davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-12-08
THE WAR DEPARTMENT.

The Sectctary's suggestions Generally
Commended and Ills iguros submitted
for Consideration
The report OF the Secretary of War
exhibits satisfactory conditions in the
several branches OF The public service
intrusted TO his charge.
The limit OF our military force, as
fixed by law, is constantly and readily
maintained. The present discipline
and morals of our army are excellent
and marked progress and efficiency are
apparent throughout its entire organ
ization.
With the exception of delicate du-
ties In the suppression of slight Indlah
disturbances along our southwestern
boundary. in which the Mexican troops
co-operated. and the compulsory but
peaceful return, with the consent OF
Great Britain. with a band of Cree In
dams from Montana TO the British pos
sessions. no active operations have been
required of the army during the year
past. ,.-.-...
tion the abandonment of unnecessary
posts and consequent concentration or
troops. and the exercise of care and
vigilance by the various officers charg-
ed with the responsibility in the eX-
penditure of the appropriations, nave
resulted in reducing to a maximum
cost of maintenance Of our military es-
adjustments.
During the past year the work OF
constructing permanent infantry and
cavalry posts has been continued at the
places heretofore designated. The
Secretary of War repeats his recon-
mendation. that appropriations Tor
barracks and quarters should more
strictly conform to the needs OF the
service as Judged by the department
rather than respond to the wishes ana
importunities of localities. II Is I'M
nerative that much OF the money pro-
vided for such construction should now
he allotted 10 the erection Of necessary
quarters for the garrisons assigned to
the coast defenses, where many men
will be needed TO properly care for and
operate modern guns. 1t is essential,
too. that early provision be made TO
supplv the necessary force OF arllllery
TO meet the demands of this service.
The entire army has now been equip
ned with the new magazine guns. and
wise policy demands that all plbHt
and private resources should be so en-
ployed as to provide an ample reserve
for any emergency.
The organized militia numbers H.
$40 men. The appropriations for its
support by the several States approx
mate $500. 000. annually. and 100000
is contributed by the general govern
ment. Investigation shows these troops
to be unusually we'll drilled and inspir-
ed with much military interest, but in
many instances they are so deficient in
proper arms and equipment that sud
den call to active duty would find them
inadequately prepared for field ser
vice. l therefore recommend that
prompt measures be taken to remedy
this condition, and that every encour-
aCement be given to this deserving
body of unpaid and volunteer citizens
soldiers. upon whose assistance we
must largely rely in time Of trouble.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-12-08
POSTOFFICE DEPARTMENT.

The Bad Results OF Loose Interpretation
OF the Law Giving Second Class Privi-
leees-uow the Big Postal Deficits are
Created.
Our POstOfIice Department is in a
very good condition, and the exhibits
made of its operations during the fiscal
year ended June 80, 1896, if allowance
is made for imperfectiOns in the laws
applicable to it. is very satisfactory.
The total receipts during the year were
50. 499 .20S.40. The total expenditures
were $50 626S4, exclusive of $l,559 .S9S.-
81 which was earned by the Pacific
Railroad for transportation and credit
ed on their debt to the government.
There was an increase Of receipts over
the previous year of S5.5l6, 080.2l, or
IL per cent. and an increase Of expend-
itures of S3.S36 l24G2, or 442 per cent.
The deficit was 81 ,G79, 956.19 less than
that of the preceding year The chief
expenditures Of the postal service are
regulated by law and are not In the
control Of the Postmaster-Genera All
that he can accomplish by the most
watchful administration is TO enforce
prompt and thorough collection and ac-
.ounting for public moneys and such
minor savings in small expenditures
and in letting those contracts for post
office supplies and sDar service, which
are not regulated by statute.
An effective cooperation between
the Auditors Office and the Postofilce
Department, and the making and en-
forcement Of orders by the department
requiring immediate notification 70
their superiors Of all deinQuencies on
the part of postmasters and compell-
ing such pOstmasters to make more
frequent deposits of postal accounts
and much less default TO the govern
ment than heretofore
The years report shows large extern
tons Of both star route service and
railway mail service with increased
postal facilities Much higher accura-
cy in handling mails has also been
reached, as appears by the decrease Of
errors in the railway mail service and
the reduction of mail matter returned
10 the dead letter office.
The deficit for the last year. al
though much less than that Of the last
and preceding years emphasizes the ne
cessity for legislation TO correct the
growing abuse Of second class rates,
to which the deficiency is mainly at
tributable. the transmission al the rate
Of / per cent. a pound OF Serial hDca-
ries. advertising sheets. House or
gan" Periodicals advertising some
particular House or institution sam
jle copies and the Ike. Ouelt certainly
10 be discontinued. A glance al the
revenues received for the work done
last year will show more plainly than
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-12-08

