Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1905-12-08

Rigid economy in expenditures is of
prime importance. The abolishment
of the Office of receivers of the land
offices would effect saving. Fewer
documents by tens of thousands should
be printed at the governments ex-
pense.
Upon the national banks should be
placed the burden of maintaining cir
culation Of currency adequate at all
times: the currency system should be
made more elastic.
Much of the "red tape" now a part
OF the work of the departments should
be eliminated and modern business
methods supplant antiquated systems.
Stringent laws should be passed pro-
viding penalties for bribery in connec-
ton with federal elections. Campaign
contributions are necessary and just,
but often they take the form of extor-
tion. Publicity is the remedy. Contri-
buttons by corporations should be pro-
nibited; directors should not be per-
mitted to use stockholders money.
A second peace conference has been
suggested and the suggestion acquies-
ced in by the principal nations. 1t
will be held at The Hague and will
deal with five subjects, generally re-
lating to armament and the law of war.
fare
Sometimes war is necessary. At
this time the only means of preserv-
fy,r &c <ho of
the powers that stand for justice.
International arbitration is a first
consideration.
the Philippines the army has been re-
duced one-thir.
The Monroe doctrine is an effective
instrument for peace in its adaptation
to changing conditions. All of the re-
publics on this continent must behave
themselves and meet their obligations.
The appeal Of Santo Domingo was
urgent and met with speedy response
The Army and Navy.
I Our small army should be brought
to as high state of efficiency as pos.
sible. Appropriations are needed for
maneuvers of a practical kind. The
number of posts should be diminished
and those remaining made larger. Mer
1t should be considered in making pro-
motions.
| The coast artillery forces ought to
be increased.
Our navy, after many years, has
reached high standard of efficiency
What is needed now is not a greater
number of ships, but better ships
The officers and men must receive
the very highest training.
Naturalization laws are in dire need
of revision.
The criminal laws nave, in many
cases, become obsolete and require ex
teLsive revision.
Breaches of trust in the public ser
vice should be made punishable.
The monopolizing of public lands
should be rendered impossible. Pro
gress is being made under the reclaim
alton act.
The government should assume con
troll of the open range.
Gratifying headway is being maslx
in the policy of forest reservation.
The system of levees along the Mis-
sissippi should be given attention.
The merchant marine is in a sac
way and demands adequate and imme
diate relief.
The jamestown tercentennial ough
to be encouraged.
The work of the bureau of pensions
is deserving of commendation.
Restriction Of immigration.
Through the activity of foreign
steamship companies hundreds o
thousands of undesirable immigrant!
are landed on our shores. While de
sirable aliens are welcome, stern re
strictions should be imposed. Th'
question of distribution is a grave one
No immigrants should be allowed t.
come in from Canada or Mexico, saw
natives of those countries.
Violations Of the contract labor Law
should be severely punished.
The quality of the immigrant shoul'
be the test.
There is no call for a change in tn
present Chinese exclusion law, but
more efficient inspection service
should be inaugurated in China.
The country continues to enjoy pros
perity. Not even panic would hav
permanent evil effect.
! All men must work, the one O
greater ability will receive the large
share of that which is produced, but
in proportion the less fortunate hav
a part in the sharing. The strik
more often falls the heavier ON tn
, striker than upon the one struck a
The Great Trusts.
Unfortunately some of the excel
, tionally gifted men, in the absence {
5 government restraint, use their enc
!, gies in ways that are not for the con
3 mon good. The government shoul
. have power to control the conduct {
great corporations. The makers {
, the constitution provided especial
a that the regulation of interstate con
e merce should come within the sphel
: of the general government.
! Experience has shown that it is us
l. less to try to get any adequate regul
e tiOn and supervision by state action.
If a law enacted by congress fail
l. It may become necessary ultimate
to adopt a constitutional amendmen
= Great corporations now occupy Il
positions of subjects without a so
ereign.
1t is generally useless to try to Or
:. kibit all restraint on competitio
e Where it is not useless it is usual
r hurtful.
J., While the department of justic
a during the last four years. has accol
plished much by appeal to the cour