Omaha Daily Bee Newspaper, December 4, 1889, Page 2

TS TS0 L, PR T NP~ MARRISON'S ~ FIRST. Annial Message of the President Delivered to Congress. PEACE AND PROSPERITY REIGNS. BExhaustive Review of Our Relations with Foreign Governments. REVISION OF THE TARIFF URGED. the Principle of Protection Must Be Maintained. But AGRICULTURE SHOULD ENJOY IT. Apply it to the Farm as Well as to the Shop. INTERNAL REVENUE AND SILVER. Both ot the Questions Dealt with at Great Longth, NEEDS OF THE ARMY AND NAVY. The Indian Pensio Re Problem Dependent Law Urgen—Civil Service eld he South- ern Urovlem Discussed. bem Upl Delivered to Congross, WASHINGTON, Dec. 3,—President Har- rison’s first aunual message was delivered 0 congress today, The Message in Briof. The president n his message directs atton- tion to the benefits to be derived from the deliverations of the Pan-American and marine conferences now in session. In an exhaustive review of foreign rela- tions he recommends earcfal consideration of the Chinese question, tho fisheries question, anew extradition treaty, and maintains the flem aud dignified attitude with which his administration opened. Ho deplores the existence of 8o large a surplus and makes sugaestions as to its dis posal. The tariff laws need revision in such a way as to maintain the protective principle and apply it to the products of the farm as well as the shop. The revonue tax on tobacco and spirits used iu the arts should be abolished. Any safe legislation on the silver question must sccure the equality of the two metals in commercial uses. The system of coast defonses and river and harbor im:provements shouid be judiciously extended. United States officors aud witnesses should be protected in the discharge of their duty. An wtermediate court, having final appel- ate jurisdiction should be established. The salaries of all Qistrict court judges should be made $5,000, A fast mail service is advocated. Moro vessels are needed in the navy. Farms for the adults and schools for the children, is the solution of the Indian prob- lem. A territoral government must be provided for Oklaboma, An appropriation must be made for tho protection of the people of Alaska. The lund policy must 100k to the facilita- tion of the claims of the settiers. A new pension law shovld be adopted. ‘The interstate railroads should be provided with automatic brakes and couplors. 4'he meterological department should be transferved to the agricuitural depsrtment, The civil service reform laws will be rigidly enforced. The merchant marine should be encouraged and developed. A national bankrupt law should be adopted. The hquor traffic in the District of Colum- bia should be under the strictest hmitation and control. National aid for educational purposes should be given the south and every civil right of the colored man respected but tho enforcement of the present law is preferablo 1o the government control of elections, THE MESSAGE, Feace and Good Will Characterize Foreign Relation To the Senate and House of Represent- atives: ‘Ihere are few transaction in the adminis- tration of government, avhich are even tem- porarily held in the confidence of thoso charged with the conduct of the public busi ness. Every step taken is under the obsery- ation of an intelligent and watchful people. ‘The state of the union is known from day to day and suggestions us to needed legislation find an earlier voice than that whicl speaks in these annual comwunications of the presi. dent to congress, Good will and cordiality have characteriz- ed our relations and correspondence with other governments and the year just closed leaves fow nternational questions of import- ance unadjusted. No obstacle is believed to exist that can long postpono the considera- tion and adjustment of the stll pending questions upon satisfactory, and honorablo torms, The dealingsof the government with other states have been and should always be marked by frankness and sincerity. ~Our urpose snould be avowed and our methods ree from intrigue., This course has born rich fruit in the past and it 18 our duty as nation to preserve the heritage of good re. pute which & century of right doing with Toreign governments has secured to us, It is matter of highsigniticance and no less of congratulation, that the first year of the second century of our constitutionnl exist- ence finds, us honored guests within our borders, the representatives of all the inde- pendent states of North and South Awmeriea met together in earncst conferenod touching the best methods of perpetuating und ex- panding the relutions of mutual interest and friendliness extended swong thewm. That the opportunity thus nfforded for promoting closer international relations and the in- creased prosperity of the states represented will be uscd for the mutual good ot all 1 can- not permit myself to doubt, The recommendations of this international couference of enlightened statesmen will have the attentivn of congress and its co- ration in the removal of unnecessary bar- riers to beneflelul intercourse between the . hations of America, But while the commer- . @l results which it is hoped will follow this conference are worthy of pursuit and of the reat juterost they have excited, it is be- ved that the crowning bemefit will be found in the better securities which may bo devised for’ their waintenance between e American nations and the settlement of all contentions by methods thav a Christian ciy- Alization can approve, While viewing with interest our national resources and products, the delegates will, I am sure, find a bigher satisfaction in the ev- idence of unselfish friendship which every- -rlkcre uutends the intercourse with our peo- v Another international couference having t posaibilities for good has late y assem- wnd is now in session in the capital. An hflhtwn was exteuded by the goverument under the act of congress of July 9, 1858, 1o all maratime nations to seud aelegates to :l;l:f:.r::lm ‘he Nl:hil:n and smendment o Tegulations goverring ves- #els and to adopt & uniform system of marine slguals. The response to the invitation bas very general aud very cordial. Dele- from twenty-six nations are presoot in conferance and they have entered upon their userul work with great zeal and with g andent appreciation of its importance, far as the mwent to be reached may require legis! 1o give it effect the co-op- eration of congress is confldently rened upon. Tt is an interesting and unpresented fact that the two international conferences have broight here tho accredited represen tatives of thirty-three nations. Bolivia, Keuador and Honduras are now represented by resident envoys of the pleniolentiary grade. Theso states of the American system now maintain aiplomatic represer.tation at this eanital, this_connection it may bo noted that all the nations of the western hemisphere with one exception ssnd to Washington envoys extraorainary and min- isters plenipotentiary, being the highest grade accorded to this government, The United States on the contrary seads envoys of lowor grade to some of our sister repub. ties, Our represontative in Paragvay aud Jraguay s o ministor resident, while to Bolivia wo send a minister resident and con sul goneral. In view of the importance of our relations with the states of the Aweri- can system our _diplomatic agenis in thoso countries should bo of the umiform rank of envoy extraordinary and minister plenipo- toutiary, Certain missions were 8o elevated by tho last econgress, with haopy effect, and 1'recommend the complotion of the reform