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

The Navy.
The work of the Navy Department and
its present condition are fully exhibited
in the report of the Secretary. The con-
struction of vessels for our new navy has
been energetically prosecuted by the pres
cnt administration upOn the general lines
previously adopted. the department hav-
Ing seen no necessity for radical changes
in prior methods under which the work
was foundt TO be progressing in a manner
highly satisfactory. 1t has been decided.
however, to provide in every s~hipbuilding
contract that the builder should pay all
trial expenses, and it has also been de-
termined to pay no speed premiums in
future contracts. The premiums recently
earned and some yet to be decided are
features of the contracts made before this
conclusion was reached.
Interior Affairs.
The report Of the Secretary Of the Interior
presents q comprehensive and Interesting ex-
hiDit OF the numerous and important affairs
committed to his supervision. l agree with
the Secretary that the remainder Of our pub
lie lands should be more carefully dealt with
and their alienation guarded by better econ
omy and greater prudence.
The Indians.
The total Indian population of the United
States is III ,235 according to q census made
in 1875, exclusive of those within the State
or New York and those comprising the five
civilized tribes. OF this number there are
approximately $4,000 children of school age.
During the year 1893 of these were en-
rolled in schools. The progress which has
attended recent efforts to extend Indian
school facilities. and the anticipation Of con-
tinued liberal appropriations to that end.
cannot fail to afford the utmost s~atisfac-
ton TO those who believe that the educa-
| non or Indian nhi1lran 10 n nptmn fpnfnr in
the accomplishment Of Indian civilization.
1t may be said in general terms that In
every particular the improvement Of the
Indians under Government care has been
most marked and encoura ging.
The Secretary. the Commissioners Of In
dian Affairs and the agents having charge Of
Indians to whom have been made
strongly urge the passage of a law prohib-
itinG the sale of liquor to a~llottees who have
taken their lands in severalty. l earnestly
join in this recommendation.
The Pension Roll.
The diminution of our enormous pension
roll and the decrease OF pension expendi-
ture. which have been so often confidently
foretold, still fail in material realization.
The number Of pensioners on the rolls at
the close of the fiscal year ended June 80,
1896, was 970.67s. This is the largest mum
Der ever reported. The amount paid eX-
clusively for pensions during the year
was 13S.214 I61. "a. Il slight decrease from
that Of the preceding year, while the total
expenditures on account Of pensions, In
Guiding the cost Of maintaining the de-
partment and expenses attending the pen
sion distribution, amounted to $142. 206, $50. 80,
or within a very small fraction of one-third
Of the entire expense Of supporting the
Government during the same year.
The number OF new pension certificates is
sued was gO,64O. OF these 4O,314 represent
original allowances Of claims and 15,S7S in
crcascs of existing pensions. The number
Of persons receiving pensions from the
United States. but residing In foreign cOun-
tries. nj the close of thp last fiscal ypAF. W0S
3,7S1, and the amount paid to them during
the year was 1852, 1858. The sum apprO-
priated for the payment OF pensions for the
current fiscal year ending June 80. 1907, Is
$4,000 900. and for the succeeding year 1t
is estimated that the same amount will be
necessary.
that during the last fiscal year 800 lndict-
ments were found against viOlators Of the
pension laws. Upon these Indictments 167
convictions resulted. In my opinion, based
upon such statements as these and much
other information and observation, the abus-
es which have been allowed to creep into
our pension system have done incalculable
harm in demOralizing our people and under
mining good citizenship. / have endeavored
within my sphere OF official duty to protect
our pension roll and make 1t what 1t should
be, II roll Of honor, containing the names
of those disabled In their country's service
and worthy OF their country's affectionate
remembrance. When l have seen those who
pose DIS the soldiers friends. active and
ulert III uTpluS greater luNlIy anu more Ttth-
less pension expenditure. while nursing self
ish schemes, | have deprecated the approach
of a situation where necessary retrenrh-
ment and enforced economy may lead to
an attack upon pension abuses, so deter
mined rs to overlook the discrimination due
to those who, worthy Of Il nations care.
ought to live and die under the protection
Of a nations gratitude.
Pacific Railroads.
The Secretary calls attention to the public
iutprpSts involved In an altuStmpnf of rho
obligations Of the Pacific railroads to the
Government. l deem 1t to be an important
duty 10 especially present this subject to
the consideration of Congress.
The situation OF these roads and the con-
diton Of their Indebtedness to the Govern
mcnt have been fully set forth In the reports
Of various committees to the present and
prior Congresses. In view Of the fact that
the Congress has for Il number Of years al
most constantly had under consideration va
rious plans for dealing with the conditions
existing between these roads and the Gov
eminent. | have thus far felt justified in
Withholding action under the statute above
mentioned. In the case OF the Union Pa
cific Company, however. the situation has
become especially and Immediately urgent.
Proceedings have been instituted to fore
close 1t first mortgage upon those aided parts
of til" main lines upon which the Govern
ment holds Il second and subordinate mort
gage lien. In consequence of those pro-
cecdings and increasing complications add
ed to the default occurring the LIST day Of
January, 1897, Il condition will be presented
ut that date. so far as this company IS con-
cerned, that must emphasize the mandate
OF the act of 1887 and give To executive duty
under its provisions Il more imperative as
poet. Therefore,, unless Congress shall
otherwise direct, or shall have previously
determined upon Il different solution of the
problem, there will hardly appear TO exist
any reason for delaying beyond the date Of
the default above mentioned such executive
action as will promise to subserye the pub
lie interests and save the Government from
the loss threatened by further inaction.
Department cf Agriculture.
The Department Of Agriculture Is so in
timately related to the welfare of our peo-
pie ana the prosperity Of our nation that
il should constantly receive the care and
encouragement of the Government. From
small beginnings 1t has grown 10 be the cen
ter Of agricultural intelligence and :he
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