Grand Rapids Herald-Review Newspaper, December 12, 1896, Page 7

yes hearty co-operation may be secured for © protection against threatened extinction of seal life in th he Bering sea, the Northern Pacific and —-— THE COUNTRY’S FINANCES, Deficit During the Year of Over Twenty-five Million Dollars, The secretary of the treasury reports that during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1896, the receipts of the government from all sources amounted to $409,475,408, During the same period its expenditures were $434,- 878,654.48, the excess of expenditures over receipts thus amounting to $25,208,245.70. ‘The ordinary expenditures during the year Were $4,015,852.21 less than during the pre- ceding fiscal year, Of the receipts men- tioned, there was derived from customs the sum of $180,021,751.67, and from internal Tevenue $146,830,615.66. The receipts from customs show an increase of $7,863,134.22 ‘over those from the same source for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1895, and the re- ceipts from internal revenue, an increase of 3,584,537.91, The value of our imported dutiable mer- chandise during the last fiscal year was $369,757,470, and the value of free goods im- Ported $400,967,470, being an increase of $6,523,675 in the value of dutiable goods and $41,231,034 in the value of free goods over the preceding year. Our exports of mer- chandise, foreign and domestic, in value’ to $882,606,038, being an increa over the preceding year of $75,068,773. The average ad yalorum duty paid on dutiable goods imported during the year was 39.94 per cent and on free and dutiabie goods taken together 20.55 per cent. The cost of collecting our internal revenue was 2.78 per cent, as against 2.81 per cent for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1895. The total produc- tion of distilled spirits, exclusive of fruit brandies was 88,588,703 taxable gallons, ‘be- Mg an increase of 6,639,108 gallons over the preceding year, There was also an increase of 1,4 gollons of spirits, produced from fruit, as compared with the preceding year. The r of barrels of beer produced was ¢ 9,784 pro- | duced in the preceding fiscal year, being an | increase of 2,269,466 barrels. The total al year was $112,409,947 and of of gold and $13,246,384 of silver over the ex- portations of the preceding fiscal year. The 065 and of sil- 95 less of gold, 007 more of silver than during ing year. The total stock of met- y in the United States at the close t fiseal year, ended 1896, of the las day of June, $599, 54 28,071 in J On the first day of November, 1896, the of money of all kinds in the coun- the amount in cireuls ation ‘hot in hat in the treas- holdings was 7,055,641, being per capita upon an estimated popula- was $1,228, s in gold, and $623,- The Exhibit Made. Is Regarded a& The report of the secre hibits satisfactory conditions anches of the public service intr by the Secretary his charge. The limit of our military as fixed by law is constantly and readily maintained, ‘The a nt discipline and mor- | als of our army are ced | progress and etlic! laa apparent through- | out its entire org: tion. With the exception of delicate duties in | the suppression of slight Indian disturbances along our Southwestern boun n which the Mexican. troops co-operated and the | compulsory but peaceful return, with the | consent of Great Britain, of a band of Cree | Indians from Montana to the British pos- sessions, no active operations have been required by the army during the year past The organized militia numbers 11 men. the seve annually general government. these troops to be usual spired with much military interest, but in instances they are so deficient in and equipment that a sudden duty would find them inad- repared for field service. I there- recommend that ‘prompt mensures “be to remedy this condition and that encouragement be given to this de- of unpaid and voluntary cit- izen soldiers, upon whose assistance we must largely rely in time of trouble. We should always keep in mind that mil- lone essentially pact e it gives the sense due to a consciousness of strength, it is neither the purpose nor the ect of such permanent fortification to in- 1 states approximate $2,800,000 and $400,000 is contributed by the Investigation shows y drilled and in- every serving body e us in foreign complications, but rather to guarantee us against them. They re not temptation to war, but security aga:ns it. They are thoroughly ii accord with all the traditions of our national diplomacy. POSTOFFICES AND PosT ROADS. Greater Increase in Receipts than in Expenditures, Our postofiice depa dition rtment is in good con- the exhibit made of its opera- 1 year ending June 30, made for imperfections applicable to it, is very satis- ne total receipts during the year 208.40. The total expenditures exclusive of $1, and f allowance is in the law factors . poad Zor trauspactetion; ‘aud’ createed uae their debt to the government. There was an incres pts over the previous year of $ or 7.1 per cent, and an increase of expenditures of $3,836,124.02 or 4.42 per cent. The deficit was $1,679,956.19 less than that of the preceding year. The chief expendi- tures of the