The Kootenai herald. [volume] (Kootenai, Idaho) 1891-1904, 1899-12-09

opportunity comes with them.
The islands lie under the shelter of
our flag. They are ours by every title
of law and equity. They cannot be
abandoned. If we desert them we leave
them at once 20 anarchy and finally to
barbarism.
AS long as the instruction continues
the military arm must necessarily be
supreme But there is no reason why
steps should not be taken from time to
time to inaugurate governments essen
TALLY popular in their form as fast as
territory is held or controlled by our
troops.
A necessity for immediate legislative
action exists in the territory of Alaska.
Substantially the only law providing
a civil government for this territory is
the act of May II, 1864. This is mea-
ger in its provisions and is fitted only
for the administration of affairs in a
country sparsely inhabited by civilized
people and unimportant in trade and
production, as vas Alaska at the time
this act was passed.
The increase in population by immi-
grafton during the past few years con-
sequent upon the discovery of gold has
produced such condition as calls for
more ample facilities for local self-gov-
eminent and more numerous convent
ences of civil and judicial admiristra-
ton.
Lynch Law.
The love of law and sense of obedi-
ence and submission to lawfully con-
stituted judicial tribunals are embed
ded in the hearts of our people, and any
violation of these sentiments and dis
regard of their obligations justly
arouses public condemnation. The
guarantees of life, liberty and of civil
rights should be faithfully upheld.
A Memorial Bridge.
Congress, at its last session, appro-
:. priated $500 to enable the chief of en-
gineers of the arm to continue the ex-
aminations of the subject and to make
or secure designs, calculations and esti-
| mates for a memorial bridge from the
most convenient point of the naval OBJ
servatory groun1. OF adjacent thereto,
scross the Potomac river, to the most
: convenient point of the Arlington estate
= property.
, Civil Service.
: 1t is believed that the merit system
: has been greatly strengthened and its
permanence assured. 1t will be my con-
slant aim in the administration of gov
: eminent in our possessions to make fit
ness, character and merit essential to
. appointment TO office and to gice to the
! capable and deserving inhabitants
{ preferences in appointments.
i The Great Anniversary.
The 14th of December will be the
tooth anniversary of the death of
; Washington. For hundred years the
L republic has had the priceless advant-
u age of the lofty standard of character
u and conduct which he bequeathed to
i the American people. 1t Is an inheri-
: lance which time, instead of wasting
continually increases and enriches. We
NAV justly hope that in the years tc
n come the benignant influence of the
d father of his country may be even more
s potent for good than in the century
). which is drawing to a close. l have
& been glad to learn that in many parts
D. of the country the people will fittingly
2, observe this historic anniversary.
o Presented TO this congress are great
n opportunities. With them come great
# responsibilities. The power confided tt
us increases the weight of our obliga
j. lions TO the people and we must be pro
7 foundry sensitive Of them as we, con
e template the new and grave problems
y which confront us. Aiming only at the
j. public good, we cannot err. A righ'
II Interpretation of the peoples will ant
of duty cannot fail to insure wise meas
ures for the welfare of the islands
H. which have come under the authority
O. of the United States and insure to the
,e common interest and lasting honor o
:, our country Never has this nation
l. had more abundant cause than during
70 the past year for thankfulness to Cox
for manifold blessings and mercies fol
which we make reverent acknowledge
81. ment.
y WILLIAM M'KINLEY.
. Executive Mansion, Dec. 5, 1899.