The Carlisle independent., 1907-12-05
ner, and figures given to substantiate. the statement
tatement.
 For Postal Savings Banks.

ner, ana nSures gwen to SupStdilldAc tllo statement.
 For Postal Savings Banks.
 On the questions of postal savings banks and the establishment of a parcels post system the message says;
 q commend to the. favorable considera- ton of the congress a postal savings bank system as recommended by the postmaster general
 q further commend to the congress the consideration of the postmaster generals recommendation for an extension Of the parcel post, especially on the rural routes These recommendations have been drawn up to benefit the farmer and the country storekeeper; otherwise should not favor them, for I 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"
 Some form of local self-government for Alaska is asked of the congress, and that the rights of citizenship be conferred upon the people of Porto Rico.
 Campaign Contributions.
 The president says Tt Is well to provide that corporations shall not con tribute to presidential or national cam paigns, and furthermore to provide for the publication of both contributions and expenditures. The need for col lecting large campaign funds would vanish if congress provided an appro- priation for the proper and legitimate expenses of each of the great national parties, an appropriation ample enough to meet the necessity for thorough or ganization and machinery, which re- quires a large expenditure of money. Then the stipulation should be made that no party receiving campaign funds from the treasury should accept more than a fixed amount from any indi- vidual subscriber or donor; and the necessary publicity for receipts and ex- penditures could without difficulty be provided"
 The extension of the ocean Mail act of 1891 is recommended an aid to American shipping. A subsidy for Pacific steamers, the president thinks is necessary.
 That the army in the past has been niggardly provided for and should be more. generously dealt with is dwelt upon at length, together with recom- mendations for future legislation.
 Yearly additions to the navy are recommended and in the presidents judgment the country should build four battleships this year.
 Reason for Pacific Cruise.
 Concerning the dispatch of the fleet  should be shifted between the two oceans every year or two as a means of teaching officers and men how to handle the vessels in a time of war.
 Although the results of The Hague conference are declared not to have been up to expectations, a degree of good is said to have resulted notably provision by which the powers taking part in the conference agreed not to have recourse to armed force for the collection of debts owed to their citi- zens by foreign countries.
 The expectation Of the government is declared to be to turn over Cuba to a government chosen by the people of the island within the coming year.
 German Tariff Agreement.
 Concerning the tariff agreement en- tered into with Germany, its object Is declared to have been the prevention Of a tariff war between the United States and that country. The work of the commission which made the agreement is praised.
 The president asks for authority tc remit to China all indemnity in excess of the sum of $116 ,49269 and inter est at four per cent.
 In conclusion the message congratu- lates the country on its present cor dial relations with all countries, par ticularly the sister republics to the south