thus begun with the inclusion also of Hawaii vd Hayti, in view of their relations to the Awmerican ayatom of states. I also recom mend that timoly provision be made for ex tending to Hawaii an invitation to bo repre sented in the international conference now sitting at this capital, Our relationship with China has the at- tontivo consic n, which their maeni. tude and interest demand. The failure of the treaty negotiated under the administra- tion of my predecsssor for the further and more compiote restriction of Chinese labor immigration,and witnit,the lexislation of the last session of congress dependent thereon, leave some questions oven, which congress #hould ndw apprcach n that wise and just soirit which should erizo the r tions of two great friendly nowers, While our supreme interests demand the exclusion of a laboring element, which ox- perience Las shown to be incompatible with our sociul life, all steps to compass the im- perative necd should be accompanied with o recogrition of the claim of those strangers now lawfully amone ue, to humnne and just treatiment. The accession of tha young emperor of China warks, we may hope, an era of progross aud prosperity for the great country over which he is ealled to rule. “The prsent state of affairs in respect to the Samonn islands is encourag The confer- ence wuich was heid i this city i the summ of 1887 between the rep- resentatives of the United States Germany and Great Britain has been adjourned because of the persistent diver- genco of views which wus devoloped in its deliberations. The subsequent course of events in.the island eives rise to questions of a serious character. On February 4 the German minister of this capital in ho- half of his government proposed a resump- tion of the oceurrences at Berlin. This prop- osition was accented, as convress in Febru- ary last was informed. Pursuant to the understanding thus reached, commissionors were appointed by me by and with the ad- vice and consent of the senate, who pro- ceeded to Berlin, where the conference was renewed., 'he deliberations extended through several wecks and resulted in the conclusion of a treatv which will be sub- mitted to the senate for its approval. I trust that the efforts which have been made to effect an adjustment of this question will be productive of the permanent establishment, of lawwnd order n Samca upon a basis of the maintenance of the rights and interests of the natives. "Pge questions which have arisen during the past_few years botween Great Britain and vhe United States ara in abeyance or in course of adjustment. On the part of the government of the Do- minion of Canada an effort has been appar- ent during tho season just ended to admini ter tho laws and regulations applicable to the fisheries with as little occasion for fric- tion as was possible and the temperate ren— resentations of this government in respect to cases of undue hardship or of harsh inter- pretations have been in most cases met with measures of traneitory relief. Itis trusted that the attainment of our first rights under existing treaties and in virtue of the concur- rent levislation of the two contiguous coun- tries will not be lonz deferred and that all existing causes of difference may be equita- bly adjusted. I recommend that provision be made by an international agreement for visibly marking the water boundary between the United States and Canadu in the narrow channels that join the great lakes. The con- ventional line therein traced by the north - western boundary survey years ago, is not, in all cases, readily ascertainable for the settlement of jurisdictional cases, A just and acceptable enlargement of the list of offenses for which extradition may be claimed and granted 1s most desirable be- tween this country and Great Britain. The territory of neither should bocome a secure harbor for the evil-doers of the other through any avoidable sbortcomings in this regard. A new treaty on this subject between the two powers has been recently 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 princival market, Justifies the expectation that the existing relations may be beneficially expanded. The impediments resultng from varying dues on navigation and from the vexatious treatment of our ves- sels, on merely technical grounds of com- plaint, in West Indian ports, should be re- moved, The progress toward an adjustment of pending claims between the Uuited States and Spaio is not as rapid as could be desired. Questions affecting American interests m connection with the railway constructed and operated by our citizens in Pern have claimed the attention of this government. It is urged that other governments in pressing Peru to the payment of claims have diss garded the property rights of American citi- zeos, The matter will be carefully investi- Rated with a view to secure proper and equitable adjustment. A similar issue is now pending with Portu- gal. The Delagoa bay railway in Africa was constructed under a cancession by Portugal to an American citizen, When nearly vom- pleted the rona was seized by the agents of the Portugese governmeut. Formal protest has been made through our minister at Lis- bon against this act, and no proper effort will be spared to scoure proper relief. Iu pursuance of the charter granted by congress and uuder the terms of the cou- tract with the government of Nicaragua, the interoceanic canal compavy has begun the construction of the important waterway between the two which its orgunization contemplates. comblications for a time seems imminent in view of a supposed conflict of jurisdiction between Nicaragua and Costa Rica in regurd W the accessory privileges to be conceaed by the latter ropublictoward the construction of works on_the San Juan river, of which the right bank is Costa Rica territory. I am happy to learn that a friendly arrangement has been effected between the two nations, This governwment bas held itself ready to promote in every proper way the adjustment of all questions that might present obstacles 10 the completion of & work of such trans. cendant importance to the commerce of this country, and indeed to the commercial inter- ests of the world. The traditional good feeling between this country and the Irench republic has re- ceived additional testimony in the participa- tion of our government and people in the in- ternational exposition held at Paris durimg the past summer. T'be success of our exhib- itors has been gratifyin he report of the commission will be laid before congress in due season. This government bas accepted under proper reserve as to its policy in for- eign countries, the invitation of the govern- ment of Beleium to take part io an interna- tional cougress which opens at Brussels on November 10 for the purpose of devising weasures Lo promote the abolition of the slave trade n Africa and Lo prevent the shipwent of slaves by sea. Our interest in the extinction of this crime against buman- ity in the regions where it yet survives has been increased by the results of emancipa- tion within our own borders. With Germany the most cordial relations continue, The questions arising trom the return to the empire of Germaus naturalized in this country are cousidered and disposed of in @ temperate spirit to the entire satis- faction of both goveruments. It is & source of great satisfaction that the internal disturbances of the republic of Hayui aro at last happily ended and that au -5.