postal service are reguluted by law and are not in the control of the post- master general. All that he can accomplish by the most watchful administration and economy is to enforce prompt and thorough collection and accounting for public moneys and such minor savings in small expendi- | tures and in letting those contracts for post- office supplies and star service which are not regulated by statute. The ‘deficit for the last year, although muck less than that of the last and preced- ing years, emphasizes the necessity for legislation to correct the growing abuse of second-class rates, to which the deticiency is mainly attributable. Some Recommendations, I recommended that legislation be at once enacted to correct these abuses and intro- duce better business ideas in the regulation of our postal rates, Experience and obser- vation have demonstrated that certain im- provements in the organization of the post- office department must be secured before jwe can gain the full benetit of the immense sums experded in its administration. This npolves the following reforms, which I ne Mestly recommend: There should be a small addition to the existing inspector service, to be employed fn the supervision of the carrier force, which now numbers 13,000 men, and per- forms its service practically without the surveillar.ce exercised over all other branch- es of the postal or public service. Of course sich a lack of supervision and freedom from wholesome disciplinary restraints must In- evitably lead to imperfect service. Thére should also be appointed a few inspectors who should assist the central office in nec- essary investigation corcerning matters of restofiice leases, postoffice sites, allowances for rent, fuel and lights, and in organizing and securing the best results from the work of the 14,000 clerks now employed in first end second-class offices. I am convinced that the small expense attending the inaug- uration of these reforms wonld actually be a profitable investment. I especially ree- ommerd such a recasting of the appropria- tions by congress to the postoffice depart- ment ss will permit the postmaster general to proceed with the work of consolidating postofiices. This work has already been en- .ered upon sufficiently to fully demonstrate by experiment and experience that such amounted | amount of gold exported during | 541 “670, an increase of $45,941,466 | The appropriations for its support by | irned by the Pacific rail- | consolidation is productive of better serv- ice, larger revenues and less expenditures, to say nothing of the further advantage of gradually withdrawing postoffices from the spoils system. —— OUR NEW NAVY. Ships the Best That Can Be Built in Any Country. The work of the navy department and its condition are fully exhibited in the report of the secretary. The construction of ves- sels for our new navy has been energetical- ly prosecuted by the present administration, upon the general lines previously adopted, the department having seen no necessity for radical changes in prior methods under which the work was found to be progressing in a manner highly satisfactory. It has been decided, however, to provide in every ship- building contract that the builder should pay all trial expenses, and it has also been determined to pay no speed premiums in further contracts. The premiums recently earned and some yet to be decided are feat- ures of the contracts made before this con- clusion was reached. —o— INTERIOR DEPARTMENT. The Remainder of Our Public Land Should be Carefully Guarded. ‘The-report of the secretary of the interi- or presents comprehensive and interesting exhibit of the numerous and important affairs committed to lis supervision. It is Impossible in this communication to do more than briefly refer to a few of the sub- jects concerning which the seer2tary gives fall and instructive information... The mon- ey appropriated on account of this depart- ment for its disbursement for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1896, amounted to more than $157,000,000, or « greater sum than was appropriated for the entire main- tenace of the government for the two fiscal years ended Juve 40 is0, Our public lauds, originally amounting to 1,840,000,600. a nave been reduced that only about 600,000,000 acres still remain in government centrol ,exeluding Alaska, the balance being by far the | portion, has been given away to settlers, to new states and to railroads, or sold at a | cor paratively nominal sum. The patent- Ing of land in execution of railroad grants | has progressed rapidly during the year, and since the 4th day of March, 1895, about | 25,000,000 acres have thus been conveyed ese corporations I agree with the sec- | retary that the remainder of our public | | lands should be more carefully dealt with, | and their alienation | ecoromy and greater prudence. Pensions, The diminution of onr cnormous pension |roll and the decrease of pension expendi- | ture which have been so often confidently foretold, still fail in material realization. |The number of pensioners on the rolls at | the close of the fiseal year ended June 30, 1896, was 970.678. This is the largest num- ber ever reported. The