Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1888-12-07

government for the year 1888 show in
crease, and the expenditures show decrease,
notwithstanding an increased payment of over
SIS, 600. 900 for pensions. For that year the
surplus, including the sinking fund provision
of S47, 600 600, was $119 612. 49, for 1889 the
estimated surplus is S ,04 100000; for 1890,
SOL. 232, 511. Up to December l. 1888. the
purchases of bonds with surplus funds in the
treasu aggregated 1914 700. 400. including
premiums amounting to $17 sos, 6l3. The
transaction was not good one, 1t is urged,
for the people, as it means to them loss-ln
interest on money uselessly taken out OF their
business-of $55, 200. 900. AT the date last
mentioned the surplus in the treasury was
$52, 234, 60, exclusive of $40, 900, 900 allotted
to pensions. The amount of silver dollars
coined is 1912 SIC, 800, of which 500 $40 $50
are in circulation. The further coinage of sill
yer, it is recommended, should be discontin-
ued The army numbers "a, $40 exclusive of
2,1S9 officers. Great progress is being made
in preparations for the production of efficient
modern ordinances for both army and navy
Ship-building is going on apace, and within
| - months eleven efficient modern, steel-men-
of-war will be added to the navy. This build
ing has been paid for out of the savings of the
| department under the present administration
| The large increase of the business and facili-
| ties of the Postal Department is noted Since
| 1870 its revenues have increased from 3d.
T72, 600 to 1852 700 GOO, and its services to the
country to more than corresponding extent.
| Increased compensation for the 1874 post
masters of the fourth class and for other
classes of postal employees is recommended
The efficiency of the Department of Justice
| has greatly increased, but sentiment prevails
unfavorable to the payment of judgments OBJ
| tanned by the government The right dispo-
sition of our public lands is an important
| question requiring the attention of CONGRESS.
| Over 100000 acres have been recovered
from illegal usurpation. but new legislation
is needed to give the people their own The
enactment of q general pension law is urged
| The expenditure last year under this head was
S82 OBS, 1856, Or 81 per cent. of the total expen-
ditnre of the year. The existence of great
laxity of ideas on the subject of pensions is
called to the attention of Congress and the
discontinuance of vicious precedents in grant
ing pensions for partisan and irrelevant con-
siderations Is advised The adjustment of
the relations between the gov. rnment and the
| land grant railroads is pressing matter. The
| su Ject, 1T is suggested. should be treated as
| a business proposition with view to getting
| back the peoples money. Legislation is need
ed to secure a proper collection and arrange
ment of the laws of the District of Columbia
There is at present inconvenience and danger
to life and property attending the operation
of steam railroads in Washington. Legisla-
ton to correct this state of things is likewise
urged as necessary for the safety of the cit
liz ms.
The President closes his message with the
following: LAS public servants we shall do
our duty well if we constantly guard the rec
tltude of our Intentions maintain unsullled
our love OF country and with unselfsh pur-
pose strive for the public good.''