Omaha Daily Bee Newspaper, December 10, 1891, Page 5

...__-..—._. B 1THE UMAHA DAILY BEE. THURSDAY. DECEMBER 10, 1801, 5 WORDS OF WISDOM. [CONTIURD FIOM SECOND PAGR.] Provision be made for the appointment of & Sommission (0 agree upon and report pian for desling with this debt, The Census Durean. The work of the census bureau is now far advanced and the ereat buik of the enormous labor involved completed. It will be more strictly a statistical exhioit and less encum- bered b ays than its immediate prede- cessors, ‘The methods pursued have beon fair, careful and intelligent, and have se- cured the approval of the statisticians who have followed them with a sclentitic and non- partisan interest. The appropriations neces- sary to the early completion and publication of the authoriz+d volumes should be eiven in time to secure against dol the cost and at tho same value of the work, Irrigation Discussed. The report of the sccretary exhibits, with suteresting fulness, the conaition of the ter- ritories. Thoy have shared with the states the great increase in farm products and are bringineg yoarly large areas into cultivation by extending their irrigating canals, This work is being done by individuals, or local corporations, and without that system which 8 full preliminary survey of the water sup- vly and of the irrigable lands would enable them to adopt. The future of tho territories of New Moxico, Arizona, and Utah, in their material growth and in the ey independence and happiness of thoir peovle, is very largely dependent upon timely legisiation, oither by congress or their own legislatures, regulating the aistribution of the water supply furnished by their stroams. 1f this matter is much longer neg- lected private corporations wiil have unre- stricted control of one of the elements of life, and the patentees of the aria lands will be tenants at will of the water companies. The United States should part with its own- ership of the water souvces and tho sites for reservoirs, whether to the states and territo- ries or to individuals or corporations, ouly upon conditions that will 1nsure to the set- tlers their proper water supply ubon equal and reasonable terms. In the territories this whole subject is under the full control of con- gress, wnd in the states it is practically so as long as the government holds the titlo'to the resorvoir sites and water sources and can grant them upon such conditions as it chooses to impose. The granting of franchises of enocmous value without recompense to the stato or municipality to which they proceed, and without proper protection of the pubiic interests, is the most noticeable and crying evil of present legislation, This it should be omitted in dealing with a subject that will before many vears affect so vitally thousands of our people. Polygamy and Statehood. The legislation of congress for tho repros- sion of polygamy has, after years of rosist- ance on the part of the Mormons, at last brought them to tho conclusion that ros vs which increase mwe diminish the ance is unprofitable and unavailing. The power of congress over this subject should not be surrenderea until we bave satisfactory evidence that the people of the state to be creatod would exor- ciso the exclusive power of the state over this subject in the same way. The question is not whother these peopie now obey the law of congress against polygamy, but rather, would they make, enforce and maintain such laws themselves, if absolutely free to regu- late the subject. We cannot afford to experi- ment with this subject, for when a state is once constituted the act is final and any mis- take irretrievavle. No compact in the ena- bling sct could, in my opinion, be binding or effective. Town Government in Alaska. 1 recommend that provision be made for the organization of a simple form of town overnment in Alaska, with power to regu- ato such matters as are usually in th states under municipal control. These local organ- izations will give better protection in such matters than the present skeleton territorial organization. Proper restrictions as to the power to levy taxes and to create debts should be imposed. AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 1ts Labors Attended With Groatest Success—Meat Inspection. 1f the establishment of the department of agricuiture is regarded by anyone as a mere concession to the unenlighteued demand of a worthy class of people, that impression has been most effectually removed by the great results a'ready attained. Its influence has been very great in disseminating agricul- turaland horticultural information; in stimu- lating and directing a further diversification of crops; in detecting and eradicating dis- eases of domestic animals; and more than all, in distributing information by the informal contact which it has established and main- taius with the farmers and stock raisers of the whole country. Every request for in- formation has had prompt attention and every suggestion merited consideration. The scientific corps of the department is of a bigh order and is pushing its investigations ‘with method and enthusiasm. Effects of Meat Inspection. The inspection of this department of cat- tle and pork products intended for shipment abroad has been the basis of the success which bas attended our efforts to secure the removal of the restrictions maintained by the European governments. For ten