Evening Star Newspaper, December 3, 1889, Page 6

é ; we THE EVENING STAR: WASHINGTON, D. C., TUPSDAY ay THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE. [Continued from First Page.) establishment of law and order in Samoa upon ‘the basis of the maintenance of the rights and interests of the natives as well as of the treaty powers, The which have arisen — the BRE Gy Fears between Great Britain and the nited States are in abeyance or in course of @micable adjustment. THE CANADIAN BOUNDARY. On the part of the Government of the Domin- fon of Canada an effort has been apparent dur- ing the season just ended to administer the laws and regulations applicable to the fisheries with as little occasion for friction as was ‘i- ble, and the temperate representations of this Government in respect of cases of undue hard- ship or of harsh interpretations have been in Most cases met with measures of transitory relief. It is trusted that the attainment of our just rights under existing treaties and in virtue of the concurrent legislation of the two con- tigucus countries will not be long deferred and that all existing causes of difference may be juitably adjusted. recommend that provision be made by an international agreement for visibly marking the water boundary between the United States and Canada in the narrow channels that join the Great Lakes, The conventional line therein traced by the Northwestern Boundary Survey, Years ago, is not in all cases readily ascertain- able for the settlement of jurisdic ques- EXTRADITION WITH ENGLAND. A just and acceptable enlargement of the list of offenses for which extradition may be claimed and granted is most desirable between this country and Great Britain. The territory @f neither should become a secure harbor for the evil-doers of the other through any avoid- able short-coming in this regard. A new treaty on this subject between the two powers has been rece negotiated and will soon be laid before the Senate. The importance of the commerce of Cuba and Porto Rico with the United States, their nearest and principal market, justifies the ex- ctation that the existing relations may be Beneficially expanded. The impediments re- sulting from varying dues on navigation and from the vexatious treatment of our vessels, on merely technical grounds of complaint, in West India ports, should be removed, The progress toward an adjustment of pend- ing claims between the United States and Spain is not as rapid as couid be desired. Questions affecting American interests in con- nection with railways constructed and operated by our citizens in Peru have claimed the atten- tion of this Government. It is urged that other Governments, in pressing Peru to the payment of their claims, have disregarded the property rights of American citizens. The matter be carefully investigated, with a view to secur- ‘@ proper and equitable adjastment. A similar issue is now pending with Portugal. The Delagoa Bay Railway in Africa was con- structed under « concession by Portugal to an American citizen. When nearly completed the road was seized by the agents of the Portu- guese Government Formal protest has been made through our minister at Lisbon against this act, and uo proper effort will be spared to secure proper relief. THE NICARAGUA CANAL, In pursuance of the charter granted by Con- gress, and under the terms of its contract with the Government of Nicaragua, the Interoceanic Canal Company has begun the construction of the important ter-way between the two oceans which organization contemplates. Grave complications for a time seemed immi- nent, in view of a supposed conflict of jurisdic- tion between Nicaragua and Costa Rica in re- gard to the accessory privileges to be conceded by the latter Republic toward the construction of works on the San Juan River, of which the right bank is Costa Rican territory. I am happy to learn that a friendly arrangement has been effected between the two nations, This Government has held itself ready to promote in every proper way the adjustment of all ques- tions that might present obstacles to the com- pletion of a work of such transcendent im- tance to the commerce of this country, and Todeed to the commercial interests of the world. RELATIONS WITH OTHER GOVERNMENTS. ‘The traditional good feeling between this country and the French Republic has received additional testimony in the participation of our Government and people in the International Exposition held at Paris during the past sum- mer. The success of our exhibitors has been ‘tifying. The report of the commission will ye Congress in due season, This Government has accepted, under proper reserve as to ite policy in foreign territories, the invitation of the Government of Belgium to take part in an International Congress, which opened at Brussels on the 16th of November, for the purpose of devising measures to pro- mote the abolition of the slave-trade in Africa and to prevent the shipment of slaves by sea, Our interest in the extinction of this crime against humanity, in the regions where it yet survives, has been increased by the results of emancipation within our own borders. With Germany the most cordial relations continue. The questions arising from the re- turn to the Empire of Germans naturalized in this country are considered and disposed of in & temperate spirit, to the entire satisfaction of both Governments, It is a source of great satisfaction that the internal disturbances of the Republic of Hayti are at last happily ended, and that an appar- ently stable government has been constituted. It has been duly recognized by the United States. A mixed commission is now in session in this Capital for the settlement of long-standing claims against the Republic of Venezuela, and it is hoped that a satisfactory conclusion will be speedily reached. This Government has not hesitated to express its earnest desire that the boundary dispate now pending between Great Britain and Venezuela may be adjusted amica- bly and in strict accordance with the historic title of the parties. The advancement ,of the Empire of Japan has been evidenced ‘by the recent soos us] tion of a new constitution, containing valuabie guaranties of liberty and’ providing for a re- sponsible ministry to conduct the government. It is earnestly recommended that our judi- cial rights and processes in Corea be estab- lished ona firm basis, by providing the ma- chinery necessary to carry out treaty stipula- tions in that regard. The friendliness of the Persian Government continues to be shown by its generous treat- Ment of Americans engaged in missionary labors, and by the cordial disposition of the Shab to encourage the enterprise of our citi- Sens in the development of Persian resources. itures. including the sinking fund, 579,929.25. The excess of ——— expenditures was, after i for ing fund, $57,470,129.59. ‘or the current fiscal year the total revenues, actual and estimated, are $385, and the ordinary expenditures, actual and estimated, are 293,000,000, , with the sinking fund, a