Ah ter concurrent jurisdiction being
given district courts Mnd the court of
claims, the president says it is doubtful
whether territorial courts are “district”
courts within the meaning of the bill. If
they are held not to be such the. effect of
this legislation would be that all suits
from territories must come to Washing
ton. The plaintiff, it will be observed by
a perusal of the act, is also given the
option to sue in district courts or in the
court of claims. The president cannot
understand why a plaintiff should have
this advantage, one not given, so far as
he knows, in any other law fixing the
form of litigation between individuals.
Not only this, but the court of claims was
established, a? far aw he recall", wholh
li.T money fel ha "
adequate provision (or conducting suits ;
between individuals contesting , ivate
I rights.
Furthermore, the court of claims is
already burdened since the reference to it
of Indian depredations; etc. Again, the
bill is so indefinite in its provisions that it
cannot be told, the president thinks, what
function, if any, remains to be discharged
by the general land office. In conclusion,
the president says he is inclined to believe
if provisions were made as in section
1,063, revised statutes, relating to claims
in other departments, for the transfer to
the proper court under proper regulations,
of contest cases involving questions affect
ing large classes of claims, it would be a
relief to the land office and would tend to
more speedy adjustment of land titles.
This bill, however, is so radical and so in
definite in its provisions, that the presi
dent can’t approve it.
Arrested lor Murder.
Homestead, Aug 3.—The arrests of
Yardmaster James Doves* and Supt.
