r
LL-
THE NEBRASKA INDEPEDEN
Dec. 17 1896
CLEVELAND'S M
ESSAGE.
(Continued from last week.)
WATCHING ALL. WITH CAKE.
And yet neither the government nor
the people In the United State? have
shut their eye to the coursa of event
In Cuba, nor have failed to realize the
extent of conceded grievances which
have led to the present revolt from the
authority of Spain grievances recog
nized by the queen regent and by the
cortes, voiced by the most patriotic and
enlightened of Spanish statesmen, with
out regard to party and demonstrated
by reforms proposed by the executive
and approved by the legislative branch
or the Spaniel, government. It is Jn the
assumod temper and disposlton of the
coniuvi irnvirnment to remedy , these
fortified by Indications of
influential public opinion In Spain, that
this government has hoped to discover
the most promising and effective means
of composing the present strife, with
honor and advantage to Spain and with
the achievement of all the reasonable ob
jects of the insurrection
It would seem that If Spain should of
fer to Cuba genuine autonomy a meas
ure of home rule, which, while preserv-
lng the sovereignty of Spaln would sat
isfy all rational requirements of her
Spanish subjects there should be no
Just reason why the pacification of the
island might not be effected on that
basis. Such a result would appear to
be in the true interest of all con
cerned. It would at once stop the con
flict which is now consuming the re
sources of the island, and making it
worthless for whichever party may ul
timately prevail. It would keep Intact
the possessions of Spain without touch
ing her honor, which will be sustained,
rather than impugned, by the adequate
redress of admitted grievances.
WOULD TEST THE PEOPLE,
It would put the prosperity of the
Island and the fortunes of its Inhabit
ants within their own control, with
out severing the natural and ancient
ties which bind them to the mother
country, and would yet enable them to
test their capacity for self-government
under the most favorable condition It
bas been objected, on the one side, that
Spain should not promise autonomy un
til her insurgent subjects lay down
their arms; on the other side, that
promised autonomy, however liberal, Is
Insufficient, because without assurance
o( the promise being fulfilled.
But. the reasonableness of a requlr-.v
ment by Spain of unconditional sur
render on the part of the insurgent
Cubans, before their autonomy Is con
ceded, is not altogether apparent. It
Ignores Important features of the situ
ationthe stability two years' dura
tion has given to the insurrection; the
feasibility of its ' indefinite prolonga
tion, In the nature of things, and ei
shown by past experience; the utter
and Imminent ruin of the Island, unless
the present strife i speedily composed;
above all the rank abuses which all
parties In Spain, all branches of her
government, and ail her leading pub
lic men concede to exist and profess a
desire to remove.
SPAIN ASKS TOO MUCH.
Facing such circumstances, to with
hold the proffer of needed reforms un
til the parties demanding tnem put
themselves at their mercy by throwing
down their arms, has the appearance
of neglecting the gravest of perils and
Inviting suspicion as to the sincerity of
any professed willingness to grant re
forms. The objection on behalf of the
Insurgents that promised reforms can
not be relied upon must, of course, be
considered, though we have no right to
assume and no reason for assuming
that anything Spain undertakes to do
for the relief of Cuba will not be done
according to both the spirit and th
letter of the undertaking.
Nevertheless realizing that suspic
ions and precautions on the part of the
weaker of the two combatants are al
ways natural and not always unjustifi
able being sincerely desirous In the ln
terst of both as well as on its own ac
count that the Cuban problem should be
solved with the least possible delay it
was Intimated by this government to
' the government of Spain some months
ago that, if a satisfactory measure of
home rule were' tendered the Cuban In
surgents, and would be accepted by
them upon a guarantee of its execution,
the United States would endeavor to
find a way, not objectionable to Spain,
of furnishing such guaranty.
NO ANSWER YET RECEIVED.
While no definite response to this in.
timation has yet been received from the
Spanish government, it is believed to be
not altogether unwelcome, while as al
ready suggested, no reason is perceived
why it should not be approved by the
insurgents. Neither party can fall to
see the importance of 'early action and
both must realize that to prolong the
present state of things for even a short
period will add enormously to the time
and labor and expenditure necessary to
bring about industrial recuperation of
the island. It Is therefore fervently
hoped on all grounds that earnest efforts
for healing the breach between Spain
and the insurgent Cubans, upon the
lines above Indicated, may be at once in
augurated and pushed to an immediate
and successful Issue. The friendly offi
ces of the United States, either in the
manner above outlined, or in any other
way consistent with our constitution
and laws, will always be at the disposal
of either party.
Whatever circumstances may arise,
our policy and our Interest would con
strain us to object to the acquisition of
the Island, or an Interference with its
control, by any other power.
