davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Hot Springs star. (Hot Spings [Hot Springs], Dakota [Dakota Territory, i.e. S.D.]) 1886-189?, 1889-12-13
A Plea for the Brakemen.

The attention of the interstate
commission has been called to tho urgent
need of congressional legislation for both
protection of the lives and limbs of those
engaged in operating the great interstate
freight lines of the country, and especi-
ally of the yardmen and brakemen. A
petition signed by nearly ten thousand rail-
way brakemen. was presented to this COM
mission. asking that steps might be taken to
bring about the use of automatic brakes
and couplers on freight cars. At a meeting
Of the state railroad commissioners and
their accredited representatives, held at
Washington in March last. upon tho invita-
ton OF the Interstate commerce commits
sion. a resolution was unanimously adopted
urging the commission ITO consider what
can be done to prevent the loss of life and
limb in coupling and uncoupling freight
cars c s,o and in handling the brakes
ending June 30, 1888. over 1000 railroad
employees were killed in the service aud
more than 10000 injured. 1t is competent.
+! think. for congress to require uniformity
i'll the construction of cars used in inter-
state m and the use of improved
safety appliances upon such trains. Time
will be necessary to make the needed
changes, but an earnest and intelligent be-
ginning should be made Mt once. 1t is a re-
proacht to our civilization that dny class
of American workmen should, in the pur-
suit of q necessary and useful vocation, be
subjected to a peril of life and limb us great
as that OF a soldier In time of war.
The Hot Springs star. (Hot Spings [Hot Springs], Dakota [Dakota Territory, i.e. S.D.]) 1886-189?, 1889-12-13
hsrstofore occurred are entirely avoided.
This will greatly facilitate the adjustment Of
oil pension claime.
The New states.

The advent OF -four new states South Da-
kota, North Dakota, Montana and WASH
ington-into the union under the constitu-
ton i'll the same month, and the admission
of their duly chosen representatives to our
national congress at tho same session, is an.
event as unexampled as It ls interesting.
The certification of tho votes cast and of the
constitutions adopted in each of the states
was filed with ne as required by section
80 of the action of February @, 1889. by the
governors of said territories, respectively.
Having, after a careful examination, found
that the several constitutions and govern
ments we're republican in form
c ON ion. of 'ep tHe United % States tne
tina. all the provisions of the act of congress
had been complied with, and that a major
ity of the votes Gust in each of said proposed
states was i'll favor of the adoption Of the
constitution submitted therein, I did 80 de-
each; as to Norti, Dakota and South Da-
kota on Saturday, November .; us to Mon
lana on Friday, November g. and as to
Washington on Monday, November IL.
Each of these states has within it re-
sources, the development of which will en-
ploy the energies of. and yield a romforta-
bic 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 are already well
trained, intelligent and patriotic American
citizens, having common interests and SYM
pathies with those of tho older states, and a
common purpose to defend the integrity of,
mud uphold the honor of the mutton.
The Hot Springs star. (Hot Spings [Hot Springs], Dakota [Dakota Territory, i.e. S.D.]) 1886-189?, 1889-12-13

bad been deputised to accompany JssHes
Field and to protect him from anticipated
violence at the hands Of Terry. In counsc.
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 tho
protection of federal Officers, bat for q full
trial Tor 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.
The The duty of protecting it's officers as
assault them on account Of their
or by acguiescencc upon the local authori-
ties. Even the cases which have been
brought to my attention, happening in other
parts Of the country, have also suggested the
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 nre supposed TO
have knowledge of public offenses to attend
upon our courts and grandjuries and to give
evidence. There is u manifest resulting
duty that these witnesses shall be protected
from INJURY CD account of their testimony.
The Investigations of criminal offenses are
often rendered futile aud the punishment
OF crime impossible by the intimidation of
witnesses.
The Hot Springs star. (Hot Spings [Hot Springs], Dakota [Dakota Territory, i.e. S.D.]) 1886-189?, 1889-12-13
Rivers and Harbors.

