davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Daily Arizona silver belt., 1907-12-04
Forests

Optimism is good characteristic. but
 if carried 10 an excess it becomes fool
 ishness. We are prone to speak of the
 resources of this country as ineXhausti-
 ble; this is not so. The mineral wealth
 of the country. the coal, iron, oil. gas,
 and the like. does not reproduce itself.
 and therefore is certain to be exhausted
 ultimately; and wastefulness in dealing
 with it today means that our descend
 ants will feel the exhaustion a gener-
 ation or two before they otherwise
 would. But there are certain other forms
 of waste which could be entirely stop
 ped-the waste of soil by washing, for
 instance. which is among the most dan
 gerous of all wastes now in progress in
 the United States. is easily preventable, so that this present enormous loss of fertility is entirely unnecessary. The preservation or replacement of the for ests is one of the most important means of preventing this loss. We have made beginning in forest preservation, but
 it is only beginning. At present lum-
 bering is the fourth greatest industry in the United States; and yet, so rapid has been the rate of exhaustion of tim Der in the United States in the past and so rapidly is the remainder being exhausted, that the country is unques- tionably on the very verge of tim Der famine which will be felt in every household in the land. There has al- ready been a rise in the price of lum- Der, but there is certain to be more rapid and heavier rise in the future. The present annual consumption of lum- Der is certainly three times as great as the annual growth and if the con sumption and growth continue unehang- ed. practically all of our lumber will be exhausted in another generation, while long before the limit to complete exhaustion is reached the growing scar city will make itself felt in many blighting ways upon our National wei fare. About 20 per cent of our forosted territory is now reserved in National forests; but these do not include the most valuable timber lands, and in any event the proportion is to small to ex pect that the reserves can accomplish more than mitigation of the trouble which is ahead for the nation Far more drastic action is needed Forests can be numbered so as to give to the public the full use of their mercantile timber without the slightest detfiment to the forest, any more than il is a detriment to 9 farm to furnish har vest; so that therc is no parellel be- tween forests and mines, which can only be completely used by exhaustion But forests, if used as all our forests have been used in the past and as most of them are still used, will be either wholly destroyed, or so damaged that many decades have to pass before effect i've use can be made of them again. All these facts are SO obvious that it is extraordinary that it should be neces- sary to repeat them. Every business man in the land. every writer in the every man or woman of an ordinary school education, ought to be able to see that immense quantities of timber are used in the country, that
Daily Arizona silver belt., 1907-12-04
Farmers and Wageworkers

. When the Department of Agriculture
 as founded there was much sneering as
 its usefulness. No Department of ,s Government, however, has more em- | astieally vindicated it's usefulness, and sne save the Postofiice Department
 mes so continuously and intimately
 ,o touch with the people, The two Linens whose welfare is in the aggre-
 sie most vital to the welfare of the IatiOu, and therefore to the welfare I all other citizens, are the wage ] rrker who does manual labor and the Ter of the soil, the farmer. There are, course, kinds of labor where the ! ,fk must be purely mental, and there rs other kinds of labor where, under usting conditions, very little demand |,leed is made upon the mind, though am glad to say that the proportion | men engaged in this kind of work \ diminishing. But in auy. community |Ith the solid, healthy qualities which l zke up a really great nation the bulk \ the people should do work which Ts for the exercise of both body and lind. Progress cannot permanently lt in the abandonment of physical Dor, SO that it shall represent more d more the work of the trained mind l the trained body. Our school system |, yravely defective in SO far as it puts premium upon mere literary training |,i tends therefore to train the boy zav from the farm and the workshop. |s,hing is more needed than the best 4 .1 s-.ha.1 la, r.ha.l fa, |thanical industries in the city, the sAool for practically teaching agri. ture in the country. The calling of
 skilled tiller of the soil. the calling |. the skilled mechanic, should alike F recognized as a profession, just as |zDhatically as the callings of lawyer, stor, merchant or clerk. The schools |ssald recognize this fact and it should aslly be recognized in popular opin-
 1 The young man who has the far
 ghtedness and courage to recognize [ and get over the idea that it makes difference whether what he earns IS
 alej salary or wages, and who refuses
 enter the crowded field of the so- aled professions, and takes to con
 Tletive industry instead, is reasonably
 us of an ample reward in earnings, in
 alth. in opportunity to marry early, rl 10 establish a home with a fair
 10lnt of freedom from worry, It 5olld be one of our prime objects to
 3, both the farmer and the mechanic a higher plane of efficiency and re- Izid. SO as to increase their effective ,.sS in the economic world, and there .,s the dignity, the remuneration, and De power of their positions in the so- l7 world
Daily Arizona silver belt., 1907-12-04
DAILY ARiZON 4 SILVER BELT

