The suburban citizen., 1901-12-07


we must have war crafts to protect it.
A great debt is owing from the pub
lie to the men Of the Army and Navy.
They should be so treated as to enable
them to reach the highest point of eff
fciency, so that they may be able to re-
spond instantly to any demand made up
on them to sustain the interests of the
Nation and the honor OF the flag. The
individual American enlisted man is pro-
badly on the whole a more formidable
fighting man than the regular of any
other army. Every consideration should
be shown him, and in return the highest
standard of usefulness should be exacted
from him 1t is we'll worth while for the
Congress to consider whether the pay of
enlisted men upon second and subsequent
enlistments should not be increased to
correspond with the increased value of
the veteran soldier.
Civil Service.
The merit system of making appoint
ments is in its essence as democratic
and American as the common school
system itself 1t simply means that in
clerical and other positions where the
duties are entirely non-political, all ap-
plicants should have fair field and no
favor, each standing on his merits as
he is able to show them by practical
test. Written competitive eXamina-
tions offer the only available means in
many cases, for applying this system In
other cases. as where laborers are em-
ploycd, a system of registration un-
doubtedly can be widely extended There
are, of course, places where the writ
ten competitive examination cannot be
applied, and others where it offers by no
means an ideal solution, but where under
political conditions it is, though an inn
perfect means, yet the best present means
of getting satisfactory results.
Interstate Commerce.
In 1887 a measure was enacted for
the regulation of interstate railways,
commonly known as the Interstate
Commerce Act. The cardinal provi-
ions of that act were that railway
rates should be just and reasonable
and that all shippers, localities, and
commodities should be accorded equal
treatment.
The act should be amended The rail
way is a public servant, Its rates should
be Just to and open to all shippers alike.
The Government should see 10 it, that
within its jurisdiction this is so, ard
should provide a speedy Inexpensive
and effective remedy to that end
Uprising in China.
The general terms of the settlement
of the questions growing out Of the az
ti-foreign uprising in China of 1000,
having been formulated in a Joint noe
addressed to China by the represent
tives of the injured powers in Dece"l-
Der last were promptly accepted by ne
Chinese Government. After protrac d
conferences the plenipotcntiaries Of tie
several powers were able to sign f Il
protocol with the Chinese plenipot'
tiaries on the 9TH of last Septemb'r,
setting forth the measures taken hy
China in compliance with the demands
of the joint note, and expressing their
satisfaction Herewith 1t will be laid
before the Congress- with a report of
the plenipotentiary on behalf of the
United States, Mr.. William Woodyille
Rockhll.
The Consular Service.
The consular service is now organ
lied under the provisions of a law pass
ed in 1856 which is entirely inadequate
to existing conditions. The interest
shown by so many commercial bodies
throughout the country in the reorgan-
izaton of the service is heartily COM
mended TO your attention.
St. Louis Exposition.
l bespeak the most cordial support
from the Congress and the people for
the St. Louis Exposition to conmemo-
rate the One Hundredth Anniversary
of the Louisiana purchase. This pur-
chase was the greatest instance of ex-
pansion in our history. 1t definitely
decided that we were to become a great
continental republic, by far the fore
most power in the Western Hcmis-
phere 1t is one Of three or four great
landmarks in our history-thc great
turning points in our development.
The Charleston Exposition.
The people Of Charleston, with great
energy and civic spirit, are carrying
on an Exposition which will continue
| throughout most of the present session
of the Congress. heartily recommend
this Exposition to the good will of the
people. 1t deserves all the encourage
ment that can be given it,
At Peace With the Nations
The death of Queen Victoria caused
the people of the United States deep and
heartfelt sorrow to which the Govern
ment gave full expression When Pres
ident Mckinley died, our Nation in turn
received from every quarter of the Brit
ish Empire expressions of grief and
sympathy no less sincere. The death of
the Empress Dowager Frederick of Ger
many also aroused the genuine sympathy
/ of the American people; and this SYM
pathy was cordially reciprocated by
Germany when the President was assas-
sinated. In the midst of our affection
we reverently thank the Almighty that
we are at peace with the nations of man
kind and we firmly intend that our pol
icy shall be such as to continue unbrOken
these international relations of mutual
respect and good will
THEODORE ROOSEVELT.
Poisoned Their Children.