-;:‘:;11;;1 :l;.lallu zovcnllymem n-:l been con- stituted. been auly recogunized by the United States. A mixed cowmission is now in session in this capital for the settiement of long stavd- ing cl against tho republic of Veunezucla, and it is boped that » satisfactory conclusion will be speedily reached, This government has not hesitated to express its earnest de- sire that the boundary dispute now peading between Great Hrilain sod Venezuola m.ud)' be udjusted amicably and in strict sccord- ance with the historic title of the parties. The advancement of the enipire of Japan 'HE has been evidenced by the recent promulga. tion of @ now constitution valued for wuar- anties of liberty and providing for a respon- sible ministry to conduet tte government. Tt 18 oarnostly recommenaed thut jadicial rights and processos in Corea be established on a firm basis by providing the machinery necessasy to carry out treaty stipulations in that regard. The friendliness of tho Persian govern ment continuer to bo shown by its gener- ous treatmont of Americans engaged in missionary labors, and by the cordial. dispo- sition of the Shah to encourage the enter. prise of our citizens in_ the development ot Persian resources. A discussion is in pr ress toucting the jurisdiction- treaty ri of the United States i Turkey. An earnest effort will be made to define those rights to the satisfaction of those governments, Questions continue to arise in our relations with soveral countries in respect to the rights of naturalized citizons, _Especially is this the case with France, Italy, Russia and Tarkey, and to a_losser oxtent: with Switzerland, From time to timo carnest efforts have been made to regulate this subject by couventions. An improper use of natuvalization should not bo permitted, but it is 1pportant that those who have boen duly "naturalizod, shoutd everywhere bo accorded recoguition of the rights pertain- ing to citizenship of the country of their adontion. The appropriateness of spacial convontions for the purnose is recognized in treaties which this government has conclud- ed with a number of Buropean states, and it is advisable that the difficulties which wow arise in our relations with other countries on the samosupject should be similarly adjusted. The recent revolt in Brazil, in favor of the establishment of a vepublican form of gov- ernment is an event of great interest to the United States. Our mnister at Rio de Janeiro was at onco instructed to maintain friendly diblomatic relations with the provis- ional government and the Brazilian ropre- sentatives at this capital wera instructed by the provisioual government to continue their tion Our friendly intercourse with il has therofore suffered no interruption. Ounr minister has been further instrueted to extend on the part of this government a formal and cordial recognition of the new re- public 80 80on us a majority of the people of Brazil have signified their assent w0 its es- tablishment and maintenanc THE TREASURY REPORT, The Surpius, Internal Revenue—Cus- toms and Kindred Subjects, Within our own borders a general condi- tion of prosperity prevails. ‘I'he harvests of the last summer were exceptionally abund- ant, and the trade coaditions now prevailing seem to Promise a su ful season to the merchant and manufacturer and general em- ployment to our working people. ‘The report of the secretary of the treasury for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1889, lins been prepared and will be presented to con- gress, It presents with clearness the fiscal operations of the government, and I avail myself of it to obtain some facts for use here. The aggregate receipts from all sources for the year were £357,030,0 rivea as follows: TFrom custom T41.68; from internal revenue, $1 from miscellaneous sources, $32,833,503. The ordmary expenditures for the same were $281,005,615.00, and the total expendi- tures, inciuding the sinking fund, were £320,670,020.25. Tho excess of receipts over expénditures was, after providing for tho sinkiog fund, $57,470.129.59. For the carrent fiscal year the total revenues, actual and e timated, are $385,000,000, and the ordinar expenditures, actual and estimated, are ,000,000, making, with the sinking fund, a total expenditure of $341,521.116 99, leaving an estimated surplus of $I5.673.883.01. Dur- ing the fiscal year there was applied to the purchase of bonds, in addition to those for the sinking fund, $90.456,172,35, aud during the first quarter of the current year the sum 7. 037.77, all of which were credited w the sinking fund. The revenues for the fiscal_year ending June 30, 1591, are esti- mated” by the treasury departwent at $385,700,000, and the expenditures for tne same period, including the sinking fund, at £141,430,477.70. This shows an estimated sur- plus for that year of $43,500. more likely to be increased than reduced when the actual transactious are wiitten up. The existence of so large an actual and ao- ticipated surplus should have tho immediate attention of congress with & view to reduc- ing the receipts of the treasury to the needs of the goverument as ¢losely as may be. The collection of moneys not needed for public uses imposes un_unnecessary burden upon our people, and the presence of so large a surplus in the public vaults is a disturbing element in the conduct of private bnsiness. 1t has called into use expedients for putting it joto circulation of very questionable pro- priety. We should not cotlect revenue for thie purpose of anticipating our bonds beyond the requirements of the sinking fund. But any unappropriated surplus in the treasury should be 8o used as there is no other lawful way of rormng the money 10 circulation and the profit realized by the government offers substantial advantage. “The loaning of pubiic funds 10 the banks without in- terest upon the security of government bonds, I regard as an unauthorized and dangerous expedient. 1t results in a tem- porary and unnatural increase of the bank- ing capital of favored loculities and compels a cautious and gradual recall of the deposits 10 avoid injury to the commercial interests., It 18 not Lo be expected that the banks hav- ing these deposits will sell their bonds to the troasury 8o long as the present highly bene- ficlal arrangement 18 continued. They now practically get interest both upon the bonds and their proceeds, No further use should be made of this method of getting the sur- plus into cirgulation and the deposits now outstanding should be gradually withdrawn and applied to the purchase 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 necessary steps for o reduction of the revenue. Such legislation should be promptly but very considerably en- acted. 1 recommend a revision of our tariff laws, both in 1ts administrative features and in the schedules. The need of the former is generally conceded, and an agreement upon the evils and inconveniences to ba remedied and the best methods for their gorrection will probably not be difficult. Uniformity of valuation at ail our ports is essential, and effective mensures should be takon to secure it. It 1s equally desirable that questions af- fecting rates and classifications should be promptly decided. The preparation of a new schedule of customs duties is a matter of great delicacy because of its effect uponw the business of the country; of great diMculty by reason of the wide divergence of opinion as to the nbjects that may be promoted by such legislation. Some disturbance of busi- ness may perhaps result from a considera- tion of this subject by congress, but this temporary ill-effect will be reduced to the minimum by prompt action and the assur- wuce which the country enjoys that any necessary clanges will bo 80 made as not v impaic the just and reasonable protection of our homes and - dustries. The inequalities of the law should be adjusted, but the protective principal should be maintained and fairly applied to the products of our farms as well as our shops. These duties necessarily have rela- tion to other things besides the public rev- enues, We caunot Innit their effects by tix- ing our eye on the public treasury aloue. 