davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1891-12-16
The Postal Service.

In the report OF the Postmaster General some
very gratifying results are exhibited aud many
betterments OF the service suggested. Ocean
mail postoffices have boon established upon the
steamers of the North German Lloyd and Ham
burg Lines, saving by the distribution on ship
board. from two to fourteen hours time
Eight thousand miles OF now postal service
have been established upon railroads the car
distribution TO substations In the great cities
havo been. increased about II per cent, while
the percentage of errors in distribution has,
during the:past year been reduced over one
half.
An appropriation was given by the last on
gress for the purpose Of making some expert
ments In free delivery in the smaller cities and
toyns. The results of those experiments have
been 20 satisfactory that the Postmaster Gen
eral recommends, and l concur in the recon-
mendation, that the free delivery system be at
once extended to towns OF 500 population. 1t
is not just that the farmer who receives his
mail at neighboring town should not only be
compelled to send to the postofice for ii, but
also TO pay considerable rent for a box in which
to place IL or to wait his turn at a general de-
livery window, while the city resident has his
mail brought TO his door. l also recommend
the extension OF the money order system.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1891-12-16
Surplus Revenues.

The presence of a largo cash surplus In the
Treasury has for many years been the subject
OF much unfavorable criticism and has ur-
nished an argument TO those who have desired
to place the tariff upon a purely revenue basis.
IL was agreed by all that the vi hdrawal from
circulation OF so large an amount OF money was
an embarrassment to the business OF the coun-
try and made nece ssary the interv ntion OF tho
department at frequent intervals TO relieve the
threatened monetary panics. The surplus
on March i, 1889, was Sl6J, 1927, 1922. The
policy OF applying this surplus to the
redemption of the interest bearing securities of
the United States Is thought to be preferable
to that OF depositirg 1t without interest in Sc
lected national banks. There have been re-
deemed since the date last mentioned OF inter-
est bearing securities S25907s,s5' resulting In
reduction OF the annual interest charge of Sill
6s4,C75 The money which Ind been deposited
in banks without interest has been gradually
Withdrawn and used In the redemption OF
bonds.
The result of this policy Of the silver legisla-
ton, and OF the refunding OF the 4a per cent.
bonds, has been Il large increase of the money
In circulation. Atsthe date last named the cir
culatfon was 81, s0l q 1885, or S23 03 per capita
while on the first day OF December. 1891, it had
increased TO Sl577, 262,07 or s25.96 per capita
The offer OF the Secretary OF the Treasury TO the
holders OF the Az per cent. bonds to extend the
time OF redemption at the option OF the Gov
eminent, at an interest OF per cent. was &C
cepted by the holders OF about one-half the
amount, and the unextended bonds are being
redeemed on presentation.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1891-12-16
D.partmept of Agricultural.

II the establishment Of the Department OF
Agriculture was regarded by any one as mere
conces sion to the unenlighten ned demand of a
worthy class OF people, that impression has been
already attained. It's home influence has been
very great In disseminating agricultural and
horticultural fnformetion In stimulating and
directing further liberalization OF crops in
detecting and eradicating diseases Of dome o. ito
animals and, more than all, In the CLOSE and
informal contact which IL has established and
maintains with the farmers and stock raisers
of the whole country Every request for infor-
nation has had prompt attention and every
suggestion merited consideration. The scien-
and IL pushing its Investigations with method
and enthusiasm.
The inspection by this department OF cattle
and pork products INTENDED for shipment
abroad has been the basis Of the success which
has ate ded our efforts to secure the removal
governments. IL is particularly fortunate
that the increased demand for food prod
ucts, resulting from the removal Of the re-
strictions upon our meats and from the recfp-
rocal trade arrangements TO which have re-
ferrtd, should have come ut n time when tho
agricultural surplus is 80 large. without the
help thus derived, lower prices would have pro-
vailed. The Secretary Of Agriculture esti-
mates that the restrictions upon the importa-
ton Of our pork products into Europe lost us a
market for go, O00 worth OF these products
annually.
The grain crop of this year was the largest In
our history, 80 per cent. greater than that OF
last y ear, and yet the new markets that have
been ,pened and the larger demand resulting
from short crops in Eu ope, have sustained
plus OF meats and breadstuffs will be marketed
ut good prices bringing relief and prosperity to
an industry that was much depres sed. The
value Of the grain crop Of the United
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1891-12-16
The Chinese Question.

