Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1896-12-10

ty-eight national banks, located in If
teen different States, Of which twelve
were organized In the Eastern States
with capital Of $1,1SO,OOO, Ix in the
Western States with capital of 1915, 600
and ten in the Southern States with a
capital Of 100000. During the year,
however, thirty seven banks voluntarily
abandoned their franchises under the
national law, and in the case of twenty
seven others it was found necessary to
appoint receivers. Therefore. as com
pared with the year preceding, there was
decrease Of thirty-Gx in the number Of
active banks The number of existing
banks organised under State laws 10
Immigration.
The number Of immigrants arriving i'm
the United States during the fiscal year
was 343,267, of whom $40, 46S were per-
mtited to land and 2,799 were debarreti
ON various grounds prescribed by law and
returned to the countries whence they
came at the expense of the steamship
companies by which they were brought
in. Ike increase in immigration over the
preceding year amounted to 81, 131. 1t is
reported that with some exceptions the
immigrants of the last year were of
hardy laboring class, accustomed and
able to earn a support for themselves.
md it is estimated that the. money
brought with them amounted to mt least
W,OOO, though it was probably much
IN excess of that sum, since only those
having less than $50 are required to dis
close the exact amount. and it is known
TINT many brought considerable sums of
money to buy land and build homes.
The War Department.
The report Of the Secretary of War ex-
hihts satisfactory conditions in the sew
eral branches of the public service in,
trusted to his charge. The limit Of our
military force as fixed by law il con-
stantly and readily maintained. The
present discipline and morale of our army
are excellent, and marked progress and
efficiency are apparent throughout its en-
tire organization. With the exception of
delicate duties in the suppression Of slight
Indian disturbances along our southwest
ern boundary, in which the Mexican
troops co-operated, and the compulsory
but peaceful return, with the consent Of
Great Britain, OF a band of Cree Indians
from Montana to British possessions, no
active operations have been required Of
the army during the year past.
Sea Coast Defense.
During the last year rapid progress has
been made toward the completion Of the
scheme adopted for the erection and arna-
ment of Notifications along our seacoast,
while equal progress has been made in
providing the material for submarine de-
tense in connection with these works.
This improved situation is largely due
to the recent generous response Of Congress
to the recommendations Of the war de-
partment. Thus we shall soon have COM
plete about one-ffth of the comprehensive
system the first step in which was noted
in my message to the Congress Of Dee. 4,
1893. When it is understood that a ma
sonry emplacement not only furnishes a
platform for the heavy modern high-power
gun, but also in every particular serves
the purpose and takes the place of the
fort of former days, the Importance Of the
work accomplished is better compre-
hended.
We should always keep In mind that Of
all forms of military preparation coast
defense alone is essentially pacific in its
nature. While it gives the sense of Sc
curity due to consciousness of strength,
it is neither the purpose nor the effect of
such permanent Notifications to involve
us in foreign complications, but rather to
g,lara ntee us against them. They are not
temptation to war; but security against 1T.
Thus they are thoroughly in accord with
all the traditions of our national diplo-
macy.
Fees of Federal officers.
1t is most gratifying to note the salts
factory results that have followed the
inauguration of the new system provided
for by the act of May %. 1895. under
which certain Federal officials are COM
pe,sated by salaries instead of fees. The
new plan was put in operation on July l,
1896. and already the great economy it
enforces. its prevention of abuses, and its
tendency to better enforcement Of the
laws are. strikingly apparent. Detailed
evidence of the usefulness Of this long
delayed but now happily accomplished
reform will he found clearly set forth in
the Attorney Generals report.
The Postal Serv &c.
Oar Postotfice Department is in good
condition. and the exhibit made of it's
opc cations during the fiscal year ended
June 30. 1896. if allowance is made for
imparfcctions in the laws applicable to it.
is very satisfactory. The total receipts
during the year We're So. 4499, DOS. 40. The
total expenditures were $90,6o6. BOG 81,
exclusive of $1,o59. S9S.27. which was
earned by the Pacific Railroad for trans
portatien and credited on their debt to
the Government. There was an increase
of receipts over the previous year of So
516.OSO.21. or II per cent. and an in
crease of expenditures of $3.50. 124.O2.
or 4.42 per cent. The deficit was ST.
679, 1856 10 less than that of the preceding
year.
Our postal service should meet the
wants and even the conveniences Of our
people at direct charge upon them SO
light AZ perhaps to exclude the idea of our
postoffce department being a money max
ing concern; but in the face Of a constant
ly recurring deficiency in its revenues and
I'M view of the fact that We supply the
best mail service in the world, it seems to
me it is quite time to correct the abuses
that swell enormously our annual deficit
recommend that legislation be at once
enacted to correct these abuses and in
troduce better business ideas in the regu-
u Al l. H.