Evening Star Newspaper, December 3, 1888, Page 6

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE. [Continued from first page.) hanced prices for the things they need, that the ecanty returns their labor fail to furnish their support or Isave no margin for accumu- workingmen, enfrenchised from all de- | and no longer frightened by the cry | are endangered by a just re- tariff laws, will reasonably de- such revision steadier employ- ment, cheaper means of living in their homes, themselves and their children tual servitude, and an C measured by moder salaries and fixed in- rate dA justice comes, will upon the fairness and j of cheapeming the cost of necessaries for themselves and their families. When to the selfishness of the beneficiaries of unjust dis- crimination under our laws there shall be added the discontent of those who suffer from such discrimination, we will realize the fact that the beneficent purposes of our govern- ment. ——— upon the patridtism and con- tentment of our people, are endangered. COMMUNISM AGAINST COMBINED CAMITAL. Communism is a hateful thing, and a menace to peace and organized government. But the communism of combined wealth and capital, the outgrowth of overweening cupidity and selfishness, which insidiously undermines the justice and integrity of free institutions, is not Jess dangerous than the communism of op- erty and toil which, exasperated by injustice and discontent, attacks with wild disor the Caran d — He an le who proposes ¢ government sl % the Hch and that they in turn will care the laboring poor. Any intermediary be- tween the people and their government, or the least delegation of the care and protection the vernment owes to the humblest citizen in Se land, makes the boast of free institutions a littering delusion and the pretended boon of Knserionn citizenship a shameless imposition. 4 JUST AND SENSIBLE REVISION OF OUR TARIFF Laws should be made for the relief of those of our countrymen who suffer under present condi- tions. Such a revision should receive the sup- port of all who love that justice and equality dne to American citizenship, of all who realize that in this justice and equality our govern- ment finds its strength andits power to protect the citizen and his property, of all who believe that the contented competence and comfort of many accord better with the spirit of our in- stitutions than colossal fortunes unfairly gath- ered in the hands of a few, ofwall who appre- ciate that the forbearance and fraternity among our people, which recognize the value of every pongo — are = br : guaranty of our natior progress, and of al ae aula ta aie products of American skill and ingenuity in every market of the world with a conalaag restoration of American com- merce. The necessity of the reduction of our rev- enue is so apparentas to be generally conceded. But the means by which this end shall be ac- complished and the sum of direct benefit which shail result to our citizans, present a contro- versy of the utmest importance. There should be no scheme accepted as satisfactory by which the burdens of the people are only apparently removed. EXTRAVAGANT APPROPRIATIONS OF PUBLIC MONEY, with all their demoralizing consequences, should not be tolerated, either asa means of relieving the treasury of its present surplus, or as furnishing pretext for resisting a proper reduction in tariff rates. Existing evils and injustice should be honestly recognized, boldly met, and effectively remedied. There should be no cessation of the struggle until a plan is perfected, fair aud conservative toward exist- ing industries, but which will reduce the cost to consumers of the necessaries of life, while it provides for our manufacturers the advan- tage of freer raw materials and permits no injury to the interests of American labor. The cause for which the battle is waged is com- prised within lines clearly and distinctly de- fined. It should never be compromised. - It is the people’s cause. a It cannot be denied that the selfish and pri- vate interests which are so persistently heard, when efforts are made to deal in a just and comprehensive manner with our tariff laws are related to, if they are not responsible for, the sentiment largely prevailing among the ople. that the general government is the Joastaia of individual and private aid; that it may be expected to relieve with paternal care the distress of citizens and communities, and that from the fuliness of its Treasury it should. upon the slightest possible pretext of promot- ing the general good. apply public fands to the benefit of localities and individuals. Nor can it be denied that there is a growing assumption that, as against the government and in favor of private claims and interests, the usual rules and limitations of business principles and just dealings should be waived. ENCOURAGED BY CONGRESS. ‘These ideas have been unhappily much en- couraged by legislative acquiescence. Relief | from coutracts made with the government is too easily accorded in favor of the citizen; the failure to support claims against the govern- ment by proof is often supplied by no better | consideration than the wealth of the gove: ment and the poverty of the ¢laimant; gratui- ties in the form of pensions are granted upon | no other real ground than the needy condition | of the applicant, or for reasons less valid; and | large sums are expended for public buildings and other improvements upon representations searcely claimed to be related to public needs and necessities. The extent to which the con- | sideration of such matters subordinate and | postpone action upon subjects of great public importance, but involving no special, private, or partisan interest, should arrest attention and lead to reformation. SHARP CRITICISM OF CONGRESS. A few of the numerous illustrations of this condition may be stated. The crowded condi- | tion of the calendar of the Supreme Court, and | the delay to suitors and denial of justice re- sulting therefrom, has been strongly urged upon the attention of the Congress, with a plan | for the relief of the situation approved by those | well able to judge of its merits. While this subject remains without effective consideration | many laws have been passed providing for the holding of terms of inferior courts at places to suit the convenience of localities, or to lay the foundation of an ——— for the erection of @ new public building. Repeated recommendations have been sub- mitted for the amendment and change of the laws relating to our public lands so that their spoliation and diversion to other uses than as homes for honest settlers might be prevented. | While a measure to meet this conceded neces- | sity of reform remains awaiting the action of the Congress, many claims to the public lands and applications for their donation, in favor of | states and individuals, have been allowed. A om in aid of Indian management, recom- mended by those well informed, as containing valuable features in furtherance of the solution of the Indian problem, has thus far failed of legislative sanction, while grants of doubtfal | expediency to railroad