The improvement of our important rivers
and harbors should be promoted by the nec-
essary appropriations. Care should be
taken that the government is moi 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, l do not doubt that the end
would DO 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. A work once
considerably begun should not be subjected
to the risk and deterioration which inter-
ruEted. insufficient appropriations neces.
Sarily occasion.
The Hot Springs star. (Hot Spings [Hot Springs], Dakota [Dakota Territory, i.e. S.D.]) 1886-189?, 1889-12-13
Civil Service Commission.

On the 4th of March last the civil service
commission had but a single member. The
vacancies were filed on the 9TH day of May,
and since then the commissioners have been
industriously, though with an inadequate
force. engaged in executing the law. They
were assured by me that a cordial support
partial enforcement of the statute
and of the rules and regulations
adopted In mid of it. Heretofore
the book of cligibles lns been
closed to every n except as certifications
were made upon tho requisitlon OF the up
source of much suspicion and of many
charges of favorltism in the administration
of the law. What is secret is always sus-
pected, and what is open can be judged.
The commission, with tho full approval of
its members, has now opened the list of
eliaibles to the public. The eligible lists for
classified postofices and custom houses are
now publicly posted in the respective Offices,
as are also the classification for appoint.
inents. The purpose of the civil service
law was absolutely to exclude every other
consideration in connection with appoint-
ments under it, than that of merit, as tested
by the examinations. The business pro-
ceeds upon the theory that both the exam
ing boards and tho appointing officers are
absolutely ignorant as the political views and
associatlOns OF all persons ON the civil
service lists. 1t is not too much to
say, however, that some recent g
slonal Investigations have somewhat shaken
public confidence ir the impartiality of the
selections for appointment. The reform
of the civil service will make no safe or sat
isfactory advance until the present law md
its administration are well established in
the confidence of the people. 1t will be my
pleasure, as it is my duty, to see that the
Law is executed with frlnness and impartinl-
ity. II some of its provisions have been
fraudulently evaded by appointing officers,
our resentment should not suggest the re-
peal of the law, but reform in its adminis-
tration. We should have ono view of the
matter and hold it with n sincerity that is
not affected by the consideration that The
party TO which we belong is for the time in
n0uor
The Hot Springs star. (Hot Spings [Hot Springs], Dakota [Dakota Territory, i.e. S.D.]) 1886-189?, 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 tho force at
the command Of the customs officers, Of
guarding SO long IN inland line. The Sec
rotary of the treasury has authorized the EN-
ployment of additional officers who will be
assigned to this duty, and every effort will
exacts a head tax of $50 for each Chinman
landed, and when these persons, in fraud of
our law. cross to tho territory and are an
pretended. our officers do not know what to
do with them, rs the dominion authorities
will not suffer them to be sent back without
a second payment of tax. An effort will be
made to reach an understanding that will
remove this difficulty.
The Hot Springs star. (Hot Spings [Hot Springs], Dakota [Dakota Territory, i.e. S.D.]) 1886-189?, 1889-12-13
The Interior Department.

HbN1At
The report of the secretary of the interior
exhibits the transactions of the government
with the Indian tribes. Substantial progress
has been made in the extension of the school
age n il. the allotment of lands to adult
Indians. 1t is to be regretted that the policy
Of breaking up the tribal relations aud Of
dealing with the Indian as an individual did
not appear earlier in our legislation. Large
reservations held IN common and the main-
tenance of the authority of chiefs and head
men, have deprived the individual of every
incentive to the exercise of thrift, and the
annuity has contributed an affirmative i'm
pulse towards a state of confirmed pauper-
ism.
Our treaty stipulations should be observed
with fidelity. and our Legislation should be
highly considerate of the best interests of an
ignorant and helpless people. The reserva-
tions are now generally surrounded by
white settlements. We can no longer push
the Indian back into the wilderness, and it
remains only, by every suitable agency, to
push him upward into the estate Of a
sEL SUPPORTING nj RESPONSIBLE CIT
lzEN.
For the adult the first step is to locate him
upon q farm, aud for the child TO place him
in a school. School attendance should be pro.
NOTED by every moral agency, and those
failing, should be compelled. The national
full and should be multiplied and as far a.
possible should DO so organized and con-
Quoted as TO facilitate the transfer of schools
Of the states and territories in which
they arc located, when the In
dlans in neiehborhood have
wise fitted for such q transfer. This con-
dition Of things will be attained slowly, but
II will DO hastened By keeping IL in mind,
and IN the meantime, that cooperation be.
The Hot Springs star. (Hot Spings [Hot Springs], Dakota [Dakota Territory, i.e. S.D.]) 1886-189?, 1889-12-13
Silver. Coinage