'hey huve & direct relation to home produc- tion, to work, to wages and to the commer- ciul' independence of our country and tho wise and patriotic legislator should enlarge the field of his vision to include all of these. The necessary reduction iu our pubiic rev- enues cau, [ am sure, be made without mak- ing the smaller burden more onerous than the larger by reason of the disubilities and limitations which the process of reduction puts upon both capital and labor, ‘I'ne free list can very safely be extended by placing thereon articles that do not offer inlurious competition to such domestio products as our howe labor cau supply. The removal of the inter- nal reveuue tax on tobacco would relieve an important agricultural product from a bur- den which was imposed only because our revenue from customs duties was insufiicient for the public ueeds, If safe provisions against fraud can be devised, the removal of the tax on spirits used in the arts and manufacturing would also offer an unobjec- tionable method of reduciug the surplus, A tuble presented by the secretary of the treasury, showing the amount of woney of all kindsn ciculation each year from 1578 1o the vresent time is of interest. It appeurs that the amount of national bank notes i circulation has decroased during that period #114,109,720 of which $57,799.225 s chargeablo to the lust year, The withdrawal \of bank circulation will necessarily continwe under existiug conditions, It is probable the adop- tion of the suggestions made by the comp- troller of the currency, viz: That the the establishwent of banks be winimum deposit ot bonds for OMAHA DAILY BEE: reducod and Tt an fssue of the notes to the par value ofyghio bonds be allowed would heip to maintain fho bank cireulation. But while this withdrawal of the bank notes has been going on thiare has been a large increase in the amount of gold and silver coin in circulation and in the isspg.of old and silver cortificatos, The total aiodft of money of all kinas in cir culavion ondMarch 1, 1878, was 805,793,807, while on October 1, 1883, the total amount was 8145,018,000, There was an increase of §200,017,652 1 1y woid. and_ of 4,100 in standard silver dollars; of 9'in ol cortificates: of §276.019.715 in silver certifi cates and of §14,078,787 m United § notes, making m total of $713,07,408. There was daring the, same period a' docreaso of £114,100 790 A" bank circnlation . and . of $642,481° i mubsidy silver. Tho mot incrense was 59,224,143, The circula- tion ner capita has increased about &5 during the time coverod by the table reforred to, The total coinage of silver dol lars was on November 1, 1850, §48 003,001, of which 883,530,521 were in tho troasury vaults and §60,008, 450 were i realation. Of the amonnt in the vaults $277,410,044 were represented by outatanding silver certifi cates, leaving $6,210,577 not in cirenlation and not represented by certificates. The law requiring the purchaso by tho traasury of §2,000,000 worth of- silver bullion cact month to be coined into silver doliars of 4121 grains has boer observod by the dopart- mient: but neither the prosent secretary nor auy of his predecessors has desmed it safe to exercise the discretion given by law to increase the monthly purchases to fou million dollars. * When the law was cna (February 98, 187%), tho price of siive market was $1.40 410 per ounce, waking the bullion value of the dollar 43 cents, & thut time the prico has fallen as low s H1 9 cents per ounce, reducing the bullion value of the dollar to70.6 cents. Within the last few months the market price has somewliat advanced and on November I18th last the vullion value of the silver dollar wa conts, Fhe evil anticipations which bay compunied the conage and use of the silver doilar have not been realized. As a coin it has not had general use, and the public troasury has been compelled to siore it. But this {8 manifestly owing to the fact that its paper repsesentative is more convenient. ~The gencral acceptance and uso of the silver certificate show that silver ias ot been otherwise discredited, Some favorable conditions have contributed to maintain this practical equality in their commercial uso, between the gold and silver dollars. But some of these aro trade condi- tions that statutory enactments do not con- trol and of the contmuance of which we cunnot be certain, 1 think it is clear that if we should malke the coinage of silver at the presont ratio free, we must expect tho difference in the bullion values of the gold aud silver dollurs will bo taken account of in commercinl transactions, oud 1 fear the same result would follow' any considerable wcrease of the p ent_rate of coinage. a result would be discreditable to our financial management, and disastrous to all business interests. . Wo should not tread the dungerous cige of such a veril and indeed mothing moro hurmful could happen to the silver in- terests. Any sufe legislation upon this sub- ject must secure the equality of the two coins iu commercial uses. 1 have always becn au advoeate of the use of silver in our currency. Wo are large producers of that metal and should not discredit it. To the nlun which will be prescnted by the sec tary of the treasury for the issuance of notes of certificates, upon the deposit of silver bullion at ity mgriket value I have been able t give ‘only ;4 hasty examination owing to the press of, other matters and to the fact that it has bagn so recently formulated. The details of such a.law require carcful considoration, byt the general plan suggested by him sogms to satisfy the purpose to continue thp. use of silver in connection with our curgeney and at the same time to obviate the dunger of which I have spoken, Atalater day | may communicate further with congress ubon this subject. The enforegment of the Chinese exclusion act has been, found to be very dificult on the northwestern, frpntier. Chinamen at Victoria find it easy tg puss our border, owing to the impossibility, with the forco at the command of the custoing ofiicers, of guarding so long an inland ling, The secrotary of th e treasury authorized the employment of additional ofticers, whq will. bo assizned to this duty and eyery, offort will be nado to enforce the law. The Dominion exa¢isa head tax of $30 for each Chinaman landed and when these persons io fraud of our law cross into the territory and are apprehended our of- ticers do ngt know what to do_with them, as the Dowinion government will not suffer them to be sent back withont a sacond pay- mont of the tux. An effort will be made to veach nn understanding that will remove this difficulty. "Thie proclsmation required by section 8 of the act of March 2, 1889. relating to the killing of secals and other fur-bearing animals was 1ssued by me on March 21, and arevenue vessel was dispatched to"euforeo the Jaws and protect the interests of the United States. The establishment of o refuge station at Point Barrow as directed by congress was successfully accomplished. THE WAR DEPARTMENT. Need of Coast Defence and River and Harbor lmprovement., Judged by modern standards we ere prac- tically without coast defences. Many of the structures we have would enhance rather thau diminish the perils of their garrisons if subjected to the fire of improved guns and vary few are so located as to give full effect to the greater range of such guus as we_are now making for coast defer use. This general subject has hud consideration in cougress for some years and the appropria- tion for the coustriction of large ritied guns, made one vear ago, was, I am sure, the pression of a purpose to provide suitable works in which these guns might bo mounted. An appropriation now made for that purpose would not advance the completion of the works beyond our abil. ity to supply them with effective guns, The security of our coast cities should not rest altogether in the friendly disposition of other aations. 