The enforcement of the Treasury Department
OF the law prohibiting the coming of Chinese to
tho United States has been effective as to such
as seek TO land from vessels entering our ports.
The result has been to divert the travel to ves-
sells entering the ports of British Columbia,
whence passage into the United States at OBJ
scure points along the Dominion boundary :
easy. The Dominion Government collects a
head tax OF $50 from every Chnaman entering
Canada, and thus derives a considerable reve-
nue. from those who only its ports to reach
position OF advantage to evade our exclusion
laws.
There seems to be satisfactory evidence that
the business OF passing Cinnamon through
Canada to the United States is organized and
quite active. The Department OF Justice has
construed the laws TO require the return of any
Chinaman found TO be unlawfully in this coun-
try TO China as the country from which he came,
Notwithstanding the fact that he came by way
OF Canada. This construction robs tho law OF
all effectiveness and recommt nd such legisla-
ton as will remedy defects in the law.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1891-12-16
Irrigating Arid Territories.

The repo OF the Secretary exhibits, with in
teresting fullness, the condition of the Terri
tories. They have shar with the States the
great increase In products, and are bringing
yearly large areasinto cultivation by extending
their irrgating canals. This work Is being
done by individuals or local corporations, and
without that system which a full pre-
liminary survey Of tIe water supply and of
the irrigable lands would enable then1to adopt.
The future of the Territories of New Mexico,
Arizona and Utah In, their material growth and
In the increase, independence and happiness
of their people ia very largely dependent upon
wise and timely legislation either by Congress
or their own Legislatures. regulating
the distribution oil the water supply
furnished by their streams. II this mat
ter Is much longer neglected. private corpor-
atoms will have unrestricted control
of one Of the elements of life Of the arid lands.
The United States should part with it's owner
ship OF the water sources and the sites for res
ervoirs whether to the States and Territ cries
or to individuals or corporations, only upon
conditions that will insure to the settlers their
proper water supply upon equal and reasonable
terms.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1891-12-16
Frauds Against the Suffrage.

An attempt was made in the>lnst Congress to
bring to bear the constitutional powers of the
against the suffrage. Il is important to know
whether the Of position to such meas
ures is really rested in particular feat
includes any proposition to give TO the election
laws OF the Tilted States adequacy to the COR
rtction OF grave and acknowledged evils.
to secure n calm, patriotic consideration of
such constitutional or statutory changes
as may be necessary to secure the choice
OF the officers OF the Government to the
people by fair appointments and free elections.
believe 1t would be possible to constitute a
commission non-partisan in It's membership,
and composed or patriotic, wise aud impartial
men, to whom a consideration of the question OF
the evils connected with our election syst6m and
methods might be committed with good pros
poet OF securing unanimity In some plan for re-
moving or mitigating those evils. The onstf.
tuition would permit the selection of the
commission TO be vested in the Supreme Court.
II that method would give the best guaranty OF
impartialty.
While the policies of the General Government
upon the tariff, upon the restoration OF our
merchant marine upon river aud harbor i'm
provements and other such matters of gray,
and general concern are liable TO be turned this
way or that by the results OF Compression
elections and administrative policies, some
times involving Issues that tend to peace
or war, to be turned this way or that
by the results OF Presidential election,
there 10 rightful interest in all the states and
In every Congressional district that will not be
deceived or silenced by the audacious pretense
that tho question OF the right OF any body of
legal voters in any state. or I'm any Con-
gressional district, to give their snflrages
freely upon these general questions is a
matter only OF local concern or control The
demand that tho limitation OF suffrage shall be
found I'm the law, and only there, is Just de-
mand, and no Just man should resent or resist
IL. My appeal Is, and must continue to be- for
n consultation that shall proceed with candor
calinness and patience upon the lines Of justice
and humanity, not OF prejudice aud cruelty"
To the consideration OF these very grave cues
lions invite not only tho attention OF Con-
gress, but that OF all patriotic citizens. A
trust, momentous In its influence upon our
people and upon the world. is for n brief
time committed TO us. and we must not be
faithless to it's first condition--the defense OF
the free and equal influence of the people In
the choice OF public officers and In tho control
of public Affairs.
(SigneD BENJAMIN HARRrsoN.
ExEcuIIvK MAisios. Dso 4 1874
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1891-12-16
Other Foreign Relations.

