davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16

1t should be added that II cannot be rea-
sonably assumed that the hitherto ex-
pectant attitude of the United States will
be indefinitely maintained. While we are
anxious to accord all due respect to the
sovereignty of Spain, we cannot view the
pending conflict In all its features and prop
erly apprehend our close relations TO IT
and Its possible results without considering
that by the course of events we may be
drawn into such an unusual and unprece-
dented condition as will flx a limit to our
patient waiting for Spain to end the con-
test, either alone and in her own way
or with our friendly cooperation.
When the inability of Spain to deal sue
cessfully with the insurgents has become
manifest, and II Is demonstrated that her
sovereignty is extinct in Cuba for all pur-
poses of Its rightful existence, and when
hopeless struggle for it's re-estabish-
ment has degenerated into a strife which
means nothing more than the useless
sacrifice of human life and the utter de-
struction of every subject matter of the
conflict, a situation will be presented In
which our obligations to the sovereignty OF
Spain will be superseded by higher obli-
cations, which we can hardly hesitate IL
recognize and discharge Deferrlng the
choice of ways and methods until the time
| for action arrives, we should make them
| depend upon the precise conditions then ex.
isting; and they should not be determined
| upon without giving careful heed to every
consideration involving our honor and in
terest, or the international duty we owe
to Spain. Until we face the contingencie.
suggested, or the situation is by other in
cidents imperatively changed, we shoulC
continue in the line of conduct heretofore
pursued, thus in all circumstances exhib
i iting our obedience to the requirements o.
public law and our regard for the duty en-
Joined upon us by the position we occupy
in the galaxy of nations.
A contamination of emergencies that m
arise should plainly lead us to avoid thei
creation, either through careless disregard
| OF present duty or even an undue stimula
ton and ill-timed expression of feeling. Blu
L have deemed 1t not amiss to remind tn,
| congress that time may arrive when
/ correct policy and care for our interests
as well as regard for the interests of othel
nations and their citizens Joined by con
siderations of humanity and a desire to sc,
rich and fertile country, Intimately re
lated to us. saved from complete devasta
tion, will constrain our government to such
action; will subserve the interests involved
and at the same time promise to Cuba anc
It's Inhabitants an opportunity to enjoy the
blessings of peace.
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16
TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Excess Of Expenditures over Re-
ceipts.

The secretary of the treasury reports
that during the fiscal year ended June 80
1896, the receipts of the government from
all sources amounted to s409, ,475, ,4o8 76
During the same period, its expenditures
We're $434, ,67S,654 As, the excess of expendi-
lures over receipts thus amounting to $25;-
203,245 u. The ordinary expenditures dur
ing the year were $4015, ,S52 q less than
during the preceding fiscal year. OF the
receipts mentioned, there were derived
from customs the sum of $3.50, ,021, 751 e. and
from internal revenue S146, $780, 6l5 &C. The
receipts from customs show an increase of
S7,S63 1874 % over those from the same
source for the nscal year ending June
30 1885, and the receipts from Internal
revenue an increase of $3.5S4,537 81.
The value of our imported dutlable mer-
chandise during the last fiscal year was
1869 757, ,770, and the value of free goods
imported $409, ,967 470, being an increase of
s6,523, 675 In the value of dutiable goods
and $4l. .23l 034 in the value of free goods
over the preceding year. Our exports of
merchandise, foreign and domestic,
amounted in value to 1882, ,606, 1888, being an
increase over the preceding year of S75,-
06S. .773. The average ad valorem duty paid
on dutiable goods imported during the
year was 1894 per cent, and on free and
dutiabls goods taken together 20.55 per
cent.
The cost of collecting the internal rev.
enue was 2.7S per cent, as against PSI
per cent for the fiscal year ending June 80,
1895.
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16
Lffesnxing seryice.

