The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1898-12-14
For a Big Standing Army.

For Big Standing Army.
Under the act of congress approved
April %, 1898 authorizing the president.
in his discretion, upon a declaration of
war 9y congress, or declaration by con-
gress that war exists" directed the in
crease Of the regular army to the maxi
mum of g., 200, authorized in said act.
There are now in the regular army So
s6a officers and men. In said act it was
provided that at the end of any war in
which the United States may become in.
volved the army shall be reduced to q
peace basis by the transfer of the same
arm OF the servics or absorption by pro.
motion or honorable discharge under such
regulations as the secretary OF war may
establish of supernumrrary commissioned
officers and the honorable discharge or the
transfer Of supernumerary enlisted men,
and nothing contained in this act shall be
construed as authoring the permanent in.
crease of the commissioned or enlisted
force of the regular army beyond that
now provided by the law in force prior to
the passage Of this act. except as to the
increase Of IS majors provided for in sec.
tion hereof"
The Importance of legislation for the
permanent increase Of the army is there
fore manifest and the recommendation Of
the secretary Of war for that purpose has
my unqualified approval. There can be
no question that at this time and probably
for some time in the future 900 men
will be none too many to meet the necessi-
ties OF the situation. At all events,
whether that number shall be required
permanently or not the power should be
given to the president to enlist that forcs
If in his discretion it should be necessary,
and the further discretion should be given
him to recruit for the army within the
above limit from the inhabitants Of the
islands with the government Of which We
are charged.
1t is my purpose to muster out the en-
tire volunteer army as soon as the con-
gress shall provide for the increase of the
regular establishment. This will be only
an act Of justice and will be much appre-
ciated by the brave men who left their
homes and employment to help the coun-
try in lis emergency.
WashIngton's Centennial.
In the year 1900 will occur the centen-
nial anniversary of the founding of the
city OF Washington for the permanent
capital OF the government of the United
States by authority of an act of congress
approved July IS, 100. In May 1900 the
archives and geperal offices Of the fed
eral government was removed to this
place. On Nov. II, 1890, the national con-
gress met here for the first time and as
sumed exclusive control Of the federal dis
trict and city. This Interesting event as.
sumes all the more significance when we
recall the circumstances attending the
choosing of the site, the naming Of the
capital in honor OF the father Of his coun-
try and the interest taken by him in the
adoption of plans for its future develop.
ment on magnificent scale.
A movement lately inaugurated by thG
citizens to have the anniversary cels'
brated with fitting ceremonies including
perhaps the establishment Of handsoms
permanent memorial to mark 50 historical
an occasion and to give it more than local
recognition has met with general favor on
the part of the public. recommend to
the congress the granting Of an appropria-
ton for this purpose and the appointments
of committee from its respective bodies.
1t might also be advisable to authorize
the president to appoint COMMITTEES from
the country at large, which, acting with
the congressional and District Of Colum-
bia committees, can complete the plans fol
an appropriate national celebration.
Pension Statfstjcs.
There were on the pension rolls on juno
80 1s9s S93,714 names. an increase OF
nearly is, ,OOO over the number Of the rolls
for the same day OF the preceding year.
The amount appropriated by the act OF
Dec 22, 1896, for the payment Of pensions
for the fiscal year 1898 was $40, 100000.
BY the act of March 81, 1898, 8, ,070, STAG
was appropriated to cover deficiencies In
army pensions and repayments in the
sum of $l2, ,020.35. making total OF $l4S,-
082, ,S9o.79 available for the payment OF
pensions during the fiscal year 1893. Tho
amount disbursed from that sum was
s144.65l. .s79. 80, leaving balance of s., 49,
O12. 90 unexpended on June 80. 1893, which
was covered into the treasury.
There were 3s9 men added to the rolls
during the year by special acts at the sec.
ond session of the Fifty-ffth congress,
making a total of 6,4s6 pensioners by con.
gressional enactments since 1891.
Supreme Courtroom.
deem it my duty to call to the atten-
tion of congress the condition OF the pres
ent building occupied by the department.
of Justice. A proper regard for the safety.
comfort and convenience of the officers
and employees would justify the expendi-
ture of liberal sum OF money in the
erection of new building. s
The Twelfth Census. ::
earnestly urge upon congress the Inn
portance OF early legislation providing for
the taking of the twelfth census. This Is
necessary in view OF the large amount OF
work which must be performed in the
preparations Of schedules preparatory to
the enumeration of the population.
Admiral and Vice Admiral.
ioin with the secretary OF the navy In
recommending that the grades Of admiral
and vice admiral be temporarily revived,
to he filled by officers who have specially
Spain.
Alien Contract Law.
The alien contract law is shown BY ex.
perience to need some amendment: .
measure providing better protection for
seamen is proposed: the rightful appltca-
ton of the s-hour law for the benefit Of
labor and of the principle Of arbitration
are suggested for consideration and COM
mend these subjects to the careful atten-
tion of the congress.
The several departmental reports will
be laid before you. They give In great
detail the conduct Of the affairs Of the
government during the year past and dis
cuss many questions upon which the con-
crcss may be called upon to act.
(Signed) WILLIAM MCKINLEY.
Executive Mansion, Dec. 5, 1893.
w JrJortv e Son Dime Roy T,S