davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1889-12-13
Coast DefenSes.

Judged by modern standard we are prac-
tically without coast defenses. Many of the
structures we have would enhance rather
than diminish the perils OF the
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 us we are now making
for coast defense use. This general subject
has had consideration in congress for some
years and the appropriation for the con-
struction of large rifled guns made one year
ago was, I am sure, the expression of pur-
pose to provide suitable works in which
these guns might be mounted. An appro-
priation now made for that purpose would
not advance the completion of the works be-
You'd our ability to supply them with fairly
effective guns. The security of our coast
cities against foreign attacks should
not rest altogether III the friendly
disposition of other nations. There should
be second line wholly in our own keeping.
very urgently recommend an appropria-
ton at this session for the construction of
such works in our most exposed harbors.
approve the suggestion of the secretary
OF war that provisions be made for encamp-
ing companies of the National guard IN our
own coast works for a specified time each
year and for their training i'll the use of
heavy guns. His suggestion that an in
crease of the artillery force of the army is
desirable, and is also, in connection, COM
mended to the consideration of congress.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1889-12-13
Chinese Exclusion.

The enforcement of the Chinese exclusion
act has been found to be very difficult on the
northwestern frontier. Cinnamon landing
at Victoria find it easy to pass our border,
owing to the impossibility. with the force at
the command of the customs officers, of
guarding so long an inland line. The sec
rotary OF the treasury has authorized the en-
ployment of additional officers VINO will be
assigned to this duty. and every effort will
be made to enforce the law. The dominion
eSacts a head tax of $50 for each Chinman
landed, and when these persons, in fraud of
our law, cross to the territory and are ap-
pretended, our officers do not know what to
do with them, as the dominion authorities
will not suffer them to be sent back without
second payment of tax. An effort will be
made to reach an understanding that will
remove this difficulty
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1889-12-13
DISTURBANCE OF BUSINESS MAY

perhaps, result from consideration of this
subject by congress, but this temporary ILL
effect will be reduced to the minimum by
prompt action and the assurance which the
country enjoys that any necessary changes
Will be SO made as not to impair the Just and
reasonable protection of our home indus
tries. The inequalities of the law should be
adjusted, but the protective principles
should be maintained and fairly applied to
the products of our farms as we'll as our
shops.
These duties necessarily have relation IA
other things beside the public revenues. We
cannot limit their effects by fixing our eyes
upon the public treasury alone They have
direct relation to the home production, to
wages and to the commercial Independence
of our country, and tho wise and patriotic
legislator should enlarge the field of his
vision to include all of these. The neces-
sary
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 the process of reduction
puts upon both capital and labor The free
list can very safely be extended by placing
thereon articles that do not offer injurious
competition to such domestic products AS
our homo labor can supply. The removal
OF the internal tax upon tobacco would re-
lieve an important agricultural product from
burden which was imposed only because
our revenue from custom duties was insult
ficlent for the public needs. If a safe pro-
vision against fraud can be devised the re-
moval of the tax on spirits used IN the arts
objectionable method of reducing tie sur
plus.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1889-12-13
Naturalization Laws.

Our naturalization laws should be so re-
vised as to make the inquiry into the char
acter and good disposition toward our gov
ernmcnt of the persons applying for citizen
ship more thorough. This can only be
done by taking fuller control of the exam
nations, by fixing the times for hearing
such applications, and by requiring the
presence of some one who shall represent
the government in the inquiry. Those who
to our shores to swell the injurious influence
and to extend the evil practices of any asso-
citation that deties our laws, should not only
be denied citizenship but q domicile
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1889-12-13
Silver Coinage

A table presented by the secretary of the
treasury, showing the amount of money of
all kinds in circulation each year, from 1s7e
to the present time, is of interest. 1t ap.
pears that the amount of national bank
notes in circulation has decreased durinn
that period STA, 100, 729. of which ss7. $780,
~ IS chargeable to the last year. The with
drawal of the bank circulation will ,eces.
sar'ly continue under the existing condi.
tons. 1t is probable the adoption of the
suggestions made by the comptroller of the
currency. viz: That the minimum deposi,
of bonds for the establishment of banks be
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1889-12-13
The Postotiice Department.