corporations, permit- | ting them to pass through Indian reservations, have greatly multiplied. The propriety and uecessity of the erection | of one or more prisons for the confinement of | United States conyicts, and a post-office build- | ing in the national capitol, are not disputed. But these needs yet remain unanswered, while scores of public buildings have been erected where their necessity for public purposes is not apparent. A revision of Mall epee laws could easily be made, which would rest upon just princi- pice and provide for every worthy applicant. ¢ while our general pension laws remain confused and imperfect, hundreds of private sion laws are annuall: d, which are ¢ sources of unjust discrimination and popu- lar demoralization. Appropriation bills for the support of the government are defaced by items and provis- ions to meet private ends, and it is freely as- serted by responsible and experienced i that a bill appropriating money for public in- ternal improvement would fail to meet with favor unless it contained items more for local and private advantage than for public benefit. These statements can be much emphasized by an ascertainment of the proportion of fed- eral legis which either bears upon its face its private character or which, upon ex- amination, develops such a motive power. And yet the people wait and expect from their chosen representatives such patriotic tion as will advance the welfare of the entire country; and this expectation c: answered performance of public “duty with . Our among the complishing God iven the Amer- ican people to Leb wee intrusted with the making execution of our laws Perfect devotion, above all other things, to the Papen tec pope fect of fer ‘ace under the which is the of | superadding impugnment of | act in relief of the situation, THE EVENING STAR: WASHING our very existence, that no consideration of ex- pediency or sentiment tempt us toenter upon doubtful ground. We have undertaken to over and proclaim the richest b! og Rie poles oe ide. Let us fol way it Sil not us. And surely no one who | has token upon himself the solemn to swpport and preserve the can tind justification or solace for in the excuse that he wandered and in search of a better to reach the pul wel- fare than the constitution off What has been said is deemed not ina ata time when, from a century's ht, we view the way already trod by the and attempt to discover their future JACKSON ON THE CONSTITUTION. The seventh President of the United States— the soldier and statesman, and at all times the firm and brave friend of the people—in vindi- cation of his course as the protector of popular rights and the champion of true American citi- zenship, declared: anxious desire and a fixed determination to restore to the le, unimpaired, the sacred trust they have tomy charge; to heal the wounds of the constitution and to preserve it from further violation; to persuade my coun’ n, so far as I may, that it is not in a splendid government supy erful monopolies and aristocrat shments that they will find happiness, or their liberties protection, but in a plain system, void of pomp—protecting all and granting favors to none— nsing its blessings like the dews of heaven, unseen and unfelt save in the fresh- ness and beauty they contribute to lace. It is such a government that the genius of our people requires—such an one only under which our states may remain, for ages to come, united, prosperous, and free.” “ PEACE AT HOME AND ABROAD. In pursuance of a constitutional provision requiring the President from time to time, to give to the Congress information of the state of the Union, Ihave the satisfaction to an- nounce that the close of the year finds the United States in the enjoyment of domestic tranquility and at peace with all the nations. Since my last annual message our foreign re- lations have been strengthened and improved ————— of international good offices and by new and renewed treaties of amity, = and reciprocal extradition of crimi- ‘Those international questions which still await settlement are all reasonably within the domain of amicable negotiation, and there is no existing subject of dispute between the United States and any foreign power that is not susceptible of satisfactory adjustment by frank diplomatic treatment. OUR RELATIONS WITH GREAT BRITAIN. The questions between Great Britain and the United States relating to the rights of American fishermen, under treaty and international com- ity, in the territorial waters of Canada and Newfoundland, I regret to say are not yet sat- isfactorily adjusted. These matters were fully treated in my message to the Senate of Febru- ary 20. 1888, together with which a convention, concluded under my authority with her majes- lc on the 15th of February last, for the removal of all causes of misunderstand- ing, was submitted by me for the approval of the Senate. This treaty having been rejected by the Senate. I transmitted a message to the Congress. on the 23d of August last, reviewing the transactions and submitting for considera- tion certain recommendations for legislation concerning the important questions involved. Afterwards, on the 12th of September, in re- sponse to a resolution of the Senate, I again communicated fully all the information in my possession as to the action of the government of Canada affecting the commercial relations between the Dominion and the United State: including the treatment of American fish: vessels in the ports and waters of British North America. These communications have all been ublished, and therefore opened to the know- jee of both houses of Congress, although two were addressed to the Senate alone. Comment upon or repetition of their con- tents would be superfluous, and I ain not aware that anything has since occurred which should be added to the facts therein stated. There- fore, I merely repeat, as applicable to the resent time, the statement which will be ound in my message to the Senate of Septem- ber 12th last, *‘that since March 3, 1887, no case has been reported to the Department of State wherein complaint has been made of unfriend- ly or unlawful treatment of American fishing yYessels on the part of the Canadian authorities, in which — was not prow tly and sat- isfactorily obtained by the United States con- sul-general at Halifax.” THE REJECTED TREATY. Having assayed, in the discharge of my duty, to procure by negotiation the settlement of a long-standing cause of dispute, and to remove a constant menace to the good relations of the | two countries, ond continuing to be of opinion that the treaty of February last, which failed to receive the approval of the Senate, did sup- ply *‘a satisfactory, practical, and final adjust- ment upon a basis honorable and just to both parties of the difficult and vexed question to which it related,” and having subsequently and ey recommended other legislation to Congress which I hoped would suffice to meet the exigency created by the rejection of the treaty, I now again invoke the earnest and im- mediate attention of the Congress to the con- dition of this important question, as it now stands before them