Evening Star Newspaper, December 7, 1896, Page 12

12 sill THE EVENING STAR, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1896-16 PAGES. THE MESSAGE (Continued from First Page.) those who seek to avoid the periis which threaten them fa Turkish dominions. Our recently appoiated consul to Erzeroum is at his post and discharging the duties of his office, though for some unaccounta- ble reason*his formal excquatur from the sultan has not been issued. I do not be- lieve that the present somber prospect in Turkey will be long permitted to offend the sight of Christendom. It so mars the humane and enlightened civilization that belongs to the ciose of the nineteenth century that it seems hardly possible that the carnest demand of gocd people throughout the Chris! world for its corrective treatment remain unan- swered, THE STRUGGLE IN CUBA. The insurrection in Cuba st!Il continues with all its perplexities. It is difficult to perceive that any progress has thus far been made towards the pacification of the island or that the situation of affairs as de- pictel in my last annual message has the least improved. If Spain still holds Havana and the seaports and all the con- siderable towns, the insurgents still roam at will over at least two-thirds of the in- land country. If the determination of Spain to put down the insvrrection seems but to strengthen with the lepse of time, and is evinced by her unhesitating devotion of largely in- creased military and naval forces to the there is much reason to believe that insurgents have gained in point of und resources, and the numbers, and ch are none the less inflexible in their resolve not to succumb, without practically secur- ing the great objects for which they took arms. If Spain has not yet re-establish- her authority neither have the insu ed gents yet made good their title to be re- garded as an independent state. Indeed, as the contest has gone on, the pretense that civil government exists on the island, ex cept so far as Spain is able to main it, has been practicaliy abandoned. Spain dses keep on foot such a government, more or jess imperfectly, in the iarge towns and their immediate suburbs. But, that exc tion being made, the entire country either given over to anarchy o: is is subject to the military occupation of one or the other party. It {s reported, indeed, on re- liabif authority that, at the demand of the commander-in-chief of the insurgent army. the putative Cuben government kas now given up all attempt to exercise its func- tions, leaving that government confessedly (what there is the best reason for supp: ing it always to have been in fact) a gov ermment merely on paper. An Ambuseaded Enemy. Were the Spanish armies able to meet their antagonists in the open or in pitched Laitle prompt and decisive results might be locked for, and the immense superiority of the Spanish forces in numbers, discipline and equipment, could hardly fail to tell gre to their advantage. But they are calied upon to face a foe that shuns gen- eral engagements, that can choose and does choose iis own ground, that from the ature of the count e or invisible at pleasure, and that tights only from am- buseace and when all the advantages cf position and numbers are on Its side. In a country where all that e to Fife in the way of food, clothing and shelter ly obtainable, espe: y by those is so € born and don the soil, it i: tous that there hardly a limit to the time during whic stilities of thi be pro- jenge Meanw! as in all cases of pro- tracted the passions of ihe vatanits inflamed exe es on both sides become more frequent and more deplorable. They are 2 participated in by bands of msrauders now in the name of one party and the name of the other, a ay best occasion, harry the country ai will ler its wretched inhabitants for Such a condition of thinzs would inevitably entail immense de- structon of property, even if it were the policy of both parties to prevent it as far as sticable. But while such seemed to be original policy of the Spanish govern- it has now apparently abandoned it i is acting upon the same theory as the urgeats, namely, that the exigencies of the contest require the wholesale annihils tion of the property that it may not prove of use and advantage to the enemy. Destruction of Sugar Interests. It is to the same end that in pursuance ef general orders, Spanish garrisons are now being withdrawn from plantations and the rural population required to cou trate itself in the tow en s. ‘The eure result m to be that the industrial value > isiand is fast dimini unless there is a speedy and rad:cal change in ex’sting conditions, it will soon disap- pear altogether. That value consists very largely, of course, in its capacity to pro- duce sugar—a capacity already much re- duced by the interruptions to Ulage whi have taken place during the last two year! Ic is reliatly asserted that should th-se interruptions centinue during the current year, and practically extend, as is now threatened, to the entire sugar produciag territory of the island, so much time and A money will be required to ri store the lend to its normal productiveness that it is extremeiy doubtful if capital can be induced to even make the attempt. The spectacle of the utter ruin of an ad joining country, by nature one of the most fertiie and charming on the globe, would engage the serious attention of the gov- ernment and people of the United States in circumstances. In point of fac they have a concern with it which is by ro means of a wholly sentimental or philin- thropic character. It lies so near to us 7s to be hardly separated from our territor Our actual pecuniary interest in it Is secon only to that of the people and governm of Spain. It is reasonably estimaied that at least from $10,000,000 