The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1896-12-08

disappearing principle, ano the nunloer
of mortar carriages to 152, Whie the 30
EMBELLISHMENTS which were provided TOR
prior to that time have been increased
10 $50 built and building.
~ This improved situation is largely
Que to the recent generous response
OF congress to the recommendations of
the war department. Thus we shall
soon have completed about one-ffth
OF the comprehensive system, the first
step in which was noted in my mes
sage to the congress of Dec T. 1893.
When it is understood that a mason
~ empiacement not only furnishes a
platform for the heavy modern high
power gun, but also in every particu
= lar serves the purpose and takes the
place of the fort of former days, the
Importance of the work accomplished
is better comprehended.
In the hope that the work will be
prosecuted with no less vigor in the
future, the secretary of war has sub
united an estimate by which, if al
lowed, there viii be provided and either
pullu or building by the end of the
next hScal year such additional guns,
mortars, gun carriages and emplace-
inenls as viii represent not tar from
one-third OF the total work to be done
under the plan adouted for our coast
oe1enSeS, thus Sffording a prospect
mat the entire work viii be substan-
tlally completed within six years. In
nae attained marked degree of Sc
cErity.
The experience and results of the
past year demonstrate that with a
continuation of present careful meth
OBS The cost of the remaining work
VIII be much less than the original es-
innate we. Should always keep in
MIND that of all forms OF military
preparation coast defense alone is eS-
Sentlally pacific in its nature, While it
gives the sense of security due to a
consciousness of strength. 1t is neither
the purpose nor the effect Of such per-
nlanent fertilization TO involve us in
foreign complications, but 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 traditions of our
national diplomacy.
The attorney general presents US de-
tailed and interesting statements Of
the important work done under his
supervision during the last fiscal year.
The ownership and management by
the government of DenitentiarieS for
the confinement Of those convicted in
United States courts of violations of
federal laws, which for many years
has been subject of executive recon-
1nendation, has at last to d slight eX-
tent been realized by the utilization
of the abandoned military prisons at
Fort Leavenworth as a United States
penitentiary.
This is certainly move in the right
direction, but it ought to be at once
supplemented by the rebuilding or the
extensive enlargement of this impro-
VlSed prison, and the construction of
at least one more, to be located in the
southern states. The capacity of the
-Leavenworth penitenti2ry is so limited
that the expenses Of Its maintenance,
calculated at a per capita rate upon
the number of prisoners it can accom-
modate, does not make as economical
an exhibit as it would if it were larger
end better adapted to prison purposes;
but / am thoroughly convinced that
economy and humanity and a proper
sense of responsibility and duty to-
wards those whom we punish for vio-
lationS of federal law, dictate that the
federal government should have the
entire control and management of the
penitentlarieS where convicted ViOlators
are confined. 1t appears that since the
transfer of the Fort LeavenWOrth mil
itary prison to its new uses, the work
previously done by prisoners confined
there and for which expensive machin-
cry has been provided, has been dis
continued, This work consisted of the
manufacture of articles for army use
now done elsewhere. On all grounds
1t is exceedingly desirable that the CON-
victs confined in this penitentiary be-
scription.
ABOLITION OF THE FEE SYSTEM.
It is most gratifying TO note the sat
isfactory results that have followed
the Inauguration of the system pro-
vided for by the act OF May %, 1896,
under which certain federal officials
are compensated by salaries instead of
fees. The new Itan was put in opera
ton on the LIST day of July, 1896, and
its prevention of abuses and its ten
dency to a better enforcement of the
laws, are strjllingly apparent. Detailed
evidence OF the usefulness of this long
delayed but now happily accomplished
reform will be found clearly set forth
in the attorncy-generafs report.
THE POSTAL DEPARTMENT.
our postoffice department is in good
condition and the exhibit made of its
operations during the fiscal year ended
June 30 1885, if allowance is made for
imperfections in the laws applicable TO
it. is very satisfactory. The total re-
ceipts during the year were $50, 499,-
Gus 40 The total expenditures were
500. G26. 1854, exclusive of $1,559, 89S.27,
which was earned by the Pacific rail-
road for transportation and credited on
their debt to the government. There
was an increase of receipts over the
preyious year of $5,516,0S0.21, or II per
cent. and an increase of expenditures
OF SO. S2s 1902, or A per cent.
The deficit was S1,679,95619 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 general. All
that he can accomplish by the most
watchful administration and economy
is TO enforce prompt and thorough col
lection and accounting for public mon
evs and such minor savings in small
expenditures, and in letting con-
tracts for postoffice supplies and star
service, which are not regulated by
statute.
An effective cooperation between the
auditors office and the postoffice de-
partnent and the making and enforce
nnent Of orders by the department re-
o1,iring Immediate notification TO their
sureties of any delinquencies of post
masters, and compelling such post
masters to make more frequent de-
nosits of postal funds, have resulted in
? prompter auditing of their accounts
and much less default TO the govern
noent than heretofore.
The years report shows large extern
s;ons os both star route service and
railroad service, with increased postal
Facilities. Much higher accuracy in
handling mails has also been reached,
IS appears by the decrease sof errors
in the railway mail service and the