The report of the postmaster general not
only exhibits the operations of the depart
ment for the fiscal year, but contains many
valuable suggestions for the improvement
and extension of the service, which are
commended to your attention. No other
branch of the government has so closely a
contact with the daily life of the people.
Almost every one uses the service it offers,
and every hour gained in the transmission
of the great commercial mails has an actual
and possible value that only those en-
The saving of one day in the
transmission of the mails between New
York and San Francisco, which has recently
been accomplished, is an incident worthy of
mention.
=, The plan suggested of the supervision of
the postoffice in separate districts. that shall
involve instruction and suggestion, and a
rating of the efficiency of the postmasters
would, have no doubt, materially improve
the service.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1889-12-13
countries on the same subject should
similarly adjusted.
ruE BRAz1L1AN nEyoLuT1oN

The recent revolt in Brazil in favor of tHe
establishment of republican form of gov
eminent is an event of great interest to TIC
United States. Our minister at Rio de Jh-
metro was at once instructed to maintain
friendly and diplomatic relations with tke
provisional government, and the BraziliS n
by the provisional government to continde
their functions. Our friendly intercouke
with Brazil has therefore suffered no intsI
ruption. Our minister has been further H.
structed to extend, on the part of this gdv
eminent, formal and cordial recognition
of the new republic so soon as the majority
of the people of Brazil shall have signitied
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1889-12-13
Trusts.

Earnest attention should be given by con-
gress to consideration of the question how
far the restraint of these combinations of
capital, commonly called trusts" is mat
ter of federal jurisdiction. When organ
lied. as they often are, to crush out all
healthy competition, to monopolize the pro-
duction or sale of an article of commercial
and general necessity, they are dangerous
conspiracles against the public good, and
should be made the subject of prohibitory
and even penal legislation.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1889-12-13
The Alaska Seal Fisheries.

The proclamation required by section 8.
of the act of March 2, 1889, relating to the
killing of seals and other fur-bearing ami
mails, was issued by me on the 21st day of
March and a revenue vessel was dispatched
to enforce the laws and protect the interests
of the United States. The establishment of
a refuge station at Point Barrow, as directed
by congress, was unsuccessfully accom-
plished.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1889-12-13
Rivers and Harbors.

Tho improvement of our important rivers
and harbors should be promoted by the nee
essary 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 over
looked. 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 if 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 deterioration which inter-
rukted, insufficient appropriations neces-
sarily occasion.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1889-12-13

reduced. and that an issue of notes to the
par value of the bonds be allowed, would
help to maintain the bank circulation: but
while this withdraw val of bank notes has
been going on. there has been large IN
crease in the amount OF gold and silver
coin in circulation and in the issues of gold
and silver certificates.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1889-12-13
The Samoan hi o.+.

An appalling calamity befell tbroo
naval vessels on duty at the samoan =. VI our
IN the harbor of Apia in March last ';.ands
ing the loss of four officers and for., .nvolv-
Van5 OF and d tT Io vessels the Trenton
Nipsic. Three vessels of the G s%e third the
also in the harbor, shared with onr an; navy,
force of the hurricane and su 1Ha shlps the
more heavily. While mourning 1 tba even
officers and men who died, facing VIZ VIII brave
resolve perils greater than those of I'm high
It Is most gratifying to state that tho oattle.
OF the American navy for seam rle credit
courage ana generosity was mas nifcsnll II
sustained An;a IN the storm-beaten harboerr ~
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1889-12-13
A Copyright Law.

The subject of an international copyright
has been frequently commended for the at
tention of congress by my predecessors.
The enactment of such Il law would be emf
nently wise and just.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1889-12-13
REDUCE THE SURPLUS.

The existence of SO large an actual and
anticipated surplus should have the imme-
dlatc attention of congress, will a view to
reducing the receipts of the treasury 10 the
needs of the government. as clesely as may
be. The collection of money not needed
for public uses imposes an unnecessary bur-
den upon our people, and the presence of so
large surplus in the public vaults is dis
turbing clement i'll the conduct of private
business. 1t has called into use expedients for
pulling it into circulation of ve{y question:
able propriety. We should n,t collect
revenue for the purpose of anticipating
our bonds beyond the requirements of the
in the treasury should be SO applied, as there
is no other lawful way of returning the
money to circulation, and the profit realized
by the government offers substantial adj
vantage. The loaning of public funds to
the banks, without interest, upon the se-
curlty of government bonds, Iregtrd as an
unauthorized and dangerous exped ent. It
results in temporary and unnatural in
crease of the banking capital of favored To-
calltles. and compels a cautious and grad
ual recall of the deposits to avoid injury to
the commercial interests. 1t is not TO be
expected that the banks having these depos-
its will sell their bonds to the treasury SO
ment is continued. They now practically
get interest both upon the bonds and their
proceeds. No further use should be made
of this method CT getting the surplus into
circulation, and the deposits now outstand-
ing should be gradually withdrawn and APP
piled to the purchase of bonds. 1t is fortu-
nate that such a use can be made of the ex-
isting surplus and for some time to come of
any casual surplus that may exist after con-
gress has taken the necessary steps for re-
duction of the revenue. Such legislation
should be promptly, but very considerably,
taS
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1889-12-13
A Bankrupt Law.