amount paid ex- vely for the pensions during the year 38,14,761.94, a slight decrease from that of the preceding year, while the total expent account of pensions, in- | cluding the cost of maintaining the depart- ment and expenses attending pensious. dis- | tribution amourted to $142,206.550.59, or within a very 1 fraction of one-third | of the entire expense of supperting the gov- Jernment during the same year. The nu: | ber of new J tificates issued was 90,610. Of the represent origins} at th ‘Udltad Sines’ baeieealitig: in fore t the close of the la ne and the amount p: them during the 8 The soy appropri ted for the payment of pen- he current fiscal year ending June is $140,000,009, nd for the suc- it is estimated that the same The commis- s that Guring the etmeats were found the pension laws. ents 167 convictions re- Upon thes su'ted. In opinion such statements as these nel other inforination and observation that the « es which have been al- Jand show lowed to ¢ ur pension system have | done inc m in demoralizing our people and undermining good citizenship. 1 have endeavored within my sphere of ofi- clal duty to protect our pension roll and a roll of honor, se disabled in jee and worthy of their te remembrance, 1 those who pose as the tive and alert in urging niore reckless pension re, While nursing selfish schemes, 1 have deprecated the approach of a situa- tion w ‘etrenchment and en- y lead to an attack upon so determined as to over- s nation due to those who, I worthy of a nation's ¢: ought to live land cic under the prote of a nation’s gr: Ciude. make FARMER MORTON'S WORK. The Government Shonld Encourage the Agricultural Department. The ¢ partment of agriculture is so inti- ‘elated to the welfare of our peo- i he prosperity of our nation tbat ji ! constantly receive the care and | encoury «ment of the government. From a small |. inning, it has grown to be the ro! agricultural selence and the source sistance to our agricultural efforts. Large sums are annually appropriated for the maintenance of this department and it must be confessed that the legislation relat- ing to it has not always been in the direc. tion of practical farming, or properly guard. ed against waste or extravagance. So far, however, the public money has been ap- propriated fairly and sensibly to help those who actually ill the soil, and no expendi- ture has been more profitably made or more approved by the people. opinion the gratuitous distribution of seeds by the department as at present conducted ought to be discontinued. No | one can read the statement of the secretary | on this subject and doubt the extravagance and questionable results of this practice. The professed friends of the farmer, and certainly the farmers themselves, are natu- rally expecting to be willing to rid a de- partment devoted to the promotion of farm- ing interests of a feature which tends so much to its discredit. The westher bureau now attached to the department of agriculture, has continued to extenu its sphere of usefulness. and by an uninte:rupted improvement in the accu- racy of it: forecasts has greatly increased its efficiency as an aid and protection to all whose occupations are related to weather conditions. Omitting further reference to the opera- tions of the department, I commend the secretary’s report and the suggestions it contains to the careful consideration of the Snare _—— CIVIL SERVICE. The Country Congratulated Upon the Progress Made in the Reform, The progress made in civil service re- form furnishes a cause for the utmost con- gratulitions. It has survived the doubts of its friends as well as the rancor of its ene- mies and has gained a permanent place among the agencies destined to cleanse our politics and improve, economize and elevate the public service. There are now in the competitive classified service upward ‘of 84,000 places. More than half of these have been included from time to time since March 4, 1893. A most radical and sweep- ing extension was made by executive order dated May 6, 1896, and if fourth-class post masterships are not included in the state- ment it may be said that practically all positions contemplated by the civil service law are now classifted. Abundant reasons exist for including these postmasterships, based upon economy, improved service and the peace and gulet of neighborhovds. If, however, 0! obstacies prevent such action at most valuable |' guarded by. better | phen an fee Ce eee er eee I edrnestly hope that congress will, without increasing postoffice appropri- ations, so adjust them as to permit Im- proper cases a consolidation of these post- offices, to the end that through this process the result desired may to a limited extent be accomplished, ‘The annual report of the commissioner will be duly translated, and I commend the important matter they have in charge to the careful consideration of the congress. Interstate Commerce. The interstate commerce commission has, during the last year, supplied abundant evi- dence of its usefulness and the importance of the work committed to its charge. Pub- lic transportation is a universal necessity, and the question of just and reasonable charges therefor has