and the country, and for the settlement of which I am deeply solicitous. THE SACKVILLE EPISODE. Near the close of the month of October last, occurrences of a deeply regretable nature were brought to my knowledge, which made it my painful but imperative duty to obtain, with as little delay as possible, a new personal chan- nel of diplomatic intercourse in this country with the government of Great Britain. The correspondence in relation to this incident will in due course be laid before you, and will dis- close the unpardonable conduct of the official referred to in his interference by advice and counsel with the suffrages of American citi- zens in the very cr@is of the presidential elec- tion then near at hand, and also in his subse- quent public declarations to fustity his action, e Executive and Senate of the Uniied States, in connection with important questions now pending in con- troversy between the two governments. The offense thus committed was most gra’ involving disastrous possibilities to the good relations of the United States and Great Britain, constituting a breach of diplo- matic privilege, and an invasion of the purely domestic affairs and essential,sovereignty of the government to which the envoy was ac- credited. Having first fulfilled the just de- mands of international comity, by affording full opportunity for her oy government to r considered pro- longation of discussion to be unwarranted, and thereupon declined to further Tecognize the diplomatic character of the person, whose con- tinuance in such function would destroy that mutual confidence which is essential to the good understanding of the two governments. and was inconsistent with the welfare and self- respect of the government of the United States. ‘The usual interc! of communication has me through her majesty’s legation this ci My endeavors to establish by international co-operation measures for the prevention of the extermination of fur-seals ErBe ing sea have not been relaxed, and I have hopes of be- ing enabled shortly to submit an effective and satisfactory conventional projet with the mari- time powers for the approval of the Senate. THE ALASKAN BOUNDARY QUESTION. The coastal boundary between our Alaskan possessions and British Columbia, I regret to say, has not received the attention demanded by its importance, and which on several ocea- sions heretofore I have had the honor to rec- ommend to the Congress. The admitted im- practicability, if not impossibility, of makin; an accurate and precise survey ea domarker tion of the bor 'y line, as it is reeited in the — with Russia “under which Alaska was ceded to the United States, renders it abso- lutely requisite, for the prevention of interna- tional jurisdictional complications, that ade- quate prt need = he emery _ survey to obtain proper knowledge ot cality and the phical features of the boundary should be authorized by Congress with as little delay as ible. Knowledge to be only thus obtained jai- site for negotiation for ascertaining a common boundary, or as preliminary to any other mode of settlement, It is much to be desired that some it ment by which the damages to ae pitied erty on the Great Lakes ma; athe ape removing or humanely to reei assistance to C: free access to our waters in aid of wrecked or become effective by Canada. cede from the sound it has maintained aot eny vie to France but as to all with +h the United States have "eTwioe within last has the ppp ee oe this people, and their appreciation of the lofty the late William, t ‘somata kee Sar son, the late Fred- renew my of two and their of for the passage of a bill for the re- Tending to certain German lines | Hoy ee the ity with Cc come! at this capital on the 12th day 1888, and which, having been by the Senate with certain amend- ments, was rejected by Chinese govern- ment, This @ recommen: message: tion thata sum of money be appropriated as com| to Chinese sul i who had euf- fered injuries at the f ibject of lawless men within our eee. Such appropriation having been duly made, the fund awaits rece) tion by the Chinese government. It is sincerely hoped that py the cessation of the influx of this class of subj in the ——— wish of both governments, a unkind feeling has been permanently JAPAN, COREA, AND PERSIA. On the 9th of August, 1887, notification was given by the Japanese minister at this capital of the adjournment of the conference for the revision of the treaties gf Japan with foreign powers, ‘to the objéction of his govern- ment to the provision in the draft jurisdic- tional convention which required the submis- sion of the criminal code of the empire to the — in advance of its becoming operative. is notification, was however, accompanied with an agsurance of Japan’s intention to con- tinue the work of revision, Notwitstanding this temporary interruption of negotiations, it is hoped that, improvements may soon be se- cured in the jurisdictional system as respects forei rs in pen, and relief afforded to that country from the present undue and oppres- sive foreign contr in matters of commerce. T earnestly recommend that relief be provided for the injuries accidentally caused to Japanese subjects in the Island Ikisima by the target practice of one of our vessels. A diplomatic mission from Corea has been received, and the formal intercourse between the two eountries contemplated by the treaty of 1882 is now established. Legislative pro- vision is hereby recommended to organize and ean. consular courts in Corea. rsia has established diplomatic representa- tion at this capital and has evinced very great interest in the enterprise and achievements of our citizens. I am, therefore, hopeful that beneficial commercial relations between the two countries may be brought about. THE DISORDERS IN HAYTI. Tannounce with sincere regret that Hayti has again become the theater of insurrection, disorder and bloodshed. The titular govern- ment of President Saloman has been forcibly overthrown, and he driven out of the country to France, where he has since died. The ten- ure of power has been so unstable amid the war of factions that has ensued since the ex- pulsion of President Saloman, that no govern- ment constituted by the will of the Haytien people has been recognized as administering responsibly the affairs of that country. Our repreeentative has been instructed to abstain from interference between the warring fac- tions, and a vessel of our navy has been sent to Haytien waters to sustain our minister and for the protection of the persans and property of American citizens. Due tsrrasisaane have been taken to enforce our neutrality laws and pre- vent our territory from becoming the base of military supplies for either of the warring fac- tions. Under color of a blockade, of which ao reasonable notice had been given, and which does not appear to have been efficiently mai: tained, aseizure of vessels under the American flag has been reported, and, in consequence, measures to prevent and redress any molesta- tion of our innocent merchantmen have been adopted. . ‘HAWAII. Proclamation was duly made on the 9th day of November, 1887, of the conventional