/ renew the recommer dation Of my special
message dated January l6 1s0J, for the adoption
OF tho necessary legi station TO enable this
Government to apply in the case of Sweden and
Norway the same rule In respect TO the levying
OF tonnage dues as was claimed and secured to
the shipping of the United States in 1923 under
Article of the treaty of 1927.
The adjournment of the Senate without &C.
tion on tue pending acts for the suppression OF
the slave traffic in Africa and for the reform OF
the revenue tariff offthe independent State OF
the Congo left this Government unable to ex-
cha Sc those acts on the date hxed. July 2, 1891.
A modus viyendi has been concluded by which
the power OF the Congo state to levy duties on
imports Is left unimpaired, and by agreement
OF all the signatories TO the general slave trade
act, the time FOR the exchange of notifications on
the part OF the United States has been extended
TO Feb. 2, 1892.
The late outbreak against foreigners In vari-
Gus parts OF the Chinese Empire has been the
cause OF deep concern in vie of the numerous
establishments OF our citizens in the interior Of
that country. This Government can do no less
than insist upon continuance of the protective
and punitory measures which the Chinese Gov
eminent has heretofore applied. No effort will
be omitted to protect our citizens peaceably So
Journfng In Chfpa. but recent unofficial infor-
nation indicates that what was at first regard.
cd as an outt reak of mob violence against for
eigners has assumed the large form Of
an insurrection against public order.
The Chinese Government has declined to
receive MIR. Blair IA the Minister of the United
States on the ground that, as participant. while
Senator. In the enactment of the existing leg
tslation against the Introduction of Chinese
laborers. he has become unfriendiy and objec-
tionable to China. have felt constrained to
point out TO the Chinese government the I'M
condolences OF this position which seems TO
to rest as much on the unacceptability of our
Legislation as on that OF the person chosen and
which IL admitted would practically debar the
selection OF any representative so long as tho
existing laws remain In force.
You will he called upon TO consider the expe-
diency OF making special provision by law for
temporary admission of some Chinese arti sans
and laborers In connection with the exhibit OF
Chinese I'm. ustries ut the approaching Column
bfan Exposition. i regard IL desirable that
the Chinese exhibit be facilitated In every
proper way.
The government and people OF Spain propose
to celebrate the four hundredth anniversary OF
the discovery OF America by holding an exposi-
ton at Madrid, which will open on the 18th of
September and continue until the 31st OF De-
cember, 1s IS. A cordial invitation has been ex-
tended TO the United States TO take part I'm this
commemoration and, as spain was one OF the
first nations TO express the intention 10 partici-
pate in the Worlds Columbian Exposition at
Chicago. IL would be appropriate for this gov
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1891-12-16
The Pension Bureau.

