davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-12-12
An Appeal for Railroad Men.

The attention of the interstate commerce COM
mission has been called to the urgent need of
congressional legislation for the better protection
of the lives and limbs of those engaged in oper-
ating the great interstate freight lines of the
country, ard especially of the yardmen and
brakemen. A Petition signed by nearly ten
thousand railway brakemen waa presented to
the commission, asking that steps might be taken
to bring about the use of automatic brakes and
couplerS on freight cars.
At meeting of the state railroad commission
ers and their accredited representatives held at
Washington, in March last, upon the invitation of
the interstate commerce commission, reSoll-
ton was unanimously adopted, urging the com
mission to consider what can be done to prevent
the loss of life and limb in coupling and uncoup-
ling freight cars and in handling the brakes
of such cars. During the year ending June
20, 1888, over 1900 railroad employees were killed
in service, and more than 10000 injured.
1t is competent, l think, for congress to
require uniformity in the construction of cars
used in interstate commerce, and the use of inn
proved safety appliances upon such trains. Time
will be necessary to make the needed changes
but an earnest and intelligent beginning should
be made at once. 1t is reproach to our civiliza-
ton that any class of American workmen should
in the pursuit of necessary and useful vocation
be subjected to peril of life and limb as great as
that of a soldier in time of war.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-12-12
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
Recommending the Regulation of the Sale
of Intoxicating Drinks.

The interests of the people of the District of
Columbia should not be lost sight of in the pres
sure for consideration of measures affecting the
whole country. Having no legislation of its own,
either municipal or general, its people must look
TO congress for the regulation of those concerns
that are the subject of local control. Our whole
people have an interest that the national capital
should be made attractive and beautiful, and above
all that its repute for social order should be main
tanned, the laws regulating the sale of intoxicat
ing drinks in the District should be revised with
view to bringing the traffic under stringent limi
tations and control
In execution of the power conferred upon me by
the act making appropriations for the expenses of
the district of Columbia, for the year ending June
80, 1889, did, the 18th day of.August last, ap-
point Rudolph Herring, of New York, Samuel NJ.
Gray. of Rhode Island and Frederick P. Stearns of
Mas sachusetts, three eminent sanitary engineers,
TO examine and report upon the system of sewer
age existing in the district of Columbia. Their
report which Is not yet com pleted will be in due
course submitted to congress. The report of the
commissioners of the district is herewith trans
mltted and the attention of congress is called to
the suggestions contained therein.
Worlds Fair.
The proposition TO observe the four hundredth
anniversary of the discovery of America by the
opening of worlds fair, or exposition in some
one OF our great cities viii be presented for the
consideration of congress. The value and interest
OF such an exposition may well claim the promo
ton Of the government.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-12-12
THE CIVIL SERVICE.
Public Confidence Somewhat Shaken as to
the Impartiality of Appointments.

On the 4th of March last, the civil service CON-
mission had but single member. The vacan-
cies were filed the 9TH day of May,
and since then the commissioners have been in
dustriously, though with an inadequate force, en-.
gagged in executing the law. They were assured
By me that cordial support would be given them
in the faithful and impartial enforcement OF the
statute and of the rules and regulations adopted IN
aid of it. Heretofore the book of eigibles has
been closed to every one except as certifcations
were made upon the requisition of the appointing
officers. This secrecy was the source of much sus-
picIon and of many charges of favoritism in the
administration of the law. What is secret is al
ways suspected, and what is open can be judged.
The commission, with the full approval of its mem-
bers, has now opened the list of eligibles to the
public The eligible lists for classified postotices
and custom houses are now publicly posted in the
respective offices, are also the certifica-
tons for appointments. The purpose of civil
service law was absolutely to exclude another
consideration in connection with appointments
under it, then that of merit as tested by the ex-
animation. The business proceeds upon the theory
that both the examining boards and the appoint
ing officers absolutely ignorant as to the polit-
zeal views and associations of all persons on the
civil service lists. 1t is not too much to say, how
ever, that some recent congressional investigations
have somewhat shaken pubic confidence IN the
impartiality of the selections fer appointment.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-12-12
The New States.