total expenditure of $341,821,116.99, leaving an estimated surplus of #43,678,583.01. THE PURCHASE OF BONDS. During the fiscal year there was applied to the purchase of bonds, in addition to those for the sinking fund, @90,456,172.35, and during the first quarter of the current year the sum of @37,835,937.77, all of which were credited to the sinking fund. The revenues for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1891, are estimated b Treasury Department at $385,000,000, and the expenditures for the same bag including the sinking fund, at $341,430,477.70. This shows an estimated surplus for that year of $43,569,.522.30, which is more likely to be in- creased than reduced when the actual transac- tions are written up. REDUCING THE SURPLUS, The existence of so large an actual and anti- cipated surplus should have the immediate at- tention of Congress, with a view to reducing the receipts of the Treasury to the needs of the Government as closely as may be. The collec- tion of moneys not needed for public uses im- poses an one burden upon our people, and the presence of so large asurplus in the public vaults is a disturbing element in the conduct of private business. It has called into use expedients for put it into circulation of very questionable propriety. We should not collect revenue for the purpose of anticipating our bonds, beyond the requirements of the sinking fund, but any unappropriated surplus in the Treasury should be so used. as there is no other lawful way of returning the money to circulation, and the profit realized by the Gov- ernment offers a substantial advantage. A DANGEROUS EXPEDIENT. The loaning of public funds to the banks were over sink- A discussion is in repay 9 touching the Jurisdictional treaty rights of the United States in Turkey. An earnest effort will be made to define those rights to the satisfaction of both governments. . PROTECTION OF NATURALIZED CITIZENS. Questious continue to arise in our relations With several countries m respect to the rights of naturalized citizens. Especially is this the case with France, Italy, Russia, and Turkey, and to @ less extent with Switzerland. From time to time earnest efforts have been made to regulate this subject by conventions with those countries. An improper use of naturalization should not be permitted, but it is most import- ant that those who have been duly naturalized should everywhere be accorded recognition of the rights pertaining to the citizenship of the country of their adoption. The appropriate- Bess of special conventions for that purpose is Recognized in treaties which this Government bas concluded with a number of European states, and it is advisable that the difficulties which now arise in our relations with other countries on the same subject should be simi- larly adjusted. THE BRAZILIAN REPUBLIC. The recent revolution in Brazil in favor of the establishment of a republican form of government is an event of great interest to the United States. Our minister at Kio de Janeiro was at once instructed to maintain friendly diplomatic relations with the Provisional gov- ernment, and the Brazilian representatives at (his capital were instructed by the provisional —- to continue their functions. Our iy intercourse with Brazil has, therefore, Suffered no interruption. Our minister has been further instructed to extend on the rt of this Government a formal and cordial recognition of the new Republic 0 soon as the majority of the people of Brazil shall have signified their asse1 @stablishment and maintenance. | ° Within our own borders a general condition of prosperity prevails. The harvests of the last summer were exceptionally abundant, and the trade conditions now prevailing seem to Promise @ successfal season to the merchant and the manufacturer, and general employ- ment to our working people. THE NATION'S FINANCES, ‘The report of the Secretury of the for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1889, has been prepared, and will be presented to Con- gress. It presents with ciearness the fiscal of the Government, and I avail my- self of it to obtain some facts for use here. ‘The aggregate receipts from all sources for the year were #387, 1.84, derived as fol- lows: without interest, upon the security of Govern- ment bonds. I regard as an unauthorized and dangerous expedient, It results in a tem- porary and unnatural increase of the banking capital of favored localities, and compels a cautious and gradual recall of the deposits to avoid injury to the commercial interests, It is not to be expected that the banks having these deposits will sell their bonds to the Treasury so long as the present highly beneficial arrange- ment is continued. They now practically get interest both upon the bonds and their pro- ceeds, No further use should be made of this method of getting the surplus into circulation, and the deposits now outstanding should be gradually withdrawn and applied to the pur- chase of bonds. It is fortunate that such a use can be made of the existing surplus, and for some time to come of any casual surplus that may exist after Congress has taken the neces- sary steps for areduction of the revenue. Such a should be promptly, but very con- siderately, enacted, REVISION OF THE TARIFF. Irecommend a revision of our tariff law, both in its administrative features and in the schedules, The need of the former is gener- ally conceded, and an agreement upon the evils and inconveniences to be remedied and the best methods for their correction will probabl; not be difficult. Uniformity of valuation at all our ports is essential, and effective measures should be taken to seczre it, It is equally de- sirable that questions affecting rates and classi- fications should be promptly decided, The preparation of a new schedule of cus- toms duties isa matter of great delicacy be- cause of its direct effect upon the business of the country, and of great difficulty by reason of the wide divergence of opinion as to the objects that may properly be promoted by such legislation. Some disturbance of business may perhaps result from the consideration of this subject by Congress, but this temporary ill effect will be reduced to the minimum by prompt action and by the assurance which the country already enjoys that any necessary changes be so made as not to impair the jast and reasonable protection of our home in- dustries. The inequalities of the law should be adjusted, but the protective principle should be maintained and fairly applied to the pro- ducts of our farms as well as of our shops. These duties necessarily have relation to other things besides the public revenues. We can not limit their effects by fixing our eyes on the ublic treasury alone. They have a direct re- ation to home production, to work, to wages, and to the commercial independence of our country, and the wise and patriotic legislator should enlarge the field of his vision to include all of these. EXTENDING THE FREE LIST. The necessary reduction in our public reve- nues can, I am