From the lifesaving service 1t is reported
that the number of disasters to docu-
mented vessels within the limits of its
operations during the year was 537. These
vessels had on board 460S persons, of
whom 1895 were saved and IL lost. The
value of such vessels is estimated at
$780, no. and of their cargoes s3,S46, $50,
making the total value of property i'm
perlled s12,72652O. OF this amount, $ll,-
292. 70 was saved and 81 .432. $50 was lost.
Sixty-seven of the vessels were totally
wrecked. There were besides 243 casual
ties TO small undocumented craft, on
board of which there were 594 persons of
whom 5S7 were saved and seven lost. The
value of the property involved in these
latter casualties is estimated at Sf19, ,265,
of which $l14,955 was saved and Si350 was
lost. The lfesaving crews during the year
also rescued or assisted numerous other
vessels and warned many from danger by
signals. both by day and night. The num-
ber of disasters during the year exceeded
that of any previous year in the history
of the service, but the saving of both life
and property was greater than ever before
in proportion to the value of the property
involved and to the number of persons
imperiled-
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16
Our Concern In Cuha.

The spectacle of the utter ruin of an
adjoining country, by nature one of the
most fertile and charming on the whole
globe, would engage the serious attention
OF the government and the people of the
United States in any circumstances. In
point of fact, they have a concern with 1t
which Is by no means of wholly senti-
mental or philanthropic character. 1t lies
SO near to us as to be hardly separated
from our territory. Our actual pecuniary
interest In it is second only to that of the
people of Spain. 1t is reasonably estimated
that at least from $50, 900 900 to $50, 600 0OC
of American capital is invested in planta-
tions and in railroads, mining and other
business enterprises on the island. The
volume of trade between the United States
and Cuba, which In 1889 amounted to about
$64 900, rose in 1898 to about $103. 600 600
and in 1894, the year before the present
insurrectlon broke out, amounted to near
ly $96, 600, O00
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16

fall under just condemnation. During the
only complete fiscal year of Its operation
II has yielded nearly s. 900 900 more revenue
than was received from tariff duties in the
preceding year. There was, nevertheless a
deficit between our receipts and expendi-
lures OF little more than S25, 200, 900.
The situation was such in December.
seven months before the close of the fiscal
year, that the secretary of the treasury
foretold deficiency of $1,000 900. The
great and increasing apprehension and
tmidity in business circles and the de-
preston in all activities intervening since
that time, resulting from causes perfectly
Wen understood and entirely discpnnecte ed
with our tariff law or its opera ton, seri-
ously checked the imports we would have
otherwise received and readily account for
the difference between the estimate Of the
secretary and the actual deficiency as wei
as for continued deficit. Indeed II must
be confessed that we could hardly have had
a more unfavorable period than the last
two years for the collection OF a tariff
revenue.
We cannot reasonably hope that orr re-
cuperation from this business depression
Will be sudden. but II has already set in
with a promise of acceleration and CON
tlnuance.
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16
Demand for intervention.

These inevitable entanglements of the
United States with the rebellion in Cuba,
the large American property interests
affected, and considerations of phllan-
thropy and humanity in general, have led
to a vehement demand In various quar-
ters for some sort of positive Intervention
on the part of the United States. 1t was
at first proposed that belligerent rights
should be accorded the insurgents, a
proposition no longer weighed because its
untimely and impractical operation would
be clearly perilous and injurious to our
interests. 1t has since been and is now
sometimes contended that the independ-
ence of the insurgents should be recog-
nized But, imperfect and restricted as
the Spanish government of the island may
be, no other exists there, unless the will
of the military officer in temporary COM
mand of particular district can be dig
nified as a species of government. 1t is
now also suggested that the United States
should buy the island-a suggestion pos
sibly worthy of consideration IL there
were any evidences of a desire or will
ingness on the part of Spain to enter
tain such proposal 1t is urged, finally,
that all other methods failing, the exist
ing internecine strife In Cuba should be
terminated by our Intervention, even at
the cost of a war between the United
States and Spain-a war which its advo-
Gates confidently prophesy could neither
be large In Its proportions nor doubtful
in Its issue.
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16
FOREIGN RELATIONS.
America Refuge for Prosecuted
Armeniaus.

