The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1893-12-13

vested the subject OF National quarantine
with increased interest. A more general and
harmonious system than now exists, acting
promptly and directly everywhere, and con-
stanty operating by preventive means to
shield our country from the invasion OF dis
easc, and Mt the Same timo having due re-
gard to the rights and duties OF local agen-
cies, would, believe, add greatly 20 the
safety OF our people.
WORK OF THE ARMY.
Tho Secretary OF War reports that the
strength of the army on the 31th day OF Sep
ten,ber last was 25,77S enlisted men and 214i
officers.
Neither Indian outbreaks nor domestic VIC.
lence have called the army into service dur
ing the year, and the only active military
duty required OF II has been In the Depart
ment Of Texas, where violations OF the neu-
trality laws Of the United States and Mexico
were promptly and efficiently dealt with by
the troops eliciting tho warm approval OF
the civil and military authorities Of both
countries.
posrorFIcE DEPARTMENT.
Thereport OF the Postmaster General con-
tains detailed statement OF the operations
OF the Postoffice Department during the last
fiscal year and much interesting information
touching this important branch OF the pub
lie service.
The business OF the mails indicates with
absolute certainty the condition OF the bust
ness OF the country, and depression in flnan-
cial affairs inevitably and quickly reduces
the postal revenues. Therefore a larger
discrepancy than usual between the postofflce
receipts and expenditures Is the expected
aud unavoidable result OF the distressing
strinoenev which has nrevailed throughout
the country during mueb oftbetime covered
hv tbe postrn,ster Gensr,rs renort
I desire 70 commend as especialiy worthy
OF prompt attention the suggestion of the
Postmaster General relating to a more sensi-
BILE and business-like organization and
better distribution OF responsibility In his
department.
THE NAVY.
Tho ronor. a, ,ha s.cro,,rr a, ,bo N,vv
,onta,ns h,s,orv a, ,ba "nsra,,ons =, hi,
donar.msn, dnrir, tha n,s, va,r ana ay,
bibits a most oratiiving condition oi the ner-
sonnel OF our navy He presents a satisiac-
tory account OF the progress which has been
made In the construction OF vessels, ana
makes number OF recommendations to
which attention Ia especially invited.
Progress in the construction OF new vessels
has not been as rapid as was anticipated.
There have been delays In the completion OF
unarmored vessels, but for the most part they
have been such as are constantly occurring
even In countries having the largest expert
ence lin neutrality-suspicious. The most serious
delays, however, have been In the work upon
ure OF contractors to deliver armor as agreed.
The difficulties seem now, however, to have
been all overcome, and armor Is being deiiv-
cred with satisfactory promptness: AS re-
suit 81 the experience acquired by ship
builders and designers and material men. 1t IL
believed that the dates when vessels will be
completed can now be estimated with reason
able accuracy: Great guns, rapid-iire guns,
torpcdoes and powder are being promptly
supplied.
While am distinctly in favor ot consis.
tently pursuing the policy we have inaugu.
navy, cannot refrain from the suggestion
that the Congress should carefully take into
account the number OF unfinished vessels on
our hands and the depleted condition OF our
Treasury in considering the propriety OF an
appropriation at this time to begin new work
PENSIONS.
r,, a.. Ar,
he sa,,ar, ,s =, aanyaia ,,ai,,a 81 &c.,.
tha an, VI aa oSPeai , Ina isaa au thar, -s
-, a. .awsian Lii oaa 40 nas - a.,
orsase - 90 aia avar ,h. ,n,has on H., an roIis
June an 1909 ~ these tbera usre ssventeen
widows ond a.rnhters ~ pavoiu,;nnar,, ~,
soIdiers siahty'siy snrv,vors Of tba Wa ~
Isio ka5s wldows ~ soidiara ~ That war
o. Sis s,wvixors and wi5o,ys ns ths
Mayicor i war asso surviSors and
w,dows q, Indian wars osi Army
rurses and AK ea5 aurviyora and uidows
and children Of deceassd soldiers and
sailors Of the Rehe,,ion The ,atter nvrhar
represents those pensioned on account Of
disabilities or death resulting from army
and navy service. The number OF persons
remaining on the rolls June 80, 1893, who
were pensioned under the act OF June 27,
1890, which allows pensions on account OF
death and disability not chargeable TO army
service, was ass, 1856.
The number added to the rolls during the
year was 123. .634, and the number dropped
was 80, $50. The first payments on pensions
allowed during the year amounted to $33,
756,549.9. This includes arrears, or the
accumulation between the time from which
the allowance OF pension dates and the time
OF actually granting the certificate.
Although the law OF 1890 permits pensions
for disabilities not related to military service
yet as requisite to its benefits disability
must exist incapacitating applicants from
the performance OF manual labor to such q
degree as to render them unable to earn
support" The execution OF this law In IT.
early stages does not seem to have been IN
accord with its true intention but towards
the close OF the last administration an autho
| ritattyo construction WAS Qiyen TO the statute