wou! oft an Americar capital are invested in plaita- tions and in railroad, mining and other business enterprises on the island. The volume of trade between the United States and Cuba, which in 188) amounted to about $64,000,000, rose in 188% to about $103,000.00, in Iso, the year before the present insur- rection broke out, amounted to nearly $96, 00,000, Besides this large pecuniary stake in the fortunes of Cuba the United States finds itself inextricably involved in the present contest in other ways both vexa- tious and costly. Sympathy With the Insurgent Many Cubans reside in this country, and indirectly promote the insurrection through the press, by public meetings, by the pur- chase and shipment of arms, by the raising of funds and by vther means, which the spirit of our Irstitutions and the tenor of our laws do not permit to be made the sub- Ject of crimiral prosecutions. Some of them, thovgh Cubars at heart and in all their feelings and interests, have taken out papers 2s naturalized citizens of the Unit- ed States, a proceeding resorted to with a view to possible protection by this gov- ernment, and not unnaturally regarded with much indignation by the country of their origin. The insurgents are undoubt- ely encouraged and supported by the wide- spread sympathy the people of this country always ard instinctively feel for every struggle for better and freer government, and which, in the case of the more adven- turous and restless elements of our popula- tion, leads in only too many instances to active and personal participation in the centest. The result is that this government is constantly called upon to protect Ameri- can citizens, to claim damages for injuries to persons and property, now estimated at many millions of dollars, and to ask ex- pianations and apologies for the acts of Spanish officials, whose zeal for the repres- sion of rebellion sometimes blinds them to the immunities belonging to the unoffend- ing citizens of a friendly power. It follows from the same causes that the United States is compelled to actively police a long line of sea coast against unlawful exped!- tions, the escape of which the utmost vigi- lznce will not always suffice to prevent. These inevitable entanglements of the United States with the rebellion in Cuba, the large American property interests af- fected and considerations of philanthropy and humanity in generai have led to a vebement demand in various quarters for seme sort of positive intervention on the part of the United States. It was at first Propesed that belligerent rights should be accorded to the insurgeats—a proposition no longer urged because untimely and in prac- tical operation clearly perilous and injur- ious to our own interests. No Independent vernment. It bas since been and is now sometimes contended that the independence of the in- surgents should be recognized. But imper- fect and restricted as the Syanish govern- meni of the island may be, no other ex- ists there—unless the will of the military officer in temporary command of a partic- ular district can be dignified as a species of government. It is now also suggested that the United States should buy the Is!- and—a suggestion possibly worthy of con- sideration if there were any evidence of a desire or willingness on the part cf Spain te entertain such a proposal. It ts urged, finally, that, ail other methods failing, the existing internecine strife in Cuba should be terminated by our intervention, even at the cost of a war between the United States and Spain—a war which its advocates con- fidently prephesy could be neither large in its proportions nor doubtful in its issue. The correctness of this forecast need be neither affirmed nor denied. The United to $50,008,000 of | States has, nevertheless, a character to maintain as a nation, which plainly dic- tates that right and not might should be the rule of its conduct. Further, though the United States is not a nation to which Feace is a necessity, it is in truth the mest pacific of powers and desires nothing so much as to live in amity with all the werld. Its own ample and diversified domains sai- isfy all possible longings for territory, pre- clude al! dreazns of conquest, and prevent any casting ef covetous eyes upon neigh- boring regicns, however attractive. That cur conduct towards Spain and her demin- i has constituted no exception to this rational disposition is made manifest by the course of our government, not only thus far ng the present insurrection, but during the ten years that followed the rising at Yara in 168. No other great power, it may safely be said, under cir- cumstances of similar perplexity would have manifested the same restraint and the same patient endurance. It may also be sa that this persistent attitude of the United Si toward Spain in connection with Cuba unquestionably evinces no slight respect and regard for Spain on the part of the American peopte. They, in truch, Go not forget her connection with the discov- ery of the western hemisphere, nor do they un the great qualities of the Spanish peopte, nor fail to fully recognize their splendid patriotism and their chival- to the national honor. They view with wonder and admiration the cheerful resolution with which vast bodies of men are sent acress thousan: of miles of ocean, and an enormous debt accumul that the costly possession of the gem ef the Antilles may stiil hold tts place in the And yet neither the government ror the people of the United States have shut their eyes to the course of events in Cuba, or have failed to realize the ex’stence of conceded grievances, which have ied to the present revelt from the authority of Spain— grievances recegrized by the queen r. gent and by the cortes, voiced by the mest patriotic and eri ghtened of Spanish