At the outset OF a reference to the more
important matters affecting our relations
with foreign powers, 1t would afford me
satisfaction If / could assure the congress
that the disturbed conditions in Asiatlc
Turkey had during the past year assumed
less hdeous and bloody aspect and
that, either as a consequence of the awak-
enng of the Turkish government to the
demand of humane civilization or as the
result OF decisive action on the part
of the great nations having the right by
treaty to interfere for the protection
Of those evposed to the rage of mad bigotry
and cruel fanatieism, the shocking features
OF the situation had been mitgated. In-
stead, however, of welcoming a softened
disposition or protective Intervention, we
have been afflicted by continued and not
tnfrequent. reports of the wanton de-
struction of homes and the bloody butch-
cry of men, women and children; made
martyrs to their profession of Christian
faith.
While none of our citizens in Turkey
have thus far been killed or wounded
though often In the midst of dreadful
scenes of danger. their safety in the
future Is by no means assured. Our gov
ernment at home and our minister at Con-
stantinople have left nothing undone to
protect our~ missionaries in Ottoman terri
tory who constitute nearly all the indi-
viduals residing there who have right to
claim our protection on the score of
American citizenship.
Our efforts in this direction will not be
relaxed, but the deep feeling and sympathy
that have been raised among our people
ought not to so far ! nd their reason
and judgment as to lead them to demand
impossible things. The outbreaks OF blind
fury, which lead to murder and pllage in
Turkey, occur suddenly and without notice,
and an attempt on our part to force such
a hostile presence there as might be eff
fecttXe for DFPVeQtiOn Dr0fpCtiOn wOnl6
not only be resisted by the Ottoman gov
ernment. but would be regarded as an
interruption of their plans by the great
nations who assert their exclusive right
to intervene in their own time and method
for the security of life and property in
Turkey.
Several naval vessels are stationed In
the Mediterranean as a measure of eau
tion and to furnish all possible relief and
refuge in ease of emergency.
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16

believe our present tariff law n allow
ed fair opportunity, win in the near
future yield a revenue which, with reason
ably economical expenditures. will over
come all deficiencies In the meantime no
deficit that has occurred. or may occur
need excite or disturb us. To meet any
such deficiency, we have in the tire srrv. in
addition to a gold reserve of 500 600 100 a
surplus OF more than Sl2S. 600 600 appliaa BILE
to the payment Of the expenses Of the
government, and which must unless ex-
pended for that purpose. remain IN use
less hoard, OF, II not extravagartly wasted.
must, in any event. be perverted from
the purpose of its eXactlon from our ne nile
The payment. therefore. OF any deficiency
in the revenue from this fund Is nothing
more than its proper and legitimate use.
The government, thus applying a surplus
fortunately In its treasury to the payment
of expenses not met by is current reve-
nues, is not at all to be lilSened to a man
living beyond his income. and thus Incur
ring debt or encroaching ON his principal
IT Is not one Of the functions of our gov
ernment to accumulate and make addi-
tions to a fund not needed for immediate
expenditure. With individuals II ia the
chief object of struggle and effort The
application OF an accumulated fund by the
government to the payment of its running
expenses is n duty. An Individual living
beyond his income anl embarras sing HIM
self with debt or drawing unon his ac-
cumulated fund of principal IS either un-
! fortunate OF improvident. The distinction
| Is as between government charged with
the duty of expending for the benefit of the
/ people and for proper purposes all the
| money 1t receives from any source and
| the individual who is expected to mani
| fest a natural desire to avoid debt or
1 to accumulate as much as nossible and
| to live within the income derived from
such accumulations to the end that they
may be increased, or at least remain un-
| impaired, for the future use and enjoyment
of himself and objects of hts love and
| affection who may survive him.
1t is immeasurably better TO appropriate te
our surplus to the payment OF tnstlhabie
expenses than to allow Il TO become ar
invitation to reckless appropria tons and ex-
! travagant expenditures.
| suppose II win not be denied that under
the present law our people obtain the neees.
saries of a comfortable existence at
| cheaper rate than formerly. This Is
matter of supreme Importance, since II 1.
the palpable duty of every Just govern
ment to make the burdens of taxation a.
light as possible. The people should no
he required to rellnquish this privfeg,
of cheap living, except under the stres.
of their governments necessity made plain
ly manifest.
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16
n s>. Accomplishment. of Indian olvill..-

