Evening Star Newspaper, December 4, 1882, Page 2

THE EVENING STAR: WASHINGTON. MO from First Page. be dispose’ You cannot fail to note with Interest the discus- sion by the Secretary as to the necessity of pro- xiling by legislation some mode of freeing the ‘Treasury of an excess of assets, in the event that Congress fatls to reach an early agreement for the reduction of taxation. rove the Secretary’s recommenda- ate and extensive reductions in the annual revenues of the government. J will be remezabered that I urged upon the at- tention of Congress at {ts last session the impor- tance of relieving the industry and enterprise of tae country from the pressure of unnecessary tax- ation. It fs one of the tritest maxims of political nomy that all taxes are burd wisely and prudently imposed. there have always been among our people wide differences of sentiment as to the best methods of raising the national revenues, ang, indecd, a3 to the principles upon which taxa! , there has been substantial accord in the t only such taxes ouzht to be levied as arg necessary for a wise and economical adminis tration of the government. Of late the public onues have far exceeded that limit, and unless ecked by appropriate legislation such excess 1 se from year to year. June 30, 1881, the surplus re nted to one hundred millions of dollar: the fiscal year euded on the 30th of June | the surplus Was more than one hundred and forty- that Chili w 1 to accept a Indemnity for the expenses of the war and mand for a portion of the ter- her antagonist which Chilf dectined to 1 not assume to enforce; t resort to measures copie belther with the temper © Hor with the spirit of our institu- tion of Immex erot Peru no longer extends over Its lenso1ne, however And though ent of a protectorate—a | ts, anu full of embar- | m2 shoula be ne victorious nation and | raiment has | involve the | hill seems re- ms of peace om the terms | * report of the Secretary hows what disposi- of thes* moneys. as lance applicable ee ers ae Sy ot the public debt. Trenew the expression of my conviction that such rapid extinguishment of the national in- ce is by no ineans ause rather for fund, but bay as is now Ciking p' use for congrat serious appre nus, It must speedily be followed by rly Set forth in tire re vil results so el: ther the sirius must lie Idle tn the Treasury, er the government will be force rates. Its bon ts not then rede. elreumstaners, nd an enorinous premiu: to buy, atmarket e, ahd which, or the swollen reve- | expenditure | thas taught, 5 conrse of the ant. | leh this question arouse i of di- | by another, which I respectfully submit to Con- we by reducing taxath al of the members Its have us y t whatT deem my con hat Pean make vatu- stion, Thal how!ng of our financtal conattte f the hast fiscal yeor, 1 felt justi spt those upon toba hat, unless tt sh » expenditures of the have been ne { spirits, can be peudently abro- mpanted by a slmpl'fica- ot collection, which would st two million anda half retirement frou: ted To, except Tor St us the total shy Ltixes Would for the present b: S¢ reasons are deserving of s; lear tht even If the ex- ation, those dut zal demand for that obje inty upon this question s least objectionable to bie obstacle to a thorough revision of th: ito aby considerable reduction in import stem fs In many respects un- makes Un qual distribut! ous be ant Its benefits. nized by a majority ot each zress in te passage of the act cre The resort of that cominis ore you at the beginning of ford you such f1- ton und prospects of the Itural, manufacturing aud other ‘Interests of the couutr. such sugeestions for’statutory revis: tly aid your action upon thts import- This fact was practi. p sion, and wil formation a3 to the ¢ ous commercial, ne from customs for the fiscal year amounted {0 $137 Pars reached, 200,000; and finally, aS already stated ource for the fiscal year WILL doubtless be SS of the sui last mentioned. stile spirits Is to be retained, that large reductions are entirely feasible. ree ominending this reduction I am far from advis- andonment of the policy of so discrimi ailS as to afford tion to domestic labor. system should be so vilend on June 30, 18s plain therefor customs reve 1 as to equallz aad occupations, bring tt fato closer harmony with the present ntering into minute de ces, Is quite unnt e free st $0 as nit the nume sistaht seledule of dutte: Particularly those of cotton, substantial reduction of the and Upon sugar, mo- |, and steel, and Fal revision of the tariff shall be fonna ble at this session, I express the some of the more conspient 1 adjournment. 1 to by the Secretary. tsion of the Supreme Court, the neces ¥ of amending bh the Dutch ard Of color Is adopted as the te: rine strength of Sugars is Loo obvivus to re From the report of the ars that the only outbrea » past year occurred In Artzona and in the part of New M Jani the quiet which has pre- rts of the country has { mitted Such an additign to be made to. the ton endanger: {ttle reasba to apprehend eeretary of War it ap- Ks of Indians during din ali other ‘hes that there 13 trouble in the-future, ‘Thos? party of the Secretary’s report which re- | at» to oar Sea coast defenses and thelr arma- est the gravest reflections, Our exist- | Ing fortifications are notoriously tnade i of the great harbors and cities for Whose protection they were built. ‘tion of providing an armament sulted ent necessities has been the a by & Board, Whose report was trans- tted ty Congress at the last sesston. conshirration of that report the War Depart. taken no steps for the manufacture or conversion of any heavy cannon, but. the Secre- s the hope that authority uthat important work will be soon p vided. Tinvite the attention of Congress to the Propriety Of making more adequate provi arming and equipping the militia than 1s afforied ‘of 1803, Which ts still upon the statute e matter has already bee disenesion in th supply the defictenctes of 166,281,505 55 | 1 States dur- | ‘The forct-n commerce of the Unit n the subject of Senate, and a bill which seeks to f existing laws is now sesee TOTAL, OA zeretary of War calls attention to the fact fmbarrassment growing out of the recent of Congress making the retirement of he army compulsory at the ct of 1878 1s SULL In force, W hundred the number of those’ who e: for disability or upon their ows of sixty-four, Umits to tour an be retired Frown application. The Tued together, seem to forbl even for absolut rs, 4S