The record-union., 1894-12-05

S"Luoa Is complete failure, and advises
that we get out of it without loss of time,
put tnat we do so on terms that will pro-
'ecI our existing rights. This looks very
huch as If we were about to give up COM
pIetely to German, French and English
domination in the Navigator Isles, which,
"hen accomplished, viii speedily finish
up What little commerce we have with
Ihat group. The reason that the Presi-
uent advances for his recommendation is
that Samoa has at all times objected to the
foreign rule set up, and TO which the
Ohlted States was party, and it is not in
keeping with our doctrine of free govern
ment of people under forms and sys-
TENS OF their own creation and erection.
The financial condition Of the republic
is set out in statistical order and fullness
without comment until towards the close
OF the message. The most significant
things in the exhibit are the exposures of
deficits and the estimation of others that
will occur in the next fiscal year. En-
couragement of the militia establish
ments of the several States is wisely ad-
vised. The advice that General Schofield
be distinguished with the title of Lieuten-
ant-General before his retiracy will meet
with the patriotic approval of American
citizens
The reorganization of the Union Pacific
Railroad is pointed out as a necessity,
and 1t is advised to be made on terms as
favorable as possible to the Government,
with due regard for rights of a private
character. For the third time the Pres
ldent urges Congress to provide Federal
prisons as a measure of economv-a
proposition of self-evident wisdom. Free
carriage abuses in the postal service are
adverted to and strong recommendations
advanced for the correction of these and
other postal evils. These matters the
RECORD-UNIoN has treated upon from
time to time and lately in review of the
report of the Postmaster General. Rural
free delivery is advised against because
OF It's great cost under present conditions
by which we assume that the President
means that our country road systems are
lntolerable. He would have served
high and an economic end. had he at this
point have called attention to the good
road agitation and the part the Depart
ment of Agriculture has taken in it.
The President urges upon Congress the
wisdom of ordering more ships of war
battle-ships and torpedo boats especially;
first, because we need them to make our
naval force sufficient; second, because
all present contracts for construction are
closing and plants for manufacture of
armor and guns will be broken up and
the artisans employed disbanded, and the
establishment of the one and the gather
ing of the other, later on, will prove
large measure of cost which the Govern
ment will find reflected in its new con-
tracts when it makes them. Contracts
could be made now, however, while the
Industrial forces are organized, on much
more favorable terms. 1t will be con-
ceded by all Thoughtful people, that these
are sound reasons, but outside of the last
one we need greater naval strength. We
are the least equipped in that direction of
any considerable power on earth, aud
are humiliatingly weak in that arm for
even times of peace, as has been demon
strated in our Intellectual effort to enforce
respect for the rights of our citizens
abroad.
The President bears testimony to the
efficiency and wisdom of civil service
reform, as applied to employment in the
navy yards. He warns Congress that
greater care must be exercised to preserve
our forest reservations, and he advises
that we abandon the policy by which we
are rapidly losing title to public timber
lands. He is assuredly wise in insisting
that common prudence bids US to jeal-
ously sequester our timber supply from
private encroachment. If this is not
done the day will soon be here when we
will have occasion to regret our improvi-
dence.
The erection of non-partisan court to
pass upon contested Government land
cases is advised, because these are so
numerous and involve such labor in re-
view that for the General Land Commits
sioner to pass upon them is an impossi-
bility, if any real review is undertaken.
AS result the final adjudication has be-
come perfunctory, and hence the judg-
ments of inferior officers are of greater
than was ever intended and
more direct than the ends of justice war
rant
Allotment Of lands to Indians in sew
crafty has not in many cases worked
well. Ill-advised allotment, says the
President, makes the later condition of
the Indian miserable. He advises that
army officers be made Indian agents. and
that such reservation lands as remain
alter allotment be not sold, as now, and
opened to settlement; they should be
held for sale for long time if need be
for the relief of the Indians. The Presi-
dent calls attention to the fact that in a
short time the Indian con-
tract schools will give way to the Gov
ernment schools. The full meaning of
this sentence is not disclosed on it's face.
I.