exten- sions of the treaty of June 3, 1875, with Hawaii, under which relations of such special and beneficent intercourse have been created. In the vast field of Oriental commerce now un- folded from our Pacific borders no feature pre- sents stronger recommendations for congress- ional action than the establishment of commu- nication by submarine telegraph with Honolulu. The geographical position of the Hawaiian group in relation to our Pacific states cre: natural interdependency and mutuality of terest which our present treaties were intended to foster and which e close communica- tion a logical and commercial necessity. THE MEXICAN BOUNDARY QUESTION. ‘The wisdom of concluding a treaty of com- mercial reciprocity with Mexico has been heretofore stated in my messages to Congress, and the lapse of time and growth of commerce with that close neighbor and sister republic confirm the judgment so expressed. The pre- cise relocation of our boundary line is needful, and adequat@ appropriation is now recom- mended. It is wit cere satisfaction that I am enabled to advert to the spirit of good neighborhood and friendly co-operation and conciliation that has marked the correspond- ence and action of the Mexican authorities in their share of the task of maintaining law and — — the line Fes our — eeporinch ie pending boundary ute between Coste Rice and Nicaragua was referred to my arbitration; and by an award made on the 22d of March the question has been finally ressed satisfaction of both of the parties in interest. 5 : SOUTH AMERICA, The empire of Brazil, in abolishing the last vestige of slavery among Christian nations, called forth the earnest congratulations of thi government in expression of the cordial sym- pathies of our people. The claims of nearly all other countries against Chile, gro out of her late war with Bolivia cad’ ere, Eave: been disposed of, either by arbitration or by a lump settlement. Similar claims of our citizens continue to be urged upon the Chilean government, and it is hoped not be subject to further delays. A ig ean gi pace ce ray and com: merce with Peru was d on November 7, last, and it is expected that under its opera- tion mutual Prosperity and good unde: d- ng will be prom: In pursuance of the policy of arbitration, treaty to settle the claim of Santos, an Ameri- can citizen, against Ecuador has been con- cluded under my authority, and will be duly submitted for the a) val of the Senate. Like ition of the claim of Carlos But- terfield it —— € Jen Pokaan against probably be made, an trust the pinciple of such settlements may be extended in practice under the approval of the Benate. ‘THE VENEZUELAN CLAIMS. Through unforeseen causes, foreign to the will of both governments, the ratification of the convention of December 5, 1885, with Venezuela, for the rehearing of claims of citi- zens of the United States under the treaty of 1866, failed of exchange within the term pro- vided. and supplementary convention, further — the ti = oan e a series ions and explanatory ignot i- sion of the ipclor convening: parcamaie’ swe advice and consent of the Senate. Although this matter, in the stage. referred to, concerns 01 cone -makit one teeagh a Usagtens Taaeert ts it in view of the interest repeatedly and conspicuously shown by you, in your ive capacity, in pecs teh o0-opete if Tn the | ive mode last mentioned the control of our taxa- tion for revenue will be always retained in our own hands unrestricted b ventional ments with other SECURITY OF LIFE AND PROPERTY AT SEA. In conformity also with congressional au- to confer, in Washington, in April néxt, upon the practicability of devisipg uniform rules and measures for the greater security of life and property at sea. A disposition to accept em Be ee i yore has en manifested, an tion of the nations chiefly interested shall be secured im nt results may be confidently antici The actof June 26, 1884, and the acts amen- datory thereof, in relation to tonnage “duties have given rise to extended correspondence with foreign nations, with whom we have ex- | inting treaties of navigation and commerce, and have-caused wide and regrettable diverg- ence of opinion in relation to the imposition of the duties referred to. These questions are important, and I shall make them subject of a special and more detailed communication at the present session. REVISION OF THE NATURALIZATION LAWS NEEDED. With the rapid increase of immigration to our shores and the facilities of modern travel, abuses of the generous privileges afforded by our naturalization laws call for their careful revision, The easy and unguarded manner in which certificates of American citizenship can now be obtained has induced a class, unfortu- nately large, to avail themselves of the oppor- tunity to become absolved from allegience to their native land and yet bya foreign residence to escape any just duty and contribution of service to the country of their propose adop- tion. Thus while evading the duties of citizen- ship to the United States they may make prompt claim for its national protection and de- mand its intervention in their behalf. Inter- national complications of a serigus nature arise, and the corré ndence of the State De- partment discloses the great number and com- plexity of the questions which have been raised, Our laws regulating the issue of passports should be carefully revised, and the institutit of a central bureau of registration at the ca) tal is again strongly recommended. By this means full particulars of cach case of natural- ization in the United States would be secured and properly indexed and recorded, and thus many cases of spurious citizenship ‘would be detected and unjust responsibilities would be | avoided. THE REORGANIZATION OF THE CONSULAR SERVICE is a matter of serious importance to our na- tional interests. The number of existing prin- cipal consular offices is believed to be greater than is at all necessary forthe conduct of tne public business, It need not be our policy to maintain more than a moderate number of principal offices, each supported by a salary sufticient to enable the incumbent to live in comfort, and so distributed as to secure the convenient supervision, through subordinate agencies, of affairs over a considerable district. I repeat the recommendations heretofore made by me, that the appropriations for the mainte- nance of our diplomatic and consular service should be recast; that the so-called notarial or unofficial fees, which our representatives abroad are now permitted to treat as personal perquisites, should be forbidden; that a system of consular inspection should be instituted; and that a limited number of secretaries of legation at large should be authorized. THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION IN NEW YORK. Preparations for the centennial celebration, on April 30, 1889, of the inauguration of George Washington as President of the United States, at the city of New York, have been made by a voluntary organization of the citizens of that locality, and be! ing that an opportunity should be afforded for the expression of the interest felt throughout the country in this event, I respectfully recommend fitting and co-operative action by Congress on behalf of the people of the United States. ‘THE REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY exhibits in detail the conditions of our na- tional finances and the operations of the sev- eral branches of the government related to his department. The total ordinary revenues of the fiscal year ended June 30, 1888, amounted to $379,266,074.76, of which $219,091,173.63 was received from customs duties and $124,296,872.98 from internal-revenue taxes. The total re- ceipts from all sources exceeded those for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1887, by $7,362,797. 