The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-03

our cnOlcGSI lrullS eau ne Sloleu anu
shipped in such a way as to find a profit
able market abroad.
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE.
1 again recommend to the favorable
consideration of the Congress the plans
of the Smithsonian Institution for max
ing the Museum under it's charge worthy
Of the nation, and for preserving at the
National Capital not only records of the
vanishing races Of men but Of the ami
mails of this continent which, like the
buffalo, will soon become extinct unless
specimens from which their representa-
tives may be renewed are sought in
their native regions and maintained
there in safety.
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
The District of Columbia is the only
part of cur territory in which the ma
ttional government exercises local Or
municipal functions, and where in con-
sequence the government has free hand
in reference to certain types of social
and economic legislation which must be
essentially local or municipal in their
character, The government should see
to it, for instance, that the hygienic and
sanitary legislation affecting Washing
ton is of high character. The evils of
slum dwellings,, whether in the shape
OF crowded and congested tenement
house districts or of the back-alley type
should never be permitted to grow up in
Washington. The city should be model
in every respect for all the cities of the
country. The charitable and correctional
nf no iaf cl1
consideration at the hands Of the Con-
gross TO the end that they may embody
the results of the most advanced thought
in these fields. Moreover, while Wash
ington is not a great industrial city,
there is some industrialism here, and our
labor legislation, while it would not be
important in ITSELF might be made q
model for the rest Of the nation. We
should pass, for instance, a wise en-
pIoyer's liability act for the District of
Columbia, and we need such an act in
our navy yards, Railroad companies in
the District ought to be required by
law to block their frogs.
SAFETY APPLIANCE LAW.
The safety appliance law, for the bet
ter protection OF the lives and limbs of
railway employees, which was passed in
1898, went into full effect on August J.,
1901. 1t has resulted in avertin6 thou
sands Of casualties. Experience shows,
however, the necessity of additional
legislation to perfect this law A bill to
provide for this passed the Senate at
the last session. 1t is to be hoped thai
some such measure may now be enacted
into law.
TOO MUCH PRINTING.
There is a growing tendency to provide
for the publication of masses of docu-
ments for which there is no public de-
mand and for the printing of which there
is no real necessity. Large numbers of
volumes are turned out by the govern
ment printing presses for which there is
no justification. Nothing should be
printed by any of the departments un-
less it contains something Of permanent
value and the Congress could with adj
vantage cut down very materially Oh
all the printing which it has now become
customary to provide. The excessive
cost of government printing is a strong
argument against the position of those
who are inclined on abstract grounds
to advocate the governments doing any
work which can with propriety be left
in private hands
CIVIL SERVICE EXTENSION.
Gratifying progress has been made
during the year in the extension of the
merit system Of making appointments in
the government service. 1t should be
extended by law to the District Of
Columbia. 1t is much to be desired that
our consular system be established by
law on basis providing for appoint
ment and promotion only in consequence
of proved fitness.
THE REMODELED WHITE HOUSE
Through a wise provision of tho Con-
gress at it's last session the White