Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1907-03-14

As affecting the relations of this
government with foreign countries, the
ratification of the Santo Domingo
treaty by the Senate is noteworthy. It
again affirms the national policy of the
Monroe Doctrine, and it is believed
will accomplish the end of bringing
tranquility to the island and avoid
further trouble with foreign nations
in their efforts to collect the debts of
Santo Domingo.
While there has been much criticism
of the chairman of this great commit
tee for his failure TO recognize the i'm
portance of meritoriUuS projects, it is
believed that i'll the. end the benefit of
an aggressive policy in pushing every
project that is undertaken Will in time
prove benefit to the very undertake
ings that Ee refused to sanction. All
the harbor projects of tie Atlantic sea-
board that are now under way will be
completed This promises to be true
of the great lakes and the gulf and
Pacific ports as WELL A start hiss been
made for a comprehensive plan of es-
tabliShing a great water way connect
ing the great lakes with the gulf Of
Mexico, of which the Chicago drainage
canal is the first important link. The
demand for an appropriation for the
actual prosecution of that work was so
inSistent at this session that it is
foregone conclusion that it will not
hA II saI Of fla
Congress. s. In the meantime the gov
eminent engineers will survey the COM
plete route, and furnish Congress with
complete data on which to act
Of the great appropriation bills, car
rying important general legislation that
will leave its impress on commerce
and industry, the agricultural budget
is perhaps the most important This
act carries provisions broadening the
scope of the pure food law, adds to the
plan by providing for the inspection of
grain, and in other ways furnishes in
creased safeguards against frauds and
authorizations in food products. In the
postoffice bill the carriers, clerks and
rural carriers are cared for by in
crease in salaries, and a considerable
cut has been made in the cost of the
railway mail service.
That the present Congress has been
forced into a liberal policy in dealing
with government appropriations there
can be no doubt. The federal govern
ment is gradually acquiring more of
10 fhaf hat-n haar nvorGico6
by the States, and the pressure for
more funds with which to carry on
this work has been irresistible. Chair
man Tawney of tie committee on ap-
preparations sounded a warning that
the country was facing a large deficit
for 1908, but it had little effect in keep
ing down the lid on Uncle Sans strong
box.
The present surplus for 1907 is close
to the S40,000,000 mark and may go
over S50,0000Q0 before June 80 next
But even with this and the expected
increase ip the revenues for 1908 over
1907 many members of Congress be-
lieve there will be a deficit next year
A part of the appropriations carried
in the bills this session will be reim-
bursable to the treasury, among this
class being the funds for the Panama
canal, for which bonds are to be is
sued There is no apprehension felt
however, even because of this threat
ened deficit. for it is confidently ex-
pected that even if one develops it will
be easily met, and readjustments Of
expenditures and income will again
put the balance on the right side of
the ledger.