The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1899-12-08

snd 10, 1883 Of the volunteers, making an
aggregate of 1,400 officers and 1868 men.
When the troops now under orders shall
reach Manila, the force In the archipelago
will comprise 2,05l officers and 50, 4sS
men.
The operations of the army are fully
presented in the seport Of the secretary OF
war. I cannot withhold from officers and
men the highest commentator for their
soldiery conduct In trying situations, their
willing SACRIFICES for their country and
the integrity and ability with which they
have performed unusual and difficult du.
sies In u island possessions.
Domestic Postal Service.
The domestic postal service continues
to grow with extraordinary rapidity. The
expenditures and will each ex-
coed 800, 600, 900 during the current year.
Fortunately since the revival Of prosper.
GUS times the revenues have grown much
faster than the expenditure, and there is
every indication that a short period will
witness the obliteration of the annual de-
felt. In this connection the report of
the postmaster general embodies n state
ment Of some evils which have grown up
outside Of the contemplation of
AS" AZ ZIG uACtuIAlOAU W SblllO SAusSSs Va
mail matter which wrongfully exercise
the privilege Of the pound rate and shows
that II this matter had been properly
classified and had paid the rate which 1t
should have paid, instead Of a postal de-
felt for the last fiscal year Of 6,6lO 900
there would have been on one basis u sur
plus of W, 1885,, so, and on another s5,753,-
$3.50. The reform thus suggested, In the
opinion Of the postmaster general, would
not only put the postal service at once on
a self-sustaining basis, but would permit
great and valuable improvements, and l
recommend the subject to the consider
alton Of congress,
This Gallant Navy.
The navy has maintained the spirit and
high service OF efficiency which have al
ways characterized that service and has
lost none Of the gallantry In heroic action
which has signulized it's brilliant and
glorious past. The nation has equal pride
In Its early and later achievements. Its
habitual readiness for every emergency
has won the confidence and admiration Of
the country. The people are interested In
the preparation and prestige Of the navy
and will justify liberal appropriations for
its maintenance and improvement. The
O1llcers nave SHOWN peculiar hdaptntlon
for the performance Of new and delicate
duties which recent war has imposed.
1t cannot be doubted that congress will
at once make necessary provision for the
armour plate for the vessels o under
contract and building. l heartily concur
IN the recommendation for the increase Of
the navy as suggested by the secretary OF
the, navy. "
PenaionA Of Widows.
Reviewing the report Of the pension
commissioner, the president recommends,
following the request Of the Grand Army
Of the Republic, that congress shall SO
amend the widows pension act to permit
the pension office to grant ~pensionable
status to widows Under the terms Of the
third section Of the act Of June ~, 1890,
whose incom, aside from the proceeds Of
daily labor Is not In excess Of $3.50 per
annum ! believe this to be u simple act
If irstica and han rfi1v rarOmmani II.