opportunity to husband their resources,
 pa -ticularlv those who have not the
 far'N.ice nt hard for depositnp their
 money in savings banks. Viewed, how. ever. from. the experience of the past
 few weeks. it is evident that the ad- vantages of such an institution are still more far-reaching. Timid depos- itors have withdrawn their savings for the time being from national banks, trust companies and savings banks; in- dividnals have boarded their cash and the workingmen their earnings; all of which money has been withheld and kent in hiding or in the safe deposit box to the detriTnent of prosperity. Through the agency of the postal sav- ings banks such money would be re- stored to the channels of trade. to the mutual benefit of capital and labor. I further commend to the Congress the consideration of the Postmaster General s recommendation for an ex. tension of the parcel post, especially on the rural routes. There are now 3S.213 rural routes, serving nearly 15.- 000,000 people who do not have the ad- vantages of the inhabitants of cities in obtaining their supplies. These rec concentrations have been drawn up to benefit the farmer and the country storekeeper; otherwise. I should not favor them, for l believe that it is good policy for our Government to do everything possible to aid the small town and the country district. It is desirable that the country merchant should not be crushed out.
 The fourth-class postmasters con .vention has passed a very strong res. olution in favor of placing the fourth class postmasters under the eivil-service law The Administration has already put into effect the policy of refusing to remove any fourth-class postmasters save for reasons connected with the good of the service: and it is endeavor- ing so far as possible to remove them from from the domain of partisan pol l ities. It would be most desirable masters in the classified service. It is possible that this might be done with out Congressional action, but, as the matter is debatable, I earnestly rec comend that the Congress enact law providing that they be included under the eivil-service law and put in the clas- sified service.
Daily Arizona silver belt., 1907-12-04
The Navy

It was hoped The Hague Conference might deal with the question of the linn itation of armaments. But even before it had assembled informal inquiries had developed that as regards naval arma- ments, the only ones in which this coun- ary had any interest, it was hopeless to try to devise any plan for which there was the slightest possibility of securing the assent of the Nations gathered at The Hague No plan was ever proposed which would have had the assent of more than ono first class Power outside of the United States. The only plan that seemed at all feasible, that of linn iting the size of battleships, met with no favor at all. It is evident. therefore, that it is folly for this Nation to base any hope of securing peace on any in ternational agreement as to the limita
 tion of armaments. Such being the fact it would be most unwise for us 10 stop the upbuilding of our Navy. To build one battleship of the best and most advanced type a year would barely keep our fleet up to it's present force. This is not enough. In my judgment, we should this year provide for four battleships. But it is idle to build bat tleships unless in addition to providing the men, and the means for thorough training, we provide the auxiliaries for them. unless VIC provide docks, the coal
 ing stations, the colliers and supply ships that they need. We are extreme ly deficient in coaling stations and docks on the Pacific, and this deficiency should not be longer permitted to exist
 Plenty of tornedo boats and destroyers should be built Both on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, Notifications of the
Daily Arizona silver belt., 1907-12-04

own way into office. There is very radical measure which would, believe
 work a substantial improvement in our system of conducting campaign, al though l am we'll aware that it will
 come time for people so to famil- iarize themselves with such proposal as to be willing to consider it's adop- tion. The need for collecting large funds would vanish if Con gross provided an appropriation for the proper and legitimate expenses of each of the great national parties, an appro- priation ample enough to meet the ne. cessity for thorough organization and which requires large ex- penditure of money Then the stipula- tion should be made that no party re- ceiving campaign funds from the treas ury should accept more than fixed amount from any individual subscriber or donor; and the necessary publicity for receipts and expenditures could without difficulty be provided.
Daily Arizona silver belt., 1907-12-04
The Panama Canal.

