The Butte inter mountain. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1901-1912, 1903-12-07

subject, reviewing the satisfactory con-
clusion of the Alaska boundary commits
sion's labors, and the reference of the
Venezuela controversy to The Hague tri-
bunal as instances OF the growing use of
arbitration as opposed to war. The mes
sage quotes Mckinley OH The Waste of
war. 1t urges the exemption OF private
property at sea from capture i'll war time.
FOREIGN RELATIONSHIP Beirut
affair, Turkeys concession to Our demands
and the advantages OF the new commercial
treaty with China are outlined.
CONSULAR SERN1CE.-The reduced
cost in this service and its increased eff
cheney are mentioned.
RURAL FREE DELlVERY.-Thi de-
parture is praised highly.
SlTlONS.-Cenerous aid to the
ST. Louis Exposition is recommended. 1t
is also recommended that the Lewis and
Clarke Centennial Exposition at Portland
in 1905 Should receive recognition and
support"
NATIONAL DEPENDENCIES. -
Proper lands and coal land laws, the
survey OF the public lands, establishment
OF salmon hatcheries. construction OF
roads and encouragement to railroads are
recommended for Alaska. The construc-
ton OF new and requirement OF old light
houses in Hawaii are advocated. 1t is
urged that the governor OF Hawaii be
given power to remove or suspend his
appointees. Porto Rico should be knit
closer to us by tariff arrangements, says
the message. The gratifying conditions
in the Philippines are treated at length
PUBLIC LANDS.--The policy of hold
ing public lands for the actual home
builder is reiterated. Attention is direct
ed to need Of reform in the timber stone
and desert land acts and the Communication
clause Of the homestead act. No further
changes in national irrigation laws are
recommended until the necessities for a
change are more apparent Protecting
the source Of water supply and forest
preservation are urgel. 1t is recommend
ed that these matters be consolidated in
the bureau of forestry OF the agricultural
department.
COTTON WEEVlL.-Remedia legis-
lation is urged to do away with this great
evil in the South
PATENTS.--A reciprocal arrangement
to give patents to foreign inventors whose
countries give patents to ours is urge.
Misunderstanding the appointment
| of Indian agents out Of partisan politics
! and providing for public schools in Indian
| Territory are recommended.
SAFETY APPLIANCE LAWS.-Morc
| rigid laws to protect trainmen and rail
way passengers are recommended
pENSfONS.-The pension bureau is
| dealing with nearly 1000 claims a day
| and rapidly catching up with the bust
| ness.
CIVIL SERNICE.-Increase in civil
service appointments and a growth of the
system are commented upon favorably.
THE ARMY.-The general staff law
| and the new national guard law are COM
| mended. 1t is recommended that the gov
ernment secure permanent sites in vari-
| Gus parts OF the country for military
| maneuvers. II is also recommended tha,
| the system OF promotion in the line be
| changed so that brilliant officer may be
| rewarded without having to jump him TO
generals rank as at present.
| THE NAVY.-A navy general staff
| generous appropriations for the service
and the requirement Of naval base in
the Philippines are recommended.
| ISTHMIAN MATTERS.-By far the
| greater portion Of the message is taken
up by this subject. The president cites
| the writings of Secretaries Cass and Sew
| ard and the history of sthmian events,
| and shows the policy that has been adopt
ed towards the Panama republic was the
| only one possible to this government in
| view of its pledge to maintain free traffic
across the isthmus.