The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-12-08

and private resources should be so en-
ployed as to provide within a reasona-
bic time, a sufficient number to supply
the State militia with these modern wea-
pons and provide an ample reserve for
any emergency,
The organized militia numbers 1850
men. 1t support by the several States
approximate $2,S00,0O0 annually, and
$4,000 is contributed by the general
government Investigation shows these
troops to be usually well drilled and in
spired 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
inudequately prepared for field service.
| therefore recommend that prompt
measures be taken to remedy this con
dition and that every encouragement be
given to this deserving body Of unpaid
and voluntary citizen soldiers, upon
whose assistance we must largely rely
in time Of trouble.
SEABOARD FORTIFCIATIONS.
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 sub
marine defense in connection with these
works
We should always keep in mind that,
of all forms Of military preparation coast
defence alone is essentially pacific in it's
nature While it gives the sense Of Sc
curity due to a consciousness Of strength,
it is neither the purpose nor the effect
Of such permanent fertilization to involve
hut r-1f 40
10 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.
FEDERAL PRISON IN THE SOUTH
At least one prison for Federal prison
ers ought to be erected, to be located
in the Southern States.
GOOD RESULTS OF ABOLITION OF
FEE SYSTEM.
1t is most gratifying to note the salts
factory results that have followed the
Inauguration of the new system provided
for by the act of May %, 1896, under
which certain Federal officials are com
pensated by salaries instead Of fees. The
new plan was put in operation on the LIST
day Of July, 1896, and already the great
economy it enforces, it's prevention Of
abuses and it's tendency to a better en-
forcement of the laws, are strikingy
apparent
THE POSTAL SERVICE.
Our postofiice department. is in good
condition and the exhibit made Of its
operations during the fiscal year ended
June 80, 1896, il allowance is made for
imperfections in the laws applicable to
it, is very satisfactory The total re-
ceipts during the year were $50, 499,
2OS.40. The total expenditures were
SOC, 626, 296.S4, exclusive Of 81, $50, S9S.27,
which was earned by the Pacific railroad
for transportation and credited on their
debt to the government. There was an
increase Of receipts over the previous
year Of S5,516, 0S021, or II per cent and
an increase of expenditures Of 1885,
12402, or 4.42 per cent. The deficit was
81 ,6T9, 956.19 less than that Of the pre-
ceding year.
The deficit for the last year, although
much less than that Of the last and pre-
ceding years, emphasizes the necessity
for the legislature to correct the grow
ing abuse of second class rates to which
the deficiency is mainly attributed. The
transmission at the rate of 1 cent
pound Of serial Libraries, advertising
sheets, "house organs" periodicals add
vertising some particular house" or
institution sample copies, and the like,
ought certainly to be discontinued
The entire expenditures Of the depart
ment, including pay for transportation
credited to the Pacific railroad, was
500, 1S6, 1911, which may be consider
nI & hs r md
delivering the above mail matter. Though
the second class matter constituted more
than two-thirds OF the total that was
carried, the revenue derived from it was
less than one-thirtieth Of the total ex-
pense. The average revenue from each
pound Of first class matter was SO cents;
from each pound of second class, 81a
mills (of the second class 81, 34S, 297 was
county free natter from each pound of
third class 1871 cents, from each pound
Of fourth class 1916 cents. The growth
in weight OF second class matter has been
from 200 million pounds in 1894 to 312,-
100000 in 1895, and to almost $4,000
900 in 1896, and it is quite evident this
increasing drawback is fdr outstripping
any possible growth Of postal revenues,
it is quite time to correct the abuses that
swell enormously our annual deficit of
we concede the public policy Of carrying
weekly newspapers free in the county of
publication, and even the policy Of carry
ing at less than one tenth of their cost
other bona fde newspapers and period
icals, there can be no excuse for subject
ing the service to the further immense
and increasing loss involved in carrying
ut the nominal rate of / cent a pound
the serial libraries, sometimes includ-
ing trashy and even harmful literature,
and other matter which, under the loose
Interpretation Of a loose statute, has
been gradually given second class rates,
thus absorbing all profitable returns de-
rived from first class matter which pays
three or four times more than its cost,
and producing a largR.annual loss to be
Maid nv general taxawhn