states- men, without regard to party, and demon- strated by reforms proposed by the exec- utive and approved by the legislat:y ivarch of the Spanish goverament. It is in the assumed temper and disposition of the Spanish goverrment to remedy these grievances, fortified by indications of in- fluential public opinion in Spain, that this gcvernment has hoped to Ciscover the most promising and effective means of com- pesing the present strife, with honor and Gvantage to Spain and with the achiey nt of all the reasonable objects of the srrection. rous devotion in: Home Rule Proposed. It would seem that if Spain shounid offer to Cuba genuine autonomy—a measure of home rule which, while preserving the sovereignty of Spain, would satisfy all ra- tional reauirements of her Spanish sub- jects—there shuld be no just reason way the pacification of the island might not be effected on that basis. Such a resuit would appear to be in the true interest of all con- cerned. It would at orce stop the confiic: which is row consum-ng the resources of the island and making it worthless for whichever party may ultimately prevail. It would keep intact the possessions of Spain without touching her honor, wh.c wiil be consulted. rather than impugned by the adequate redress of admitted griev- ances. It would put the prosperity of the island and the fortunes of its inhabitants within their own control, without sever.ng the natural and ancient ties which bind them to the mother country, and would ¥et erable them to test their capacity for self government under the mosi favorable conditicrs. It has heen objected on the one side that Spain should not premise autonomy until her insurgent subjecis lay down their arms; on the other side, that promised autonomy, however liberal, ‘s insullicient, becavee without assurance of the promise heme tuitilied. But the reasonabieness ef a requirement by Spain of unconditionzl surrender on the part of the insurgent Cubans before their autonomy is conceded is not altogether ap- parent. It ignores important features of the-situation—the stability two years dura- tion has given to the insurrection; the feas- ibility ef its indefinite prolongation in the nature of things, and as shown by past experience, the utter and imminent ruin of the isiand, unless the present strife is speedily composed; above all, the rank abuses which all parties in Spain, ail branches of her government, and all her leading public men concede to exist and profess a desire to remove. Facing such circumstances, to withhold the proffer of needed reforms until the parties demanding them put themselves at mercy by throwing down their arms, has the appearance of neglecting the gravest of perils and inviting suspicion as to the sincerity of any professed willingness to grant reforms. The objection on behalf of the insurgents—that premised reforms can- rot be relied upon—must of course be con- sidered, though we have no right to assume, and no reason for sssuming, that anything Spain undertakes to do for the relief of Cuba will not be done according to both the spirit and the letter of the undertaking. What Our Government Has Done. Nevertheless, realizing that suspicions and precautions on the part of the weaker of two combatants are always natural, and not always unjustifiable—being sincerely desirous in the interest of both as well as on its own account that the Cuban problem should be solved with the least possible de- lay—iIt was intimated by this government to the government of Spain some months ago that if a satisfactury measure of home rule were tendered the Cuban insurgents, and would be accepted by them upon a guaranty of its execution, the United States would endeavor to find a way not objec- ticnable to Spain of furnishing such guar- arty. While no definite response to this intimation has yet been received from the Sranish government, it Is believed to be not altogether unwelcome, while, as already suggested, no reason is perceived why it should not be approved by the insurgents. Neither party can fail to see the import- ance of early action and both must realize that to prolong the present state of things for even a short period will add enormously to the time and labor and expenditure necessary to bring about the industrial recuperation of the island. It is therefore fervently hoped cn all grounds that earnest efforts for healing the breach between Spain and the insurgent Cubans upon the lines above indicated may be at once inaugurated and pushed to an immediate and successful issue. The friendly offices of the United States, either in the manner above outlined or in any other way consist- ent with our Constitution and law, will always be at the disposal of cither party. Whatever circumstances may arise our policy and our interests would constrain us to object to the acquisition of the island or an interference with its control by any other power. Patience May Be Exhausted. It should be added that it cannot be rea- sonably assumed that the hitherto expect- ant attitude of the United States wll be indefinitely maintained. While we are anx- fous to accord que respect to the sover- eignty of Spain, we cannot view the pend- ing conflict in all its features, and prop- erly apprehend our inevitably close rela- tions to it and its possible results without considering that by the course of events w> may be drawn into such an unusual and precedented condition as will fix a IMmit io our patient waiting for Spain to end the contest, either alone and in her own way or with our friendly co-operation. When the inability cf Spain to deal successfully with the insurreciion has become manifest and it is demonstrated that her sovereignty is extinct In Cuba for all purposes of its rightfur existence, and when a hopeless struggle