Morning journal and courier., 1889-03-05

between annual change of our revenue laws quite possible, am sure, to effect the neces- sary reduction in our revenues without down our protective tariff or seri- ously inJuripg any domestic industry.
 THE NAVY.
 The constr uction of sufficient number of modern war ships and of their necessary ar- mament should progress as rapidly as is con- sistent with care and perfection in plans and workmanship. The spirit, courage and skill of our naval officers and seamen have many times in our history given to weak ships and inefficient guns rating greatly beyond that of ths naval list. That they will again do go upon occasion I do not doubt; but they ought not by reconciliation or neglect to be left to the risks and exigencies of an unequal combat We should encourage the establish ment of American steamship lines. The ex- changes of commerce demand stated, reliable and rapid means of communication, and un- til these are provided the development of our trade with the states lying south of us is ina- possible.
 THE PENSION LAWS.
 Our pension laws should give more ade- ouate and discriminating relief to the Union
 
 orphans. Such occasions as this should re- mind us that we owe everything to their valor and sacrifice.
 THE NEW STATES.
 It is a subject of congratulation that there is a near prospect of the admission into the Union of the Dakotas and Montana and Washington territories. This act of justice has been unreasonablY delayed in the ease of some of them. The people who have settled those territories are intelligent, enterprising and patriotic, and the accession of these new States will add strengh to the nation. It is due to the settlers in the territories who have availed themselves of the invitations of our domain that their titles should be speedily adjusted and their honest entries confirmed by patent.
 THE ELECTION LAWS.
 1t is very gratifying to observe the general interest now being manifested in the reform of our election laws. Those who have been for years calling attention to the pressing necessity of throwing about the ballot box and about the e1ector further safeguards, in order that the elections might not only be free and pure, but might clearly appear to be so, will welcome the accession of any who did not 50 soon discover the need of reform. The national Congress has not yet taken control of elections in that case over which the constitution gives it jurisdiction, but has accepted and adopted the election laws of the several States, provided penalties for their violation and 8 method of supervision. Only the ineficiency of the State laws, or the un- fair or partisan administration of them, could suggest departure from this policy. It was clearly, however, in the contemplation of the framers of the constitution that such an exi- gency might arise and provision was wisely made for it. No power vested in Congress or in the executive to secure or perpetuate 1t should it remain unused upon occasion. The people of all the congressional districts have an equal interest that the election in each State shall truly express the views and wishes of majority of the qualified electors residing within it. The results of such elections are not local and the insistence of electors re- siding in other districts that they shall be pure and free does not savor at all of inn pertinence. If in any of the States the public security is thought to be threatened by ignor ance among the electors the obvious remedy is education. The sympathy and help of our people will not be withheld from any community struggling with special em- barrassments or difficulties connected with the suffrage if the remedies proposed pros ceed upon lawful lines and are prompted by just and honorable methods. How shall those who practice election frauds recover that respect for the sanctity of the ballot, which is the first condition and obligation of good citizenship? The man who has come to regard the ballot box as juggler's hat has renounced his allegiance. Let us exalt pa triotism and moderate our party contentious. Let those who would die for the flag on the field of battle give better proof of their patriotism and higher glory of their coun- try by promoting fraternity and justice. A party success that is achieved by unfair methods or by practices that partake of revo- Iution is hurtful and evanescent even from party standpoint. We should hold our differing opinions in mutual respect, and having sub- mitted them to the arbitrament of the ballot should accept an adverse judgment with the same respect that we should have demanded of opponents if the decision had been in our favor No other people have government more worthy of their respect and love or land so magnificent in extent, 80 pleasant to look upon and so full of generous suggestion to enterprise and labor. God has placed up on our head diadem and has laid at our feet power and wealth without definition or calculation. But we must not forget that we take these gifts upon the condition that jus tice and mercy shall hold the reins of power be free to all the people. I do not mistrust the future. Dangers have been in frequent ambush along our path, but we have uncov- cred and vanquished them all. Passion has swept some of our communities, but only to give us a new demonstration that ths great l body of our people are stable, patriotic and l law abiding. No political party can long pursue advantage at the expense of | public honor or by rude and indecent meth ods without protest and fatal dissatisfaction | in it's own body.
 CONCLUSION.
 The peaceful agencies of commerce are ! more fully revealing the necessary unity of I all our communities and the increasing in- ! tercourse of our people is promoting mutual | respect We shall find unalloyed pleasure in l the revelation which our next census will | make of the swift development of the great resources of some of the States. Each State will bring it's generous contribution to the great aggregate of the nations increase. | And, when the harvest from the fields, the cattle from the hills and ores of the earth shall have been weighed, counted and val l ued, we will turn from them all to crown with the highest honor, the State that has most promoted education, virtue, justice and l patriotism among the people.
 Banquet at Ferhes House. The annual banquet of the F. W. A. asso- l citation, wGs held at Forbes House last night. The toastmaster was John J. Nash and toasts were: "The Ladies'" responded to by Otto Rumpf; "Our AssociatioD," by Hugh Don nelly; "Our Honorary Members" by John J. Kelly, who is proud of the distinction of be- ing the only honorary member of the club, and "Our Prospective Married Members" hv any narsop praeant who ia ambitions tO