Appears by une following table: Pee a Year ending June 20— the relieving, officers who do not fall with: later statute be less than four hu: lst. ‘There are now fo1 ig not likely that Congress intended th and I concur with the ought to be amended, ‘he grounds that im) signature from the blll appropriations for the construction, rvation of certain works on rive: a law near the close of your me to express ie’ fucapactty, of in the purview of ‘the uch times as there chance ndred names On the retired ur hundred and twei merchantise. Seeretary, that the law ipelled me to withhold entitled “An “act making e been orzantzed 171 institutions there operation 2.209, a larger number than - of their notes in active NE, Was $24,656,453, tention the ‘Secretary's 00d Of a serious con- nd tothe modes by in his judzment,be averted. age Of sliver T certificates I have seen uch to confirm the sent expression last year. ween the respect reulation ca Nove jot shows a there had been tn the an Increase of twen' bors,” whieh became session, prompt no similar measure will be decied ing the present session of & measure would now be ton im addition to that wi upon your attention. Tetary of War that the greater gortion inti tor thé various items specified in that Cireulation on July 1, » commend to your s ane Hope Gat. n to & serious Ob} ich was lately Ned I am informed ‘Which that result may, In respect to the the retirement of stives to alter but m Which I gave A comparison bet: of sliveredoliar ct sl ay uber 1, 1881, slight dncrease But during the whole number tY-SIX miliions Of the renty-elght millions thus far rty-five millions are In 8 Of accumulated coin has the vault room at pr 1g scarcely suMctont to con- pparent why It ts destr.ple to row so enormously in €x- Ttifleates, 1D addition to the Amount of appropriation by act of! 1882 ee se errs Ppropriation by actor June: Amount of appropriation for to J. B. Eads. Unexpended baiance Less amount drawn from ‘preen July 1,168 and November Sh Feeently tus 'e prove: 1 acllve clr vioon. It ts apparent by this exhibit, that so far as con- cerns most of the items to which the act of Au- gust 2, 1882 relates, there can be no need of further Appropriations until after the close of the present session. If, however, any action should seem to be necessary in respect to particular objects, it will be entirely feasible to provide for those ob- jects by appropriate legisiation. Tt 1s possible, Cents. If conveyed— 30 miles or lesa. Between 30 and 80 miles. Between 80 and 150 miles... 1 Between 15@.and 400 miles. ace aN NDAY, DECEME upon a letter com; of a le sheet was as follows se Sogo OF * Sine! it of not a few who have given ion to this matter, the nation has the provisions which the Constitution has established for filling the minor offices in the public service. But whatever may be thought of the wisdom or for example, that a delay until the assembiing of the next Cohgress to make additional provision for the Mississippi River tmprovements might be avtended with ‘serious consequences. If such should appear to be the case, a Just bill relating to that subject would command my approyal. This leads me to offer a suggestion, whtch I trust will commend Itself to the wisdom of Con- gress, 13 {t not advisable that grants of consider- able sums of money for diverse and independent Schemes of internal improvement should be made the subjects of separate and distinct legislative enactments? It will scarcely be gainsatd, even by those who favor the most Itderal expenditur:s for such purposes as are sought to be accomplished by What is commonly called the river and harbor bill, that the practice of grouping In such a bill appropriations for a great diversity of objects, widely separated, elther in their nature or In the locality with which they are concerned, or in both, 1s one which Is much to be deprecated unless It is irremediable. It tnevitably tends to secure the success of the bill as a whole, though many of the items, ff separately considered, could scarcely fall of rejection. By the adoption of the course I have recommended, every member ot Congress, whenever opportunity should arise for giving his influence and vote for meritorious ap- propriations, would be enabled so to do without being called upon to sanction others undeserving his approval So also would the Executive be afforded thereby full opportunity to exercise his constitutional prerogative of opposing whatever appropriations seemed to him objectionable, with- imperiiing the success of others witch com- nded themseivesto his judgment. it may be urged In opposition: to these sugges- tions that the number of works of internal {in- provement which are justiy entitled to govern- mental ald 15 so great as to ‘render Impracticable priation blils therefor, or even for limited number hs make dis- position of large sims of money. This. objection ay be w and, Whether it be or not, ne atvanta h would be likely to ensue from the adoption of the course I have recom- mended may perhaps be more effectually attained is $ Iternative proposition. | Tt ts provided by the constitutions of fourteen of our States that the Executive may disapprove any or ftems of a Dill appropriating money he part of the bill approved shall be nd the part dls md Shall fall to be unless repa: rding to the provisions | presertbed for the passice of bills over the veto of the The States wherein some such provision as the forezoing Is a part of the tunda- mente! Law are AT Califor a lords, Georgta, T Nebraska, New ‘Jersey, New York, Penn i ‘Texas, ant West Virginta, T commend to your ful consideration the question whether an amendment of the Federal Constitution tn the particular Indicated would not afford the best rome ly for what Is often a grave embar both to members of Congress and to t Uve, and [s sometimes a serious public miseuler The report of the Secretary of the Navy states ements of the varfoas squadrons z year, in how d where our } forsdnd seamen, with such shipsas we pos- sess, hav ifinued to iustrate the high e| tof December, 1881, Information was Ul the exploring steamer Jeannette had bandoned In the Arctic ¢ and crew, alter a journ wkel in three boats for the coast of Siberia, under the command of Chiet Mriville, real and, falling in with the natives, ther, under Lieutenant-Commanier D> Long, “din a bar near the mouth of the na River. After six weeks had elapsed all but xtlop. Udings have been received from » purty in the third boat, under the tonimand of tenant Chip, buta long and trultiess ta aves tlie doubt that all its mi he trioute to their munication t Uimen Who sserifived thelr Lvs yn: Lieateniat-Commaniter Lone, Surgeon James M. Atnbler, tins, Hans Hier Erichsen, Hein S Boyd, Walter Lee, A’ rhea. Ise Iverson, the and the Indiin Alexy, The officer | tie qissing boat were Lieut. Charles W. commenting; Wililim Da Walter Suarvell, Aluert C. Kuehn: Henry D. Warren, and Peter Giles B.’ Harve um Hi. Scheutze are now bringing home the remains of Lieutenant De Long Jes, in pur- stance of the din t s. Tue Rodgers, f lief of the accor bane acl of Congr + Sailed fro Fr ain of Lieut, Robs q Ricers and crew succeede P Lieut. Berry and one is Officers, eT making a searen for the nnette along the | Coast of Siberia, fe in with Chier Engine: Mel- e's purty, an'l returned home by way of Europe. The other officers ani th wor the Rodgers | were brought from St. Lawrence Bay by the wiil- jug Steamer North Star. Master Charles F. Put- ham, who had been placed in charge of a depot of supplies at Cape Serdze, returning to his. post from St. Lawrence Bay across the ice In a blinding | =-storin, Was carried out te nd lost, not- witlistanding all efforts to rescue him. pears by the Secretary’s report that the «ble naval force of the United States consists iy-seven cruisers, fourteen single-turreted monitors, bulltduring the sebellion, a large num- ber of smooth-bore guns and Parrott Tifles, and elgty- eh rifled cannon, ‘The cruising vessels should be gradually re- pliced by iron or steel ships, the monitors by modern armored vessels, and the armament by high-power rifled guns. ‘Tue reconstruction of our Navy, which was rec- ommented in my last message, was becun by | Congress authorizing, In tts recent uct, tne con- struction of two nored steel vessels of the character recommended by the late Naval Advisory Board, and subject to the fnal approval of a new advisory board to be organized as pro- Vided by that Act, Teall your attention to the Tecommendation of the Secretary and the Bourd that authority be given to construct two more cruisers of smaner dimensions, and one ficet dis- patch Vessel, and that appropriations be made for hizh-power rifled cannon, for the torpedo service anil f0) harbor defenses. nding the consideratfon by Congress of the polley to uiter ado pled tn conducting th echt large navy yards and thelr expensive est 1b- Ushinenis. tae Secretary advocates. the reduction of expenditures therefor to the lowest possible amounts, For the purpose of affording the officers and seamen of the Navy opportunities for exercise and discipline in their’ profession, under appropriate control direction, the Secretary advises that House Soxvice and Coast Survey be organized, from the Treasury e tment; and he also suggests, for the reason’ which he assigns, that a similur trans- ferinay wisely be made of the cruising revenue vessels, -eretary forelbly depicts the Intimate con- sn and Interdependence of the Navy and the cominerclal marine, and Invites attention to the continued decadence of the latter and correspond- Ing transfer of our growing commerce to foreign bottoms. ‘This subject 13 one of the utmost Importance to the national welfare. Methods of reviving Ameri- siilp bullding and of restoring the Unit tates flag in the ocean carrying trade should re- ceive the immediate attention of Congress. We have mechanical skill and abundant material for the manufacture of modern fron steamships {n far competition with our commerctal rivals, Our dis- advantage 1n building ships fs the greater cost of labor, and in galling them, higher taxes and greater Interest on capital, while the ocean high- Ways are already monopolized by our formidable competitors, These obstacles should in some way be overcome, and for our rapid communication with forelgn’ lands we should not continue to de- pend wholly upon vessels built in the yards of other countries and salling under foreign flags. With no United States steamers on the principal ocean lines or in any forelyn ports, our facilities for extending our commerce are greatly restricted, while the nations which build and sail the shipsand carry the mails and passengers obtain thereby conspicuous advantages in increasing their trade. ‘The report of the Postmaster General gives evi- derive of the satisfactory condition of that Devart- ment, and contalus many valuable data and ac- companying suggestions Which cannot fall to be of Interest. ‘The Information which it affords that the re- celpts for the tiscal year have exceeded the expen- ditures must be very gratifying to Congress antl to the people of the country. AS matters which may fatrly claim particular attention, Trefer you to his observations in refer- ence to the afivisability of changing the present basis for fixing salaries and allowances, of extend- ing the money-order system, and of enlarging the functions of the postal establishinent so as to put under its control the telegraph system of the country, though from this last and most important epecoeneon I must withhold my concur- rence. At the last session of Con, several bills were Introduced into the House of Hepreacntatives tor ction of letter postage to the rate of two cents per half ounce. Thavegiven much study and refection to this subject, and am thoroughly persuaded that such a — Would be for the best interests of the P 5 It has been the policy of the its foundation todethay as far as p Fenees ct carrying the mall: forin of postage. I ene ; very considerabie surplus ‘that henceforth the recet} ata much Over 400 miles. ...., ter conve! fixed at five cents, and for any greater distance at statistics furnished me by the Post Ofi ment. | ever-tnereasing litigation with which it 1s called | novb? for lack of dil dd earnest-e » of the nmmber had died from nd | By the act of 1845 the postage upon a single let- wel Tor any sistance under 900 males was ten cents, By the act of 1851 it was provided that a single letter, If prepatd, should be carried any distance not exceeding three thousand miles for three cents and any greater distance for six cents It will be Noticed that both of these reductions were of a radical character and relatively quite as important as that which 1s now proposed. In each case there ensued a temporary loss of revenue, Duta sudden and large influx of busi- ness, which substantially repaired that loss within three years. Unless the experience of past legislation in this country