'Phere should be a second line wholly 1 our own keeping. I urgently recommend an_appropriavion at this session for the construction of such works in our wmuch exposed harbors. 1 approve the snegestions of the sesrdtary of war that provisions be made for encamp- ing companios of the national guard in our const works for a specifled time each yearana for their training i the use of heavy guns. His surgestion that an increase of the artil- lery force of the army 18 desirable is also, in connection, commended to the consideration of cungress, The improvement of our Lwportant rivers and burbors should be promoted by the necessary appropriations, Care should be taken that the government is nut committed 1o the prosecution of works not of public and goneral adyantage, and that the relative ui fulness of works of that class is not ov. looked. So far ns this work can ever be said 10 be completed, kdo not doubt that the end would be sovbuet and more economically reached if fower scparate works wero under- taken at the sawme time and those selected for theiv greater gencral interest were more rapidly pushed: to completion. A work once considerably begnn should not be subjected to the risk und deterioration which inter- rupted or insufidient appropriations neces- sarily occasion, '\‘llfl;-kuu.l.\lw. An Intermediate Court Recommend- cd—dudge's Salaries, Eue. The assault matle by Davia S, Terry upon the person of Jstice Field of the supreme court of the United States, at Lathrop, Cal., last August an*the lnlling of the assailant by & deputy United States marshal who bad been dupul.iz%% I, ccompany udeo Field and protect hith from violence at the hands of Terry, iu coungetion with the legal pr coedings which bive folluwed, suggest que tions which, i my judgementare worthy the attention of congress, I recomwend that more definite provision ba made by law not only for the protection of federal officars but for'm full trial for sueh cases in the United States courts, In recommeuaing such lugis- lation I do not b all impeuch eivher the gon- eral adequacy of the provision made by the orstate laws for the protection of all citizens tho geueral disposition of those charged with the execution of such laws to give pro- teotion to the oficers of tae United States. The duty of protecling the ofticers as such and of punishing those who assault thewm ou account of their oflicial acts should not be devolved exprossly or by acquiescence ubon the local authoriuies. Eveats which have been brought to my attention happening in other parts of the country bave also Rested the propriety of extendiug by legi tion fuller protection to those who may be called a8 Witnessos in the courts of the United States. The law compels those who are supposed Lo’ have knowledge of pubiic of- fouses Lo wilead upon our courts and grand SDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1889 juries and to give evidence. There is’a man- fost resulting duty that theso witnessos shail be protected from injury on account of their testimony, The investigations of crim- inal offenses are often rendered futile and tho punishment of crime impossible by the intimidation of witnesses, ho necessity of providing some more speedy methods for disposing of the cases which now come for final adjudication to the SUPremo Court becomes eVOry YOar moro ap parent and urgent. The plan'of providing somo intermediate courts having final appel- ato jurisdiction of certain classes of ques- tions and cases bas, I think, received a more general approval from the bench and bar of the country than any other. Without at tempting to discuss details, T recommend that provision should be mado for the estab lishment of such courts, The salarios of the judges of the district courts in many of the districts are in my judgment inadequate. 1 recommend that ail such salarios now below £,000 per annum be increased to that amount. It is quite true that the amount of labor performed by these judges 18 very unequal, but thoy cannot properly engaze)n other pursuits to supple ment their incomes, their salary should be such In all cases a8’ to provide an independ- ont and comfortable support. Jaruest atttention should be given by con- ress to a consideration of the question how far the restraint thogg combinations of capi- tul commonly called " “trusts,” is a mattor of foderal jurisdiction. When organized as thoy often are to crush out all healthy com ition, o monopolizo the production or of 'an article of commerco and general nceessity €hey are dangerous conspiracios against the public pood and should be mado the subjectof prohibitory and even penal logislation, ‘The subject of an_international conpyright has been “frequently commended to the at tention of congress by my predacessors, The enactment of such a law would be eminently wiso and just. Our naturalization laws should be so re. visod as to make the iuquiry into the ch acter and good disposition toward our govornmont of the persons applying for citizenship more thorough. This can only be done by taking fuller conirol of the exam- inations, by fixing the time for hearing each application and by requiring the presence of some one who shall represent the govern- ment in the inquiry. Those who are the enemies of social order, or who come to our shores to swell the injurions influence and to extend the evil practices of any ussociation that defies our laws, should not only be de- nied citizenship but a domiciie. "The enactment of a national bankrupt luw of a character W be a permanent part of our goveral legislation is dosiratlo. 1t should be simple ia its methods and inexpensive in its administration, SENT. POSTOFFICE DEPART! Valuable Suggest ons for lmproving the Service. The revort of the postmaster-general not only exhibita the operations of the depart- ment for tue fiscal year, but contuins many valuablo suggestions for the improvement and extension of the service, which are commended to your attention. No other branch of the government has so close a contract with the daily life of the people. Alost everyone uses the servico 1t offers, and every hour gained in the trunsmission of the great commercial mails is an actual and possible value that ouly those engaged in the trade can understand. The saving of ono day in_the transmission of the mails between New York and San_ Francisco, which has recently been accomplished, is 2n incident worthy of mention. The plan suggested of a supervision of the postoffices in soparate districts that shall in- volve instruction and suggestion and a rat- g of eliciency of the postmasters, would, T have no doubt, greatly improve the service. A prossing necessity exists for the erce- tion of a building tor the joint uso of