The enactment OF n national bankrupt law
of character to be a permanent part of our
general legislation is desirable 1t should
be simple IN its methods and inexpensive in
its administration.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1889-12-13

s nnmser haze es more rapid increase
concur in the recomn,a,s.. ~
secretary that the CONSTRUCTION a w !. of thd
mored ships, three gunboats and ut eight ar
pedo boats be authorized. ana five tor
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1889-12-13
The Tariff Question.

both in its administrative features and in
the schedules. The need of the former is
generally conceded, and an agreement upon
the evils and inconvenience to be remedied
and the best methods for their correction
will probably not be difficult. Uniformity
of valuation at all our ports is essential. and
effective measures should be taken to secure
it.. 1t is equally desirable that questions
affecting rates and classifcatons should be
promptly decided.
The preparation of new schedule of Gus
toms duties is matter of great delicacy,
because of its effect upon the business of
the country and of the great difficulty by
reason of the wide divergence of opinion as
to the objects that may be promoted by such
legislation. Some
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1889-12-13
INCREASE THE sALARIEs.

The salaries of the judges of the district
courts in many of the districts are, in my
judgment, inadequate. 1 recommend that
all such salaries now below S., coo per an
mum be increased to that amount. It is
quite true that the amount of labor per-
formed by these judges is very unequal, but
as they cannot properly engage in other
pursuits to supplement their incomes, the
salary should be such in all cases as to pro-
vide an independent and comfortable sup
mort.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1889-12-13
CONDITION OF FINANCES.

ury for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1889,
has been prepared and will be presented to
congress. 1t presents with clearness the
fiscal operations of the government, and
avail myself to obtain some facts for use
here. The aggregate receipts from all
sources for the year were $387, O5O, 058. "a,
derived as follows:
From customs 1928, 832, IA, Gs
From internal revenue. ....... 13O, 1871 ,5l3 81
From miscellaneous sources. 81, 33335, 500 %
The ordinary expenditures for the same
period were 1921, 996, 615.G GO and the total
expenditures, including the sinking fund,
were 1925, 579. 929.25. The excesslof receipts
over expenditures was. after providing for
the sinking fund, 57,47O, 129. 81. For the
current fiscal year the total retenues. ac-
tual and estimated, are $685., 100000, and the
ordinary expenditures, actual nj estimated,
are 1898, 100000, making, with the sinking
fund, total expenditure of $3l1, 321. 1893,
and leaving an estimated surplus of $43,-
678, 1888 81. During the fiscal year there was
applied to the purchase of bonds, in addi-
ton to those for the sinking find, 800, 456.-
172. 35, and during the first quarter of the
current year the sum of $37 S38, 937. II, all
of which were credited to the sinking fund.
The revenues for the fiscal year, ending
June 30, 1891, are estimated by
the treasury department d. $685., Co.,
600, and the expenditures for the
same period, iincuding the sinking
fund at s34l ,43o, ALTO. This thows an esti-
mated surplus for that year of SAB, $685.
522.30, which is more likely to be increased
than reduced when the actual transactions
are written up.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1889-12-13
MUST PAY THE DIFFERENCE.

think it is clear that If we should make
the coinage of silver at the present rates free
we must expect the difference in the bullion
value of the gold and silver dollars will be
taken account of in commercial transact
tions, and fear the same result would fol-
low any COL siderable increase of the present
rate of coinage. Such result would be
discreditable to our financial management
and disastrous to all business interests We
should not tread the dangerous edge of such
peril, and, indeed, nothing more harmful
could happen to the silver interest.
Any safe legislation upon this subject
must secure the equality of the two coins IN
commercial usage. have always been an
advocate of the use of silver in our currency
We are large producers of that metal and
should not discredit it.
OF the plan which will be presented by the
secretary of the treasury for the issuance of
notes or certificates upon the deposit of sill
YER bullion at its market value. have been
able to give only a hasty examination, owing
to the press of other matters and to the fact
that it has been SO recently formulated. The
details of such a law require careful consid-
Grafton, but the general plans suggested by
him seem to satisfy the purpose to continue
the use of silver in connection with our cur
rency, and at the same time to obviate the
danger of which have spoken. At n later
day may communicate further with con-
gress upon this subject.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1889-12-13
A NEW BUILDING NrEnrn

