Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1888-01-26

| submitted answers TO questions he had
sent to Kendric B. Murray, secretary of
the London chamber of commerce. Mr..
| Murray in substance said that the pur-
chase and operation of the telegraphy
| by the British government was success
fui as far as the service was concerned,
but not financially to the postoffice;
| quickness, certainty and.secresy Of the
service were improved under the
pogtOffiee management; the increase
of employees In the post
Office department had not been pro-
ductive of political evils; the induce
ment TO get up new inventions in teleg
raphy was not so great under the govern
meat system as if the service was in pri-
vate hands; the recent reduction in tolls
/ has been of great benefit to the public,
/ the number of messages sent increased
/ SO per cent, but the revenue increased
only six per cent; the almost universal
sentiment among the public is against
a return to private management. Mr..
Thuaber, in speaking, said the British
| government had paic for large additions
| in the plant out of current receipts and
| if the telegrap hs had not each year paid
/ the interest on the bonds issued for their
purchase, if they had been credited with
these bettermeuts, and with the free
| service OF the government depart
ment, they would have heen
able TO show credit sufficient to pay
the interest on the bonds, and if they
were credited with the increased service
| given the public beyond what private
| companies were giving at the time the
/ telegraphs were taken over, it would
show an enormous balance on the credit
side. Erastus Wyman, of New York,
spoke in opposition to the government
control, claiming the British reports
showed steady deficit, and to meet
| it the whole population was taxed SO that
few could use the service or that the SER
vice was bad, being tardy and uncertain
with no redress for gross negligence. If
the British telegraph system in circum
scribed area showed $2,30O,000 year
defcit,in the United States with its great
area the same system would show deficit
of S1O,OOO,0OO. If the United States
adopted the system it would increase the
government employees 100000 and these
employees would feel bound to work in the
interest of their immediate employers.
A resolution was adopted asserting
that the usefulness of the postoffice de-
partment should be extended in the d.
rection of Geographic communication
and congress was urged to favorably
consider the question early as possible.
The executive council was directed to
memorabilia congress to provide for a
reciprocity with Canada.
ABOLITION OR REDUCTION OF INTERNAL
REVENUE TAX.
The question of the abolition or reduc-
tion of the internal revenue tax occupied
- t.
solved that recent events have shown
danger to the business interests of the
country from the government continuing
in time of peace the excessive taxation
which was necessary in time of war.
large surplus IN the treasury
ties up the circulating medium, which is
the life blood of commerce, exposes the
people to still greater taxation in the
shape of the high rates of interest, acts
as a menace to industry, dwarfs business
enterprises, gives the treasury power
over commerce which was never contem-
plated, and is constant tenn ptation to
extravaganza liz the administration of the
government.
Resolved, That the business men OF all
parties, whether protectionists or free
traders, should unite in demanding early
action by congress to reduce the present
enormous revenues, In way which will
least embarrass existing Industries.
Resolved, That while it is desirable to
reduce the internal tsxes it is not desire
able to abolish the internal revenue sys-
tenn as a whole.
The resolution embodying a PROPOSE
ton to recommend the total repeal of
the internal revenue taxes failed.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2O.-The National
Board of Trade to-day adopted a reso-
luton asking congress to amend the ma
turalIzation laws. It provides that no
person be naturalized who does not pres
ent to the court certificate from the !
customs officer setting forth the date of
the arrival of such person, the port from |
whence he departed for this country, the |
place of nativity, and the country he |
shall have left.
The other resolutions adopted were as |
follows: Advocating the refun6ing of
the present per cent. debt of the United |
States at low rate of interest, to be re-
deemable in annual installments from
1891 to 1921 with a view to use the new
loan as security for the circulating |
notes of national banks. Urging |
the repeal of TIE law providing |
for the compulsory purchase of silver |
bullion; declaring that the government
should pay American steamship lines a |
fair price for fair service, irrespective of |
the amount of postage collected on any |
particular route, and that every leglti |
mate means be used to foster our mer- |
chant marine.
The preamble and resolutions regard /
ing the extradition treaties proposed by |
the Chicago board of trade was adopted. |
They declare that as immunity from pun |
ishment the embezzlers and defaUlters |
by their escape TO Canada and elsewhere |
exposes the business community to |
crimes of great gravity it is
the duty eff the national |
government to make treaties with all |
foreign governments that will enable 1T |
to secure the return of persons accused /
of such crimes. Congress will be me- |
mOrialized in accordance with this propo-
sltion. Adjourned sine die. The board |
meets in Chicago the second Wednesday |
Of November next.
Pensions to Wisconsin People
WASHINGTON, Jan. 16.-The following |
Wisconsin people were granted pensions |
Saturday:
Mary j., widow of Jay E. Trussel,