The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1925-12-11

its improvement by the necessary ex-
pertinent and investigation. Our coun-
try is not behind In this art.
Veterans.
II anyone desires to estimate the
esteem In which the veterans OF
America are held by their fellow citi-
zens, it is but necessary to remember
that the current budget calls for an
expenditure of about $650,000,000 In
their behalf.
Agriculture.
No doubt the position of agriculture
as a whole has very much improved
since the depression of three and four
years ago. But there are many local
tiles and many groups of individuals,
apparently through no fault of their
own, sometimes due to climatic con-
ditions and sometimes to the prevail
ing price of a certain crop, still in a
distressing condition. This is prob
ably temporary, but 1t is none the less
acute National government agencies,
the Departments Of Agriculture and
Commerce, the farm loan board, the
intermediate credit banks, and the
federal reserve board are all cooper
ating to be of assistance and relief.
On the other hand, there are locall-
ties and individuals who have had one
of their most prosperous years. The
general price level is fair, but here
again there are exceptions both ways,
some items being poor while others
are excellent. In spite Of lessened
production the farm income for this
year will be about the same as last
year and much above the three pre-
ceding years.
Muscle Shoals.
The problem Of Muscle Shoals seems
to me to have assumed a place all
out of proportion with its real impor-
lance. This property ought to be
transferred to private management I'M
der conditions which will dedicate 1t
to the public purpose for which 1t was
conceived.
Reclamation.
The national government Is commit.
ted to policy Of reclamation and IT.
rigation which it desires to establish
on a sound basis and continue in the
interest of the localities concerned.
Shipping.
The maintenance Of merchant ma
rine is of the utmost Importance for
national defense and the service of
our commerce. We have large num-
Der of ships engaged in that service.
We also have a surplus supply, costly
to care for, which ought to be sold.
Coal.
The perennial conflict in the coal In
dustry Is still going on to the great
detriment of the wage earners, the
owners, and especially to the public.
The industry could serve the public
much better and become subject to a
much more effective method of control
If regional consultations and more
freedom in the formation Of market
ing associations, under the supervision
of the Department of Commerce, were
permitted.
At the present time the national
government has little or no authority
to deal with this vital necessity Of the
life of the country. Authority should
be lodged with the President and the
Departments Of Commerce and Labor,
giving them power to deal with an
emergency. The report of the last
coal commission should be brought
forward, reconsidered and acted upon.
Prohibition.
Under the orderly processes Of our
fundamental institutions the Consti-
tuition was lately amended providing
for national prohibition. The congress
passed an act for its enforcement, and
similar acts have been provided by
most of the states. 1t is the law of
the land. 1t is the duty of all who
come under it's Jurisdiction to observe
the spirit of that law, and it is the
duty Of the Department of Justice and
the Treasury department to enforce it.
Waterway Development.
For many years our country has
been employed in plans and opera
lions for the development Of our in
tracoastal and inland waterways. This
work along our coast is an important
adjunct to our commerce. 1t will be
carried on, together with the further
opening up Of our harbors, as our
resources permit.
Along with the development Of navf-
CATION should go every possible en-
for the development of
our water power.
Railroads.
The railroads throughout the coun-
try are in a fair state of prosperity.
Their service is good and their supply
of cars is abundant. Their condition
would be improved and the public bet
ter served by system of consolida-
tipns. l recommend that the congress
authorize such consultations.
Civil Service.
In 1883 the congress passed the
civil service act, which from modest
beginning of $4,000 employees has
grown until there are now 425,000 In
the classified service. This has re-
moved the clerical force of the nation
from the wasteful effects Of the
spells system and made it more stable
and efficient The time has come to
consider classifying all postmasters,
collectors of customs, collectors of in
ternal revenue and prohibition agents
by an act covering those at present
in office, except when otherwise pro-
yided by executive order.
1t is apparent that we are reaching
into an era of great general prosper
Ity. 1t will continue only so long as
we shall use It properly. If the people
will continue industrious and thrifty,