Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-12-06

seriously interfere with production. espcc-
ially In irrigated regions. are icing stud
led, that losses from this cause may be
avoided. The department is inquiring into
the use and abuse of water in many
States of the West and collecting infor-
nation regarding the laws of the States.
the decisions of the courts and the Gus
toms of the people in this regard. so that
uniformity may be secured. Experiment
stations are becoming more effective
every year. The annual appropriation OF
$4,000 by Congress is supplemented by
SEQ coo from the States. Nationwide ex-
periments have been conducted to ascer-
tain the suitableness as to soil and
climate. and States for growing sugar
beets. The number of sugar factories has
been doubled in the past two years and
the ability of the United States TO pro-
duce its own sugar from this source has
been elealy demonstrated.
The Weather Bureau and observation
stations have been extended around the
Caribbean sea, to give early warning OF
the approach of hurricanes from the
south seas to our fleets and merchant
marine.
In the year 1900 will occur the Centen
NAL anniversary of the founding of the
City of Washington for the permanent
capitol of the government OF the United
States by authority of an act of Congress
approved July l6. 11so. In May, 1850, the
archives and the general offices of the
Federal government were removed to this
place. On the 18th of November .lSo0,
the National Congress met here for the
first time and assumed exclusive control
of the Federal district and city. This
interesting event assumes all the more
significance when we recall the circum-
stances attending the choosing OF the
site, the naming of the capital in honor OF
the Father of His Country and the in
terest taken by him in the adoption OF
plans for its future development on
magnificent scale.
These original plans have been wrought
gu. with constant progress and signal
success even beyond anything their
trainers could have foreseen. The peo-
pie of the country are justly proud of
the distinctive beauty ana government of
the capital, and of the rare instruments
of science and education which here find
their natural home.
A movement lately iaausurated by the
citizens to have the anniversary ceie-
brsted with fitting ceremonies, including
perhaps the esta Slishment of handsome
permanent memorial to mark so histori-
cal an occasion, and to give 1t more than
local recognition, has met with general
favor on the part of the public.
I recommend to the Congress the grant
ing of an appropriation for this plTpose
and the appointment of a committee
from its respective bodies. 1t Nigh; also
be advisable to authorize the President
to appoint cons.nittse from the country
at large which, acting with the Con-
gressional and District of Columbia COM
mittee, can complete the plans for an
appropriate national celebration.
The alien contract labor law is shown
by experience to need some amendments;
a measure providing better protection for
seamen is proposed; the r:ghtful appiica-
ton of the eight hour lay for the benefit
of labor and other principle of arbitration
are suggested for consideration; and /
commend these subjects to the careful
attention Of 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 past year, and
discuss many questions upon which the
Congress may feel called upon to act.
WILLIAM NJ III NTIY.
Executive Mans.on. Dec mber ). 1898.