and elsewhere goes for naught It may be safely predicted that the stimulus of 50 percentum. reduction in the tax for carriage would at once increase the number of letters consigned to the mails, ‘The advantages of secrecy would lead to a very general sunstitution of sealed packets for postal cards and open circulars, and In divers other ways the volume of first-class matter would be enor- mously augmented. Such Increase amounted in England, In the first. year after the adoption of penny postage, to more than 125 per cent. AS a restilt Of careful estimates, the detatis of Which cannot be here set out, I have become con- vinced that the deficteney for the first year after 1e proposed reduction would not exceed 7 per cent of the expenditures, or $3,0%0,0%, while the deficiency after the reduction of 1845 was more than 14 per cent, and after that of 1851 was 27 per cent. Another interesting comparison 1s afforded by depart. he act of 1845 was passed In the face of the fact that there existed adeficlency of more than That of 1851 was encouraged by the Surplus of $182,000. The excess of rvenue Jn the next fiscal year 1s Mkely to be $3,500,000, If Congress should approve these suggestions tt Thay be deemed desirable to supply to some extent jclency which must for a time result, by in- ing the charge for carrying merchandise, which 18 now only sixteen cents per pound. But even without such an Increase Iam confltent that the receipts under the diminished rates would equal the expenditures after the lapse of turee or four years. ‘The report of the Department of Justice brings anew to your notice the necessity of enlarging the present ‘system of Federal jurlsprudence so as effectually to answer the requirements of the upon to deal. : ‘The Attorney General renews the suggestions of his predecessor that in the interests of justice bett+r provision than the existing Is should be made tn certain Judictal districts for 1x- ing the fees of witnesses and Jurors, In my message of December last T referred to pending criminal proceedings growing out of leged frauds In what 1s known as the Star Route service of the Post Office department, and advised you that Thad enjoined upon the Attorney Gen ral and associ: counsel, to Whom the interests of the government were Intrusted, the duty of “nt disuipline of the naval organi. | Prosecuting with the ut T of the law ell Persons who might be ‘ound chargeable with those offenses, A trial of 0 cases has sinve urred. “Tt 0c ‘ | ton of the Supreme Court conducted with great 7 lity. Tt resulted ina disagreement of the Jury, bat the cause has been again pliced upon calendar and W shortly be re-irles. It willy persons finally ese ipe punisiment ior thelr the part of the prose T trust that sone nt may be reached which will sygedily Congress, with the concurrence of th rd the eom- Inercial community efits of a ational Donsrupt law, e report of the # y of the Interior, with its accompanying dt presents a Til St Ment of the varle 10, nat depart In respect to Indian aiPuirs uotaing hes occur: Which has clinge tor seriously modified the view to which I devoted: much space jn a former com- nunication to Cor T renew the recommend » extending to the nthe protection oF the Law, all mm IC Suc pre intalos, Will ul enone r nd willing to inake yb solely relate te tnteliect- in such man- ts us can be Tude all uc us! of It, and s wil traning, but ual labor ahd sim, made practically ov. ng Other 1 with: doubt ton for © on, My pe mentioned the neglect Toad compantes to whic! grants of land were ule by The acts. of 1864, Co take tive nd thelr ent Ine qultable exemy roi Joeal tixatl No survey of our iaterlal condition ean fall to lines as to the m nat int the prop sus returns disctos? an alarm Nilteracy tneertaln portions of the country sthe provision for schools is grossly Inade= quite. It 18 a momentous question tor the de Stantlal ald should not be extended by the general government for supplementing the efforts of prl- Yate benefleence and of State ald Territorial legis lation in behulr of education, The regulation of inter-sta commeree has already been the subject of your deliberation One ot the Incl tents of the marv $ Of the raflwaysystemn of tue country has bee adoption of such imi y the corporations which own atrol the roads as has tended to Ampair the advantages of healthful competition and to make huritul discriminations tn the adjust ment of freightaye, Turse inequalities have been corrected In. seve= Tal of the states hy appropriate lexistation, the o fect of which ts necessarily restricted to the limits of their own territory So far as such mischiefs afte: commer: ‘be tween the states, or between any one 0: the states anda fo nh country, they are subjeets of na- (onal concern, and Congress alone can afford re- lel ‘The results which have thus far attended the enforcement of the recent stitute for the suppr sion of polygamy in the Territortes are reported by the Secretary of the Interior. It 13 not proba- bie that any adiftional legislation In this regard will be deemed destrabie until the effect of exist- ing laws shall be more closely observed and studied. congratulate you that the commissioners, un- der whose supervision those liws have been’ put in operation encouraged Uo be e Uhat the h they are almod may be suppressed Without resort to such radical measures as in some quarters have been thought tndispensable [or suc ie close relation of the general government to the Territories preparing to be great Stite well engage your special attention, s that tie Indian disturbances maln| ur and ag found room for its growth. I cannot doubt that a careful survey of Territorial legislation would be of the highest utility. Life and | property would become more Seeure, ‘The liability Of outbreaks between Indians and whites would be lessened. ‘The public domain would be more se- curely guarded and better progress made in the instruction of the young. Alaska 1s still without any form of clvil_govern- ment. Ifmeans were provided for the education of its people and for the protection of their lives and property the timmenss resources of the region would invite permanent settlements and open new felis for industry. and enterprise. ‘The report of the Commissioner of Agriculture presents an account of the labors of that depart- inent during the past year, and includes tnforma- tion of much interest to the gencral public. ‘The condition of the forests of the country and the wasteful manner in