Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1896-12-10

Ta19s-s - es-svy C;recg,ou. arc ~ ss-s
time strict economy has been enforced 20
the utmost extent permitted by congress
Sional action
shows a Great Saving.
From the report of the secretary il APP
pears that through careful and prudent
financial management he has annually
saved a large sum from his appropriations
aggresating during his cumbeney and up
to the close o. the present fiscal year near
~ one-nIth Of the entire amount apprO-
priated. These results have been accom-
plished by conscientious study Of the
real needs of the farmer and such q regard
for economy as the genuine farmer ought
10 appreciate. supplemented by "a rigid adj
herence 10 ciNH service nethoGs IN depart
ment which should be conducted in the in
terest OF agriculture instead of partisan
Value OF Farm Products.
The secretary reports that the value OF
our exports of farm products during the
last fiscal year amounted to $570.OUt 500.
an increase of Sln090,V6o over those Of the
year immediately preceding. Ihis state
ment is not the less welcome because OF
the fact that, Notwithstanding such ia
crease, the proportion Of exported agricul-
turaI products TO oar total exports of all
descriptions fen Off during the year. The
benefits Of an increase in agricultural e&-
ports being assured. the decrease in its
proportion 20 cur total exports Is the more
gratifying when we consider THAI it IS ow-
ing to the fact that such total exports for
the year increased more than $t5,vVo,teo
a Useful Adjunct.
The large and increasing expectation of
our agricultural products suggests the
great usefulness of the organization late-
~ established in the department Tor TIE
purpose OF giving to those engaged in farm
ing pursuits reliable Information concern
ing the condition, needs ana advantages OF
different foreign markets. lnaSmuch as the
success of the farmer depends upon the adj
vantageous sale of his products, ana mas
much as foreign markets must largely pc
the destination of such products, II is quite
apparent that knowledge of the condl-
tons and wants that affect those markets
ought TO result in sowing more intelligent
" and reapinE with better promise of
'front.', Such information points out the
way to a prudent foresight in the seiec-
ton and cultivation Of crops and to re-
lease from the bondage OF unreasonirlg
monotony of production, glutted and de-
pressed market and constantly-recurring
Improbable toll.
Opposed to Free seeds.
In my opinion the gratuitous distribu-
ton OF seeds by the department as at pres
ent conducted ought to be discontinued
No one can read the statement OF the sec
rotary on this subject and doubt the eX.
travagance and questionable results OF
this practice. The professed friends cf the
farmer and certainly the farmers them
selves, are naturally expected to be willing
to rid department devoted to the promo
ton of farming interests Of a feature
which tends so much to its discredit.
The Weather Bureau.
The weather bureau now attachedto tie
department OF agriculture, has continued
an uninterrupted Improvement in the ac-
curacy of its forecasts has greatly in
lection to all whose occupations are re-
lated to weather conditions.
Omitting further reference 70 the opera
tions OF the department, l commend the
secretary's report and the suggestions II
contains to the careful consideration of
the congress.
The Civil Service.
The progress made in civil service re-
for mn
gratulations. 1t has survived the doubts
OF its friends as well the rancor of its
enemies, and has gained a permanent
place among the agencies destined TO
cleanse our politics - 70 improve, econ
/ omize and elevate the public service. There
are now in the competitive CLASSIFIED sery-
ice upward OF $1,000 places More than half
of those have been included from time to
time since March 4, 1888. a most radical
and sweeping extension was made by eX-
ecutiNe order dated the 9th day of May,
1896 And if fourth-class postmasterships
are not included in the statement. it may
be said that practically all positions con-
templated by the ciyil-service law are not
classified. Abundant reasons eXis, for
including these post9asterships. based up
on economy, improved service and the
peace and quiet of neighborhoods. IT.
however, obstacles prevent such action at
present, ] earnestly hope that congress
will, without increasing post Office appro-
priations so ad lust them as to permit in
proper cases a consolidation of these post
Offices to the end that through this proc
| ess the result desired may to limited ex-
Must Not BE offensive Partisans.
The civil service rules, as amended during
| the last year, provide for a sensible and
uniform method of promotion. basing eli
gibility to better positions, upon demon
strated efficiency and faithfulness. The
| absence of fixed rules on this subject has
| been an infirmity in the system more and
| more apparent as it's other benefits have
been better appreciated. The advantages
| of civil service methods in their business
| aspects are too well understood to require
/ {saY1f Hhaft lbs inn has
| a necessity to the executive work of the
government But those who gain positions
| through the operation of these methods
| should be made to understand that the nom
partisan scheme through which they re-
| ceive their appointments demands from
| Them by way of reciprocity. nonpartisan
and faithful performance of duty under
every administrator, and cheerful fidelity
| to every chief. While they should be en-
| couraged to decently exercise their rights
| of citizenship and to support through their
| SURFACES the political beliefs they honest
| ly profess, the noisy, pestlent and partisan
| employe who loves political turmoil and
| contention, or who renders lax and grudg-
resentirg his political views, should be
promptly ard fearlesS'y Sealt with in such
g way as to furnish warning to others
! who may be likewise disposed.
The annual report of the commissioners
| the important matter they have in charge
/ to the careful consideration of the con-
Interstate Commerce.
| Tie interstate commerce commission has
! during the last year supplied bundant evil
! dence Of its usefulness and the Importance
! of the work committed to its charge. Pub
/ lie transportation is a universal necessity,
1 and the question of just and reasona Bile
! charges therefor has become OF vital inn
! portanee, not only to shippers and carriers
| but also to the vast multitude OF producers
! and consumers The justice and equity OF
! the principles embodied in the existing law
passed for the purpose of regulating these
| charges are everywhere conceded, and there
! apnears 10 be no question that the policy
! thus entered upon has q permanent place
/ in our legislation. AS the present statute
when enacted was, in the nature Of the
! case. more or less tentative and expert
/ mental, it was hardly expected 10 supply
! a complete and adequate system. NJ hlle
! its wholesome effects are manifest and have
| amply justified its enactment. II IS cyl
dent that all desired reforms in transporia-
1 ton methods have not been fully accom-
! plished.
in view of the judicial Interpretation
1 which some provisions OF this statute nave
received. and the defects disclosed by the