rest upon just prnci-
pies aud provide for every worthy applicant.
But while our general pension laws remain
confused and imperfect, hundreds OF our
private pension laws Hre annually passed,
which are the sources OF unjust disCrimina-
ton and popular Generalization.
APPROPRIATION NILS
for the support OF the Government are de.
faced by items aud provisions iu meet private
ends aud Il is freely asserted 10y responsible
aud experienced parties that a bill approph-
aiing money Tor public internal improve
mcnt would fail o. meet with favor unlcss %
contained moro for local and priyyt
advantage than for public benefit
These statements cau be much emphasized
By an asccriainment Of the proportion Of
Federal legislation, which either bean upon
It's face its private character, 81 which upon
examination develops such a motive power
and yet the people wait and expect tom
their chosen representatives such patriotic
action a. will advance the welfare Ut ihc
entire country; aud this expectation can
only be- answered by thc performance 81
public duty with uusylil,h purpose. our
mission among the nations ~ the earth and
our success IN uccnmpl shing Ia work God
has gwen the American people 81 DO, r.
quirc Of those inirnstcd with the making
aud execution of Our laws perfect devotion,
lboyc all other thing 60 the public good.
This devotion will lead ~ 10 strongly
resist oil impotence u Constitutional
limitations Of Federal power and to
pen stcnuy check Tie iucf, asing tendency
10 extend the scope of Federal legislation
intD the domain 81 State and lOCn. iurislic-
ton upon the plea II subscribing tie puhlic
welfare. Tho preservation of the partitions
between proper subjects u Federal aud local
care aud regulation is 0i such importance
under the Constitution which il the law 81
our very existence. that no consideration u
cXpcdicncy or sentiments ihuuld tcnipt "a ~
enter upon doubtful ground. We have under
taken 10 discover AID proclaim TIA richest
blessings of free government, with the ton
stitution a. our guide. lat a. follow the way
IL points out
u WILL NOT uifLgAD -.
ani surely no one who has taken upon him.
self the solemn Obligation a. support aud
preserve the Ionsiitut on can ind just.iicn-
ton or solacc for disloyaliy IN the excuse
that he wandered aud dis0bcyUd in search uf
q better way Ia reach the public welfare than
hc Constitution Oiicrs.
Whist has been said IL deemed not ln.
appiopriat. NJ a time when, from ecu.
tury's hight, we view thc way already tr1d
BY the American people and attempt 10
discover their future path. The seventh
President OF the United States, tho soldier
and statesman, and at all times the firm and
brave friend 81 tie people. in tie yindos.
ton Of his couuc ~ The protector Of the
popular rightA aud The champion VI true
American citizenship, declared. THE am.
billion which leads me uu ia an anxious de-
sire and fixed determination 10 restore ~
the people unimpaird the sacred trust
they lave conhdol % my change, 10 heal
The wounds ~ the Constitution aud preserve
4, from further violation, IN persuade my
countfymcn a. Gar ns ! may that 10 IL not Nv
n splendid government supported by power.
fol monopolics and adftocntical establish.
mcnis that they will find happiness or their
libortios protected, but In plnin system,
void Of pomp. protecting all aud granting
favOrg a. none. dispensing 10 blessings like
the dew Ol Heaven, unseen and unlClt ave
in the frcahncis aud beauty they contribute
10 produce IL u such o government that
the masses Of our p1oplc require, such a
one Uuly under when our states may ~.
main Tor ages 10 come united, prosperous
nnd free
Ia pursuance u n Constitutional provision
requiring the President. from time 10 time
10 give H. the Congress information Of tie
state OF the Union. I have tho satisfaction
to announce that the cloie Of the year ENDS
the United States In tho enjoyment u
DOMESTIC rRAsQumifY,
and n peace with all tho nations Since my
last annual message our foreign relations
have been strengthened and improved by the
performance of International good Office.
aud by new and renewed treaties Of anity,
commerce, and reciprocal eHtradition 81