for its re-establishment has de- generated Into a strife which means noth- ing more than the useless sacrifice of hemar. life and the utter destruction of the very subject matte> of the conflict, a situation will be presented ip which our obligations to the sovereignty of Sp n will be superseded by higher obligations whi we can herdly hesitate to recognize and ‘lis: charge. Deferring the choice of ways and methods until the time for action arriv: we should make them depend upon the pre- sse conditions then existing; and they shculd not be determined upon without giving careful heed to every consideration involving cur honor and interest, or th» international duty we owe’to Spain. Until we face the contingencies suggested, or the situation is by other incidents impera- tively changed, we should continue in the line of conduct heretofore pursued, thus in all circumstances exhibiting our obedience to the requirements of public law and our regard for the d enjoined upon us the position we occupy in the family of nations. A contemplation of emergencies that may arise should plainly lead us to avoid their creation, either through a careless disre- gard of present duty or even an undue stimulation and ill-timed expression of feel- g. But I have deemed it not amiss to rem'nd the Congress that a time may ar- rive when a correct policy and care for our interest as well as a regard for the interest of other nations and tne'r citizens, joined by considerations of humanity and a desire to see a rich and fertile country ntimatcly related te us saved from com- pl devastation, will constrain our gov- ernment to such ection as will subserve the interests thus invelve and at the same time prom'se to Cuba and its inhabitants an oppertunity to enjoy the blessings of peace. $ AN BOUNDARY. The Venczuelan boundary question has ceased to be a matter of difference between Great Britain and the United States, th respective governments having agreed up- on the subsiantial provisions of a treaty between Great Britain and Venezucla, sub. mitting the whole controversy to arbitra- tion. The provisions of the treaty are so eminently just and fair that the assent of Venezueia thereto may confidently be an- ticipated. Negotiations for a treaty of gen- eral arbitration for all differences between Great Britain and the United States are far advanced, and promise to reach a suc- cessful consummation at an early date. THE VENEZU ULAR SERVICE. The scheme of examining applicants for certain consular positions to test their com- pet and fitness, adopted under an ex- ecutive order issued on the 20th of Septem- ber, 1895, has fully demonstrated the use- fulness of this innovation. In connection with this plan of «xamination, promotions and transfers of deserving iacumbents have been quite extensively made, with excelle..t results. During the past year thirty-five appoint- ments have been made in the consular serv- ice, twenty-seven of which were made to fill vacancies caused by death or resigna- tion or to supply newly created posts, two to succced incumbents removed for cause twe for the purpose of displacing alien con sular officials by American citizens, and four merely changing the offic!al titie of in- cumbent from commerciai agent to consul. Twelve of these appointments were trans- fers or promotions from other positions un- der the Department of State, four of those appointed had rendered previous service under the department, eight were made of. persons who passed a satisfactory examina- tien, seven were appointed to places not in- ciuded ia the order of September 20, 1 and four appointments, as above stated, in- volvel no change of incumbency. The ins; n of consular offices provided for by an appropriation for that purpose at the last session of the Congress has been productive of such wholesome effects that I hope this important work will in the fu- ture be continued. I know of nothing that can be done with the same slight expense so improving to the service. I desire to repeat the recommendation contained in my last annual message, in favor of providing at public expense official residences for our ambassadors and min- isters at foreign capitals The reasons supporting this recommendation are strong- ly stated in the report of the Secretary of State, and the subject seems of such importance that I hope it may receive the early attention of the Congress. THE BERING SEA. We have during the last year labored faithfully and against unfavorable con- ditions to secure better preservation of seal life in the Bering sea. Both the United States and Great Britain have lately dis- patched commissioners to these waters to study the habits and condition of the seal herd and the causes of their rapid de- erase. Upon the reports of these com- missioners, soon to be submitted, and with the exercise of patience and good sense on the part of all interested parties, it is earnestly hoped that hearty co-operation may be secured for the protection against threatened extinction of seal life in the northern Pacific and Bering sea. THE © THE NATIONAL FINANCES. The Secretary of the Treasury reports that during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1896, the receipts of the government from all sources amounted to $409,475,408.78. During the same period its expenditures were $434,678,654.45, the excess of expendi- tures over receipts thus amounting to §25,. 