. It should beadded that it cannot be
reasonably assumed that the hitherto
expectant attitude of the United States
will be indefinitely maintained.
PATIENCE HAS A LIMIT.
While we are anxious to accord all due
respect to the sovereignty of Spain, we
cannot view the pending conflict in all
its features, and properly apprehend
our Inevitably close relations to it and
its possible results, without considering
that by the course of events we may be
drawn into such an unusual and unpre
cedented condition, as will fix a limit to
our .patient waiting for Spain to end
the contest either alone and. in her own
way, or with our friendly co-operation.
When the inability of Spain to deal
successfully with the insurgents has be
come manifest, and' it Is demonstrated
that her sovereignty is extinct In Cuba
for all purposes of its rightful existence,
and when a hopeless struggle for its re
establlshment has degenerated into a
strife which means nothing more than
the useless sacrifice of human life and
the utter destruction of the very subject
matter of conflict, a situation will be
presented In which our obligations to the
sovereignty of Spain will be superseded
by higher obligations, which we can
hardly hesitate to recognize and dis
charge. Deferring the choice of ways and
methods until the time for action ar
rives, we should make them depend
upon the precise conditions then exist
ing; and they should not be determined
upon without giving careful heed to
every consideration involving our honor
and interest, or the International duty
we owe to Spain.
CANNOT YET SPEAK OUT.
Until we face the contingencies sug
veorca, n m tr.iuaiwn ta trf Oilier inci
dents Imperatively enangea. we snouia
continue In the line of conduct heretofore
pursued, thus In all circumstances ex
hibiting our obedience to the require
ments of public law nd our regard for
the duty enjoined upon us by the posi
tion we occupy in the family of nations.
A contemplation of emergencies that
may arise should plainly lead us to
avoid their creation, either through a
careless disregard of present duty or
even an undue stimulation and ill-timed
expression of feeling. But I have deemed
it not amiss to remind the congress that
a time may arrive when a correct policy
and care for our interests, as well as a
regard for the Interests of other nations
and their citizens. Joined by considera
tions of humanity and a desire to see a
rich and fertile country, Intimately re
lated to us, saved from complete devas
tation will constrain our government to
such action as will subserve the inter
ests thus Involved ana at tne same time
nmmise to Cuba and its inhabitants an
opportunity to enjoy the blessings of
peace. - 1
VENEZUELAN AFFAIR ENDED.
No Differences Wltli Great Britain
Treaty ot Arbitration.
The Venezuelan boundary question
has ceased to be a matter of difference
between Great Britain and the United
States, their respective governments
having agreed upon the substantial
provisions of a treaty between Great
Britain and Venezuela, submitting the
whole controversy to arbitration. The
provisions of the treaty are so eminently
just and fair, that tn assent of Vene
zuela thereto may confidently be antlci-t
pated, - 1
Negotiations for a treaty of general
arbitration for all differences between
Great Britain and the United States are
far advanced and promise to reach a
successful consummation at an early
date. . -
IN THE C0N5ULAR SERVICE.
Scheme of Examining Applicants
Pronounced a Success.. -
The scheme of examining applicants
for certain consular positions, to test
their competency and fitness, adopted
under an executive order Issued on the
the 20th of September, 18s5, has fully
demonstrated the usefulness of this in
novation. In connection with this
plan of examination, promotion and
transfers of deserving Incumbents have
been quite extensively made with ex
cellent results. .
During the past year thirty-five ap
pointments have been made in the con
sular service, twenty-seven of which
were made to fill vacancies caused by
death or resignation or to supply newly
created posts, two to succeed incum
bents removed for cause, two for the
purpose of displacing alien consular
officials by American citizens
and four merely changing the official
title of incumbent from commercial
agent to consul
ALL WERE WELL QUALIFIED.
Twelve of these appointments were
transfers or promotions from other posi
tions under the department of state,
four of those appointed had rendered
revious service under the department
eight were made Of persons who passed
satisfactory examination, seven were
appointed to places not included in the
order of September 20, 1895, and tout
appointments, as above stated. Involved
no change of incumbency.
The inspection of consular officers
provided for by an appropriation foi
that purpose at the. last session of the
congress, has been productive of such
wholesome effects that I hope this im
portant work will in the future be con
tinued. I know of nothing that can be
done with the same slight expense so
improving to the service.
I desire to repeat the recommendation
contained in my last annual message In
favor of providing at public expense
official residences for our ambassadors
and ministers at foreign capitals. The
reasons supporting this recommenda
tion are strongly stated in the report
of the secretary of state, and the sub
ject seems of such importance that I
hope it may receive the early attention
of the congress, , f
BERING SEA PROBLEM.
