davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1896-12-19
THE NAVY DEPARTMENT..
Construction of Our New Navy.


The work of the navy department and its
| present conditions are fully exhibited in the
report Of the secretary. The construction Of
| vessels for our new navy has beCu energetic
ally prosecuted by the present administrator
upon the general lines previously adopted, the
department having seen no necessity for radi-
cal changes IN prior methods under which the
work was found to be progressing IN a manner
highly satisfactory. 1t has been decided, how-
ever, TO provide in every ship-bullding con-
tract that the builder should pay all trial ex-
penseS, and 1t has also been determined to pay
no speed premiums In future contracts.
The premiums recently earned and some yet
to lie decided are features OF the contracts
made before this conclusion was reached.
On March 4. 1892, there were in commission
but two Grmored vessels, the double-turreted
monitors Miantonomoh and Monterey. Since
that date, OF vessels Heretofore authorized,
there have been placed in their first commits
sion three nrst-ciass and two second-claSs bat
t~leships, two srmored cruisers, one
harbor-Getense RAM, and five double
and the Puritan. Just completed.
Eight new uuarmored cruisers ard two row
gunboats have also been commissioned. The
Iowa, another battleahIp, Will be completed
about March I, and at least four more guuboats
will be ready for sea in the early spring.
Tho War College.
The war college has developed into an lnsti-
tuition which it Is believed will be OF great
war as we'll as in stimulating professional zeal
in. the navy. and it viii be especially useful In
the d~evlsing Of plans for the utilization, in
case OF necessity, OF all the naval resources Of
the United States. The secretary has per-
sistently adhered to tine plan he found in oper-
alton for securing labor u navy yards, through
boards Of labor employment, and has done
much to make 1t more complete AID efficient
Discipline In the Service.
Discipline among the officers and men Of the
navy has been maintained to a high standard,
and the percentage Of American citizens eh-
listed has been very much increased.
She secretary is considering, and will formu-
late during the coming winter, a plan for lay
Ing up ships In reserve. thereby largely reduce
ing the cost OF maintaining our vessels aHoak
The Naval Militia.
The naval militia, which was authorized a
few years ago, as an experiment, has now de-
yeloped into a body OF entcrpriSing young
men, active ard energetic in the discharge OF
their duties, and promising great useful
ness. This establishment has nearly the same
relation to our navy as the national guard in
the different states bears to our army; and II
constitutes a source OF supply for our naval
forces, the Importance Of which is Immediate
ly apparent
The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1896-12-19

which our obligation to the sovereignty Of
Spain will be superseded by higher obligations
by which We can hardly hesitate to recognise
and discharge.
Deferring the choice OF ways and methods
until the time for action arrives, We should
make them depend upon the precise conditions
then existing; and they should not be deter
mined upon without giving careful heed to
every considerable involving our honor and
interest, or the international duty we owe to
Spain. Until We face the contingencies sug-
gested or the situation is by other Incidents
imperatiyely changed, We should continue in
the line Of conduct heretofore pursued. thus in
all circumstances exhibiting our obedience 10
the requirements Of public law and our regard
for the duty enloined upon US by the position
We occupy in the family Of nations.
A contemplation Of emergencies that may
arise should plainly lead US to avoid their
creation, either through q careless disregard OF
present duty or even an undue stimulation End
ili-rimed expression OF feeling. But l have
deemed 1t not dmiss to remind the congress
that a time may arrive when a correct policy
and care for our interests, as well as q regard
for the interests of other nations and their
citizens. joined by considerations of humanity
and a desire to see q rich and fertile country IN
complete devastation, will constrain
our government g. such action as
will subSerre the interests thus involved, and
ut the came time promise TO Cuba and its in
habitants an opportunity to enjoy the bless
ings Of peace.
The Venezuelan Boundary Question.
The Venezuelan boundary question has
ceased TO be n matter OF difference between
Great Britain and the United States, their re-
~s-ective governments having agreed upon the
substantial provisions Of a treaty between
Great Britain and Venezuela submitting the
whole controversy to arbitration. Tho pro-
visions of the treaty are so eminently Just and
fair that the assent of Venezuela thereto may
confidently be anticipated.
Negotiations for q treaty OF general arbitra-
ton for all differences between Great Britain
and the United States are far advanced and
promise to reach q successful consummation at
an early date.
seal Life In BehrinS Sea
We have duri 6 the Inst year labored faith
fully, and against unfavorable conditions, to
secure better preservation OF Seal life n the
Behring sea. Both the United States and
Great Britain have lately dispatched commits
Sioncrs to these waters TO study the habits and
condition OF the seal herd and the causes Of
their rapid decrease. Upon the reports OF
these commissioners, soon 10 be submitted,
ana with the exercise OF patience and good
sense on the part of all interested parties, it Is
earnestly hoped that hearty cooperation may
be secured for the protection against the
Threatened extinction Of seal life in the north
ern Pacific and Behring sea
The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1896-12-19

