The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1903-06-26
CURRENT COMMENT,

Some of the very papers which KEEP:
quiet about this governments censor.
ship Of Philippine news are beratine
the poor old Turk for refusing to let
the name of Macedonia be printed or
spoken of in the sultan's dominions
When the Turk sets up a censorship,
it's tyranny; when we do it, it's benev-
olence.-Norfolk Landmark.
The cabinet at its meeting on Friday
decided that it was ''inexpedient" to
send federal troops TO launch the Cal
weston, as suggested by the belligerert
Bowles. But it must have soreIy gall
ed the strenuous Mr.. Roosevelt to fore
go a program so much to his taste,
However, 1904 is coming on and a dis
play of the mailed fist in defiance OF
the courts might have had unpleasant
political consequences. That is where
'inexpediency'' came in-Virginian Pi-
lot.
The authorities at Washington have
decided TO continue all rural routes
reversal of the determination reached
several weeks ago when it was dis
covered hat the funds for this service
had been exhausted. The adm:nistra-
ton probably concluded that to dis
continue mail facilities to which people
had become accustomed-the discon-
tinuance being occasioned by postofficc
department ''irregularities"-would be
very harmful TO the powers. AND in
that they were doubtless correct
Columbia State.
The Liberty Bell had a companion on
Wednesday in the celebration Of Bun
ker Hill anniversary. Through the
streets of Boston the old relic was
hauled and along with it was the John
p-0u-o hnTl thnt &c RI cav tho hell
that rang il the engine house at IIar-
per's Ferry, which job Brown turned
into a fort 10 resist the authorities OF
the law sent TO arrest him. The john
Brow bell was hailed by the Boston,
ians quite as vociferously as was the
Liberty Bell. But the how vas incom-
plete. There should a been also
present the White house dinner bell
that rang for Booker Washington to
din with Teddy Roosevelt. THAT
would have made Boston quite happy
Charleston Post
The complications in which the navy
department finds itself with regard to-
the crusier Chattanooga and the reve-
luz marine vessel Galveston will prob
ably result in 81 clearer definition of the
right of the government to it's proper
ty when in the form of an unfinished
work by a contractor. 1t appears from
the terms of the attorney generals opin
ion that the federal view is that the
government has the right to take its
vessed for completion whenever the
contractor has failed in his perform
ance, despite the objections raised by
creditors of the concern. This is in eff
feet to make hes government a special
ly preferred creditor to the extent Of
Selling its OWE prospective property.
indeed, no other view seems warrant
able under the circumstances. Other
wise there would be an end 20 all trans
actions between the navy department.
and private Observation-Disclosures
Star.
The conflicting Washington Dispatch
eS about the presidents hopes, fears;
and Intentions, in the matter of the
postal scandals, agree IN only one
point-that he: is i'll at ease about the
postmaster general. Reason enough.
Granting to Mr.. Payne the best irIten-
tions in the world, he has made d
wrecched botch of the work of inves-
tigation. 1t will not do TO say that ali
his fumbling n concealment in re-
spect to- the Tulloch charges and the
Brfstow report, which related TO the
past, ave nothing to do with his
pursuit of che rogues still in the de-
partment. The crying need of the hour
Il " dSSulc llc puullC lldI llC WILL
Of hunting down and punlshing corrup-
rionists shall be done with sleepless
energy and fearless purpose to bring
the truth TO light, no, matter Who may
be hurt. But it is little to say chat Mr..
Payne Inspires no such confidence.
People will not believe that he has
suddenly acquired determination and
candor. They will dread q repetition Of
his shuff1ing and insincerity and ap-
parent hope of burying the matter. Of
course, it may be said that the presi-
dent has force and courage for two,
but what defence can there be of a
limp cabinet officer, who, in a crisis, is
all tears and vacillation, and who has
to be stiffened up by his chief?It is
stated that demands for Mr.. PayneS
removal and pouring in upon the pres
ident. 1t is also rumored that a 'ner-
vous breakdown may soon lead to the
postmaster generals resignation. We
wish Mr.. Payne the best of health,
but we care more for the health of the
public service and that seems to US to
dictate his retirement.-NeW York
Post.