Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1894-12-14

notes the gratifying progress made by
the supreme court in overcoming the
arrears of Its business and reaching a
condition In which II will be able to
dispose OF the cases as they arise with
out any unreasonable delay. This re-
suit Is, of course. very largely due to
the successful working of the plan inau
gurating circuit courts of appeals. In re-
spect to these tribunals a suggestion is
made In quarters entitled to the highest
conside ration that an additional circuit
Judge for each circuit would greatly
strengthen these courts and the conf
dence reposed in their adjudications.
and that such an addition would not
create greater force of Judges than
the increasing business of such courts
requires. l commend the suggestion to
the careful consideration of congress.
other important topics are adverted
in the report accompanied by recon-
mendations. many of which have been
treated at large in previous messages,
and at this time, therefore, need only
be named. refer to the abolition of the
fee system as a measure of compensa-
ton to federal officers; the enlargement
of the powers of United States commits
allowance of writs of error in criminal
cases on behalf of the United States,
and the establishment of penalties by
congress in the crime of murder
A topic dealt with by the attorney
general of much Importance is the con-
dition of the administration of Justice
in Indian territory. The permanent So
luton of what is called the Indian
problem is probably not to be expected
at once, but meanwhile, such ameliora-
tions of present conditions as the exist
ing system will admit of ought not to
be neglected. ] am satisfied that there
should be a federal court established
for the territory with sufficient judges
and that this court should sit within
the territory and have the same juris-
diction as to territorial affairs as is
now vested in the federal courts sitting
in Arkansas and Texas.
Another subject of pressing moment
referred to by the attorney general
is the reorganization of the Union Pa
cific Railway Company on a basis
equitable as regards all private inter
ests, and as favorable to the govern
ment as existing conditions will permit.
The operation of a railway by a court
through a receiver is an annoying state
of things which should be terminated
on grounds of public and private in
terest at the earliest possible moment.
Besides not to enact the needed cnab-
ling legislation at the present session
postpones the whole matter until the
assembling of a new congress and in
evitably increases all the complications
of the situation and could not but be
regarded as a signal failure to solve a
problem which has practically been be-
fore the present congress ever since its
organization.
Eight years ago in my annual mes
} sage / urged upon congress as strongly
as could the location and construction
| OF two prisons for the confinement OF
United States pr,7rners. A similar rec
! ommendation E.s been made from
time to time since, and a few years ago
a law was passed providing for the Sc
, lection OF sites for these institutions
, No appropriation has. however, beer
a made to carry the act into effect and the
. old and discreditable condition still ex-
lists. 1t Is not my purpose at this time
to repeat the considerations, which
make an impregnable case in favor OF
ownership and management by the gov
= eminent of penal institutions in which
: federal prisoners are confined. l simpl,
: desire to again urga the former recon-
:, mendations on the subject and to par
;, ticularly call the attention of congress
y to that part of the report of the secre
y tary of war, in which he states that I'll
military prison at Fort Leavenwortf
:. Kansas, can be turned over to the gov
= eminent as a prison for federal con
victs, without the least difficulty, an
: with an actual saving of money iron
t every point of view. Pending NOR
: complete reform, l hope that by tn
i adoption of the suggestion of the secre
y tary of war this step may be taken 4
e the direction of the proper care of 1t
e convicts by the government of tn
t United States.