They have been appointed for service in the Territory and for
the benefit and convenience of the Territorial population. He expects
them by their personal presence to identify themselves with the people
and acquire local information, without which their duties can not be
well performed. Frequent or long absence makes them in some degree
strangers, and therefore less acceptable to the people. Their absence,
no matter with what substitution, must often put the people to
inconvenience. Executive officers may be required for emergencies which
could not be foreseen. Judges should be at hand, not only when the
courts are in session, but for matters of bail, _habeas corpus_, orders
in equity, examination of persons charged with crime, and other similar
business, which often arises in vacation.
These and similar considerations no doubt induced Congress to pass the
law above quoted.
It is therefore directed that in future the heads of Departments shall
grant leaves of absence to Territorial officers only for reasons of the
most urgent character, and then only for the shortest possible time.
By order of the President:
HAMILTON FISH, _Secretary of State_.
THIRD ANNUAL MESSAGE.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, _December 4, 1871_.
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