sure, be made without making the smaller burden more onerous than the larger by reason of the disabilities and limita- tions which the process of reduction puts upon both capital and labor. The free list can very safely be exteuded by placing thereon articles that do not offer injurious competition to such domestic products as our home labor can supply. The removal of the internal tax upon tobacco would relieve an im- portant agricultural product from a bur- den which was imposed only because our revenue fromcustoms duties was imsufficient for the public needs. If safe provision against fraud can be devised the removal of the tax upon spirits used in the arts and in manufac- tures would also offer an unobjectionable method of reducing the surplus. MONEY IN CIRCULATION. Atable presented by the Scerctary of the Treasury, showing the amount of money of all kinds in circulation each yeaz from 1878 to the present time, is of interest. It appears that the amount of national bank notes in circula- tion has decreased during that period $114,- 109,729, of which $37,799,229 is chargeable to the last year. The withdrawal of bank circula- tion will necessarily continue under existing conditions, It is probable that the adoption of the suggestions made by the Comptroller of the Currency, viz, that the minimum deposit of bonds for the establishment of banks be re- duced, and that an issue of notes to the par value of the bonds be allowed, would help to maintain the bank circulation. But, while this withdrawal of bank notes has been going on, there las been a large increase in the amount of gold and silver coin in circulation and in the issues of goid and silver certificates, ‘The total amount of money of all kinds in circulation on March 1, 1878, was $805,793,07, while on October 1, 1889, the total was $1,405,- 018,000. ‘There was an increase of $293,417.552 in gold coin, of $57,554,100 in standard silver doll of $72,311,249 in gold certificates, of $276,619,715 in silver certificates, andof $14,- 073,757 in United States notes, making a total of $713,976,403. There was during the same period a decrease of $114.109,729 in bank cir- culation, and of $642,481 in subsidiary silver, ‘The net increase was 599,224,193, The ciren- lation per capita has increased about five dol- lars during the time covered by the table re- ferred to. THE COINAGE. The total coinage of silver dollars was, on No- vember 1, 1889, €343,638,001, of which $283,539, - 521 were in the Treasury vaults and $60,098,480 were in circulation, Of the amount in the vaults, $277,319,344 were represented by out- standing silver certificates, leaving $6,219,577 = = circulation and not represented by cer- tificates, The law requiring the purchase, by the Treasury, of two million dollars’ worth of silver bullionéach month, to be coined into silver dollars of four hundred and twelve and one- half grains, has been observed by the Depart- ment; but neither the present Secretary nor any of his predecessors has deemed it safe to exercise the discretion given by law to increase the monthly purchases to four million dollars, When the law was enacted (February 28, 1878) the price of silver inthe market was $1.20 4-10 r ounce, making the bullion value of the lar 93 cents, Since that time the price has fallen as low as 91.2 cents per ounce, reducing the bullion value of the dollar to 70.6 cents. Within the last few months the market price has somewhat advanced, and on the Ist day of November last the bullion value of the silver dollar was 72 cents. ‘The evil anticipations which have accom- ied the coinage and use of the silver dollar ve not been realized. Asa coin it has not had general use, and the public Treasury has been compelled to store it. But this is mani- festly owing to the fact that its paper repre- sentative is more convenient, The gener: ceptance and use of the silver certi that silver has not been otherwise discredited, Some favoreble conditions have contributed to maintain this practical equality, in their com- mercial use, between the gold and silver dollurs, But some of these are trade conditions that statutory enactments do not control and of the continuance of which we cannot be certain, FREE COINAGE. I think it is clear that if we should make the coinage of silver at the present ratio free, we ‘must expect that the difference in the bullion values of the gold and silver dollars will T have always been an_ advocate of the use of silver in our currency. We are CS eee oe a To ¢ plan which presen’ Secre- tary of the Treasury for the issuance or certificates te at ite mark only a hasty erpone— con: po! ion with our currency, and at the same time to obviate the danger of which I have ken. At a later day I may comm farther with Congress upon this subject. ‘THE CHINESE EXCLUSION AcT. The enforcement of the Chinese exclusion act has been found to be very difficult on the Chinamen, landing at northwestern frontier. Victoria, find it easy to to the impossibility, wit mand of the customs long an inland line. The additional uty, and every effort a will be made to enforce the law. when these persons, in fraad of our Ia officers do not know what to ban Dominion authorities will not suffer them to the tax. An effort will be mude to reach an understanding that will remove this aeay- The proclamation required by section $ of the act of March 2, 1889, relating to the killing was is- of seals and other fur-! animals, sued by me on the 2ist day of March, and a revenue vessel was tched laws and States. successfully accomplished. OUR COAST DEFENSES. Judged by modern standards, we are practi- cally without coast defenses. Many of the structures we have would enhance rather than diminish the perils of their garrisons if sub- ted to the fire of improved guns, and very few are so located as to give il effect to the greater range of such guns as we are now mak- ing for coast-defense uses. This general sub- ject has had consideration in ingress for some years, aud the grown for the con- struction of large rifled guns, made one year ago, was, Iam sure, the expression of a Pde pose to provide suitable works in which these guns might be mounted. An appropriation now made for that purpose would not advance the completion of the works beyond our ability to supply them with fairly effective guns. The security of our coast cities against for- eign attack should not rest altogether in the friendly disposition of other nations. There should be a second line wholly in our own keep- ing. I very urgently recommend an appropri- ation at this session for the construction of such works in our most exposed harbors, I approve the suggestion of the Secretary of War that provision be made for encamping companies of the National Guard in our coast works for a specified time each year, and for their training in the use of heavy guns, His suggestion that an increase in the artillery force of the Army is desirable is also in this connection commended to the consideration of Congress, RIVER AND HARBOR IMPROVEMENTS, The improvement of our