Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1896-12-11

freedom from wholesome disciplinary re-
straints must inevitably lead 10 imperfect
service. There should also be appointed
n few inspectors who could assist the CEN
trail office in necessary investigation con-
corning matters OF post office leases, post
office sites, allowances for rent, fuel and
lights. and In organizing and securing the
best results from the work of the 1900
clerks now employed in first and second
class offices. | am convinced that the small
expense attending the Inauguration of thesa
reforms would actually be profitable IN
vestment
| especially recommend that such re-
casting of the appropriations by congress
for the post office department as Will per
nit the postmaster general TO proceed with
the work of consolidating post Offices TINS
work has already been entered upon sum-
GENTLY TO fully demonstrate, by expert
ment and experience, that such consollda-
ton is productive OF better service, larger
revenues and less expenditures, to say
nothing of the further advantage OF gradu-
ally withdrawing post offices from the
spells system.
The Postal Union.
The universal postal union. which now
embraces all the civilized world and whose
delegates will represent l,OO0,OOO0O people,
will hold its fifth congress In the city OF
Washington in May, 1897 The United
itiative which led TO the first meeting OF
this congress at Berne in 1874 ana the
formation Of the universal postal union
which brings the postal service Of all couu-
tries to every mans neighborhOod ard has
wrought marvels in cheapening postal
rates and securing absolutely safe mail
communication throughout the world.
Previous congresses have met in Bcrne,
Paris, Lisbon and Vienna, and the re-
spective countries in which they have as
Scmbled have made generous provision for
their accommodation and for the reception
and entertainment OF the delegates. In
view of the Importance of this assemblage
and of its deliberations, and OF the honors
and Inequalities accorded TO our repre-
sentatiVes by other countries on similar oc-
casions | earnestly hope that such an APP
will be made for the expenses
necessarily attendant upon the coming
meeting In our capital city, will be
worthy Of our national hospitality and In
dicative Of our appreciation OF the event.
The Navy.
The work Of the navy department and its
present condition are fully exhibited in the
report of the secretary The construction
Of vessels for our new navy has been ener-
prosecuted by the present admin
istration upon the general lines previously
adopted, the department having seen no
necessity for radical change in prior meth
DDS, under which the work was found TO be
progressing In manner highly satisfac-
tory 1t has been decided, however. 70 pro-
vide in every shipbuilding contract that the
builder should pay all trial expenses, and
IL has also been determined TO pay no speed
premiums i'm future contracts. The pre-
miums recently earned and some yet 10 be-
decided are features of the contracts made
before this conclusion was reached.
on March t. 1898 there were in commits
sion but two armorcd vessels, the double
urreted monitors Miantonomah and Mon
Grey, Since that date, OF vessels thereto
fore authorized, there have been placed in
heir trSt commission three firSt-ClaSS and
wo second-ciass battle ships, two armorcd
ruiSers. one harbor defense ram and five
iOube-turreted monitors, including the
Maine and the Puritan, just completed.
Eight new armored cruisers and two new
cunbOats have also been commissioned
the Iowa, another battle ship. will bc com
Ieted about March /, and at least four
more gunboats will be ready for sea in the
Aarly spring.
Equal to the Best.
II Is gratifying to state that our ships
md their outfits are believed to be equal
o the best that can be manufactured else
where, and that such notable reductions
ave been made in their cost Is TO justify
he statement that quite a number OF YES
sells are now being constructed AZ rates as
ow as those that prevail IN European ship
Yards.
our manufacturing facilities are al this
line ample for all possible naval contin-
sencies Three Of our government navy
ards, those at Mare Island, Cal, Norfolk
a., and Brooklyn, y. y, are equipped for
ship building our ordnance plant in w ash
ngton is equal to any in the world ana al
he torpedo station we are successfully
making the highest grades OF smokeless
powder. Three first-class private ship
ards, at Newport News, Philadelphia and
l contractors, situated in the states OF
Maine, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New
Jersey, Maryland. Virginia and the state
f Washington, are constructing gun
oats or torpedo boats; two plants are
large quantities of first
lass armor. and American factories are
reducing automobile torpedoeS, powder,
irojectiles, rapid-ire guns and everything
lse necessary for the complete outht OF
laval vessels
There have been authorized by congress |
since March, 1898, five battle ships, SIN |
ight-draft gunboats, 10 torpedo boats ana
me submarine torpedo boat. contracts
or the building of all of them have been |
ct The secretary expresses the opinion |
hat we have for the present a sufficient |
supply of cruisers and gunboats, and that |
,ereaf ter the construction OF battle ships |
md torpedo boats will supply our needs.
Business Methods Improved.
Much attention has been given 10 the |
Methods of carrying on departmental Dusl-
ess. Important modiilcauons IN the reg
atoms have been made, tending 10 unlfy |
he control of shipbuilding, as far as may |
"a under the bureau of construction ana |
epai-, and also 10 improve the mode OF |
purchasing supplies Tor the navy by the !
ureau of supplies and accounts. The |
sta blshment, under recent acts OF con- |
-ress, of a supply fund, with which TO pur-
base these supplies in large quantities, |
nd other notifications OF methods. have |
ended materially 10 their chedpenlng ana |
etter quality.
The War College.
The war college has developed into an in
titutiOn which IL is believed VIII be OF |
reat value TO the navy in teaching the |
cience of war as well as In stimulating |
zeal in the navy. and ii Will |
- especially useful in the devising OF |
lans for the utilization, in case Of neces-
ity, Of all the naval resources of the United |
tateS.
The secretary has persistently adhered to
he plan he found In operation for secur-
lg labor at navy yards, Though boards
1 labor employment, and has done much To
make il more complete and efficient The
avail officers who are familiar with this
ystem and OF its operation, express the
ecided opinion that its results have been
D vastly improve the character OF the
'ork done at our yards. and greatly reduce
$ cost
Discipline among the officers and men OF
he navy has been maintained TO a high
tandard, and the percentage OF American
Itizens enlisted has been very much in
reased.
Reserve Ships.
The secretary is considering and will
ormulate during the coming winter a plan
or laying up ships in reserve, thereby
irgely reducing the cost Of maintain
X our vessels afioat. This plan contem-
lates that battle ships and torpedo boats
nd such Of the cruisers as are not needed
Dr active service at sea shall be kept In
eserve, with skeleton crews to keep them
I condition, cruising only enough TO in
IRE the efficiency OF the ships and their
rews in time of activity. The economy to
ssult from this system IS too obvious TO
e.sd comment,