Progress of the. Efforts to Protect the
' .. Seal
We have during the last year labored
faithfully and against unfavorable con
ditions, to secure better preservation of
seal life in the Bering sea. Both the
United States and Great Britain have
lately dispatched commissioners to
these waters to study the habits and
condition of the seal herd and the causes
of their rapid decrease. Upon the re
ports of these commissioners, soon to
be submitted, and with the exercise of
patience and .good sense on the part of
all Interested parties, it is earnestly
hoped that hearty co-operation may be
secured for the protection against
threatened extinction of seal life in the
Northern Pacific and Bering sea.
RECEIPTS AND lXPENDITURES.
Resume of the Report Prom theTreaa-
ury Department.
The secretary of the treasury reports
that during the fiscal year ended June
30, 1896, the receipts of the government
from all sources amounted to $409,475,
408.78. During the same period its ex
penditures were $434,678,654.48, the ex
cess of expenditures over receipts thus
amounting to $25,203,245.70. The ordinary
expenditures during the year were $4.
015,852.21, less than the preceding fiscal
year. Of the receipts mentioned, there
was derived from customs the sum of
$180,021,751.67, and from Internal revenue
$146,830,615.66. The receipts from cus
toms show an increase of $7,863,134.22
over those from the same source for the
fiscal year ending June 30, 1895, and the
receipts from Internal revenue an in
crease of $3,584,537.91.
The value of our Imported dutiable
merchandise during the last fiscal year
was $369,757,470, and the value of free
goods Imported $409,967,470, being an
Increase of $6,523,6,75 in the value of
dutiable goods and $41,231,034 in the
value of free goods over the preceding
year. Our exports of merchandise, for
eign and domestic, amounted In value to
$882,606,938, being an Increase over the
preceding year of $75,068,773. The aver
age advalorem duty paid on dutiable
goods Imported during the year was
39.94 per cent, and on free and dutiable
goods taken together 20.55 per cent
The cost of collecting our internal
revenue was 2.78 per cent, as agatnst
2.81 per cent for the fiscal year ending
June 30, 1895.
TOTAL DISTILLED SPIRITS.
The total production of distilled spir
its, exclusive ot fruit brandies, was 88,
588,703 taxable gallons, being an increase
of 6,639,108 gallons over the preceding
year. There was also an Increase of
1,443,678 gallons of spirits, produced
from fruit as compared with the pre
ceding year, The number of barrels of
beer produced was 36,809,250, as against
33,589,784 produced in the preceding fis
cal year, being an Increase ot 2,269,466
barrels.
' The total amount of gold exported dur
ing the last fiscal year was $112,409,947,
and of silver $60,541,670, being an in
crease of $45,941,466 of gold and $13,248,
34 of silver over the exportatlons of the
oreceding fiscal year. The imports of
gold were $33,525,065, and of silver $28,
777,186, being $2,859,695 less of gold, and
$8,566,007 more of silver tnan during me
preceding year. The total stock of me
tallic money in the United States at
the close of the last fiscal year ended on
the 30th day of June, 1896, was i,zsa.'
326,035, of which $59,597,964 was in gold
anil lfi28.728.071 In sliver. ,
On the 1st day of November, 1836, the
total stock of money of all kinds In the
country was $2,285,410,590, and the
amount in circulation, not Including
that In the treasury holdings, was $1,-
627.055.641, being $22.65 per capita, upon
an estimated population or 7i,9U2.ow).
MONEY METAL PRODUCTION.
The production ot the precious metals
in the united states auniig tne calen
dar year 1895 is estimated to have been
2,254,760 fine ounces of gold of the value
of $46,610,000, and 55,727,000 fine ounces of
silver of the' commercial value of S"6.-
445,000 and the coinage value ot $72,051,
000. ' The estimated production of these
metals throughout the world during the
same period was 9,txS,8?l fine ounces of
gold, amounting to $200,28o,700 in value,
and 169,189,24fl fine ounces of silver of
the commercial value of $110,634,000 and
of the coinage value of $218,738,100, ac
cording to our ratio..
The coinage of these metals in the
various countries o? the world during
the same calendar year amounted to
$232,701,438 In gold and $121,996,219 In sil
ver. The total coinage at the mints of the
United States during the fiscal year
ended June 30, 1896, amounted to $71,-
1S8.466.52, Of which $58,878,490 was in gold
coins and $12,309,978.52 In standard sil
ver dollars, subsidiary coins and minor
coins. . .
