The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-12-08
The Presidents Message.
Continued from 2nd page)

tCOnunucd from md page)
Of such products, it is quite apparent that
a knowledge of the conditions and wants
that affect those markets, ought to result
in sowing more intelligently and reapng
with a better promise of profit In my
opinion the gratuitous distribution OF
seeds by the department as at present
conducted ought to be discontinued. The
professed friends of the farmer and GER
tainly the farmers themselves are ma
turally expected to be willing to rld ~
department devoted to the promotion OF
farming interests of feature when
tends so much to its discredit.
The Weather Bureau, now attached
to the Department of Agriculture, has
continued to extend its sphere Of useful
ness, and by an uninterrupted improve
ment in the accuracy of its forecasts mas
greatly increased its efficiency as an aid
and protection TO all whose occupations
are related to weather conditions.
CIVIL SERVICE EXTENSION.
The progress made in Civil Service re-
form furnishes a cause for the utmost
concentration. 1t has survived the
doubts of its friends as well as the ran
cor of it's enemies and has gained
permanent place among the agencies des-
tined to cleanse our politics and to inn
prove, econonze and elevate the public
service.
There are now in the competitive CLASH
fed service upward Of eighty-four thou
sand places. More than half Of these have
been included from time to time since
March 4. 1893. A most radical and
sweeping extension was made by execu-
five order dated the 9th day of May,
1896, and if fourth class misunderstanding
are not included in the statement it may
be said that practically all positions CON
templated by the Civil Service law are
now classified. Abundant reasons exist
for including these postmasterships,
based upon economy, improved service,
and the peace and quiet Of neighbor-
hoods If, however, obstacles prevent
such action at present, | earnestly hope
that Congress will, without increasing
postofiice appropriations, so adjust them
as to permit improper cases consolida-
ton of these postofices, tt the end THAT
through this process the result desired
may, to limited extent, be accomplished.
The Civil Service rules, as amended
during the last year, provide for sensi-
BILE and uniform method of promotion,
demonstrated efficiency and faithfulness.
The absence of fixed rules on this subject
has been an infirmity in the system more
and more apparent as its other benefits
have been better appreciated. The adj
vantages of Civil Service methods in
their business aspects are too well under
stood to require argument. Their appli-
cation has become necessity to the exc
49, ! a mt ~
who gain positions through the opera
ton of these methods should be made to
understand that the non-partisan scheme
through which they receive their APP
pointments demand from them. by way
Of reciprocity, non-partisan and faithful
performance of duty under every admin
istration. and cheerful fidelity to every
chief. While they should be encouraged
to decentIy exercise their rights of citizen
ship and TO support through their suf-
frages the political beliefs they honestly
profess, the noisy, pestilent and partisan
employe who loves political turmoil and
contention or who renders lax and grudg-
ing service to an administration not
representing his political views, should
be promptly ard fearlessly dealt with in
such a way as to furnish a warning to
others who may be likewise disposed
INTER STATE COMMERCE COM
MISSION.
The Interstate Commerce Commission
has. during the last year, supplied album
dant evidence Of its usefulness and the
Importance Of the work committed to its
charge. Public transportation is uni
versal necessity, and the question Of just
and reasonable charges, therefore, has
| become of vital Importance not only to
shippers and carriers, but also to the vast
multitude of producers and consumers.
The Justice and equity Of the principles
embodied in the existing law passed for
the purpose of regulating these charges
are everywhere conceded, and there APP
pears to be no question that the policy,
thus entered upon, has permanent place
in our legislation.
AS the present statute when enacted
was. in the nature of the case, more or
less tentative and experimental, it was
hardly expected to supply a complete and
adequate system. While its wholesome
effects are manifest and have amply JUS
tilted its enactment, it is evident that all
desired reforms in transportation meth
DDS have not been fully accomplished 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 re-
vision and amendment appear to be es-
sential to the end that it may more eff
fectualIy reach the evils designed to be
corrected.
OUR PRESENT TARIFF LAW AND
IT'S OPERATIONS.
I desire to recur to the statements else
where made concerning the governments
receipts and expenditures for the pur-
pose of venturing upon some suggestions
touching our present tariff law and its
operation This statue took effect on the
28th day of August, 1894 Whatever may
be its short cOmings as a complete meas
ure of tariff reform, it must be conced-
ed that it has opened the way to freer
and greater exchange of commodities be-
tween us and other countries, and thus
furnished a wider market for our pro-
ducts and manufactures.
The only entire fiscal year during which
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