which their destruction is taking place, give cause for serious apprehension. ‘Thelr action 'in protecting the earth’s surface, in modifying the extremes of climate, and in rezu- lating and sustaining the flow of springs and streams 1s now well understood, and their im- portance in relation to the growth and prosperity of the country cannot be safely disregarded. ‘They are fast disappearing before destructive tres and the legitimate requirements of our increasing por ulation, and their total extinction cannot be lon, delayed unless better methods than now prevail Shall be adopted for their protection and cultiva- tion, The attention of Congress 1s invited to the necessity of additional legislation to secure the reservation of the valuable forests still remain- lng on the public domain, especially in the ex- treme Western States and’ Territories, where the necessity for thelr preservation is greater than in Jess mountainous regions, and where the prevail- ing dryness of the climate renders their restora tion, 1f they are once destroyed, well nigh impossl- le. The communication which I made to Congress at its first session in December last contained a somewhat full statement of my sentiments in re- lation to the principles and ruies_ which ought to govern appoinunents to public service. Referring to the various plans which had there- tofore been the subject of discussion In the Na- tional Legislature (plans wiiich in the main were modeled upon the system which obtains in Great Britain, but which lacked certain of the promi- hent features wherely that system 1s distinguish—’ ed), Tfelt bound to intimate my doubts whether they, or any of them, wouid afford adequate rem- ny. for the evils which they aimed to correct. declared, nevertheless, that if the peccoeed measures ghould prove acceptable to they would receive the unhesitating support the Executive. A fn that subject, and the people of the count parently without d ion of party, have if, va rious Ways, and upon juent occasions, given Gefnite action. In may uagment, buch action CE ea ae may edd that my own sense pressin, has been quiczcned by ‘Observation oF portance ap! 1B oF the matter, to h att poate hanes tae coled Ryker 1 list now com) bout one i ‘The civil bod ring one hundred r part of w! of thé Gohatitation: te it either directly or tarough Of the administration of atreclion of ae expediency of changing the funcamental law in this regard, it 1s certain that much relief may be afforded, not only to the President and to the heads of the departments, Dut to Senators and Representatives in Congress, by discreet legisla- tion, They would be protected in a great measure by the bill now pending before the Senate, or by any other which should embody Its important fea tures, from the pressure of personal Importunity and from the labor of examining conflicting claims and pretensions of candidates. I trust that before the close of the present ses- sion some decisive action may be taken for the correction of the evils which inhere in the present methods of appointment, and I assure you of my hearty co-operation in any measures Which are likely to conduce to that end. As to the most appropriate term and tenure of the official life of the subordinate employes of the government, it seems to be generally agreed that Whatever thelr extent or character, the one should ‘be definite and the other stable, and that neither should be regulated by zeal In the service of party or fidelity to the fortunes of an Individual. It matters little to the people at large what com- petent person ts at the head of this department or of Uiat bureau, if they feel assured that the removal of one and the accession of another will hot involve the retirement of honest and faithful subordinates, whose duties are purely adminis- trative and have no legitimate connection with the triumph of any political principies or the suc- cess of any political party or faction. It 1s to this at class of officers that the Senate Dill, to Which T have already referred, exclusively applies. Wile neither that bill nor any other prominent cheme for improving the civil service concerns the higher grade of officials, who are appo nted by » Preskient and confirmed by the Senate, I feel bound to correct a prevalent misapprehension as | to the frequency with which the present E: tive has displaced the incumbent of an office appolnted another In his stead. It has been repeatedly alleged that he has in this particular sign ally departed from the course which has been pursued under recent administra- tons of the government. The facts are as fol- lows: The whole number of Executive appointments during the iour years immediately preceding Mr. Garfleid’s aceession to tle Presidency was 2,096, Of this number 244, or 9 per cent, Involved the removal of previous Hicumbents, The ratio of removals to the whole number of appointments was much the same during ea those four years, Tn the fitst_ year, with 79 appointments, Were 74 removals, Or 9.3 per cent; in the with 917 appolntments, there were 85 removals, oF 85 per cent; In the third, with 480 appointments, there were’ 48 removals, or 10 per cent; in the fourth, With 429 appointments, there were | movals, or 8.6 per cent. In the four months of President Garfleid’s administration there were 390 ppolntments and 89 removals, or 227 per cent. Precisely the same number of Femovals (89) has taken placein the fourteen months whicn ha’ since elaps: d, but they coustitute only 7.8 per cent | of the whole number of appoinunents 4,118) within that period, and less than 2.6 of the entire list of oMcials 3,459. usive of the Army and Navy) Which is Milled by Presidential appolntment. ¥ approval of such legislation as may, cessaty for supplementing the exist- aly last Tauthorized a publ that empl covernment should reg thems rty to exercise Uh {n maki contribu. gard would he mathe taln, that a public efficer should be a3 absolutely free y other luz to withhold & contribution for ne of is eho! t and doubtic von fact, that by al superiors and by niributions ; the fear 1 It en in my “ : ¢ prohibited by uppress Wem nt m: Will nob be f iil to its res ght of relatio ail, State, and 3 Upon Cougress the duty est adininistration which | » Distriet Commisstoners tndi- measures Whos fon woul desirable. Tinstance in partlea- 3 relite Wo arrcarsof taxes, 10 steain, [10 assessments of real pro tions Whleb hit nt debate tn tue halls of © ‘ater gravity than tl LalhMent Of Tie Vote for