Work on the Panama Canal is pro- ceeding in highly satisfactory man. ner. In March last, John F. Stevens, chairman of the Commission and chief engineer, resigned, and the Commission was reorganized and constituted as fol lows Lieut.. Col. George w. Goethals, Corps of Engineers, U. $. army, chair man and chief engineer; Maj. D. D. Gaillard, Corps of Engineers, II. S. army; Maj. Wm. l.. Sibert, Corps of Engineers, U. $. army; Civil Engineer II. II. Rosseau, U. s. navy; J. c. s. Blackburn; Col. w. c. Gorgas, U. $. army, and Jackson Smith, Commissions CTS. This change of authority and di- rection went into effect on April l, without causing perceptibc check to the progress of the work. In March the total excavation in tho Culebra Cut, where effort was chiefly concentrated, was Sl5.270 cubic yards Tn April this was increased to s79,527 cubic yards. There was considerable decrease in the output for May and June owing partly to the advent of the rainy season and partly to temporary trouble with the steam shovel men over the question of wages.
Daily Arizona silver belt., 1907-12-04
Presidential oampaign Expenses

Under our form of government voting is not merely right but a duty, and
 moreover, fundamental and necessary duty if man is tp be good citizen. 1t is we'll to provide that corporations shall not contribute to Presidential or National. camnaigns, and furthermore to provide &for the publication of both con tributions and expenditures. There is, however, always danger in laws of this kind, which from their very nature are difficult of enforeement; the danger be- ing lest they be obeyed only by the honest, and disobeyed by the unscru- pulous. so as to act only as a penalty upon honest men. Moreover, no such law would hamper an interruptions man of unlimited means from buying his
Daily Arizona silver belt., 1907-12-04
The Hague

The Second International Peace Con ference was convened at The Hague on the 18th of June last and remained in session until the 18th of October. For the first time the representatives of practically all the civilized countries of the world united in a temperate and kindly discussion of the methods by which the causes of war might be mar rowed and its injurious effects reduced.
 Although the agreements reached in the Conference did not in any direction go to the length hoped for by the more sanguine, yet in many directions impor- tant steps were taken, and upon every subject on the program there was such full and considerate discussion as to justify the belief that substantial pro gress has been made toward further agreements in the future. Thirteen con ventions were agreed upon embodying the definite conclusions which had been reached, and resolutions were adopted making the progress made in matters upon which agreement was not yet suf- ficiently complete to make conventions practicable.
 The delegates of the United States were instructed to favor an agreement for obligatory arbitration, the estah- lishment of permanent court of arbi- tration to proceed judicially in the hear ing and decision of international causes, the prohibition of force for the collec- tion of contract debts alleged to be due from governments to citizens of other countries until after arbitration as to the justice and amount of the debt and the time and manner of payment, the immunity of private property at sea, the better definition of the rights of neutrals, and, in ease of any measure to that end being introduced. the limi- tation of armaments.
Daily Arizona silver belt., 1907-12-04
Hawaii

The unfortunate failure of the ship ping bill at tho last session of the last Congress was followed by the taking ofl of certain Pacific steamships, which has greatly hampered the movement of pas. sengers between Hawaii and the main land. Unless the Congress is prepared by positive encouragement to secure proper facilities in the way of shipping between Hawaii and the mainland, then the coastwise shipping laws should be so far relaxed as to prevent Hawaii suffering as it is now suffering. l again call your attention to the capital i'm portance from every standpoint of mak- ing Pearl Harbor available for the largest deep water vessels, and of suit ably fortifying the island.
Daily Arizona silver belt., 1907-12-04
Mining

