Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-12-04

ilOuSldTy SCueIhc has ulduG al elllTc
change in the complexion of our currency
affairs. I do not doubt that the ultimate
result Of this action will be most salutary
and far-reaching. In the nature Of things,
however. 1t lis impossible to know at this
time precisely what conditions will be
brought about by the change, or what II
any. supplementary legislation may, in the
light Of such conditions, appear to be es-
sential or expedient. OF course, after the
recent financial perturbation, time ia neces-
sary for the re-establishment Of business
confidence. When, however. through this
restored confidence the money which has
been frightened into boarding places Is
returned to trade and enterprise, survey
Of the situation will probably disclose a
safe path leading to a permanently sound
currency. abundantly sufficient to meet
every requirement of our increasing popu-
lation and business.
In the pursuit Of this object we should
resolutely turn away from alluring and
temporary expedients, determined to be
content with nothing less than a lasting
and comprehensive financial plan. In these
circumstances 1 am convinced that a rea-
sonable delay in dealing with this subject
instead Of being injurious. will increase the
probability of wise action.
The Monetary Conference which assem-
bled at Brussels upon our invitation was
adjourned to the Both day Of November in
the present year. The considerations Just
stated and the fact that definite PROPOSE
ton from US seemed to be expected upon
the reassembling of the conference, led me
to express a willingness to have the meet
ing still further postponed.
1t seems to me that 1t would be wise to
give general authority to the President to
invite other nations to such a conference
at any time when there should be a fair
prospect of accomplishing an International
agreement on the subject of coinage.
The Bond Question.
I desire also to earnestly suggest the
wisdom Of amending the existing statutes
in regard to the issuance of government
bonds. The authority now vested in the
Secretary Of the Treasury to issue bonds
is not as clear as 1t should be. and the
bonds authorized are disadvantageous to
the government both as to the time of
their maturity and rate Of interest
The Superintendent Of Immigration,
through the Secretary of the Treasury. re-
ports that during the last fiscal year there
arrived at our ports 440. 793 Immigrants
OF these 1.O63 were not permitted to land
under the limitations of the law, and 577
were returned to the countries from whence
they came by reason Of their having be-
come public charges. The total arrivals
were 141.O34 less than for the previous year.
National Quarantine.
The Secretary in his report gives an ac-
count Of the operation of the Marine-Hos-
pital Service and Of the good work done
under Its supervision In preventing the en-
trance and spread Of contagious diseases.
The admonitions Of the last two years
touching our public health and the demon
strated danger of the introduction Of con-
tagious diseases from foreign ports have in
vested the subject Of national quarantine
with increased interest more general
and harmonious system than now exists,
acting promptly and directly everywhere,
and constantly operating by preventive
means to shield our country from the inva-
sion OF disease, and at the same time hav-
ing due regard to the rights and duties Of
local agencies. would. believe. add greatly
to the safety Of our people.
The Army.
The Secretary of War reports that the
strength of the Army on the goth day of
September last was 25.17s enlisted men and
.144 officers.
The total expenditures Of the Department
for the year ending June 3d. 1898. amounted
to $51, OCT. 074s9. OF this sum. s, e92, 5s1 95
was for salaries and contingent expenses,
$23,3I7, S2S35 for the support Of the military
establishment. s6,077 .033. Is for miscellaneous
objects. and S20.51S. G31. IL for public works
This latter sum includes $1b, 296, SIC. 40 for
river and harbor improvements and 50. $685.
141.20 for Notifications and other works Of
defense.
The total enrolment Of the militia Of the
several States was. on the 31st Of Octobe:
of the current year. 112. 59I officers and en-
listed men. The officers of the Army de-
tailed for the inspection and instruction Of
this reserve of our military force report
that increased interest and marked prog
ress are apparent In the discipline and
efficiency Of the organization.
Neither Indian outbreaks nor domestic
violence have called the Army into service
during the year, and the only active mill
tary duty required Of it has been in the
Department Of Texas. where violations Of
the neutrality laws Of the United States
and Mexico were promptly and efficiently
dealt with by the troops. eliciting the warm
approval of the civil and military authori-
ties of both countries.
The operation of wise laws and the in
fluences of civilization constantly tending to
relieve the country from the dangers Of
ing ability Of the States. through the eff
cheney Of the National Guard organizations.
to protect their citizens from domestic vio-
lence, lead to the suggestion that the time
is fast approaching when there should be a
reorganization of our Army on the lines of
the present necessities of the country. This
change contemplates neither increase in
number nor added expense, but a redistri-
button Of the force and an encouragement
Of measures tending to greater efficiency
among the men and Improvement of the
service.
The adoption Of battalion formations for
infantry regiments. the strengthening Of the
artillery force. the abandonment OF smaller
and unnecessary posts. and the massing of
the troops at important and accessible sta
tions. all promise to promote the usefulness
Of the Army. In the judgment Of Army
officers, with but few exceptions. the opera
ton Of the law forbidding the re-enlist-
ment OF men after ten years service has not
proved lis wisdom. and while the argu-
ments that led to its adoption were not
without merit, the experience of the year
constrains me to join in the recommends
ton for its repeal.
Sea Coast Defenses.
1t is gratifying to note that we have be-
gun to attain completed results in the COM
prehensive scheme of seacoast defense and
fertilization. entered upon eight years ago.