The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1896-12-11

thoroughly examined by special commits
sion appointed pursuant to an act OF con
Hress The considerations requiring an ad
1ustment OF the governments relations Il
the companies have been clearly presented
and the conclusion reached with practica
uniformity. that If these relations are moi
terminated they should be revised upon q
OASIS securing their safe continuance
Under section of the act OF congress;
passed March g. 1887, the president Is
charged with the duty. in the event thai
mount to the interest OF the United States
IN the property of the Pacific railroads
shall exist and be lawfully liable to be
enforced, to- direct the action of the de-
partments of treasury and of justice in the
protection of the interest of the United
States by redemption or through judicial
proceedings, including foreclosures of the
government liens. In view Of the fact
that the congress has for number OF
years almost constantly had under con-
sideration various plans for dealing with
the conditions existing between these roads
and the government, L have thus far felt
justified in withholding action under the
statute above mentioned.
Must Take Action.
In the case of the Union Pacific company,
however, the situation has become as-
pecially and Immediately urgent Proceed
ings have been instituted to foreclose a
first mortgage upon those aided parts of
the main lines upon which the govern
ment holds second and subordinate mort
gage lien. In consequence of those pro-
.,
added to the default occurring on the 1st
day of January, 1897, a condition will be
presented at that date, so far as this COM
pany Is concerned, that must emphasize
the mandate of the act of 1887 and give to
executive duty under it's provisions a more
imperative aspect. Therefore, unless con-
gress shall otherwise direct or shall have
previously determined upon different So
luton of the problem, there will hardly ap-
pear to exist any reason for delaying be-
yond the date of the default above men,
toned such executive action Will DrOm-
Use to subserve the public interests and
save the government from the loss threat
ened by further inaction.
Department OF Agriculture.
The department of agriculture is so in
timately related to the welfare Of our peo-
pie and the prosperity of our nation that
1t should constantly receive the care and
announcement of the government. From
small beginnings 1t has grown to be the
center of agricultural intelligence and the
source of aid and encouragement to agri-
cultural efforts. Large sums Of money are
annually appropriated for the maintenance
OF this department, and 1t must be con-
fessed that the legislation relating to 1t
has not always been directly in the inter-
est of practical farming or properly
guarded against waste and extravaganza.
So far, however the public money has been
appropriated fairly and sensibly to help
those who actually till the soil. no ex-
penditure has been more proftably made
or more generally approved by the peo-
pie Under the present management Of the
HANGED in every direction, and at the same
time strict economy has been enforced to
the utmost extent permitted by congress
sional action.
Shows Great Saving.
From the report Of the secretary it ap-
pears that through careful and prudent
financial management he has annually
saved large sum from his appropriations,
aSgregating during his incumbency and up
to the close of the present fiscal year near
ly one-fifth of the entire amount appro-
priated. These results have been accom-
plished by a conscientious study of the
real needs Of the farmer and such a regard
for economy as the genuine farmer ought
to appreciate, supplemented by rigid adj
ment which should be conducted in the in
terest of agriculture instead OF partisan
politics.
Value of Farm Products.
The secretary reports that the value, OF
our exports of farm products during the
last fiscal year amounted to 500, OO0,O0O,
IN increase of $17,000,0O0 over those of the
year Immediately. preceding. This state.
nent is not the less welcome because of
he fact that, Notwithstanding such in
,rease, the proportion of exported agricul-
.ural products to our total exports OF all
fell off during the year. The
benefits of an increase in agricultural eX-
PORTS being assured, the decrease in its
proportion to our total exports is the more
gratifying when we consider that 1t is oW-
ng to the fact that such total exports for
he year increased more than $75,OOOOOO.
A Useful Adjunct.
The large and increasing expectation OF
'ur agricultural products suggests the
treat usefulness of the organiZa ton late
y established in the department for the
purpose of giving to those engaged In farm
ng pursuits reliable information concern
ng the condition, needs and advantages of
Inherent foreign markets. 1nasmuch as the
uccess of the farmer depends upon the ad-
sale of his products, and mas
ouch as foreign markets must largely be
nGfi In n
pparent that knowledge OF the condi- |
ions and wants that affect those markets |
ught to result in sowing more intelligent.
Y and reaping with a better promise of |
rofit. Such information points out the |
1ay to a prudent foresight in the selec- |
lon and cultivation of crops and to re-
ease from the bondage of unreaSoning |
of production, glutted and de-
ressed market and constantly-recurring |
Improbable toll.
Opposed to Free Seeds.
In my opinion the gratuitous distribu-
lon of seeds by the department as at pres
Mt conducted ought to be discontinued. |
10 one can read the statement of the Sec
etary on this subject and doubt the ex.
ravagance and questionable results Of
armer and certainly the farmers them
elves, are naturally expected to be willing
, rid department. devoted to the promo
on of farming interests of a feature
hitch tends so much to its discredit.
The Weather Bureau.
The weather bureau, now attached to the |
apartment of agriculture, has continued
, extend Its sphere of usefulness, and by
n uninterrupted Improvement in the ac-
uracy of its forecasts has greatly in
reased it's efficiency as an aid and pro-
,ction to all whose occupations are re-
ted to weather conditions.
Omitting further reference to the opera
ons of the department, 1 commend the
,cretary's report and the suggestions II
,ntains to the careful consideration of
10 congress.
The Civil Service.
The progress made in civil service re-
rm furnishes q cause for the utmost con-
1t has survived the doubts |
it's friends as well as the rancor of its |
emies, and has gained O permanent
ace among the agencies destined to |
eanse our politics and to improve, ecoK-
nize and elevate the public service. There |
q now in the competitive classified serv- |
Q upward of "a, 900 places. More than half |
those have been included from time to |
me since March 4, 1893. A most radical
i'd sweeping extension was made by ex- |
utive order dated the 9Th day of May, |
}6. And IL fourth-class notwithstanding |
o not included In the statement, 1t may |
said that practically all positions con-
mplated by the civil-service law are not |
assified. Abundant reasons exist for |
GLIDING these postmasterships, based up
economy, improved service and the
ace and quiet of neighborhoods. II,
wever, obstacles prevent such action at |
esent, earnestly hope that congress
III. without increasing post office appro-