10, ‘The ordinary expenditures of the government for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1888, were $259,653,958.67, leaving a surplus of $119,612,- 116.09, ‘The decrease in these expenditures as compared with the fiscal year ended June 30, 1887, was $8,278,221.30, notwithstanding the payment of more than 5,000,000 for pensions in excess of what was paid for that purpose in the latter-mentioned year. The revenues of the government for the year ending June 30, 1889, ascertained for the quar- ter ended September 30, 1888, and estimated for the remainder of the time. amount to $377,000,000; and the actual and estimated or- dinary expenditures for the same year are $273,000,000, leaving an estimated surplus.of 164,000,000. The estimated receipts for the year ending June 30, 1890, are 237,000,000, and the estimated ordinary expenditures for the same time are $275,767,488.34, showing a surplus of $101,232,511.66. The foregoing statements of surpius do not take. into account the sum necessary to be expended to meet the require- ments of the sinking-fund act, amounting to more than $47,000,000 annually. The cost of collecting the customs revenues for the last fiscal year was 2.44 per cent.; for the year 1895 it was 3.77 per cent. The excess of internal- revenue taxes collected during the last fiscal year over those collected for the year ended June 30, 1887, was $5,489,174.26, and the cost of collecting this revenue decreased frow 3.4 per cent in 1887 to less than 3.2 per cent for the last year. The tax collected on oleomargarine was $723,948.04 for the year ending June 30, 1887, and $864,139.88 for the following year. THE PURCHASE OF BONDS. « The requirements of the sinking-fund act have been met for the year ended June 30, 1888, and for the current year also, by the purchase of bonds, After complying with this law as positively required, and bonds sufficient for that purpose had been bought at # premium, it was not deemed prudent to further expend the surplus in such purchases until the authority to do so should be more explicit. A resolution, however, bail been passed by both houses of Congress removing all doubt as to executive authority, daily purchases of bonds were com- menced on the 23d day of April, 1888, and have continued until the present time. By this plan bondsof the government not yet due have been urchased up to and including the30th day of November, 1338, amounting to $94,700,400, the yas paid thereon amounting to $17,508,- 13.08., ‘The premium added to the principal of these bonds represents an investment yielding about 2 per cent interest for the time they still had to run; and the saving to the government rep- resented by the difference between the amount of interest at 2 per cent upon the sum paid for principal and premium and what it would have | aid for interest at the rate specified in the onds if they had run to their maturity, is about $27,165,000. At first sight this would seem to be. profitable and sensible transac- tion on the , tof the government, But, as suggested by .he hesotery. of the Treasury, the surplus thus expended for the purchase of bonds was money drawn from the people in excess of any actual need of the government, and was so expended rather than allow it to remain idle in fee ype ane lus under the operation just and equitable hai’ been lettin the hands of the people, it would have been in their business at least 6 per cent per annum. Deducting from the amout of interest upon the principal and remium of these bonds for the time they had b run at the rate of 6 per cent the saving of 2 per cent made for the people by the purchase of such bonds, the loss appear to be 355,- 760. . 000. This calculation would seem to demonstrate that if excessive and ran gg continued and the government is forced to pur- by inde- | sue this policy of purchasing its own bonds at the premiums whi it be necessary to pay, the loss to the People will bo hundreds of millions of dollars. Si the purchase of if bonds was undertaken as mentioned, nearly all that have been offered were at last acoepted. It has been made quite uprereat that the gov- ernment was in mae of bei gabjoctell to combinations to their as appears by the instance cited by the ering of bonds of the par value of only $826,000 so often that the of the to thn 618-00,00. lotwithstanding the more out lead pagnge yey i, Wes" Goniot sido, 1888, 10.01, after i ne the payment of THE SILVER QUESTION. At the close of the fiscal year ended June 90, 1887, there had been coined under the com- act $266,988,280 in silver dollars, @55,504,810 of which were in the hands of thé people. gOn the 90th day of June, 1888, there had $299,708, 790; and of this ON. D.C: MOND! j necessary specifications are now being prepared taxation is | that these 30th of Novem! Seen solace, were actually in circulation, and $237,418,346 in certificates. The recommends recommendations I ask the careful attention of the Congress to the secretary's report. THE ARMY. . The Secretary of War reports that}the army at the date of the last consolidated returns consisted of 2,189 officers and 24,549 enlisted 1888, amounted to @41,165,107.07, of which sum $9,158,516.63 was ex] including river an “The board of ordnance and fortifications,” vided for.under the act aj loa Soe Gtertt ong egies a , 8 an ye for procuring forgings for 8, 10 and 12 inch guns, under provisions of troect-loeing mortars, cast iron, hosped with reed! wit steel, under the provisions of section 5 of the said ‘act, were submitted to the Secretary of War for reference to the board, by the ord- Plans and" specications have” been frompay an ‘ifications have n ly Ms wed by the board and the necro of far, the necessary authority to publish adver- tisements, inviting in the news- pers throughout country, was granted y the Secretary on November 12, and on No- — 13 a advertisements tent anew = ferent newspapers designate i for the steel forgings are to be opened on De- cember 20, 1! and for the mortars on De- cember 15, 1888. AN ARMY GUN FACTORY, ETC. A board of ordnance officers was convened at the Watgrvliet arsenal on October 4, 1388, to prepare the necessary plans and specifications for the esttblishment of an army gun factory at that point. The preliminary report of this board, with estimates for shop buildings and officers’ quarters, was approved by the board of ordnance and fortifications November 6 and 8. The specifications and form of advertisement