Atable presented by the secretary of the
treasury, showing tho amount of money of
all kinds in circulation eacl. year. from 1878
TO the present time, is of interest. It an
pears TINT the amount sof national bank
notes in circulation hns decreased during
That period $1l4, 100, 729. of which S37. 49,
.s9is c%harsenble 10 the last year. The with
drawal of tho bank circulation will neces-
sarily continue under the existing condi-
suggestions made by the comptroller of the
currency. viz: That the minimum deposit
of bonds for the establishment of banhs he
reduced. and tl!ut aa issue of notes 10 the
par vaiue of The bonds be allowed, would
help TO maintnin the bank circuiation:' but
While this witllara sal of bunk notes has
crease in The noun ot gold and silver
coin in circulation and in the issues OF gold
and silver certificates.
The Hot Springs star. (Hot Spings [Hot Springs], Dakota [Dakota Territory, i.e. S.D.]) 1886-189?, 1889-12-13
STANDARDIZATION Lnws

Our naturalization laws should be SO re-
vised as To make the inquiry into the char
acter and good disposition toward our gov
eminent of the persons applying for citizen
ship more thorough. This can only he
done by tnking fuller control of tho exam
inations. BY fixing tho times for hearing
such applications. and by requiring tho
presence of some II 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 tint deIies our laws, should not only
he denied citizenship but q domicile.
The Hot Springs star. (Hot Spings [Hot Springs], Dakota [Dakota Territory, i.e. S.D.]) 1886-189?, 1889-12-13
The Tariff Question.

recommend a revision of our tariff law.
both in its administrative features aud in
the schedules. The need of the former ia
generally conceded, md an agreement upon
the evils and i-nconveniences to be remedied
and the best methods for their correction
will probably not be difficult. Uniformity
OF valuation at al our ports is essential, and
1t. II IL equally desirable that questions
Affecting rates and classifications should s.
promptly decided.
Tbs preparation Of q new schedule Of Gus.
The Hot Springs star. (Hot Spings [Hot Springs], Dakota [Dakota Territory, i.e. S.D.]) 1886-189?, 1889-12-13
Department of Arriculture.


The creation of an executive department
to be known as the department of agricult-
ure, by the act of February 9 last, was a
wise aud timely rcsponsc to II request which
had long been respectfully urged by tho
farmers of the country. but much remains
department SO it may fairly realize the or
pectations which its c~reation excited. In
this connection attention is called to the
suggestions contained in the report of the
secretary, which is herewith submitted.
ment, such as is provided for the other
executive departments. is manifest. The
failure of the last congress to make The
usual provision for the publication of the
annual report should be promptly rcmedied.
The public interest in the report and its
value to the farming community, 1 am sure,
will not be diminished under the new or
ganization of the department.
The Hot Springs star. (Hot Spings [Hot Springs], Dakota [Dakota Territory, i.e. S.D.]) 1886-189?, 1889-12-13
The Samoan Disaster.

