The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1908-06-19
Itles OF new trackage have been add

increased from 2S,O00,O00 in 1908 TO
$4,000 COO in 1907.
The output of pig iron, the baro,
meter of trade, in 1897 was 25,7S1 900
tons, as against little over 1S,000,-
coo tons in 1903, and our exports Of
iron and steel increased from $780,
G42,000 in 1903 to $1S1, 531 900 in 1907.
Our exports of manufactures adj
vanced from $46s, 100000 in 1903 to
S740, 600 900 in 1907.
Our imports of raw material for use
in domestic manufacture increased
from $3.50, 100000 in 1903 to SAT- ,00O,-
600 In 1907, while our exports in the
calendar year of 1907 were nearly 81,
O0O.0OO,C00 an increase of 80 per cent
over those of four years ago.
The mills and factories temporarily
closed by reason of financial disturb
ances are rapidly resuming operations.
calling labor back to profitable en-
ployment.
This record of material activity in
field and forest, factory and farm,
mines and mills during the last four
but this is quite sufficient to show the
development and robust condition of
our industrial life.
The nine great executive depart
ments of the government, through
which the head of the nation speaks
and acts, have advanced with steady
and resolute steps within the sphere
of their activities, presenting a record
of achievements during the last four
years OF intelligent and progressive
administration unexampled in the his
tory Of the government.
The agricultural department has
continued its work in promoting the
interest of the farmers by diversity
ing their products, supplying new and
valuable seeds and plants especially
adapted to our climate and soil. eradi-
eating diseases which infest and de.
stroy animal and vegetable life. de-
evloping the beet sugar industry from
100000 to 4S0,OOO,OOO tons, valued
at S43,000,000; enforced the pure food
law, enhancing the value of farm pro-
ducts, conserving the health of all our
people; distributed during the year
1907 nearly 100000 bulletins. pro-
vided for over 1000 scientists to gath
er information for the benefit of agri.
culture, protected our forest reserves
from the ravages of fire, converted the
arid lands and waste places into fer.
tel fields and blossoming gardens. ex-
tending cur producing area so that
nearly 100000 bushels a year are
being grown in regions which have
heretofore been unproductive. and in
every way possible conserving the
natural resources Of the country for
ourselves and the generations to come
after us.
The department Of commerce and
labor, organized in 1903, has been act
I've and potential in extending our
commerce and protecting our labor
II has despatched messengers to for
eign countries, particularly to South
America and the orient, to learn the
needs and tastes of the people with a
view of increasing our trade. The
exports, which in 1908 aggregated ST..
1892 100000, will, it is estimated. in
1908 aggregate about $1,000, 900. 600,
showing an increase practically to
every country. It's bureau of stats
tics has established a system of re.
cordinS the internal commerce Of the
country OH the great lakes and at i'm.
portant interior centers. It's bureau
OF manufactures has brought about
hot 81.
manufacturers OF the United States
and buyers abroad and, by bringing
purchasers into closer touch with deal
ers, aided in the extension of foreign
markets for our manufactures.
The congress just closed re-enacted
the law passed by the Fifty-nInth con-
gress TO conform to the opinion of the
supreme court, making common car
riers liable for accidents to their en-
rloyes engaged in interstate COM
merce. It has enacted a law for thu
further protection Of the life of rail-
road employees in their hazardous EN-.
ployment. 1t has provided compensa.
ton for laborers and mechanics who
may be injured in the service of the
government and making a provision
for their families in the event of their
being killed in the course of their en-
ployment. 1t has enacted a model
child labor law for the District of
Columbia 1t has directed a thorough
investigation into the working condi-
tions Of the employees of the telegraph
and telephone companies doing inter-
state business, and, in response to
the urgent appeal from both capital
end labor, congress before its adjourn
ment appropriated s150.0OO for an in
vestigatiSN into the cause of mine ac-
cidents with a view Of promoting the
safety OF workers in our mines
The work of the department of the
interior has been prosecuted under
the present administration with intel
ligence and vigor. During the past
year, over 10000 acres of coal lands
have been restored to the public do
main. During the last five years
fences unlawfully closing public lands
have been removed from 3,519,533
acres, and steps are now being taken
IN IL n