203,245.70. The ordinary expenditures during year were $4,015,852.21 less than during the preceding fiscal year. Of the receipts men- tioned there was derived from customs the sim of $160,021,751.67, and from in- ternal revenue, $146,830,615.66. The re- ceipts from customs show an increase of the $7,863,134.22 over those from the same source for the fiseal year ended June 30, 1895, and thé rece!pts from internal revenue an increase ‘ef $3,554,537.91. The value,af our imported dutiable mer- chandise during the last fiscal year was $360,757,470,‘and the value of free goods im- perted, $100,967,470, being an increase of $6,523,675 in the value of dutiable goods, and $41,231,034 in the value of free goods over the preceding year, and our exports of merchandise, foreign and domestic, amounted in value to $S82,606,938, being an increase over the preceding year of $75,- 098,773. ‘The average ad valorem duty paid on dutiable goods imported during the year was 39.94 per cent, and on free and dutiable gccds taken together, 20.55 per cent. The cost of collecting our internal rev- enue was 2.78 per cent, as against 2.81 per cent for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1895. The total production of distilled spirits, exclusive of fruii brandies, was $6,588,703 taxable gallons, being an in- crease of 6,530,108 gallons over the pre- cedig: year There was also an increase of 1,445,576 gallons of spirits, produced frcm fruit, as compared with the preceding year. The number of barrels of beer pro- jeduced was 59,250, as against 580,78 4 produced in the preceding fiscal year, being an Increase of 466 barrels. The total amount of gold exported during the last fiscal year was $12,400,947, and of siiver $60,511,670, being an increase of § 941,465 of gold and $13,246,384 of silver over the expertaticns of the preceding fis cal year. The imports of gold were $3, 25,005 and of silver $28,777,186, being $2, 859,695 less of gold and $8,506,007 more of silver than during the preceding year. The total stock of metallic money in the United States at the close of the last fiscal year, ended on the 30th day of June, 18 Was $1,228,326,085, of which $5:,597,064 was In goid and $628,725,071 in silver. On the Ist day of November, 1896, the to- tal stock of money of all kinds in the coun- try was $2,285,410,500, and the amount in circulation, not including that In the treas- ury holdings, was $1,627,055,641, being $22.63 per capita, upon an estimated pop- ulation of 71,902,000, The production of the precious metals in the United States during the calendar year 1895 Is estimated to have been ounces of gold, of the value of $4 10 fine value 10,4900, ounces of silver, of the of $36,445,000, and the coinage The estimated producti ¢ metals throughout the world during the same period was 9, fine ounces of gold, amounting to $209,285,- 700 in value, and 140,18: fine ounces of silver, of the commercial value of $110,054,- 000, and of the coinage value of 738,100, according to our ratio. The coinage of these metals in the va- rious countries of the world during the same calendar year amounted to $242,701,- 438 in gold and $121; The total coina t the United States during the fisc June 30, 1895, amounted to $71,188,458. ich $58,878.40 was in gold coins and $12,- in standard silver doll ubsid- iary coins and minor coins The number of national banks organized from the time the law authorizing their creation was passed up to Octol: was 5,051, and of this number the date last mention. -d in active ope having authorized capital stoc O14,995 HL by 288,002, share circu! commercial 9 in silver, ts of r enc the ly The total outstanding circulating notes ¢ all nationa! banks on the Sist day of Oc- teber, 1896 includ ing unredeemed, but fully secured, notes ef banks insolvent and in process of liquida- tion, The increase in national bank cli-u lation during the year ending on that ¢ was $21,040,429, On October 6, 15 when the conditicn ef national ban«s was las reported, the total resources of the active institutions was — $3,263,6 $1 in loan: which included $1.8 dis: and £362, in mony of ail Kinds on hand. Of their iiabilithes $1,- S07, 501,053.03 Was due to individual Geposit- ors and $20 44,019 consisted of outstanl- ing circulating notes. There were crganized during the preceding the date last mentioned ty eight national banks, located in fitteen states, of which twelve were organized in the eustern states, with a capital of $1- punts: SSB year on 190,400; six in the western states, with a capital of $575,000, and ten in the scuth- ern states, with a capital of 31,190,000, During the year, however, thiczy-seven banks voluntarily abandoned their fran- chises under the national law, and in tke case of twenty-seven others it was found necessary to appoint receivers. Therefore, as compared with the year preceding, there was a decrease of thiriy- six in the number of active ban¥s. The rumber of existing banks organized under state laws is 5 IMMIGRATION. ‘The number of immigrants arriving the United States during the fiscal was (4,267, of whom 240,468 were permit- ted to land, and 2,799 were debarred on various grounds, prescribed by law, and returned to the countries whence they came, at the expense of the steamshi, companies by which they were brought in. The increase In immigration over the pre- in year ceding year amounted to 54,731. It is re- ported that, with some exceptions, the im- migrants of the past year were of a hardy, laboring class, accustomed and able to earn a support for themselves, and it is esti- mated that the money brought wiin them amounted to at least $5,000,0, though it was probably much in excess of that sum, since only those having less than $30 are required to disclose the exact amount, and it is known that many brought consider- able sums of money to buy land and bui homes. Including all the immigraais er- riving who were over four age, 28.6% per cent were _ illiterate, against 20.37 per cent of those f that arriving during the preceding fiscal year. The number of immigrants over fourteen years old, the countries from which they came, and the percentage of illiter among them, Were as follows: Italy, 57,515, with 54.59 per cent; Ireland, 37,496, with 7 per cent; Russia, 188, with 41.14 per cent; Austria-Ilungary and provinces, 5 033, with 35.02 per cent; Germany, « with 2.96 per cent; Sweden, 18,21, with 1.1 per cent, while from Portugal there came 2,067, of whom 77.69 per cent were illiterate. There arrived from Japan during the year only 1,110 immigrants, and it is ne opinion of the immigration authorities that the apprehension heretofore existing to some extent of a large immigration from Japan to the United States is without any sub- stantial foundation. a years of as. tes 4, OTHER TREASURY TOPICs. Frem the life-saving service it is re- ported that the number of disasters to documented vessels within the limits of its operations durirg the year was 437. These vessels had on board 4,608 persons, of whem 4,595 were saved and 13 lost. ‘The value of such vessels is estimated at $8,- 890,140, and of their cargoes $3,846,350, mak- ing the total value of property imperiled $12,726,520. Of this amount $11,292,707 was saved and $1,432,750 was lost. Sixty-seven of the vessels were totally wrecked. There were besides 243 casualties to small undoc- umented craft, on board of which there were 504 persons, of whom 587 were saved and 7 were Icst. The value of the property involved in these latter casualties is esti- mated at $119,265, of which $114,915 was saved and $4,350 was lost. The life-saving crews during the year also rescued or as- sisted rumerous other vessels and warned mary from danger by signals, both by day and night. The number of disasters dur- ing the year exceeded that of any previous year in the history of the service. but the .manufa saving of both life and property was great- er than ever before in proportion to the value of the property involved and to the number of persons imperiled. The opera- tions of the Marine Hospital service, the revenue cutter service, the steamboat in- spection service, the lighthouse service, the bureau ‘of navigation, and other branches of rublic work attached to the Treasury Department, together with various recom- mendations concerning their support and improven-ent, are fully stated in the report of the Secretary of the Treasury, to which the attention of the Congress is especially Invited. THE WAR DEPARTMENT. The report of the Secretary of War ex- hibits satisfactory conditions in the several branches of the public service intrusted to his charge. The Mmit of our military force, as fixed by law, is constantly and readily main- tained. The present discipline and morale of our army are excellent, and marked prog- ress and efficiency are apparent throughout its entire organization. With the exception of delicate duties in the suppression of slight Indian d'sturbances along our south- western boundary, in which the Mexican troops co-operated, and the compulsory but Peaceful return, with the consent of Great Britain, of a band of Cree Indians from Montana to the British possessions, no ac- tive operations have been required of the army during the year past. Changes in methocs of administration, the abandonment of unnecessary posts and consequent concentration of troops, and the exercise of care and vigilance by the va- rious officers charged with the respons?bil- ity, in the’ expenditure of the appropria- tions, have resulted in reducing to a mini- mum the cost of maintenance of our mili- tary establishment. ‘ During the past year the work of con- structing permanent infantry and cavalry Posts hes been continued at the places heretofore designated. The Secretary of War repeats his recommendation that ap- propriations for barracks and quarte should more strictly conform to the needs of the service as judged by the department rather than respond to the wishes and im- portunities of localities. It is imperative that much of the money provided for such construction should now be allotted to the erection of necessary quarters for the gar- risons assigned to the coast defenses, wi many men will be needed to properly care for and operate modern guns. It is essen- Ual, too, that early provision be made to supply the necessary force of artillery to meet the demands @f this service. ‘The entre army has now been cauipy with the rew magazine arms, and wise po!- icy demands that all available puiiic and pilvate resources should be so employed te provide within a reasonable time a suffi cient number to supply the state militia with these modern Weapons and provide an ample reserve for any emergence: The organized militia numbers 12,7) men, The zppropriations for its support by the several states approximate $2,501,000 arnually, and $400,000 is contributed by the general goverrment. these troops to I inspired with in man: proper arm: il ry interc are so defie‘ent in and equipment that a sudden call to active duty would find them ind equately prepared for field service. for recommend that prompt mea’ to remedy this condition, every encouragement be given to this d serving body ef unpeid and voluntary eitt- zen soldiers, upen whose assista we must largely rely in Ume of trouble. Sencoasi Defenses, Dur: the past year rarid progress he~ been made toward the completion of tie scheme adopted for the erection and arma- ment of fortificatior along our seacoast, while equal progre has been made i rine connection with these works. It is pecullarly gratifying at this note the great advance that has been ma¢ this important undertaking since the date of my annzal message to the Fifty- third Con at the opening of its second sion im December, 180 informed the Congres At that tix cempletion of n: ach, twenty inch and thirty-four eight-inch high-po steel guns and y-five twely rifled mortars. ‘This total then scemed significant when compared with the great work remainirg to