important rivers and harbors should be promoted by the neces- sary appropriations. Care should be taken that the Government is not committed to the prosecution of works not of public and general advantage, and that the relative usefulness of works of that class is not overlooked. So far as this work can ever be said to be completed, I do not doubt that the end would be sooner and more economically reached if fewer separate works were undertaken at the same time, and thos: selected for their greater general interest were more rapidly pushed to completion. A work once considerably begun should not be subjected to the risks and deterioration which interrupted or insufficient appropriations neces- sarily occasion, PROTECTION OF FEDERAL OFFICERS. The assault made by David S. Terry upon the person of Justice Field, of the Supreme Court of the United States, at Lathrop, California, in August last, and tke killing of the assailant by a deputy United States marshal who had been deputed to accompany Justice Field and to Pistect him from anticipated violence at the ands of Terry, in connection with the legal proceedings which have followed, suggest questions which, in my judgment, are worthy of the attention of Congress. I recommend that more definite provision be made by law, not only for the protection of Federal officers, but for a full trial of such cases in the United States courts. In recom- mending such legislation I do not at all im- peach either the general adequacy of the pro- vision made by the State laws for the protec- tion of ail citizens or the general good disposi- tion of those charged with the exccution of such laws to give protection to the officers of the United States, ‘The duty of protecting its officers, as such, and of punishing those who assanlt them on account of their offjcial acta, should not be devolved expressly or by acqui- escence upon the local authorities, Events, which have been brought to my at- tention, happening in other parte of the coun- try, have also suggested the propriety of ex- tending, by legislation, fuller protection to those who may be called as witnesses in the courts of the United States. The law compels those who are supposed to have knowledge. of public offenses to attend upon our courts and grand juries and to give evidence. There is a manifest resulting duty that these witnesses shall be protected from injury on account of their testimony. Tho investigations of crim- inal offenses are often rendered futile, and the punishment of crime impossible, by the in- timidation of witnesses, THE OVER CROW! UPREME COURT. The necessity of providing some more speedy method for disposing of the cases which now come for final adjudication to the Supreme Court becomes every year more apparent and urgent. The plan of providing some inter- mediate courts, having final appellate juris- diction of certain classes of questions and cases, has, I think, received a more general approval from the bench and bar of the country than any other, Without attempting to discuss details, I recommend that provision be made for the establishment of such courts. The salaries of the judges of the district courts in many of the districts are, in my judg- ment, inadequate. I ree: end that all such salaries now below five thousand dollars per annum be increased to that amount. It is quite true that the amount of labor performed by these judges is very unequal, but as they can not Seorerly engene in other pursuits to supplement their incomes, the salaries should be such in all cases as to provide an inde- pendent and comfortable support. THE “TRUSTS.” Earnest attention should be given by Con- gress to a consideration of the question how far the restraint of those combinations of capital commonly called ‘trusts” is matter of Federal jurisdiction. When organized, as they often are, to crush out all healthy competition and to monopolize the production or sale of an article of commerce and general necessity, they are dangerous couspiracies aguiust the public £08: and should be made the" subject of pro- ibitory and even penal legislation. The subject of an internationai copyright has been frequently commended to the atten- tion of Congress by my predecessors, The en- actment of such alaw would be ominently wise and just. NATURALIZATION Laws. Our naturalization laws should be so revised as to make the inquiry into the moral character and good disposition towards our Government of the persons applying for citizenship more thorough. This can only be done by taking fuller control of the examination, by fixing the times for hearing such applications, and b: requiring the preseuce of some one who represent the Government in the inquiry, Those who are the avowed enemies of sucial order, or who come to our shores tu swell the injurious influence and to extend the evil [ ayers of any association that defies our ws, should not only be denied citizenship but a domicile. our border, o1 officers of guaruing #9 cers, o! 1g 80 Secretary of the Treasury has authorized the employment of officers who will be assigned to this The Dominion exacts a head tax of fifty dollars for each Chinaman landed, and cross into our territory and are Sperchemaets our lo with them, as sent back without a second payment of to enforce the rotect the ‘nterests of the United e establishment of a refuge station at Point Barrow, as directed by Congress, was of a buiiding for the joint use of the hems and of the clty poet ment was partially reliew re 2 quarters for a part force, but it again over-crowded. The building office never was fit for the purpose and is inadequate and unwholesome. aoe ee, condition of ee re- of lottery advertisements and remittances is clearly stated by the Postmaster General and Rassqention as to amendments should have your favorable consideration. ‘THE NEW Navy. The report of the Secretary of the Navy shows a reorganization of the Bureaus of the Department that will, Ido not doubt, promote a grace, sabres orogan bes bon eral, sai sande lx the consiractian ot the new ships of war authorized by Congress. The first vessel of the new Navy, the was subjected to very severe trial tests tovery much adverse criticism, But it is gratifying to be able to state that a cruise around the world, from which she has recently returned, has demon- strated that she is a first-class vessel of her rate, The of the Secretary shows that while the effective force of the Navy is rapidly in- creasing, by reason of the improved build and armament of the new ships, the number of our ships fit for sen duty grows very slowly. We on the 4th of March last, thirty-seven serviceable ships, and though four have since been added to the list, the total has not been in- creased, because in the mean time four have been lost or condemned. Twenty-six additional vessels have been authorized and appropriated for, but it is | bgerie that when they are com- pleted our list will only be incre: to forty- two, a gain of five. e old wooden ships are disappearing almost as fast as the new vessels are