The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1899-12-13

ry with them the right to the purchaser.
lessee, or settler to have q full title grant
ed to him upon compliance with the cou-
ditiona prescribed by law or by his partic-
ular tyfeement OF entry.
ALASKA.
Aneceseity for Immediate legislative re-
lief exists in the territory of Alaska.
Substantially the only law providing
cIVh government for this territory 10 tho
act of May IL, 1884. This is meager in its
provisions. and is fitted only for the adj
ministration of ahairs in a country sparse
ly inhabited by civilized people and unim-
portant In trade and prodnetioni as was
Alaska at the time this act was pasa-
ed. The increase In population by tmmi-
grafton during the past few years. conne-
Quent upon the discovery of gold, has pro-
duced such condition as calls for moro
ample facilities for local self-goVernmont
and more numerous eonventencos OF civil
aud judicial Rdministration. settlements
have grown up in various places, eonsu-
tutinE in point OF population and buainesa
cities of thousands of inhabitants, yet
there Is no provision OF law under which
municipality can be organized or main
tAlned.
FREE TRADE WITH PORTO RICO,
recommend that legislation to the same
end be had with reference TO tho govern
ment OF Porto Rico. The time Is ripe for
the adoption of n temporary form OF gov
ernment for this island. and many suRges-
tions made with reference to Alaska are
applicable also to Porto Rico.
LYNCHINGs.
The love of law and the sense of obe-
dience and submission to the lawfully
constituted judicial tribunals are embed
ded in the hearts of our people, and any
violation of these sentiments and dIsra-
gard of their obligations justly RrouseB
public condemnation. Tho guarantees of
life. liberty, and of civil rights should DO
faithfully upheld; the right of trial by
jury respected and defended. Tho rule OF
alNn aaNNr Nfn UMI n fNNI NHa
prompt trial of those charged with GRIM
innl ofIenseB, and upon conviction tho pun
ishment should be commensurate with the
enormity of tho crime.
The proposed centennial ceiHbratton at
Washington next year IL given boom. In
regard to the civil service the president
says the notifications show the public
service has been Improved and the pOrma.
nency of the merit system Insured. Tho
president refers to the one hundredth an-
niversnry of the death of Washington,
which will be Dec. II. For hundred
years the republic has had the priceless
advantages OF the lofty standard of char
Rcter and conduct which he beque0thed to
the American people 1 have been glad to
learn that In many parts OF this country
the people Will ntly observe this historic
anniversary.
CONCLUSION.
Presented to this congress are great OPP
portunitics. with them come great respon-
slbilities. The power confded to us in.
creases the weight OF our obligations to
the people. and we must bo profoundly
sensible of them as we contemplate the
new and grave problems which confront
us. Aiming only at the public good. Wo
peoples will and of duty cannot fail TO
insure wise measures for tho welfare of
the Islands which have como under the
authority OF the United States, and inurO
to tho common interest and lasting honor
OF our country. Never has this nation had
more abundant cause than during the past
year for thslkfulncss to God for manifold
blessings and mercles. for which we mako
revcrent acknowledgment.
WILLIAM MKINLEY.
Executive Mansion. December 8. 1889.