Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1893-12-15

l0CT6oD6 LOT tIic ycoI Vi Viz ,fVf ,SfO. Eo- |
our population at " ,426, 600 at
the time mentioned, the per capita circu
lation was $25.49.. The recent repeal of |
the provision Of law requiring the pur-
chase Of silver bullion by the govern
ment as q feature OF our monetary system
will make change in the complexion of
our currency affairs. do not doubt that
the ultimate result Of this act will be
most salutary and far-reaching. In the |
nature OF things, however, it 10 impossi-
BILE 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 con-
ditions appear to be essential or expedi-
emit. OF course after the recent financial
perturbation time is necessary for the re-
establishment of business confidence.
When, however, through this restored
confidence the money which has been
frightened into hiding places is returned
to trade and enterprise, survey Of the
situation will probably disclose safe
path leading to permanently sound
currency.
THE INFAMOUS FEE SYSTEM.
1t is gratifying to note that we have
begun to attain completed results in the
comprehensive scheme OF sea coast de-
tense and Notifications entered upon
eight years ago. l cannot too heartily
endorse the proposition that the fee sys-
tenn, az applicable to the compensation
OF United States marshals, clerks OF fed
eral courts and United States commits
sioners, should be abolished with az little
DELAY as possible. 1t is clearly in the
interest Of the community that the bust
ness VI the courts, both circuit and GRIM
inal, be 40 small and inexpensively trans
! acted az the ends Of justice will allow.
| The system ia therefore thoroughly
vicious which makes the compensation
Of court officials depend upon the volume
OF such business.
THE POSTAL DEPARTMENT.
The report of the postmaster general
contains detailed statement of the oper
atoms of the postoffice department dur
ing the last fiscal year. The business Of the
mails indicate with absolute certainty the
condition of the country, and depression
in financial affairs invariably and quickly
effect postal revenues. Therefore large
discrepancy between the postoffice re-
ceipts and expenses is the unavoidable
result Of the distressing stringency which
has prevailed throughout the country
during much of the time covered by the
postmaster generals report.
AN EFFECTIVE NAVY.
Since 1886 congress has authorized the
building Of one or more vessels, and the
secretary Of the navy presents an earnest
plea fof the continuance Of the plan.
He recommends the authorization Of at
least one battle chip and six torpedo
boats. am distinctly in favor Of con.
sistently pursuing the policy we have
inaugurated Of building an effective navy.
THE PENSION PROBLEM.
On the 30th day Of June 1898, there
we're on the pension rolls ,Ol2 names
an increase Of SO ,944 over the number on
, the rolls June 80, 1892. The number
added to the rolls during the year was
l23, 1884 and the number dropped wal
81, $50, the discovery having been made
J that many names had been put upon thu
. pension roll by means of wholesale ant
gigantic fraud. The commissioner sus
pended payments upon q number o
pensions which seem to be fraudulent u
unadvised, upon complete examination
giving notice to the pensioners in orde
that they might have an opportunity Il
j.. establish if possible the justice Of thei
claims, notwithstanding the apparen
invalidity. Thousands Of neighborhood
have their we'll known fraudulent pen
-. sioners and recent developments by tn
!. bereau establish an appalling conspirac
:, to accomplish pension frauds. By n
" means the least wrong done 10 to tn
brave and deserving pensioners
who certainly ought not to be con
l. demned to endure such fraud. Thos
r who attempt in the line of duty
10 rectify those wrongs should not be az
If cused Of etrity or Indifference to tn
j. claims Of veterans. The sum expende
= on account Of pensions for the year enc
?. ing June 80. 1893, WAS 1856. TAO, 467. l.
It The commissioner estimates that $l65
3. zoo, 900 will be required to pay pension
y the year ending June 30. 1894
Of wAsTEFUL DISTRIBUTION OF SEEDS.
l. The exports OF agricultural produc
from the United States for the fiscal ye,
he ending June 30, 1892, reached the emo
.. nous hgure Of 5000, 000,00O in rour
IL numbers, being 1877 per cent Of our Il
j. tai exports in the year 1889. The col
10 gress appropriated 100000, to be take
IN from the patent Office funds, for the pu
n pose of collecting and distributing "a
O. and improved varieties of seeds, and +
10 the present agricultural investigation
b. and procuring agricultural statistic
is From this small begirNing the seed {
I'D vision Of the department has grown to
of present unweildy and unjustifiab
n extravagant proportions. During the Ia
ne fiscal year the cost of seeds purchas
n was $66, 548.6l. The remainder Of its q
OH preparation is expended in putting the
,r- up and distributing them. 1t sure
Ir. never could have entered the minds
W. those who fret sanctioned appropriate
IT, of public money for the purchase OF nj
en- and improved varieties OF seeds for gr
re- uitous distribution that from this wou
nd grow large appropriations for the pl
by chase and distribution by membt
OF Of congress of ordinary seeds, bulbs a
Tor cuttings, which are common in all
,ur states end territories and every wht
it easily obtained at low prices in ca
Die state and territory. Experiment 8
'as tons have been established and the
me stations by their character and name 6
as the proper agencies to experiment VI
he and test new varieties of seeds, and ,
this indiscriminate and wasteful dist
air button by legislation and Legislators CT
Ia tinues to answer no purpose unless it
in. to remind continents that their repress
he tatives are willing to remember tn
ties with great public cost. Under this
mt ton of legislation there was sent Out
he the agricultural department during
, ia last fiscal year an enormous amount
The flower and vegetable seeds, sufficient
to planted, to cover SO, 565 acres Of land.
oil THE CIVIL SERVICE.
The continued intelligent execution
the civil service law and the increas
the approval by the people OF its operat
o. are most gratifying | am, il possil