nuded. These facts carry their own argu- ment, One of the new ships may, in fighting strength, be equal to two of the oid, but it can- not do the jing duty of two. It is import- ant, therefore, that we should have a more rapid increase in the number of serviceable ships. I concur in be 2d recommendation of the mergers that the Parenti _ merci ored ships, three boate, ive boats be waht? fue THE DISASTER AT APIA. An appalling calamity befell three of our naval vessels on duty at the Samoan Island, in the harbor of Apia, in March last, involving the loss of four officers and forty-seven seamen, of two vessels, the Trentonand the Vandalia, and the disabling ofa third, the Nipsic. Three vessels of the German Navy, also in the harbor, shared with our ships the force of the burri- cane and suffered even more heavily. While mourning the brave officers and men who died, facing with high resolve perils greater than those of battle, it is most gratifying to state that the credit of the American Navy for sea- manship, comes and generosity was magnifi- cently sustained in the storm-beaten harbor of Apia. THE INDIAN POLICY. The report of the Secretary of the Interior exhibits the transactions of the Government with the Indian tribes. Substantial progress has been made in the education of the children of school age and in the allotment of lands to adult Indians. It is to be regretted that the policy of breaking up the tribal relation and of lealing with the Indian as an individual did not appear earlicr in our legislation. Large reservations, held in common, and the main- tenance of the authority of the chiefs and head-men have deprived the individual of every incentive to the exercise of thrift, and the an- nuity has contributed an affirmative impulse towards a state of confirmed pauperism. Our treaty stipulations should be observed with fidelity, and our legislation should be highly considerate of the bestinterests of an ignorant and helpless people. ‘The reserva- tions are now generally surrounded by white settlements. We can no longer push the In- dian back into the wilderness, and it remains only, by every suitable agency, to push him upward into the estate of a self-supporting and responsible citizen, For the adult, the first step is to locate him upon a farm, and for the child, to place him in a school, School attendance should be promoted py every moral agency, end those ‘failing, should be compelled, The national schools for Indians have been very successful, and should be mul- tiplied, and, as far as possible, should be so or- ganized and conducted ax to facilitate the transfer of the schools to the States and Terri- tories in which they are located, when the In- dians in the neighborhood have accepted citi- zenship, and have become otherwise fitted for such a transfer, This condition of things will be attained slowly, but it will be hastened by kceping it in mind, And in the meantime that co-operation between the Government and the mission schools, which has wrought mach good, should be cordially and impartially maintained, THE SIOUX LANDS. The last Congress enacted two distinct laws relating to negotiations with the Sioux Indians of Dakota for a relinquishment of a portion of their lands to the United States and for di ing the remainder into separate reservations, Both were approved on the same day--March 2. The one submitted to the Indians a specific proposition; the other (section 3 of the Indian appropriation act) authorized the President to appoint three commissioners to negotiate with theses Indians for the accomplishment of the same general purpose, und required that any agreements made should be submitted to Con- gress for ratification. On the 16th day of April last I appcinted Hon. Charles Foster, of Ohio, Hon. William Warner, of Missouri, and Major-General George Crookeof the United States Army, commission - ersunder the last-named law. They were, how- ever, authorized and directed, first, to submit tothe Indians the definite proposition made to them by the act first mentioned, and only in the event of a failure to secure the assent of the the requisite number to that proposition to open negotiations for modified terms under the other act, The work of the Commission was prolonged and arduous, but the assent of the requisite number was, it is understood, tiually obtained to the proposition made by Congress, though the report of the Commission has not yet been submitted. In view of these facts, 1 shall not, as at present advised, deem it neces- sary to submit the agreement to Congress for ratification, but it will in due course be sub- mitted for information, This agreement re- leases to the United States about nine million acres of land. ° THE CHEROKEE CONFERENCE. The Commission provided for by section 14 of the Indian appropriation bill to negotiate with the Cherokee Indians and all other In- dians owning or claiming lands lying west of the ninety-sixth degree of longitude, for the cession to the United States of ull such lands, was constituted by the appointment of Hon. Lucius Fairchild, of Wisconsin, Hon. John F. Hartranft, of Pennsylvania, and Hon. Alfred M. Wilson of Arkansas, and organized on June 29 last, Their fist conference with the repre- sentatives of the Cherokees was held at Tahle- uah, July 29, with no definite results, General Joan F. Hartranft, of Pennsylvania, was pre- vented by ill-health from taking part in the conference. His death, which occurred re- cently, is justly and generally lamented by a ople he had served with conspicuous gal- fees in war and with great fidelity in peace, The vacancy thus created wus filled by the ap- pointment of Hon. Warren G. Sayre, of Indiana, A second conference between the Commission and the Cherokees was begun November 6, but no results have yet been obtained. nor is it be- lieved that a conclusion can be immedia' expected. The cattle syndicate now occup’ the lands for grazing purposes is clearly one o} the agencies responsible for the obstruction of our negotiations with the Oherokees. The large body of agricultural lands constituting what is known as the ‘Cherokee Outlet” ought not to be, and indeed cannot long be, held for grazing. and for the advantago of a fow against the public interests and the best advantage of the Indians themselves, The United States has now under the treaties certain rights in these lands. These will not be used opp: ely, but it can be allowed that those who by sufferance occupy these lands shall interpose to defeat the wise and beneficent pur, of the Govern- ment. Icannot but advan- tageons character of the offer made by the United States to the Cherokee Nation, for a full release of these lands, as compared with other Sen now made to them, will yot obtain for it a favorable consideration, THE CREEK AGREEMEXT, Under the agreement between the United States and the Muscogee (or Creek) Nation of Indians on the 19th day of January, 1989, an absolute title was secured by the United States i i ll Ai i FR it i view of the fact that several thousand