The number of national banks organ
ized from the time the law authorizing
their creation was passed up to October
31, 1896, was 5,051, and of this number
3,679 were at the date last mentioned In
active operation, having authorized
capital stock of $550,014,895, held by 288,
902 stockholders.
NATIONAL BANK NOTES.
The total outstanding circulating
notes of all national banks on the 31st
day of Octover, 1896, amounted to $234,
553,807, Including unredeemed, but fully
secured notes of banks insolvent .uid in
process of liquidation. The increase in
national bank circulation during1 the
year ending on that day, was $21,099,429.
On October 6, 1896, when the conlition
of national banks was last reported,
the total resources of the 8,679 active In
stitutions was $8,263,685,313.83, which in
cluded $1,893,268,839.31 in loans and dis-
ounts, and $d62,165,733.85 in money of
all kinds on hand. Of their liabilities
$1,590,891,058.03 was due to individual
depositors and $209,944,019 consisted of
outstanding circulating notes. There
were organized during the year preced-
ng the date last mentioned, twenty-
jight ' national banks, located in fifteen
states, of which twelve were organised
In the eastern states with a capital of
$1,180,000, six in thewestern states,
with a capital of $875,000 and ten in the
southern states with a capital of $1,190,
O00. During the year, however, thirty
banks voluntarily, abandoned their
franchises, under the national law, and
in the 'case of twenty-seven others it
was necessary to appoint receivers.
Therefors, as compared with the year
preceding, there . was a decrease of
thirty-six in tha number of active banks.
The number of existing banks organized
under state laws is 5,708.
1 ' awBMBaWHHManaallBH " -
FIGURES ON IMMIGRATION.
Interesting Statistics Itcirnrding For
eigners Coming to America.
The number of immigrants arriving
tn the' United States during the fiscal
year was 343,267, of whom 3-10,468 were
permitted to lnad and 2,799 were de-
barred on various srounds nrescribed
by law and returned to ht !'in' i i
wnence tney came, at tne expense ot
the steamship company by which, they
were brought in. The increase in im
migration over the preceding yea
amounted to 84,131. 4t is reported thai,
with some exceptions,-the Immigrant!
of the last year were of a hardy, labor
ing class, accustomed and able to earn
a support for themselves, and It is es
timated that the money brought with
them amounted to at least $5,000,000
though it was probably much in excest
of that sum, since only those having
less than $30 are required to disclose the
exact amount, and it Is known that
many brought considerable sums of
money to buy land and build homes.
PER CENT OF ILLITERATES.
Including all the immigrants arriv
ing who were over 14 years old. 28.63
30
Dnlanrl
I UPUIIU
China
FOR SALE.
As good a lot as I ever rained. There
are some good herd-headers among
them. Write today for prices
and breeding. Weigh from
150 to 200 lbs.
GEORGE f.l, r.lULERTZ,
ASHI-A.ND, NEB.
. r t, ia-
S Picket tatae
Steel PoU. flteel RalU am Steel a avat Steel Tree,
Flower sod Tomato Guards, Cabled Field and Bos
Fence, M to Win. hlh, Praltrr, Garden and Babbit
Foncoi Stgfll Wire I eooe Board .eto. Catalogue frea.
' 19 OS. tO 1 lb, eM, MlmrrCemay t let
He 1 . I a bBlHfftlaaiMlt towcat riM.
t tt ! ImlKimi.
Hudndt st ipwlalUM a len taw WkoiauJa Ho.tIi:
Sralaeaarklm, ), etwn, tkamt, fMw Bllls
trrll. t-.ru, rfcetta, Hanm, St ftM Mills
Hur t-rrmrt, takfemt, trmk. aaril. RajCMtwi,
Frtwftlu, railh, Mv BrilhT mHmmZ
Unhang C4V Bilk, fWam, latao. IHiamferta,
FuatafSllh, CrewSara, Sol Ufa, Watakaa, tMUajti,
Uaj, mmk, Bhmatar, BallraU, riatfena ui Cantor SCaUM.
- -1 - - - - -
a. aaraa at, uauuAuv uumhm UU
tu
Rlpaai Tabules: for our stomach.
