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M'KINLEY'S ANNUAL MESSAGE
(Continued from Sixth Page.)
day of June last, I laid before the Senate
of the United States a treaty signed that
• day by the plenipotentiaries of the United
States and of the republic of Hawifil, hav
ing for Its purpose the incorporation of
the Hawaiian islands as an integral part
of the United States, and under its sov
ereignty. The Senate having removed the
injunction of secrecy, although the treaty
Is still pending before that body, the sub
ject may properly be referred to in this
message because the necessary action of
congress is required to determine by leg
islation many details of the eventual un
ion should Iho fact of annexation be ac
complished, os I believe it should be.
While consistently disavowing from a very
early period any aggressive policy of ab
sorption in regard to the Hawaiian group,
a long series of declarations through
three-quarters of a century has proclaim
ed the vital interest of the United States
in the independent life of the islands and
their intimate commercial dependence up
on this country. At the same time it has
been repeatedly asserted that in no event
could the entity of Hawaii statehood cease
by the passage of the islands under the
domination or influence of any power than
the United States. Under these circum
stances the logic of events required that
annexation, theretofore offered but de
clined, should in the ripeness of time come
about is the natural result of the strength
ening ties that bind us to those islands,
and be realized by the free will of the
Hawaiian state.
That treaty was unanimously ratified
■without amendment by the Senate of the
republic of Hawaii on Sept. 10 last, and
only awaits the favorable action of the
American Senate to affect the complete
absorption of the Islands into the domain
of Ihe United States. What the condi
tions of such a union shall be, the politi
cal relation thereof to the United States,
the character of the local administration,
the quality and degree of the elective
franchise of the Inhabitants, the extension
of the federal laws to the territory or the
enactment of special laws to fit the pe
culiar condition therefor, the regulation
if need be, of the labor system therein,
are all matters which the treaty has wise
ly relegated to the congress. If the treaty
is confirmed, as every consideration of
dignity and honor requires, the wisdom of
congress will see io It that avoiding ab
rupt assimilation of elements, perhaps
hardly yet fit to share in the highest fran
chises of citizenship, and having due re
gard to the geographical conditions, the
fhost jusit provisions for self-rule in local
matters, with the largest political liber
ties as an integral part of our nation,
will be accorded to the Hawaiians. No
less is due to a people, who. after nearly
five years of demonstrated capacity to ful
fil the obligations of self governing state
hood, come of their free will to merge
their destinies in our body politic.
The questions which have arisen be
tween Japan and Hawaii by reason of the
treatment of Japanese laborers emigrating
to the islands under the Hawaiian-Japa
nese convention of 1888 are In a satisfac
tory stage of Battlement by negotiation.
This government has not been invited to
mediate, and on the other hand has Bought
no intervention in that matter, further
than to evince its kindliest disposition to
ward such a speedy and direct adjustment
by the two sovereign elates in interest as
shall compare with equity and honor. It
Is gratifying to learn that apprehensions at
first displayed on the part of Japan Jest
the cessation of Hawaiian national life
through annexation might impair prlvl
leges to which Japan honorably laid claim,
have given place to confidence in the up
rightness of this government and in the
sincerity of Its purpose to deal with all
ultra questions in the broadest spirit of
friendliness.
Creator Republic ot Central America,
As to the representation of this govern
ment to Nicaragua, Salvador and Costa
Rica, I have concluded that Mr. William
L. Merry, confirmed as minister of the
United Staten to the states ot Salvador,
Nicaragua and Costa Rica, shall proceed
to Sun Jose, Costa Rica, and there tem
porarily establish the headquarters of the
United States to those three states. I
took this action for what I regarded as
the paramount interests of this country.
It was developed upon an Investigation by
the Secretary of State that the governors
of Nicaragua, while not unwilling to re
ceive Mr. Merry in his diplomatic quality
was untkole to do so because of the com
pact concluded Juno 20, 1894, whereby
these republics and those of Salvador and
Honduras, forming what ts known as the
Greater Republic of Central America, had
surrendered to the representative diet
thereof their rights to send and receive
diplomatic agents. The diet was not will
ing to accept him because he wns not ac
credited to that body. I could not ac
credit him to that body because the appro
priation law of congress did not permit.
Mr. Raker, the present minister at Man
tua, has been directed to present his let
ters ot recall,
■air. W. Godfrey Hunter has likewise been
accredited to the government of Guate
mala and Honduras, the same as has his
predecessor. Guatemala is not a mem
bcr of the Greater Republic of Central
America, but Honduras is, Should this
latter government decline to receive him,
he has been Instructed to report this fact
to hi# government and await II future in
structions.
Nicaraaaan Canal,
A subject ot large Importance (o our
country and increasing appreciation on
the part of our people is the completion
of the that highway of trade between
the Atlantic and Pacific known aa the
Nicaraguan canal. Its utility and iahie
to American commerce is universally ad
mitted, The commission appointed un
der date of July M last "to continue the
surveys and examinations authorised by
the act approved March 2, IS9S,” in regard
to "the proper route, feasibility and cost
of construction of the Nicaraguan canal,
with a view of making complete plans for
the entire work of construction of such
canal," is now employed in the undertak
ing. tn the future | shall take occasion
to transmit to congress the report of this
evtnmlaiton, making, at the same tins'
further suggestions as may then’
stem advisable.