years pro- tests and petitions upon this subject from the ackers and stock-raisers of the Ulaited States have directed against these restric- tions, which so seriously limited our markets and curlailed the profits of the farm. It1s a cause of general congratalation that such has at last been attaiued, for the effects of an en- larged foreign market for these meats will be 1elt, nov only by the favmer, but in our pub- lic tinances and in every branch of trade. It is particularly fortunate that the increased domand for food products resulting from the removal of the restrictions upon our meats, and from the reciprocal trade arrasgemonts to which I have referred, snould have cowe at & time when the agricultural surplus is so large. Without the help thus derived, lower prices would have prevailed. The secretary of ugricvlture estimates that the restric- tions upon _the importation of our pork pro- ducts into Europe lost us a market for $20,- 000,000 worth of these products annually. Increased Orops and Prices. Tise grain crop of this year was the largest in our history, 50 per cent greater than that of last year, and yet the mavket that has opened and the larger demand resulting from short erops in Europe, have sustained prices to such an extent that the enormous surplus of meats and breadstuffs will be marketed at good prices, brinying reliefand prosperity to an industry that was much dcpmsmh. The valuo of the grain crop of the United States is estimated by the seoretary to be this year £500,000,000 more than last; of meats §150,- 000,000 more, and of all products of the far $700,000,000 more. It is not wappropriate, 1 think, however, to sucgest here that our sat- 1sfaction in the contemplation of this marvel- lous addition to the national wealth is un- clouded by auy suspicion of the currency by which it is measured and in which the farmer is paid for the product of his fields. CIVIL SERVICE COMMISS10N, Jts Work Has Resulted in Good, ‘T'he report of the civil service commission should receivo the careful attention of the opponents as well as the friends of this re- form. The commission invites a personal in- spection by senators and representatives of its records and methods, and every fair critio will feel that such an examination should precede a judgment of condemnation, either of the system, or its administration. It is not claimed that either is perfect, but I be- lleve that the law 1s being executed with im- partiality, and that the system is incompar- ably betier and fairer than that of appoint- ments upon favor. I have, during the year, extended the olassified service o incluae suverintendents, teachers, matrous and physioians in the Indian service. This branoh of the service is largely related to educational and philanthropic work, and will obylously be the better for the change. I recommend that the appropriation the elvil service commission be made quata to the iucreased work of the noxt fiscal year. Proteotion for Railroad Men., I bave twice before urgently cailed the attention of cougress to the necessity of lefi- islation for the protection of tue lives cf rail- road employes, but nothing has yet been done. During the year ending June 30, 1590, 860 brakemen wero killed and 7,541 malmed whilo engaged 1n coupling cars. The total nuwber of railroad emploves killed during the year was 2,451, aud the number lujur. 22,500, This 1s'a cruel and largely & needieas goverument 18 spondiug Much pouiitice, Tue noarly 1,000,000 annually to save the lives | of shipwrecked seamon, = Every steam vos- sel is rigialy inspected and required to adopt the most approved safety appliances. All this is good, but how shall we excuse the Inck of interest and effort in behalf of this army of brave young men who, in our land commorce, are being sacrificed every year by the continued use of antiquated and dangerous appliances. A law requiring of every railroad engaged in interstate com- merco the equipment each year of a given per ceut of iis freight cars with automatic couplers and air brakes would very soon and very greatly reduce the present fearful death rato among railroad employes, IMPROY ) ELECTION METHODS, Appointment of a Non-Partisan Com- mission He mmended. The metkod of appofutment by the states of electors for president and vico president has recently attracted renewed interest by reason of a departure by the state of Michi- gan from the methods which had become uniform in all the states. Prior to 1532 various methods had boon used by the d forent states, and even by the samo state, In some tho chioice was mada by the legisla- ture; in others electors were chioson by dis- tricts, but more generally by the voters of the whole stato, upon a general ticket. The movement towards the adoption of the last named method had an early boginning, and went steadily forward among the states uutil, in 1832, there remained but a singlo state, South Carolia, that had not adopted it. That state, until the civil war, continued to choose its electors by voto of the legislature, but after the war it changed its method and conformed to the practico of other states, For nearly sixty yoars all the states save ono have appointed their electors by a popular vote upon & general ticket, and for nearly thirty years this mothod was universal. After a full fost of other methods, without iwpor- tant divisiou or dissent in any state, and without any