The free press. (Southern Pines, N.C.) 1898-19??, 1903-12-11

! by our government IN the just SeLJlo-
ment of the same. He remarks upon
the growing sentiment of the nations
favoring peaceable settlements in such
cases.
International Arbitration.
Last year the Interparliamentary
Union for International Arbitration
met at Vienna, six hundred members
of the different legislatures of civilized
countries attending. 1t was provided
that the next meeting should be in
1904 at st. Louis, subject to our Con-
gress extending an invitation. Like the
Hague Tribunal, this 1nterparliamen-
tary Union is one of the forces tending
towards peace among the nations Of
the earth, and it is entitled to our sup
port. trust the invitation can be eX-
tended.
Rural Free Delivery.
The rural free-delivery service has
been steadily extended. The attention
OF the Congress is asked to the ques-
ton of the compensation of the letter
carriers and clerks engaged in the pos
tai service, especially on the new rural
free-delivery routes. More routes have
been installed since the first OF July
last than in any like period in the De-
partment While due regard to econ
omy must be kept in mind in the es-
Enlistment of new routes, yet the ex-
tension of the rural free-delivery sys-
tenn must be continued, for reasons OF
sound public policy. No governmental
movement of recent years has resulted
in greater immediate benefit to the
people of the country districts. Rural
free delivery, taken in connection with
the telephone, the bicycle, and the troll
ley, accOmplishes much toward lessen
ing the isolation of farm life and max
ing it brighter and more attractive.
Louisiana Purchase Exposition.
I trust that the Congress will con-
tinue to favor in all proper ways the
Louisiana Purchase Exposition. This
Exposition commentaries the Louisi-
ana purchase, which was the first great
step in the expansion which made us
continental nation. The expedition Of
Lewis and Clark across the continent
followed thereon, and marked the be-
ginning of the process of exploration
and colonization which thrust our ma
tional boundaries to the Pacific. The
acquisition Of the Oregon country, in
Guiding the present States of Oregon
and Washington, was a fact of i'm
mense Importance in our history; first
giving us our place on the Pacific sea-
board, and making ready the way for
our ascendency in the commerce Of the
greatest of the oceans. The centennial
of our establishment upon the western
coast by the expedition of Lewis and
Clark is to be celebrated at Portland
Oregon, by an exposition in the sum-
mer of 1905, and this event should re-
ceive recognition and support from
the National Government.
Cotton WeeviI.
The growing States have re-
Gently been invaded by weevil that
has done much damage and threatens
the entire cotton industry. l suggest to
the Congress the prompt enactment of
such remedial legislation as it's judg-
ment may approve.
Indian Affairs.
The Indian agents should not be de-
pendent for their appointment or ten
ure of office upon considerations of
partisan politics; the practice of ap-
pointing. when possible, ex-army Off
GERS or bonded superintendent to the
vacancies that occur is working well.
Attention is invited to the wide
spread illiteracy due to lack of public
schools in the Indian Territory.
Prompt heed should be paid to the
need of education for the children in
this Territory.
Safety-Appliance Law.
In the matter of the safety-appliance
law much good has already been &C.
complished. The law should be vigor-
ously enforced.
Pensions.
No other class of our citizens de-
serves so well of the Nation as those
to whom the Nation owes it's very be-
ing, the veterans of the civil war. Spe-
cial attention is asked to the excellent
work of the Pension Bureau in expend-