Bills!
per cent were illiterate, as against 20.3
per cent of those of that age arriving' BUT THREE YEARS AGO.
during the preceding fiscal year. Th4 At. that date however there were
number immigrants over 14 years practically no carriages upon which to
old. the countries from which they mount tneBe and thlrty.one
came and the percentage of illiterates, emplacements for guns and sixty-four
m'were as follows: Italy, for mortars. Nor were all these em
.1? 59 r cent; lreland- 4l7'- placements in condition to receive their
o, wii 1 per wni; nussia, awias.jwjin armament Only one high power gun
41.14 per cent; Austria, Hungary and was at that time in position for the de
provlnces, 57,053, with 38.92 per cent- fense of the entire coast
Germany, 25,334, with 2.96 per cent; Since that time the number of guns
Sweden, 18,821, with 1.16 per cent, while actually completed has been increased
from Portugal there came 2,067, ot to twenty-one 12-inch, fifty-six 10-inch,
whom 77.69 per cent were illiterate, sixty-one 8-inch high power breech-ioad-There
arrived from Japan during the ing steel, ten rapid fire guns and eighty
year only LHO immigrants, and Jt Is 12-inch- rifled mortars. In addition
the opinion of the immigration au-: there are in process of construction one
thoritles that the apprehension here- 16-inch type gun,- fifty 12-inch, fifty-six
tofore existing to some extent of a. large 10-inch, twenty-seven 3-inch high power
Immigration from Japan to the United guns and sixty-six 12-inch rifled mor
States is without any substantial tars; in all 428 guns and mortars. Dur
foundation. ; ' , . ln e same year immediately preced-
-1 . 1. ,.. - ag tiS tnessago referred to, the first
LIFE SAVING SERVICE. t modern gun carriage, had been complet-
1 i ea ana eleven more were in process of
Wonderful Work Jiurlnz the Year ' construction. All but one were of the
Marine Hospitals. non-disappearing type. These, how-
Err. ut ,, . cver- Wfire not such as to secure neces-
From the life saving service, it is 6ary cover for the artillery gunners
reported that the number of disasters against the intense fire of modern ma
to documented vessels within the limits chine rapid-fire and high-power guns.
Df its operations during the year was GRATEFUL- TO INVENTORS.
437. These' vessels had on board 4.60S The inventive genius of ordnance and
reported that the number of disasters c'vilian experts has been taxed in de
persons, of whom 4,595 were saved, and fiff1??,,,?"?"??, tha,VYauia.. obJia,te
thirteen lost. The value of such vessels l l",' ,f J ,lieveK,' ln
i -.i .oooAi.n the solution of. this difficult nroblem.
cargoes, $3,846,380, making the total fJ?e h ZnSf l gU earriage8
value of property imperiled $12,726,520. 5? nJ e r,Qb u"dinS has been raised
Of this amount, ill 29' 707 was saved to a toU1 of 129 of which' ninety are on
and $1,432 750 was lost sLtyvi of Lhe "PPring principle, and the num
?hed vessel's wer "to& wrke There n,"1 wVlhlle th
were besides 243 casualties to small nn- j SES vLPel"P JifSS whJ ch were
documented craft on board of which1 Sn incrs t SSftiSf wSXF
there were 694 persons, of whom 587 were lncreasei t( - bot and build-
saved and seven were lost
The valu of the nmnprtv Inim!,. In!
these latter casualties is estimated at
$119,265, of which $114,915 was saved and,
$4,350 was lost. The life saving crews
during the year also assisted numerous
other vessels and warned: many from
danger by' signals both by day and
night The number of disasters during
the year exceeded that of any pre
vious year in the history of the service.
but the saving of both life and property
was greater than ever before in propor
tion to the value of the property In
volved and to the number of persons
Imperiled. 1 .
The operations of the marine hospital
service, the revenue cutter service., the
steamboat inspection service, the light
house service, the bureau of navigation
and other branches of public work at
tached to the treasury deoartment to
gether with various reoommendaions
concerning their support and Improve
ment are fully stated in the report of
the secretary, to which the attenlon of
the congress is especially invited.
CONDITION OF THE ARMY.
Much Progress In Its Entire Oroanl-
tlon-SHght Troubles.
The report of the secretary of war ex-
ilblts satisfactory conditions in the
teveral branches of the public service
ntrusted to his charge.
The limit of our military force as
axed by law is-constantly and readily
Maintained. The present discipline and
morale of our army are excellent, and
narked progress and efficiency are ap
parent throughout, its entire organiza-
:ion. .. .
With the exception of delicate duties
n the suppression of slight Indian dis
turbances along, our. southwestern
boundary, in which the Mexican troops
20-operated and the compulsory, but
peaceful return, with the consent of
Qreat Britain, of a band of Cree Indi
ans from Montana to the British pos
sessions, no active operations have been
required of the army during-the year
(.a st.