and the intendment of the Constitution in its pro- visions for devolving > functions upon railroads, a | the Vtee when the President suffers | from inability to discharge the powers and duties Of bis offices Lirust that no embarrassments may result fom a fatlure to determine these questions before | another national election, cision of Congress whether imineitiate and sub- | ‘The closing year has been replete with b sinss for which we owe to the Glver of all | our reverent acknowledgment. For the unin’ rupted harmony of our foreign relations, for the y of sectional an. les, for the exuberan: | of our harvests and the trlumphs of our mining | and tnanutacturing Industries, for the prevalence of health, tue spread of Intelligence and the con- Servation of the public credit, for the growth of | the country In all the nts of national great- tor these and countless other blessini jould rejoice and be glad, I trust t | under the inspiration of Unis great prosperity, our counsels may be harmonious, and that the’ dic Lites of prudence, patriotism, Justice, and economy ¥ lead Lo the alloption of measures in which the | agress und the EXecutive iay heartily unite, Cursren A, ANTHUR. Washington, December 4, 15 ei aie THE APTORNEXY GENERAL’S RE- PORT. Some Important Recommendations as to Economy in District Attoracys? and Marshal Offices, Government Payment of Witnesses and Care of Us 8. tic Property in This City, Ete. The report of the Attorney General for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1882, says that since the last report there have been brought In the Court of | Claims 482 suits claiming $448,790.87, and the en- | Ure number of sults pending against the United States 1s 718, claiming $27,591,756... The number pending against the District of Columbia Is 237, claiming $4,995,310.39. rhe experience gatned by the supervision and Heation J. S. marshals’ accounts by the Atiorn: 1 loads tO the conviction that the Di might with propriety be revised. mount asked for to defray the expenses of the U.S. courts for the fiscal year 1884 1s $3,260,000. THE ACCOUNTS OF DISTRICT ATTORNEYS, MARSHALS AND OTHER OFFICIALS. To enable the Attorney General properly to in- vestigate the accounts of district attorneys, mar- shals, clerks,and other oftictals, he submits that the appropriation now applicable thereto should be in- creased, in order that examinations may be made within the localities in which the moneys were ex- pended. He suggests that some thorough system. of local auiits, at short intervals, may be devised, to restrain extravagance in some districts, and to give in each district an assurance row wanting, that expenditures are not greater than public in— terests require. He also recommends the re-enactment of section 14 01 the act approved August 16, 1896, which pro- vides that U. S. attorneys May appoint substitute attorneys In certain cases to attend to the duties of the office when they cannot attend to thems themselves, WITNESSES FOR ACCUSED PERSONS NOT ABLE TO PAY SUCH WITNESSES. The Attorney General repeats the suggestions of his last annual report, respecting witnesses for ‘an accused person whois unable to pay such wit- nesses as he may need. He says the privilege which ts now accorded an accused person of hay- ing witnesses subpoenaed at the expense of the government 1s one which entails a heavy expense and 1s frequently abused. It should be thor- oughly guarded and no witnesses should be allowed to be summoned merely for the purpose of attesting or attacking the credibility of other witnesses. He recommends that the number which the United States shall be required to sum- mon and pay for any defendant shall not exeeed four witnesses, (except In capital cases), and that only these should be summoned when it is clearly shown by affidavit that their testimony goes to the merits of the case, OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS convicted in another state than that in which the institution ts situated, after the expiration of their sentences, to their friends or the place of convic= tion and to properly compensate state asylums until this can be done. U, & PRISONERS. The report devotes considerable attention to the subject of U. S. prisoners The United States, having no penitentiaries or jails of its own in the states, 18 dependent upon the state and county institutions. Spectal attention has been given to the different systems of penal disctpli in the penitentlaries and state prisons, in order to ernment the use of the best confinement of U.S. prisoners, Within the past few months arrangements have Deen entered into with several of the principal mitentiarles to support U. S. prisoners during he term of their imprisonment, pay the trans- portation expenses of the prisoners and guards to the penitentiary, and furnish the prisoners with transportation 16 their homes upon the expiration of the term of their sentences, tree of all expense during the past year was $18,198.90. THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE PROPERTY. The Attorney General intends to recommend during this session of Congress a further appro- priation for the improvement of the property recently purchased by the government for the use of the Department of Justice. secure for the institutions for for some years, so that thus effected the Soeretary s Vigorously prosecuted. PROGRESS OF THE CENSUS. The compilation of the returns of the tenth cene and the preparation of the extended report renpon rapidly approach completion. The at» . | tention of Congress should be invited to the advt- SECRETARY OF | 52bility of further legislation with respect wo the inter-decennial state census contemplated by the twenty-second section of the * taking of the tenth and subsequent censuses,” everal of (he states have ir intention to avatl theme provision of law, and the blank "8, the formas Of Which are fixed by the act In question, should be modified -by the experience of the tenth census, REPORT OF TH THE INTERIOR. The Indian Question—Disa Indians Recommended—Why the In- uld Not Hotd Lands in Seve- Lands — Patent Office—Census—Public Buildings, &c. ing the |W approved March ady Indteated th he Public Secretary Teller commences his report with the ussion of Indian affairs, and recommends the disarming of the Indians as a means of removing temptation from them to go upon the war-path. ‘They have no further use for the | game ts so scarce in most sections that It forms | but a small portion of