The advent of four new states South Dakota,
North Dakota. Montana and Washington, into the
Union under the constitution in the same month,
and the admission of their duly chosen represent
ativeS to our national congress at the same SeS-
sion, is an event as exampled it is interesting
The certidcation of the votes cast and of the
situations adopted in each of the states was filed
with me as required by the eighth section of the
act of February %, 1882 by the governors of said
territories respectively. Having, after care
full examination, found that the several con-
situations and governments were republican in
form and not repugnant to the constitution of
the United States, that all the provisions of the
act of congress had been complied with, and that
a majority of votes cast in each of said pro-
posed states was in favor of adopting constltu.
tions submitted therein, / did so declare by a
separate proclamation as to each; as to North
Dakota and South Dakota, on Saturday, Novem-
Der %; as to Montana, on Friday, November S.
and as to Washington, on Monday, November II.
Each of these states has within it resources, the
development of which will employ the energies
of, and yield comfortable subsistence to a great
population The smallest of these new states,
Washington, stands twelfth, and the largest,
Montana third among the forty-two in area. The
people of these states already well trained,
Intelligent and patriotic American citizens, hav-
ing common interests and sympathes with those
of the oder states and a common purpose to de-
fend the integrity OF, and uphold the honor Of the
nation.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-12-12
DOMESTIC AFFAIRS.
General Review of National Matters Dur
ing the Past Fiscal Year.

The enforcement of the Chinese exclusion act
has been found to be very difficult on the north
western frontier. Cinnamon landing at Victoria
find it easy to pass the border, owing to the
impossibiiity with force at command with the
customs officers of guarding so long an inland
line. The secretary of the treasury has author
lied the employment of additional officers, who
will be assigned to this duty, and every effort
will be made to enforce the law. The dominion
eXactS a head tax of $50 for each Chlnaman
landed, and when these persons, in frand OF our
law cross into our territory and are apprehended,
our officers do not know what TO do with them as
the dominion authorities will not suffer them to
be sent back without a second payment OF the
tax. An effort will be made TO reach an under
standing that viii remove this difficulty.
Seal Fishing.
The proclamation required by section 8, of the
act of March ?, 1889. relating to the killing of
seals and other fur bearing animals was issued by
on the 21st day of March, and revenue YES
sci was dispatched to enforce the laws and pro-
tect the interests of the United States. The eS-
tabliShment of refuge station at Point Barrow,
as directed by congress was successfully accom-
pEshed
Coast Defense.
Judged by modern standards we are practically
without coast defenses. Many of the structures
we have would enhance rather than diminish the
pers of their garrisons if subjected to the fire of
improved guns; and very few are so located as TO
give full effect to the greater range of such guns
are now making for coast defenses. This
general subject has had consideration in congress
for some years, and the appropriation for the
construction of large rified guns, made one year
ago, was, l am sure, the expression of a
purpose to provide suitable works in which these
guns might be mounted. An appropriation now
made for that purpose would not advance the
completion of the works beyond our ability to
supply them with fairly effective guns. The Sc
curity of our coast cities against foreign attack
should not rsSt altogether IN the friendly DISPOSE
ton of other nations. There should be second
line wholly in our own keeping. very urgently
recommend an appropriation at this session for
the construction of such works in our most ex-
posed harbors-
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-12-12
Subsidies Should be Granted.

There is nothing more justly humiliating to the
national pride and nothing more hurtful to the
national prosperity than the iaferiority of our
merchant marine compared with that of other
nations whose general resources of wealth and
sea coast lines do not suggest any for their
supremacy on the 1t not always so, and
our people agreed, / think that it shall not
continue to be so. 1t is not possible in this COM
munication 10 discuss the causes of the decay of
our shipping interests the differing methods by
which it is proposed to restore them. The state
ment of a few well authenticated fact and some
general suggestions to legislation
is all that is practicable that the
great steam ship lines sailing under
the flags of England France, Germany, Spain and
Italy, and engaged in foreign commerce were
promoted and have since been, and now are lib
orally aided by grants of public money, in one
form or another, is generally known. That the
American lines of steamships have been abandon
ed by us to unequal contest with the aided lines
of other nations until they have been withdrawn
or in the few where they are still maintained
are subject to serious disadvantages is matter of
common knowledge The present situation is such
that travellers and merchandise find Liverpool often
a necessary intermediate port between New York
and some of the South American capitals. The
fact that some of the delegates from South Amer
lean states to the conference of American nations
now in session at Washington reached our shores
by reversing that line of travel is very conclusive
the need of such conference and very suggest
i've to the first and most necessary step in the di
reclion of fuller and more beneficial intercourse
with nations that are now our Geighbors. not only
upon the lines of latitude, bat upon the lines of
established commercial intercourse.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-12-12
MONEY MATTERS.
A Decrease in the Circulation of National
Eank Notes The silver Question.

