Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1896-12-19


Its other benefits have beeen better ap-
preciated. The advantages OF civil SER
vice methods in their business aspects
are too well understood to require ar
gument. Their application a become
a necessity to the executive work OF the
government. But those who gain posi-
lions through the operation OF these
methods should be made to understand
that the non-partisan scheme through
which they receive their appointments
demands from them, by way Of reel
procity. non-partisan and faithful per-
Torrance Of duty under every admin
istratlon n cheerful fidelity to every
chief. While they should be encour-
aged to decently exercise their rights OF
citizenship and to support through their
SURFACES the political beliefs they hon
estly profess. the noisy, pestilent and
partisan employe, who loves political
turmoil and contention, or who rem
ders lax and Erudging service to an ad-
ministratlon not representing his polit-
ical Views. should be promptly and
feariessly dealt with in such a way as
to furnish a warning 10 others who may
be likewise disposed.
The annuai report of the commissions
ers VIII be duly transmitted, and l COM
mend the important matter they have
in charge to the careful consideration
OF the congress.
Interstate Commerce Commission
The Interstate m commission
has during the last yea supplied
abundant evidence OF it's 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 be-
come "a thing 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 regulat-
ing these charges. are everywhere con-
coded, and there appears to he no ques-
ton thai the policy thus entered upon
has q permanent place in our lesisla-
ture, as the present statute when en-
acted was, in the nature Of the case,
more or less tentative and experimental
1T was hardly expected TO supply a
complete and adequate system. While
It's wholesome efforts arc manifest and
have amply justified its enactment, II
is evident that all desired reforms in
transportation methods have not been
fully accomplished.
In view Of the judicial Interpretation
which some provisions Of this statute
have been received and the defects dis
,1,gal INr tl,a affpptG made for lis on
forcement. its revision and amendment
appear to be essential to the end that
It may more effectuaIIy reach the evils
designed to be corrected. j hope the
recommendations of the commission
upon this subject will be promptly and
favorably considered by the congress,
The Tariff Law.
I desire to recur TO statements elsewhere
made concerning the governments re-
cent and expenditures for the purpose OF
venturing upon some suggestions touch
ing our present tariff law and its operation.
This statute took effect on the 2Sth day
of August, 1894. Whatever may be its
shortcomings as a complete measure OF
tariff reform, IL must be conceded that 1t
has opened the way to a freer and greater
exchange of commodities between US and
other countries aud thus furnished a
wider markets for our products and man.
u~facturing. The only entire fiscal year
during which this law has been In force
ended on the Both day of June, 1896. In
that year our imports increased over those
CT the previous year more than 81, 10000,
while the value of the domestic products
we exported and which found markets
abroad was nearly s70,0o0,6 eco more than
during the preceding year.
Those who insist that the cost to our
peop,e of articles coming to them from
abroad for their needful use should only
be increased through tariff charges TO an
extent necessary to meet the expenses of
the government as well as those who
claim that tariff charges may be laid upo
such articles beyond the necessities OF
government revenue. and with the addi-
tiona purpose of so increasing their price
in our markets as to give American manu-
facturers and producers better and more
profitable opportunities, must agree that
our tariff laws are only primarily Justified
as sources OF revenue 10 enable the gov
TO meet the necessary expenses
of its maintenance. Considered as to it's
sufilciency IN this aspect, the present law
can by no means fall under just condem-
nation. During the only complete fiscal
year OF its operation 1t has yielded nearly
5000 900 more revenue than was received
from tariff duties in the preceding year.
There was never the less a deficit between
our receipts and expenditures of a little
more than s25. 000,0 700.
The situation was such in December,
seven months before the close of the fiscal
year, nat the secretary Of the treasury
foreto.d n deficiency of 81, 600, 900. The
great and increasing apprehension in bust
ness circles and the depression In all ac-
Invites Intervening since that time result
ing from causes perfectly well understood
and entirely disconnected with our tariff
law or It's operation, seriously checked the
imports we would otherwise have received
and readily account for the difference be-
tween this estimate OF the secretary and
the actual deficiency as well as for a con-
tlnued deficit. Indeed, it must be confessed
that we could hardly have had a more un-
favorable period han the last two years
for the collection of a tariff revenue. We
cannot reasonably hope that our recupera-
ton from this business depression will be
sudden. but II has already set in with a
promise OF acceleration and continuance.
1 believe our present tariff Iaw, II allowed
a FAIR opportunity, will in the near future
yield n revenue which, with reasonable
economical expenditures, will overcome all
deficiencies. In the meantime no de-
fciency that has occurred or NAV occur
need excite or disturb U.s.. To meet any
such deficit we ave in the treasury. in
addition to a gold reserve, 300, COO, 600. a
surplus of more than 1928. 900, 900 appIfcsb bile
TO the payment OF tho expenses of the
government and which must, unless ex-
pended Tor that purpose, remain a useless
hoard, or, II not e~xtravagantiy wasted
must in any event be perverted from the
purpose OF its exaction from our peonIe
the payment. therefore. of any deficiency
In the revenue from his fund IL nothing
more than its proper and Legitimate uso
The government thus applying a SIR
plus fortunately In les treasury to the
payment OF expenses not met by its Cur.
ent revenues, Is not at all to be likenad
to a manHiving beyond his income. and
thus mourning debt or on
his principal. With individuals q
Is the chief object of struggle and effort
The application of an accumulated fund
by he government to the payment of
Its running expenses Is a duty.
An individual living beyond his in
come and embarrassing himself with
debt or drawing upon his accumulated
fund OF principal is either unfortunate
or improvident. The distinction Is be-
tween "A govarnnnapt ohacrad -.t.I -