A bureau of mines should be created under the control and direction of the Secretary of the Interior; the bureau to have power to collect statistics and make investigations in all matters per taining to mining and particularly to the accidents ard dangers of the indus try. If this cannot now be done, at least additional appropriations should be given the Interior Department to be used for the study of mining conditions, for the prevention of fraudulent mining schemes, for carrying on the work of mapping the mining districts, for study ing methods for minimizing the acci- dents and dangers in the industry; in short, to aid in all proper ways the de. velopment of the mining industry.
Daily Arizona silver belt., 1907-12-04
IsdneSday, Dec, 4, 1907

:. public and the representatives of
 [. mblic, the high officials, whether
 ,be bench or in executive or legisla-
 J, positions, need to remember that ,,o the most dangerous criminals, so 1, as the life of the Nation is con .,e1. are not those who commit the mes known to and condemned by the anlar conscience for centuries, but
 ,s who commit crimes only rendered .s;ble by the complex conditions of . modern industrial life. It makes a particle of difference whether 70 crimes are committed by a capital
 m by a laborer, by leading banker msnufacturer or railroad man, or by Isqding representative of a labor ;op. Swindling in stocks. corrupting ;.latures, making fortunes by the in ion of securities, by wrecking rail 5s by destroying competitors mrh rebates--these forms of wrong rr in the capitalist are far more in -Sp, than any ordinary form of em- clement or forgery; yet it is a mat
 of extreme difficulty to secure the
 
 ,ishment of the man most guilty of m. most responsible for them. The ipess man who condones such con < stands on a level with the labor r who deliberately supports a cor 1, dcmagogue and agitator, whether 5 of a union or head of some munich itv. because he is said to have o6G bv the union. The members he business community, the educators .ergymen, who condone and encour-
 thC first kind of wrongdoing, are more dangerous to the community,
 are morally even worse than the ,r men who are guilty of the second 2 of wrongdoing, because less Is to parloned those who have no such isc as is furnished either by ignor- e or by dire need.
Daily Arizona silver belt., 1907-12-04
Tariff on Wood Pulp.

There should be no tariff on any for est product grown in this country; and, in especial, there should be no tariff on wood pulp; due notice of the change being of course given to those en- gagged in the business so as to enable them to adjust themselves to the new conditions. The repeal of tine duty on wood pulp should if possible be ae- companied by an agreement with Can. ada that there shall be no export duty on Canadian pulp wood.
Daily Arizona silver belt., 1907-12-04
Reclamation Work

Irrigation should be far more exten-
 rely developed than at present, not |-y in the States of the Great Plains |ui the Rocky Mountains, but in many |rhers, as. for instance, in large DOT
 3ns of the South Atlantic and Gulf
 s2tes, where it should go hand in hand fih the reclamation of swamp land. |fte Federal Government should seri- |1sy devote itself to this task, realiz- lg that utilization of waterways and vster power, forestry. irrigation and
 reclamation of lands threatened by 5erAow, are all interdependent parts
 the same problem. The work of the salamation Service in developing the iiger opportunities of the western half
 our country for irrigation is more ap0rtant than almost any other move Esnt. The constant purpose of the
 Wernment in connection with the Re-
 amation Service has been to use the 'ster resources of the public lands for Fe ultimate greatest good to the great + number; in other words, to put upon He land permanent home makers, to use ad develop it for themselves and for aeir children and children s children. .hefe has been, of course, opposition to ais work; opposition from some inter sted men who desire to exhaust the ald for their own immediate benefit HthOut regard to the welfare of the iIt generation, and opposition from 0nest and well meaning men who did -5t fully understand the subject or who
 d not look far enough ahead. This Position is, think, dying away, and t' people are understanding that 1t '1d he utterly wrong to allow a few adividuals to exhaust for their own .1lporary personal profit the resources ''ieh ought to be developed through 'e 80 as to be conserved for the per ,nent common advantage of the peo- 'e as a whole.
Daily Arizona silver belt., 1907-12-04
Chinese Students

