davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times., 1909-12-07
Salary Adjustment.

Under the present system IL constant
IL happens that two employees receive the
same salary when the work of one is
far more difficult and important and
exacting than that Of the other. SUI
perior ability is not rewarded or en-
couraged. AS the classification is now
entirely by salary. an employee often
rises TO the highest class while doing
the easiest work, for which alone he
may be fitted.
An investigation ordered by my pre-
decessor resulted in the recommendation
that the civil service be reclassihed ac-
cording TO the kind of work so that the
work requiring most application and
knowledge and ability shall receive most
compensation. I believe such change
would be fairer 10 the whole force and
would permanently improve the person
mel Of the service
More than this, every reform directed
toward the Improvement In the average
efficiency Of government employees must
depend on the ability of the Executive
10 eliminate from the Government serv-
ice those who are melnclent from any
cause. and as the degree OF efficiency IN
all the departments Is much lessened
by the retention Of old employees who
have Outlived their energy and useful
ness, IL Is Indispensable 20 any proper
system Of economy that provision De
made so that their separation from the
service shall be easy and inevitable.
1t is impossible 10 make such pro-
vision unless there is adopted a plan
uf civil pensions
Most OF the great industrial organiza-
lions, and many Of the Welt-COuduCted
railways Of this country. are coming %
the conclusion that system Of pensions
Tor old employees. and the substitution
therefor Of younger and more energetic
servants, promotes both economy and
efficiency OF administration.
am aware that there is a strong feel
ing In both houses OF Congress, anC
possibly In the country. against the es-
iablishment Of civil pensions. and thai
this has naturally grown out Of the
heavy burden Of military pensions
which IL has always been the policy OF
our Government TO assume, but 1 an
strongly convinced that no other praC
tical solution % the difficulties present
ed By the suDeranuuatiOn of civil ser
wants can be found than that of "A SyS
tom az civil neugfnna
The Washington times., 1909-12-07
Board of Visitors.

The official board of visitors estab-
nshed by Congress and appointed in 1901
expressed its conclusion that the official
head of the observatory should be an
eminent astronomer appointed by the
President by and with tile advice and
consent Of the Senate, holding his place
by a tenure at least as permanent as
that OF the Superintendent Of the Coast
Survey or the head Of the Geological
Survey, and not merely by detail of
two or three years duration. q. fully
concur In this Judgment, and urge a
provision by law for the appointment OF
such director.
It may not be necessary TO take the
observatory out of the Navy Depart
ment and put IT into another depart
ment in which opportunity for scientific
research afforded by the observatory
would seem 70 be more appropriate,
though 2 believe such a transfer IN the
long run Is the best policy.
l am sure, however, / express the de-
sire of the astronomers and those learn
ed IN the kindred sciences when / urge
upon Congress that the Naval ObSerya-
tory be now dedicated to science under
control of man Of scierce VINO can
II need be. render all the service 70 the
Navy Department which this obserVa-
tory now renders. and still furnish tc
the world tire discoveries In astronomy
that a great astronomer using such q
plant would be likely to make.
The Washington times., 1909-12-07
No Deficit in 1911

So far as the Secretary of the Treas
ury Is able to form a judgment as 10
future income. and compare Il with the
expenditure for the next fiscal year end
ms June 50. 1911, including the payments
on account OF the Panama canal and
the public debt. there viii be no deficit
in the year ending June 90. 1911, but a
small surplus of $1,000.
In the present estimates the needs OF
the department and Of the Government
have been cut to the quick. so to speak,
and any assumption on the part Of Con-
Eress, SO often made in times past that
the estimates have been prepared with
The expectation that they may be re-
duced. will result in seriously hamper
ing proper administration.
The Secretary Of the Treasury points
out what should be carefully noted in
respect to this reduction in govern
mental expenses for the next fiscal
year, that the economies are of two
kirds-hrst, there is a saving in the
permanent administration OF the depart
ments, bureaus, and Offices of the Gov
eminent; ana, second, there is pres
ent reduction in expenses by n post
ponement Of projects and improvements
that ultimately will have TO be carried
out. but which are now delayed win
future will permit their execution WITH
out producing a dehcit.
1t has been impossible in the prepare
ton OF estimates greatly to reduce the
cost of permanent administration. This
cannot be done without thorough re
organization Of bureaus. Offices, and de-
partrnents. For the purpose OF securing
Information which may enable the eX-
ecutive and the legislative branches 70
unite in a plan for the permanent re-
duction Of the. cost Of governmental ad-
ministra ton. the Treasury Department
has instituted an investigation by one
OF the most skilled expert accountants
in the United States.
The result of his work in two or three
bureas, which, If extended to the entire
Government, must occupy two or more
wears. has been 10 show much room for
improvement and opportunity for sub
stantial reductions in the cost and in
creased efficiency of administration.
The object Of this investigation is TO de-
wise means 10 increase the average ef-
ficiency of each employe.
There is great room for. improvement
toward this end. not only ny the reOr-
Canizaticn Of bureaus and departments
and I'm the avoidance Of duplication, but
also in the treatment Of the individual
cr1n1Ovp
The Washington times., 1909-12-07
Business Expanded.

