The silver blade. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1895-1903, 1899-12-09

our race and our traditions. great
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. II we desert them we leave
them at once to anarchy and finally to
barbarism.
AS long as the insurrection 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.
| Alaska.
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 IL, 1864. This IL mea-
ger in it's provisions and Is fitted only
for the administration of affairs in q
country sparsely inhabited by civilized
people and unlmportant 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 a condition rs calls for
more ample facilities for local self-gov-
ernment and more numerous convent
ences of civil and judicial administra-
tion.
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
J arouses public condemnation. The
guarantees of life, liberty and Of civil
rights should be faithfully upheld.
A Memorial Bridge.
Congress, at its last session, appr0
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 q memorial bridge from thu
most convenient point Of the naval oh
servatory ground, OF adjacent thereto
, across the Potomac river, to the mos
; convenient point OF the Arlington estat'
, property.
|. Civil Service.
: It Is believed that the merit system
has been greatly strengthened and 1t
permanence assured. 1t will be my con
). stant aim in the administration Of gov
prnment in our possessions to make fl
ness, character and merit essential t
\ appointment 10 office and to gice to tn
I capable and deserving inhabitant
a preferences in appointments.
The Great Anniversary.
{ The 14th Of December will be tn
8 Tooth anniversary of the death Q
It Washington. For hundred years tn
n republic has had the priceless advan
d age of the lofty standard OF characte
Il and conduct which he beQueathed {
= the American people. 1t Is an inner
tance which time, instead Of wastinl
continually increases and enriches. W
n may Justly hope that in the years
4 come the benignant influence OF tn
% father of his country may be even MOI
= potent for good than in the centur
% which is drawing to q close. HAY
3. been glad to learn that in many par
2 of the country the people will fittingl
10 observe this historic anniversary.
ar Presented to this congress are gre'
~ Opportunities. With them come gre'
responsibilities. The power confided
i. us increases the weight of our oblig
n tions to the people and we must be pr
40 foundly sensitive Of them as we CO
w template the new and grave problem
|, (which confront us. Aiming only at Il
IN public good, we cannot err. A rig
Interpretation of the peoples VIII al
of duty cannot fail to insure wise mea
ures for the welfare of the islam
n which have come under the authori
'e- of the United States and insure to q
ne common interest and lasting honor
y. our country. Never has this natl
ID had more abundant cause than duril
We the past year for thankfulness to G
for manifold blessings and mercies
which we make reverent acknowledl
,st ment.
,n WILLIAM M'KINLEY.
IN Executive Mansion, Dec. s, 1893.