purpose of party advantage, ns we must bolieve, but solely upon the consid- eration that uuiformity was desirable and that a general election in territorial divisions aot subject to change wasmost consistent with thepopular character of our institutions, best proserved the equality of the voters and effectually removed the choice of president from the banoful inffuence of tne ‘,gerrymander,” the practice of all the states was brought into harmony. That this co currenco should now bo broken, is 1 think, an unfortunate and even a threatening episode, and one that may well suggest whother the states that still_give their ap- proval to the old and prevailing method ought not to secure, by constitutional amend- ment, & practice which has the approval of all. ‘Fue recent Michigan logislation provides for choosing what are popularly known as the congressional electors for president by congressional aistricts, and the two senator- ial eloctors by districls created for that pur- pose. This legislation was_of course, ac- companied by a new congressional apportion- meat,and the two statutes being the electoral vote of the state under the influence of the “gerrymander.” Evils of the “Gerrymander.” These ‘“gerrymanders” for oongressional purposes are in most cases buttressed by a “'gerrymander” of the legislative districts, tous making 1timpossible for a majority of the logal voters of the state to correct the appor- tionment and equalize the congressional Gis- tricts. A minority rule is established that only a political convulsion can overthrow. have receutly been advised, that in one county of a cértain state three districts for tho election of members of the legislature are constituted as follows: One has 65,000 popu- lation, one 15,000 and one 10,000, while ia an- other county, detached, non-continguous sec- tions have been united to make a legislative district. These methods have already found eltective application to the choice of senators and representatives in congress, and now an evil start has been made In the direction of qulymg them to the choice by the states of eloctors of president acd vice president. If this is accomplished, we shall then have three great departments of the government in the grasp of the “'gorrymander’’—the legis- lative and execvtive diréctly, and the judi- clary indirectly, through the power of ap- pointment. Free and Fair Ballot Demanded. An election implies a body of electors hav- g prescribed qualifications, encn ono of whom bas an equal value and influence in determining the result. So when the consti- tution provides that *‘each state shall appoint (elect), in such manner as the legisiature thereof may direct, a number of electors,” oto., an unrestricted power was not given to the legislatures in the selection of the meth- ods to be used. A republican form of gov- erument is guaranteed by the constitution to each state, and the power given by the same instrument to the logislatures of tho states to prescribo methods for the choice, by tho state, of electors, must be exercised under that limitation. The essoutial featuras of such a government are the right of the people to choose their own officers, and the nearest practicable_equality of value in the suffrages given in determin- ing that ohoice. It will not be claimed that the powor giyen to tho loislature would support a law_provid. ing that the persons recelving the smallost vote should be tho electors, or a law that all elactors should be chosen by the voters of a single congressional district. Tho voters must choose, and under tho pretense of reg- ulating methods, the legislature can noither vest the right of choice elsewhere, nor adopt methods not couformable to republican insti- tutions. It IsYiot my purpose here to discuss the question whethor a choice by tho legislature or by tho voters of equal swglo districts is a choice by the state, but only to recommend such regulation of this matior by constitu- tional amendment as will secure uniformity and prevout that disgraceful partisan jug- glery to which such a liberty of choice, if 1t exists, offers a temptation. Nothing just now i3 more important than to provide every gaaranty for the absoiutely fair and free choice by an cqual suffrage within the respective states of all the ofiicers of the na- tional government, wiethor that suffrago is applied directly, as in tne choice of members of the house of represen- tatives; or indirectly, as in the choice of senators and electors of president. Re- spect for public officers and obedience to law will not cease to be the characteristics of our people until our elections cease to declare the will of majorities, fairly ascertained, without fraud, suppression or ‘/gerry mander." Our Chief National Danger. If I were called upon to declare whereln our chief national danger lies, 1 should say without hesitation in the overthrow of ma- jority control by the suppression or the perversion of the popular suffrage. That there is a real danger here all must agree, But the energies of those who see it have been chiefly expended in trying to fix resposibility upon the opposite party rather than in efforts to make suoh practices impossible by either party. 