Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-06-21

tense and naval efficiency of this u
try, moreover, supply a compelling
reason for legislation which will en-
able us to recover our former place
among the trade carrying fleets OF the
world.
The nation owes a debt Of profound
gratitude to the soldiers and sailors
who have fought its battles, and it is
the governments duty to provide for
the survivors and for the widows and
orphans of those who have fallen in
the country's wars. The pension laws,
founded in this just sentiment, should
be liberal and should be literally adj
ministered and preferences should be
given wherever practicable with re-
spect to employment in the public SER
vice to soldiers and sailors and to their
widows and orphans.
We commend the policy of the Re-
publican party in maintaining the
Efficiency of h Civil Service.
The administration has acted wisely in
its effort to secure for public service in
Cuba, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and the
Philippine islands, only those whose
fitness has been determined by training
and experience. We believe that en-
ployment in the public service in these
territories should be confined so far as
practicable to their inhabitants.
1t was the plain purpose OF the ff-
-teenth amendment to the Constitution
TO prevent discrimination OF account
OF race or color in regulating the cleo
tive franchise. Devices of State gov
ernments, whether by statutory or n
stitutional enactment to avoid the pur-
pose Of this amendment, are revolution
ary and should be condemned.
Public movements looking to a per-
manent improvement of the roads and
highways of the country meet with III
cordial approval and we recommend
this subject to the earnest considera-
ton of the people and of the legisla-
lures of the several States.
We favor the extension of the rural
free delivery service wherever its ex-
tension may be justified.
In further pursuance of the constant
policy of the Republican party
TO PROVIDE FREE HOMES
on the public domain, we recommend
adequate national legislation to re-
claim the arid lands of the United
States, reserving control of the dis
tribution Of water for irrigation to the
respective States and territories.
We favor home rule for, and the
early admission to Statehood of the ter
ritories of New Mexico, Arizona and
Oklahoma.
The Dingley act amended to provide
sufficient revenue for the conduct of
the wa has SO well performed its work
that it has been possible to reduce the
war debt in the sum of 100000 900. So
ample are the governments rev.
enues and so great is the
public confidence in the integ-
rity of it's obligations that its
newly funded two per cent bonds sell
at a premium. The country is now
justified in expecting and it will be the
policy of the Republican party to bring
about a
of the War Taxes.
We favor the construction, ownership
control and protection of an Isthmian
canal by the government of the United
States. New markets are necessary
for the increasing surplus of our farm
products. Every effort should be made
to open and obtain new markets espec-
tally in the orient, and the administra-
ton is warmly to be commended for
its successful effort to commit all
trading and colonizing nations to the
policy of the open door in China. In
the interest of our expanding COM
merce we recommend Congress to Gre
ate a department of commerce and in
dustries in the charge of a secretary
with a seat in the cabinet. The United
States consular system should be re-
organized under the supervision of this
new department upon such a basis of
appointment and tenure as will render
it still more serviceable to the nations
increasing trade.
The American government must pro-
tect