The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-09-11
share in the valuable carrying trade of
the world"
now reiterate these views.
THE NICARAGUA CANAL

/ now relterate LneSe VIEWS,
THE NICARAGUA CANAL.
A subject of immediate Importance to
our country is the completion of great
waterway of commerce between the At
lantic and Pacific. The construction of
maritime canal is now more than ever
indispensable to that intimate and ready
communication between our eastern and
western seaports demanded by the an
nexation of the Hawaiian Islands and the
expansion of our influence and trade in
the Pacific.
Our national policy more imperatfvely
than ever calls for its completion and
control by this Government; and it is be-
lieyed that the next session of Congress,
after receiving the full report of the COM
mission appointed under the act approved
March 8, 1892. will make provisions for
the sure accomplishment of this great
work.
THE TRUST QUESTION. -
Combinations of capital which control
the market in commodities necessary to
the general use of the people, by suppress
ing natural and ordinary competition, thus
enhancing prices to the general consumer
are obnoxious to the common law and
the public welfare. They are dangerous
conspiracies against the public good and
should be made the subject of prohibi-
tory or penal legislation. Publicity will
he a helpful influence to check this evil.
Uniformity of legislation in the several
States should be secured Discrimination
between what is injurious and what is
useful and necessary in business opera
tions is essential to the wise and effec-
tive treatment of this subject. Honest CO.
operation of capital is necessary to meet
new business conditions, and extend our
rapidly increasing foreign trade, but con-
spiracies and combinations intended to
restrict business, create monopolies and
control prices should be effectively re-
strained.
THE WAGES OF LABOR.
The best service which can be rendered
to labor is to afford it an opportunity
for steady and remuncrative employ
ment. and give it every encouragement
for advancement. The policy that sub
serves this end is the true American
policy. The past three years have been
more satisfactory to American working
men than many preceding years. Any
change of the present industrial or finan-
cial policy of the Government would be
disastrous to their highest interests.
| With prosperity at home and an increas-
ing foreign markets for American products
employment should continue to wait upon
| labor and with the present gold standard
| the workingman is secured against pay
ments for his labor in a deprecated
currency. For labor, short day is better
than a short dollar! one will lessen the
| burdens; the other lessons the rewards
of toll The one will promote content
ment and independence; the other PEN
ury and want. The wages of labor should
be adequate to keep the home in com
fort, educate the children and, with
| thrift and economy, lay something by for
the days of infirmity and old age.
CIVIL SERVICE REFORM.
Practical civil service reform has al
ways had the support and encouragement
of the Republican party. The future OF
| the merit system is safe in its hands.
During THE present administration as
| occasions have arisen for modification or
amendment in the existing civil service
| law and rules they have been mad. I'M
portant amendments were promulgated
u
| 1899, having fer their principal purpose
the exception from competitive examina-
| ton of certain places involving ffduciary
| responsibilities or duties of a strictly con-
| fdential, scientific or executive character
which it was thought might better be
| filled either by non competitive examina-
| ton or by other tests of fitness in the
| discretion of the appointing officers. II
| is gratifying that the experience of more
| than year has INDICATED these changes
in the marked Improvement Of the public
| service.
The merit system, as far as practicable
| is made the basis fer appointments tC
| office in our new territory
SPANISH WAR PENSIONS.
The American people are profoundly
grateful to the soldiers, sailors and ma
rines who have in every time of conflict
fought their country's battles and de-
| Tended it's honor. The survivors and the
| widows and orphans of these who have
| fallen are justly entitled to receive the
generous and considerate care of the ma
\ dion. Few are now left of those who
| fought in the Mexican War, and while
many of the veterans of the Civil Wal
| are still spared to US, their numbers are
rapidly diminishing and age and intirmity
are increasing their dependence. These
with the soldiers of the Spanish War, will
not be neglected by their grateful coun-
| trymen. The pension laws have been lib,
eral. They should be justly administered
and will be. Preference should be give1
to the soldiers, sailors and marines, theiI
widows and orphans, with respect to EN-
ployment in the public service.
OUR OCCUPATION OF CUBA
We have been in possession Of Cub;
since the first of January, 1899. We have
rest red order and established domestic
tranquility. We have fed the starving
| clothed the ragged, and ministered to the
sick. We have improved the sanitar,
condition of the island. We have stimu
| lated industry, introduced public cduca
ton, and taken full and comprehensive
enumeration Of the inhabitants. Thu
1 qualification of electors has been settles
and under it officers have been chosen fol
| all the municipalities Of Cuba. Thes
| local vernments are now in operation
administered by the people. Our mill
] tary establishment has been reduced from
forty-three thousand dollars to less thai
4 six thousand. An election has been or
| dered to be held on the 18th of Septembe