very subject matter q the conflict
situation will be presented in which our
obligations to the sovereignty OF spain
will be superseded by higher obliga-
tions. which we can hardly hesitate TO
recognize and discharge.
Deferring the choice of ways ana
methods until the time for action ar
rives. we should make them depend up-
on the precise conditions then existing.
and they should not be determined up-
ON without giving careful heeu 20 eV-
cry consideration involving our honor
and interest. or the international luty
contingencies suggested. or the sltua-
ton is by other incidents imperatiye.y
changed. we should continue in the
line OF conduct heretofore pushed. thus
in all circumstances exhibiting our obe-
dience 90 the requirements OF public
law and our regard for the duty enjOin-
ed upon MS by the position we occupy
in the family of nations.
a contemplation of emergencies that
may arise should plainly lead MS 10
avoid their creation. either through q
careless disregard of present duty or
even an undue stimulation and ill-tiu-
cd expression of feeling But ] have
deemed it not amiss To- remind Congress
that a time may arrive when correct
policy and care for our interests. rs Well
as a regard for the interests OF other ma
tions and their citizens. joined by con-
siderations of humanity and a desire
20 see a rich and fertile country init
mately related 10 us. saved from
complete devastation, viii constrain
our government TO such action as will
subserve the interests thus involved
and al the same time promise TO Cuba
and its inhabitants an opportunity to
eLiov The BLESSINGS Of peace.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-12-08
DEPARTMENT CT JUSTICE.

The Attorney Generals Report-Federal
Punishment Reforms Good Results %
the Salary system OF Pa Ing Feie al
Officers.
The Acknowledgement presents a lie
tailed and interesting statement or tie
impol tant work done under his SUI
vision during the last fiscal year The
oWE.l ship and management by the ~'F-
eminent of penitentialies for the con-
fnement of those convicted in United
States courts of violations OF federal
laws. which for many years has been
q subject of executive recommendation,
has at last 10 a slight extent been re-
allied by the utilization of the aDan-
dOned military prison at Fort Leayen-
worth as a United States penitentiary.
This is certainly a movement in the
right direction: but il ought TO be at
one supplemented by the reminding
or extensive enlargement OF this I'M
proyised prison. and the construction
of at least one more. TO be located in the
Southern States The capacity or the
Leavenworth penitentiary is so limited
that the expense of its maintenance.
calculated at a per capita rate upon the
number Of prisoners il can accommo-
date. does not make as economical eN-
hibit as it would is il were larger and
better adapted TO prison purposes. but
am thoroughly convinced that econ
omv. humanity. and q proper sense OF
responsibility and duty toward those
to whom We punish for violations OF
federal law dictate that the federal gov
eminent should have entire control and
MANAGEMENT of the penltenuarles
where convicted violators are confined.
II aDDears that since the transfer OF
the Fort LeayenwOTth military prison
to its new uses the work previously
done by prisoners confined there, ana
for which expensive machinery has
been provided. has been discontinued.
This work consisted Of the manufacture
of articles for army use now done else
where. On all grounds ii is exceeding
" desirable that the cOnyicts confined
in this penitentiary be allowed 10 re-
sumo work of this description.
1t is most gratifying 10 note the sat
isfactory results that have followed
the Inauguration of the new system
provided for by the Act of May 28 1896,
under which certain federal officials
are compensated by the salaries instead
of fees. The new plan was put in OPP
Grafton on the first day of July, 1896,
aud already the great economy it en-
forces. it's prevention of abuses, and
it's tendency to better enforcement OF
the laws. are strikingly apparent
Detailed evidence of the usefulness
of this long-delayed but now happily
accomplished reform will be found
clearly set forth in the Attorney-Gen-
arq1'e reDDrt
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-12-08
SEA COAST DEFENSES.

