Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1904-09-29

ance' Or inc democratic party tnaJ' 1t
stands committed to the principle Of civil
service reform and demands Its just and
impartial enforcement.
Panama Canal.
An isthmian canal has long been the
hope of our statesmen. and the avowed
aim of the two great parties. as their
platforms in the past show. The Pana-
ma route having been selected, the build
ing of the canal should be pressed to
completion with all reasonable expedi-
ton. The methods by which the execu-
tive acquired the Panama canal route
and rights are source of regret to
many. To them, the statement that
thereby great public work was assured
to the profit Of our people Is not sufh-
cient answer to the charge Of violation
Of national good faith. They appreciate
that the principles and healthy convic-
lions which in their working out have
made us free and great, stand firmly
against the argument or suggestion that
we shall be blind to the nature of the
means employed to promote our welfare.
They hold that adherence to principle,
whether 1t works for our good or III, will
have a more benefcent influence on our
future destiny than all our material up
building, and that we should ever re-
member that the idea Of doing wrong
to a smaller, weaker nation that we, or
even all mankind, may have a resultant
good is repugnant to the principles upon
which our government was founded.
Under the laws Of the United States the
duty is imposed on the executive to pro-
coed with due diligence in the work OF
constructing the canal. That duty should
be promptly performed.
Investigation of Departments.
Recent disclosures, coupled with the
rapid augmentation Of government ex.
penditures, show a need Of an investi-
cation of every department Of the gov
eminent. The democrats in congress de-
manded it. The republican majority re-
ruseu' tire ueMan% "9eopie can de-
termine by their vote in November
whether they wish an honest and thor
ough Investigation. A democratic con-
gress and executive will assure 1t.
Pensions for Our Soldiers.
The national democracy favors liberal
pensions to the surviving soldiers and
sailors and their dependents, on the
ground that they deserve liberal treat
ment. 1t pledges by its platform ade-
quate legislation to that end But 1t de-
MES the rlgn OF tHe executive " usuhP
the power of congress to legislate on
that subject Such usurpation was at
tempted by pension order No. IS, and eff
feet has been given to It by congress
that dared not resent the usurpation. 1t
is said that this order was made in the
performance of a duty imposed upon the
president by act Of congress-" but the
provision making the imposition is not
pointed out. The act to which the order
refers, which is the one relating to pen
slons to civil war veterans, does not
authorize pensions on the ground Of age.
It does grant pensions to those suffer-
ing from any mental or physical disable
ity, or disabilities, of a permanent char
acter, not the result of their own vicious
habits, which so incapacitates them from
the performance of manual labor as to
render them unable to earn a support"
This specified requirement of incapacity
is in effect set aside by order No. Is as
to all persons over g.
CUTupIE- EDtT0RC HOSTILE.