The daily morning journal and courier., 1896-12-08


 and justice In the protection of the in- terests of the United States by redemp- ton or through judicial proceedings, including foreclosures of the govern ment liens. In view of the fact that the congress has for number of years almost constantly had under considera- ton various plans for dealing with the conditions existing between these roads and the government, I have thus far felt justified In withholding action un- der the statute above mentioned, In the case of the Union Pacific company, however the situation has become es- pecially and immediately urgent, Pro- ceedings have been instituted to fore close first mortgage upon those aided parts of the main lines upon which the government holds a second and subor dinate mortgage lien. In consequence of those proceedings and increasing complications, added to the default oc- curing on the first day of January, 1S7 condition will be presented at that date, so far as this company is concerned that must emphasize the mandate of the act of 1887, and give to executive duty under it's provisions a more imperative aspect. Therefore, unless congress shall otherwise direct, or shall have previously determined upon a different solution of the pro- blem, there will hardly appear to exist any reason for delaying beyond the date of the default above mentioned such executive action as will promise to subserve the public interests and save the government from the loss threatened by further inaction.
 NO MORE FREE SEEDS.
 In my opinion the gratuitous distri- button of seeds by the department as at present conducted ought to be discon- tinued. No one can read the statement of the Ssecretary on this subject and doubt the extravaganza and questiona- ble results of this practice. The pro- fessed friends of the farmer and cer- tainly the farmers themselves, are nat urally expected to be willing to rid a department devoted to the promotion of farming interests of a feature which tends so much to its dircredit.
 CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.
 The progress in civil service reform furnishes cause for the utmost con graduation. It has survived the doubts of Its friends as well as the ran cor of its enemies and has gained a permanent place among the agencies destined to cleanse our politics and to improve economize and elevate the public service. There are now in the competitive classified service upward of eig'htN-four thousand places. More than half of these have been included from time to time since March 4, 1893. A most radical and sweeping extension was made by executive order dated the 9th day of May, 1896, and if fourth-class postermasterships are not included in the statement it may be said that prac- tically all positions contemplated by the civil service law are now classified. Abundant reasons exist for including these postmasterships based upon economy. improved service, and the peace and quiet of neighborhoods. If, however, obstacles prevent such ac- tion at present, I earnestly hope that congress will, without increasing post office appropriations, so adjust them as to permit in proper cases a consolida- tion of these postoffices to the end that through this process the result desired may to limited extent be accomplish ed.
 The civil service rules as amended during the last year provide for sens- ible and uiform method of promotion basing eligibility to better positions up- on demonstrated efficiency and faith fulness. The absence of a fixed rule on this subject has been an infirmity in the system more and more apparent as its other benefits have been better ap- preciated. The advantages of civil service methods in their business as poets are too well understood to require argument. The application has become a necessity to the executive work of the government, but those who gain posi- tions through the operations of these methods should be made to understand that the non-partisan scheme through which they receive their appointments demands from them, by way of reef procity, non-partisan and faithful per formande of duty under every admins. tration, and cheerful fidelity to every chief. While they should be encour aged to decently exercise their rights of citizenship and to support, through their suffrages the political beliefs they honestly profess, the noisy, pestilent and partisan employe, who loves polit- ical turmoil and contention, or who renders lax and grudging service to ar administration not representing his DO. litical views, should be promptly anc fearlessly dealt with in such a way as to furnish warning to others who may be likewise disposed.
 THE TARIFF LAW.
 This statute took effect on the 2StI day of August 1894. Whatever may lot it's shortcomings as a complete meas ure of tariff reform it must be conceded tha 1t has opened the way to a freel and greater exchange of commodities thus furnished a wider market for oul products and manufactures. The only entire fiscal year during which this law has been in force ended on the Both day of June, 1896. In that year our inn ports increased over those of the pre- | vious year more than $6,5O0,000, while | the value of the domestic products wt exported, and which found markets aboard, was nearly seventy million dol lars more than during the precedins l year.
 Those who insist that the cost to oul people of articles coming to them iron abroad for their needful use should only be increased through tariff charges t(