The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1900-12-07

1 increased to 2,614, reaching into forty
four states and territories, and serving
a. population of 1,S01.524. The number
or applications now pending and await
ing action nearly equals all those
granted up to the present time, and
| by the close of the current fiscal year
| about 1000 routes will have been estab-
| lished, providing for the daily delivery
of mails at the scattered homes of
about 3,500,000 Of rural population.
This service ameliorates the isolation
of farm life, conduces to good roads,
| and quickens and extends the dissemina-
ton of general information. Experience
thus far has tended to allay the ap-
prehension that it would be so ex-
| pensive as to forbid its general adop-
tion or make it serious burden. It's
actual application has shown that 1t
| increases postal receipts, and can be
, accompanied by reductions in other
branches of the service, so that the
augmented revenues and the accom-
plished savings together materially re-
duce the net cost. The evidences which
point to these conclusions are present
ed in detail in the annual report of the
postmaster general, which with its rec
concentrations, is recommended to the
consideration of the congress. The full
development of this special service.
however, requires such an outlay of
money that 1t should be undertaken
only after a careful study and thor
ough understanding of all that it in
wolves.
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
been made of the long-pending question
Of the manufacture of armor-plate. A
reasonable price has been secured and
the necessity for government armor
plant avoided.
approve Of the recommendation of the
secretary of the navy for new vessels
and for additional officers and men
which the required increase Of the navy
makes necessary. I commend to the
favorable action Of the congress the
measure now pending for the erection
of a statue to the memory of the late
Admiral David D. Porter. I commend
also the establishment of national ma
val reserve and of the grade of vice adj
miral. Provision should be made, as
recommended by the secretary, for suit
able rewards for special merit. Many
officers who rendered the most distin-
guished service during the recent war
with Spain have received in return no
recognition from the congress.
The total area of public lands as
given by the secretary Of the interior
is approximately 1,071, 1871, 662 acres of
which 917, 9358S0 acres are undisposed
of and 154, T45,7S2 acres have been re-
served tor various purposes. Inc pub
lie lands disposed of during the year
amount to 13,453. $3.50 acres, including
g. 42309 acres of Indian lands, an in
crease of 4,271, 474.S0 over the preceding
year The total receipts from the sale
of public lands during the fiscal year
were 81, 379, 758.10, an increase of 81, 309,-
SPOTS over the preceding year.
The results obtained from our forest
policy have demonstrated it's wisdom
and the necessity in the interest of the
public for It's continuance and increased
appropriations by the congress for the
carrying on of the work. On June 80,
1900, there were thirty-seven forest re-
serves, created by presidential proclaim
atoms under section "a of the act Of
March 8, 1891. embracing an area of
49, 425, 529 acres.
During the past year the Olympic
reserve, in the state of Washington,
was reduced 265,040 acres leaving its
present area at 1928, $40 acres. The
Prescott reserve in Arizona was in
creased from 1920 acres to 1886
acres. and the Big Horn reserve, in
Wyoming was increased from 1927. 800
acres to 1,1S0,800 acres. A new reserve,
the Santa Ynez in California, embrac-.
ing an area of 145.o00 acres, was Great
ed during this year On Oct. TO- 1900,
the Grow Creek forest reserve in Wy
oming, was created, with an area of
&c 400 acres