The business and expenditures Of the
Government have expanded enormously
since the Spanish war. but as the rev
enues have increased I'm nearly the same
proportion as the expenditure until
recently, the attention Of the public. and
OF those responsible for the Govern
ment. has not been fastened upon the
question Of reducing the cost OF admin
ts1TatiOn.
We can not. in view OF the advancing
prices Of living hope 20 save money
by a reduction I'm the standard Of sal
aries paid. Indeed II any change is
made in that regard. an increase rather
than a decrease Will be necessary; and
the only means Of economy viii be in
reducing the number Of employees and
in obtaining a greater average OF et-
hciency from those retained In the
service.
Close investigation and study needep
10 make definite recommendations IN
this regard will consume at least two
years. i note with much satisfaction
lire organization ~ the senate OF a
Committee on Public Expenditures,
charged with the duty Of conducting
such an investigation, and / tender ~
that committee all the assistance which
the executive branch OF the Govern
rneuf ran uOggiblv render.
The Washington times., 1909-12-07
Uses of Tariff Board

The new tariff law ena bIes me To an
point a tariff board to assist me In con
Eection with the Department Of State
in the administration Of the minimum
and maximum clause Of the act and also
10 assist officers Of the Government In
the administration Of the entire law.
An examination OF the law and an un-
Outstanding Of the nature OF the facts
which should be considered In dis
charging the functions imposed upon
the Executive show that I have the
power to direct the tariff board TO make
a comprehensive glossary and encyclo-
pedia OF the terms used and articles
embraced. in the tariff laws and to
secure information as 10 the cost OF
production Of such goods IN this coun-
try and the cost Of their production in
foreign countries.
/ have therefore appointed a tariff
board consisting Of three members and
have directed them 10 perform all the
duties above described. Tnis work will
perhaps take two or three years, and I
ask from Congress a continuing annual
appropriation equal 10 that already
made for its prosecution. / believe that
the work Of this board will be of prime
utility and importance whenever Con-
] gress shall deem II wise again TO read
{ just the customs duties.
II the facts secured by the tarinf
board are OF such character as To
show generally that the rates of duties
/ imposed by the present tariff law are
| excessive under the principles of pro-
lection as described in the platform OF
/ the successful party at the late election
/ I shall not hesitate 90 invite the atten-
/ ton Of Congress 10 this fact and TO tho
/ necessity for action pTediCated thereon
/ Nothing. however. hdlts business and
= interferes with the course Of prosperity
so much as the threatened revision OF
the tariff, and until the facts are al
l hand. after careful and Deliberate in.
yestigatiOn, upon when such revision
The Washington times., 1909-12-07

the whole question of the expediency OF
adopting a definite military policy can
be submitted to Congress, for am
sure that the interests Of the military
establishment are seriously in need or
careful consideration by Congress.
The laws regulating the organization
of our armed forces in the event or
war need to be revised in order that
the organization car be modified so as
to produce force which would be more
consistently appOTtioned throughout its
numerous branches. To explain the
circumstances upon which this opin-
ion is based would necessitate lengthy
discussion, and I postpone It until the
first convenient opportunity shall arise
to send to Congress a special message
upon this subject.
The Secretary of War calls attention
to a number of needed changes In the
army. in all Of which I concur. but the
point upon which place most emphasis
is the need for an elimination bill pro-
viding A method by which the merits or
officers shall have some effect upon
their advancement. and by which the
advancement Of all may be accelerated
by the effective elimination OF dehnlJe
proportion of the least efficient.
The Washington times., 1909-12-07
District Jail.

