Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1888-12-05

4 general was introduced at the last ses-
sion of the congress by which n uniform
standard in the amoslnt of gross re-
ceipts would fix tho right OF I: commu-
nifty to public building to ,e erected
by the government for po>yo:iice pur-
poses. It was demonstrated that aside
1 from the public convenie6 ce and the
promotion of harmony among citizens
4 Invariably disturbed by Change of leas
! ings and of site, it was measure OF
tho highest economy and of sound busi-
ness Judgment. 1t was found that the
| government was paying an rents at the
rate of froia to 10 per cent per annum
on what the cost Of such public build
ings would be.
A very great advantage resulting
from such law would BE- the preven-
tion of large number Of bills con-
stantly introduced for the erection OF
public buildings at places and involv-
ling expenditures not justified by public
Honesty.
Z of the total nvmber Of the postmast-
Iers, 81, S74 are Of the fourth class. These,
of course, receive no allowance what
ever for expenses in the service, and their
compensation is fixed by percentages
in their respective offices. This rate
of compensation may have been, and
probably was, at some time just, but
the standard has remained unchanged
through the several reductions in the
rates Of postage. Such reductions have
necessarially cut down the compensation
of these officials, while it undoubtedly
increased the amount of business per-
formed by them, and simple Justice re-
quired attention to this subject to the
end that fourth class postmasters may
receiye at least an equivalent to that
which the law itself fixing the rate in
tended for them.
Another class of postal employees whose
condition seems to demand legislation
is that OF clerks in postofices, and call
especial attention to the report recon-
mendations of the postmaster general
for their classification. Proper legisla-
ton of this character for the relief OF
carriers in the free deli cry service has
been frequent. Provision is made for
their promotion: for substitutes for them
on vacation; for substitutes tDr holidays,
and limiting their hours of labor.
Seven million dollars has b,sen appro-
priated for the current year 10 provide
for them, though the total number Of
offices where they are employed is but
35S for the fiscal year, with an increase
for the current year of but 10, while
the total appropriation for all clerks In
offices throughout the United States
is S5, 950, 900.
Railway Mail Service.
The legislation affecting the relations
of the government with railroads is in
need of revision. While. for the most
part, the railroad companies throughout
the country have cordially co-operated
with the postoffice department in render
ing excellent service, yet, under the law
| as it stands, while the compensation to
them for carrying the mail is limited and
regulated, and, although railroads are
made post roads by law, there is no au-
thority reposed anywhere to compel the
owner of railroad to take and carry the
United States mail. The only alterna-
tive provided by act Of congress in case
of refusal is for the postmaster general
to send mail forward by pony express.
This is but an illustration of ill-fttings
| legislation, reasonable and proper at the
| time of its enactment, but long since out
grown and requiring readjustment.
1t is gratifying to note, from the care
fully prepared statistics accompanying
the postmaster generals report, that,
notwithstanding the great expansion of
the service, the rate of expenditure has
been lessened and efficiency has been i'm.
proved in every branch; that fraud and
crime have decreased; that losses from
the mails have been reduced, and that
the number of complaints Of the service
made to postmasters and to the depart
ment are far less than ever before.
The Department of Justice.
The transaction of the department Of
I Justice for the fiscal year ended June 30,
1888, are contained in the report Of the
attorney general, as well as number Of
valuable recommendations, the most of
which are repetitions of those previously
made, and ought to receive considera-
ton. IL is stated in this report that
though judgments In civil suits amount
ing to $552, 021 .08 were recovered in IA
vor Of the government during the year,
I only the sum of $132, 934 was collected
thereon, and that though fines, penalties
and forfeitures were imposed amounting
to $541 1903. 43, only 500 ,64s.42 of that
sum was paid on account thereof. These
facts may furnish an illustration of the
sentiment which extensively prevails
that debt due the government should
cause no Inconvenience to the citizen.
It also appears from this reports that
though prior to March. 1885, there had
been but six convictions in the terri
| tories of Utah and idaho under the laws
of 1862 and 1882 Furnishing polygamy
| and unlawful conabitation as crime,
| there have been since that date nearly
600 convictions under these laws and
the statutes of 1887, and the opinion is
expressed that under such firm and
vigilant execution of these laws, and the
advance of ideas opposed to the forbid
ben practices, -polygamy within the
\ United States is virtually at an end.
/ Suits instituted by the government un-
der the provisions of the act Of March 8,
1887, for the termination of the corpora
tions known as the Perpetual Emigrat-
| ing Fund company and the church Of
Jusls Christ Of Latter Day Saints have
resulted in q degree favorable to the
| government, declaring the charters of
these corporations forfeited and escheat-
| ing their property. Such property
amountiHg in values to more than
| $500, 600 is in the hands of q receiver,
pending further proceedings, an appeal
having been taken TO the supreme court
of the United States.
The Interior Department..
In the report of the secretary of the
1utcAkOk, WAaGu WILL VIC ld1u USlOI6 yOus
the condition of the various branches of
our domestic affairs connected with that
department and it's operations during
the past year are fully exhibited. But
brief reference to some of the subjects
discussed In this able and interesting re-
port can here be made, but commend
the entire report to the attention Of the
congress and trust that the sensible and
valuable recommendation it contains
will secure careful considerations.
cannot but strenuously insist upon the
| importance of proper measures to issue
q right disposition of our public lands,
not only as matter Of justice, but in
forecast OF the consequences to future
generations. The broad, rich acres of
our agricultural plains have been long
preserved by nature to become her un-
trammeled gifts to a people civilized and
| free, upon which should rest in well dis
tributed Ownership, the numerous
homes of enlightened, equal and fra
ternal citizen. They came to national