International Btmetalllam.
Vhder the provisions of the act of con
gress. approved March 3, IS9T, for the pro
motion of an International agrevmetK* re
specting bimetallism. I apiHflntv I the Hth
day of April. is»7 Hon. Reward' O Wol
cott. of Colorado;Hon Adial R. Stevenson,
of Illinois, and Hon t'harles j Pain xf
Massachusetts, as HWrttl envova toreor-’.
k r»t the UtAted States. They have been dil
igent In their efforts to secure the con -\r
iM>nee Wil cooperation of Kurop, an coun
tries In the In.'cmntlonn! settlement of the
quest 100. but up to this time haw u.q
been abte to secure an Agreement co --
temptated hy their m.tedoi*. The rratifv
*»»< action of cur great abter rvpuMk- of
France In joining this country in tan at
tempt to bring about an: agreement be
tween the commercial nations of Europe
whereby a fixed and relative value, be
tween gold and silver may be established
furnishes assurances that we are not alone
among the larger nations of the world in
realizing the international character of the
problem, and in the desire of reaching
some wise and practical solution of it. The
British government has published a re
sume of the steps taken jointly by the
French ambassador in London and the
special envoys of the United States with
whom our ambassador at London active
ly co-operated in the presentation of this
subject to her majesty’s government. This
will be laid before congress. Our special
envoys have not made their final report,
as further negotiations between the rep
resentaives of this government and the
governments of other countries are pend
ing, and in contemplation. They believe
that doubts which have been recommend
ed in certain quarters respecting the ques
tion of maintaining the stability of the par
ity between the metals and kindred ques
tions may yet be solved by further negoti
ations. Meanwhile, it gives me satisfaction
to state that the special envoys have al
ready demonstrated their ability and fit
ness to deal with the subject, and it is to
be earnestly hoped that their labors may
result in an international agreement which
will bring about recognition of both gold
and silver as money upon such terms and
with such safeguards as ,will secure the
use of both metals upon a basis which
shall work no Injustice to any class of our
citizens.
Reciprocity Negotiations.
In order to execute as early as possible
the provisions of the third and fourth sec
tions of the revenue act, approved July 27,
1897, I appointed the Hon. John A. Kasson
of lowa, a special commissioner plenipo
tentiary to undertake thd requisite nego
tiations with foreign countries desiring to
avail themselves of these provisions. The
negotiations are now proceeding with sev
eral governments European and
American. It is believed that by a care
ful exercise of the powers conferred by
that act some grievances bf our own and
other countries in our mutual trade rela
tions may be either removed or largely
alleviated, and that the volume of our
commercial, exchanges may be enlarged,
with advantage to both contracting par
ties.
Merchant Murine.
Most desirable.from every standpoint of
national interest and patriotism is the
effort to extend our foreign commerce. To
this end our merchant marine should be
improved and enlarged. We should'do our
full share of the carrying trade of the
world. We do not do it now. We should
be the laggard no longer. The inferiority
' of our merchant marine is justly humil
iating to the national pride. The govern
ment by every proper constitutional means
should aid in making our ships familiar
visitors at every commercial port of the
world, thus opening new and valuable
markets to the surplus products of the
farm and the factory.
Protection of the Seals.
The efforts which had been made during
the two previous years by my predeces
sor to secure better protection to the seals
of the North Pacific ocean and 'Bering
sea were renewed at an early date by this
adminlHtratton and have been pursued
with earnestness. Upon my invitation,
the governments of Japan and Russia
sent delegates to Washington and an in
ternational conference was held during the
months of October and November last,
wherein it was unanimously agreed that
under the existing regulations this species
of useful animals was threatened with
extinction, and that an international agree
ment of all the Interested powers was nec
essary for their adequate protection.
The government of Great Britain did not
see proper to lie represented at this con.
ference, but subsequently sent to Wash
ington as delegates the expert commis
sioners of Great Britain and Canada, who
hud during the past two years visited the
Prybolof Islands and -who met in confer
ence similar commissioners on the part
of the United States. The result of this
conference was an agreement on import
ant facts connected with the condition of
the seal herd, heretofore in dispute, which
should place beyond controversy the duty
of the governments concerned to adopt
measure without delay for the preserva
tion and restoration of the herd. Negotia
tions to this end are now in progress, the
result of which I hope to be able to re
port to congress at an early day.
Interim t lona I Arbitration.
International arbitration cannot be omit
ted from the list of subject claiming our
attention. Events have only served to
strengthen the general views on this ques
tion expressed In my inaugural address.
The best sentiment of the civilized world
is moving toward the settlement of dif
ferences between nations without resort
ing to the horrors of war. Treaties em
bodying these humane principles on broad
lines without in any way imperiling our
Interests or our honor shall have my con
stant encouragement.
I’nrin Exposition.
The acceptance by this government of
the invitation of the republic of France
lo participate in the universal exposition
of 1960 at Paris was immediately followed
by the appointment of a special commls
sloner to represent the United States in
the proposed exposition with special refer
ence to the securing ot space for an ade
quate exhibition on behalf of the United
States.
