The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1903-12-09


to exercise care and economy in ap-
preparations and to scan sharply any
change in our nscal revenue system
which may reduce our income Inc
need of strict economy in our expend-
itures is emphasized by the fact that
we cannot afford to be parsimonious in
providing for what is essential to our
national we'll being.
Needs of Financial Situation.
Fhe integrity of our currency is be-
yond question, and under present con-
ditions it would be unwise and unnec-
essary 20 attempt reconstruction OF
our entire monetary system. Ihe same
liberty should be granted the secretary
of the treasury to deposit customs re-
ccipts as is granted him in the depos-
it of receipts from other sources. In
nv message Of Dec. 9. 1902. called
attention to certain needs of the hnan-
cial situation, and again ask FOR
consideration Of the congress for these
questions.
IThe president commends the work
of the international monetary confer
ence and advises its continuance.l
A majority of our people desire that
steps be. taken in the interests OF
American shipping. so that we may
once more resume our former position
in the ocean carrying trade. But hith-
erto the differences of opinion as to
the proper method Of reaching this end
have been so wide that it has proved
impossible to secure the adoption OF
any particular scheme. Having in
view these facts, recommend that the
congress direct the secretary OF the
navy. the postmaster general and the
secretary Of commerce and labor. asso-
ciated with such representation from
the senate and house Of representatives
as the congress in its wisdom may des-
ignate. to serve as commission for the
purpose Of investigating and reporting
to the congress at its next session what
legislation is desirable or necessary for
the development Of the American mer-
chant marine and American commerce
and incidentally Of national ocean
mail service Of adequate auxiliary ma
val cruisers and naval reserves. While
such measure is desirable in any
event, it is especially desirable at this
time, in view of the fact that our pres
ent governmental contract for ocean
mail with the American line will expire
in 1905. The establishment of new
lines Of cargo ships to South America,
to Asia and elsewhere would be much
in the interest Of our commercial ex-
pansion.
lmmigration.>
We cannot have TOO much immigra,
ton of the right kind, and we should
have none at all of the wrong kind.
The need is to devise some system by
which undesirable immigrants shall be
kept out entirely, while desirable i'm
migrants are properly distributed
throughout the country. At present
scme districts which need immigrants
have none. and in others. where the
population is already congested. imnai-
grants come in such numbers as to de-
press the conditions OF life for those al
ready there. During the last two years
the immigration service at New York
has been greatly improved and the cor
ruption and inemciency which former
" obtained there have been eradicated.
This service has just been investigated
by committee of New York citizens
of high standing, Messrs. Arthur V.
Briesen. Lee X. Frankel, Eugene A.
Phiibin. Thomas W. Hynes and Ralph
Trautman. Their report deals with the
whole situation at length and concludes
with certain recommendations for ad-
ministratire and legislative action. It
is now receiving the attention of the
secretary cf commerce and labor.
Naturalization Frauds.
The special investigation OF the sub
ject Of naturalization under the direc-
ton of the attorney general and the
consequent prosecutions reveal condi-
ton OF affairs calling for the .immedi-
ate attention of the congress. For
geries and perjuries of shameless and
fiagrant character have been perpe-
trated not only in the dense centers Of
population, but throughout the country,
and it is established beyond doubt that
very many so called citizens Of the
United States have no title whatever
to that right and are asserting and en-
joying the benefits Of the same through
the grossest frauds. 1t is never to be
forgotten that citizenship is. to quote
tho words recently used by the SUI
preme court Of the United States. an
''inestimable heritage" whether it pro-
ceeds from birth within the country
or is obtained by naturalization. and
we poison the sources of our national
character and strength at the fountain
if the privilege is claimed and eXer-
cised without right and by means Of
fraud and corruption.
Tie federal era ne; i.lry late}y in SOS