Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1888-12-07
careful attention of the congress to the sec

| retary's report
The reports Of the war department are
| given in abstract and the recommendations
| concurred in. The death of Gen. Sheridan
| Is spoken OF thus: THE death or Gen.
Sheridan In August last was national
affiic,ion. The army then lost the grand
| est OF its chiefs; the country losta brave
and experienced soldier, wise and discreet
counselor and modest and sensible man.
| Those who in any manner came within tho
| range of his personal association will never
fail TO pay deserved and willing homage To
his greatness and the glory OF his career;
but they will cherish with more tender
feasibility the loving memory of his simple,
| generous and considerable nature"
| The movement for the return OF the Apa
| che prisoners to their reservations is spok-
en- of as dangerous and ill-iudged piece Of
| philanthropy
The report of the secretary OF the navy Is
| given in abstract and the recommend atoms
approved. The same disposition Is made OF
the postmaster generals report, published
today, and recommendations made OF legis-
lative read ,ustment of much of its machin-
| cry. The president favors Mr.. Dickinson
| plan 10 place the erection of postoffice build
ings in the hands of the department, on
| basis of business done Much legislation,
reasonable and proper at the time IL was
made, is out of date 10 day, and should be
revised for the benefit of the postal estab-
lishment
The work of the department of justice is
related, special attention being called TO the
prosecution, in Utah, OF offenders against
anti-polygamy laws, aud the opinion is ex-
pressed that under such firm and vigilant
execution OF these laws, and the advance OF
ideas opposed 10 the forbidden practices,
polygamy within the United States is virtu-
ally at an end.
Secretary Villas report has one fsa'ure
called attention 10, that relating 10 public
lands 1--WE have no excuse for the v o "A
ton Of principles cogently taught by reason
and example, nor for the allowance OF pre-
texts which have sometimes exposed our
lands 70 colossal greed. Laws which open
the door to fraudulent acquisition or admin
istration which permits favor 10 rapacious
seizure by a favored few of expanded areas
that many should enjoy, are accessory TO
offenses against our national welfare and
humanity not to be too severely condemned
or punished Our dear experience ought
sufficiently to urge the speedy enactment Of
measures of legislation which will confine
the future disposition of our remaining
| agricultural lands 20 the uses OF actual hus-
bandry and genuine homes. Nor should our
vast tracts of so-called desert lands be yield
ed up TO the monopoly OF corporations or
grasping individuals, as appears to be much
the tendency under the existing statute.
The lands require but the supply OF water
TO become fertile and productive. IL is a
problem of great moment how, most wisely
for the public good that factor shall be
furnished. / cannot but think it perilous
TO suffer either these lands or the sources OF
their irrigation TO fall into the hands OF
monopolies."
Legislation for the adjustment of state
grants is recommended, in the equal inter
est of the nation, the states and the set
tiers.
The failure of the Sioux land treaty 6
related. The number of pensioners added
TO the rolls during the fiscal year ended
June 80, 1883, is 60.252, and the increase OF
pensions was granted in IS, 700 cases. The
names IT ID, $50 pensioners were dropped
from the rolls during the year for various
causes, and at the close OF the year the
number of persons of all classes receiving
pensions was 452, 555. OF these there were
eO6 survivors of the war of 1872, lO, 757
widows of lose who served in that war,
1900 soldiers of the Mexican war and 5,l0i
widows of said soldiers. One hundred and
two different rates of pensions are paid to
these beneficiaries, ranging from 81 10
Sil6 rs per month. The amount paid for
pensions during the fiscal year was S75, ~,
S6l 90. being an Increase over the preceding
year Of S5,50S, $50 %.
Il am thoroughly convinced" the presi-
dent says, that our general pension laws
should be revised and adjusted 10 meet as
far as possible, in the light of our expert
ence, all meritoriOus cases. The fact that
l02 different rates of pensions
are paid cannot, in my opinion,
be made consistent with jus
tice to the pensioners, or to the govern
ment; and the numerous private pension
! bills that are passed predicated upon the
imperfection of the general laws, which,
while they increase, in many cases, existing
inequality and injustice, lend additional
force TO the recommendation for revision
of the general laws on the subject.
1.-THE laXity Of the ideas prevailing among
large number of our people regarding
pensions is becoming every day more
marked. The principles upon which they
| oh ad arr N nn n m .
altogether ignored, and already pensions
are often claimed because the applicants
are as much entitled as other successful
applicants, rather than upon any disability
reasonably attributable 10 military service
IL the establishment OF vicious precedents
be continued, and the granting of pensions
be not divorced from partisan and other
unworthy and irrelevant considerations,
and If the honorable name of veteran I'm.
fairly becomes by these means but another
term for one who constantly clamors for
the aid of the government, there is danger
that injury will be done TO the fame and
patriotism of many whom our citizens all
delight TO honor, and that a prejudice will
be aroused un ust TO meritorious applica-
ton for pensions
The work of the agricultural bureau Is
related, and co operation with the states rec
commended.
The adjustment Of the relations between
the government and the railroad companies
|
guaranty of the public credit in aid Of the
construction of their roads, should receive
early attention, and be treated as purely
business proposition. After making recon-
mendations relative TO the District Of Col
umbia, the president concludes as follows
1.-THE consciousness that have presented
but an imperfect statement OF the condition
OF the country and its wants occasions no
fear that anything omitted Is not known
and appreciated by the congress, upon
which rest the responsibility OF intelligent
Legislation in behalf Of great nation and a
confiding people. AS public servants, we
shall do our duty well IL we constantly
guard the rectitudeof our intentions, main
tain unsulied our love of country, and with
unselfsh purpose strive for the public
good" GROVER CLEVELAND.
Mr. Andrew Carnegie savs'all trusts have
In themselves tho seeds Of early dissolution,
and are most 20 Be feared by their own men,
bera