Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-12-04

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work OF the bureau OF trained assist
ants to facilitate he early completion
OF THIS enormous undertaking.
recommend that the congress at Its
present session apportion representa-
ton among the several States as pro-
Viued by the constitution.
OUR NAVY. -
very efficient service has been rem
dered by the navy in connection with
the instruction in the Philippines and
the recent disturbance in China
A very satisfactory settlement has
oeen made of the long pending ques-
ton OF the manufacture OF armor plate,
A reasonable price has been secured
ana the necessity for q government
armor plant avoided.
approve OF the recommendation of
the secretary for new vessels and for
addltional officers and men which the
required increase OF the navy makes
necessary. commend to the favorable
action of the Congress the measure
now pending for the erection of u sta
tue to the memory of the late Admiral
David D. Porter. I commend also the
establishment OF q national naval re-
serve and OF the grade of vice. admiral.
Provision should be made, as recon-
mended by the secretary, for suitable
rewards for special merit Many off,
GERS who rendered the most distin-
SuiSISo oCt WIG QuIiuS TIC recent War
with Spain have received In return no
recognition from the Congress-.
CIVIL SERVICE.
The civil service commission is great
iy embarrassed in its work for want of
an adequate permanent force for cleri-
cal and other assistance. It's needs are
fully set forth in Its report. I invite
attention to the report, and especially
urge upon the congress that this i'm
portant bureau of the public service,
which passes upon the qualifications
and character of SO large number OF
the officers and employees OF the gov
eminent. should be supported by all
needed appropriations to secure
promptness and efficiency.
JOHN MARSHALL DAY.
I transmit to the congress n resolu-
ton adopted at a recent meeting of the
American .-; Association concerning
the proposed celebration of John Mar
shall day, February 4. 1901. Fitting ex-
ercises have been arranged, and 1t is
earnestly desired by the committee
that the congress may participate in
this movement to honor the memory OF
the great jurist.
a CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY.
The transfer of the government to
this city is fact of great historical
interest. Among the people there is
IeellnB OIL genuine prlde IN the capital
fthe republic.
1t is a matter of interest In this con-
nection that in 1900 the population of
the District of Columbia was 1908; to-
day it is 27S,71s. The population of the
city OF Washington was then 3,2l0; to-
day 1t is 21S,196
The congress having pre- 'ided for
an appropriate national celebration OF
the centennial anniversary of the es-
adjustment of the seat OF government
In the District of Columbia" the COM
mittees authorized by 1t have prepared
a program for the 18th of December,
1900, which date has been selected as
the anniversary day.
Deep interest has been shown in the
arrangements for the celebration by the
members Of the committees of the SEN
ate and House of Representatives. the
committee of governors appointed by
the President, and the committees APP
pointed by the citizens and inhabitants
OF the District of Columbia generally
The program, in addition to n recep-
ton and other exercises at the execu-
tive mansion, provides commemorative
exercises to be held Jointly by the SEN
ate and House of Representatives in
the hall of the House of Representa-
tives. and Il reception in the evening In
the Corcoran Gallery OF Art In honor
of the governors OF the states and ter
ritories.
III our great prosperity we must
guard against the danger it invites of
extravaganza in government expendi-
lures and appropriations; and the
chosen representatives OF the people
will. doubt not, furnish an example
in their legislation OF that wise econ
oIny which in a season of plenty hus-
bands for the future. In this era of
great business activity and opportu-
nifty caution is not untimely. 1t will
not abate, but strengthen. confidence
1t will not retard. but promote, legiti-
mate industrial and commercial expan-
sion. Our growing power brings with
1T temptations and perils requiring con-
slant vigilance to avoid. 1t must not
be used to invite conflicts, nor for OPP
preston, but for the more effective
maintenance of those principles OF
equality and justice upon which our
institutions and happiness dep 1. Let
us keep always in mind that the foun-
dalton of government is liberty; it's
superStructure peace.
WILLIAM MKINLEY.
Executive Mansion,
December 8, 1900.