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

land shows that whether this reclama-
ton is done by individuals. corpora
tons or the state. the sources Of water
supply must be effectively protected
and the reservoirs guarded by the pres
ervation of the forests at the head
waters of the streams. The necessity
fer perpetuating our forest resources.
whether in public or private hands. is
recognized now rs never before. 1t is
recommended that all matters pertain
ing to forest serves. except those in
voivinS or pertaining to land titles. be
consolidated in the bureau Of forestry
of the department of agriculture.
The cotton growing states have re-
Gently been invaded by weevil that
has done much damage and threatens
the entire cotton industry | suggest
to the congress the prompt enactment
of such remedial legislation as its judg-
ment may approve.
No other class of our citizens de-
serves so we'll Of the nation as those
to whom the nation owes its very be-
Ing. the veterans Of the civil war. Spe-
cial attention is asked to the excellent
work of the pension bureau in expedit-
ing and disposing Of pension claims.
During the fiscal year ending July 1,
/ 1903. the bureau settled 251,992 claims,
an average Of S25 claims for each
working day of the year. The number
Of settlements since July l. 1908. has
been in excess Of last years average.
approaching 1000 claims for each
working day. and it is believed that
the work Of the bureau will be current
at the close Of the present fiscal year.
Extension of Civil Service Rules.
During the year ended June 80 last
.25,566 persons were appointed through
connective examinations under the
civil service rules. This was 1852
more than during the preceding year
and 40 per cent Of those who passed
the examinations This abnormal
growth was largely occasioned by the
extension of classification to the rural
free delivery service and the appoint
ment last year Of over 5000 rural car
riers. 4 revision Of the civil service
rules took effect on April Is last. which
has greatly improved their operation.
The completion Of the reform OF the
civil service is recognized by good citi-
Zens everywhere as matter of the
highest public importance, and the sue
cess Of the merit system largely depends
upon the effectiveness Of the rules and
the machinery provided for their en-
forcement. A very gratifying spirit of
friendly cooperation exists in all the
departments of the government in the
enforcement and uniform observance
of both the letter and spirit Of the civil
service act.
The Army ard Navy.
The effect Of the laws providing
general staff for the army and for the
more effective use of the national guard
has been excellent. Great improve
nent has been made ir the efficiency
of our army in recent years. Such
schools as those erected at Fort Leav-
enworth and Fort Riley and the inst1-
tuition of fall maneuver work accom-
plish satisfactory results. The good Ell
Acct of these maneuyers upon the ma
donal guard is marked. and ample ap-
preparation should be made to enable
the guardsinen of the several states to
STARE in The benefit. The government
should as soon rs possible secure suit
able permanent camp sites for military
maneuverS in the various sections Of
the country.
l heartily congratulate the congress
,2pon the steady progress in building
up tie American navy. We cannot
afford let-up in this great work. To
stand still means to so back. There
should be 10 cessation in adding 10 the
effective units of the fighting strengths
! Of tie fleet. Meanwhile The navy de-
Dartment and the officers Of the navy
are doing we'll their part by providing
constant service at sea under condl-
tionS akin to those of actual warfare.
| Our officers and enlisted men are learn
ing to handle the battieships. cruisers
and torpedo boats with high efficiency
in feet and squadron formations. and
the standard of craftsmanship is being
steadily raised. The best work ashore
is Indispensable. but the highest duty
of :, naval officer is to exercise COM
mand ut sea. 1t is eminently desirable
that naval general staff should be
established
lsthmian Canal.
BY the act of June 2S. 1902. the con-
gress authorized the president to enter
into treaty with Colombia for the
! building Of the canal across the 18TH
mus Of Panama. it being provided that
in the event of failure to secure such
treaty after the lapse of reasonable
time recourse should be had to build
inS canal through Nicaragua. 1t has
not been necessary to consider this al
tentative. rs am enabled to lay be-
fore the senate 4 treaty providing for