| time since March e. 1898 A mott radical
/ and sweeping extension was made BY execu-
| tive order, Issued the 9th day OF May, lsed
And II fourth-class postmasterships are NOS
included in the statement 1t may be said thas
practically all positions contemplated by tbs
civil service law are O wclasstied.
The annual report Of the commits ioners win
be duly transmitted, and I m the i'm
portant matter they have In charge to the
careful consideration Of congress.
Inter-Stats Commerce.
The interstate commission has,
during the last yesr. supplied abundant evil
dence OF Its usefulness and the Importance OF
the work committed to its charge. Public
transportation Is a universal necessity. and
the question Of just and reasonable charges
therefor has become OF vital importance. not
only to shippers and carriers, but also to the
vast multitude Of producers and consumers.
In view OF the judicial INTERPRETATION which
some provisions of this statute have received
and the defects disclosed by the efforts made
for its enforcement, its revision ana amend
ment appear 20 be essential, to the end that 10
may more e1ectually reach the evils designed
to be corrected. I hope the recommendations
OF the commission upon this subject will be
promptly and favorably considered by the con-
QreSS-
The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1896-12-19
OUR FINANCIAL SYSTEM.
Weakness and Vices of Our Presen,
Method


This reference to the conditions and pros
poets OF our revenues naturally suggests an
alluSion to the weakness and vices OF our tlual-
ciai method. They have been frequently
pressed upon tie attention Of congress- in
previous communications and the inevitable
danger Of their continued liberation pointed
out without now repeating these details, I
can not refrain from again earnestly present.
ing the necessity Of the prompt reform OF q
system opposed to every rule OF sound finance
AID shown by experience to be fraught with
the graveSt peril and perplexity.
Withdra walls of Gold Obligations.
Because we may be enjoying a temporary re-
lief from It's depressing influence, this should
not luil US into q false security, nor lead us to
forget the suddenncss OF past visitations. / an
more convinced than ever that We can have
no assured financial peace and safety until the
government currency obligations upon which
gold may Ss demanded from the treasury are
Withdrawn from circulation and cancelled.
This might be done, as has been heretofore
recommended, by their exchange for long
term bonds bearing O low rate Of interest or
by their redemption with the proceeds Of such
bonds.
This plan OF issuing bonds for the purpose OF
redemption certainly appears to be the most
effective anG direct path to the needed REFORM
In cafauit " this, however, 10 would be q step
In the Eight direction If currency obligations,
redeema6lc In gold whenever SO redeemed,
Should be cancelled instead OF Ieissued. This
operation would be c slow remedy, but 1t would
improve present conditions
National BaiE Notes
National banks should redeem their OWL
notes. They should he alIo-ed to issue circu-
lation to the par value OF bonds deposited az
security for redemption, and the tax on their
circulation should be reduced to one-fourth OF
one per cent.
In considering projects for the retirement of
the United states notes aud treasury notes is
sued under the new law of 1890, L Am OF the
opinion we have placed too much stress upon
the danger OF Contracting the currency and
have calculated too little upon the gold that
would be added to our circul ton il invited TO
US by better and safer financial methods. 1t Is
not so much contraction OF OUT currency that
should be avoided as It's unequal distribution
The entire case may he presented by the
statement that the day Of sensible and sound
financial methods will not dawn upon us until
our government c5andOrs the banking BUSH
ness and the accumulation Of funds, and con.
fines its monetary operations to the receipt Of
the money contributed by the people for its
support. and the expenditure OF such money
for the peoples beneht-Ou business interests
and all good citizens long for rest from fever
fish agitation, and the inauguration by the
government Of o reformed financial policy
which Will encourage enterprise and make
certain the rewards Of labor and industry.
The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1896-12-19
MONOPOLY.
Trusts and other Aggcegations OF CanIt,I