Changes ln methods of administia-
tlon, the abandonment of unnecessary
posts and consequent concentration of
troops, and the exercise of care and vig
llance by the various officers- charged
with the responsibility,- in the' expen
iiture of the appropriations, have re
sulted in reducing to a minimum the cost
of maintenance of : our military estab
lishment. MANY PERMANENT POSTS;
During the past year the work. of con
structing permanent infantry and eav
tlry posts has been continued at the
jlaces heretofore designated; The sec
retary of war repeats his recommenda
tion, that appropriations for-barracks
ind quarters should more strictly con
form to the need of the service as judged
by the department; rather than respond
to the wishes and' importunities of lo
calities. It is imperative that such of
the money provided for such construc-
:ion should now be allotted to the erec
tion of necessary quarters for the gar
rison assigned to the coast defenses,
where many men will be needed to, prop
erly care for and operate modern guns.
It is essential, too, that early provision
be made to supply the necessary force of
artillery to meet the demands of this
The entire army has been equipped
with the new magazine arms, and wise
policy demands that all available pub
lic and private resources should be so
employed' as to provide within reason
able time a suffietent number to supply
the state- militia with these modern
weapons and provide an sntpte reserre
for any emergency.
MILITIA'S" NEED OB ARMS.
The organised' militia, numbers 112,879
vw.i Th onnrooriatlons for Its sup
port by the several states approximates
$2,800,000 annually and $400,000 is con
tributed by the general government In
vestigation shows these troops to be us
ually drilled and inspired with much
military , interest but in many in
stances they are so deficient in proper
arms and equipment that a sudden call
to active duty would find them inade
quately prepared for field service. I
therefore recommend that prompt meas
ures be taken to remedy this condition
and that every encouragement be given
to this deserving body of unpaid and
voluntary citizen soldiers upon whose
assistance we must largely rely in time
at trouble.
DEFENSE CF THE SEA COAST.
Rapid. Pi-ogres ln Arranging Proper
Fortifications.
During the last year rapid progress
las been made toward the completion
Dfthe scheme adopted for the protec
tion and armanent or rortincauons
along our sea coast, while equal prog
ress has been made ln providing the
material for submarine defense in con
nection with these works. It is pecu
Uraly gratifying at this time to note the
treat advance that has been made ln
this important undertaking since the
date of my annual message to the Fifty
third congress at the opening of its
second session, ln December, 1893. At
.thRt time I informed the congress of the
approaching completion of nine 12-incli,
twenty 10-inch and thirty-four 8-inch
high power steel guns, and seventy-five
12-inch rifled mortars.
This total then seemed Insignificant
when compared with the great work re
maining to be done. Yet it was none the
less a source of satisfy " every
Mtlaien -h" h r"r ... ' . -onre-
ented the first installment ot the new
ordnance of American design and Amer
ican manufacture, and demonstrated
our ability to supply from our own re
sources guns of unexcelled power and
. accuracy: -
. "u"uv "imamon is largely aue
mi,u u it , . . .
.r"Bcuerwu rf,spon&! i?1 con'
"J "cmindal1ls of thV
department. Thus we shall soon have
complete about one-fifth of the compre
hensive system, the first step in which
was noted in my message to the con
gress of December 4, 1893.
When it is understood that masonry
emplacement not only furnishes a plat
form for the heavy modern high-power
gun, but also in every particular serves
the purpose and takes the place of the
fort of former days, the Importance of
the work accomplished is better compre
hended.' '" PLANS' FOR. THE FUTURE.
In the hope that the work will be pros
ecuted with no less vigor in the future,
the secretary of war has submitted an
estimate by which If allowed, there will
be provided and either built or building
by the end of the next fiscal year, such
additional guns, mortars, gun car
riages and emplacements as will rap
resent not far from one-third of the
total work to be done under the plan
adopted fan our coast defenses, thus af
fording a prospect that the entire work
wlll .be substantially completed within
six years. In. less time than that, how
ever, we shall have attained a marked
degree of security..
The experience and results at the past
year demonstrate that with a continua
tion of present careful methods, the cost
of the remaining work will be much less
than the original estimate. We should
always keep in mind that of all forms of
military preparation coast defense
alone is essentially pacific in its nature.
While It gives the sense of security due
to a. consciousness of strength, it is
neither the Rurpose nor the effect of such
permanent fortification: to involve us in
foreign complications, but rather to
guarantee us against them. They are not
temptation to war, but security against
it. Thus they are thoroughly in accord
with all the traditions of our national
diplomacy..
FORT LEAVENWORTH PRISON.
IMaus for Proper Care of Federal Con
, vlcts Discussed.
The attorney generaE presents; us a
detailed and interesting- statement of
the Important work done under his
supervision during the last fiscal year.
The ownership , and. management by
the government ot penitentiaries for
the confinement o those convicted; in
United States courU violations of
federal laws, which for many years has
been a subject of executive recom
mendation,, has at last, to a slight ex
tent been realized, by the utilisation
of the abandoned, military prison at
Fort Leavenworth, as a- United States
penitentiary.
