The record-union., 1897-12-15

ZEN S1ONS AND PAIR1OIiSM-
Biggs Notes: Now that Congress
is again in session, one of the
questions that affects large
majority of our best citizens
is that of pensions. The thousands
who are now on the rolls of the Govern
ment at from Sc to $50 per month, did
not think of these things when in til
they left the farm, the store and the
workshop to go forth and battle for the
preservation of our Union. These men
were young then and the going into the
service of their country was the purest
of patriotism. Now they are old and
many of them have but this small sum
given them by the Government to tide
them over until they are mustered out
of the world by death.
AS the American puts it, the question
OF pension payment receives little con-
sideration on one of its most important
sides. We hear much about the extrav-
agance of our pension appropriations,
but few seem to consider that such ap-
preparations are not only remem-
brance of grateful nation for past
services. but a carrying out of the prin-
ciple of in time of peace prepare for
war; These expenditures now made
may result in great saving in some fu-
ture hour of trouble.
Ell DORADO CONGRATULATIONS
Mountain Democrat (Placerville): We
congratulate the Record Union on the
success and popular Endorsement of its
gallant fight for the Folsom road,
which may serve as a model beginning
Of good roads throughout the State
A AIth0nOh CO to a f16
home, we also hope that its scheme for
a Yosemite driveway for the tourists Of
the world may be equally successful
If the United States Government had
half the esthetic taste and good sense
that we have, a national road to one Of
IT'S most magnificent resorts, would be
a foregone success.
THE FOLSOM ROAD.
Placer Representative Last Saturday
Sacramento County voted s to l to is
sue bonds to build a boulevard from
Sacramento to Folsom. This is one
of the most progressive steps ever
taken by any community in Northern
California, and the example set by the
county will undoubtedly have a gooo
influence upon the whole northern part
of the State.
The Commissioners who will have
charge of the work are reliable business
men and promise to see that every dol
lar is as judiciously expended as it
would be If expended in private en-
terprise. If they do this, Sacramento
County will never be sorry for the step
taken last Saturday.
The Folsom read will usher in a new
era of road building in California. The
present method is unsatisfactory, ex-
pensive, and a continual source Of an
noyance.
THE IMMIGRATION BILL.
San Jose Herald: The Senate will
probably have the immigration bin un
der consideration this week. 1t will
be remembered that the bill passed at
the previous regular session was We
toed by the President, and that it could
not pass over his veto. Perhaps it was
just as we'll so. if not a little better.
The bill contained some provisions Of
doubtful policy.
In drawing a bill which affects the
rights of our neighbors Of Canada to
come into this country to work, it is
well to remember that such rule will
work both ways For instance, the Ca
for Americans on the Klondike if it
We're to shut them out of our labor
market. And they would be pretty apt
to do it. The Dominion Government has
already shown considerable disposition
to set up the bars against US there, and
was only restrained by argument found
ed on considerations Of International
neighborliness and of sound policy.
The effect of Canadians coming into
this country by the day or for other
brief periods. is a very small conSidera-
tion to the country at large. 1t affects
but a few persons in limited areas, If
any A general restriction of the cheap
labor of Europe and Asia is earnestly
to be desired, but the Canadians are
pretty much of the same condition as
ourselves and are no threat to general
industrial and social conditions.
THE CASE OF CUBA.
Santa Rosa Republican: The wisest
men in our nation are in doubt
as to the course that should be
pursued in regard to Cuba. They are
not sure in regard TO what action in this
matter is best for the Cubans or for our
own country Some favor recognizing
the independence of the island. others
would grant the insurgents belligerent
rights, and yet others would take no
decisive step at once. 1t is plain that
President Mckinley does not desire to
involve the United States in war with
other nations The conservative busi
ness interests of the country and cool
headed men generally are with him on
this proposition. In such contest we
should have everything to lose and
nothing to gain.
OF course this is not satisfactory to
the jingoes-the men who de most of
the talking at all times but are sure to
shun battlefields when war is on. They
would defy all Europe at any time for
the purpose of making themselves
spectacular War With the mouth is
their forte.
But cooler headed people would have
their country resort to extreme meas
urts that would call for a struggle at
arms as the very last extremity. They
would first employ all the arts of di-
plomacy. Knowing that our country
has no responsibility for existing condi-
tions in Cuba and doubling the ability
of the people there for self-sovernment
if given their independence, they are
disposed to be cautious and conserva-
tive.
One on DR.. johnson.