ATusbs u Il n ALlDnS Ut tHDlC1l.
Another topic in which our people. Faithfully
take a deep interest IIAay be here briefly con-
sidered. Irefer to the existence Of trusts and
other huge aggregatiOnS OF capital, the ob;ecs
OF which is 10 secure the monopoly OF some
particular branch of trade, Industry or COM
merce, and to stife wholesome competition.
When these are defended it is usually on the
ground that, though they increase prices. thew
also reduce prices, ana thus may benefit the
public. II must be remembered. however, that
q reduction OF prices to tine people is not one OF
the real objects OF these organizations, nor In
their tendency necessarily In that direction.
II IL occurs in 4 particular case Il Is ONLY be-
cause 1t accorts with the purposes or interests
OF those managing the scheme.
Though congress has attenped to deal with
this matter By legislation. the lays PASSED FOR
thar purpose thus far have proved fnenectjye.
not because o. any lack OF disposition or At
tempt TO enforce them, but simply because the
laws themselves, as Interpreted by the courts.
OF existing laws cen be rtraedied b. .furth.r
legislation, it should be done.
An Appeal for Economy.
In concluding this communication IT'S last
words shall be an appeal to the congress FOR
the most rigid economy In the expenditure Of
The way to perplsxing extravaganoe Is easy.
but q return to frugalisy Ia cifdoult. When.
however, it is considered that those who besr
the burdens OF taxation have guaranty Of
honest care save In the fidelity OF their pub.
lie servants, the duty Of all possible retrepch-
ment Is plainly manifest,
When Our differences are forgotten, and our
contests Of political opinion are no loncaY rs-
memoered. nothing in the retrr spect Of our
pubic service WI. be ~ fortunate and com.
performed. and the merzory 4 q constant de.
votion to the interests Of our con1ding felIoN
countrymen- GRoyEB
Executive AAnsiez. Decsmhsrh I&&
The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1896-12-19
zen soldiers, upon whose assistance We muss
largely rely In time Of trouble.

During the past year rapid progress has been
made toward the completion Of the scheme
adopted for the erection and armament OF
Notifications along our sea coast, while equal
progress has been made In providing the ma
terial fer submarine defense in connection
with these works
This improved situation is largely due to the
recent generous response OF congress to the
recommendations of the war department
Thus We shall soon have complete about one
fifth Of the comprehensive system, the first
step in which was noted in my message to the
congress of December 4, 1885,.
The experience and result of the past yecr
demonstrate that with q continuation OF pres
ent careful methods the cost OF the remaining
work win be much less than the original esti-
mate. We should always keep in mind that Of
all forms OF military preparation coast 6e-
fense alone is essentially pacific in its nature.
While it gives the sense of security due to a
consciousness OF strength. It is neither the
parpose nor the effect OF such permanent forth
Gcation to involve US in complications, but
rather to guarantee US against them. They Gre
no temptation to war, but security against it
Thus they are thoroughly in accord with all
the traditions Of our national diplomacy.
The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1896-12-19
INTERIOR DEPARTMENT.