This is certainly a move in the right
direction,, but It ought to be at once
supplemented, by the rebuilding or the
extensive enlargement of this impro
vised, prison and the- construction of st
least one more,, to ne locatea in me
southern, states. The capacity of the
Leavenworth penitentiary is so limited
that the expenses of us maintenance,
calculated at a per capita rate upon
the number of prisoners it can accom
odate, does not make as economical
an exhibit as it would if it were larger
and better adapted to prison purposes;
but I am thoroughly convinced that
economy and humanity, and a proper
eense of responsibility and duty toward
those whom we punish for viola
tions of feueral law. dictate that the
federal government should have the- en
tile control and management or tne
penitentiaries where convicted vio
l&tcrs are confined. .
SHOULD HAVE EMPLOYMENT.
Tt aooears that since the transfer of
the Fort Leavenworth military prison
to its new uses the worn previously
done by prisoners confined there, an !
for which expensive . machinery has
been provided, has been discontinued.
I his work consisted of the manufacturs
of articles for army use, now done else
where. On 1 11 grounds It Is exceedingly
desirable that the convicts connnea m
this penitentiary be allowed to resume
work of this description.
It is most gratifying to note the sat
isfactory resu'ts that have followed th
Inauguration cf the system provided foi
by the act of May 28, 1896. under wMe
certain federal officials are compen
sated by salaries, instead ot fees, Tho
new plan was put la operation on the
1st day of July. 1896. and already the
great economy it enforces, its preven
tion of abuses and its tendency to, a
better enforcement of the laws are
strikingly apparent. Detailed evidence
of the usefulness of this long-delayed,
but now happily accomplished refvrn
will be found clearly set forth ln the
attorney general's report
IN THE POSTAt DEPARTMENT.
Exhibit Is SatUfacorv-When Re
form Is Wanted,
Our posofnee department Is in good
condition, and the exhibit made of its
operations during the fiscal year ended
June 30. 1896, If allowance la made for
Imperfections in the laws applicable to
It la very satisfactory. The total re
ceipts during the year were $82,499,208.40.
The total expenditures were $90,626,
286 84, exclusive of $1,559,898.27, which
was earned by the Pacific railroads for
transportation and credited on their
debt to the government There was" an
Increase of receipts over the previous
year of $5,516,080.21 or 7.1 per cent, and
an Increase of expenditures of $3,336,
124.02 or 4.42 per cent
The chief expenditures of the postal
service are regulated by law and are
not in the control of the postmastei
general. AU that he can accomplish
by the most .watchful administration
and economy Is to enforce prompt and
.. i ...llAnHnn and awniftitlndr for,
tnorougn i-uiiru.. j
public moneys ana sucn mmw -is
in small expenditures and in letting 1
those contra w for poetotflw supplies
and service, which are not regulated fey
statute. - ' Y .'
NEW RULES SAVE MONEY. -An
effective co-operation between ,
parimeni ana the making anu tiX ..1
ment of orders by the department -.-
.quiring immediate notification to t: ' r '
sureties of any delinquencies on. v.e
part of postmasters and compelling such,
postmasters to make more frequent de
posits of postal funds, have resulted ln
a prompter auditing of their accounts
and much less default to the govern
ment than heretofore.
: The year's report shows large exten
jions of both star route service and rail
way mail service, with increased, postal
facilities. Much higher accuracy In
handling malls has also been reached,
as appears by the decrease of errors In
the railway mail service and the re
duction of mail matter retarned to the
dead letter office
The deficit for the last year, although
much less than that of last and preced-f
ing years, emphasizes the necessity for
iegislation to correct the growing abuse
second class rates, to which the de-t.
uuiency 13 mainiy aitriouiaDie. ine
transmission at the rate of 1 cent a
pound of serial libraries, advertising
sheets, "house organs," (periodicals ad
vertising some particular "house" or in
stitution) sample copies and the like,
ought certainly to be, discontinued.
ABUSE OF THE SERVICE. 1 j
A glance at the revenues received t"
the work done last year will show more v . :
plainly than any other, statement the ' , 1
gross abuse of the postal service and,
the growing waste of its earnings. Tha"
free matter carried in the mails for the1
department, offices, etc., of the govern
ment and fer congress, in pounds.
amounted to 84.4S0.1S9.
If this is offset against buildings for
postoffices and stations, the rental of
wmch would more than compensate for
such free postal service, we have this
exhibit: .
Weight of mail matter (other than
above) transmitted through the mails
for the year ending June 30, 1896:
Weight
Class. Pounds. Revenue.
