The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1900-12-07
HALL OF PUBLIC RECORDS.
Should BE Separate Building in Which
to Preserve Archives.


am very much impressed with the
statement made by the heads of all
the departments of the urgent neces-
sity of a hall of public records In
every departmental building in Wash
ington, so far as I am informed, the
space for official records is not only
exhausted, but the walls of rooms are
lined with shelves, the middle floor
space of many rooms is filled with file
cases, and garrets and Easements, which
were never intended and are untitled
Tor their accommodation, are crowded
with them. Aside from the inconveni-
ence there is great danger, not only
from fire, but from the weight of
these records upon timbe-s not intended
COR tCeir support. There should be
separate building especially designed
for the purpose of receiving and pre-
serving the annually accommodating
archives of the several executive de-
partments. Such a hall need not be
costly structure, but should be so ar
ranged as to admit of enlargement
from time to time. I urgently recon-
mend that the congress take early ac-
ton in this matter.
I transmit to the congress a resolu
ton adopted at a recent meeting of the
American Lar association concerning
the proposed celebration of John Mar
Il +,
cises have been arranged, and it is
earnestly desired by the committee that
the congress may participate in this
| movement to honor the memory of the
great jurist.
The transfer Of the government to
this city is a fact of great historical
interest. Among the people there is
feeling of genuine pride in the CAPT
tai of the republic.
1t is a matter of interest in this
connection that in 1890 the population of
the District of Columbia was IA, 093; to-
day it is 278,71S. The population of
the city of Washington was then 3,210;
| today it is 21S, 1876.
The congress having provided for IAN
appropriate national celebration of the
centennial anniversary Of the eStab-
lishment Of the seat of government in
the District of Columbia" the commit
tees authorized by it have prepared a
programme for the 18th Of December,
1900, which date has been selected as
the anniversary day. Deep interest
has been shown in the arrangements
for the celebration by the members of
the committees of the senate and house
of representatives, the committee of
governors appointed by the president,
and the committees appointed by the
citizens and inhabitants Of the District
of Columbia generally. The programme,
In addition to a reception and other ex-
ercises at the executive mansion, pro-
vides commemorative exercises to be
held Jointly by the senate and house
of representatives in the hall of the
house of representatives, and a recep-
ton in the evening at the Corcoran
Gallery of Art in honor of the governors
of the states and territories.
In our great prosperity we must guard
against the danger it invites of ex-
travagance in government expenditures
and appropriations; and the chosen
representatives of the people will,
doubt not, furnish an example in their
legislation of that wise economy which
in a season of plenty husbands for the
future In this era of great husi-
ness activity and opportunity caution
is not untimely. 1t will not abate, but
strengthen, confidence. 1t will not
retard but promote, legitimate indus
trial and commercial expansion. Our
growing power brings with it tempta-
lions and perils requiring constant vigil
lance to avoid. 1t must not be used
to invite conflicts, nor for oppression.
but for the more effective maintenance
of those principles of equality and JUS
tice upon which our institutions and
happiness depend. Let us keep always
In mind that the foundations of our
government is liberty; its superstruct-
ure peace.
WILLIAM MKINLEY.