become of vital im- portance, not only to shippers and carriers, but also to the vast multitude of producers and consumers. The justice and equity of the principles embodied in the existing law passed for the purpose of’ regulating these charges are everywhere conceded, and there appears to be no question that the policy thus entered upon has a permanent place in our legislation. As the present statute when enacted was, in the nature of the case, more or less tentative and experi- mental, it: was hardly expected to supply a complete and adequate system. While its wholesome effects are manifest and have amply justified its enactment, it is evident that all desired reforms in transportation m_thods have not been fully accomplished. In view of the ‘judicial interpretation which some rrovisions of this statute have been received and the defects disclosed by the efforts made for its enforcement its re- vision and amendment appear to be essen- tial to the end that it may more effectu- ally reach the evils more desired to be cor- rected. I hope the recommendation of the commission upon this subject will be promptly and favorably considered by the congress, —o— THE TARIFF, He Believes That the Wilson Bill Should Be Given a Better Trial. I desire to recur to ‘the statements else- where made concerning the government's receipts and expenditures for the purpose of venturing upon some suggestions touching our present tariff. law and its operation. This statute took effect on the 28th day of August, 1894. Whatever may be its short- comings as a complete measure of tariff | reform, it must be conceded that it has opened the way to a freer and greater ex- | change of commodities between us and other countries and thus furnished a wider market for our products and manufactur- ing. ‘The only entire fiscal year during which this law has been in force ended on the ! 30th day of June, 1896. In that year our imports Increased over those of the previous | year more than $6,500,000, while the value | of the domestic products we exported and which found markets abroad was nearly $70,000,000 more than during the preceding y Those who insist that the cost to our people of articles coming to them from abroad for their needful use should only be increased through tariff charges to an ex- tent necessary to meet the expenses of the government, as well as those who claim that tariff charges may be laid upon such | articles beyond the necessities of govern- ment revenue, and with the additional pur- pose of so increasing their price in our markets as to give American manufactur- ers and producers better and more profitable opportunities, must agree that our tariff laws are only primarily justified as sources of revenue to enable the government to méet the necessary expenses of its maintenance. Considered ag to its sufficiency in this aspect, the present law can by no means fall under just condemnation. During the only complete fiscal year of its operation Tt has yielded nearly $8.000,000 more revenue than was received from tariff duties in the preceding year. There was, nevertheless, a deficit: between our receipts and expen- ditures of a little more than $25,000,000. This, however, was not unexpected. The situation was such in December, sev- en months before the close of the fiscal year, that the secretary of the treasury foretold a deficiency of $17,000,000. ‘T! great and increasing ‘pprehension and tim- idity in business circies and the depression in all activities intervening since that time, resulting from causes perfectly well under- stood and entirely disconnected with our tariff law or its operation, seriously checked the imports we would have otherwise re- ceived, and readily accounted for the dif- ference between the estimate of the secre- tary and the actual deficiency, as well as for a continued deficit. Indeed, it must be con- fessed that we could hardly have had a more unfavorable period than the last two years for the collection of tariff revenue. We cannot reasonably hope that our recu- peration from this business depression will be sudden; but it has already set in, with a promise of acceleration and continuance. I believe our present tariff law, if allowed a fair opportunity, will. in the near future, yleld a revenue which, with reasonable economical expenditures, will overcome all deficiencins. In the meantime, no deficit that has occurred or may occur need excite or disturb us. To meet any such deficit we have in the treasury, in addition to a gold reserve of $100,000,000, a surplus of more than $128,- 000,000 applicable to the payment of the ex- penses of the government, and which must, unless expended for that purpose, remain a useless “hoard, or, if not extravagantly wasted, must in any event be perverted from the purpose of its exaction from our people. The payment, therefore, of any deficiency of revenue from this fund, is nothing but its proper and legitimate use. The government thus applying a surplus, fortunately in its treasury, to the payment of expenses not met by its current revenues, is not at-all to be likened to a man living beyond his income, and thus incurring debt or encroaching on his principal. It is not