The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1896-12-12
THE NAVY.

It's present condition are fully exhibited
in the report Of the secretary. The
construction Of vessels for our new navy
has been energetlcally prosecuted by
the present administration upon the
genral lines previously adopted, the de-
partment having seen no necessity for
radical changes in prior methods under
which the work was found to be pro-
crossing in q manner highly satisfac-
tory.
1t IS gratifying to state that our ship
ping and their output are believed to be
equal to the best that can be manufac-
tured elsewhere and that such notable
reductions have been made in their
cost as to justify the statement that
quite number Of vessels are now being
constructed at rates as low as those
that prevail in Europe in shipyards.
Our manufacturing facilities are at this
time ample for all possible naval con-
tingercies. Three Of our government
navy yards, those at Mare Island, Calf,
Norfolk, Va, and Brooklyn, N. Y, are
equipped for shipbuilding. Our ord
nance plant in Washington is equal 10
any in the world and at the torpedo
station we are successfully making the
highest grads of sm2kaless powder.
Three first class private shipyards at
Newport, Philadelphia and San Fran
cisco are building battle ships.
THE NAVAL MILITIA.
The naval militia which was authorized
4 few years ago as an experiment has now
developed into 4 body Of entcrprising young
men. active and energetic. They bear the
same relations 10 cur navy as the national
guard in the different States bears to our
army, and it constitutes a supply for our
| naval forces the Importance Of which is
Immediately apparent.
TIE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT.
| The report OF the secretary Of the interior
| presents a comprehensive and interesting
| exhibit Of numerous and important affairs
committed to his supervision. 1t is impOs-
| sibe in this communication to do more
tIin briefly refer to a few OF the subjects
| concerning which the secretary gives full
and instructive information. Money upprO-
! priAtions, on account Of this department
| and for its disbursement for the fiscal year
| ended June :0th, 1896. amounted to more
! than 1851, 100000, or a greater sum than
| was appropriated for the entire main
tenance Of the government for the two
| fiscal years ended June 30, 1896 Our pub
lie lands, originally amounting to $780,
100000. acres have been so reduced that
only about GO0,000,000 acres remain in gov
eminent control, excluding Alaska. The
balance, being the most valuable portion
! has been given away to settlers, to new
States and to railroads, or sold at COM
parutively nominal sum. The execution Of
| railroad grants has progressed rapidly dur
mo fhn and Sipcn tho dth 1ov Of
| March, 1893. about H250,O000O0 acres have
been conveyed to the corporations. I agree
with the secretary that he remainder Of
| our public lands should be more carefully
dealt with and their alienation guarded by
better economy and greater prudence.
The total Indian population Of the Uni
| ted States is III ,225 according to a census
State Of New York and these comprising
the five civilized tribes. OF this number
there arc approximately $4,000 children Of
school age. During the year %, 1893 Of these
were enrolled in schools. The progress
which has attended recent efforts to
| extend Indians school facilities and the
| anticipation OF continued liberal appropria-
| lions to that end cannot fail to afford the
utmost satisfaction to those who believe
| that the education Of Indian children Is a
! prime factor in the accomplishment OF In
dian civilization. 1t may be said in general
terms in every particular the improvement
| of the Indians under government care has
| been most marked and encouraging,
! PENSIONS
! The diminutiOn Of our enormous pension
| roll and the decrease of pension expend-
! lures, which have been so often confidently
| 'foretod. still fail in material realization.
! The number Of pensioners on the rolls at
| the close Of the fiscal year ended June 30,
| 1896, was 970,G7S, This is the largest num-
her reported The amount paid exclusively
| for pensions during the year was S13S, 214,-
7G1.94, a slight decrease from that of the
| preceding year, while the total expenditures
Oh account Of pensions, Including the cost
Of maintaining the department and expenses
/ attending pension distribution, amounted to
$142, zoe, $685. or within very small frac-
ton of one-third Of the entire expenses of
supporting the government during the same
year. The number of pension certificates
Issued was 90,640. OF these 1894 repre-.
sent original allowances Of claims, and 49,
S7S increases Of existing pensions. The
number Of persons receiving pensions from
the United States, but residing in foreign
countries at the close of the last fiscal year,
| was 1871, and the amount paid them dur
ing the year was ISL ,273, 53S. The sum ap-
propriated for the payment OF pensions for
| the current fiscal year ending June 80, 1897,
is $50, 900, 900, and for the succeeding year
| it is estimated that he same amount would
be necessary. The commissioner of pen
sions reports that during the last fiscal
year 259 indictments were found against
| violators Of pension laws. Upon these in
L a. ,t1kf