This Nation should help in every practicable way in the education of the Chinese people, so that the vast and populous Empire of China may gradu- ally adapt itself to modern conditions One way of doing this is by promoting the coming of Chinese students to this country and making it attractive to them to take courses at our universities and higher educational institutions. Our educators should, so far as possible, take concerted action toward this end.
Daily Arizona silver belt., 1907-12-04
Public Lands

lhe effort of the Government to deal
 lth the public land has been based
 pon the same principle as that of the lee.amgtion Service. The land law sys- tn which was designed to meet the .sfls of the fertile and well watered
 gons of the Middle West has largely Token down when applied to the dryer g0us of the Great Plains, the noun
 1ils, and much of the Pacific Slope, 'sae'o a farm of 160 acres is inadequate .F self support. In these regions the tslem lent itself to fraud, and much ccd passed out of the hands of the 'oEernment without passing into the .'eds of the home maker. The De Fftment of the Interior and the De- FFlment of Justice joined in prosecut- Sg the offenders against the law; and sS,ey have accomplished much, while ,Suere the administration of the law, S's been defective it has been changed. SSIal the laws themselves are defective. ,9ee years ago a. public lands coni-' SSlssion was appointed to scrutinize 1e law, and defects, and recommend Rnedy. Their examination specific
Daily Arizona silver belt., 1907-12-04
The Public Health

There is constantly growing interest in this country in the question of the public health. At last the public mind is awake to the fact that many diseases, notably tuberculosis, are National scoufges The work of the State and city boards of health should be supple
 mented by constantly increasing i'm terest on the part of the National Gov ernment The Congress has already pro- vided public bureau of health and has provided for 9 hygienic laboratory. There are other valuable laws relating to the public health connected with the various departments. This whole branch of the Government should he strength cned and aided in every way.
Daily Arizona silver belt., 1907-12-04
Foreign Affairs

In foreign affairs this country s steady policy is to behave toward other nations as strong and self-respecting man should behave toward the other men with whom he is brought into con. tact. In other words, our aim is dis interestedly to help other nations where such help can be wisely given without the appearance of meddling with what does not concern us; to be careful to act as a good neighbor; and at the same time, in good-natured fash. ion, to make it evident that we do not intend to be imposed upon.
Daily Arizona silver belt., 1907-12-04
Page Seven

quiet and prosperity have returned to the island because of this action. We are now taking steps to provide for elections in the island and our expecta- tion is within the coming year to be able to turn the island over again to government chosen by tine people thereof. Cuba is at our doors. It is not possible that this Nation should permit Cuba again to sink into the condition from which we rescued it. All that we ask of the Cuban people is that they be prosperous, that tley govern them selves so as to bring content, order and progress to their island, the Queen of the Antilles; and our only interference has been and will be to help them to achieve these results.
Daily Arizona silver belt., 1907-12-04
A National Gallery of Art

There should be National gallery of art established in the capital city of this country This is important not merely to the artistic, but to the ma terial welfare of the country; and the people are to be congratulated on the fact that the movement to establish such gallery is taking definite form under the guidance of the Smithsonian Institution.
Daily Arizona silver belt., 1907-12-04
Oklahoma

Oklahoma has become a state, stand ing in full equality with her elder sis ters and her future is assured by ner great natural resources. The duty of the National Government to guard the personal and property rights of the In dians within her borders remains, of course, unchanged.
Daily Arizona silver belt., 1907-12-04
China

I ask for authority to reform the agreement with China under which the indemnity of 1900 was fixed, by remit ting and canSelling the obligation of China for the payment of all that part of the stipulated indemnity which is in excess of the sum of eleven million, six hundred and fifty-fve thousand, four hundred and ninety-two dollars and six ty-nine cents, and interest at per cent.
Daily Arizona silver belt., 1907-12-04
Postal Affairs.

I commend to the favorable consider. ation of the Congress a postal savings bank system, as recommended by the Postmaster-General. The primary ob- ject is to encourage among our people economy and thrift and by the use of postal savings banks to give them an