The report of the secretary OF the interior
presents a comprehensive and interesting ex-
nibit OF the numerous and important affairs
committed to his supervision. It is impossible
in this communication 70 more than briefly
refer to few Of the SUBJ
jects concerning which the secretary
gives full and instructive information.
1hs money appropriated on account of this
department., ana for its disbursement for the
FISCAL year ended Juue 90, 1896, amounted to
more than si57 10000. or a greater sum than
was appropriated for the entire maintenance
Of the government for the two fiscal years
ended June 30, 1861.
Tbs Public Domain.
Our public lands, originally amounting to
$40. 900 acres, have been 80 reduced that only
about eoJ,0oo,oO acres still remain in govern
ment control, excluding Alaska The ball
Ance, being by far the most valuable porti1k,
has been given sway 70 settlers, to new stztcs
and TO railroads, or sold a. . comparatively
nominal sum
The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1896-12-19
ANNUAL MESSAGE
OF the President of the United
States to Congress.
A Calm, Dispassionate and Conservative
DeIiversnce on the Cuban Cues
~tlon-General Governmental
Affairs Discussed.

WASHINGTON, Dec. Z.-Following is
a synopsis OF the presidents annual
message to congress:
The Late Elections.
To THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES
AS Representatives of the people in the legis-
lative branch Of their government you have as
sembled at q time when the strength and ex-
eellence OF our free institutions and the fitness
OF our citizens TO enjoy popular rule have been
again made manifest A political contest In
yolving momentous consequences fraught with
feverish apprehension and creating aggressive
uess so intense as to approach bitterness and
passion. has been waged throughout our land
and determined by the decree Of free and in
dependent suffrage. without disturbance of our
tranquility or the least sign of weakness in
our national structure.
Obedience to Constitutional Requirement.
In obedience to a constitutional require
mont, I herein submit TO the congress certain
concerning national affairs, with
the suggestion OF such Legislation as in my
Judgment is necessary and eXpedient. To Sc
cure brevity and avoid tiresome narration, l
shall omit many details concerning matters
within federal control, which, though by no
means unimportant, are more probably dis
%ussed in departmental reports.
The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1896-12-19
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
Worthy of Constant Care and Encourage
meni.

The department Of agriculture is SO inti-
mateIy related to the welfare Of our people and
should constantly receive the care
and encouragement Of the government
From q small beginning it has grown to be
the center OF agricultural Intelligence and the
source OF aid and encouragement to agricul-
tUral efforts. Large sums of money are an
nually appropriated for the maintenance OF
this department., and II must be confessed that
the legislation relating to IL has always been
directed in the interest Of practical farming or
properly guarded against waste and exLrava-
gance. So far, however, as public money has
been Appropriated fairly and sensibly to help
those whO actually TIL the soil, no expenditure
has been more prottabIy made or more gener-
ally approved BY the people.
Exports OF Farm Products.
The secretary reports that the value Of our
exports of farm products during the last fiscal
year amounted to $50, 600 ,0Oo, an increase of
$1,000: 00 over those Of the year Immediately
preceding.
This statement Is not the less welcome be-
cause Of the fact that, notwithstanding such In
crease, the proportion OF exported agricultural
products TO our total EXPORTS of ell descrip-
tons fell of during the year. The BENEFITS OF
IN increase IN agricultural products being as
sured, the decrease in It's proportion to our
total export is the more gratifying when We
consider that it Is owing 10 the fact that such
total exports for the year increased more than
SI5,0cO.cOQ
G%Tatuitous Distribution of Seeds.
In my opinion the gratuitous distribution Of
SEEDS BY the department, as 1t present con-
Quoted, ought to Ge discontinued. No one can
re d the statement OF the secretary on this
subject and doubt the extravaganza ane queS-
tionable results OF this practice. The pro-
feSseG friends OF the farmer. and certainly the
farmers themselves, are naturally expected TO
be willing 10 rid u department devoted to the
promotion OF farming interests Of a feature
which tends SO much to Its discredit.
The Weather Bureau.
The weather bureau, now attached to the de-
partment OF agriculture, has continued TO ex-
lend its sphere Of usefulness, ana ~ an unin-
terrupted improvement in the accuracy OF its
forecasts has greatly increased its efficiency
as an aid and protection to all whose occupa-
tions are related to weather conditions.
The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1896-12-19
POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT.
Its Operations During the Past Year.