be done. Yet it w none the less a source of action to every citizen when he reflected that itr resented the first installment of the ordnance of American design and Americ ture, and demonstrated our abi to supply from our own resources guns of unexcelled power and accu At that date, however, there were practically no carriages upon which to mount these guns, and only thirty-one emplacements for guns and sixty-four for mortars. Nor were all these emplacements in con- dition to receive their armament. Only onc high-power gun was at that time in position for the defense cf the entire coast. Since that time the number of guns aci- ually completed has been increased to a total of twenty-one twelve-inch, fifty-six ten-inch, sixty-one cight-inch high-po breechloading steel guns, ten rapid-fire guns and eighty twelve-inch rifled mortars. In addition there are in process of con- struction one sixteen-inch type gun, fifi twelve-inch, fifty-six ten-inch, twenty-seven cight-inch high-power guns and sixty-six twelve-inch rifled mortars; in all, 428 guns and mortars. During the same year immediately pre- ceding the message referred to, the first modern sun carriage had been compieted and eleven more were in process of con- struction. All but one were of the no: disappearing type. These, however, were not such as to secure ne ary cover for the artillery gunners against the intense fire of modern machine rapid-fire and high- power guns. The inventive genius of ordnance and civilian experts has been taxed in design- ing carriages that would obyiate this faust, resulting, it is believed, in the solution of this difficult problem. Since 1893 the num- ber of gun carriages constructed or build- ing has been raised to a total of 129, of which 9 are on the disappearing priaciple, ard the number of mortar carriages to 152, while the 95 emplacements which were pro- vided for prior to that time have veen in- creased to 280 built and building. This improved sitnation is largely due to the recent generous response of Congress to the recommendations of the War De- partment. ‘Thus we shall soon have complete about one-fifth cf the comprehensive system, the first step in which wes noted in my m sage to the Congress cf December 4, 1803. When it is understood that a masonry emplacement not only furnishes a platform for the heavy modern high-power gun, but also in every particular serves the purzose and takes the place of the fort of former days, the importance of the work accom- plished is better comprehended. In the hope that the work will be prose- cuted with no less vigor in the future, the Secretary of War has submitted an esti- mate by which, if allowed, there will be provided and either built or building by the end of the next fiscal year such addi- tional guns, mortars, gun carriages and emplacements as-will represent not far from one-third of the total work to be done under the plan adopted for our coast de- fenses, thus affording a prospect that the entire work will be substantially completed within six years. In less time than that, however, we shall have attained a marked degree of security. ‘The experience and re- sults of the past year demonstrate that with a continuation of present careful methods, the cost of the remaining work will be much less than the original esti- mate. We should always keep in mind that of new 2 We aim at pleasing our customers as by the extreme moderation of our outlay to its uttermost cent. equitable in existence. OSS SS O0SSO06 Bed Room and Parlor Suites, e Massive Oak Bed Root Landsenely carved, ere dea S-in. washstend, Ww 28x34 Frenes plate glass. mA 1¢-plece_Hand-o rated Tollet Sete... $ $2.48 Furniture Items. onan TH $6.50 ig ok tienen Te $3 BO dowood F4e. id sb sara, $18.00 | bat 2 ot $6.50) CASH OR v Finc Jo Rocke : A Magnitic Yandson se, Beautiful Lire Large Oak a” bargain Ladiex’ Reiiabie O 5 and ( You are missing the atest this sale slip by without buying. ( lowest prices ever known! ( wise y Here are good one few items $132 | aa SU | 5 ee ee S68 | t Diamond, $122 | $92 worth $162—ne ae et Dixmond, $125 wor mi One Unset Diamond, perfect ; Henry F. Wood ~SeTEOee ‘as of military preparation, coast de- fense alone is essentially pacific in its na- ture. While it gives the sense of sec duc to a consciousness of strength, it ner the purpo: permanent fortification to involve vs in ‘n colaplications, but rather to guar- 2 Us against them, They are not temp- tation to war, but security against it, Thus they are thorougily in accord with | € tradt‘ons of our national diplomacy. is + nor the effect of such DEPARTMENT Or The Aztorney General presents a detailed and interesting statement cf the important work done under his supervision during the la cal year. The ownership and management by the JUSTICE, government of penitentiaries for the con- | finement of those ecnvicted in United States | courts for violations of felefal laws, which for many years has been a subject of ex- ecutive reccmmendation, has at last, to a slight extent, been realized by the utiliza- tion of the abardoned y prison at Fort Leavenworth as a United States peni- | tentiary This is certainly a movement in the right dircetion; but it ought to be at once sup- plemented by the rebuilding or extensive ea- largemenit of this improvised prison, and | the construction of at least one more, to b located in the southern stat he pacity of the Leavenworth penitentiary is so limited that ihe of ain- tenance, calculated rate upon the number of commocate, does not at an exhibit as it would if it were larger and better adapted to prison purposes; but I am thoroughiy convinced that economy, humanity and a proper sense of respensi- } e whom Ww duty toward tt violaiions of federal Inw di federal should have bility the government the