llOn.
1t may be said In general terms that in
every particular the Improvement of the
Indians under government has been nost
marked and encouraging. The secretary,
the commissioner of Indian affairs, and the
agents having charge OF Indians to whom
allotments have been made, strongly urge
the passage of law prohibiting the sale
of llquor TO allottees who have taken
their lands In severalty. l earnestly join
In this Recommendation, and venture to ex-
press the hope that the Indian may be
speedily protected against this one greatest
OF all evils to his well-being and advance
ment
The condition OF affairs among the five
civilized tribes, who occupy large tracts
OF land In the Indian territory and who
have governments OF their own, has as
sumed such an aspect as to render IL al
most Indispensable that there should be
an entire change in the relations of these
indians to the general government. This
seems 10 De necessary in furtherance of
their own interests, as well as for the
protection OF non-Indian residents in their
| territory. A commission organized and
empowered under several recent laws is
/ now negotiating with these Indians for
| the REIMBURSEMENT of their courts and the
! division OF their common lands In sever
atty, and are aiding In the settlement OF
! the troublesome question of tribal mem
! hership, The reception of their first prof
| fers of negotiation was not encouraging
| but through patience and such conduct on
! their part as demonstrated that their in
tentions were friendly and in the interest
of the tribes, the prospect of success has
| become more promising. The effort
should be to save these Indians from the
| consequences OF their own mistakes and
| improyidence and TO secure TO the real
Indian his rights as against intruders
and professed friends who profit by his
retrogression. A change is also needed to
| protect life and property through the OPP
GRAFTON of courts conducted according to
strict justice and strong enough to en-
force their mandates
AS a sincere friend OF the Indian | am
exceedingly anxious that these reforms
should be accomplished with the consent
and aid of the tribes. and that no neces-
sity may be presented for radical or
drastic legislation. l hope therefore,
that the commission now conducting ne
gotiatlons will soon be able to report that
| progress has been made toward friendly
adjustment of existing difficulties.
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16
A Character to Maintain.

The correctness of this forecast need be
neither affirmed nor denied. The United
States has. nevertheless, a character to
maintain as nation, which plainly die
tates that right and not might should be
the rule of it's conduct.
Further, though the United States is
not a nation to which peace is a necessi-
ty, is is, in truth, the most pacific OF
powers and desires nothing so much as
to live In amity with all the world. Its
own ample and diversified domain sat
isfies all possible longings for terri
tory. precludes all claims of conquest and
prevents any casting of coyetous eyes up
on neighboring regions, however attrac-
tive.
That our conduct towards Spain and her
dominions has constituted no exception to
this national disposition is made manifest
by the course Of our government. not only
thus far during the present insurrection,
but during the 10 years that followed the
rising of Yara in 1868. No other great
power, 1t may safely be said under cir
cumstances of similar perplexity, would
have manifested the same restraint and
the same patient endurance.
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16
THE TARIFF.
The Presidents Defense of the Wilson
Hill.