The special commissioner delayed hts de
parture for Paris long eough to ascertain
the probable demand for space by Amen
can exhibitors. His inquiries developed
an almost unprecedented Interest in the
proposed exposition and the information
thus acquired enabled him to justify an
application for a much larger allotment of
space for the American section than had
been reserved by the exposition authori
ties. The result was particularly gratify
ing, in view of the fact that the United
States was one of the last countries to
accept the invitation of France.
The reception accorded our special com
missioner was most cordial and he was
given every reasonable assurance that
the United States would receive a consid
eration commensurate with the propor
tions of our exhibit. The report of the
special commissioner as to the magnitude
atul Importance of the coming exposition,
and the great demand for space for Amer
ican exhibits, supplies new arguments for
a liberal and judicious upproixwtion by
congress that an exhibit fairly represen
tative of the Industries and tesources of
our country, may be made in an exposi-
I tion which will illustrate the world's pro
gress during the nineteenth century. That
exposition Is Intended to be the most im
portant. and comprehensive of the long
series of International exhibitions of which
our own at Chicago was a brilliant exam
ple. and it is desirable that the United
States should make a worthy exhibit of
American genius and skill and their un-
THE WEEKLY NEWS (TWO-TIMES- AtWEEK) THURSDAY, DECEMBEK9.IB97.
rivalled achievements in every branch of
industry.
The present immediate effective force of
the navy consists of four battleships of the
first-class, two of the second a,nd forty
eight other vessels, ranging from armored
cruisers to torpedo boats. There are un
der construction five battleships of the
first class, sixteen torpedo boats and one
submarine boat. No provision has yet
been made for thfe armor of three of the
five battleships, as it has been impossible
to obtain it at the price fixed by congress.
It is of great importance that congress
provide this armor, as until then the ships
are of no fighting value.
The present naval force, especially in
view of its increase by ships now under
construction, while not as large as that of
a few other powers, is a formidable force,
its vessels are the very best of each type;
and, with the increase that should be made
to it from time to time in the future and
careful attention to keeping it in a high
state of efficiency and repair, it is well
adapted to the necessities of the country.
The great increase of the navy which
has taken place in recent years was jus
tified by the requirements for national de
fense, and has received public approbation.
The time has now arrived, however, when
this increase to which the country is com
mitted should for a,time take the form of
increased facilities commensurate with the
increase of our naval vessels. It is an un
fortunate fact that there is only one dock
on the Pacific coast capable of docking our
largest ships, and only one on the Atlantic
coast, and that the latter has for the last
six months been under repair and there
fore incapable of use. Immediate steps
should be taken to provide three or four
docks of this capacity on the Atlantic
coast at least, one on the Pacific coast,
and a floating dock on the Gulf. This is
the recommendation of a very competent
board appointed to investigate the subject.
There also should be ample provision
made for powder and projectiles and
other munitions of war, and for an in
creased number of officers and enlisted
men. Some additions are also necessary
to O'Ur navy yards for the care of our
.arger number of vessels. As there are
now on the stocks five battleships of the
largest class, which cannot be completed
for a year or so, I concur with the recom
mendation of the Secretary of the Navy
for an appropriation authorizing the con
struction of one battleship for the Pacific
coast, where there is only one in commis
sion and one under construction, while
on the Atlantic coast there are three in
commission and four under construction,
and also that several torpedo boats be
authorized in connection with our sys
tem of coast defense.
Territory of Alaska.
The territory of Alaska requires the
prompt and early attention of congress.
The conditions not? existing demands ma
terial changes in the laws relating to the
territory. The great influx of population
during the past summer and fall and the
prospect of a still larger immigration in
the spring will not permit us to longer
neglect the extension of civil authority
within the territory, or postpone the es
tablishment of a more thorough govern
ment. 1
A general system of public surveys has
not been extended to Alaska, and entries
thus far made in that district are upon
special surveys. The act of congress ex
tending to Alaska the mining laws of the
United States contained the reservation
that it should not be construed to put in
force the general land laws of the coun
try. By act, approved March 3, 1891, au
thority was given for entry of lands for
town sfte purposes and also for the pur
chase of not exceeding 160 acres then or
thereafter, occupied for purposes of trade
and manufacture. The purpose of con
gress as thus enacted has been that only
such rights should apply to the territory
as should be specifically named.
It will be seen how much remains to
be done for that vast and remote and yet
promising portion of our country. Special
authority was given to the President by
the act of congress, approved July 24, 1897,
to divide that territory into two land dis
tricts and to designate the boundaries
thereof, and to appoint registers and sur
veyors of said land offices, and the Pres
ident was also authorized to appoint a
surveyor general for the entire district
Pursuant to this authority, a surveyor
general and receiver have been appointed
with offices at Sitka. If in the ensuing
year the conditions justify it an additional
land district authorized by law will be es
tablished with an office at some point in
the Yukon valley. No appropriation, how
ever, was made for this purpose, and that
is now necessary to be done for the two
land districts into which the territory is
to be divided.
I concur with the Secretary of War in
his suggestions as to the necessity for a
military force in the territory of Alaska
for the protection of persons and property.
Already a small force consisting of twen
ty-five men, under command of Lieut.
Randall of the Eighth Infantry, has been
sent to St. Michael to establish a military
post. As it is to the interest of the gov
ernment to encourage the development
and settlement of the county and its duty
to follow up its citizens there with the
benefits of legal machinery, I earnestly
urge upon congress the establishment of
a system of government of such flexibility
as will enable it to adjust itself to the
future areas of greatest population.