Ny predecessor transmitted TO the
Congress a special message on Janu-
airy II, 1909. accompanying tE~ report
Of commissioners heretofore appoint
ed to investigate the jail. workhouse.
etc. I'm the District OF Columbia, In
which he directed attention to the re-
port as setting forth wildly,
"tbe really outrageous conditions IN
the workhouse and jail"
The Congress has taken action in
pursuance or the recommendations OF
that report an6 OF the President, to
the extent OF al propriating funds and
enaCtinB the NJ cessary legislation for
the estH blishme IT Of = wOrkhOuse and
reformatory. 10 action, however. has
been taken by the Congress with re-
spect to the Jail. the conditions of
which are still antiQuated and insani-
tary. ] earn eStly recommend the pas
sage Of a sufficient appropriation to
enable a thorough remodeling OF that
institution TO be made without delay.
II Is a reproach TO the National Gov
eminent that almost under the shadow
OF the Capitol dome prisoners should be
confined in a building destitute Of the
ordinary decent appliances requisite "a
cleanliness and sanitary conditions
The Washington times., 1909-12-07
Alaska.

With respect to the Territory or
Alaska. recommend legislation which
shall provide for the appointment by the
President of a governor and also OF an
executive council, the members OF which
shall during their term of office reside
in the Territory, and which shall have
legislative powers sufficient to enable It
to give the Territory local laws adapted
to its present growth.
strongly deprecate legislation look
ing to the election OF a Territorial legis-
lature in that vast district The lack
Of permanence Of residence Of a large
part Of the present population and the
small number Of the people who either
permanently or temporarily reside In
the district as compared with its vast
expanse and the variety Of the interests
that have to be subserved, make II alto
gether uniting IN my judgment 10 pro-
vide for a popular election Of a legfsla-
tive body.
The present system is not adequate
and does not furnish the character of
local contrOrthat ought to be there The
only compromise II seems 70 me which
may give needed local legislation ana
secure a conservat tive government Is the
one I propose.
The Washington times., 1909-12-07
Interior Department.
- Mexlco - Arlzona-

ANEN AntAiID anu AAALOua
The successful party In the last cleo
ton in its national platform declared in
favor Of the admission as separate
States OF New Mexico and Arizona, and
I recommended that legislation appro-
pirate TO this end be adopted. I urge.
however. that care be exercised in the
preparation OF the legislation affecting
each Territory to secure deliberation in
the selection Of persons as members Of
the convention TO draft a constitution
for the incoming State, and I earnestly
advise that such constitution after adop-
ton by the convention shall be sub
mitted to the people of the Territory
for their approval at an election IN
which the sole issue shall be the merits
Of the proposed constitution. and II the
constitution Is defeated by popular vote
means shall be provided In the enabling
act for a new convention and the draft
ing OF a new constitution
l think IL vital that the issue as 70
the merits Of the constitution should not
be mixed up with the selection OF State
officers, and that no election Of State
officers should be had until after the
constitution has been fully approved
and finally settled upon.
The Washington times., 1909-12-07
NAVY IS SUBJECT
OF ONE CHAPTER

The voyage Of the bRttleshiB feet
WINS of interest mike TO the United
states and the worlds naval uu-
thOritles.
1t had beneficial and far-reRcbInE
effects on our relations with cOun-
tries visited.
The subject OF naval reform Is
urgently recommended TO Congress
for Its consideration.
A comprehensive plan for reOr-
gnnizatIon of naval officers will he
presented soon 10 Congress.
have approved execution of the
pInn proposed by Secretary Meyer
for certain navRi reforms
The naval estimates are 3S,OOO,-
600 less than corresponding esti-
mates for last year.
The Washington times., 1909-12-07
Executive Feels There Should Be Some Civil Pension
Provisions for Government Employes-Wants
Ship Subsidy and Statehood.