and instructions to bidders have been prepared and advertisements whips! ——- for the excavations for the shop building and for erect- ing the two sets of officers’ quarters have been published. The detailed drawings and specifi- cations for the gun factory building are well in hand and will be finished within three or four months, when bids will be invited for the erec- tion of the building. The list of machines, &c., is made out, and it is expected that the plans for the large lathes, &c., will be completed within about four months, and after approval by the board of ordnance and fortification bids for furnishing the same will be invited. The machines and other fixtures will be completed as soon as the shop isin readiness to receive them. probably about July, 1890. Under the provisions of the army bill, for the procurement of pneumatic dynamite guns, the and advertisements for proposals will issue EN in December. The guns will probably be of 15 inches caliber and fire a projectile that will carry a charge each of about 500 pounds of explosive gelatine with full-caliber projectiles. The guns will probably be delivered in from six to ten months from the date of the con- tract, so that all the guns of this class that can be fot under the proyisions of the law will be purchased during th® year 1839. I earnestly request that the recommendations contained in the Secretary's report, all of which are, in my opinion, calculated to in- crease the usefulness and’ discipline of the army, may receive the consideration of the Congress. Among these the proposal that there should be provided a plan for the exami- nation of officers to test their fitness for pro- motion is of the utmost importance. This re- form has been recommended in the reports of the Secretary, and its expediency is so fully demonstrated by the argument he presents in its favor that its adoption should no longer be neglected. THE DEATH OF GEN. SHERIDAN in August last was a national affliction. The army then lost the grandest of its chiefs, The | country lost a brave and experienced soldier, a wise and discreet counselor, and a modest and sensible man. Those who in any manner came within the range of his personal associa- tion will never fail to pay deserved and willing homage to his greatness and the glory of his career; but they will cherish with more tender sensibility the loving memory of his simple, generous, and considerate nature. THE APACHE INDIANS, whose removal from their reservation in Ari- zong followed the capture of those of their number who engaged in a bloody and murder- ous raid during » part of the years 1885 and 1886, are now held as prisoners of war at Mt. Vernon barracks, the state of Alabama. They numbered, on the Sist day of October, the date of the last report. 83 men, 170 women, 70 bo; nd 59 girls, in all 382 persons. The commanding officer states that they are in d health and contented, and that they are ‘ept employed as fully as is possible in the cir- cumstances. The ghildren, as they arrive at suitable age, are sent to the Indian schools at Carlisle and Hampton. Last summer some charitable and kind people isked permission to send two teachers to these Indians for the pu of instructing the adults as well as such children as should be found there. Such permission was readily granted, accommoda- tions were provided for the teachers, and some portions of the buildings at the barracks were | made available for schoo! purposes. The good | work contemplated has been commenced, and the teachers enj d are paid by the ladies with whom the plan originated. I am not, at all in sympathy with those benevolent but injudicious people who are con- | stantly insisting that these Indians should be returned to their reservation, Their removal | was an absolute necessity if the lives and prop- | erty of citizens upon the frontier are to be at | allregarded by the government. Their con- | tinued restraint at a distance from the scene | of their repeated and cruel murders and out- | rages is still necessary. It is a mistaken philanthropy, every way injurious, which | rompts the desire to see these savages re- Tecasd jo Gisir oll beet, They are in their present location as the result of the best judg- ment of those having official responsibility in the matter, and who are by no means lacking in kind consideration for the Indians. A num- | ber of these prisoners have forfeited their lives | to outraged law and humanity. Experience er tt! that they are dangerous and can- not be trusted. This is true not only of those who on the war-path have heretofore actually been guilty of atrocious murder, but of their kindred and friends, who, while they remained upon their reservation, farnished aid and com- fort to those absent with bloody intent, a4 offices where they ari ihe ia The ten states and territories: and northwest Free-delivery offices ; in the fiscal year ended June 30, 1887, to 358 in the ended June 30, 1888, In the railway mall vexvion there has been an increase in one year of 168 routes, and in the number of miles traveled per annum an increase of 15,795,917.48. The estimated increase of railroad service for the year was 6,000 miles, but the amount of new railroad service actually put on was 12.~ 764.50 miles. The volume of business in the money-order division, including transactions in notes, reached the sum of upward of | 143,000,000 for the year. PARCEL-POST CONVENTIONS. 3 During the past year parcel-post conventions | have been concluded with Barbadoes, the Ba- hamas, British Honduras, and Mexico, and are now under negotiation with all the Central and | South American states. The increase of cor- respondence with foreign countries during the past three yeare is gratifying, and is espeeially notable and exceptional with the Central and South American states, and with Mexico. As the greater part of mail matter exchanged with these countries is commercial in its character, this increase is evidence of the improved busi- ness relations with them. The practical oper- ation of the parcel post conventions, so far as negotiated, has served to fulfill the most fav- orable predictions as to their benefits. In January last a general tal convention was negotiated with the inion of Canada, which went into operation on March 1, and | which tically makes one postal territory of the United States and Canada. Under it mer- | chandise ls may now be transmitted | through the mails at fourth-class rates of postage. GROWTH OF THE POSTAL SERVICE. It is not possible here to touch even the lead- ing heads of the great postal establishment, to illustrate the enormous and rapid growth of | its business and the needs for legislative re- | adjustment of much of its machinery that it | has outgrown. For these and valuable recom- | mendations of the Postmaster-General, atten- | tion isearnestly invited to his report. partment whose revenues have increased from 19,772,000 in 1870 to $52,700,000 in 1888, despite reductions of postage which have enormous! reduced rates of revenue while greatly incre: ing its business, demands the careful consider- ation of the Congress as to all matters suggested