The Somerset reporter., 1898-12-08

government issues an interest bearing
debt to provide gold for the redeTp''o
of United states notes. a non-intercHt
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 a nonlnterest bearing debt.
In my judgment the present condition
of the treasury amply justifies 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 an
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 he adequate and responsive
To such needs is a proposition scarcely
less important. The subjects, in all its
parts is commended to the wise con-
sderatlon 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 b.
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 &c 1895 ! directed the increase of
the regular army to the maximum OF
50 900, authorized in said act. There are
now In the regular army 1852 officers
and men. The importance of legislation
for the permanent increase of the army
Is manifest. and the recommenda ton of
the secretary of war for hat purpose has
my unqualified approval There can he
no question that at this time, and prch-
ably for some time in the future 100 900
men will he none too many to meet the
necessities of the situation. At az
events, whether that number shall he
required permanently or not rTle 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.
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-
per'ienced men from the established
forces by directing all the instrument
talities of the railway 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 APP
proval:
Three seagoing, sheathed and cop
pered battleships Of about 1850 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 81
SOC, 900 each
2-Three sheathed and armored cruis-
ers of about 1900 tons trial dlsplace-
ment, carrying the heaviest armor and
most powerful ordnance for vessels OF
their class, and to have the highest prac-
ticabe speed and greatest radius 81
action. Estimated cost, exclusive of
armor and armament "a 900, 900 each.
3-Three sheathed and coppered pro
tected cruisers of about 5000 tons trial
disbursement, to have the highest pos
sihle 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
armament 81. 100000 each.
six sheathed and coppered cruisers
Of about 25O0 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.
Concluded on Page 7th.