The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1902-12-02

very small for the size of the ma.
ton, and most certainly should be
kept at the highest point of effi.
cheney. Formerly the unit was the
regiment; it is now not the regi-
ment, not even the troops or COM
pany; 1t Is the individual soldier.
urgently call your attention to
the need Of passing bill providing
for general staff and for the re-
organization of the supply depart
mentS.
The measure providing for the
reorganization of the militia system
which has already passed the house
should receive prompt attention
and action.
For the first time in our history,
naval meaneuvers on a large scale
are being held under the immediate
command of the admiral of the
navy. I earnestly urge that the in
crease asked for by the secretary
of the navy in the appropriation for
improving the craftsmanship be
granted. The only shots that count
are the shots that hit.
THE MONROE DOCTRINE.
There should be no halt in the
work of building up the navy, pro-
viding every year additional fight
ing craft. We have deliberately
made our own certain foreign pol
icies which demand the possession
of first class navy. The Monroe
doctrine should be treated as the
cardinal feature of American for
eign policy; but it would be worse
than idle to assert it unless we in
tended to back it up. good navy
is the surest guaranty of peace.
l call your special attention to
the need of providing for the man
ming of the ships. Serious trouble
threatens us If we can not do bet
ter as regards securing sufficient
number of the highest type of sail
ormen. Neither ships nor men can
be imprOvised when war has be-
gun.
There is not cloud on the hori-
zOn at present. There seems not
the slightest chance of trouble with
a foreign power, and the way to
insure continuance Is to provide for
a thoroughly efficient navy. Fatu-
Gus self-complacency in refusing to
prepare for danger is both foolish
and wicked.
The creation of a secretary of
commerce with seat in the cabi-
net is urged. International arbitra-
ton is declared the future means
of settling national difficulties; the
action of the president in giving the
government soundings to the Com
mercial Pacific Gable company and
the agreements of the latter are re-
viewed. The increase in the reve-
nues of the postoffice department is
commented upon and the extension
of rural delivery system advised.
New legislation is urged for Alaska
with a view to encouraging home.
seekers.
The need of irrigation in the arid
west is touched upon and legisla-
ton for the protection of game on
the forest reserves recommended.
'All public lands should be held
rigidly for the home-builder.'
Our aim in dealing with the In
dams is declared to be their ''ulti-
mate absorption into the body Of
our people. Efforts should be di-
rected to induce the Indians to lead
pastoral rather than agricultural
lives.
Additional legislation is demand
ed for the protection of railway en-
ploySs.
Agricultural experiment stations
are commended, as are the plans
for the \nithsonian Institute mu-
scum. Tho curtailment of public
printing is advised. The extension
of civil service to the District of
Columns" commended and the
recent in the construction
of the White House praised.