mail matter at I cent a pound amounts
to about S63,OOO.OOO a year. The average
cost OF the transportation Of this matter
is more than cents a pound
It appears that the average distance
over which newspapers are delivered
20 their customers is 291 miles. while
the average haul Of magazines is 1.049,
and Of miscellaneous periodicals LBS
miles. Thus. the average haul OF the
magazine is three and One-half times
and that OF the miscellaneous periodical
nearly four times the haul Of the daily
newspaper, yet all of them pay the same
postage rate of 1 cent a pound The
statistics Of 1907 show that second-class
mail matter constituted 63-91 per cent Of
the weight of all the mail, and yielded
only 519 per cent of the revenue
The figures given are startling, and
show the payment by the Government
Of an enormous subsidy to the news
papers, magazines, and periodicals, and
Congress may we'll consider whether
radical steps should not be taken to re-
duce the de6cit IN the PostOffice Depart
ment caused by this discrepancy be-
tween the actual cost of transportation
and the compensation exacted therefor.
The Washington times., 1909-12-07

Sugar Refining Company all that IL is
shown to have been defrauded OF.
The sum was received in full Of the
amount due. which might have been
recovered by civil suit against the ben
ehciary of the fraud but there was
an express reservation in the contract
OF settlement by which the settlement
should not interfere with. or prevent,
the criminal prosecution of everyone
who was found to be subject to the
same.
Criminal prosecutions are now pro-
Ceeding against a number Of the Cow
eminent officers The Treasury De-
partment and the Dep 4rtment Of Justice
are eXerting every eff OTt 10 discover all
the wrongdoers, including the officers
and employees of the companies who
may have been privy to the fraud. It
would seem to me that an investiga-
ton Of the frauds by Congress at pres
ent, pending the probing by the Treas
ury Department and the Department Of
Justice. as proposed, might by giving
immunity and otherwise prove en-
barrassment In securing conviction of
the guilty DqrtiPS
The Washington times., 1909-12-07

partment.
To secure these results he has inaug-
urated a tentative plan involving certain
changes in the organization of the Navy
Department, including the navy yards,
all of which have been found by the
Attorney General to be in accordance
with Jaw. I have approved the execu-
ton OF the plan proposed because Of the
greater efficiency ana economy II
promises.
The generosity of Congress has pro-
vided in the present Naval Observatory
the most MAGNIFICENT and expensive as
Economical establishment in the world.
1t is being used for certain naval pur-
poses which might easily and adequate
ly be subserved by small division con-
The Washington times., 1909-12-07
Snip Subsidy.

Following the course Of my distin-
guished predecessor. I earnestly recon-
mend to Congress the consideration and
passage of a ship subsidy bill, looking
to the establishment OF lines between
our Atlantic seaboard and the eastern
coast of South America, as wei as
lines from the west coast Of the United
states tn South America, China, Japan,
and the Philippines.
The profits on foreign mails are per
hans a sufficient measure of the eN-
penditures which might first be tenta-
lively applied TO this method Of inducing
American capital 10 undertake the eS-
adjustment of American lines of steam
ships in those directions in which we
nov feel II most important that we
should have means OF transportation
controlled in the interest of the eXpan-
sion Of our trade.
a bin of this character has once
Dassed the House and more than once
passed the Senate, and hope that at
The Washington times., 1909-12-07
Conservation.

In several departments there IS pre-
scented the necessity for legislation look
ing 70 the further conservation OF our
national resources, and the subject Is
one of fuch Importance as to require
more DE- tailed and extended discussion
than car be entered upon n this COM
muniCatiln.
For TINT reason I shall take an early
opportunity to send a special message TO
Congress on the subject OF the improve
ment Of our waterways. upon the recla-
and swamp lands. upon the preservation
OF our forests, and the reforesting Of
suitable areas; upon the reclassification
Of the public domain with view Of
separating from agricultural settlement
mineral. coal, and phosphate lands and
sites belonging 10 the Government Dor
dering on streams suitable for the utili-
ZatfOn of water mower
The Washington times., 1909-12-07
No Delay Necessary.