The President Urges Continuation OF tho
Liberal Appropriations of the Past
Great Results Achieved in a short Tin e.
During the past year rapid progress
has been made toward the completion
of the scheme adopted for the erection
and armament of Notifications along
our sea coast. while equal progress has
been made in providing the material
FOR submarine defense in correction
with these works. 1t is peculiarly
gratifying at this time TO note the
great advance that has been made in
this important undertaking since the
date Of my annual message 10 the fifty
third Congress at the opening of its
second session, in December, 1898. At
that time / informed the Congress Of
the approaching completion OF nine
i inch. twenty o inch and thirty-four
inch high power steel guns. and sew
entv-five y inch rided mortars. This
total seemed ms gnifcant when COM
pared with the great work remaining
to be done. Yet it was none the less a
source of satisfaction to every citizen
when he ref led that il represented
the nrst iustalment of the new Ordi-
nance Of American design and Ameri-
can manufacture, and demonstrated
our ability 10 supply from our own re-
sources guns of uneXcelled power and
accuracy. At that date, however.
there were practically no carriages
upon which 10 mount these guns, and
only 81 emplacements for guns and 64
for mortars. Nor were all these en-
placements in condition 10 receive
their armament Only one high power
gun was at that time in position for the
defense of the entire coast
Since that time the number of guns
actually completed has been increased
to a total of twenty Pinch. fifty-siX
1O-inch. sixty-one S-inch high power
breech loading steel guns, ten rapid
fire guns, and eighty Pinch rifed
mortars In addition there are in pro-
cess of construction one 16-inch type
gun. fftv Pinch, fifty-six 10-inch,
twenty-seven S-inch aigh lower guns.
and siXty-six 12-inch mortars in all,
four hundred and twenty-eight guns
and mOrtars During the same year
Immediately preceding the message re-
ferred TO- the first modern gun carriage
had been completed and eleven more
were in process of construction. All
but one were of the non-disappearing
type. These. however. were not such
as TO secure necessary cover for the ar
tilleyr gunnars against the intense fire
of modern machine, rapid firing and
high power guns.
The inventive genius Of ordnance
and civilian experts has been taxed in
designing carriages that would abviate
this fault resulting. it is believed, in
the solution of this difficult problem.
Since 1893 the number Of gun car
riages constructed or building has
been raised to total af 100. of which
81 are on the disappearing principle
and the number Of mortar carriages 10
152. while the 90 emplacements whech
were provided prior 20 that time have
been increased 10 $50 built and build
ing This improved situation is large
" due TO the regret due 20 the recent
generOur response Of Congress to the
recommendations Of the War Depart
ment. Thus we shall soon have COM
plete about one-hfth of the compre-
hensive system, the first step In which
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-12-08
IMMIGRATION STATISTICS.

