The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1898-12-07
THE ARMY.
Volunteers to BE Mustered oat When
Regulars Are Increased.

Volunteers
Regulars Arc Increased.
Under the act of congress approved
April 26, 1898. authorizing the presi-
dent in his discretion, upon a declar-
alton of war by congress, or deelara-
ton by congress that war exists"
directed the increase of the regular
army to the maximum of $4,000, au-
thorized in said act.
permanent increase of the army is
therefore manifest, and the recon-
mendatfon of the secretary of war for
that purpose has my unqualified APP
There can be no question that at this
time and probably for some time In
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 pres
ident to enlist that force If, in his dis
cretion, it should be necessary: and the
to recruit for the army within the
limit of the inhabitants of the islands
with the government OF which we are
charged
1t is my purpose to muster out the
entire volunteer army as soon as the
congress s. III provide for the increase
be only an act of justice and will be
much appreciated by the brave men
who left their homes and employments
to help the country in its emergency.
PRESIDENTS APPROVAL
Given to Secretary Longs Request For
Increasing Navy.
The following recommendations of
the secretary OF the navy relative to
/. Three seagoing sheathed and
coppered battleships of about 1880
tons trial displacement, carrying the
heaviest arlnor and most powerful ord
nance for vessels of their class, and to
have the highest practicable speed and
great radius of action. Estimated cost,
exclusive &C armor and armament, 3d.
600 900 each.
9 Three sheathed and coppered ar
mored cruisers of about 1900 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 great
radius Of action. Estimated cost, ex-
elusive of armor and armament, $4,-
coo, eco eacL.
3. Three sheathed and coppered pro-
tected cruisers of about 5000 tons trial
displacement; to have the highest prac-
ton, and tic carry the most powerful
ordnance suitable for vessels of their
class. Estimated cost, exclusive OF ar
NOR and armament, 50, 150, 900 each
4. Six shzathed and coPpered cruls-
ers of about $500 tons trial displace-
ment; to hi We the highest speed COM
patible with good cruising qualities.
great radius of action, and to carry
the most powerful ordnance suitable to
vessels of their class. Estimated cost,
Join with the Secretary l Of the navy
in recommending that the grades of
admiral and vice admiral be temporar-
have s Speeia al 9 them
selves in the war with Spain.
About the Twelfth Census.
earnestly urge upon congress the
importance of early legislation pro
GanSnS in nj
the large amount of work which must
be performed in the preparation of the
schedules preparatory to the enumera-
ton of the population.
The We're on the pension rolls on
June go, 1898, 993,714 names. an in
Der on the rolls on the same day of the
preceding year. The amount appro-
priated by the act of Dec. 20, 1896, for
the payment rent of pensions for the fiscal
of March 81, 1898, IS. o70, 84S:46 was ap-
propriated, to cover deficiencies in
army PENSIONS nso and rePaynents in the
$14S, 0S2, S92.T9 available for the pay
ment of pensions during the fiscal year
of 1898.
The amount disbursed from that sum
was S144. 651. $3.50, leaving a balance
of $3,431 ,012.99 unexpended on the 30th
of June, 1888, which was covered into
added to the rolls during the year by
spec1a! acts passed at the extra Sc
SIOn Vi JAe fllIVy-nIIn congress, making
a total of 6,4S6 pensioners by congress
sional enactments since 1861. The to-
tai receipts of the patent Office during
the past year were 1858, 94S.44. The
expenditures were 81, 0S1, 633.79, leav-
ing surplus of $172,31465.
The public lands disposed of by the
government during the year reached
S,453. S96.92 acres, an increase of 614-
1925 acres over the previous year.
The total receipts from public lands
during the fiscal year amounted to ST.
OIL q. increase
over the preceding year.
/ cannot too strongly indorse the rec
concentration of the commission and
of the secretary of the interior for the
necessity of providing for the educa-
ton of the 10000 white children resi-
dent in the Indian territory.
For the Farmers.
The department of agriculture has
been active in the past year. Explor-
ers have been sent to many OF tho
countries CT the eastern and western
hemispheres fer seeds and plants that
may be useful to the United States,
and with the further view of opening
up markets for our surplus products.
ment is giving special attention to the
treeless regions of our country, and is
introducing species specially adapted
to semi-arid regions.
Forest fires, which seriously inter-
ferS with production, especially In ir-
rfgated regions, are being studied that
losses from this cause may be avoid
The alien contract law is shown by
experience to need some amendment.
The several departmental reRorts