Relief for the Yukon.
The startling, though possibly exagger
ated, repotts from the Yukon river coun
try of the shortage of food for the large
number of people who are wintering there
without means of leaving the country, are
confirmed in such measure as to justify
bringing the matter to the attention of
congress. Access to that country in win
ter can be had only through the passes
from Dyea and vicinity, which is a most
difficult and perhaps an impossible task.
However, should these reports of the suf
fering of our fellow citizens be further ver
ified, every effort at any cost should be
made to carry them relief.
Five Civilised Tribes.
For n number of years past it has been
apparent that the conditions under which
the five civilized tribes were established
In the Indian territory under treaty pro
visions with the United States, with the
right of self-government and the exclu
sion of all white persons from within their
borders, have undergone so complete a
change as to render the continuance of
the system thus inaugtirated practically
impossible. The total number of the five
civilized tribes as shown by the last cen
sus is 4.’.495, and this number has not ma
terially increased; while the white popu
lation is estimated at from 2 »,«X) to 2£0,‘)00,
which, by permission of the Indian govern
ment. has settled in the territory. The
present area of the Indian territory con
tains 25,6(M.564 acres, much of which is
very fertile land. The United States cit
izens residing in the territory, most of
whom have gone there by invitation, or
with the consent of the tribal authorities,
have made permanent homes for them
selves. Numerous towns have been built
in which from 500 to 5.000 white people now
reside. Valuable residences and business
houses have been erected in many of them.
Large business enterprises are carrld on
in which vast sums of money are employ
ed, and. yet. these people who have invest
ed their capital in the development of the
productive resources of the country are
without title to the land they occupy and
have no voice whatever in the government
either of the nation or tribes. Thousands
of their children who were born in the
territory are of school age. but the doors
of the schools of the nations are shut
against them, and what education they get
is by private contribution. No provision
for the protection of life or property of
these white citizens is made by the tribal
governments and courts.
, The Secretary of the Interior reports
The Navy.
Royal makes the food pure,
wholesome and delicious.
POWDER
Absolutely Pure
ROYAL BAKING POWDER CO., NEW YORK.
that leading Indians have absorbed great
tracts of land, to the exclusion of the
common people and government by the
Indian aristocracy has been practically
established, to the detriment of the peo
ple. It has been found impossible for
the United States to keep its citizens out
of the territory and the executory condi
tions contained in the treaties with these
nations have for the most part become
impossible of execution. Nor has it been
possible for the tribal governments to se
cure to each individual Indian his full en.
joyment in common with the other In
dians of the common property of the na
tions.
Friends of the Indians have lorfg be
lieved that the best interests of the five
civilized tribes would be found in Ameri
can citizenship, with all the rights and
privileges which belong to that condition.
By section sixteen of the.act of March 3,
1893, the President was authorized to ap
point three commissioners to enter into ne.
gotiations with the Cherokee, Choctaw,
Chickasaw, Muskogee (or Creek) and
Seminole nations, commonly known as the
five civilized tribes, in the Indian Ter
ritory. Briefly, the purposes of the ne
gotiations were to break off the extin
guishment of tribal titles to any lands
within that territory now held by any
and all such nations or tribes, either by
cessation of the same or some part there
of to the United States, or by allotment
and division of the same in severalty
among the Indians of such na
tions or tribes respectively as
may be entitled to the same,
or by such other method as may be agreed
upon by the several nations and tribes
aforesaid, or each of them, with the Uni
ted States, with a view to such an adjust
ment on the basis of justice and equity
as may with the consent of the said na
tion of Indians, so far as may be neces
sary, be requisite and suitable to enable
the ultimate creation of a state or spates
of the union, which shall embrace the
lands within said Indian territory.
The committee met much opposition
from the beginning. The Indians were
slow to act and those in control manifest
ed a decided disinclination to meet with
favor the proposition submitted to them.
A little more than three years after its
organization the committee effected an
agreement with the Choctaw nation alone.
The ChicF.asaws, however, refused to agree
to its terms and as they have a common
interest with the Choctaws in the lands
of said nations, the agreement with the
latter nation could have no effect without
the consent of the former. On April 23,
1897, the commission effected an agreement
with both trHecK—the Choctaws and Chick
asaw*. This agreement, it is understood,
has been ratified by the constituted au
thorities of the resnectite tribes or na
tions parties thereto, and only requires
ratification by congress to make it bind
ing.
On the 27th of September, 1897, an agree*
ment was effected with the Creek nation,
but it is understood the national council
of said nation has refused to ratify the
same. NegotlfHlons are yet to be had with
the Cherokees, the anost populous of the
five civilized tribes, and with the Semi
noles, the smallest in point of numbers
and territory.
The provision in the Indian appropria
tion act, approved June 10, 1896, makes it
the duty o' the commission to investigate
nnd determine the rights of applicants for
citizenship in the five civilized tribes. The
commission is at present engaged in this
work among the Creeks, and has made
appointments for taking the census of
these people up to and including the 30tli
of the present month. Should the agree
ment between the Chockiaws and Chick
asaws be ratified by congress and should
the other tribes fail to make an agree
ment with the commission then it will be
necessary that some legislation shall be
had by congress which, while just and
honorable to the Indians, shall be equit
able to the white people who have settled
upon these lands by invitation of the
tribal relations.
