Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1889-12-05

We are large producers of that metal and
should not discredit it, To the plan which
will be presented by the Secretary OF the
Treasury for the issuance of notes or certih-
Gates upon the deposit of silver bullion
at its market value, have been
able to give only a hasty examina-
ton 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 con-
sideration, but the general plan suggested
by him seems to satisfy the purpose to con-
tinue the use of silver in connection with
our currency and at the same time TO obViate
the danger of which have spoken. At
later day 1 may communicate further with
Congress on this subject.
THE CHINESE.
The enforcement of the Chinese Exclusion
act has been found to be very difficult on the
Northwest frontier. Chinese landing at Nic-
toria find it easy to pass our border owing TO
the impossibility, with the force at command,
of the customs officers of guarding so long
an inland line. The Secretary of the Treas
ury has authorized the employment OF addl-
tiOnal officers, who will be assigned to this
duty, and every effort will be made TO enforce
the law. The Dominion exacts head tax OF
$50 for each Chinaman landing, and when
these persons in fraud Of our law cross into
our territory and are apprehended our off,
the Dominion authorities will not suffer
them to be sent back without second pay
ment of the tax. An effort will be made to
reach an understanding that will remove
this difficulty.
COAST DEFENsEs.
Judged by modern standards we are prac-
tically without coast defenses. Many of the
structures we have would enhance ratner
than diminish the perils of their garrisons II
c,1lia faH fO l,a nf imnrOVp6
very few are so located as to give full effect
to the greater range of such guns as we are
now making for coast defense uses. This
general subject has had consideration in
Congress for some years, and the ap-
preparation for the construction OF
large rihed guns made one year ago
was, am sure, the expression of a
purpose to provide suitable works in which
these guns might be mounted. An appropri-
alton now made for that purpose would not
advance the works beyond our ability to
supply them with fairly effective guns.
The security of our coast cities against for
eign attack should not rest altogether in the
friendly disposition of other Nations. There
should be a second line wholly in our own
keeping. 1 very earnestly recommend an
appropriation at this session for the con-
struction OF such works in our most exposed
harbors.
RIVERS AND HARBORS.
The 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 gen.
eral advantage and that the relative useful
ness 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 If
fewer separate works were undertaken at
the same time and those selected for their
greater general interest were more rapidly
pushed to completion.
PROTECTION OF OFFICERS.
The assault made by David 5. Terry upon
the person of Justice Field, of the Supreme
Court of the United States, in Lathrop, Cal,
in August last, and the killing of the
assailant by deputy United States marshal
who had been deputed to accompany Justice
Field and to protect him from anticipated
violence ut the hands of Terry, i'll connection
with the legal proceedings which have fol-
lowed, suggest questions which in my judg
ment are worthy of the attention of Con-
gres5. recommend that more definite pro
visions be made by law, not only for the pro-
lection of Federal officers, but for Il full trial
of such cases III the United states courts.
THE SUPREME COURT.
The necessity of providing some more
speedy method of disposing of the cases
winch NOW COIIlt lOi lHll t'lIuuiSdblOh ~ euS
Supreme Court becomes every year more ap
parent and urgent. The plan of providing
some intermediate courts having final appel
late jurisdiction of certain classes OF ques-
tions and cases. has, | think, received a more
general approval from the bench and bar oil
the country than any other. Without at
tempting to discuss details l recommend
that provision be made for the establishment
of such court.
TRTSTS AND CONFINES.
Earnest attention should be given by Con
gress to consideration of the question how
far the restraint of those combinations oil
capital commonly called trusts" is a matter
of Federal jurisdiction.
When organized as they often are to crush
| out all healthy competition and to monOpO
lie the production or sale of an article oil
commerce and general necessity they are
dangerous consplracics against the public
good and should be made the subject Of
prohibitory and even penal legislation.
INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT.
The subject of an international copyright
! has been frequently commended to the at
tention of Congress by my predecessors
| The enactment of such IL law would be emf
ncntly wise and just.
NATURALIZATION.
Our naturalization laws should be so re
yised as to make the inquiry into the char
| acter and good disposition toward our Coy
! eminent of the persons applying for citizen
| ship more thorough. This can only be dOns
| by taking fuller control of the examination:
| by fixing the time for hearing such applica
! ton and by requiring the presence OF some
| one who shall represent the Government In
| the inquiry. Those who ARE enemies Of
social order or who come to our shores t
| swell the injurious influence and to extend
the evil practices of any association that de
| ties our laws, should not only be denied
| citizenship but a domicile.
THE POST OFFICE.
The report of the Postmaster. General moi
| only exhibits the operations of the depart
| ment for the past fiscal year. but contain.
| many valuable suggestions for the improve
| ment and extension of the service, which arr
| commended to your attention. No Othei
| branch of the Government has so close con
| tact with the daily life of the people. Al
| most 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
engaged il trade can understand
The saving OF oRG day in the transmission Of
| mails between New York and san Francisco
! which has recently been accomplished, l:
an incident worthy of mention. The plar
suggested of a supervision of the post office:
| in separate districts that shall involve in
stElction and suggestion and range of the
! efficiency Of the postmasters, would, have
no doubt, greatly improve the service.
The unsatisfactory condition of the law re