the de- partment and of the city postoffice. The de- partment was partially relieved by renting outside quarters for a part of its force but it 18 again overcrowded. The buildiog used by the city oflico never was fit for the purnose and is uow ioadequate and unwholesomo. “The unsatisfactory condition of the luw re- lating to the transmission through the mails of lottery advertisements and remittances is clearly stated by the postmaster-general and his suzeestion as to amendment should hayve your favorable consideration. MORE VESSELS NEEDED, Tracy’s Recommendation in Regard tothe Navy Concurred In. The report of the secretary of the navy shows a reorganization of the bureaus of the department that will, I do nov doubt, pro- mote the efficiency of each. 1n general sat- isfactory progress has been made in the con- struction of the new ships of our navy au- thorized by congress, The first vessel of the new navy. the Doiphin, was subjected to very severe trial tests and to very much criticism, but it is gratifying to stute that a _cruise around the world from which she has re cently returned has demonstrated that she is a first cluss vessel in ner rate, ‘The report of the secretary while the effective force of the navy is rap- idly inereasing by reason of the improved build ana armament of the new ships, the number of our ships fit for sea duty grows slowly. We had on sarch 4 last, thir- iceable shins, and though four en added to the list the total has not been increased becaase in the mean- time four have been lost or con- demned. ‘Twenty-six additional vessels have been suthorized and appropriated for, but it is probable that when they are com- pleted our list will be increased only to forty- two, i gain of five. The old woouen ships are disappearing almost as fast as the now vessels are added, These facts carry their own argument. One of the new shis may, in fizhting strength, be equal to two of the old, but it cannot do the cruising duties of two. It is important, therefore that we we should have a more rapid increase in tho number of serviceable ships, 1 concur in the recommendation of the secretary that eight armoured ehips, three ubout” and five torpedo boats be author- ized. An appalliag calamity befell three of our naval vessels on duty at the Samoan islands, in the harbor of Apia, in March last, involv- ing the loss of four officers and forty -seven seamen of Lwo yessels, the Trenton ana Van. daha, und the disubling of the third, the Nipsic. Three vessels of the German navy, ulso in the harbor, shared with our snips the force of tne hurricane and suffered even more heavily, While mourning the brave oficers aud men who died facing, with high resolve, perils greater than those of battle it is most gratifying to state the credit of tho American navy for seamanship, courage and gencrosity was maguificenrly sustained in the stormbeaten harvor of Avia, THE hows that INDIAN PROBLEM. Ll Farms for the Adults and Schools w the Onlidre The report of the secretary of the iuterior cxnibits the transactions of the goverament with the Indian tribes. Substautial progress has been made 1n the education of the chil- dren of scnool age and in the allovment of lands to adult Indians. It is to be regretted uhat the policy of breaking up the tribal rela- tion and of dealing with the Indian as an io- dividual did not appear earlior in our logisly- tion, Large reservations held in common, and the maintenance of the wuthority of the chiefs and head men, have deprived the indi- vidual of every incentive of the exercise of thrift, and the annuity has contributed an af- firmative impuise towards a state of confirmed pauperism. Oar treaty stipulations sbould 0 observed with fidelity, and our legislation should be highly considerate of the best in- terests of an ignorant and helpless people. ‘The reservations are now genorally sur- rounded by white settlements. We can uo longer push the Indian back iuto the wilder- ness, and it remains only by cvery suitable agency 10 push him upward into the estate of o self-supporting and respousible citizen For the adalt the first step is to locate him oo a farm, and for the child o locate bim in @ school. School attendwunce should be promoted by every moxul agency, and those failing should bo competled. The nutional sehools for In- dians have been very successful and should e multiplied, and so fur as possible should be 80 oreanized and conducted as Lo facilitate the transfer of the sehools o the stutes or or territories in which they are located, wheu the Indians in a neighborhicod have accepted citizenship and have become otherwise fitted for such a trausfer. This condition of things will be autained slowly, but it will be hasten- ed by keeping It In ming, sud in the mean- time that co.operation between the govern- weant and the mission schools which bLas wrougnt much good should be cordially aud impartislly sustaived. "o last congress enacted two distinctlaws relating to negotiations with the Sioux lu- diaos of Dakota for a relinquishment of & 3 e portion of their lands to the United States and for dividing the remainder into separato resorvations. Both were approved on the same day, March 2, and one submitted to the Indians a'spocifio proposition, the othor (s tion 3, of the Indian_appropriation act) au thorizes the president to appoint thros com- missionors to negotiate with the Indians for accomplishment of the SAme goneral purpos and required that any agroomont made should be submitted to congress for ratifica tion. On April 7 last T appointed Hon Foster of Ohio, Hon. William W Missouri and Major General Gee of tho United States u. commnissioners under the last named. Ttey wore, however suthorized and dirccted first to submit to the Tndians the defiaite proportion made to them by tho act first, mentioned, and only in th ovent of a failure to secare the assent of the requisite number to the proportion stiations for modifiad terms u The work of the mission was prolonged and arduous, but the nssent of to requisite number was, 1t is said, finally obtained to the proposition made by con gross, although the report of the commssion has uot been submitted. In view of theso facts 1 shall not. as at present advised, deom it necessary to submit the agrecment 10 congross for ratification but it will in due courss be submitted for mformation. This nercement releascs to the United States abont 9,000,000 acres of land. The commission provided for by section 14 of the Indian approvriation bill, to nogotiate with the Clierolos indians owning or clain ing lands lyine west of the ninety-sixth degreo of ~ iongitude, for ths cession to the United States of all such lands, was constituted By the appointment of Hon. Lucius Fairehild of Wisconsin, Hon. John 1. Hartranft of Penusylvania anc Hon, Alfred M. Wilson of Aricansas, and | organized on Juno 20 last. Their first con ference with tho representatives cf tho Cherokeos was held at Tahlequah July 20 with no_definito results. General Joim . Hartranft of Pounsylvanin was prevented by ill-health from taking part in the conferonce His death, which occaread recently, is justly and gonerally lamented by a peopie hi bad served with conspicious gallantry and with groat fidelity in peace. The cancy thus oreated v s fitled by the appoint weniof Hon. Warren (. Sayre of Indiaua, A second conference between the commis- sion and the Cherokees was began Novem bor 6, but 1o resuits have yet boen obtained, nor is it balieved that a conclusion ean bo immediately expected. The cattle syndicate now occupying the lands for grazing pur- poses is clearly one of the agencies responsi- ble for the obstruction of our negotiations with tie Chorokees. Tho iarge body of agri- culturul lands coustitutivg what is known as the “Cherokoe Ontlet” ought not to be and cannot long be held for grazing aud for the advantage of a few azainst the public intor- ests and the best advantage of the Indians themselves. The United States hus now,under the treaties, certain rights in these lands. These will not be used oppressi but it cannot be allowed that those who by suffer- ance occupy these lands shall mterpose to defeat the wise and beneficont purposes of the government. 