by those familiar with its operations, and | which are calculated to increase its efficiency and usefulness, A bill, proposed by the Postmaster-General, was introduced at the last session of the Cc gress, by which a uniform standard in the | amount of gross receipts would fix the right of a community to a public building to be erected by the government for post-ofiice purposes, It was demonstrated that, aside from the public convenience and the promotion of harmony among citizens—invariably disturbed by change of leasings and of site—it was a measure of the | highest economy and of sound business judg- ment. It was found that the government was paying in rents at the rate of from seven to | ten per cent per annum on what the cost of | such public buildings would be. A very great | advantage resulting from such a law would be | the prevention of « large number of bills, con- | stantly introduced for the erection of public | buildings at places, and involving expenditares, | not justified by public necessity. I trast that | this measure will become a law at the present session of Congress. POSTAL EMPLOYES. Of the total number of postmasters, 54,874 are of the fourth class. These, of course, re- ceive no allowances whatever for expenses in | the service, and their compensation is fixed by percentages on receipts at their respective offices, This rate of compensation may have been, and probably was, atsome time. just. but the standard bas remained unchanged through | the several reductions in the rates of postage. Such reductions have necessarily cut down the compensation of these officials, while it un- doubtedly increased the business performed by them. Simple justice requires attention to this subject, to the end that fourth-class post- masters may receive at least an equivalent to to that which the law itself, fixing the rate, in- tended for them, Another class of postal employes whose con- dition seems to demand legislation is that of clerks in “spam and I cali especial attén- tion to the repeated recomn Postmaster-General for Proper legislation of thi lief of carriers in the freo-delivery se $ been frequent. Provision is made for their promotion; for substitutes for them on vaca- Seven million dollars has vide for them, though the total ‘numbe nployed is but 3 of for the past fiscal year, an estimated increase for the current year of but 40, while the total appropriation for all clerks in offices through- | out the United States is $5,950,000. THE GOVERNMENT AND THE RAILROADS. The legislation affecting the relations of the government with railroads is in need of revi- sion. While, for the most part, the railroad companies ‘throughout the country have cor- ment in rendering excellent servi: the law as it stands, while the compensation to | ulsted, and although railroads are made post- roads by law, there is no authority reposed anywhere to compel the owner of a railroad to take and carry the United States mail. The only alternative provided by act of Congress in case of refusal is for the Postmaster-General to send mail forward by pony express. This is but an_ illustration of ih-fiéting legislation, reasonable and proper at the time of its enact- ment, but long since outgrown and requiring readjustment. It is gratifying to note from the carefully prepared statistics accompanying the Post- master-General’s report that, notwithstandis the great expansion of the service. the rate of expenditure has been lessened, and efficiency has been improved in every branch; that fraud and crime have decreased; that losses from the mails have been reduced, and that the number of complaints of the service made to post- .masters and to the department are far less than ever betore. THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. These prisoners should be treated kindly and kept in restraint far from the locality of | their former reservation; they should be sub- | jected to efforts calculated to lead to their im- | provement and the softening of their savage | and cruel instincts, but their return to their | old home should be persistently resisted. The | Secretary in his report gives a graphic history | of these Indians, and recites with painful | vividness their bloody deeds and the unhappy | failure of the government to manage them S peaceful means, It will be amazing if a pe- rusal of this history will allow the survival of | a desire for the return of these prisoners to | their reservation upon sentimental or any other grounds. ‘ THE REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY demonstrates very intelligent management in that important department, and discloses the most satisfactory progress in the work of re- constructing the navy made during the past year. Of the ships in course of construction. five, viz, the Charleston, Baltimore, Yorktown, Vesuvius, and the Petrel, have in that time been launched and are rapidly approaching completion; and, in addition to the above, the Philadelphia, the San Francisco, the Newark, the Bennington, the Concord, and the Herre- shoff torpedo-boat are all under contract for , | bidden practices polygamy within the United i at The transactions of the Department of Jus- tice for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1838, are contained in the report of the Attorney-Gen- eral, as well asa number of valuable recom- mendations, the most of which are repetitions of those previously made, and ought to receive consideration, It is stated in this report that though judgments in civil suits amounting to $552,021.08 were recovered in favor of the gov- ernment during the year. only the sum of 132.934 was collected thereon, and that though fines, penalties, and forfeitures were imposed amounting to $541,803.43, only $109,645.42 of that sum was paid on account thereof. These facts may furnish an illustration of the senti- ment which extensively prevails, that a debt due the government should cause’ no inconve- nience to the citizen. THE POLYGAMY PROSECUTIONS, It also appears from this report that though }prior to March, 1835, there had been but six convictions in the territories of Utah and Idaho under the laws of 1962 and 1882, punishing po- ygamy and unlawful cohabitation as crimes, there have been since that date nearly 600 con- vietions under these laws and the statutes of and the advance of i | some tion; for substitutes for holidays, and limiting | | their hours of labor. been appropriated for the current year to pro- | dially co-operated with the Post-Office depart- | #100 re yet under | them for carrying the mail is limited and reg- | Possession with the warni example in our eyes of the entail of ‘imiquities in landed proprietorship which other coum tries have permitted and still suffer. Weshave no excuse for the violation of principles, cogently taught by reason and example, not for the allowance of pretexts which have some- times exposed our lands to colossal greed. Laws which =: door to fraudulent acquisition, of administration which permits favor to rapacious seizure by a favored few of expanded arcas that many should enjoy, are accessory to of- fenses against our national