Tho administration of the Pension Bureau
has boon characterized during the year by great
diligence. The total number OF pensioners up
on the rolls on the tn day of June, 1891 was
676, 100. There were allowed during the fiscal
year ending at that time go, 575 cases. OF this
number 1U2337 were allowed under the act
of Juno 81, $780, The issuing Of certificates
has been proceeding at the rate OF about
Ing cash under the new law. The Commissioner
expresses the opinion that he viii be able to
carefully adjudicate and allow $4,000 claims
during the present fiscal year. The appropria-
tion for the payment OF pensions for the fiscal
year 1sl0-91 was S127, 6s5 793. 80 and the amount
expended Sis, $50, GAO 25 leaving an unexpended
surplus OF 80, 1855, 144.64.
The Commissioner is quite confident that
appropriation, notwithstanding the rapidity
with which the work is being pushed. The mis-
take which has been made by many In their ex-
aggerated estimates of the cost of pensions Is
in not taking account Of the diminished
valne OF first payments under the recent
legislation. These payments, under the gen.
eral lazy, have been for many years very
large, as the pensions, when allowed, dated
from the time OF filing the claim, and most or
these claims had been pending for years. The
relatively small and, as the per cent. OF these
cases increases and that OF the old cases
diminishes the annual aggregate of first pay
ments Is largely reduced. The commissioners,
under date OF Nov. -, furnishes me with the
statement that during the list four months
113, 175 certificates were issued, 81 1913 under the
general law and 25,262 under the act OF
June "a, 1890. The average first payment dur
ing these four months was $13l.Sj while the
average first payment upon cases allowed dur
ing the year ending June 80, 1891, was S239.33.
The estimate for pension expenditures for the
next fiscal year ending June So 1898, is Sl4i,-
956, GOO, which. after a careful examination OF
the subject the Commissioner IL of the opinion
will be- sufficient.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1891-12-16
Civil Service.

The rep 1T OF the Civil Service Commiss on
should receive tho careful attention OF the oppo-
nents. as well as tho friends, Of this reform.
The commi ssion invites personal inspection
of its records and methods. The efforts or the
several executives departments have been di-
rected TO establish at once an efficiency record
as the basis OF n comparative 'ating OF the
clerks within tho ella sified service. with a
yisw to placing promotions therein upon the
basis of merit am confident that such a
record, fairly kept and open 10 the inspection of
those interested, will powerfully stimulate the
work of the departments and will be accepted
by all as placing the troublesome matter OF pro-
motions upon a just basis. recommend that
the appropriations for the Civil Service Com
mission be made adequate TO the increased
work OF the next fiscal year.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1891-12-16
Indian Affairs.

The report of the Secretary OF the Interior
shows that very gratifying progress has been
made in all OF the bureaus which make up that
complex and difficult department The work in
the Bureau OF Indian Affairs was perhaps never
so large as now by reason Of the numerous
negotiations which have been proceeding with
the tribes for reduction OF the reservations.
The providing OF adequate school facilities for
Indian children and the locating of adult In
dams upon farms involve the solution of the
Indian question"
It has been my thought that the Government
school and school building upon the reserva-
ton should be absorbed by the school systems
OF the States and Territories but 1t has been
found necessary TO protect the Indian against
the compulsory alienation OF his land by ex.
empting him from taxation for q period of
twenty-five years, IL would seem to be
right that. the General Government. cer-
tainly where there are, tribal funds
school fund OF the State what would be equiva-
lent TO the local school tax upon the property
OF the Indian. There is great advantage,
mixed schools This process will be gradual,
and In the meantime the present educational
provisions and arrangements, the result OF the
best experience OF those who have been charged
with this work, should be continued.
The outbreak among the Sioux which occurred
in December last is. az to its causes and incl
dents, fully reported upon by the War Depart
ment and the department of the Interior That
these Indians had some just complaints IN prob
and turbulent, and their warriors were excited
by their m dicine men aud chiefs. who preached
the coming OF an Indian messiah, who was
to give them power to destroy their
enemies. In view of the alarm that pr vailed
among the white settlers near the II servation
and Of the fatal consequences that would have
resulted from Indian incursion, placed at
the disposal of General Miles, commanding the
Division OF the Missouri oil such forces as were
thought by him TO be required. He IA entitled
to the credit Of having given thorough protec-
ton TO the settlers and OF bringing the hostiles
into subsection with the least possible loss OF
life.
The appropriation of 1901 $50 for tho Choc-
taws and Chickasaws contained I'm Indian APP
preparation bill OF March 3, 1891, has not been
expended, for the reason that I have not yet
approved release to the Government OF the
Indian claim TO the lands mentioned This mat
ter will be made the subject of special mes
sage, placing before Congress all the facts which
have come to my knowledge.
The relation Of the i've civilized tribes, now
occupying the Indian Territory, to the United
states. is not, believe. that best calculated TO
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1891-12-16
Utah and POlygamy.