1 cannot bat believe that the advantageous character of the offer mado by the United States to the Cherokee nation for a full release of theso lands, as compured with other suggestions now made to them, will yet obtain for, it @ favorable consideration, or Charles or of we Crook ING OF OKLAHOMA, Congress Urged to rrovide a Terri- torinl Government. Undor the agreement made between the United States and the Muskogee (or Creck) nation on the 19th day of January, 1858, an ahsolute title was sccured by the United States to about three and a half millions of acres of land. Section 12 of the general Indian appropria- tion act, approved March 2, 1850, made pro- vision for the jpurchaso by the United States from ‘the Seminole tribe of 8 certain portion of their lands. The delegates of the Seminole mnation having first duly evidenced to me their powe: 0 actin that behalf, delivered a proper re loase and conveyance to. the use of all thy launds mentioned in the aet, which was cepted by me and certified to be m campli- ance with the statute, By the term of both the acts referred to, all the lands 8o pur- chased were declared to be a part of the public domain ana open to settioment under the homestead law. But part of the land embraced in those purchases being in the wggregate about five and a half million acres, had already, under the terms of the trealy of 1866, been acquired by the United States for the purposo of sewtling other In- dian tribes thereon, und had been appropri- atea to that purpose. The land remaining and_available for settlement consisted of 1,857,706 ucres, surrounded on all sides by lands in the occupancy of Indian tribes. Congress had provided mo civil govern- mont for the nveople who were to be invited by my proclamation to settle upon these lands except as the new court, wnich had been estabiished at Musco- gee, or the Unitea States conrt in some of the aojoining states had power to enforce the general laws of the United States. In this condition of things, | was quite reluctant to open the lands to settlement, but 1n view of the fact thav soveral thousand persons, many of them with their famlies, haa gatherad upon the borders of the Indian territory with a view of sccuring homesteads on the ceded lands, and that delay would involve them i much ioss ana suffering, I did, on March 2 last, issue a proclamation decluring that the lands therein described would be open to settlement under the provisions of the law. on April 25 following, 12 o'clock noon, Two lund districts had been established und the offices were open for the transaction of business when the appointed time arrived. It is much to the credit of the settiers that they very generally observed the limitation a8 to the time when they might enter the territory. Care will be taken that those who entered in violation of the law do not secure the advantage they unfairly sought, ‘Ihers was a good deal of apprehension that the strife for location would result in much violence and bloodshed, but happily these anticipations were not ro- alized, It is estimaten that there are now in the territory about 60,000 people, and several considerable towns have sprung up, for which temporary municipal governments have been organized. Guthrie is said 10 have now & population of almost 8,000, Eleven schools and three churches have been estavlished, and three daily and five weekly newspapers are published in this city, whose cuarter. and ordinances have only the sanction of the voluntary acquies- cence of the people from day to day. Okla howe City his a populution of 5,000, and is oroporiionately us well provided ws Guthrie with churches, schools and newspapers, Other towns and villages having a population of from one hundred to a thousand, sre scattered over the territory. In order o securo the peace of this new community in the absence of eivil govern- ment, | directed Genoral Merritt, command- ing the department of the Missour 1o act in conjunction with the marshats of tho United States 10 preserve the peace and upon their requisition 1o use tho troops to aid them in execuung warrants and in quieting any riots or breaches of the peaco that mizht occur, He was fuather directed o use his influence to promote good order and to avoid any con- flicts betweag or with tne settlers, Heliev- ing thut the latroduction aud sale of liguo where no legal rostraint or regulutions ex- isted, would endanger the pubhe peace, and in view of the fact that such liquors must first bo introduced into the Indian reserva- tions before reaching the white settlcments, [further directed the geueral commanding to enforce the laws relating Lo the intvodue tion of ardent spirits into the Indian country, L'l presencs of the Lroops Las given a sense of security to the well disposed citizens and has eaded to restrain the lawless. lo one wstance the officer in immediate command of the troops went further than I deemed jusufiablo in supporting the de facto municipal governmeut of Guthrie, and be was 80 informed and directed to limit the wterfercnce of the wilitary L0 the sup- port of the murshal oo the lines indicated in theoriginal order. 1 very urgently recommend that congress atonce provide & lerritorial governweut for these peole. Serious questions, which may atany time lead 1o serious outbreaks, are awasiting the institution of courts foi peaceful adjustment, The Awericun geoius for self-government bas been well illustrated in Oklavoma, but it is neither safe nor wise 10 leave these people longer to the expedients which have tewporarily severed thom, TALASKA. An Appropriation Asked for th tection of Her People, Provision should bo made for the nequ tion of titles 1o towa lots 1a LOWNS NOW e tablished in Alaska, for locating town wites aod for the establishment of municipal Pro- government, Only the mining laws have been extended to that territory, and no othor form of titles to lands can now be ob- tained, Tho general land laws wore framed with reference to the disposition of nericul= tural lands, and it is doubtful {f their opor: tion in Alaska would be benoficial. We fortunately have not extanded to Alaska the mistaken policy of establishing reservations for tho Indian tribes, und can deal with them from the boginning as in= dividuals with, I am sure, botter results, Bus any disvosition of the public lands, and any 1lations leading to timber and to the fish= cries, should have a kindly regard to theie intorosts. Having 00 power to lovy taxe the people of Alaski vholly depende: upon the gencral government, to who onues, the seal fishorios, make o large ansual contribution. An approprintion for thoie protoction should neithor bo overlooked nor stintod. “The smallness of the population and the great distances botween the settlo- ments offer sorious obStACIes to the ostab lishment of tho usual territorial form of government. Perhaps tho organization of sovoral sub-districts, with a small