one of the functions of our government to accumulate, and make additions to a fund not needed for immediate expenditure. With individuals, it is the chief object of struggle and effort. The application of an scrumulated fuad by the government to the peyment of its running expenses is a duty. An individual living beyond his income and embarrassing himself with debt, or Sl upon his accumulated fund of principal, either unfortunate or improvident. The hie. tinction is between a government charged with the duty of expending. for the benefit of the people, and for proper purposes, all the money it receives from any source, and the individual who is expected to manifest a natural desire to avoid debt or to accu- mulate as much as possible and to live with- in the income derived from such accumula- tions, to the end that they may be in- creased or at least remain unimpaired for the future use and enjoyment of himself and the objects of his love and affection who may survive him. It is immeasurably better to appropriate our surplus to the payment of justifiable expenses than to allow it to become an in- vitation to reckless appropriations and extravagant expenditures. I suppose that it will not be denied that under the present law our people obtain the necessaries of a comfortable existence at a cheaper rate than formerly. This is a matter of su- preme importance, since it is the palpable duty of every just government to make the burdens of taxation as light as possible, The people should not be required to relin- quish their privilege of cheap living except under the stress of their government’s ne- cessity made plainly manifest. —_—— FINANCIAL REFORM. Congress Is Again Urgently Reques- ted to Take Action. This reference to the condition and pros- pects of our revenues naturally suggests an allusion to the weakness and vices of our financial methods. They have been fre- quently pressed upon the attention of con- gress in previous executive communications, and the inevitable danger of their contin- ued toleration pointed out. Without now re- ‘gain earnestly presenting the necessity of the prompt reform of a system opposed to every principle of sound finance and shown by experience to be fraught with the grav- est peril and perplexity. The terrible civil War which shook the foundations of our sovernment more than thirty years ago brought in its train the destruction of property. The wasting of our country’s sub- stance and the estrangement of brethren. These are now past .and forgotten. Even the distressing loss of life and conflict en- tailed is but a sacred memory, which fos- te:s patriotic sentiment and keeps alive a tender regard for those who nobly died. And yet there remains with us to-day, in full strength and activity, as an incident of that tremendous struggle, a feature of its financial necessities not only unsuited to our present circumstances, but manifest- ly a disturbing menace to business security and an eyer-present agent of monetary dis- tress. Because we may be enjoying a tem- porary relief from its depressing influence, this should not lull us into a false security, nor lead us to forget the suddenness of past visitations. I am more convinced than ever that we can have no assured financial peace and safety until the government currency obli- gatious upon which gold may be demanded from the treasury are withdrawn from cir- culation and canceled. This might be done, as has been heretofore recommended, by their exchange for long-term bonds bearing a low rete of 1 interest or by their redemption with the proceeds of such bonds. Even if only the United States notes, known as greeubicks, were thus retired, it is probable that the treasury notes issued in payment of silver purchases under the act of July 14, 1890, now paid in gold when demanded, would not create much disturbance, as they might from time to time when received in the treasury by redemption in gold or other- wise, by gradually and prudently replaced by silver coin. ‘This plan of issuing bonds for the purpose of redcenption certainly appears to be the most effective and direct path to the needed reform. In defaul tof this, however, it would be a step in the right direction if currency ob- ligations redeemable in gold, whenever so redeemed should be cancelled instead of be- ing reissued. This operation would be a slow remedy, but it would improve present conditions. National banks should redeem their own notes, They should be allowed to issue cir- culation to the par value of bonds depos- | itea as security for its redemption, and the ree on their circulation should be reduced to one-fourth of 1 per cent. In considering projects for the. retirement of United States notes and treasury notes issued under the law of 1890. I am of the opinion that we have placed too much stress upon the danger of contracting the cur- renecy and have calculated too little upon the gold that would be added to our cir- culation if invited to us by better and safer financial methods. It is not so much a con- traction of our currency that should be avoided as its unequal distribution. This might be obviated, and any fear of harm- ful contraction at the same time avoided, by