Hon. Henry L. Dawes, chairman of the
commission, in a letter to the Secretary
of Hie Interior, under date of Oct. 11, 1897,
says: "Individual ownership is in their
(the commissioners') opinion absolutely
essential to any permanent improvement
in present conditions, and the lack of it
is the root of nearly all the evils which
so grievously afflict these people. Allot
ment by agreement is the only possible
method, unless the United States courts
are clothed with the authority to apportion
the lands among the citizen Indians for
whose use it was originally granted.”
I concur with the Secretary of the In
terior that there can be no cure for the
evils endured by the perversion of these
great trusts, excepting by their resump
tion by the government which create.)
them.
Yellow Fever Epidemic,
The recent prevalence of yellow fever in
a number of cities and towns throughout
the south has resulted in much disturbance
of commerce, and demonstrated the neces
sity of such amendments to our quaran
tine laws as will make the regulations of
the national quarantine authorities para
mount. The Secretary of the Treasury in
the portion of his report relating to the
ojH'ration of the marine hospital service,
calU attention to the defects in the pres
ent Quarantine law and recommends
amendents thereto which will give the
treasury department the requisite authori
ty to prevent the invasion of epidemic dis
eases from foreign countries, and in times
Os emergency like that of the past sum
mer. will add to the efficiency of the san
itary measures for the protection of the
people, and at the same time prevent un
necessary restriction of commerce. I con
cur in his recommendation.
In further effort to prevent the invasion
of the United States by yellow fever the
importance of the discovery of the exact
disease which, up to the present time, has
been undetermined. Is obvious, and to
this end a systematic bacteriological in
vestigation should be made. I therefore
recommend that congress authorize the
appointment of a commission by the Pres
ident. to consist of four expert bacteriolo
gists, one to be selected frc.m the medical
officers of the marine hospital service, one
to be appointed from civil life, one to be
detailed from the medical officers of the
army, and one from the medical officers of
the navy.
Union Pacific Sale.
The Union Pacific-railway main line was
sold under the decree of the United States
court for the district of Nebraska, on the
first and s« tst! sf. November of this year.
The amount due the government consisted
of the principal of the subsidiary bonds,
>27.236.512. and the accrued interest there
on, $21,111,711.73, making the total indebt-
edness $58,448,223.75. The bids at the sale
covered the first mortgage lien and the en
tire mortgage claim of the government,
principal and interest. The sale of the
subsidized portion of the - Kansas Pacific
line, upon which the government holds a
second mortgage lien, has been postponed
at the instance of the government to Dec.
16, 1897.
The debt of this division of the Union Pa
cific railway to> the government on Nov.
1, 1897, was the principal of the subsid
iary bonds. $6,303,000, and the unpaid and
accrued interest thereon, $6,626,690.33, mak
ing a total of $12,929,690.33. The sale of this
road was originally advertised for Nov.
4, but for the purpose of securing the ut
most public notice of the event, it was
postponed until Dec. 16, and a second ad
vertisement of the sale was made. By the
decree of the court the upset price on the
sale of the Kansas Pacific will yield to
thd government $2,500,000 over all prior
liens, costs and charges. If n'o other or
better bid is made the sum is all that the
government will receive on its cialm of
nearly $13,000,000. The government has no
information as to whether there will be
other bidders or a better bid than the
minimum amount herein stated. The ques
tion, therefore, is whether the government
shall, under the authority given it by the
act of March, 3, 1887, purchase or redeem
the road if a bid is not made by private
parties covering the entire government
claim. To qualify the government 'to bid
at the sale will require a deposit of $900,-
000 as follows: In the government cause,
$500,000 and in each of the first mortgage
causes, $200,000, and in the latter the de
posit must be in cash. Payments at the
sale are as follows: Upon the acceptance
of the bid a sum which, with the amount
already deposited, shall equal 15 per cent,
of the b'.d; the balance in installments of
per cent., thirty, forty and fifty days
after the confirmation of the sale. The
lien on the Kansas Pacific
prior to that of the gov
ernment on the 30th of July, 1897, prin
cipal and interest, amounted to $7,286,448.11
The government, therefore, should it
become the highest bidder, will have to
pay the amount of the first mortgage lien.
I believe that under the act of 1887 it has
the authority to do this and in the ab
sence of any action of congress, I shall
direct the Secretary of the Treasury to
make the necessary deposits as decreed
by the court to qualify as a bidder and to
bid at the sale a sum which will at least
equal the principal due and the interest,
but suggest in order to remove all con
troversy that an amendment to the law be
immediately passed explicitly giving such
powers and appropriating in general terms
whatever sum is sufficient therefor.
In so important a matter the govern
ment becoming the possible owner of
railroad property, which it perforce.must
conduct and operate, I feel constrained to
lay before congress these facts for its
consideration and action before the con
summation of the sale. It is clear to* my
mind that the government should not per
mit the property to be sold at a price which
will yield less than one-half of the prin
cipal of its debt and less than one-fifth
of its entire debt, principal and interest.
But whether the government, rather
than accept less than its claim, should be
come a bidder and thereby the owner of
the property, I submit to the congress for
action.
Government Library.