their food, and the govern- should provide an ampl Mr support without th fruits of the chase, exists for gr. { ment provides or resorting to the to adopt some system of disarming tae Satisfactory in thelr results, 3 to haste btcan t Ss turough Which gas I4 the Indians on tal ton be made, out o' to the butlding hav * plants in the ©; ng tribal relat under severe ponsitic Upon the vex tion of the title to Tnatal savage India wuse he has by ating down th wer, and by filing In the lawns and Next year it wifl ve neces- onservatory, exiending the walk sary to repaint the the Iron work. rk of Improving th Tt will be duce Uke grounds upon the w the western terrace taught, both as a questio nd Indian morals, that {t tsa er nd and allow 0 "man to own It to th to It because they know n has expired the gr rt with thetr ute 88 Vagabonds, ‘Tu this end, Unat the Indians may * Joint committee upon r belng carried out hoped this matter will receive atiention of Uhe RECONSTRUCTION i nds the ‘passage of al apatent for the lund the govern- nived to It, leaving the Indians to he question Of allot sent, he recomt give each trit it for Unem= n said of late of the evi nd efforts have been ma end to treat the Indlan as we tribal relation, Stroy this syste j tion ts not without its object tons, yet is the best 1s clvitzation, st wings deste new roofs and not 4 ved by vation system Like the tribal relation ts nd yet In the p w uid Seen vuion would ditional f partinent might 2HOn your attention, the interests | gricniturists, in new hails be made a In tie South hall, so that the as Soon as the new hall iy. THIS balanc ack thatthe west hall ded ought to bi and it would th STOCK PAISTN mnplished within leaving to a subsequ lapted to stock-ra dMicult to induce an Indian toep- ng Man In agricultural pursuits. Navajo Inlans 01 ew Mexico had and goats, In November of that ment furnished them with 14,000 at a cost of $30,000. The're- ort of their ageut stows hat this’ number has Increased to 990,000 sheep and 200,000 goats. In Iss] the agent reported the wool-citp ¢ und that 200,000 pounds had been ‘manu- etured Into blankets. These Indians, numbering 16,000, by means of this small outlay, in thirteen years have become self-supportiug, the total ap- propriition for thelr subsistence for the fiscal year 1883 being only EDUCATION OF THE INDI If we educate a few Indian children out of the many In a trive, the Influence of the many unedu- 1 than the influence of ted, end the educated will soon go back to the savage ways of the more numerous fts.Of their education be lost At least one-half of should be put more attention ep and 1,000 goats There were disc! will be more power! | class, and the ben t) them and the government. all the Indian chtidren of scliooi ai ual labor schools, and should be paid to teaching them to labor than to With 20,000 or more Indtan children properly ed in our Schools, there will b ue Care should b ‘clion of the children, to tnclude the chtidren of those Individuals and tribes mo: no danger of ist likely to make RAL LAND OFFICE. The Commissioner of the General Land omce 'S a large Increase tn the disposal of the public | land for 1882 over that for 1881, as follows: ‘The disposal of Congress embrace: seal year there we 9 were males and 8 females, ‘Toe total mortality of the year, whtle not exces- i with other hospitals, was larger than the average mortallty at this Instiuution for under all acts of 13,993,780.27 acres, and of In- dian lands 310,386.13 acres, making the total dis- posals 14,309,166.40 acres, ‘an Increase over dis- posals during the year 1881 of 3,415,769 3 acres, ‘The amount of thoney recetved from all sources fon with disposals of the public lings 893.82, and from sales of Indian lands $634,617.22, a total of $8,394,516.04, being an in- | Crease over the previous year Of $2.985,71L.88. ‘The clerical force in the Land office needs to be | largely increased to enable It to dispose of the business In arrears and the current business. He ation Of the office of as- with a salary of $3,000, and that the salary of the commissioner be thereased to $5,000. The Secretary indorses the recommen- dation of the Commissioner of the Land office tor Prisonuers—Che Department of Jus- accounted for of population fs made up of persons who served In olunteer army, Who have been inmates of the for anumber of years, and who are now sonable toexpect that for e there Will be a growing more laillty rate In this class of patients. The rate was further swollen by a billows disorder which aj peared in the yeurand operated fatally In U patients who had been rendered ted disease Of other kinda. This disorder Was attributable to the impure water of r, tien in use at the hospital The appropriation made by Congress for connect- ing the hospital with Ube water system of Wash- the authorities to supply the ‘otomac Water, SO hat a reappear ance Of trouble {rom that cause need not be looked resident of the board of visitors urges tho 'y of carrying out the plan for deteched butidings already approved and commenced upon. ‘The completion of these additions will be a Very great reilef to the hospital, stace it will not only 83 to repeal the | @nable the board to easily accommodate the In- opuiation That must result from the op- he recent act Of Congress providing at ‘Unis hospital for the care of Insane from the Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, but will conduce also recommen: ant commlssic cases of a few REPEAL OF THE PRE-EMPTION LAW and the modification of the homestead law. pre-emption law, intended as a means of enabling the citizen wishing to make a home, to do so cheaply and speedily, has been used largely to aggregate large quantities of lands for the benefit of the speculator, and not for those whose benefit, it was intended. It will be use! pre-emption laws if the opportunity still exists to commit the same frauds under the cover of the homestead law. If {lt 18 thought best to retain the ut, will conduce pre-emption laws, they should be so amended that | to the comfort, convenience and Lealth o! the filing for pre-emption should precede the Inmates, ‘The’ plan includes detached kitchens, Teast one : ©" | ie need for which is urgently felt. ment of indoor work continues to yield an increase of satisfactory results, and tho larger liberty which has recently been Atta to Jnmates in their movements about the bulldings grounds has been found both pleasant and ictal in its effect. The board recommends especially that an ellow- bemade in the next appropriation for the ‘ruction of a cold graper; ington city e hosplial with, try at least one year. THE WORK OF THE PATENT OFFICE The report of the Commissioner of Patents shows an increase of business over the year end- ing June 80, 1831. The number of applications for | ai Patents was 27,622, an increase of 4,690 over that year. The number of applications for designs was | anc» 894; for reissues, 407; for registration of trade- | const. marks, 737; for registration of labels. 