allowing the organization of smaller banks and in less populous communities than are now permitted, and also author- izing existing banks to establish branches in small communities under proper restric- tions. The entire case may be presented by the statement that the day of sound financial method will not dawn upon us until our government abandons the banking business and the accumulation of funds and confines its monetary operations to the receipt of the money contributed by the people for its support, and to the expenditure of such money for the people’s benefit. Our business interests and all good citi- zens long for rest from agitation and the inaugration by the government of a re- formed financial policy which will encour- age enterprise and make certain the re- wards of labor and industry. TRUSTS TAKEN TO TASK. The President Urgently Recommends Further Legislation. Another topic in which our people right- fully take a deep interest may be here brief- ly considered. I refer to the existence of trusts and other huge aggregations of capi- al, the object of which is to secure the monopoly of some particular branch of trade, industry or commerce, and so stifle wholesome competition. When these are defended, it is usually on the ground that though they increase profits they also re- duce prices to the people. This is not one of the real objects of these organizations, nor is their tendency necessarily in that direction. If it occurs in a particular case, it is only because it accords with the pur- pose or interest of those managing the scheme. Such occasional results fall far short of compensating the palpable evils charged to the account of trusts and mo- nopolies. Their tendeacy is to crush out individual independence, and to hinder or prevent the free use of human facilities and the full development of human char- acter. Through them the farmer, the arti- san and the small trader is in danger of dislodgement from the prod position of being his own master, watchful of all that touches his country’s prosperity, in which he has an individual lot, and interested in all that aects the advantages of business of which he is a factor, to be relegated to the level of a mere appurtenence to a great machine, with little free will, with no duty but that of passive obedience and with lit- tle hope or opportunity of raising ip the scale of responsible and helpful citizenship. ‘To the instinctive belief that such is the inevitable trend of trusts and monopolies is due the widespread and deep-seated popular aversion in which they are held ,and the not unreasonable insistence that, whatever may be their incidental economic adyant- ages, their general effect upon personal character, prospects and usefulness cannot be otherwise than injurious. Though con- gress has attempted to deal with this mat- ter by legislation, the laws passed for that purpose thus far have proved ineffective, not because of any lack of disposition or at- tempt to enforce them, but simply because the laws themselves as interpreted by the courts do not reach the difficulty. If the in- sufficiency of existing laws can be remedied py further legislation it should be done. It should be recognized, however, that all fed- eral legislation on this subject may fall short of its purpose because of inherent obstacles and also because of the complex character of our governmental system, which, while making the federal authority supreme within its sphere, has carefully ‘imited that sphere by methods and bounds which cannot be transgressed. The decision of our highest court on this precise ques- tion renders it quite doubtful whether the evils of trusts-and monopolies can be ade- quately treated through federal action, un- tse they seek directly to include in their objects transportation or intercourse be- tween states or between the United States and foreign countries. It does not follow, however, that this is the limit of the rem- edy that may be applied, Even though it may be found that federal authority is not broad enough to fully reach the case, there can be no doubt of the power of the several states to act effectively in the premises, and there should be no reason to doubt their willingness to judiciously exercise such power. In concluding this communication, its last words shall be an appetl to the congress for the most rigid economy in the expeaditure of the money it holds in trust for the people. The way to perplexing extravagance is easy, but a return to frugality is dit. “+, ‘When, however, it is considered that th who bear the burdens of taxation hav. no guaranty of honest care save in the finelity of their public servants, the duty of all possible retrenchment is plainly mani- fest. When our differences are forgotten and our contests of political opinion are no longer remembered nothing in the retro- spect of our public service ‘will be as fortunate and comforting as the recollection of official duty well performed and the mem- ory of a constant devotion to the interests of our confiding fellow countrymen. —GROVER CLEVELAND, , Executive Mansion, Dec. 7, 1896, fe “| MINNESOTA NEWS. snteresting Happenings in the North | Star State. Peter Matson, aged