entire control and management of the | penitentiaries where convicted violators are confined. fer of the to its It appears that since the tran Fort Leavenworth’ military 1 new uses the work previously done 1 oners confined there, and for whi pensive machinery has been provided been discontinued. This work i the manufacture of articles for a now done elsewhere. On al! xroz exceedingly desirable that the convicts con- fined in this penitentiary be allowed to re- sume work of this Ceseription. It 1s most gratifying to note the satis-! factory results that have followed the in- auguration of the new system provided for by the act of May 28, 1896, under which certain federal officials are compensaied by salaries instead of fees. The new plan was put in operation on the ‘st day of ; July, 1896, and already the great economy | it enforces, its prevention of abuses, ard | its tendency to a better enforcement of the laws, are strikingly apparent. Detailed evidence of the usefulness of this long-de- layed but now happily accomplished re- form will be found clearly set forth in the Attorney General's report. THE POSTAL SERVICE. Our Post Office Department ts in xood condition and the exhibit made of its op- erations during the fiscal year ended June <0, 1896, if allowance is made for imper- fections in the laws applicable to it, is very satisfactory. The total receipts dur- ing the year were $82,409,208.40. The total expenditures were $0,026,206.84, exclusive of $1,559,898.27, which was earned by the Pacific railroads for transportation end credited on their debt to the government. on pris- exe 19OSS SESDSEE As much by the variety, the merit and the beauty of our stock fact that similar goods can be purchased nowhere clse in to so reasonably as here. Whether you pay cash, or whether you have credit, you can always rely on getting an honest value ec Its fairness has built up our great busi- ness. You are welcome to all you need of i MAYER & PETTIT, Espeei monds, which are offered at even less than cost prices! \ aril hurry—and not wait until the best things are all sold! °> selected iror _ Everett Art Store, ° : 1225 F Street. It is an undeniable mn iT prices. for Our credit system is the most All Heavy Inzrain.... 30. .. O5C. Gool Quality Brus‘els... Good Quality Velvet, Liree ... Soc. Put Se Wet... OBEe All carpets made, laid and lined free of charge. CREDIT. Full Size Lacs Ca Doub utfitters, treet N.W. = ag P>L>$>B ett Stock, 1225 F Street. bargains of the year if you let /? Everything is being sold at the )) ally is this true of our Fine Dia- ©) li you're }) m hundreds of other equally )) » : ) A lot of Diamond ro ee POD Another lot Diamond Rings, worth $12. $9.35 “juise Ring, worth $54 : Stick Pins. eft t Gold ) $1.25 "6 - iy at Y ns. Fine He: » worth §5 SISA ) S ard, Assignee, > ) PID There was an increase of receipts over the previous year of $5,516, + or Zl per cent, and an increase of expenditures of SENIGIZLOZ, or 442 per cent. The deficit Was $1.679,956.19 Ices than that of the pre- ceding year. The chief expenditures of the postal service are regulaied by law end ure not in the control of the Postmaster Gen- eral. All that he can accomplish by the most watchful administration and economy is to enforce prompt and thorough collec- tion and zccounting for public moneys and such minor sav neo in small expenditures and in letling those contracts for post of- fice supplies and star service which are not regulated by statute. An effective co- operation between the auditor's office and the Post Office Departmert, and the making j and enforcement of orders by the depart- ment requiring immediate notification to their sureties of all delinquencies on the part of posimasters, and compelling such postmasters to make more frequent posits of postal funds, have rtsulted in rrompter auditing of their accounts much less default to the government t heretofore. a nd n The year's report shows large ex ns of both star route service and ralil- way mad} service, with increased postal facilities. Much higher accuracy in hand- ling mails has also been reached, as pears by the decrease of errors in the rail- way mail service and the reduction of mail matter returned to the dead letter oftice. The deficit for the last year, although much less than that of the last and qv ceding years, emphasizes the a ion lo correct t class rates ity growing aly to which th Y attributable. The at the rate of 1 cent a pour librazies, advertising sheets, ga (pcriodicais advertising some ticular “house” or institution), sa copies and the iike, ought certainly t discontinued. A glance at the revennes received for the work done last r will show more plainly than any c " ment, the abuse of the p and the growing waste of its earnings The free matter carried in the maids for 0s: the departments, offices, &c., of the gov- }ernment and for Congress, in poun is, amounted to 4,480,189, If this is offset against buildings for : ost offices and would more postal servi stations, the rental of whih than compersate for such free e, we have this exhibit Weight of mai! matter (other than abo transmitted through the mails for the y ending June 30, 1896. Class, stic and and postal 3 The remainder of our postal revenue amounting to something more than %& 0) was derived from box rents, registr: feés, money order business and other simi- lar items. These entire expenditures of the depart- ment, including pay for transportation credited to the Pacific ratiroads, was $i2,- 186,195.11, which may be considered as the cest of receiving, carrying and delivering the above mail matier. It thus appears that, though the second-class matter con- stituted more than two-thirds of the total that was carried, the revenue derived from $77,044, (Continued on Thirteenth Page.)