Our post Office department is IN good condi-
tion and the exhibit mace of its operations
during the fiscal year. ended June 80. 1886, if
allowance is made for imperfectionS in the
laws applicable to it, is very satisfactory. The
total receipts during tie year were $500, sos
10. The total expenditures were S40.626,s $50 81,
exclusive Of 81, b59.SS2.27 which was earned by
the Pacific railroad for transportation, and
credited on their debt to the government
There was an increase OF receipts over the
previous year OF S5,5l6,tso21, or II
per cent, and an increase of expendi-
The deficit was 81 .67S, $50 10 less than that Of
the preceding year.
Abuse of the Service.
The transmission at the rate Of one cent a
pound of serial libraries, advertising sheets,
house organs" periodicals advertising some
particular house or institutionl, sample
copies, and the like. ought certainly to be dis
continued. A glance 1T the revenues received
for the work done last year Will show more
plainly than any other statement the gross
abuse OF the postal service and the growing
waste of its earnings.
The free matter carried in the mails for the
departments, offices, ETC., Of the government
and for congress in pounds amount to S4.4S0,-
1S3.
Corrective Legislation Recommended.
II such secoId-class matter paid merely the
cost OF It's handling our deficit would disappear
and q surplus result, which might be used to
give the people SI4l better mail facilities or
cheaper rates of letter postage. 1
that legislation be at once enacted to correct
these abuses and introduce bettcr business
ideas in the regulation OF our postal rates.
Universal Postal Union.
The Universal Postal union, which now en-
braces all the civilized world, and whose dele
gates will represent l,0UO,Go0,UO0 people, will
hold its fifth congress in the city Of Washing
ton in May, 1885,.
In view Of the Importance Of this assem-
blage and of its deliberations, and Of the hon
ors and hospitalities accorded to our repre-
sentatives by other countries on similar occa-
sions, L earnestly hope that such an appropri-
alton will be made for the expenses necesSa-
rily attendant upon the coming meeting in our
capital city, as well be worthy of our ma
tionai hospitality and indicative of our appre-
citation Of the event.
The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1896-12-19
~CIvIL-sERVICE REFORM.
a Cause for Congratulation.

xhs progress made In ciyil-service reform
furnishes. o cause for the utmost congratula-
ton. It has survived the doubts Of It's friends
~ well as the rSncor OF its enemies, and has
gained . permshent place among the agxEcies
destfEed to cleanse our politics, and 10 i'm
Ice.
There are now in the competitive classified
service upward Of $4,000 places. More thar
The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1896-12-19
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.
Government PenitentIaries.

The attorney general presents a detailed and
interesting statement OF the important work
done under his supervision curing the last
fiscal year. The ownership and management
by the government Of renitentiaries for the
confinement OF the convicted In United States
courts of violations of federal laws, which for
many years has been a subject OF executive
recommendation. has at last, to a slight ex-
tent, been realized by the utilization OF
the abandoned military prison at Fort
L~eavenworth as a United States penitentiary.
This Is certainly a movement In the right
direction; but IL ought TO be at once supple
mentec by the rebuilding or extensive enlarge
ment OF this Impoverished prison, and the con-
structiOH or at least one more, to be located In
the southern states.
The New Salary System.
It IS most gratifying to note the satisfactory
results that have followed the Inauguration OF
the new system provided for by the act Of
May 2S. 1856. under which certain federal off,
Gals are compensated by salaries instead OF
fees. The new plan was put In operation on
the first day OF July. 1896, and already the
great economy it enforceS, its prevention Of
abuses and Its tendency to o better enforce
ment OF the laws are strikingly apparent. De-
tailed evidence Of the usefulness OF this long
delayed but now hoppily-accomplished re-
form viii be found clearly set forth in the at
torney generals report.
The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1896-12-19
Tho Organized Militia.

The organized militia numbers l12,s79 men.
The appropriations for its support by the sew
cral states approximate .2,soO.O0 annually,
and s400, 900 is Contributed by the general gov
to be usually well drilled and inspired with
much military interest but in many instances
they are SO deficient in proper arms and equip
ment that O sudden call TO active duty would
find them insdeQuately prepared for held
service. therefore recommend that prompt
measures be taken to remedy this condition,
ind that every encouragement b given 70 this
deserving body Of unpaid and voluntary ett-