The legislation OF Congress for the repression
OF polygamy has, after years of resistance on
the part OF the Mormons, at last brought them
to the conclusion that resistance Is improbable
and unavailing. The power of Congress over
this subject should not be surrendered until
we have satisfactory evidence that the peo-
pie of the State to be created would exer-
else the exclusive power of the State
over this subject in the same way. The ques-
tion is not whether these people now obey the
would they make enforce and maintain such
laws themselve IL absolutely free to regulate
the subject? We cannot afford to experiment
with this subject, for when a State Is once con-
stituted the act is final, and any mistake ire
trieyable.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1891-12-16
The NAVY.

The report of the Secretary OF the Navy shows
gratifying increase of new naval vessels In
commission. When IL is recollected that the
work OF building modern navy was only ini-
tiated In 1888, that our naval constructors and
ship-builders were practically without expert
ence in the construction Of large iron or steel
ships. the progress that has been made Is highly
satisfactory / common TO your favorable
consideration the recommendations of she Sec
rotary, who has, am sure, giver to them most
conscientious study. There should be no hest
tntion in promptly completing navy of the
best modern type large enough to enable this
country to display its flag in all seas for the
protection Of its citizens and of it's extending
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1891-12-16
The CHILEAN Complications.

3 civil war In Chill. which began I'm Janu-
hst. was continued, but fortunately with
'quent and not important armed collisions,
| August 20, when the congressional forces
ID near Valparaiso, and after a bloody en-
.nent captured that city, President Balma-
BIT onoe recognized that his cause was lost
provisional government was speedily es-
Shed by the Notorious party Our Minister
promptly directed TO recognize and put
Iff I'm communication with this govern
las it should have established its de facto
bier. which was done. During the PEN
of this civil contest frequent Indirect APP
were made TO this Government TO extend
INT rights 10 the insurgents and TO give
Zoe to their representatives. This was
cd. and that policy was pursued through
hioh~ this Governmen- [, when wronched by
var 90 strenuoasly insisted upon on the
European nations.
ItAtA. An armed vessel commanded by
ofioer OF the insurRent feet, name by
Ilore and with soldiers on board, was
under process Of tho United States Court
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1891-12-16

States 10 estimated by the secretary
to DO this year Ave hundred million dollars
ATTY millions more; and Of all products OF the
farm, seven hundred millions more. IL Is not
inappropriate, think, here 10 suggest that our
safisfacfion In the contemplation OF this mar
yelous addition TO the national wealth ia un-
cIouded by any suspicion OF the currency by
which IL Is measured and In which the farmer
Is pa d for the product OF his fields.
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1891-12-16
The ARMY.

the results of an intelligent, progressive, aud
business-like administration OF a department
which has been too much regarded as one of
mere routine. The work of securing sites for
shore batteries for harbor defense and the man.
ufacture of mortars end'guns of high power to
equip them have made good progress during the
. year.
The project of enlisting Indians received my
approval. Seven companies n we been coni-
pletely organized, and seven more are in pro-
cess OF organization. The results of six months
training have more than r allied the highest
anticipations
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1891-12-16
The Flow OF Gold.

The exports OF gold TO Europe. which began I'm
February last and continued until the close of
July, aggregated over 700OO.000. The net loss of
gold during tho fiscal year nearly S68 900 900.
That no serious monetary disturbance resulted
was most gratifying, and gave 20 Europe fresh
evidence OF the strength and stability of our
financial institutions. With the movement OF
crops he outflow OF gold has speedily stopped
aud a return set in. Up TO Dec we had recov-
cred OF our gold loss at the port Of New York
81, $4,000
The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1891-12-16
Progress of the Census.

The work Of the Census Bureau is now far In
advance and the great bulk OF the enormous Ia
Dor involved completed. 1t will be more strictly
statistical exhibit and less incumbered by
methods pursued have been fair, careful and
intelh cent, and have secured the, appro val of
the stats ticians who have followed them with
q scientific and non-partisan interest.