table represented by the secretary Of the
kinds in circulation each year from 1878 TO the
present time is of interest. 1t appears that the
amount of national bank notes in circulation has
decreased during that period s114 i09 49, OF which
S37, 79S, 229 Is chargeablc to the last year. The
withdrawal of bank circulation will necessarily
continue under existing conditions. 1t is prob
comptroller of the currency, viz: That the mini
mum deposit of bonds for the establishment OF
banks De reduced, and that issue of notes to the
par value of the bonds be allowed would help to
maintain the bank circulation; but while this
withdrawal of bank notes has been going on there
has been a large increase in amount of gold and
silver coin in circulation and In the issues OF gold
and silver certificates
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-12-12
THE TARIFF.
The Most Prominent Question of the Day
Briefly Discussed.

| recommend a revision of our tariff law, both
in its administrative features and in the sched-
uleS. The need of the former is generally con-
coded, and an agreement upon the evils and
inconvenience to be remedied and the best
methods for their correction will probably not be
is essential, and effective measures should be
taken to secure it. 1t is equally desirable that
questions affecting rates and caSsfcations should
be promptly decided. The preparation of a new
schedule of custom duties is matter OF great
delicacy because of its effects upon the business
of the country, of great difficulty by reason of
The wide divergence of opinion as to the objects
that may be promoted by such legislation. Some
disturbance of business may perhaps result from
this temporary i'll effect will be reduced to a
minimum by prompt action and assurance
which the country enjoys that any necessary
changes will be soon made as not to impair the
Just and reasonable protection of our home In
dustrieS. inc inequalities of the law should be
adjusted, but the protective principle should be
maintained and firmly applied to the products Of
our farms as well as our ships. These duties
necessarily have relation to other things besides
the public revenues. We cannot limit their
effects by fixing our eyes on the public treasury
alone. They have direct relation to home
production, TO work, to wages and to the COM
mercial Independence of our country, and the
wise and patriotic legislator should enlarge the
field of his vision to include all of these.
The necessary reduction in our public revenues,
can | am sure, be made without making the
smaller burden more onerouS than the larger by
reason of the disabilities and limitations which
and labor The free list can very safely be ex-
tended by placing thereon articles that do not
offer injurious competition to such domestic pro-
ducts as our home labor can supply.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-12-12
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
WASHINGTON. D. c.. Dec. /:

WASHINGTON, D. c., Dec. 2
The Senate and House of Representatives.:
There are few transactions in the administra-
ton of government that are even temporarily
held in the confidence of those charged with the
conduct of the public business. Every step taken
Is under the observation of an intelligent and
watchful people. The state Of the Union is known
from day to day, and suggestions as to needed
legislation will find earlier voice than that
which speaks in these annual communications of
the president to congress
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-12-12
ECecut5Ue Mansion,
WASHINGTON, ID. c.

Bran is considered one of the best foods
for all classes of stock, and it is rich In
phosphates. 1t is a very imperfect food,
however, when fed in place of grain en-
tirely, but when given in connection with
hay and ground grain it largely adds to
the value of the whole. and assists to make
the ration complete in the elements of
growth and production.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-12-12
Weather Service REORGANIZATION

/ recommend that the weather service be separ-
Ated from The war department., and established
bureau in the department of agriculture. This
VIII involve an entire reorganization both of the
of the first purely civil organizations and of the
other purely military staff corps. The report of
the chief signal officer shows that the work of the
corps on its military side, has been deterioratng
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-12-12
The National Gnard

l approve the suggestion of the secretary OF
war; that provisions be made for encamping
companies of the national guard In our coast
works for specified time each year, and for their
training in the use of heavy guns. His suggestion
that an increase of the artillery force of the army
IS desirable as is also in connection, commended
TO the consideration of congress.
Public Improvements.
The Improvement of our important rivers and
harbors should be promoted by the necessary
appropriations. Care should be taken that the
government IS not committed to the prosecution
of works not of public and general advantage.
and that the relative usefulness of works of that
class Is not overlooked. So far as this work can
ever be said to be completed, / do not doubt that
the end would be sooner and more economically
reached, II fewer separate works were under
taken at the same time, and those selected for
their greater general interest were more rapidly
pushed to completion. Work once considerably
begun should not be subjected to the risk and de
terioration which interrupted or insufficient ap-
preparations necessarily occasion.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-12-12
Pensions,

