Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1888-12-08

0Auy C0-0pofotoQ with inc poosOuoo
department. IN rendering exaltant service,
yet under the Law - Il stands while the
compensation to them for carrying the
mail is limited and regulated, and al
though railroads are made post roads by
Law, there p no authority reported any
where to compel the owner OF railroad
to take and carry the United States mail.
The only alternative proviaed by act OF
congress in csse OF refusal is for the post
master general to send mail forward by
pony express. This Is but an illustration
Of III fitting legislation, reasonable and
proper at the time of it's enactment, but
long since outgrovn and requiring read
| iustment.
It Is gratifying to note from the care
fully prepared statistics accompanying
the postmaster generals report, that not.
outstanding the great expansion OF ser-
vice the rate OF expenditure has been les
sened and efficiency has been improved
In every branch, that fraud and crime
have decreased, that losses from the mails
have been reduced, and that the number
OF complaints made to poetnasters and to
the department are far less than ever be-
fore.
DEPARTMENTS OF JUSTICE
The transactions of the departments OF
justice for the fiscal year ended June
30, 1883, are contained IN the
report Of the attorney general, az
well as number OF valuable
recommendations, the most Of
which are repetitions Of those previously
made and ought to receive consideration.
It is stated in the report that judgements
in civil suits amounting to $751;, 02l0S
were recovered in favor of the govern
ment. During tine year only the sum OF
Ss2934 was collected thereon, and that
thorough fines and penalties, and failures
were imposed amounting to 541,SSB
only S109,4S. ~ OF that sum was paid on
account thereof. These facts may fur
nish en- illustration of tie sentiment
which extensively prevails that a debt
due the government should cause no in.
convenience to the citizen.
TIE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT.
In the report of the secretary of the in
terror, which viii be laid before you the
condition OF the various branches OF our
domestic affairs connected with that de-
partment and its operations during the
past year, are fully exhibited. But g
brief reference to some of the subjects
discussed in this able and interesting re-
port, can be here made, but recommend
the entire report to the attention OF con-
gress and trust that the sensible and val
liable recommendations it contains viii
secure careful consideration.
cannot too stearnly insist on
the importance of popular meas-
urss to insure right disposition
of our public lands, not only az matter
Of present justice, but in forecast to con-
sequences to future generations The
broad, rieh acres OF our agricultural
plains have been long preserved. by ma
ture to become her untrammelled gift to
a people civilized and free, upon which
should rest, In we'll distributed owner
ship, the numerous homes OF enlightened,
equal and fra.ernal citizens. We came
to national possession with the warning
example in our eyes of the entsilnent OF
inequities Of the landed proprie.orship
which other countries have permitted and
still suffer. We have 10 excuse for the
violation Of principles cogently laugh.
nor for the allowance of
pre.e1ts which have sometimes
exposed our land to colossal greed laws.
which open a door to fraudulent acquisi-
ton. An administration which permits
favor to rapacious seizure, by favored
few, o. expanded areas that many should
enjoy, is accessory to ofenses against
our national welfare and humanity aud to
be severely condemned or punished.
L is gratifying to know that something
has been done at least to redress the IN
juries to our people and chsck thu peril
GUS tendency Of the reckless wastes of the
national domain; that over eighty mil
hon acres have been arrested rom Illegal
usurpation, improvident grants and
fraudulent entries and claims TO be taken
from the homesteads Of honest industry.
Although less than the greater areas
thus unjustly lost, it must afford
q profound qualification to right feeling
citizens. as it Is reconpense for the Ia
bors and struggles OF the recovery. Our
dear experience ought sufficiently to urge
the speedy enactment of measures OF
legislation which viii confine the further
Of our remaining agricultural
lands to the uses of sexual husbsndry and
genuine homes.
WILD LANDS.
Nor should our waste tracts of 50
called desert land be yielded up to the
OF corporations or grasping in
dividuals, as appears to be much the ten
dency under the existing statutes. These |
lands require but the supply of water to |
become fertile and productive. Il is q !
problem of great moment, how more |
wisely for the public good that factor
shall be furnished. cannot but think it |
psrilous to suffer either those lands or |
the sources of their irrigation to fall in
10 the hands OF monophes, which by |
such means, may exercise lordship over |
areas dependent on their treatment for
productiveness. Already steps have /
been taken to secure accurate and seem
ific information o; the conditions which /
Are the prime basis of intelligent action.
Until this shall be gained the course Of
wisdom sppears clearly to be IN sus-
pension of futher disposal to create rights
to the COMMON interest No
harm can follow this csutiorary conduct
The land viii remain and the public good
presents nc demand for has.y dis
possession Of national ownership and
>ontrol
I commend also the recommendation
hat appropriate measures be taken to