Domestic and foreign.
letters, postal cards.
etc...,. .......... . . 653343
Newspapers and . perl-
odlcals,. 1 cent per lb.. 348,988,618
Books, seeds, etc., .8-
cents per lb 78,701,148
Parcels, etc., 16 cents
pound . 19,950,187
$00,624,464
2,996,403 10,324,069
3,120,321 Totals.. 512,97726 $77,044,257
The remainder of our postal revenue,
amounting to something more than $5,-
000.000. was derived frnm hnr ivnti
registry fees, money order business and
uiuer similar liems.
EXPENSE OF HANDLING.
The entire expenditures of tbe deoart
aient. including nav for transnnrt&tion
credited to the Pacific railroads, was
$92,186,195.11, which may ba considered
as the cost of receiving,, carrying and
delivering the above mall matter. It .1
thlia a.rmaarn that t V, nn rrV, o ..Ann'
. " f .. V .l,V.U(,,4 D.W"
class matter constituted more than tW ,
thirds of the total that was carried, tA
revenue derived from it. was leas thaiv
one-thirtieth of the total, expense. The
average revenue from each pound of I
first class matter, was 93 cents. From V
each pound of second class, 8. miHf"v
(of the second class, 52,348,297 pounds
was county-free matter). From eacfe
pound of third class, 13.1 cents. Ffrol ' !
each pound of ourth class,. 15.6 ceiiisM
The growth of weight of second
matter has been from 299,005,000
pounds in 1894. to 312,000,000 in 1895, and
to almost 349,000,000 ln 1896, and it is
quite evident this increasing drawback
Is far outstripping any possible growth . ,
of postal revenues. -
Our mail, service should,, of courser
such as to meet the wants and evea
the conveniences of our people, at a dl- - r
rect charge upon them so light as per
haps to exclude the idea of our poatoffio
department being a money making con
cern: but in the face of a constantly re
curring deficiency in its revenues and
ln view of the fact that we supply tne
best mail service in the world. It seems
to me it Is quite time to correct the
abuses that- swell enormously our an.
nual deficit.
REASON. FOR THE. LQ6&.
If. we concede the public policy of
carrying weekly newspapers free in the
county of publication and even tne poi
Icy of carrying at less than one-tenth otf.
their cost, other bona fide newspapers jp"
and periodicals, tnere can De no excuse ,
tor. subjecting the service ta the further
immense and increasing loss Involved
In carrying, at the nominal rate of 1
cent a pound the serial libraries, some
times including trashy and even harmful
literature., and other matter w tu.cn, un-,
der, the loose interpretation of a loose
statute has been gradually given sec
ond class rates,, thus absorbing au profit
able returns derived from first class
matter, which pays three or four times
more than Us cost and producing a
large annual loss to be paid by general
taxation.. - '
If such second-class matter paid mere
ly tbe cost of its handUng, our deficit
would disappear and a surplus ret !-.-jvrhfch.
might be used to give the vi
rtlll better mail facilities or eh
rate of letter postage. ' 1 recomii
ihat leelslation be at once enacteV
correct these anuses ana lntroauce
ten- business ideas in the regulation
our postal rates.
SOME REFORMS SUGGESTED)
Experience and observation
demonstrated that certain inr
ments ln the organization of the
office government must be secu:
fore we can gain tne run oenen
the immense sums expended in its
ministration. This involves the , foil
ing reforms, which I earnestly
mend:
There should be a small addttii
the existing inspector service, ti
employed in the supervision of the
vier force, which now numbers- 1
men, and performs its service pri
oallv without the surveillance el
cised over all other branches
nostal or nubile service. Ot co
such a lack of supervision and free'
from wholesome disciplinary restraint
must inevitably lead to imperf eel
service. There should also, be appoln
ed a few inspectors, who could as
. . . 1 In nnaooa .1, In.
(ration concerning matters of
flee leasea postoffice sites, all
for rent, fuel and lights, and 1
eanizing and securing tne oest
from the work of the M.00O cler.
employed in first and; second-c
flees.
I am convinced! that the sni
pense attending the inaugura
these reforms would actual!
V
profitable Investment I especla
ommend such a recasting ot the
priations by congress for the
flee department as win permit
master general to proceed wltv
work ot Consolidating postoffices. -
work has already been entered & '
sufficiently to fully demonstrate,
Twrinwnt and experience, that
consolidation is productive ot "lSeO
service, larger revenues and less ,
pendltnrea, to say nothing of the i
ther advantage of gradually wlthdrl '
ing postoffices from the spoilB system.
,wnri1(lir BADPlT TTMTAM 1
The Universal Postal union, wht
now embraces au tne civilised wor
v' f-
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t.
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