desire to refer to the statement else
where made concerning the government re-
ceipts and expenditures for the purpose of
venturing upon some suggestions touching
our present tariff law and its operation.
This statute took effect on the 2Sth day
of August, 1894 Whatever may be its
shortcomings as complete measure OF
tariff reform, 1t must be conceded that Ii
has opened the way to a freer and greater
exchange of commodities between the
United States and other countries, and
thus furnished a wider market for our prod
ucts and manufacturing. The only entire
fiscal year during which this law has been
in force ended on the 30th day of June. 1896
In that year our imports increased over
those of the previous year more than
$500 600. while the value of the domestic
product we exported and which found mar
kets abroad was nearly 81. 900. 900 more than
during the preceding year.
Those who insist that the cost TO our
people of articles coming to them from
abroad for their needful use, should only
be increased through tariff charges &c
an extent necessary to meet the expenses
of the government, as we'll as those who
claim that tariff charges may be
laid upon such articles beyond
beyond the necessities of the government
revenue and with the additional purpose
of so increasing their price in our markets
as to give American manufacturers and
producers better and more profitable oppor-
tunities, must agree that our tariff laws
are only primarily justified as sources of
revenue to enable the government to meet
the necessary expenses of its maintenance.
Considered as to its sufficiency in this
aspect. the present law can by no means
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16
PosToFFICE DEPARTMENT.
The Deficit Less Than in Former
Years.

Our postoffice department Is IN good
condition, and the exhibit made of It's
operations during the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1896, II allowance Is made for
imperfections in the laws applicable to II
Is very satisfactory. The total receipts
during the year were $50. .499 20s 4o The
total expenditures were 500 626, ,2so 81 ex-
elusive of $l.559. .s9S 27. which was earned
by the Pacific railroads for transportation
and credited on their debt to the govern
ment. There was an increase OF receipts
over the previous year of S. SIG 0SO o. or
IL per cent an increase OF expenditures of
So, ,s36,12I o.. or 442 per cent. The deficit
was S,679,95 10 less than that of the pre-
ceding year.
The chief expenditures of the postal SER
vice are regulated by law and are not in
the control of the nos tina aster-general All
that he can accomplish by the most watch
full administration and economy Is to en-
force prompt and thorough collection and
aecountings for public moneys and such
minor savings in small expenditures and in
letting those contracts for postoffice sup-
plies and star service which are not regu-
lated by statute.
An effective cooperation between the
auditors office and the postofhce depart
ment. and the making and enforcement
of orders by the department requiring i'm
mediate notification to their sureties OF
any delinquencies on the part Of post
masters and compelling such Dostmaeters
TO make more frequent deposits of postal
funds. have resulted in prompter audit
ing OF their accounts and much less de-
fault to the government than heretofore.
The years report shows large extern
sions of both star route service and rail-
way mail service, with increased postal
facilities. Much higher accuracy in hand
ling malls has also been reached. as
appears by the decrease of errors in the
railway mail service and the reduction of
mail matter returned to the dead-letter
office.
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16

batants are always natural and not al
ways unJustihable. being sincerely desirous
In the interest OF both we'll as on our
own account that the Cuban problem should
be solved with the least possible
delay, 1t was intlmated by this
government TO the government Of
Spain some months ago that IL
satisfactory measure of home rule were ten
dered the Cuban insurgents, and would be
accepted by them upon a guaranty OF its
execution. the United States would en-
deavor to find a way not Objectionable to
Spain OF furnishing such guaranty.
While no definite response to this inti-
nation has yet been received from the
Spanish government. 1t is believed to be
not altogether unwelcome, while, as already
suggested. no reason is perceived why 1t
should not be approved by the insurgents.
Neither party can fail TO see the impor-
tance of early action, and both mus. zsalize
that to prolong the present state of things
for even short period will add enormously
to the time and labor and expenditure
necessary to bring about the Industrial re-
cuperation OF the island. 1t is, therefore,
fervently hoped on all grounds that earnest
efforts for healing the breach between Spain
and the insurgent Cuhans upon the lines
above indicated may be at once inaugu-
rated and pushed to an immediate success
full issue. The friendly offices of the United
States. either In the manner above outlined
or in any other way consistent with oul
constitution and laws. will always be at the
disposal of either party.
Whatever policy may arise, our policy
and our interest would constrain us to
object to the acquisition of the island OIL
TO any Interference with Its control by any
other power.