Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-03-16
5sTH CONGRESS.
Continued from page ~

who discussed the labor legislation en-
acted in his state.
Mr.. Burton, Ohio. gave an historical
accounts of increases in national eX-
penditures. He showed that these in
creases are manifest in all civilized
countries and that with the increase in
their wealth and income it is but nat
ural there should be an increase in ex-
penditureS. he spoke of the steady
increase in appropriations for the pos
tai service in the United States, the
army and the navy, and in the enlarge
ment of the scope and undertakings
and enterprises of the states, but he
said the percentage of increase has
been greater in European countries
than our own. He warned his hearers
against eXtrava gance, saying:
I'VE cannot allow ourselves to be ex-
cused for eXtravagances by the enormous
increase in the wealth of the country"
He urged the adoption of a policy of
conservatism and utmost care. citing the
large sums annually appropriated for
pensions. Mr. Burton said ne was in
hearty sympathy with the idea and re-
marked that no one will hesitate to pass
d-Iy HitdSuIt WHICH gives tue ICNtiit "
the soldiers of the Civil war in their old
age
.'Eut," he continued. "the question
arises under what rule should this appro-
priation be made?" He inquired if Con-
gress was willing to establish in this
country the standard that for patriotism,
for devotion to country the chief reward
must be in dollars
Mr.. Burton spoke for an hour and was
greeted with applause and handshakes as
he took his seat.
Mr.. Rucker (MOD attacked the protec-
tive sysctm Of the Republican party. The
Republicans and the trusts, he declared,
have majority in the House, ard he add
Cd amid Democratic applause:
The largest majority you will ever
have in the White House.
The claim of the letter carriers for in
creased pay also was espoused by Cromer
Gnd). He spoke of the insufficcncy of
the pay Of the rural carriers and said
they should not be denied the privilege of
acting as agents for newspapers.
AT whose suggestion was it," inquired
Mann. that this privilege has been de-
nied""
Cromcr said it came from Fourth As
siStant Postmaster General Bristow first
and then from the post office committee.
lie bad. he said. no criticism to offer
against Gen. Rristow. II think" he sail
he has been honest in the administration
of postal affairs and he received Repuhli-
can applause when he added: II am so
well satisfied with the Investigation he
has made in tn" post office department
that | believe no fraud or corruption yet
remains there to be exposed to the pco-
pie
Gaines CrennD was in favor OF the
proposition if the rural mail carriers
Were given the right to solicit stIbScrip
tions for all newspapers and not for any
one publication and to transact for pay
any other business for the patrons of the
route.
lie assailcd the letter carriers organ
iZation for the manner Of making it's de-
mandS on Congress and said the carriers
had made an effort to intimidate Congress
into accrding to these demands.
Daring his remarks GriggS referred to
the recent report of the post Office de-
partment as tho Bristnw report" and
this opened up afreSh tine discussion Of
that document which had brought forth
such a storm of Indignation from the
members % the HOUSE. lie said that AZ
a member Of the committee he did not see