The Dakota chief. (Gann Valley, Buffalo County, S.D.) 18??-1913, 1896-12-17

day of November 1896. the total stock Of
money of all kinds III the country was
SIS. HOO 81 and the amount in ~circula-
ton. not including that in the treasury
holdings. was $1,621. 05J.641. being S22.63
per capita upon an estimated population
of 1.992.OOO. The production Of the
precious metals in the United States dur
ing the calendar year 1895 is estimated TO
have been 2.254.I $50 fine ounces of gold.
Of the value Of S46.61O.0O and 10. 727. 900
ounce of silver. of the commercial value
of S36.445.00U and the coinage value Of
SI2.OJ1 600. The estimated production
of these metals throughout the world dur
ing the same period was 9.6SS.S21 fine
ounces of gold. amounting to S20O,2S 100
in value. and 1863, 1920 fine ounces of
silver. of the commercial value of S110,-
634.0OO. and of the coinage value of S21S.-
I3S.1GO according TO our ratio. The COIN
age of these metals in the various coun-
tries Of the world during the same cal
endar year amounted to S232, 1O1 .43S in
gold and S121 .995.219 in silver. The total
coinage at the minis of the United States
during the fiscal year ending June 30.
1876. amounted to ST, 1SS. 1882, Of
which SiS,S1S. 400 was in gold coins and
S12.3O9.91S.52 in standard silver dollar,
subsidiary coins and minor coins.
National Banks.
The number of national banks organ-
lied from the time the law authorizing
their creation was passed. up to Oct. 81,
was 5.0J1. and of this number 3,619 We're
at the date last mentioned in active oper-
alton, having authorized capital stock Of
$6JG. O14 800. held by 2SS,9O2 sharehold-
ers, and circulating notes amounting to
sd. 412.620. The total outstanding circu-
lating notes of all national banks Oct.
81. 1896. amounted to $234,553,SO7, in
Guiding unrcdcemed but fully secured
notes of banks insolvent and in process Of
liquidation. The increase in national
bank circulation during the year ending
on that day was sd .099. 100. Oct. 6.
1896. when the condition Of national
banks was last reported. the total re-
SOURCES, of the 3.GI9 active institutions
was $3.263, 6S5.313.S3. which included ST.
S03.2 Us .S39.31 in loans and discounts and
S362. 1GJ. 1885, in money of all kinds on
hand. or their liabilities $1.591 .S91,-
OJS.03 was due to individual depositors
and S.l09,944.O19 consisted Of outstand-
ing circulating notes.
immigration.
The number of immigrants arriving in
the United States during the fiscal year
was 343,267, of whom 340.4 GS were per-
mtited to land and 2.199 were debarred
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. The increase in immigration over the
preceding year amounted TO S4.131. 1t is
reported that with some exceptions the
immigrants of the last year We're of a
hardy laboring class. accustomed and
able to earn a support for themselves,
ard it is estimated that the money
brought with them amounted TO ut least
$o,OOO,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
that many brought considerable sums of
money TO buy land and build homes.
The War Department.
The report of the Secretary of War eX-
hibits satisfactory conditions in the sew
er1l branches of the public service in.
trusted to his charge. The limit Of our
military force as fixed by law is 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
crn boundary, in which the Mexican
troops co-operatcd, 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
bcen made toward the completion of the
scheme adopted for the erection and arma-
ment of f~ortiiicntions 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 ve shall soon have COM
plete about Onc-fifth OF the comprehensive
system. the first step in which was noted
in my message 30 the Congress ri Dec. T..
1893. When it is und,>s:o~l that Il ma
sorry emplacement net only furnishes Il
platform fer the heavy molern 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-
hcnded.
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 2S, 1896, under
which certain Federal officials are com-
pcnsnted 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 10 a better enforcement Of the
laws are strikinsly apparent. Detailed