persons, a many of them with their families, had gathered borders of th e calls of the Pension Office as to the military claimants are now promptly ¢ Indian Territory, with | answered. and the injurious and vexatious de- the ceded | lays that have heretofore occurred are en- lands, and at dniag would involve them in | tirely avoided. This will greatly facilitate the much loss and suffering, I did, on ~~ day | adjustment of all pending claims. of March last, issue a proclamation that the lands therein described would be open to settlement under the provisions of the law on the 22d day of April following, at 12 o'clock noon. Two land districts had been established | the Union under the Constitution, in the same | of and the offices were open for the transaction of business when the appointed time arrived. THE SETTLERS IN OKLAHOMA. month, and the admission of their duly chosen representatives to our National Congress at the Same session, ig an event as unexampled as it Itis much to the credit of the settlers that | # in*eresting. they very generally observed the limitation as to the time when they might enter the Terri- | fina tory. Care will be taken that those who en- tered in violation of the law do not secure the advantage they unfairly sought. There was a flood deal of apprehension that the strife for locations would result in much violence and bloodshed, but happily these anticipations were not realized. i is estimated that there are now in the Territory about sixty thousand people; and several considerable towns have sprung up, for which temporary municipal governments have been organized. Guthrie is said to have now a population of almost eight thousand. Eleven schools and nine churches have been established, and three daily and five weekly newspapers are published in this city, whose charter and ordinances have only the sanction of the voluntary acquiescence of the People from day to day. Oklahoma City has a population of about five thousand, and is proportionately as well pro- vided as Guthrie with churches, schools, and eile ef ers. Other towns and villages havin Populations of from one hundred to a thousan: are scattered over the Territory. In order to secure the peace of this new community, in the absence of civil government, I directed General Merritt, commanding the Department of the Missouri, to act in conjune- tion with the marshals of the United States to preserve the peace, and upon their requisition to use the troops to aid them in executing war- rants and in quieting any riots or breaches of the peace that might occur. He was further directed to use his influenve to promote good order and to avoid any conflicts between or with the settlers. Believing that the introduc- tion and sale of liquors, where no legal re- straints or regulations existed, would endanger the public peace, and in view of the fact that such liquors must first be introduced into the Indian reservatioys before reaching the white settlements, I further directed the general com- manding to enforce the laws relating to the in- troduction of ardent spirits into the Indian country. ‘The presence of the troops has given a sense of security to the well-disposed citizens, and has tended to restrain the lawless. In one instance the officer in immediate command of the troops went further than I deomed justifi- able in supporting the de facto municipal gov- ernment of Guthrie, and he was informed and directed to limit the interference of the mili- tary to the support of the marshals on the lines indicated in the original order. I very urgently recommend that Congress at once provide a Territorial government for these — people. Serious questions, which may at any time to violent outbreaks, are awaiting the institu- tion of courts for their pecotio | adjustment, The American genius for self-government has been well illustrated in Oklahoma, but it is neither safe nor wise to leave these people longer to the expedients which have tem- porarily served them. ALASKA. Provision should be made for the acquisition of title to town lots in the towns now estab- lished in Alaska, for locating town sites and for the establishment of municipal governments. Only the mining laws have been extended to that Territory, and no other form of title to lands can now be obtained. The gencral land laws were framed with reference to the dispo- sition of agricultural lands, and it is doubtful Xf their operation in Alnska would be bene- cial, We have fortunately not extended to Alaska the mistaken policy of establishing reserva- tions for the Indian tribes, and can deal with them from the beginning as individuals with, I am sure, better results, But any disposition of the public lands and any reguiations relating | to timber and to the fisheries should have « | kindly regard to their interests. Having no | power to levy taxes, the people of Alaska are wholly dependent upon the General Govern- ment, to whose revenues the seal fisheries make a large annual contribution, Au appropriation for education should neither be overlooked nor stinted, The smallness of the pulation and the great distances between ike settlements offer serious obstacles to the establishment of the usual Territorial form of government. Per- haps the organization of several subdistricts, with a smail municipal council of limited powers for each, would be safe and useful. Attention is called in this connection to the suggestions of the Secretary of the Treasury relating to the establishment of another port of entry in Alaska, and of other needed cus- toms fucilities and regulations, THE LAND Laws. In the administration of the land laws the policy of facilitating, in every proper way, the adjustment of the honest claims of individual settlers upon the public lands bas been pur- sued. ing the preceding administration, been greatly increased under the operation of orders for | sale of intoxicating drinks in the time suspending final action ina large part of the cases originating in the West and North- west, and by the subsequent use of unusual ods of examination. Only those who ure iar with the conditions under which our fa agricultural lands have been settléd can appre- i ciate the serious and often fatal conseque of a policy that puts his t under suspicion, or delays the issuance of his patent. While care is taken to prevent and to expose fraud, it should not be imputed without regson. The manifest purpose of the homestead and 8 | all those concerns that, in the | subject of local control. Our whole people : | should be made attractive an Tue number of pending cases had, dur- | above all that its repute for social order should pre-emption laws was to promote tie scttle- ment of the public domain by persons having a bona-fide intent to make a home upou the selected lands, Where this intent is well es- tablished and the requirements of the law have been substantially complied with, the claimant 1s cntitled to a prompt and friendly considera- tion of his case. But where there is reason to believe that the claimant is the mere