The library building provided for by the
act of congress approved April 18, 1886, has
been completed and opened to the public.
It should be a matter of congratulation
that through the foresight and murjifl
cence of congress the nation possesses this
noble treasure house of knowledge. It is
earnestly to be hoped that having done
so much toward the cause of education,
congress will continue to develop the
library in every phase of research, to the
end that it may not only be one of the
most magnificent, but among the richest
and the most useful libraries in the world.
Civil Service.
The important branch of our govern
ment known as the civil service, the prac
tical improvement of which has long been
a subject of earnest discussion, has of
late years resulted in increased legislative
and executive approval. During the past
few months the service has been placed
upon a still firmer basis of business meth
<xls and personal merit. While the right
of our veteran soldiers to reinstatement
in deserving cases has been asserted, dis
missals for merely political reasons have
been carefully guarded against, the ex
aminations for admittance to the service
enlarged and at the same time rendered
less technical and more practical, and a
distinct advance has been made by giving
a hearing before dismissal upon all cases
where incompetency is charged or demand
made for removal of officials in any of the
departments. The order has been made to
give to the accused his right to be heard,
but without in any way impairing the pow
er of removal, which should always be ex
ercised in cases of in efficiency and incom
petency, and which is one of the vital
safeguards of the civil service reform sys
tem, preventing stagnation and dead wood
and keeping every employe keenly alive
to the fact that the security of his ten
ure depends not on favor, but on his own
tested and carefully watched record of
service.
Much, of course, still remains to be ac
complished before the system can be made
reasonably perfect for our needs. There
are places now in the classified service
which ought to be exempted, and others
not classified which should properly be
included. I shall not hesitate to exempt
cases which I think have been improperly
included in the classified service, or In
clude those which in my judgment will
best promote the service. The system has
the approval of the people and it will be
my endeavor to uphold and extend it.
I am forced by the length of this mes
sage to omit many important references to
affairs of the government with which con
gress will have to deal at the present ses
sion. They are fully discussed in the de
partmental reports, to all of which I in
vite your earnest attention.
The estimates of the expenses of the
government by the several departments
will. I am sure, have your caneful scruti
ny. While the congress may not find it
an easy task to reduce the expenses of the
government, it should not encourage their
increase. These expenses will in my
judgment admit of a decrease in many
branches of the government without In
jury to the public service. It is a com
manding duty to keep appropriations with
in the receipts of the government, and
thus avoid a deficit.
William McKinley.
Executive Mansion, Dec. 6, 1897.
G. AXD A. OFFICES.
Their Hrmnval From Americus May
Re Taken to the Courts.
Americus, Ga., Dec. 7.—A largely at
tended meeting of merchants and busi
net* men of Americus was held last night
to discuss the removal of the general of
fices of the Georgia and Alabama railway
from this city and the remedy therefor.
Col. 9. H. Hawkins, former president of
the old Savannah, Americus and Mont
gomery road, now the Georgia and Ala
bama, explained at great length an agree
ment or contract he has, whereby it is
agreed by certain officers of the company
that they would use their best endeavors
to keep the general offices here after the
reorganization of th company in 1895. it
is the opinion of Col. -Hawkins, and of
able lawyers as well, that this contract is
valid and can be enforced. The meeting
last night decided by unanimous vote to
join Col. Hawkins in making this fight
for alleged rights of citizens of Americus,
and another iong and determined struggle
in the courts is now pending. “ ,
HUMAN BLOOL
TURNEDTO WATER
Romarkable Affliction of Miss Roselle Darr,
of Cantberiand, Md.
The reporter of The Courier hearing of a
terrible malady with which a young and
handsome lady of Cumberland, Md., was
afflicted, called at the residence of Mr. Michael
Darr, 58 Frederick street, to learn something
of it.
Mrs. Darr said that her daughter Roselle,
aged 20 years, had been afflicted with a dis
ease that apparently had turned her blood
to water, accompanied by nervous prostra
tion, pains, loss of appetite, etc., making life
a burden.
The family physician was consulted, but
his treatment brought no relief, and her
daughter’s existence was a dragging misery.
The mother also said that her daughter
accidentally cut her finger rather severely,
and they were astounded to notice that no
blood came from the wound “Then,” said
the mother, “ I was convinced that my
daughter’s blood had really turned to water.”
Mrs. Darr, continuing, said she had read
of the merits of Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills for
Pale People, and had little faith in such
remedies, but finally purchased a box at
Mr. Hervey Laney’s drug store, on North
Centre street.
After her daughter, Roselle, had taken
one box a slight improvement was noticed
in her condition ; the remedy was continued,
and after three and a half boxes were taken
her daughter’s health was restored.
fThe reporter naturally had a desire to see
the young lady after hearing these remark
able statements, but was informed that she
was out of the city on a visit.
Mr. Michael Darr, the father of the young
lady, is a passenger engineer on the B. and
0. railroad, and is an experienced and popu
lar railroad man.
CHAOS OVER THE CONVICTS.
BILL AGREED ON FAILS OF PAS
SAGE BY 10 VOTES.
Lack of the Constitutional Majority
Due to the Absence of 44 demo
cratic Members—House Telegraphs
Them to Be on Hand To-day and
Reconsideration of the Vote to Be
Moved—The Vote as Counted Stands
78 to 52—A1l the Populists Vote
Against the Measure.
