The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1899-12-07

and 1888 If the volunteers, making an
aggregate Of ], 499 officers and AZ, 1855 men.
Wnen the troops now under orders shall
reach Manila, the force in the archipelago
will comprise 2,05l officers end GLASS
men.
The operations of the army are fully
presented In the report of the secretary of
war. cannot withhold from officers and
IN the highest commendation for their
soiaiery conduct in trying situations, their
willing sacrifices for their country and
the integrity and ability with which they
have performed unusual and difficult du-
Ties In our island possessions.
Domestic Postal Service.
Inc domestic postal service continues
TO grow with extraordinary rapidity. The
expenditures and revenues will each ex-
ceed SlOO, OOO,OO during the current year
fortunately since the revival of prosper
o''s 1lnes the revenues have grown -luch
iasGer imam the expenditure, and there is
every indication that a short period will
witness the obliteration of the annual de-
nclt In this connection the report of
tne postmaster general embodies state
ment OF some evils which have grown up
outside of the contemplation of
law In the treatment OF me classes of
mall matter which wrongfully exercise
the privilege OF the pound rate and shows
tnat II this matter had been properly
classlhed and had paid the rate which it
should have paid, instead of a postal de-
nclt for the last fiscal year of IL. 6l0 ,OO)
there would have been on one basis sur
plus OF $l7, 1897 ,57J, and on another s5,753,-
$50 The reform thus suggested, in the
opinion OF the postmaster general, would
not only put the postal service at once on
a self-sustalning basis but would permit
great and valuable improvements, and 1
recommend the subject to the consider
alton of congress
The 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 signalized 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
It's maintenance and improvement. The
officers have shown peculiar adaptation
for the performance of new and delicate
duties which our recent war has imposed.
1t cannot be doubted that congress will
at once make necessary provision for the
armour plate for the vessels now under
contract and building heartily concur
in the recommendation for the increase of
the navy as suggested by the secretary of
the navy.
Pensions 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 81, 1890,
whose income aside from the proceeds of
daily labor is not in excess of $3.50 per
annum. believe this to be simple act