agent of apother, who is seeking to evade a law in- tended to promote small holdings. and to se- cure by fraudulent methods iarge tracts of timber and other lands, both principal and agent should not only be thwarted in their fraudulent purpose, but should be made to feel the full penalties of our criminal statutes: The laws should be so administered as not to con- found theso two classes, and to visit penalties only upon the latter. The unsettled state of the titles to large bodies of lands in the Territories of New Mex- ico and Arizona has greatly retarded the de- velopment of those Territories, Provision should be made by law for the prompt traland final adjustment, before a judicial tribunal or grants. It is not just to an_ intelligent that their peace should be disturbed and their rosperity retarded by these old contentions, f express the hope commission, of all claims based ies Mexican The certification of the votes cast and of the constitutions adopted in each of the States was with me as required by the eighth section of the act of February 22, 1889, by the gover- nors of said Territories respectively, Having, after a careful examination, found that the several constitutions and governments were republican in form and not repugnant to the Constitution of the United States, that all the Provisions of the act of Congress had been complied with and that a majority of the yotes cast ineach of said proposed States was in favor of the adoption of the constitution submitted therein, I did so declare by a sepa- rate proclamation as to each; as to North Dakota and South Dakota on Saturday, Novem- ber 2, as to Montana on Friday. November 8, and asto Washington on Monday, November 11. Each of these States has within it resources the development of which will employ the en- ergies of, and yield a comfortable subsistence to, a great population. The smallest of these new States, Washington, stands twelfth, and the largest, Montana, third, among the forty- two in area. The people of these States are already well trained, intelligent, and patriotic American citizens, having common interests and sympathies with those of the older States, and ® common purpose to defend the integrity and uphold the honor of the nation. RAILROAD LEGISLATION. The attention of the Interstate Commerce Commission has been called to the urgent need of Congressional legislation for the better pro- tection of the lives and limbs of those engaged in operating the great interstate freight lines of the country, aud especially of the yard-men and brakemen. A petition, signed by nearly ten thousaad railway brakemen, was presented to the Commission, asking that steps might be taken to bring about the use of automatic brakes and couplers on freight cars. At a meeting of State railroad commission- ers and their accredited representives, held at Washington in March last, upon the invitation of the Interstate Commerce Commission, a resolution was unanimously adopted, wp mad the Commission *to consider what can be to prevent the loss of life and limb in coup- ling and uncoupling freight cars, and im handling the brakes of such cars.” During the year ending June 30, 1888, over 2,000 rail- road employes were killed in service, and more than 20,000 injured. It is competent, I think, for Congress to require uniformity in the construction of cars used in interstate com- merce, and the use of improved safety appli- ances upon such trains. Time will be necessary to make the needed changes, but an earnest and intelligent beginning should be made at once. It isa reproach to our civilization that any class of American workmen should, in the pursuit of a necessary and useful vocation, be subjected to a peril of life and limb as great as that of a soldier in time of war. THE AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. The creation of an Executive Department, to be known as the Department of Agriculture, by the act of February 9, last, was a wise and timely response to a Tequest which bad long been respectfuily urged by the farmers of the country. But much remains to be done to per- fect the organization of the Department so that it may fairly realize the expectations which its creation excited. In this connection atten- tion is called to the suggestions contained in the report of the Secretary, which is herewith submitted. The need of a law officer for the Department, such as is provided for the other Executive Departments, is manifest. The fail- ure of the last Congress to make the usual pro- vision for the publication of the annual report should be promptly remedied. ‘The public in- terest in the report and its value to the farm- ing community I am sure will not be dimin- isued under the new organization of the De- partment. THE WEATHER BUREAU. I recommend that the Weather Service be separated trom the War Department and es- tablished as a Bureau inthe Department of Agriculture. This will involve an entire reor- ganization both of the Weather Bureau and of the Signal Corps, making of the first a purely civil organization and of the other a purely military staff corps. The report of the Chief Signal Officer shows that the work of the corps on its military side bas been deteriorating. THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The interests of the people of the District of Columbia should not be lost sight of in the pressure for consideration of measures affect- ing the whole country. Having no legislature of its own, either municipal or general, its peo- ple must look to Congress for the regulation of States, are the ‘ec an interest that the National Capital beautiful, and be well maintained. The laws regulating the District should be revised with a view to bringing the traffic under stringent limitations and control. Inexecution of the power conferred upon me by the act making appropriations for the expenses of the District of Columbia for the year ending June 30, 1889, I did, on the 17th day of August last, sppoint Rudolph Hering, of New York, Samuel M. Gray, of Rhode Island, and Frederick P, Stearns, of Massachusetts, three emiment sanitary engineers, to examine and report upon the system of sewerage exist- ing in the District of Columbia, Their report, which is not yet completed, will be in due course submitted to Congress. The report of the Commissioners of the Dis- trict is herewith transmitted, and the attention of Congress is called to the suggestions con- tained therein. THE EXPOSITION. The proposition to observe the four bun- dredth anniversary of the discovery of America by the opening of a world’s fair or exposition in some one of our = cities will be sented for the consideration of Congress. value and interest of such an exposition may well claim the promotion of the General Gov- ernment. THE CIVIL SERVICE Law, On the 4th of March last the Civil Service Commission had but a single member. The vacancies were filled on the 7th day of May, and since then the commissioners have been industriously, though with an inadequate force, engaged in executing the