The time has come for careful investigation of the expenditures and success of the laws by which we have undertaken to administer our outlying possessions.  A very large amount of money is being expended for administration in Alaska.  It appears so far out of proportion to the number of inhabitants and the amount of production as to indicate cause for thorough investigation.  Likewise consideration should be given to the experience under the law which governs the Philippines.  From such reports as reach me there are indications that more authority should be given to the Governor General, so that he will not be so dependent upon the local legislative body to render effective our efforts to set an example of the, sound administration and good government, which is so necessary for the preparation of the Philippine people for self-government under ultimate independence.  If they are to be trained in these arts, it is our duty to provide for them the best that there is.

RETIREMENT OF JUDGES

The act of March 3, 1911, ought to be amended so that the term of years of service of judges of any court of the United States requisite for retirement with pay shall be computed to include not only continuous but aggregate service.

MOTHERS’ AID

The Government ought always to be alert on the side of the humanities.  It Ought to encourage provisions for economic justice for the defenseless.  It ought to extend its relief through its national and local agencies, as may be appropriate in each case, to the suffering and the needy.  It ought to be charitable.

Although more than 40 of our States have enacted measures in aid of motherhood, the District of Columbia is still without such a law.  A carefully considered bill will be presented, which ought to have most thoughtful consideration in order that the Congress may adopt a measure which will be hereafter a model for all parts of the Union.

CIVIL SERVICE

In 1883 the Congress passed the civil service act, which from a modest beginning of 14,000 employees has grown until there are now 425,000 in the classified service.  This has removed the clerical force of the Nation from the wasteful effects of the spoils system and made it more stable and efficient.  The time has come to consider classifying all postmasters, collectors of customs, collectors of internal revenue, and prohibition agents, by an act covering in those at present in office, except when otherwise provided by Executive order.

The necessary statistics are now being gathered to form the basis of a valuation of the civil service retirement fund based on current conditions of the service.  It is confidently expected that this valuation will be completed in time to be made available to the Congress during the present session.  It will afford definite knowledge of existing, and future liabilities under the present law and determination of liabilities under any proposed change in the present law.  We should have this information before creating further obligations for retirement annuities which will become liabilities to be met in the future from the money of the taxpayer.