An appalling calamity befcll three of our
naval vessels on duty at the Samoan islands,
in the harbor of Apia in March last, involv-
ing the loss of four officers aud forty-seven
seamen of the " vessels, the Trenton and
Nipsic. Three vessels of the German navy,
also in the harbor. shared with our ships the
force of the hurricane and suffered even
more heavily. While mourning the brave
officers and men who died, facing with high
resolve perils greater Than those of battle,
it is most gratifying to state that the credit
of the American navy for seamansiip.
courage and generosity was magniHcentiy
sustained in the storm-bcaten harbor Of
Amin.
The Hot Springs star. (Hot Spings [Hot Springs], Dakota [Dakota Territory, i.e. S.D.]) 1886-189?, 1889-12-13
MUST PAY THE DIFrERENcE.

l think it is clear that If We should make
the coinage of silver at the present rates FREQ
we must expect the difference in the bullion
value of the gold and silver dollars will be
taken account of in commercial transac.
tions. aud l feRr the same result would fol-
low any col. siderable increase of the present
ratio of coinage. Such a result would be
discreditable to our financial management
and disastrous to all business interests. We
should not tread the dangerous edge of such
a peril, and, indeed, nothing more harmful
could happen to the silver interest.
Any safc legislation upon this subject
must secure the equality of the two coins in
commercial usage. / have always been nh
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 tho treasury for Che issuance of
notes or certificates upon the deposit of sill
YER bullion ut its market value, / have been
able to give only a TASTY examination, owing
to the press of other matters and to The fact
that 1t has been So recently formulated.- The
details of such q 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
r1ency. and at the same time to obviate the
danger of which I have spoken. At a later
day l may communicate further with con-
gross upon this subject.
The Hot Springs star. (Hot Spings [Hot Springs], Dakota [Dakota Territory, i.e. S.D.]) 1886-189?, 1889-12-13
The Wolld,s Fair.

The proposition to observe the 4OOtl, ami.
versary of the discovery of America by the
opening of a worlds fair or exposition in
scented ortfe consideration OF congress. The
value and interest of such an exposition
may we'll claim the promotion of the general
nnYerNfneNf.
The Hot Springs star. (Hot Spings [Hot Springs], Dakota [Dakota Territory, i.e. S.D.]) 1886-189?, 1889-12-13
Trusts.

Earnest attention should be given by con-
cress to a consideration of the question how
far the restraint of those combinations of
capital, commonly called .'trusts." is a mat.
ter of federal jurisdiction. When organ
healthy competition, TO monopolize the pro.
duction or sale of mn article of commercial
and general necessity, they are dangerous
conspirac,es against the public good, and
should be lmade the subject of prolibtory
and even penal legislation.
The Hot Springs star. (Hot Spings [Hot Springs], Dakota [Dakota Territory, i.e. S.D.]) 1886-189?, 1889-12-13
A Bankrupt Law.

The enactment OF n national bnnkrupt law
of II character 10 he a permanent part of our
general legislation is desirable. 1t should
be simple IN lis methods and inexpensive in
its administration.
The Hot Springs star. (Hot Spings [Hot Springs], Dakota [Dakota Territory, i.e. S.D.]) 1886-189?, 1889-12-13
The COurta

The assault made by David 8. Terry upon
the person Of Justice Field, Of the supreme
court Of the United States at Lathrop, CAL,
in August last, and the killing Of the assa,l.
ant by . deputy United States marshal, who
The Hot Springs star. (Hot Spings [Hot Springs], Dakota [Dakota Territory, i.e. S.D.]) 1886-189?, 1889-12-13
The Postoflice Dcpartment.