welfare and bumam- iy. not to be too severely condemned or pum RECKLESS WASTE OF THE NATIONAL PoMArN. It is gratifying to know that something has been done at last to redress the injuries to our people and check the perilous tendency of the reckless waste of the national domain. That over eighty million acres have been arrested from illegal usurpation, improvident grants, and fraudulent entries and claims, to be taken for the homesteads of honest industry—al- though less than the greater areas thus unjustly lost—must afford a profound gratification to right-feeling citizens as it is a recompense for the labors and struggles of the recovery. Our dear experience ought sufficiently to urge the speedy enactment of measures of legislation which will confine the future disposition of our remaining icultural lands to the uses of ac- tual husbandry and genuine homes. Nor should our vast tracts of so-called desert appears to he existin, statute. These lands require but the supply water to become fertile and producti It a problem of great moment how most wisely for the public good that factor shall be furnished. Icannot but think it perilous to suffer either these lands or the sources of their irrigation to fall into the hands of monopolies, which by such means may exercise lordship over the areas dependent on their treatment for productiveness. Already steps have been taken to secure accurate and scientific informa- tion of the conditions, which is the prime bass of intelligent action, Until this shall be gained, the course of wisdom appears clearly to lie ina suspension of farther disposal. which only promises to create rights antagonistic to the common interest. No harm can follow this cauti t. The land will remain, and the p dispomession of national ownership and con- trol. Icommend also the recommendations that appropriate measures be takeh to complete the adjustment of the various grants made to the states for internal improvements and of swamp and overflowed lands, as well as to adjudicate the validity aud extent ite land claims. All these are clements of great injust settlers upon the local that their existen avoided, no duty is more pressing than to fix as soon as possible their bounds and terminate the threats of trouble which arise from uncertainty. THE CONDITION OF OUR INDIAN POPULATION continues to improve and the proofs multiply that the transforming change, so mach to be desired, which shall substitute for barbarism enlightenment and civilizing education, is in favorable progress, Our relations with these ple during th r have been disturbed by no serious disorders, but rather marked by a better realization of their true interests, and in increasing confidence and good-will. These conditions te y to the value of the higher tone of consideration and humanity which has governed the later methods of dealing with them, Allotm nd commend its continued observance. nts in severalty have been made on hose entitled to art ts which shall best cc »bjects of th -by producing satisfaction ith the results of the allotments made. No sure of general effect has ever been en- ed on from which more may be fairly hoped, it shall be discreetly administered. It proffers opportunity and inducement to that pendence of spirit and life which the Indian peculiarly needs, while at the same time the inalienability of title affords security aguinst the risks his inexperience of affairs or weakness of character may expose him to im dealing with others. Whenever begun up’ any reservation it should be made complete, so that all are brought to the same condition, and, a8 soon as possible, community in lan should cease by opening such as remain unal lotted to settlement. ontact with the ways of industrious and farmers will perhaps add a healthy e which will both in- struct and stimulate INDIAN EDUCATION, But no agency for the amelioration of this people appears to me so promising as the extension, urged by the secretary, of such complete facilities of education as shall, at the earliest possible day, embrace all teach- able Indian youth, of both sexes, and retain them with a kindly and beneficent hold until their charagters are formed and their faculties and disp trained the sure pursuit of sot industry. Capacity of the Indian no longer needs demonstration. It is estab . it remains to make the most of it, and when that shall be done the curse will be lifted, the Indian race saved, and the sin of their oppres- deemed. The time of its accomplish- ment depends upon the spirit and justice with ‘hich it shall be prosecuted. It cannot be too soon for the Indian, nor for the interests and d name of the nation. The average attend- of Indian pupils on the schools increased y over 900 during the and the total en- roliment reached 15.2! The cost of maiw not materially raised. The le Indian youth is now estima’ 40.000. or nearly three times the enrolim It is believed the obstacles way of instructing are all surmouutable, that the necessary expenditure would be a measure of economy. THE SIOUX TRIBES on the great reservation of Dakota refused to assent to the act passed by the Congress at its last session for open\ng a portion of their lands to settlement, hotwithstanding modification of the terms was suggested which met most of their objections. Their demand is for imme- Ginko payment of the full price of $1.25 per acre for the entire body of land the occupancy of which they are asked to relinquish. The manner of submission insured their fair un) standing of the law, and their action was undoubtedly as thoroughly intelligent as their capacity admitted. It is at least gratifying that no reproach of over-reaching can in any manner lie against the government, however advisable the favorable completion of the mego- tiation may have been esteemed. IT concur in the suggestions of the Secretary regarding the Turtle Mountain Indians, the two reservations in California, and the Crees, They should,in my opinion, receive immediate attention. THE NUMBER OF PENSIONERS added to the rolis during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1888, is 60,352; and increase of pen- sions was granted in 45,716 cases. The names of 15,730 pensioners was dropped from the rolls during the year for various causes, and at the close of the year the number of persons of all classes receiving pensions was 452,557. Of these there were 806 survivors of the war of 1812, 10,787 widows of those who served in that war, 16,000 soldiers of the Mexican war, and 5,104 widows of said soldiers. One hundred andtwo different rates of pensions are paid to these beneficiaries, ranging from $2 to $416.66 per month. The amount paid for i 775, 86R. aa ituted b; eee it the insti nt under rectlneser of the ast of Siareh 3, 1887, for the rmination of the T known as the Per fund company and the church of Jesus Christ of Latter In the report of the Secretary of the Interior, which will be laid before you, the condition of the entire expenditures of the bureau €42,038,~ 386.57. being 21; per cent of the gross income and 21 per cent of the total expendi- tures of government during the year. REVISION OF PENSION LAWS NEEDED.