Atlanta, Ga., Dec. 7.—The House did the
most sensational, yet strictly characteris
tic act, of its career this morning. After
hammering away on the convict bill for
nearly two months, only completing it yes
terday, it crushed the life out of the hand
made measure to-day.
When the bill was finished off at the
hands of the committee of the whole yes
terday, it was the general opinion that its
passage to-day would be a merely pre
functory matter. But a night’s rest put
the member in chaos again and when the
measure was reported for passage this
morning it failed to receive the requisite 88
votes by ten.
It is needless to say that here was sur
prise and chagrin in the hall when this
result was announced. It was almost
consternation. All the work of the ses
sion had been undone, and with but seven 1
more working days left the situation wail
serious. The Senate must have some time,
to consider the question and unless the
House reconsiders to-morrow morning and
passes the bill immediately there is good
prospect of an extra session or no con
vict legislation.
Gov. Atkinson declares it will cause the
state a loss of $500,000 if a bill is not
passed by this legislature, so it is no
wonder that the leaders are gnawing their
nails in perplexity and disappointment to
night. The loss of the bill was due to
the large number of absentees, forty-four
democrats being away. All these have
been telegraphed for by order of the
House, and it is hoped enough will be on
hand to-morrow to reconsider and pass
the bill, which is a compromise measure
and apparently represents the views of
a majority of the House.
All the populists voted against the bill.
Those democrats who voted “no” did so
because they could not reconcile their in
dividual views to it. Here is the vote by
which the measure was killed:
Ayes—Messrs. Awtrey, Armstrong, At
kinson, Bond, Brown, Burke, Bussy,
Black, Bowen, Brannen, Boynton of Cal
houn, Bennett of Glynn, Cole, Charters,
Chapman, Copeland, Dodson, Durham,
Duncan of Chatham. Dunean of Houston,
Edge, Edwards, Faust, Ford, Freeman,
Hall, Hill, Hitch, Harrell, Hightower,
Henderson of Colquitt, Henderson of Ir
win, Henderson of Washington, Jordan,
Johnson of Appling, Johnson of Taliaferro,
Knowles, Kendrick, Lance, Little, Long
ley, Moore, Mozley, McMichael, McDaniel,
McConnell, McCook, McKee, McCranle,
McLarty, McGehee, McDonough, Nisbet,
Niles, Oliver, (Sakes, Ogletree, Patton,
Paltner, Pace, Polhill, Rawles, Reece, Red
ding, Rudicil, Rutherford, Simpson, Stone.
Turner, Thomason of Morgan, Thomas of
Pierce, Vaughn, Vincent, Webb, Wright,
Whipple, Worsham and Wilcox of Talia
ferro—7B.
Nays—Messrs. Bates, Berry, Branch.
Boswell, Bartlett, Blalock, Boifeulllet,
Boynton of Spalding, Bennett of Jackson,
Cook of Decatur, Calvin, Clement, Duffy,
Deakins, Davison, Dickerson, Edenfield,
Ifnnis of Baldwin, Foster. Fogarty, Fel
der, Felker, Gowen, Hogan, Hawes, Ham
by, Henderson of DeKalb, Henderson of
Forsyth, Johnson of Hall, Kiser, Lott,
Law, Meldrim, Meadows, Montfort, Mans
field, Morrison, Nicholas, Nevin, Paulett,
Reid, Swift, Smith of Crawford, Thomp
son, Thomas of Ware, Underwood, West,
Walden, Wilkes, Whitaker, Wilcox of Wil
cox, and Yates—s 2.
Absent or not voting—Messrs. Adams,
Arnold, Bush, Boyd. Burwell, Baggett,
Bedgood, Brinson of Burke, Brinson of
Emanuel, Craig, Cook of Oconnee, Collum,
Cannon, Calhoun, Callaway, Duncan of
Lee, Ellis, Ennis of Floyd. Grice, Griffin,
Herrington. Johnson of Baker, Kaigler,
Leard, Morgan, Maddox, Mullin, Donalds,
McLaughlin, Parker, Pearce, Phinizy,
Quillian, Roberts, Rawlings, Slaton, Sta
pleto, Sell, Smith Os Hancock, Taylor,
Timmerman, Thomas of Clark, Wright and
Watkins.
When the bill came up in the House,
Mr. Hall, chairman of the committee,
made an argument in its behalf. “I sin
cerely hope,” he said, "that the House
will pass this bill. If it does not no bill
will be passed this session.” He thought
it the best bill that could be passed at
this time, chough it differed in some point? ;
from the views of some of the members I
and of himself. He was wiliing, however,
to allow subsequent legislatures to remedy I
the faults of the measure. Mr. Hall ex
plained that the bill was essentially a com
promise measure.
Speaker Jenkins took the floor and
closed the argument in defense of the'
measure. "We are confronted to-day," be
From the Courier, Cumberland, Md,
To those who may doubt the accuracy of
this statement, we refer them to Mr. Darr,
who will indorse all we have said, and to the
following affidavit of the mother of the young
lady:
I, Mrs. Rebecca Darr, do acknowledge the
statements of the above article relating to
my daughter’s illness, and the merits ot
“Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills for Pale People,”
in connection with the same, is substantially
correct.