The report of the postmastcr- general not
only exhibits tho 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 ono 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-
gnged in the trade can understand.
The saving of one day in the
transmission of the mails between New
York md San Francisco. which has recently
been accomplished. is an incident worthy Of
mention.
The plan suggested of the supervision of
the postofice in separate districts. that shall
involve instruction and suggestion. and a
rating of the efficiency of the postmastcrs
would, lhave no doubt, materially improve
the service.
a wHACK AT II LOTTERIES.
The unsatisfactory state of law relating to
the transmission through tho mail of lot
terry advertisements and rcmittances ia
clearly stated by the postmaster general,
and his suggestion as to amendments should
have your favorable consideration.
The Hot Springs star. (Hot Spings [Hot Springs], Dakota [Dakota Territory, i.e. S.D.]) 1886-189?, 1889-12-13

because Of its effect upon the business 81
tas country and Of the great difficulty by
reason Of ths wide divergence Of opinion a.
20 the objects that may be promoted By such
legislation. Some
DISTURBANCE OF HUsrNEss MAY,
perhaps, result from a consideration Of this
subject ~ congress, but this temporary ILL
elect will be reduced TO the minimum by
prompt action and the assurance which the
will be 90 made as not to impair the Just and
reasonable protection of our home indus.
tries. Tue inequalities of the law should be
adjusted, but the protective principles
should be maintained and fairly applied to
the products of our farms as well as our
shops.
These duties necessarily have relation 10
other things beside the public revenues We
cannot limit their effects by fixing our eyes
upon the public treasury alone. They have
q direct relation to the home production, to
wages and to the commercial Independence
OF our country, and tho wise n patriotic
legislator should enlarge the field of his
vision to include all of these. The neces-
sary
REDUCTION IN U PrBr.lc REVENUES
Can, / am sure, be made without making
the smaller burden more onerous than the
limitations which the process Of reduction
puts upon both capital and labor. The free
list can very safely he extended by placing
thereon articles tint do not offer Injurious
competition to such domestic products as
our home labor can supply. The removal
of the internal tax upon tobacco would re-
a burden which was imposed only because
our revenue from custom duties was insult
tcient for the public needs. If q safe pro-
vision against fraud can he devised the re-
moval of tho tax IN spirits used III the arts
aud in manufacturers would also offer an
Objectionable method of reducing the sur
The Hot Springs star. (Hot Spings [Hot Springs], Dakota [Dakota Territory, i.e. S.D.]) 1886-189?, 1889-12-13
Peace ana Plcn;y ut uomc.

Within our borders a general condi-
ton of prosperity prevails. The lmrvests of
the last summer were exceptionally abun-
dait, and the trado conditions now prevail
ing seem to promise IL successful season TO
the merchant and tho manufacturer. and
general eMployment to our working nannie.
The Hot Springs star. (Hot Spings [Hot Springs], Dakota [Dakota Territory, i.e. S.D.]) 1886-189?, 1889-12-13
THE OLD wooDEN sHIrs

are disappearing almost as fast as the new
ones are being added. These facts carry
their vi argument. One of the new ships
may in fighting strength be equal to two of
the old, but it cannot do the cruising duties
of two. 1t 10 important, therefore, that we
should have a more rapid increase in the
number of serviceable ships.
concur i'll the Recommendation of the
secretary that the construction of eight mr.
nored ships. three gunboats md five tor
pedo bouts be authorized.
The Hot Springs star. (Hot Spings [Hot Springs], Dakota [Dakota Territory, i.e. S.D.]) 1886-189?, 1889-12-13
THE NICARAGUA cANAL.

In pursuance of tie charter granted by
congress and under tine terms of its contract
with the government of Nicaragua, the
lnter-Oceanic Cana: company Inns begun the
construction of the important water way be-
tween the two oceans which its organization
contemplatcs: Grave complications for a
posed conflict of jurisdiction between Mica
ragua and Costa Rica in regard to the ac-
csasory privileges to be conceded By the latter
republic toward the construction of works
on tho San Juan river, of which the right
hank 10 Costa Rica territory. I am happy
% learn that a friendly ARRANGEMENT has
been Effected etwee the two nations. This
government has held ttsslt ready TO promots
The Hot Springs star. (Hot Spings [Hot Springs], Dakota [Dakota Territory, i.e. S.D.]) 1886-189?, 1889-12-13

As q rule it is not wise to tell Ill.
one knows, though it is highly sxpedi.
ent to know oil one tells.