St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1898-12-07

iDack ITOIn the government united
States note without paying gold In ex.
change for 1t. The reason for this Is
made all the more apparent when the
government issues an interest bearing
debt to provide gold for the redemption
Of United States notes, non-interest
bearing debt. Surely 1t should not pay
them out again except on demand and
for gold. If they are put out In any
other way they may return again to be
followed by another bond issue to re-
deem, another interest bearing debt to
redeem nOn-interest bearing debt
In my judgment the present condition
of the treasury amply justlfies the i'm
mediate enactment of the legislation rec
commended one year ago, under which a
portion of the gold holdings should be
placed In trust fund from which green
backs should be redeemed upon presen.
tation, but when once redeemed should
not thereafter be paid out except for
gold. 1t is not to be inferred that other
legislation relating to our currency Is not
required; on the contrary, there Is al.
obvious demand for 1t.
The companion proposition that our
domestic paper currency shall be kept
safe and yet be so related to the needs
of our industries and internal com.
merce as to be adequate and responsive
to such needs Is a proposition scarcely
less important. The subjects, in all it's
parts. is commended to the wise con.
sideration of the congress.
The annexation of Hawaii and the
changed relations of the United States
to Cuba, Porto Rico and the Philippines
resulting from the war; compel the
prompt adoption of a maritime policy
by the United States. There should ba
established regular and frequent steam
ship communication, encouraged by the
United States, under the American flag,
with the newly acquired islands.
Under the act of congress approved
April rs, 1898, l directed the increase Of
the regular army to the maximum of
$1,000, authorized in said act. There ara
now in the regular army 81, 1862 officers
and men. The Importance of legislation
for the permanent increase Of the army
Is 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 prob
ably for some time in the future, 100000
men will be none too many to meet the
necessities 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 force If in his discretion it should be
given him to recruit for the army within
the above limit from the inhabitants OF
the islands with the government of which
terwe 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
appreciated by the brave men who lief.
their homes and emplOyments to heir
the country In its emergency.
The war with Spain laid new and ex-
ceptional labors on the post office de-
partment. This necessity was met by
the prompt detail and despatch of ex.
perienced men from the established
forces by directing all the instrumen.
talities of the raiiway-mail and post
office service, so far as necessary, to this
new need.
The following recommendations Of the
secretary Of the navy, relative to the in
crease in the navy, have by earnest ap.
prevail:
1-Three seagoing, sheathed and cop
pered battleships Of about 1880 tons
trial displacement, carrying the heav-
lest armor and most powerful ordnance
for vessels Of their class, and to have the
highest practicable speed and greatest
radius of action. Estimated cost, ex-
elusive of armor and armament, 49,
5000 each.
2-Three sheathed and armored cruis-
ers of about 1900 tons trial displace-
ment, carrying the heaviest armor and
most powerful ordnance for vessels of
their class, and to have the highest prac
ticable speed and greatest radius of
action. Estimated cost, exclusive Of
armor and armament, $4,OO0,0OO each.
3-Three sheathed and coppered pro-
tected cruisers of about 5000 tons trial
to have the highest pos
sible speed and great radius of action,
and to carry the most powerful ordnance
suitable for vessels of their class; esti-
mated cost, exclusive of armor and
$2,150,000 each.
six sheathed and coppered cruisers
Of about $500 tons trial displacement, to
have the highest speed compatible with
good cruising qualities, great radius Of
action and to carry the most powerful
ordnance suited to vessels of their class.
Estimated cost, exclusive Of armament,
III, III, oVu CdSHs
I join with the secretary of the navy
In recommending that the grades Of ad-
miral and vice admiral be temporarily re-
yived, to be filled by officers who have
specially distinguished themselves in the
war with Spain.
earnestly urge upon congress the i'm
portance of early legislation providing
'or the taking of the 18th census.
This Is necessary in view of the large
amount of work which must be per-
'ormed in the preparation of the sched-
lies preparatory to the enumeration of
he population.
There were on the pension rolls on
Tune 80 1898, 993, ia names, an increase of
learly $4,000 over the number on the
oils on the same day of the preceding
'ear. The amount appropriated by the
lct Of Dec. %, 1896, for the payment of
tensions for the fiscal year was $140, 000,- |
co. The amount disbursed from that |
um was $144, 651 $3.50, leaving balance
{ SO, 431 ,012.99 unexpended on the 30th of |
une, 1898, which was covered into the |
reasury. There were $3.50 names added |
O the rolls during the year by special |
cts passed at the second session of the |
'ifty-fifth congress, making a total of |
1856 pensioners by congressional enact
1ents since 1861.
The total receipts Of the patent office
uring the past year were 81, 253, 1854
he expenditures were e. .0S1. 633, 70. leay-
lg q surplus of $172314.65.
T A n YArrr