Numbcr OF Immigrants, Wherc T cy
anne, and the Percentage OF laieili-
ace.
The number or immigrants arriving
i'm the United States during the fiscal
year was 345, 267, of which 34O.45S We're
permitted to land, and 2.199 were de
barred. on various grounds prescribed
by law. and returned TO the cou tries.
whence they came, at the expense Of
the steamship companies By which they
we're brought in. The increase in i'm
migration over the preceding year
amounted TO S4,73l. II is reported that
with some exceptions the immigrants
Of The past year We're of a hardy labor
ing class. accustomed and able 20 earn
a support for themselves. and il is es-
timated that the money brought with
them amounted to at least S5,0900oO.
though it was probably much in excess
of that sum. since only those having
less than $50 are required to disclose the
exact amount. and it is known that
many brought considerable sums of
r to ouv land and build homes.
Including all the immigrants arriving
VINO were over l. years Of age 1858
per cent were illiterate. as against 20.31
per cent. of those Of that age arriving
during the preceding fiscal year The
number of immigrants over II years of
axe the countries from which they
came. and the percentage of illiterate
among them. were as follows.
Italy 57.715. with $3.50 per cent; Ire
land 37496. with Z per cent; Russia
35lSS. with 41.l4 per cent; Austria
Hungary and provinces 5I05S. with
1882 per cent; Germany 25.2'i. with
2.96 per cent. Sweden 1881 with l.l6
per cent: while from Portugal there
came 1864 of whom 7I69 per cent.
were illiterate.
There arrived from Japan during he
year only lilo immigrants and 1t is
the oDiniOn Of the immigration author
tiles that the apprehension heretofore
TO some extent of a large immigration
from Japan to the United States is
without any substantial foundation.
THE LIFE SAVING SERVICE.
From the lie saving service IL is re-
ported that the number of disasters TO
documented vessels within the limits
OF its operations during the year YVES
1874. / ltNt NtSotA0 laAA VA HAtla I'd .'.-
persons. or whom I, $50 were saved and
12 lost. The value of such vessels is
estimated III sSSS0140. and Of their
cargOes s3.S4G.&S9, making the total
value of the property iureri'ed Sl2.-
72G.52c. OF this amount $11292.Io7 was
saved and sl..32.750 was lest Sixty
seven Of the vessels were totally wreck
ed. There were besides e+3 casualties
to small undocumented craft. on board
of which there were 5sf persons, Of
whom 5S7 we're saved and T were lost.
TIE value of the property involved in
these latter ca-ualries r. estimated M
SiI9.265. Of which $l1a9l5 was saved
and $3.50 was lest. The Ike saving
crews during the gear also rescued or
assisted numerous other vessels and
warned many from dancer by signals.
both by day AID night. The number Of
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-12-08
SOME STATISTICS.

Figures Taken From the Report OF the
Secretary OF the Treasury-R Receipts and
ui-bursems
The Secretary of the Treasury re-
ports that durinS the fiscal year ending
June 80, 1895. the receipts of the gov
eminent from all sources amounted to
$409.475. 40S.7S. During the same
period its expenditures were S434,475,-
674.4S. the excess Of expenditures over
receipts thus amounting TO $25, 203,-
245.70 The ordinary expenditures
during the year were S4,0l5,S52.2l, less
than during the preceding f-oal year
OF the receipts mentioned there was
derived from customs the sum of $780,
O21.751.67. and from internal revenue,
S146.S30 615.66.
The receipts from customs show an
increase Of S7.S63 1922 over those
from the same source for the fiscal
year ended June 80. 1895. and the re-
CENTS from internal revenue an in
crease Of $3.5S453191
The value of our imported dutiable
merchandise during the last fiscal year
was 1853. 757,47o and the value of free
goods imported S4O9967 .4o7. being an
increase of S6.523.675 in the value Of
dutiable goods and S4l.231,034 in the
value of free goods over the preceding
year. Our exports of merchandise,
foreign and domestic. amounted in
value 10 SSS2.S)6 93S being on increase
over the preceding year Of S75.o6S.713.
The average ad valorem duty paid on
dutiable goods imported during the
year was 1924 per cent. and ON Tree
and duuable goods taken together,
20.55 per cent.
The cost of collecting our internal
revenue was 2.7S per cent. as against
PSI per cent. for the fiscal year ending
June So 1895.
The total production Of distilled sFir-
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-12-08

was noted In my message 10 the Con-
gress Of December {. 1893.
When IL is understood that a mason
~ emplaccment not only furnishes
platform for the heavy marine high
power gun. but also in every particular
serves the purpose and takes the place
of the fort Of former days. the import
ance OF The work accomplished Is bet
ter comprehended.
In the hope that the work viii be
prosecuted with no less yigor in the tu-
ture. the Secretary of War has sub
m:rted an estimate by which, If al
lowed there will be provided ana
either built or building by the end OF
the next fiscal year such addltlonal
guns. mortars. gun carriages, and EN-
placements. as will represent not Iar
from one-third OF the total work 10 be
done under the plan adopted for our
coast defenses. thus afOrding a pros
pect that the entire work VIII De SUD-
stantiallv completed within six years.
In less time than that, however We
shall have attained a marked degree OF
security.
The experience and results OF the
mast year demonstrate that with a con-
tinuance of present careful methods
and the cost of the remaining work
will be much less than the original es-
innate. n..s
We should always keep in mind thatof
all forms of military preparation coast
defense alone is essentially paclnc IN
its nature. While it gives the sense OF
security to a consciousness Of strength
it is neither the purpose nor the ei1eect
of such permanent fertilization TO IN
volve us in foreign complication. b"t
rather to guarantee us against them.
They are not temptation to war, but
security against it. Thus they are
thoroughly in accord with all the ira
a..i-..- ~ n,,r national dinIOmacN.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-12-08