442; and the | house, which they rej number of caveats flied was 2,455. Tne number of patents granted, including reissues and destrns, of trade-marks registered, 1,079; of | and labels registered, 223. There were 1,637 withheld for non-payment of fees, aud ents expired. The total recetpts of the o: $930,864.14, an Increase of $1 preceding’ year. ‘The large and ves, 1,053; survivors of the war 17,184; and widows of those who served tn’ THE BUREAU OF EDUCATION. Secretary Teller emphasizes the recommends tion of the commissioner of education as to the Propriety and necessity of speedy temporary aid by the federal government to education. He bee Neves that the nation has duties to perform in this Tegard as well as powers teexercise, The looal | sentiment in favor of education ts so strong that | the action required from the general government 1s stmply to make apd disburse suitable appro» priations so as to encourage and stimulate the states that are least able to carry on the work for themselves. Tt seems reasonable and generatty | agreed upon that such moneys should be appor- | toned on the amount of 11 | last federal census, and that it should continue | the children now growing up Without any opportunity f tlewes | may be supplied before passing beyond their no | age into ignorant manhood and womanhood. It | efficient public schools can be maintained for tem or fifteen years in the states, there will be no danger of their abandonment. . | Concerning the work of the geological survey, AVS It has been wisely planned and leracy as shown tn the act “to provide for LDING AND GROUNDS, The architect of the Capitol reports that, accord. ing to law, rooms are belng made in the crypt of \pitol for the storing of books connected with the Congressional Library, and that a need uter accommodation for Congres. architect ad pper portion of Lhe rook oy The old roof, which was. badiy Impaired uz the construction ses an early the he dome, ts now 99, en the time when a putin, Itis found destroyed some of mums. n greatly improved pound Over in order to pre- o tol grounds has ppossible to re. stto a harn and statre the plans ad years ago, and are sent Congress, ROOF AND MODEL-TALL OF ATRNT OFFICE AUILDING. mate of $150,000 for this purpose ts sub- upon the favorable considera. It iSapparent that the roofs and attics of the south and east wings of thls batiding are In as in. re those of the north e tre oft 1877. To ithe halls under the reconstructed wise, a8 the ww; amd for oor-space for reoy SO) Square feet present area for motel of the north and west $< Ihas thercased the space for model-cases by reromng recommendations receive further recon nends exists from the re they were to be seb is occupied for clerical uses by the Patent and M the prin: work cone roramen iattons could we ensuing fiscal year, ngress the determination, S Lo the remainins or east wing of the building, 3 it would be unwise to undertake th struction of both the south and east wings at the recon= FREEDMAN’S HOSPITAL The report of the surgeon in charge shows @ large Increase in the numberof cases admitted. During the yeer 1,028 patients were admitted and 74 infants were born. and 195 dled, 5 still-born. | 228 remained in the hospital, of whom 34 were white and 194 colored. The unusual mortality shown in the report 1s explained by the surgeon's statement that many of the patients went into hospital only when their cases had become hope less. A large number died within a few hours after admission. ‘The report recommends that, now become permanent, the government purchas® the buliding and grounds. HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE. ‘The twengy-seventh annual report of the board of visitors of the institution shows the growing work and usefulness. The nunrbver of patients un- dertreatmenton June 20, 1881,was #25 of whom 700 were males and 225 females. On June 30, 1882, the number under treatment was 912 During the Year, 247 were admitted, of whom 178 were males and 69 were females. In the same time 101 dled, and 129 were discharged. ‘ed 904; On the 30th of June Inet 3 the hospital has OF the pationts under iment June 30, 1858, 423 were from tlhe army, avy, 14 froin the marioe hospital ser At the close of the Te 17 private patients, of whom preceding. ‘This is ta large proportion '¥, forcing and green sent Would prove a wise andeconomlc a5 wellas esthetic Improvement, But above this, and as a measure of simple econ- they ask for increased shelter for neat stock barn room for farm Tue only change in the personnel of the staff of 123 pat- | the Institution was brought about by the Rev. J. je were | 8. Deale, who resigned his ,963.62 over the last | along and most The total expenditures of the | city. Office, not fecluding printing, were $651,719.50. ly Increase in the business of the Patent ofice forces the Commissioner to ask that steps be taken to Increase the accommoda- tions. At present the force 1s 80 cramped for room that business Is seriously retarded. ‘THE SUBSIDIZED RAILROADS, ‘The commissioner of railroads reports that with the exception of a few of the minor roads, he re- gards the United States as secure in the ultimate payment of both principal and interest of the loans advanced. On the Northern Pacific road the rapidity with which construction has been pro- products. jace as chaplain after acceptable service in that capae ‘The Rev. C. Herbert Richardson was ap polnted Uo the place thus made vacant. COLUMBIA INSTITUTION FOR THE DEAF AND DUMB. The number of pupils under Instruction in the Columbia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb dur ing the last year was one hundred and eleven. Fit'y-one of these were in the collegiate depart- ment, representing twenty states and the federal district. The general health of the institution has been excellent during the year. The results of physical training in the new gymnasium are very gratifying. Six young men were graduated from |