1s it not possible now to adjourn that nterminable und inconclusive devate while wo take, by consent, one step in the direc- tion of reform by eliminating the “:gerryman- dor" which has been denounced by all parties as an influence in the election of electors of president and members ot congressi All the states have, acting freely and separately, determined that the choice of electors by a geveral ticket is the wisest and safest method, and it would seem there could be no objection to a constitutional amendment making that method permanent. If @ legis- lature chosen in one year upon purely locul questions should, pending a presidential elecs tion, meet and provide for the choice of elec- tors by the legislature, and this trick should determine the result, the peace might be cn- dangered. . 1 have alluded to “gorrymaunder’’ as effect- ing the method of selecting electors cf the president by vongressional districts, but the primary intent and effect of this political robbery bave relation to the selection of members of the house of representatives. The power of congress s ample to doal with this threatening and intolerable abuse. Tho eumatisn] SCIATICA EURALGIA Sticabis0ilZ unfailing test of sincerity in election reform will be found in a willingness to confer as to romedios and to put in force such mensures as will most effectually preserve the right of the people to free and ual representation. An attempt was mado in thelast congress to bring to bear the constitutional powers of the general government for the correction of frauds against the suffrage. It is important to know whether the opposition tosuch meas- ures is really vested in particular features supposed to be objoctional, or includes any disinelination to give to the election laws of the United States adequate to the correction of grave and acknowledged evils. I must yet entertain the hope that it is possible to secure a calm, patriotic consideration of such constitutional or statutory changoes as may be necessary to securo the choice of the ofcers of the government to the people by fair ap- portionment and free elections. Non-Partisan Election Commission. I velieve it would be possible to coastitute a commission, non-partisan in its member- ship and composed of patriotic, wise and impartial men, to whom a consideration of the question of the evils connected with our election system and mothods might, be com- mittod with a good prospect of securing unanimity in some plan for removing or miti- guting those evils. 'The constitution wonld permit the selection of the commission to be vested in the supreme court, it that method would give the = best guaranty of impartiality. This commission should ~bo charged with the duty of inquiring into the subject of elections as re- lating to the choice of officers of the national government with & view of securing to every clector the free and unmolested exercise of the suffrage und as near an approach to an equality of value in each ballot cast as is attainable, While the policies of the zeneral govern- ment upon the tariff, upon the resteration of our merchant marine, upon the river and harbor improvements, and other such mat- ter of gravo and genoral concern, are liable to be turned this way or thau by the results of congressional elections and administra- tive policies, sometimes involving issues that tend to peace or war, to be turned this way or that by the results of a presidential elec- tion, there is a righttul interest in all the states and eve congressional district that will not be deceived or silenced by the audacions pretense that a question of right of any body of legal voters in any state, or in any congressional district, to give their suffrage freely upon these genoral questions, is a matter of local concern or control. The demand that the limitations of suffrage shail be found in the law, and only there, is a just domand and any just man should resent and resist it. My appeal is and must continue to be for a cousultation that shall *‘proceed with candor, calmness and patience upon the lines of justice and humanity, not by prejudice and cruelty.” To the consideration of these very grave questions I invite not only the attention of congress,but that of all patriotic citizens. We must not entertain the delusion that our people have ceased to regard a froe allotand equal representation as the price of their al- logiance to laws and to civil magistrates. T have been greatly rejoiced to notice many evidences of the increased unification of our people and of a revived national spirit. The vista that now opens to us is wider and more glorious than ever before. Gratification and amazement struggle for supremacy as we contemplate the population, wealth and moral strength of our country. A trust, momentuous in its influ- ence upon our people and upon the world, is for a brief time committed to us, and we must not be faithless to its first condition— the defense of the free and the equal influ- ence of the peopio in the choice of public offi- cers and in the control of public affairs. BExJAMIN HARRISON. Executive Mansion, Dec. 9, 1801, el Gl Low-necked dresses are going to bo very popular with the lovely young dudines, be- cause if chey should catchi cold wearing them, haven’t thoy got Dr. Bull's Cough Syrup to cure thom! How many murmur at_high pricos. Wty Salvation Ol costs only 25 cents a bottle, “ WORTH A GUINEA A BOX.” AN AN AN Laborers and all troubled with Con- stipation or Sick Headacho will find a prompt, safe and economical cure ina dose of BEECHAM'S A specific for all Blllous and Nervous D orders, arising