Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1890-12-09
subjected the claimant. The average
monthly issue of agricultural patents has
been increased about 5000.

subjected the claimant. The average
monthly issue of agricultural patents has
been increased about 5000.
PENSIONS FOR DISABILITY.
The disability pension act, which was
approved on the 9th of June last, has
been put into operation as rapidly as
was practicable. The increased clerical
force provided was selected and assigned
to work, and considerable part of the
force engaged in the examinations in
the field was recalled and added to the
working force OF the Office. The exam
ination and adjudication of claims have,
by reason Of improved methods, been
more rapid than ever before. There is
no economy to the government in delay,
while there is much hardship and in.
Justice to the soldier. The anticipated
expenditure, while very large, will not,
1t is believed, be in excess OF the esti-
mates made before the enactment OF the
law. This liberal enlargement Of the
general law should suggest more law
full scrutiny of bills for special relief,
both as to the cases in which relief Is
granted and as to the amount allowed.
THE MoRMoNs.
The increasing number and influence
of the nom Mormon population in Utah
letter OF Wilfred Woodruff, president OF
the Mormon church, in which he adj
vised his people to refrain from contract
ing any marriage forbidden by the laws
OF the land, has attracted much atten-
ton, and II ls hoped its influence will
he highly beneficial in restraining in
fractions OF the laws OF the United
States But the fact should not be
overlooked that the doctrine or belief OF
the church that polvgamous marriages
are rightful and supported by Divine
revelation remains unchanged. Presi-
dent Woodruff does not renounce the
doctrine, but refrains from teaching IT,
and advises against the practice OF 1t
because Of the laws against it. Now, IT
is true that the law should not attempt
TO deal with the faith or belief Of any
one, but this is quite another thing, and
the only safe thing is to deal with the
territory Of Utah so that those who
believe polygamy TO be rightful shall
not have the power to make it lawful.
ADMISSION OF WYOMING AND IDAHO.
The admission of Wyoming and Idaho
to the Union are events full Of interest
and congratulations not only TO the peo-
Pile OF the states, happily endowed
with full participation in our privileges
and responsibilities, but to all our peo-
pie Another belt of states stretches
from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
WORK IN THE PATENT OFFICE.
The work of the patent office has won
from all sources very high commenda-
tlon. The amount accomplished has
been lagely increased, and all the results
have been such as to secure confidence
and consideration for the suggestions of
the commissioner
THE CENSUS.
The enumeration of the people of the
United States, under the provision OF
the act OF March ! 1890. has been COM
pleted, and the result will be at once
officially communicated to congress.
The completion OF the decennial emu
meratou devoves upon congress the
duty OF making new apportionment OF
representatives among the several states
according to their respective numbers. |
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
At the last session | had occasion to |
return, with my objection, several bills |
making provisions for the erection OF
public buildings, for the reason that the
appropriations contemplated were, in
my opinion, greatly in excess of any
public need. No other class of legisla-
ton is more liable to abuse, or more
likely to degenerate into an unseemly
scramble about the public treasury.
Then there should be exercised in this
matter wise economy, based upon
some responsible and impartial exam
ination, and report as to each case under
general law.