The law provides pension for every soldier
and sailor who was mustered into service of the
United States during the civil war, and is suf
fering from wounds or disease having an origin
III the service and the time Of duty, two of three
necessary faces viz; muster and disability are
usually susceptible of easy proof; but the third
origin in the service is often difficult, and in many
deserving cases impossible to establish. That
very many of those who endured the hardship of
our most bloody and arduous campaigns, are now
disabled from diseasetha had real not traceable
origin in service we do not doubt; besides those
are another class composed of men many of whom
served an enlistment of three full years, and OF
re-enlisted veterans, who added fourth year of
service who escaped the casualties of battles and
the assaults of disease, who were always ready
for any detail, who were in every battle line of
their command, and were mustered out in sound
health, and have, since the close of the war,
while ghting with the same indomnible and in
dependent spirit the contests of civil life, been
overcome by disease or casualty.
am not unaware that the pension roll already
involves a very large annual expenditure; neither
am l deferred by that fact from recommending
that congress grant pension to such hOnorably
discharged soldiers and sailors of the civil
having rendered substantial service during the
war, are now dependent upon their own labor for
a maintenance, and by disease or casualty are in
capactated from earning it, Many of the men
Who would be included in this form of relief are
now dependent Upon public aid, and it
ties not, in my Judgment. consist with
CO, niue to subsst upon the local relief given in
q. Intimately to paupers, instead of upon the
Special ana generous PROVISION OIL UuG udUlOu
til, served so calamity and unselffshly. Our
people WILL am sure, very generally approve
such legislation, and | am equally sure that the
survivors of the Union army and navy Will feel a
grateful sense of relief when this worthy and
suffering class of their comrades are as fairly pro
vided for There are some manifest inequalities
in the existing law that should be remedied To
some of these the secretary of the interior has
called attention.
It is gratifying to be able to state that the adop
ton of new and better methods in the war depart
ment the calls of the pension office for informa.
ton as to the military and hospital records OF
and the injurious and vexatious delays that have
heretofore occurred are entirely avoided. This
will greatly facilitate the adjustment of all pend
ing claims.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-12-12
Free Tobacco and Spirits.

The removal of the internal tax upon tobacco
would relieve an important agricultural product
from burden which was imposed only because
our revenue from custom duties was insufficient
fraud can be devised, the removal of the tax upon
spirits used in the arts and manufacture would
also offer an unobjectionable method of reduction
of the surplus
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-12-12
MISCELLANEOUS.
A Liberal and Progressive Policy Favored
National Aid to Education


The interest of the general government in the
education of the people found an early expression
not only IN Inc thoughtful and sometimes warning
utterahees OF our ablest statesmen, but In liberal
appropriations from the common resources for the
support OF education in the new states No
VIII deny that II Is of the gravest national concern
that NOSE VINO mold the ultimate control of all
pubic affairs should have the necessary intelli-
genee wisely TO direct and determine them. Ma
tlonal aid to education has heretofore taken
the form of land grants and that form the con-
sututonal power of congress to promote the edu-
cation of people is not seriously Questioned do
not think it can be successfully Questioned when
the form is changed to that of direct Grant of
money from the public treasury. Such aid should
be as it always has been, suggested by some ex-
cepuonal conditions. The sudden emancipation
of the slaves, the bestowal of tbe
suffrage which soon followed, and The
impairment of the ability of the states where thasa
new citizens were chiefly found, TO be adequately
provided with educational facilities presented not
only an exceptional, but unexampled condition
That the situation has been much ameliOrated
there is doubt. The ability and interest of the
states have happily increased. but great work re-
mains TO be done, and think the general govern
ment should lend its aid. AS the suggestion of a
national grant in aid of education grows chiefly
out or conditions and needs of the emancipated
slave and his descendants, the relief should as far
as possible, while necessarily proceeding upon
some general lines, be applied to the need that
/ is to be accomplished, that the sympathy
and active interest of the people of the states
should be enlisted, and that the methods adopted
should be such as 70 stimulate and not to supplant
local taxation for school purposes. AS one con-
gress cannot bind succeeding one in such case,
and as the efforts must in some degree be expert
mental recommend that any appropriation for
this purpose be so limited in annual amount and
as 10 the time over which it is TO
extend, as viii the one hand give the local
school authorities opportunity TO make the best
use of the first years allowance, and the other
deliver from the temptation to unduly POSTPONE
the assumption of the whole burden themselves
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-12-12
Federal Control of Elections Sanctioned.

The power to the whole direction and control of
the election of members of the house of represent
atives is clearly given to the general government.
A partial and qualified supervision of these cleo
ion, this law may be so strengthened and extended
as to secure on the whole better results than can
be attained by law taking all the processes of
such election into federal control. The colored
man should be protected in all of his relations to
the federal government, whether as litgant, juror
or witness in courts, as an elector of members
of congress, or as peaceful traveIer on our inter
state railways.