The disability-pension act, which was approved on the 27th of June last, has been put into operation as rapidly as was practicable.  The increased clerical force provided was selected and assigned to work, and a considerable part of the force engaged in examinations in the field was recalled and added to the working force of the office.  The examination and adjudication of claims have by reason of improved methods been more rapid than ever before.  There is no economy to the Government in delay, while there is much hardship and injustice to the soldier.  The anticipated expenditure, while very large, will not, it is believed, be in excess of the estimates made before the enactment of the law.  This liberal enlargement of the general law should suggest a more careful scrutiny of bills for special relief, both as to the cases where relief is granted and as to the amount allowed.

The increasing numbers and influence of the non-Mormon population of Utah are observed with satisfaction.  The recent letter of Wilford Woodruff, president of the Mormon Church, in which he advised his people “to refrain from contracting any marriage forbidden by the laws of the land,” has attracted wide attention, and it is hoped that its influence will be highly beneficial in restraining infractions of the laws of the United States.  But the fact should not be overlooked that the doctrine or belief of the church that polygamous marriages are rightful and supported by divine revelation remains unchanged.  President Woodruff does not renounce the doctrine, but refrains from teaching it, and advises against the practice of it because the law is against it.  Now, it is quite true that the law should not attempt to deal with the faith or belief of anyone; but it is quite another thing, and the only safe thing, so to deal with the Territory of Utah as that those who believe polygamy to be rightful shall not have the power to make it lawful.

The admission of the States of Wyoming and Idaho to the Union are events full of interest and congratulation, not only to the people of those States now happily endowed with a full participation in our privileges and responsibilities, but to all our people.  Another belt of States stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

The work of the Patent Office has won from all sources very high commendation.  The amount accomplished has been very largely increased, and all the results have been such as to secure confidence and consideration for the suggestions of the Commissioner.

The enumeration of the people of the United States under the provisions of the act of March 1, 1889, has been completed, and the result will be at once officially communicated to Congress.  The completion of this decennial enumeration devolves upon Congress the duty of making a new apportionment of Representatives “among the several States according to their respective numbers.”