The age-herald., 1900-12-04

| trained force properly equipped for statis teal work, thus raising the question whether, in the interest of economy and a thtrough execution of the census work, there should not be retained in the govern ment employ a certain number of experts not only to aid in the preliminary organi- zation prior to the taking of the decennial census, but in addition to have the advan- tage in the field and office work of the bu reau of trained assistants to facilitate the early completion of this enormous under taking.
 I recommend that the Congress, at it's present session, apportion representation among the several states as provided by the constitution.
 Agricultural Department.
 The Department of Agriculture has been extending its work during the past year, reaching farther for new varieties of seeds and plants, cooperating more fully with the states and territories in research along useful lines; making progress in meteoro- logical work relating to lines of wireless telegraphy and forecast for ocean-going vessels; continuing inquiry as to animal diseases; looking into the extent and char acter of food adulteration; outlining plans for the care, preservation and intelligent harvesting of our woodlands; studying soils, that producers may cultivate with better knowledge of conditions and helping to clothe desert places with grasses suit able to our arid regions.
 Our island possessions are beig consir- cred, that their peoples may be helped to produce the tropical products now ex- tensively brought into the United States. Inquiry into the methods of improving our roads has been active during the year; help has been given to many localities and sci- entifc investigation of material interests in the states and territories have been in argurated. Irrigation problems in our semi-arid regions are receiving careful and increased consideration.
 An extensive exhibit at Paris for the products of agriculture there has made the peoples of many countries more familiar with the varied products of our fields and their comparative excellence.
 The collection of statistics regarding our crops is being improved and sources of in formation are being enlarged, to the end that producers may have the earliest ad- vices regarding crop conditions There has never been a time when those for whom 1t was established have shown more appreca- ton of the services of the department.
 In my annual message of December 5, 1898 I called attention to the necessity for some immediate alien contract law. There should remain important features of the rghtful application of the eight-hour law for the benefit of labor and for the prin- c1ple of arbitration, and l again commend these subjects to the careful attention of Congress.
 Civil Service.
 That there may be secured the best serv ince in the Philippine Islands l have issued under date of November l, 1900, the fol- lowing order:
 The United States civil service commis- sion is directed to render such assistance as may be practicable to the civil service board created under the act of the United States Philippine Commission, for the es- tablishment and maintenance of an honest and efficient civil service in the Philippine Islands, and for that purpose to conduct examinations of the civil service for the Philippine Islands upon the request ot the civil service board of said islands, under such regulations as may be agreed upon by the said board and by the United States civil service commission.
 The civil service commission Is greatly embarrassed in it's work for want of an adeouate permanent force of clerical and other assistance. It's needs are fully set forth in its report l invite attention to the report and especially urge upon the Congress that this important bureau of the public service which passes upon the quali- ficationsi and character of so large mum Der of the officers and employees of the gov ernment should be supported by all needed appropriations to secure promptness and efficiency.
 I am very much impressed with thc statement made by the heads of all the departments for the urgent necessity of hall of public records. In every depart mental building in Washington, so far as I am informed, the space for official records is not only exhausted, but the walls of the rooms are lined with shelves, the middle floor space of many rooms is filled with file cases and garrets and basements Which were never intended, and are unftted for their accommodation, are crowded with them. Aside from their inconvenience, there is great danger not only from fire, but from the weight of these records upon the tim bers not intended for their support. There should be a separate building especially designed for the purpose Of receiving ana preserving the annually accumulating archives of the several executive depart ments Such hall need not be costly structure, but should be arranged so as to admit of enlargement from time to time. I urgently recommend that the Congress take early action in this matter.
 I transmit to the Congress a resolution adopted at a recent meeting of the Ameri- can Bar Association the proposed celebra- ton of John Marshall Day, February l9, 1901 Fitting exercises have been arranged and it is earnestly desired by the commit tee that Congress may participate in this movement to honor the memory of the great jurist.
 Transfer of Capital.
 The transfer of the government to this city is fac If a great historical interest. Among the =ople there is feeling Of genuine pride in the capital of the Republic.
 1 that in 1900 the population of the District of Columbia was 14,O9S, today is 27S,71S The population of the City of Washington was then 3,21O, today it is 2lS, i96
 The Congress having provided for An annropriate national celebration of the ment of the seat of government in the Dis trict of Columbia" the committee author ized by it have prepared a programme for the 12th of December, 1900, which date has been elected as the anniversary day. Deep interest has been taken in the arrangement for the celebration by the members Of the Congress and Senate and House of Rep resentatives, the committee of Governors appointed by the President and the com mittees appointed by the citizens ana in- habttants of the District of Columbia. The programme in addition to a reception and otho, exercises at the executive mansion provides commemorative exercises to be held jointly by the Senate and House Of Representa tives in the Hall of Represen- md racention in the evening at