Page:U.S. Department of the Interior Annual Report 1879.djvu/68

66 embarrassments is the early abolition of tribal relations, the giving of lands to the Indians in severalty, with restrictions upon their alienation, the doing away with extensive reservations, and the extension over all Indians of the laws of the United States, with rights and obligations suitable to their condition and future wants.

The governor discusses the theory of Territorial government, the necessity which gave rise to its organization, and the crude national and local legislation which from time to time has been had to provide for its necessities. He says “there is no compacted and consistent body of national law concerning the Territories. Acts have been passed, sections amended, overlapped, and repealed, and special features introduced to fit special cases, until they lie along the pages of our legislative history in broken fragments like wrecks on the seashore after a storm. Common people, whose interests are in daily jeopardy, cannot understand them; lawyers are paid for disagreeing on their meaning, and judges, when failing from its obscurity to ascertain what the law is, are compelled to decide what it ought to be.”

The mining laws especially need revision; and in the governor’s opinion Congress should pass a comprehensive and carefully-revised act, covering the mining field, clearly defining all rights and remedies, and leaving but little scope for local legislation. It is also suggested that Congress interpose for the protection of agricultural interests by preventing the monopoly of the streams of the Territory by private individuals or corporations. The usufruct of natural streams should be guarded by stringent laws, so that the water needed by the many should not be monopolized by the few. The laws relating to the holding of the United States courts need revision. The powers and duties of judges, especially in vacation; the mode of enforcing attendance of jurors and witnesses; the manner of impaneling grand and petit juries should be made more effective, and be more clearly defined.

The inadequacy of present compensation to public officials in the Territory, and the insufficient appropriations for contingent expenses, are alluded to as sources of much embarrassment.

The finances of the Territory are reported to be in a satisfactory condition, and the debt of the Territory is gradually being reduced.

No reports have as yet been received from the governors of Arizona, Wyoming, and Montana.

The restoration of the Interior Department building is progressing as rapidly as the nature of the work of reconstruction will permit. The roof on the north wing is completed, and that of the west wing will soon be finished. The engineer in charge expresses the opinion that both wings will be ready for occupancy before the close of the present fiscal year, and that the cost of the work will not exceed the amount appropriated.

This portion of the building, when completed, will be substantially