The Hocking sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1871-1906, 1901-12-05

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conditions closely approaching panic in
the business world Yet it is not only
possible. bur eminently desirable. TO COM
bine with the stability OF our economic
system supplementary system OF recip-
rocal benefit and obligation with other
nations. Such reciprocity was especially
provided for in the present tariff law.
Reciprocity must he treated As the
handmaiden of protection. Our first duty
is to see that the protection granted by
the tariff in every case where IL is need
ed is maintained. and that reciprocity
be sought for 50 far as it can safely be
done without injury to our home indus
tries. Just how far this is must be deter
mined according tn the individual ease,
remembering always that every applica-
tiOn of our thrift policy 10 meet our shift
ing national needs must be conditioned
upon the cardinal fact that the duties
must never he reduced below the point
that will cover the difference between the
labor cost here and abroad. Subject 10
this proviso of the proper protection nee
essary TO our industrial well being at
home. the principle Of reciprocity must
command our hearty support.
The natural line of development for a
policy of reciprocity will be in connec-
tiOn with those OF our productions which
no longer require all of the support once
needed to establish them upon a sound
basis, and with those others where either
because OF natural or of economic causes
we are beyond the reach Of successful
competition. | ask the attention of the
Senate TO the reciprocity treaties laid
before it by my predecessor.
Anerc'. Merch mt Marine.
The condition of the American mer-
chant marine is such as TO call for imme-
diate remedial action by the Congress.
1t is discreditable to US as nation that
our merchant marine should be utterly
insignificant in comparison to that of 9th
er nations which We overtop in other
forms of business. We should not longer
submit 10 conditions under which only
a trifling portion of our great commerce
is carried in our own ships. To remedy
this state OF things would not merely
serve to build up our shipping interests,
but it would also result in benefit TO all
who are interested in the permanent es-
of wider market for Amer
lean products. and would provide an aux
iliary force for the navy. Our government
should take such action as will remedy
these inequalities. The American mer-
chant marine should be restored to the
ocean.
The act Of March IA. 1900 Intended un-
eQuivocaily to establish gold as the stand
ard money and to maintain at n parity there
with all forms Of money medium In use
with US, has been shown to be timely and
judicious. The price Of our Government
bonds In the worlds market. when COM
pared with the price Of similar obligations
Issued by other nations. Is a flattering trib-
ute TO our public credit. This condition II
Is evidently desirable to maintain.
In many respects the national banking
law furnishes sufficient liberty for the prop
er exercise OF the banking function: but
there seems to be need Of better safeguards
against the deranging influence of CONNER
cial crises and financial panics. Moreover.
the currency Of the country should be made
to the demands Of our domestic
trade and commerce.
The collections from duties on Imports and
Internal taxes continue TO exceed the ordi-
nary expenses of the Government. thanks
mainly TO the reduced army expenditures
The utmost care should be taken not to re-
duce the revenues SO that there Will be any
possibility Of q deficit: but. after providing
against any such contingency, means should
be adopted which Will bring the revenues
more nearly within the limit of our actual
needs.
/ call special attention to the need Of strict
In expenditures. Only by avoidance
Of spending money on what Is needless or
nnjustifiabie can We legitimately keep our
Income to the point required TO met our
needs that are genuine.
Interstate Commerce.
In 1887 measure was enacted for the reg
nlation Of Interstate railways, commonly
known as the Interstate commerce act. The
cardinal provisions OF that act were that
railway rates should he just and reasonable
md that all shippers, localities and commOd-
tiles should be accorded equal treatment.
That law was largely an experiment. Ex-
perience has shown the wisdom Of its pur-
poses. but has also shown. possibly that
t.,
tainly that the means devised for the en-
forcement Of Its provisions are defective.
The act should be amended. The railway Is
l public servant. Its rates should be just
TO and open to all shippers alike: The Gov
should see TO 1t that within Its jur-
sdictiOn this Is so, and should provide a
speedy, inexpensive and effective remedy to
hat end At the same time nothing could
De more foolish than the enactment Of legis-
alton which would unnecessarily interfere
with the development and operation Of these
agencies.
The Department Of Agriculture during the
asst fifteen years has steadily brOadened its
work on economic lines and has accom-
Dlished results OF real value In upbuiiding
domestic and foreign trade. 1t has gone
nto new fields until II Is now In touch with
Ill sections Of our country and with two of
he island groups that have lately come un-
Ter our Jurisdiction, whose people must
Ook TO agriculture for livelihood. 1t is
the world for grains, grasses,
'ruits and vegetables specially fitted for in
reduction into localities In the several
states and Territories where they may add
to our resources. BY scientific
attention to soil survey and possible new
'rops. to breeding of new varieties of plants,
o experimental shipments. to animal indus
ry and applied chemistry. very practical
nd had been given our farming and stock
growing interests. The products of the
arm have taken an unprecedented place in
'ur export trade during the year that has
ust closed.
Protection of the Forest.
Public opinion throughout the United
states has moved steadily toward n just ap-
,reciation Of the value OF forests. whether
planted or of natural growth. The great
,art played by them In the creation and
of the national wealth Is now
more fully realized than ever before
Wise forest protection does not mean the
Of forest resources whether of
wood, water or grass. but, ON the contrary,
ain supplies. The fundamental idea OF
Orestry Is the perpetuatiOn of forests by
ise. Forest protection Is not an end OF
tself: II Is means to Increase and sustain
he resources OF our country and the indus
ries which depend upon them. The preser-
-ation Of our forests Is an imperative bust
less necessity. At present the protection
Il the forest reserves rests with the Gen
cription Of their timber with the United
states Geological Survey. and the prepara
ion of plans for their conservative use with
he Bureau of Forestry, which Is also
harged with the general advancement of
PRACTICAL forestry in the United States
These various functions should be united In
he Burau Of Forestry. to which they
properly belong.
RecIamati tiOn of Arid Lends.
The reclamation of he unsettled arid pub
ic lands presents a different problem Here
[ Is not enough to regulate the fiow Of
reamS The object of the Government iS
o dispose OF the land to settlers who will
'uiid homes upon II. To accomplish this
bject water must be brought within their
each.
The pioneer settlers on the arid public
omain chose their homes along streams
rom which they could themselves divert the
vnter to reclaim their holdings. Such op-
ortunities are practically gone. There re-