disasters during the year exceeded
that of any previous year in the MS
tory 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 ana TO the
number Of persons imperiled.
The operations Of the marine nos
pital service. the revenue service. tne
steamboat inspection service. the light
house service. the bureau Of naviga-
ton. and other branches of public Work
attached 10 the Treasury Department,
together with various recommends
tons concerning their improvement.
Secretary Of the Treasury. to Wnlch
the attention Of the Congress is espe-
ciaUv invited.
Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1896-12-08
THE NAVY department

Papld Advancement blade In SIT ''
ments OF Naval Science and Wari"i
Work Under Way and in CouteHr
The work Of the Navy D.'
and lis present conditions are
hibited in the Heport oil lhe
The construction OF vessels
navy has been energetica''r
tev by the present adminis.ra
on the general lines previous
ed. The department having 5ea
cessity for radical changes
methods under which the
found 70 be progressing iu
highly satisfactory To has
cided. however 10 pro..e
ship-buil1ing contract that ~.
should pay al trial eXpense.
also been determined 80 rl
premiums in fU.ure contracts
The premiums recently earn
some yet 10 he decided arc ..a
the contracts made before 3D..
sion was reached.
On March 4, 1922. there Tere .-
The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1896-08-18
WATT, RETTEW & CLAY.

Good fast b!act. india Linen, los yard.
"nise DorAet Flannel. 81 inch, only
snephetd's plaid Ducks, 12Kc.
97fnch half wool Cream Flannel, 12xc
Finest black India Linen, 12Kc
Fine linen. colored India Linen, only
t2Hc.
New tailor made Suitings, 121<c.
Fancy Duck Suitipgs, fall novelties,
12Xc.
81 inch fine lambs wool Flannel. $50.
o bargain.
81 inch all-wool Flannel. extra
quality, Csc.
Fine fast black dress Duct, i2kc.
Navy biMe dress Duck, best grade,
12Nc.
Fine Dimity in pink and light blue,
1913 sort, now 12<c.
Pink and blue Organdie. yards wide.
500.
SO inch white Flannel, all wool. $40
Real good blue Overall goods. only &c,
the i0c kind
Natural dress Linen, 81 inch, ell pure
linen, I2Hc
Finest dress Linen, SO inch, worth 33c,
for 25o.
Heaviest white Duck. pure linen
finish, only 12Hc. worth lie
Regular 81 25 Counserpanes this week
CSC
SO inch very fine Lambs wool Linen.
SOC.
81 inch all-wool Flannel. soft finish.
2Oc.
Imperisl Long Cloth. only 1oc yard.
Sll5 for IL yards.
Good quality bleached Bath. Towels,
1Sx3G. SC each.
Good bleached twilled Cotton To vel.
ing. axe
SO inch fac soft Ninsook, only 12Hc
per yard 81 IS for ~ yards.
White Counterpanos, the regular 81 90
kind-now 75c-bargain.
81 inch plain and striped Linens for
boys pants, l7c.
Good striped Cotsonades fer boys
pants, 10c and 1880.
Finest cotton stripes for boys pants,
zoe
Navy ard linen colcred Dlmity for
| shirtwaists, l21c.
Large Crepe Towels, half linen, los
each.
Extra fine white India Linen, only
l7c-cheap at 22c.
Fine sheer India Linen at 1O,.
Good fast black Saline, SC.
SO inch white Domes Flannel, extra
grade, 12Nc.
Good all pure Linen Toweliug, sc yard.
Very best blue Overall goods, only
12 &c.
A regular zoe black Saline for l5o,
very pretty.
SO inch dotted Muslin for Curtains,
13Hc.
3s inch black Ottoman" foe as silk,
25c-value 37Hc.
3S inch black "Silkot," the heaviest
and finest NJ 6de only 25c
Elegant line fine Percales-the fall
novelties. l21sc
Extra large hemmed Linen Towels,
17c