from Impalred Digestion, Constipetion, Disordered Livor, otc. Of all druggists. Price 25 cents a box. New York Depot, 365 Canal St, 3 FALSE ASSERTIONS are mado by unscrupulous manutacturers and dealers in porous plasters regard- ng thelr curativo powers. BENSON'S PLASTERS aro the only ones indorsed by over 5,000 physiclans and pharmacists. Beware of imitations and substi- tutes, P4 D aemory; Kot Vi ol Manhood, Rervous Debiilty, Evil Dreams, Enability; Quickness, Lack of Confidene Kosses, Drains, kefulness, and 1088 o pomer ot the Gonotatlve Organn, cuised by Youthe ul Thdiscrotions oF he excaasivo uso of Tol Norcotios or Stmulants, which load t0 Ind Consdaphion or Inanity: Very smull pellats. Kns totakce, ' Gan bo carried I tho vost pocket. Hent b mail in_piain package to any nddress for §1, or for 85. " With ovory 8 order wo givo writton guure antos to cura of refund the money. '1f you have fully treatod by'oihiors whito to s ‘and advice FREE and ment!on this RIENTAL MEDICA L CO. 211 Wabash Ave., Chicago, 1iib FOR SALE IN OMAHA, NEB,, BY Kulin & Co., Co.r 15th & Douglas Sts. JA: Fulier'& Co., Cor. 14th & Dougias Sts. A.'D. Foster & Co., Council Dlufts, Ia. Finity; mitys Scott's Emulsion of cod- liver oil is an easy food —it is more than food, if you please; but it is a food—to bring back plumpness to those who have lost it. Do you know what it is to be plump? Thinness is poverty, living from hand to mouth, To be plump is to have alittle more than enough, a reserve. Do you want a reserve of health? Let us send you a book on CAREFUL LIVING ; free. Scorr & Bowne, Chemists, 132 South sth Aveaus, New Vork, Your druggist keeps Scott’s Emulsion of cod.liver oil—all drugglsis everywhere do, 1. boat and only o Gonorehea and alschargos from the urinary orgs soverestowses daya. $1.50 per box. All druggl = . Bailey The Leadinz h DENTIST. Third Floor Paxton Bloek, Telepone 1085, 16th and Farnam Sts, A full set of teeth, on rudber, for § Perfeo fit. Teeth without plates or removable bridge work, just tho thing for sinjers sond public speakers, never drop down. Teoth Extractal Without Pain All fillings at reasonable rates ail wurranted. Cut tals oul for & guide. E JLES are thy SANDALWOOD Ca L' work CONTINENTAL CLOTHING HOUSK, The Lvent of the Season Over $50,00 worth of Men’s, Boys’ and Children’s Overcoats and Ulsters from the wholesale stock of the Continental Clothing House of Boston, shipped to Omaha and offered this week at prices averaging about 60 cents on the dollar of the regular retail prices, affording the public an opportunity of buying an overcoat at less than manufacturer’s cost. A sale of this magnitude has never been attempted in Omaha, We mean to unload these goods in the next 15 days. Come carly. Men's Overcoats, ~ Boys' Ouercoats, Children's Ouercoats, Men's Ulsters, Boys' Ulsters, Children's Ulsters, The prices at v.hich these goods are marked places us in a position to under* scll all competitors. This sale means goods retailed at less than jobbers® prices. We cannot attempt a description. The extent and variety of this stock is be- wildering and when it is borne in mind that we sell only reliable, first-class goods, it makes this sale worthy the attention of every person in Nebraska. Our limited space will allow us to mention only a few of the most attractive $8.00. $8.00. $8.00. Lot No. 1. We call attention to 100 pure, all wool, heavy weight diagonal overcoats, made in the best manner, guaranteed color, and sold in any retail store at $13, Our price $8. $6.50 $6.50 Lot No. 2. We offer 125 biack beaver Overcoats, serge lined, silk velvet collars, fly front’ and made-up in excellent style at $6.50 each. Sold in the usual course of trade for $10. $11.00 $B11.00 $B11.00 Lot No. 3. Thisis one of the choicest lots in the whole stock, made from a handsome Ker- sey, handsomely lined, silk velvet collar and in every respect a first class garment, usually re- tailed at $18. Our price at this sale, $11 each. B13. BI3 Lot No. 4. We offer 75 Oxford mixed Kersey Overcoats, satin sleeve linings, a regular tai- lor made overcoat of the highest grade, the average retail price of which is $22; we offer until = 400 $1400 We offer 125 Kersey Overcoats in three different shades, goods made by us lots. Lot No. 5. early in the season for our finest trade, elegantly trimmed, and cannot be bought outside of our store for less than $20, Our price at this sale will be $14. ULSTERS. ULSTERS. ULSTERS They have become very popular: We have sold more ulsters this season than ever before. At this sale we offer the best values ever shown in this city. Remember, no shoddy at any Only reliable goods sold at the Continental, MEN'S SUIT DEPARTMENT. The balance of the suit stock bought recently from Miner, Beal & Co., of Boston, will be closed out'this week. Many of the best lots are still in good shape. Don’t miss this oppor- unity of buying a first-class business or dress suit at a saving of from $5 to $8 on each suit. “BOYS OVERCOAT DEPARTMENT. $350 $3.75 $400 At this wale we offer bargain lots of boys’ Cape Overcoats at $3.50, $3.75 and $4. BOYS STORM COATS AND ULSTERS. Special bargain lines at $5, $5.50 and $6. BOYS SUIT DEPARTMENT. Special bargain line during this sale at $3, $3.50, $4 and $4.50. - ’CONTINIZNTAL CLOTHING HOUSE, Cor, Douglas and 15th Sts The Largest W holesale and Retail Clothing House West of the Mississippi price.