Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1896-12-11

San Francisco are building battleships
II contractors, situated In the states of
Maine, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New
Jersey, Maryland, Virginia and the state
Of Washington, are constructing gunboats
or torpedo boats; two plants are manu-
featuring large quantities of hrst-class
armor, and American factories are pro-
ducing automobile torpedoes, power pro-
jectiles, rapld-hre guns and everything
else necessary for the complete outfit OF
naval vessels
There have been authorized by congress
since March, 1893, five battleships, six
nght-draft gunboats, 16 torpedo boats and
one submarine torpedo boat. Contracts
for the building OF all of them have been
let. The secretary expresses the opinion
that we have for the present sufdcient
supply of cruisers and gunboats and that
hereafter the construction of battleships
and torpedo boats will supply our needs.
THE PUBLIC LANDs-THE INDIANS.
Our public lands, originally amounting
to 1.SiO 100000 acres, have been SO re-
duced that only about 600, O00,0 900 acres still
remain in government control, excluding
Alaska. The balance, being by far the
most valuable portion, has been given
away to settlers, to new states and to
railroads, or sold at comparatively
nominal sum-
The patentlng Of land in execution Of
railroad grants has progressed rapidly
during the year, and since the 4th day OF
March. 1893, about 25,0 900 acres have
thus been conveyed to these corporations.
/ agree with the secretary that the re-
mainder OF our public lands should be
more carefully dealt with and their allen
alton guarded by better economy ESd
greater prudence.
nfaI Of No
United States is 177,235. according to a
census made in 1895, exclusive Of those
within the state Of New York and those
comprising the five civilized tribes. OF
this number there are approximately 3S,-
100 children Of school age. During the year
1898 of these were enrolled in schools.
The progress which has attended recent
efforts to extend Indian school facilities,
and the anticipation of continued liberal
appropriations to that end, can not fail
to afford the utmost satisfaction to those
who believe that the education Of In
dian children is a prime factor In the
accomplishment of Indian civilization.
II may be said in general terms that
In every particular the improvement of
the Indians under government care has
been most marked and encouraging. The
secretary, the commissioner of Indian
AFFAIRS and the agents having charge Of
Indians to whom allotments have been
mdue strongly urge the passage OF q law
prohibiting the sale Of liquor to allottees
who have taken their lands in severalty.
/ earnestly join in this recommendation,
and venture to express the hope that the
Indian may be speedily protected against
the greatest OF all obstacles to his we'll
being and advancement.
PENSIONS.
The diminution of our enormous pen
sion roll and the decrease OF pension ex-
penditure, which have been so often con-
fidently foretold. still fail in material re-
alization. The number Of pensioners on
the rolls at the close OF the fiscal year
ended June 30. 1896, was 97O,67S. This is
the largest number ever reported. The
amount paid exclusively for pensions dur
ing the year was S13S 2l4. "a, a slight de-
crease from that of the preceding year,
while the total expenditures on account
Of pensions, including the cost of main
tanning the department and expenses at
tending pension distribution, amounted to
3142. 206 $50 50. or within a very small frac-
ton Of one-third Of the entire expense
same year. The number of new pension
certificates issued was $3.50. OF these
t0.3H represent original allowances of
claims and Ii, S7s increases of existing pen
Gions.
The number Of persons receiving pen
blOIS lTOm lne OnllCQ OldltSs Dul IcSlu-
ing in foreign countries at the close of
the last fiscal year was 3.7s1, and the
amount paid to them during the year was
1852 1851 S. The sum appropriated for the
payment of pensions for the current fiscal
year ending June 30, 1897, is S140. 900, 900. and
for the succeeding year 1t is estimated
that the same amount will be necessary.
The commissioner OF pensions reports
that during the last fiscal year. 3S9 indict-
ments were found against violaters of
the pension laws. Upon these indictments
1877 convictions resulted.
In my opinion, based upon such state
ments as these and much other informa-
ton and observation. the abuses which
have been allowed to creep into our PEN
sion system, have done incalculable harm
in demoralizing our people and undermin,
ing good citizenship. / have endeavored
within my sphere of official duty to pro-
tect our pension roll, and make II what
It should be. a roll OF honor, containing
the names Of those disabled in their
countrys service, and worthy of their
country's affectionate remembrance
When have seen those who pose as the
soldiers friends active and alert In urging
greater lAxity and more reckless pension
expenditure while nursing selfish schemes,
I have deprecated the approach of a sit
uation when necessary retrenchment and
enforced economy may lead to an attack
upon pension abuses, so determined as
to overlook the discrimination due to
those who. worthy of nations care.
ought to live and die under the protec-
ton of a nations gratitude.
AGRICULTURAL INTERESTS.
The department OF agricultural is so in
timately related to the welfare Of our peo-
pie and the prosperity of our nation, that
II should constantly receive the care and
announcement OF the government. From
small beginnings 1t has grown to be the
centre of agricultural efforts. Large sums
OF money are annually appropriated for
the maintenance OF this department, and
u must be confessed that the Hesitation re-
IatinB TO II has not always been directly
IN the interest OF practical farming or
properly guarding against waste and ex-
travagance. So far, however, as public
money has been appropriated fairly and
Sensibly to help these who actually till
the soil, no expenditure has been more
proftably made or more generally APP
proved by the people.
The secretary reports that the value OF
our exports of farm products during the
last fiscal year amounted to $50. 900 900,
an increase of 100000 over those OF
the year Immediately preceding. This
statement is none the less welcome be-
cause OF the fact Notwithstanding such
increase the proportion of exported agri.
cultural products 20 our total exports OF
all descriptions fell of during the year
The benefits of an increase in agricultu.
raj exports being assured, the decrease
in its proportion to our total exports is
the more gratifying when we consider
that 1t is owing to the fact that such
total exports for the year increased more