The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1888-12-14


but long since outgrown and requiring read
justment
II rs gratifying to note from the carefully
prepared statistics accompanying the post
master generals report, that, notwithstand-
ing the great expansion Of the service the
rate of expenditure has been lessened, and
efficiency has been improved In every branch;
that fraud and crime have been decreased;
that losses from the mails have reduced,
and that the number Of complaints Of the
service made TO postmasters and to the de-
partment are far less than ever before
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.
The transactions Of the department Of
Justice for the fiscal year ended June 30
1888, are contained in the report OF the at
torney general as well as number Of valu-
able recommendations, the most Of which are
repetitions of those previously made, and
ought to receive consideration
II is stated In this report that though judg
ment in civil suits amounting to 1852, OIL OF
were recovered in favor Of the governmen,
during the year, only the sum Of si32, ,934 was
collected thereon; and that though fines,
penalties and forfeitures were imposed
amounting to s54l, sos 43, only s1oo, ,eis AZ of
that sum was paid on account thereof These
facts may furnish an illustration Of the SEN
timent which extensively prevails, that a
debt due the government should cause no in
convenience to the citizen
Il also appears from this report that though
prior to March, 1885, there had been but six
convictions in the territories of Utah and
Idaho under the laws Of 1862 and 1882, pun
ishing polygamy and unlawful oohabitation
as crimes, there have been since that date
nearly 600 convictions under these laws and
the statutes Of 1887; and the opinion is ex-
pressed that under such firm and vigilant
execution Of these laws, and the advance OF
ideas opposed TO the forbidden practices,
polygamy within the United States is virtu-
ally at an end
Suits instituted by the government under
the provisions of the act Of March 3, 1887, for
the termination of the corporations known as
the Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company
and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints have resulted in decree favorable to
the government, declaring the charters of
these corporations forfeited and escheating
their property. Such property, amounting
in value to more than $S00,000, is in the
hands of receiver pending further proceed
ings, an appeal having been taken to the su.
preme court of the United States
INTERIOR DEPARTMENT.
In the report Of the secretary of the In
terror, which will be laid before you, the
condition of the various branches Of our do
mestio affairs connected with that depart
ment aud its operations during the past year,
are fully exhibited. But brief reference Ia
some of the subjects discussed in this abis
and interesting report can here be mndo,
~---->-
bat commend the entire report to the at-
tsntion Of the congress, and trust that the
sensible and valuable recommendations it
contains will secure careful consideration.
cannot too strenuously insist upon the
Importance Of proper measures to insure
right disposition Of our public lands, not only
as a matter of present 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 untrammeled gift to a people
civilized and free, upon which should rest, in
well distributed ownership, the numerous
homes of enlightened, equal and fraternal
citizens. They came to national possession
with the warning example in our eyes
Of the entail Of iniquities in landed
proprietorship which other countries have
permitted and still suffer. We have no ex-
cuse for the violation Of principles, cogently
taught by reason and example, nor for the
allowance Of pretexts which have sometimes
exposed our lands to colossal greed. Laws
which open door to fraudulent acquisition,
or administration which permits favor to
rapacious seizure by favored few Of ex-
panded areas that many should enjoy, are
accessory to offenses against our national
welfare and humanity, not to be too severely
condemned or punished.
THE NATIONAL DOMAIN.
1t is gratifying to know that something
has been done at last to redress the injuries
to our people and check the perilous tendency
of the reckless waste Of the national domain
That over eighty million acres have been ar
rested from illegal usurpation, improvident
grants and fraudulent entries and claims, to
be taken for the homesteads of honest indus
try-although less than the greater areas
thus unjustly lost--must afford a profound
qualification to right feeling citizens, as it is
q recompenss Tor the labors and struggles Of
the recovery. Our dear experience ought
sufficiently to urge the speedy enactment of
measures of legislation which will contine the
future disposition Of our remaining agricul-
tural lands to the uses Of actual husbandry
and genuine homes.
Nor should our vast tracts Of so called des-
ert lands be yielded up to the monopoly of
corporations or grasping individuals, as ap-
pears to be much the tendency under the ex-
isting statute These lands require but the
supply Of water to become fertile and pro-
ductive. 1t is a problem Of great moment
how most wisely for the public good that
factor shall be furnished. l cannot but think
it perilous to suffer either thes5 lands or the
sources Oh their irrigation tofal into the hands
OF monopoiies, winch oy such means may exer-
c,se ioruship over the areas aepenaent on
1heir treatment Tor productiveness' AT
reauy steps nave peen Iaken "
oeouie "cura'e anu sciei'.nc ihioi-
NATION Oh the cohdi0ions' wnicn Is the prime
pa"'s Vi in'eiiseht ac.ioh- ohOn tnis Shall
oe Baheu the course OF wlSuom appears
cieariy 10 he IN suspension OF lurther ais'
posai' which only promises to create rights
ahoagoni'tic 10 the common interest NO
narn can follow TINS cautionary conduot:
presents no demand ior nasty dispossession
Oh hatiohai ownership ana control
commend also ths recommendations mat
appropriate measures DO taken TO complete
tne adjustment OF the various grants made 70
the states Tor internal improvements and OF
swamp ana oVerho~ed lands, as well as TO
ad1udicate and nnally determine the validity
and extent OF the numerous private land
claims All these are elements OF great In
justice and peril to the settlers upon the 10
caiitles aliectedi and now That their existence
cannot be avoided, 10 duty is more pressing
than to Tx as soon as possible their bounds
and terminate the threats of trouble which
arise from uncertainty.
THE INDIANS.
The condition of our Indian populatior
oont;n,as 10 i,nnroya on1 tba ,>,aofs ,o,,lt;