municipal council of limited power for each, wauld be sifo and useful Attention fs ¢al suggostions of tho s relating to tho est: of entr towms f d in this connection to retary of the troasury blishment of anotner port in_Alaska, and of othor needed cus- lities und regulations, THIS LAND LAWS, A Policy of Factlitating the ot est Settlers, In the administration of the land laws, the policy of facilituting inevery proner way the aujustment of the honest clatog of ndividual settlers on the public lands has boen pur, sued. The nomber of pending cases had during the preceding administeation, beon greatly mcrensed under the operation ‘of orders for a time suspending final action in alarge part of the cases originating in the west aud_northwest, and by the subiequont use of unusual mothods of examination. Only those wio are familiar with the coudi- tions under which our agricaltural lanc have been setuled can appreciatethe serious and often fatal consequences to the settier of a policy that puts nis title under suspicion,or delays” tho isswance of his patent. While care.is taken to prevent and expose fraud, it should not be imputed without reason. ‘The manifost purpose of the homestend and pre-emption laws was to promote tie ttioment of the public domain by porsons having a bona fide intont, to make & home on the selected lands. Where this intent 1s wall estabiishod, and tio roquivomants of tho Why have been substantinlly complied with, tho clainant is entitled (o a prompt and fricndly consideration of his case. Dut when there i8 roason to beliova that the claimant is tho mere agent of another, who is seeking to evade u law intended to promote small hold- ings ana to secure by fraudulent methods large tracts of timber and other lands, both principal and ngents shouid not only be thwarted 10 their fraudulent purpose, buu should be made to feel the full povalties of our criminal statutes. The laws should ba s0 administered as not to confound theso two classes and to visit penalties only upon the latter, The unsettlen state of the title to large bodies of fand m tho territories of New Moxico and Arizona has greatly tarded the development of thoso territories. Provision should be made by law for the prompt triul and final adjustment before a judicial tribunat or commission of 1 cluims based upon Mexican grants. It is not just to un intellipent and enterprising peopie that their peace should bo disturbed and their prosperity retarded by these old contentions. I express the iope the differ- ences of opinion us to methods may yield to the urgency of the case. DEFENDENT D1 Claims SIONS. Strong Recon dation for a New Law. Tho law provides a pension for eve dier and sailor who was mustered into tho service of the United States during the eivil wur and s now suffering from wounds or disease having an originin the service and the line of duty. Two of three necessary facts—viz: muster and disubility—are usi- ally susceptible of easy proof: but tho third —origin in the service—is often difiealt and in many deserving cases 1mpossible 10 cstab- lish. That very many of those who endured the hardships of our wost bloody and ardu- ous campaigns are now -disabled from dis- easos that had .a real but not waceable origin in the service, we do not doubt. Desides these there s another class, composed of men, many of whom served on enlistment of the three full years, and of re-enlisted veterans who added a fourth year of service, who escaped tho causalities of battles and the assaults of dis ease, who were always ready for any detml, who were 1 every battle line of their com- mand,and were mustered out in sound health, and have, since the close of the war while fighting with the same indominable and in- dependent spirit the contests of civil life, been overcome by disease or casualiLy. Lum 1ot unawire that the pension roll al- roady involves a very large annual expendi- ture, neitber am I d d by that fact from recommending Lhit Congress grant a pension to_such honorably dischurged soldicrs aud sailors of the civil war as, having rendercd substantial service during tho war, are now dependent upon their labor for & mainten- ance, and by discase ana casuality are in- capacitated for caruing it. Many of the men who would be included iu this form of rolief are now dependent upon public mid, and 1t does not, in my judgement, consist with the national honor that they shall coutinue to subsist upon the local relief given indiscriminately to paupers instead of upon the speciai and generous. provision of tho nation tiey served so gailantly and un- selfishly. Our people will, I am sure, very generaily approve such legislation, and I am equally sure that the_survivors of the union army and vavy wili feei a grateful sense of retief when this worthy aud suffering class of theéir comrades is fairly cared for. Dhere arc some manifest _inequalities in the exist- ing law that stould be remedied. Vo some of these the secrotary of the interior has lled attention, It is gratifying to be able to state that by adoption of aew and better methods i tho war department the calls of the pension oftice for information as to the military and hospital records of pension _claimants uro now promptly answered, and the injurious and vexatious delnys that have heretofore occurred aro entirely uvoided. This will greatly facilitato thoe adjustment of all pend- ing claims, TH W N1ATES, They are Rich In Kesourcos and an Industrious Peopla, The advent of four new states—Sonth Da- kota, North Dokota, Montana and Washing- ton—into the union under the constitution 1n the same month and the admission of their duly chosen representatives 10 our national congress at tho same session, is an event. s unexampled us it is interesting, ho cortifi- cates of the votes cast and of the constitution adopted in each of the states was filea with e &8 required by section 8 of the of Fobruary 22, 1850, by the governors of smd territories, - respectively, Having, after a careful examinavion, found that the several constitutio and - gov- ernments were republican in form ond pot repugnant to the constitution of the United States, that all the provisions of the act of congress had been complied with, and that o majority of tho voles cast in each of suid proposed states was in favor of the adopting of the constitution submitted therein, [ did so doclare by & separate proc- lamation us to each--us to North Dakota snd South Dakota on_Saturday, November 2; o8 0 Montaus on Friday, November 8, und as to Wasbington on Morday, November 11 Each of these states bas within v re- sources,the dovelopment of which will emptoy the euergies and yield a comfortablo subsist- ence Lo a great population. The smullest of those new states, Washinglon, stands wwelith, and the largest, Montana, third winong the forty-two, in arca. The people of these states are already well trainea, 1 telligent, and pavriotic American citizon) baviug common interests and sympathics with thoso of the older states, and a common purpose to defend the integrity and uphold the Louor of the nation DEATH-DEALING BAILWAYS, Automatic Brak. and Couplers De- ded on Interstate Hoad ‘The attention of the laterstate commerce commission has been called to the urgent need of congressional lezislation for the bet- ter protection of the lives and limba of those enguged in operating the great iaterstuto freigut lives of the country, and especially of the yardmen avd brakemen. A petition signed by nearly teu thousand rallway brake- men was prosented Lo Lhis cominission aak. ing tuet steps might be tekea U