Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1902-12-04

- rdTmiS popUd rors, llfUrcp3 e,ro WINS
Them how most efficiently to help them
Its importance, for the welfare Of the
farmer Is fundamentally necessary to the
welfare Of the republic as whole. In ad-
dition to such work as quarantine against
animal and vegetable plaques, and war
ring against them when here introduced,
much efficient help has been rendered to the
farmer. by the Introduction of new plants
specially fitted for cultivation under the
peculiar conditions existing in different
portions Of the country. New cereals have
been established In the semi-arid west.
Ing the best types of macaroni wheats In
regions of an annual rainfall Of only ten
inches or thereabouts has been conclusive
ly demonstrated. Through the introduce
ton Of new rices In Louisiana and Texas
the production Of rice in this country has
been made to about equal the home de-
mand. In the southwest the possibility OF
'sgrasssslng oyerstgckea Il. ra . LANDS has
forage crops have been introduced, while
In the east It has been shown that some Of
our choicest fruits can be stored and
shipped In such way as to find a profitable
market abroad.
The District Of Columbia Is the only part
Of our territory In which the national gov
eminent exercises local or municipal func-
tons, and where In consequence the gov
certain types Of social and economic legS-
lati0n which must be essentially local or
municipal In their character. The govern
ment should see to II, for instance, that the
hygienic and sanitary legislation affectia
Washington Is of a high character The
evils Of Stun 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
In every respect for all the cities Of the
country The charitable and correctional
systems of the district should receive con-
sderatlon at the hands of the congress to
the end that they may embody the results
of the most advanced thought In these
fields. Moreover, while Washington is not
great Industrial city, there is some indus
trlalism here. and our labor legislation,
while 1t would not be important In itseef,
might be made model for the rest Of the
nation natl In We should pass for II, instance tan
trict 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
Protection for Railway Employee.
The safety-appliance law, for the better
protection Of the lives and limbs Of rail-
way employees, which was passed In 1893,
went into full effect on August /, 1901. 1t
has resulted In averting thousands Of
casualties. Experience shows however the
necessity of additional legislation to per-
feet this law. A bill to provide for this
passed the senate at the last session. II Is
to be hoped that some such measure may
now be enacted into law.
Gratifying nrORrpss has hppn mqdp dlIr-
Ing 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 Co.
lumbia. 1t Is much to be desired that
our consular system be established by
law on basis providing for appointment
and promotion only In consequence of
proved fitness.
The New White House.
Through wise provision Of the con-
gress at Its last session the white house,
which has become disf1gured by incon-
gruous additions and changes, has now
been restored to what II was planned to
be by Washington. In making the restor-
ations the utmost care has been exer-
clsed to come as near as possible to the
early plans and to supplement these plans
by careful study Of such buildings as
that Of the University of Virginia, which
was built by Jefferson. The white house
is the property of the nation. and so far
as Is compatible with living therein II
should be kept as It originally was, for
the same reasons that we keep Mount
Vernon as 1t originally was. The state
ly simplicity Of Its architecture IL an
expression of the character. Of the period
with the purposes It was designed to
serve. 1t Is good thing to preserve
such buildings as historic monuments
which keep alive our sense Of contin-
uity with the nations past.
The reports of the several executive
departments are submitted to the con-
gress with this communication.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT.
White House, December /, 1902