The Kootenai herald. [volume] (Kootenai, Idaho) 1891-1904, 1896-12-12

pensioners on the rolls at the close OF the fiscal
year ended June so. 1896 was a70elS. This is
the largest number ever reported. The amount
paid exclusively for the pensions during the
year si3s. PA. 1914, a slight decrease from
that OF the preceding year, while the total
expenditures on account OF pensions. Including
the cost OF maintaining the department and
penses attending the pension distributions,
amounted 10 Sl42, zoe, CSC. 80, or within very
small fraction of one-third Of the entire amount
supporting tho government during the same
ear. The number OF new pension certificates
ssued was 30. GAO. OF these l0.374 represent
original allowances of claims and ISIS Increase
OF existing pensions. The number OF persons
eceived pensions from the United States, but
residing in foreign countries, at the close Of the
last fiscal year SS71, and the amount paid
90 them during the year was $3.50, 7sS 2S. The
sum appropriated for the payment OF pensions
or the current fiscal year ending June 30. 1897.
IS $40 000 900 and for the succeeding year 1t is
estimated that the same amount will be neces-
sary.
The commissioner OF pensions reports that dur
ing the last fiscal year s39 indictments were
ound against violators OF the pension laws
1pon these indictments 167 convictions resulted
ASKS Tor reform.
In my opinion based upon such statements
these and much other information and OBJ
ervation. the abuses which have been allowed
20 creep into pensions have done i'm
measurable harm in demoralizing our people
nd undermining good citizenship. l have en-
deavored within my sphere OF official duty to
protect pension roll and make IL what
should be a roll OF honor. containing the names
OF those disabled in the countrys services and
worthy Of their country's affectionate remem-
brance.
| When 1 have seen those who pose as the
oldier's friend active and alert in urging great
iaxity and more reckless pension expendi
nres while nursing selfish schemes, 1 have
deprecated the approach of a situation when
ecessary retrenchment and enforced economy
may lead to an attack upon pension abuses, so
due to those who, worthy Of a nations care.
ught to live and die under the protection OF a
atoms gratitude.
Pacific Railroads.
| interests involved in an adjustment OF the OBJ
legations Of the Pacific railroads to the gov
| eminent. 1 deem IL to be important duty
to especially present this subject to the con-
sideration of the congress- on January l,
S97. with the amount already matured more
han S13 00O 900 of the principal of the subsidy
onds issued by the United STATES in aid OF
he construction of the Union Pacific railway
including it's Kansas line and more than So, 600,
900 of like bonds issued in aid of the Central
| Pacific railway, including those issued to the
| Western Pacific Railway Company will have
fallen due and been paid must that day
paid by the government. Without any ref
erence to the application OF the sinking func
now in the treasury, this viii create such G
default on the part OF these companies to the
government, as will give 1t the right to a
nee institute proceedings to foreclose its mort
gage lien. In addition to this Indebtedness
there will be due, January l. 1897 and there
will mature between that date and January l
1899. the remaining principal of such subsid,
bonds, which must also be met by the gov
eminent These amount to more than $1,000, OO
on account of the Union Pacific lines and excee,
S2l 000, 600 account of the Central Pacific lines
The situation of these roads and the condition o
heir indebtedness to the government hav
been fully set forth in the reports of variou
committees to the present and prior congresses
and as early as 1887 they thoroughly ex
amined by a special commission appointed pur
quaint to an act Of congress. The consideration
requiring an adjustment of the government
relation to these companies have been clear
| " presented and the conclusions reached wit
practical uniformity that If these relations ar
not terminated they should be revised upon
basis securing their safe continuance
Foreclosure Proceedings.
Under section of the OF congress passe
, March 3, 1887, the president is charged wit
? the duty in the event that any mortgage q
other incumbrance paramount to the interes
of the United States in the property OF tn
r Pacific railroads shall exist and be lawful
liable to be enforced, to direct the action
} the departments of treasury and of justice
he protection Of the interests of the Unite
! States by redemption of thorough judicial pre-
ceedngs, including foreclosure of the govern
ment liens.
for a number of years almost constantly ha
under consideration various plans for dealin
with the conditions existing between these road
4 AMI the government, have thus far felt just
( fed in Withholding action under the statut
above mentioned In the case Of the Union Pa
cihc' however, the situation has become e'
pecially and Immediately urgent. Proceeding
4 have been indulated TO foreclose first NOR
% gage upon these aided parts of the main ln
o. upon which the government holds 2 second an
70 subordinate mortgage lien. In consequence
4 | these proceedings and increasing complication
o added to the default occurring on the first da
n | of January, 1897, condition will be presente
f at that date far as this company is concern
i | ed that must emphasize the mandate Of Il
{ act of 1887 and give to executive duty undo
n | - provisions a more imperative aspect
Therefore. unless congress shall otherwi.
= direct or shall have previously determined upc
S 8 different solution of tx problem there wi
!, | hardly appear to exist any reason for della,
= | ing beyond the date of the default above mel
e toned such executive action as will promi
y u subserve the public interests and save Il
o government from the loss threatened by furth