The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1900-12-07

OF the United states fnlippine CoEnfnlS-
sion, for the establishment n main
tenance OF an honest and efficient civil
service in the Philippine Islands. and
for that purpose to conduct examina-
lions for the civil service board OF said
islands. und such regulations as may
be agreed upon by the said oar and
the sale United States civil service
commission"
The civil service commission Is
greatly embarrassed in its work for
want of an adequate permanent force
for clerical and other assistance. Its
needs are fully set forth in its report
i invite attention to the report. and es-
pecially urge upon the congress that
this important bureau OF the public
service, which passes upon the qualif-
cations and character Of so large a
number of the officers and employees
Of the government, should be supported
by all needed appropriations to secure
promptness and efficiency.
/ am very much impressed with the
statement made by the heads of all the
departments of the urgent necessity
OF a hall of public records. In every de-
partmental building in Washington, so
far as / am informed. the space for
official records is not only exhausted,
but the walls OF rooms are lined with
shelves, the middle floor space of many
rooms is filled with file cases. n gar
rets and Easements. which were eve
intended and are Unfit for their accom-
mediation, are crowded with them.
Aside from the inconvenience there is
great danger. not only from fire. but
from the weight of these records upon
timberS not intended for their support.
There should be a separate building
especially designed for the purpose OF
receiving and preserving the annually
accommodating archives of the several
QXpplrTiraC 1ann ~ aapf CrraH A4lr
need not be a costly structure. but
should be so arranged as to admit Of
enlargement from time to time. / urg-
emily recommend that the congress take
early action in this matter.
l transmit to the ongres a resolu-
ton adopted at a recent meeting of the
American Bar Association concerning
the proposed celebration of John Mar
shall Day, February 4, 1901. Fitting
exercises have been arranged, n il is
earnestly desired by the committee that
n congress may participate in this
movement to honor the memory of the
great jurist.
h Nations Capital.
The transfer of the government to
this city is a fact of great historical in
terest. Among the people there is a
feeling OF genuine pride in the capital
of the republic.
It is a matter of interest in this con-
nection that in 1900 the population of
District of Columbia was Ia, O93; today
it is 27S, u.s. he population of the city
of Washington was then 1910; today
it is 21S, 1876.
The congress having provided for IAN
appropriate national celebration of the
centennial anniversary of the estab-
lishment of the seat of government in
the District of Columbia" the commit
tees authorized by it have prepared a
programme 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 nat and house of
representatives, the mmi of gov
ernors appointed by the president, and
the committees appointed by the citi-
ZenS and inhabitants of the District of
Columbia generally. The programme,
in addition 10 a reception and other ex-
erciSeS at the mansion, pro-
vides commemorative exercises to be
held jointly by the senate and house of
representatives in the hall of the house
of representatives, and a reception in
the evening at the Corcoran gallery of
art in honor of the governors of the
states and territories.
Governmental Economy.
In our great prosperity we must guard
against the danger it invites of extrav-
agance in government expenditures and
appropriations; and the chosen repre-
sentatives of the people will, l doubt
not, furnish an example in their legis-
lation Of that wise economy which in
a season of plenty husbands for the
future. In his era of great business
activity and opportunity caution is not
untimely. 1t will not abate, but
strengthen, confidence. 1t VIII not re-
tard, but promote legitimate indus
trial and commercial expansion. Our
growing power brings with it tempta-
tions and perils requiring constant Wig
lance to avoid. 1t must not be used
to invite conflicts, nor for oppression,
but for the more effective mainten-
ance of those principles of equality and
justice upon which our institutions and
happiness depend. Let us keep always
in mind that the foundation of our
government is liberty; it's superstruc-
ture peace.
WILLIAM M'KINLEY.
Executive Mansion, December 3, 1900.