A pressing necessity exists for the cree
ton of building for the joint use of the
department and of the city postoffice. The
department was partially relieved by rent
ing outside quarters for part of its force,
but 1t is again overcrowded. The building
used by the city office never was for the pur-
pose, and is now inadequate and unwhole
some.
WHACK AT THE LOTTERIES.
The unsatisfactory state of law relating to
the transmission through the mail of lot
terry advertisements and remittances is
clearly stated by the postmaster general.
and his suggestion as to amendments should
have your favorable consideration.
The Navy.
The report of the secretary of the navy
shows an organization of the bureaus of the
department that will, l do not doubt pro-
mote the efficiency of EACH In general,
satisfactory progress has been made in the
construction of the new ships of war auth
orized by congress. The first vesse, of tbe
new navy, the Dolphin, was subiected 70
very severe trial tests and to very CHI crit
lclsm. But it is gratifying to be able to
state that cruise around the world, from
which she has recently returned, has dem
onstrated the fact that she is a tirst-cIass
vessel of her rate.
The reports of the secretary show that
while the effective force of the navy is rans
idly increasing by reason of the imnroved
build ,llst and armament Of the new ships the
very slowly. We had on the 4th of Na U"e
last thirty seven serviceable Sims. and
though four have since been added r. tha
list the total has not been increased. becana
in the meantime four have been lost or I "nn
demned. TWenty-six additional vessels sod
nave nay 1een ahsh9azed and appropriated for,
pleted our list will only be increased tn fnr
ty-two, a gain of five. W 4or-
THE OLD WOODEN SHIPS
are disappearing almost as fast as +ho
ones are being added. These facts o oa now
their own argument. One of the new sh;
may in fighting strength be equal to tSn Us
the old, but it cannot do the CRUISING d"t;o ol
of two. 1t is important therefore, that ', xes
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1889-12-13

the person of Justice Field, of the supreme
court of the United States at Lathrop, CAL,
in August last, and the killing of the assa1l-
ant by deputy United States marshal, who
had been deputized to accompany Justice
Field and to protect him from anticipated
violence Mt the hands of Terry, in connec-
ton with the legal proceedings which have
followed, suggests questions. which, IN my
judgment. are worthy the attention of con-
gress l recommend that more definite
provision be made by law. not only for the
protection of federal officers, but for full
trial for such cases in the United States
courts. In recommending such legislation
l do not at all impeach either the general
adequacy of the provision made by the state
laws for the protection OF all citizens, or
the general disposition of those charged
with the execution of such laws to give pro-
lection to the: officers of the United States.
such and of furnishing those who
assault them on account of their
official acts should not be deyolved expressly
or by acauiescence upon the local authori-
ties. Even the cases which have been
brought to my attention. happening in other
propriety of extending by legislation fuller
protection to those who may be called as
witnesses in the courts of the United States
The law compels those who are supposed to
have knowledge of public offenses to attend
upon our courts and grand jurles and to give
evidence. There is a manifest resulting
duty that these witnesses shall be protected
from injury on account of their testimony.
The Investigations of criminal otfenses are
often rendered futile and the punishment
of crime impossible by the intimidation of
witnesses.
NEW PLAN NEEDED.
The necessity of providing some more
speedy methods for disposing of the cases
which now come for final adjudication to the
supreme court becomes every year more
apparent and urgent. The plan of
providing some intermediate courts. having
final appellate jurisdiction of certain classes
of questions and cases has, 1 think, received
moro general approval from the bench
and bar of the country than any other.
Without attempting to discuss details rec
ommend that provision should be made for
the establishment of such courts.
INCREASE TIE SALARIES.
Tho salaries of the judges of the district
courts in many of the districts are, in my
Judgment inadequate. recommend that
all such salaries now below SIS, 600 per an
mum be increased to that amount. 1t is
quite true that the amount of labor per-
formed nv these i11yas varv unanual l,,,%
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1889-12-13

The Courts.
The assault made by David s. Terry upon
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1889-12-13
CoRDIAL1TY WITH FRANCE.

The traditional good feeling between
this country and the French republic has
received additional testimony in the partici-
patton of our government and people in the
international exposition held at Paris dur
exhibitors has been gratifying. The report
OF the commission will be laid before con
gross III duo season.