II has been proposed to delay the con-
sideratfon OF legislation establishing a
nostaI savings bank until after the re-
port of the Monetary Commission. This
report is likely 10 be delayed, and prop
erly so. because OF the necessity for
careful elaboration and close investiga-
ton. I do not see why the one should
he tied up with the other. It is under
stood that the Monetary Commission
have looked into the systems Of banking
which now prevail abroad. and have
found that by a control there exercised
in respect to reserves and the rates OF
exchange by some central authority
panics are avoided
m IS not apparent that a system Of
7,ostaI SaVintEs banks would In any
Vvav Interfere with a change to such a
system here. Certainly in most of the
The Washington times., 1909-12-07

Of making an extensive naval base at
Pearl Harbor. near Honolulu. and not IN
the Philippines.
This does not dispense with the ne
cessity for the comparatively small ap-
propriations required 20 finish the
proper coast defense in the Philippines
now under construction on the Island
Of CorTeEidOr and elsewhere, or to com
plete a suitable repair station and &C al
ing supply station at Olonga DO, where
is the floating dock Dewey"
/ hope that this recommendation Of
the Joint bO2-d will end the discussion
as TO the comparative merits of Manila
bay and OlOngapO as naval stations,
and will lead "a prompt measures for
the proper equipment and defense OF
Pearl HarbOr.
The Washington times., 1909-12-07
Asks Transfer.

I coacede the advantage Of keeping
In the system the rigidity of discipline
that the presence Of naval and military
officers in charge insures, but unless the
presence Of such officers in the board
can be made consistent with a response
Bile executive head that shall have proD-
er authority, I recommend the transfer
Of control over the lighthouses to a
suitable civilian bureau.
This is in accordance with the judg-
ment Of competent persons who are ia
miliar with the workings of the present
system. 1 am confident that a reorgan-
ization can be effected which shall avoid
the recurrence Of friction between mem
bcrs. Instances Of which have been Of
hcially brought TO my attention and
that by such reorganization. greater
efficiency and a substantial reduction in
the expense of operation can be
brought abD1If
The Washington times., 1909-12-07
War Department.

In the interest Of immediate economy
and because Of the prospect Of a deficit,
/ have required a reduction IN the es-
Inmates Of the War Department for
the coming fiscal year. which brings
the total estimates down 70 an amount
$4,000. 900 less than the corresponding es-
Inmates for last year This could only
be accomplished by cutting on new pro
iects and suspending for the period OF
one year all progress in military mat
tiers
FOR the same reason I have directed
that the army shall not be recruited
up TO itc present authorized strength.
These measures can hardly be more
than temporary-to last until our reye-
nues are in better condition and until
The Washington times., 1909-12-07
Commerce and Labor
ME Iight-House BOARD.


The lighthouse board now discharges
its duties under the Department Of Com
nerce and Labor. For upward Of forty
years this board has been constituted OF
military and naval officers and two or
three men Of science, with such an alb
sence of a duly constituted executive
head that It is marvellous what work
has been accomplished.
In the period OF construction the
energy and enthusiasm of all the mem
beTs prevented the inherent defects OF
the system from interfering greatly with
the beneficial work of the board. but
now thar the work is chiefly confined
TO maintenance and repair. for which
purpose The country is divided into six
teen districts. to which are assigned an
engineer officer OF the army and an in
Spector OF the navy, each with a light
mousse tender and the needed plant for
his work il has become aDnarent IN.
the frequent friction that arises due 10
the absence of any central independent
authority. that there must De- a COM
plete reorganization of the hoard
The Washington times., 1909-12-07
Anti Trust and Commerce.

The JURISDICTION Of the General Gov
eTnment over Interstate commerce has
led to the passage of the so-caIled
sherman Antitrust Law" and the
Interstate Commerce Law and its
amendments. The developments in
the operation of those laws. as shown
by indictments. trials, judicial decis-
ions, and other sources of informa-
ton. call for a discussion and some
suggestions as TO amendments.
These ] prefer TO EN- body in q spe-
cial message instead OF including them
I'm the present communication, and
shall avail myself of the first con-
venient opportunity 10 bring these
subjects 70 the attention of Congress.
The Washington times., 1909-12-07
PROBE CUSTOMS FRAUDS.

1t would seem to me that an In
vestigatiOnl of the customs frauds
by Congress mt present, pending the
PrObieg by the Treasury Depart
ment and the Department OF Jus
tice, might give immunity and
otherwise prove an embarrassment
In securing conviction of the guilty
parties.