sixty, was found dead in his bed at St. Paul. St. Paul will have an ice palace this winter . Secretary of State Berg has prepared his report to the legislature. Gov. Clough filed papers certifying that his election cost him $2,098. William Post, a farmer at Mendota, was found dead near St. Paul. The Minnesota Total Abstainers as- sociation held their annual meeting at Elbow Lake. C. A. Broten of Austin has been ar- ‘rested for using the mails for fraudu- lent purposes. , The Minnesota Valley Medical asso- ciation held its annual meeting at ‘Mankato. The gross earnings of railroads in ‘Minnesota show an increase of more than 15 per cent. The nineteenth annual meeting of the State Dairymen’s association will ‘be held in Albert Lea Dec. 15, 16 17. St. Paul’s annual charity ball was held in Masonic Temple this year and was a great success. The National Guard of Minnesota may attend the inauguration of Mc- Kinley. Samuel McCurdy, an engineer in the employ of Booth Packing company at St. Paul, was caught in the machinery and killed. Charles Inglehart, a cigarmaker, died very suddenly at Barnesville from heart failure after an illness of a couple of hours. 'The assignee of 8. C. Strand & Co., of Fergus Falls, who failed some time ago, has closed the estate. He paid 83 cents on the dollar. Fire destvoyed the Humphrey house, at Faribault, together with its contents. The house was owned by Mrs. Thom- os Loss, $3,000; insurance, $1,600. Fagman Bartley, in the employ of the Northern Pacific at Minneapolis, was found murdered in his signal tow- er. Word was received at Warren re- eently that Martin Sanaker, cashier of the bank of Fisher at-Fisher, com- mitted suicide by shooting. No rea- son for the deed is given. Joseph Carpenter, a farmer of Wal- cott, while descending into a well was struck on the back by a rock that fell from near the top and so badly injur- ed that he has since died. Recent discoveries of iron on the West Mesaba range are likely to hast- en the building of a branch railway. northward from Blackberry Station, six miles .ast of Grand Rapids, on the Duluth & Winnipeg line. Charles Shea, aged twenty, a porter at the Hotel Francois, Redwood Falls, committed suicide by taking twenty- five grains of strychnine. Cause, de- spondency. His folks live in Western Michigan, where the body will be sent. Lucius Kells, assignee of N. P. Clarke & Co. of Fergus Falls, says that the first dividend will be paid about Jan. 1. The dividend will be 10 cents on tne dollar. The prospects for a second Jarga dividend are not good. Da wrees af ov_son Conauctor Mé- Ness dislocated his shoulder and broke arib. The damage to the rolling stock was considerable. Six freight cars were completely demolished and sev- eral more damaged. Government Surveyor George Ralph, who has returned to Crookston from the Rainy river, reports finding’ the body of a Finlander, who had suicided in his shanty by hanging. The man had evidently been dead two weeks. Congressman Eddy: will be asked to secure an appropriation, if possible, for the construction of a canal from the Lake of the Wocds to the Red river. The plan is regarded as feasi- ple, and 252 square miles of swamp land, it is held, could be reclaimed. A dwelling at Mora, owned by Her- man Niegest and occupied by E. H. {urd and family was burned recently. ‘he household goods were saved. Loss, 500; no insurance. Fire caught where f stovepipe passed through an upper floor. Zelvin Mitchell, twenty-two years jold, was arrested at Osseo on the eee of passing a worthless check on BH. Wilberg for $13. Mitchell was ar- rested early this last fall for the same offense and was let off with a small fine. The merchants and business men of ‘Crookston have planned a celebration of the opening of the new line of rail- road which has been built from Crookston to Moorhead by the Great Northern, the event occurring on Dec. iv. Cc. W. Warfield and N. C. Hardy of Duluth have just completed an X-ray coil a test of which at the high school convinced Prof. Woolman of that in- stitution that the coil will induce a ray of sufficient strength to show the beat- ing of the human heart. Peter Dzinimiski, lineman for the Commercial Light and Power company of Duluth, fell off a roof two storids high and was instantly killed. His head was crushed. He left a wife and two children. At Moose Lake recently the Moose ‘Lake house and saloon, building and residence, both owned by Joseph King, ‘also the saloon and residence of W. ‘Thompson, were totally destroyed by ‘fire. Loss, $5,000; insurance. $3,100. , A hundred pounds of dynamite at jthe city water plant in Lakewood, jeight miles out of Duluth, exploded, ‘and though houses for miles around ‘were shaken, no one was hurt. The man who was thawing out the dyna- mite happened to turn around and saw that the glycerine which came from the thawing dynamite had caught fire ‘from the stove. He had barely made his escape when the explosion oc ‘curred. H. Wagner, one of the oldest and ost prominent settlers at Beaver Bay, bes miles from Duluth, on the North hore, accompanied by Pete Bear- rease, a half-breed, grandson of old Shief Beargrease, left Beaver Bay for Duluth Monday in a sail boat. They gua not reach Duluth nor did they re- turn to Beaver Bay. The weather has rough and the boat was undoubt- lly capsized and the men drowned. © partiés making the trip since have ape seen indications of the miss- ing men. Good Is Hood’s Sarsaparilla, because it cures the severest cases of scrofula, salt rheum, a ere sia andrheumatism. If youareasufferertry Hoods Sarsaparilla ‘The Best—in fact the One True Blood Purifier. D re Liver Ills; eas Hood's Pills tie, Gsytoupire. 