Witness my hand and seal.
Mrs. Rebecca Dark.
Witness:
Charles R. Morris.
State of Maryland, I
Allegheny County. J SB ’
Personally appeared before me, the sub
scriber, a Justice of the Peace, in and for
the said State and county, Mrs. Rebecca
Darr, and made oaih in due form of law,
that the foregoing statement is true as therein
set forth.
Charles R. Morris,
Justice of the Peace,
February 3, 1897.
Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills for Pale People
contain, in a condensed form, all the ele
ments necessary to give new life and rich
ness to the blood and restore shattered nerves.
They are also a specific for troubles peculiar
to females, such as suppressions, irregulari
ties and all forms of weakness. In men they
effect a radical cure in all cases arising from
mental worry, overwork or excesses of what
ever nature. Pink Pills are sold in boxes
(never in loose bulk) at 50 cents a box or six
boxes for $2.50, and may be had of all drug
gists, or direct by mail from Dr. Williams*
Medicine Compapy. Schenectady. N. Y.
said, “with a condition which is no longer
a theory. The theories are gone. The
condition is whether or not we shall havo
any legislation on this question. Are you ,
willing to go to your homies and say to
the people: ‘We were not able to do any
thing; we were incapable of dealing with,
the proposition? 1 We must pass this bill
or none at all," said the speaker in con
clusion, when informed of the action of
the House.
Gov. Atkinson said: “If the legislature
does not pass some bill for the disposi
tion of the convicts it will work great
harm to the state. It would mean a pe
cuniary loss amounting, perhaps, to $500,-
000, for which the labor of the convicts is
hired.
“It is not to the interest of the present
lessees to have legislation during the pres
ent session.
“If a bill is passed now, outside parties
will be able to come into competition with
them, for the hire of the labor of the con
victs. They would have twelve month#
in which to start new enterprises, build
necessary houses and stockades, and maka
arrangements for the care of the con
victs before the expiration of the present
leases. •
“If this bill is not passed until the next
session it will take until the following
February for the state to properly adver
tise for bids for the hire of the convicts.
The present lease expires within thirty
days of that time. This time would be too
short for outside parties to enter the field.
The state would be practically at th®
mercy of the present lessees, who would
be able to secure control of the convicts
at a much lower price for hire than in
the other case, and the result would mean
a great loss to the state from the pro
ceeds of the hire of the labor of the con
victs. It would probably amount to $500,-
000.”
OCCIDENT TO ABSORB ORIENT.
Germany’s Seizure of Kiao Chu Ono
of the' Steps in the Movement.
Washington, Dec. 7.—The German ad
vance in China is being watched with keen
interest in official and diplomatic circles
here, owing to the latest cable reports
that Germany had followed up her occu
pation of Kiao Chu bay and fortifications
by sending an armed force inland and
occupying the town of Kiao Chu.
While it is said that the United States
has no direct concern in the trouble, every
development is being observed as a part
of the process by which the larger nations
of Europe are seeking the dismemberment
of the Chinese empire. As one diplomatic
official stated: “It is the absorption of the
Orient by the Occident.” In such a move
ment, it is understood that the position
of this government would be that of a dis
interested observer, always active, how
ever, to protect those American interests
which have been built up at the large
treaty ports. At present there is no sug
gestion that these may be affected, but
the controversy is assuming such a phase
by Germany's forward march that it may
extend at any time beyond the question
of occupying Kiao Chu bay and involve
the treaty ports as well as all China. This
is the view taken by some of the best
posted diplomatic officials. It is said also
that if the process goes on Europe must
not leave out of account Japan, as there
is good reason to believe that Japan will
insist on recognition if there is to be any
occupation of Chinese territory.
From an authoritative source, the follow
ing statement was made as to the general
status of the German-Chinese case: “Kiao
Chu bay is one of the most important har
bors on tne Chinese coast. It is midway
between the northern and southern por
tions of the Chinese coast, and for that
reason has a commanding strategic Im
portance. The harbor is broad
and deep, and is particular
ly adapted for the uses of
a large fleet. The Chinese government
recognized the importance of the harbor,
and had determined to improve the forti
fications and bring the place up to modem
standards. The advantages of the harbor
were shown last year, when Russia se
cured permission to quarter her fleet iher©
temporarily. The present fortifications
are not strong, being far short of those
formerly at Port Arthur.”
“China has not made any preparation
for war by assembling troops or ships to
resist Germany’s landing. It is still be
lieved that a settlement will be reached
through peaceful means, and that it will
be honorable to China as well as satisfac.
tory to Germany.”
SPAIN AM) THE MESSAGE.
Intervention I’aragraphii Snre tin
Displease th® Poynlace.
Madrid, Dec. 7.—The cabinet to-day con
sidered dispatches from Senor de Lome,
Spanish minister at Washington, contain
ing extracts from President JJcKinley’s
message to congress.
The ministers agreed in considering the
message generally favorable to Spanish in
terests. Its tone has produced a good ef
fect in official circles; but It is pointed out
that the “paragraphs relating to the al
leged rights of the United States to Inter
vene In the Cuban question are calculated
to displease the Spanish people.”
JmprlKoned Insurgents Heleased.
Havanna, Dec. 7.—To-day Gen. Blanco
signed a decree releasing four imprisoned
insurgents.