The age-herald., 1898-12-06

and plants that may be useful to the United states and with the further view of open ing up markets for our surplus products. The forestry division of the department is giving special attention to the treeless re- gions Of our country, and Is introducing species specially adapted to semi-arid re- gions. Forest fires, which seriously inter- fere with production, especially in irrigated regions, are being studied that the losses rom this cause may be avoided. The de- pertinent is inquiring into the use of water In many states of the west and collecting l information regarding the laws of the states the decisions of the courts and the customs of the people in this regard, so that uniformity may be reached Experi- ment stations are becoming more effective every year. The annual appropriation of $720,Q0 by the United States Is supple mented by $400,OOO from the states of the nation. Wide experiments have been con- ducted to ascertain the suitableness as to soil and climate and states for growing su- gar beets. The number of sugar factories. has been doubled in the past two years, and the ability of the United States to provide It's own sugar from this source has been clearly demonstrated. The weather fore cast and observation stations have been extended around the Caribbean sea to give early warnings of the approach of hurri- canes from the south seas to our fleets and merchant marine.
 In the year 1900 will occur the conti- mental anniversary of the founding of tho city of Washington for the permanent capi- tal of the government of the United States by authority of an act of congress of July 16, 1799. In May, 1860 the archives and gen. eral offices of the federal government were removed to this place. On the 1Tth of No- Nember, 1900, the national congress met here for the first time and assumed exclusive control of the federal district and city. Thls
 
 nificanee when we recall the circumstances attending the choosing of the site, the nam- Ing or the capitol in honor of the Father of hls Country and the interest taken by him Ill the adoption of plans for its future de- Felopment on magnificent scale.
 These original plans have been wrought out With constant progress and even be- yond anything their framers could have 1oreseen. The people of the country are justly proud of the distinctive beauty and government of the capitol and of the rare instruments of science and education which here md their natural home.
 A movement lately inaug1lrated bv tbe citizens to have the anniversary celebrated with hitting ceremonies, including, perhaps. the estaDlishment of handsome perma- nent memorial to mark so historical an oc- casion and to give it more than local rec ognition, has met with general favor on the part of the public. I recommend to the
 SAiS Si"iitiii5 Ot dn appropriation Tor this purpose and the appointment of a committee from its respective bodies. It might also be advisable to authorize the president to appoint a committee from the country at large, which, while acting with the congressional and District of Columbia committees, can complete the plans for an appropriate national celebration.
 The alien contract law is shown by expe- rience>to need some amendment; a measure providing better protection for seamen is proposed; the rightful application of the eight-hour law for the benefit of labor and the principle of arbitration are suggested Tor consideration, and I commend these subjects to the careful attention of the con- gress.
 The several departmental reports will be laid before you They give in great detail the conduct of the affairs of the govern ment during the past year, and discuss many questions upon which the congress may be called upon to act
 (Signed) WILLIAM MCKINLEY.
 Executive Mansion, Washington, D. C., December 5, 1898.