0. “Vocations for Women. The art of mending and altering wo- men’s garments is.to be taught here. The Young Woman’s Christian asso- ciation is about to open a class for young women and girls in dress re- pairing. The class will be taught by a competent dressmaker. The price will be $3 for the course of ten lessons, and the class will be held two evenings in the wekk. Such schools should prosper anywhere. An enterprising woman whose lines used to lie in pleasant places here has opened an office known as a social re- quirement bureau, where invitations are sent out, visiting lists organized, lunches, dinners, suppers and after- noon teas served in modest establish- ments with all the perfection of detail that one expects to find in a menage of unlimited wealth. She furnishes ser- vants, service, foods, wines and flow- ers for any occasion. She makes one’s nouse her own, and personally super- vises all the details—-New York Letter. A Cook Book Free. “Table and Kitchen” is the title of a new cook book published by the Price Baking Powder company, Chicago. Just at this time it will be sent free if you write a postal mentioning this paper. This book has been tried by ourselves and is one of the very best of its kind. Besides contain- ing over 400 receipts for all kinds of pastry and home cookery, there are many hints for the table and kitchen, showing how to set a table, how to enter the dining room, ete.; a hundred and one hints in every branch of the culinary art. Cookery of the very finest and richest, as well as of the most economical and home-like, is provided for. Remember, “Table and Kitchen” will be sent, postage prepaid, to any lady sending her address (name, town and state) plainly given. A copy in German or Scandinavian will be sent if desired. Postal card is as good as letter. Address Price Baking Pow- der Co., Chieago, Ill. Not Very High Mrs. Dash—I thought you: said Mrs. Bolton was prominent in society? Mrs. Blank—Why, I’ve been told that she is. Mrs. Dash—It must be a mistake. She only belongs to four afternoon card parties—Cleveland Leader. STATE OF eek CITY OF TOLEDO, CAS COUNTY, ss. Frank J. cliche here oath that he is the senior partner of the firm of F. J. Cheney & Co., doing business in the Cit, of Toledo, County and State aforesai and that said firm will pay the sum o! ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS for each and every case of catarrh that cannot be cured by the use of Hall’s Catarrh Cure. FRANK J. CHENEY. Sworn to before me and subscribed in my presence, this 8th day of December, A. D. 1886. (Seal.) A. W. GLEASON, Notary Public. Hall’s Catarrh Cure is taken internally, and acts directly on the-blood and mucous surfaces of the system. Send for testi-+ monies free. CHENEY & CO., Toledo, O. Sold ans ‘druggists, T5c. Hall’s Family Pills are the best. Of Course She Admired It. Maud (at the art exhibit)—Now, I like this sort of pieture which tells a story. Clara—How fond you must be of your own, dear; it makes you positively beautiful. Fortuae Seeking Emigrants. Many a poor famliy that seeks the West- ern wilds in the hope of winning a fortune is preserved from that insidious foe of the emigrant and frontiersman—chills and fever —by Hostetter’s Stomach Bitters. So ef- fectually does that incomparable medicinal defense fortify the system against the com- b’ned influence of a malarious atmosphere and miasma-tainted water, that protected by it the pioneer, the miner or the tourist provided with it, may safely encounter the danger. The End of the Honeymoon. She—I’m sure you love me no longer. Now, do not deny it. I can see the change in you. I’m no fool. You should have married somebody stupid- er.” ‘He—I couldn’t find one!—Judy. For Sale, Seventeen tons of body type (various sizes), second-hand, in good condition. Will be sold in, large or small. lots; cheap for cash, Also news stands and cases. Also several ‘Thorne typesetting machines. Ad- dress, West Publishing Co., St. Paul, Minn. All the good government building con- tracts lately awarded at Washington seem to have gone to Chicago contractors. Have You Eye or Ear Trouble? Write. '— valuable information free. St. Paul & kar Infirmary, Merrill Bldg., St. Paul, Min Alabama spends only $3.58 per pupil per year for education. This is smaller than the amount paid by any, other state. On Nov. 30 the John A. Salzer Seed Co., La Crosse, Wis, the largest seed potato growers in the world, received an order for three thousand bushels of seed potatocs from one firm in Texas. More than thirty members of the Chicago bar are negroes. Awardea Highest Honors—World’s Fair, Gold grag a Fair. RICE BAKING A Pare Grape Cteam of Tartar Powder. 40 YEARS THE STANDARD, NWNU No, 50-1896.