law. They wore as- sured by me that a cordial support would be given them in the impartial en- forcement of the statute and of the rules and regulations adopted in aid of it. Heretofore book of eligibles has been that differences of opinion | Closed to every = except as 2 certifications as to methods may yield to the urgency of the | Were made upon therequisition of the appoint- caso, ‘THE PENSION Laws. The law now provides a pension for every soldier and sailor who was mustered into the be jus The iy ive certifications for appoint- service of the United States during the civil war and is now suffering from price Sy line of duty. ‘Two of the three necessary facts, viz, muster and disability, are usually suscepti- ble of easy proof; but the third, origin ‘in the ments. service, is often difficult, and in many deserv- ing cases impossible to establish. very many of those who ei the of our most bloody and arduous now disabled from diseases that or dis- | li ease having an origin in the service and in the | for the c! ing officers. This secrecy was the source of much suspicion, and of many charges of favor- itism in administration . Sree ier cae aan open are now publi offices, as are also the The purpose of the law was absolutely to exclude consideration in connection with under it than that of merit as aminations, The | followed, and the impairment of ‘the abil nec But, on the other hand, it is not true that incumbency is a conclusive argument for @ continuance in office. In » modera- tion, fidelity to public duty and a go ment in the disc! from the adoption of some system by which the officer would receive the distinction aad ben- efit that, in all private employments, comes from exceptional faithfulness and e! in the performance of duty. 1 have suggested to the heads of the Execa- tive Departments that they consider whether a record might not be kept in each Bureau of all those elements that are covered by the terms “faithfulness” and “efticies and « rating made showing the relative merits of the clerks of cach class, this rating to be regarded as® test of merit in making promotions. I have also suggested to the eral that he adopt some plan by which he can, upon the basis of the reports to the ad and of frequent inspection, indicate the rela- tive merit of postmasters of each class, They will be ‘opriately indicated in the official register in the report of the Department, That a stimulus would thus be given to the whole service I do not doubt, anl cach . record would be the best defense against in- considerate removals from office. NATIONAL AID TO EDUCATION, The interest of the General Government im the education of the people found an early ex- Pression, not only am the thoughtful and some- times w, utterances of our ablost states- men, but in liberal appropriations from the common resources for the of education in the new States. No one will deny that itis of the gravest national concern that those who hold the ultimate control of all public affairs should have the necessary intelligence wisely to direct and determine them. National aid to education bas heretofore taken the form of | land grants, and in that form the constitutional Power of Congress to promote the education of the people is not seriously questioned. I do not think it can be successfully questioned when the form is changed to that of a direct rant of moncy from the public treasury, Such aid should be, as it always has been, ested by some exceptional conditions. The of the otken emancipation of the slaves South, the bestowal of the suffrage, whi the States where these new citizens were chiefly found to adequately provide eauca- tional facilities, presented not only exceptional but unexampled conditions, That the situa- tion has been much ameliorated there is no doubt, The ability and interest of the States have happily increased, But a great work remains to be done, and I think the Generali Government should lend ite jaid, As the suggestion of a national grant im aid of education grows chiefly out of the condi- tiou and uceds of the emancipated slave and his descendants, the relief shouid, as far a» pos- sible, while necessarily proceeding upon some vneral lines, be cppied to the necd that sug- ted it. It is essential, if much good is to be accomplished, that the sympathy and active interest of the people of the States should be enlisted, and that the methods adopted should be such as to stimulate.and not to supplant local taxation for school purposes, As one Congress can not bind a succeeding one in such a case, and as the effort must, in some degree, be experimental, 1 recommend that any appropriation made for this purpose be so limited inannual amount and as to the time over which it 1s to extend as will, on the one hand, give the local school authorities op- portunity to make the best use of the first year's allowance, and on the other deliver them from the temptation to unduly postpone the assump- tion of the whole burden themselves, WHITE AND COLORED. The colored people did not intrude them- selves upon us; they were brought bere in chains and held in the communities where they are now chiefly found, by a cruel slave code, Happily for both races they are now free. 1 { ignorance y, Which was our shame, not theirs, made remarkable advances in education and in the acquisition of property. They bi wa people, shown themselves to be friendly and faithful towards the white race, under tempta- tions of tremendous strength. T have their representatives in the national cemeteries where a grateful Government has gathered the ashes of those who died in its defense. They bave furnished to our regular Army regiments that have won high praise from their com- manding officers for courage and soldierly qualities, and for fidelity to the enlutment oath. In civil life they are now the toilers of their communities, making their full coutri- bution to the widening streams of prosperity which these commuuities are receiving. Their sudden withdrawal would stop production and bring disorder into the household as well as the shop. Generally they do not desire to quit their homes, and their employers resent the interference of the emigration agents who seek to stimulate such a desire. But, notwithstanding all this, in many parts of our country where the colored population is large the people of that race are, by various devices, deprived of any effective exercise of their political rights and of many of their civil rights. The wrong does not expend itself upon those whose votes are suppressed. Every con- stituency in the Union is wronged. _ It has been the hope of every patriot that » sense of justice and of respect for the law would work # gradual cure of these flagrant evils, Surely, no one supposes that the present can be accepted as a permanent condition. Lf it is said that these communities must work out this problem for themselves, we have o right to ask whether they are at work upon it. of the Be Ee F g Fe uf ff i F peers ils | [ | : | I : F F i | f ik Hi i aas i A | | th i, rel i i i