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The Georgia 'Weekly Telegraph and. Jonmal Messenger.
Telegraph and Messenger.
Specially leityriiplMd to tlio T*I*ci»pl>
ud Messenger.
Washington, D.- 0., Deoember 2,1872..
To the Senate and House of Representatives :
In transmitting to yon this, my fourth annual
message, it is with thankfulness to the Greer of
all good, that, as a nation, we hare been bless
ed for the past year, with peace at home and
peace abroad, and a general prosperity vouch
safed to but few people.
With the exception of the recent devastating
ire whioh swept from the earth with a breath,
as it were; millions of accumulated wealth in
the city of Boston, there has been no oversbad
owing calamity within the year, to reoord. It is
gratifying to note how, like their fellow-citizens
of the city of Chicago, under similar circum
stances a year earlier, the citizens of Boston are
rallying under their misfortunes, and the pros
pect that their energy and perseverance will
overcome all obstacles, and show the same pros
perity soon, that they wonld have had, had no
disaster befallen them. Otherwise we have
been free from pestilenoe. war, and calamities
which often overtake nations; and as far as hu
man judgment can penetrate the future, no
cause seems to exist to threaten our present
peace.
THX GENEVA TB IB UN AX,
‘When Congress adjourned in Jane last, a
question bad been raised by Great Britain, and
was then pending, whioh for a time seriously
imperilled the settlement by friendly arbitra
tion, of the grave differences between this gov
ernment and that of Hr Britanio Msjesty,
whioh by the treaty of Washington had been
referred to the Tribunal of Arbitration which
had met at Geneva, in Switzerland. The arbi
trators, however, disposed of the question
which had jeopardized the whole of the treaty
and threatened to involve the two nation® in
most nnhappy relations towards each other, in
a manner entirely satisfactory to this govern
ment and in accordance with the views and the
policy which it bad maintained. The tribunal
whioh had convened at Geneva in December
conclnded its laborious session on the 5tb of
September last, on which day, haviDg availed
itself of the discretionary power given to it by
the treaty to award a sum in gross, it made
its decision, whereby it awarded the sum of
$15,600,000 in gold as the indemnity to be paid
by Great Britain to the Uni'ed States for the
satisfaction of all the claims referred to its con
sideration. This deoision happily disposed of a
long standing difference between the two Gov
ernments, and inoonxectionwitbano'her award
made by the German Emperor, nnder a refer
ence to him by the same treaty, leaves these
two Governments without a shadow upon the
friendly relations, which, it is my sincere hope,
may forever remain equally nnolonded.
The report of the Agent of the United States,
appointed to the amended Geneva Tribunal,
accompanied by the protocols of the proceed
ings of the arbitrators, the arguments of the
counsel of noth governments, the award
of the tribunal, and the opinion given by the
several arbitrators is transmitted herewith,
have oaused to be communicated to the heads
of the three friendly powers who have oomplied
with the joint request made of them nnder the
treaty, the thanks of this government for the
appointment of arbitrators made by them, and
also my thanks, to the eminent personages
aimed by them, and my appreciation of the
dignity, patienoe, impartiality and great ability
wiib whioh they discharged their arduous and
high functions. H*r Majesty’■> Government has
commnnicaed to me the appreciation by her
Majesty, of the ability and indefatigable indus
try displayed by Mr. Adams, the arbitrator
named on the part of this government duriDg
the protraoied inquiries and discussions of the
tribunal. I cordially unite with her majesty in
this appreciation. It is due to the agent of the
United States before the tribunal, toiecord my
high appreciation of the mar be 1 ability, nnwea
ried patience, and the prudence and discretion
with whioh he has conducted the veiy rr-sponsi-
bleand delicate dnties committed to him; as it is
also dne to the learned and eminent oonusel who
attended the Tribunal on the part of this Gov
ernment, to express my sense of the talents and
wisdom which they brought to bear in the at
tainment of the result so happily retched. It
Will be the provinoe of Congress to provide for
the distribution among those who may be en
titled to it, of their respective shares of the
money to be paid, and although the sum award
ed is not payable on il a year from the date of
the award, it is deemed advisable that no time
be lost in making a proper examination of the
several cases in which indemnification may be
due. I consequently, recommend the creation
of a Board of Commissioners for that purpose.
SAN JUAN BOUNDARY.
By the thirty-fourth a: tide of the treaty of
Washington, the respective claims of the United
States and of Great Britain, in their construction
of the treaty of the 15tb June, 1846, defining
the boundary line between their respective ter
ritories, were suomitted to the arbitration and
award of his M«jesty the Emperor of Germany
to decide which of those claims is most in a:-
oordanoe with the due interpretation of the
treaty of 1846 His Majesty, the Emperdr of
Germany, having been pleased to undertake the
arbitration, has the earnest thanks of the Gov
ernment, and of the people of the United States,
for the labor, pains and care whioh he has de
voted to the consideration of this long pending
difforenoe. I have caused aa expression of my
thanks to be commanicated toh'8 Majesty. Mr.
Bancroft, the representative of this Govemm nt
at Berlin, oonduoted the case and prepared
the statement on the part of the United
Sta'es with the ability that his past service jus
tified the pnb.io in expecting at his bands. As
a member of the Cabinet at the date of the
tre&'y, which has given rise to the discussion
between the two governments, and as the Minis
ter to Great Britain when the construction now
pronounced unfounded wa3 first advanced, and
as the agent and representative of the Govern
ment, to present the case and to receivo the
the award, he has been associated with the ques
tion in all of its phases, and in every stage has
manifested a patriotic zeal and earnestness in
maintaining the claim of the United Sta'es.
He is entitled to much credit for the success
which has attended the submission. After a
patient investigation of the case and of the
statements of each pt>r<y, his Majesty, the Em
peror of Germany, on the 2Xst day of October
last, signed his award in writing, decree'ng Ih .t
the claim, of the Government of the United
States thit the boundary line between the terri
tories of her Britannic Majesty and the United
States should be drawn through tho Haro Gha:-
nel, as most in accordance with the true inter-
S relation of the treaty conclnded on the 15th of
noe, 1846, between the governments of her
Britannio Majesty and of the United States.
Copies of the case which was presented on
behalf of each government and of the statement
in reply of each, and a translation of the award
are transmited here with this award, and con
firms the United States in the claim to the im
portant archipelago of Is'and® lying between
the ointment and Vancouver's Island, which,
for more than twenty-six years, and ever since
the ratification of the treaty Great Britain has
contested, and leaves ns for the first time in
the history of the United States as a na
tion, without a question of diapnted boundary
between any territory, and the possessions of
Great Britain on this con'inent. It is my
gra'eful duty to acknowledge the prompt and
spontaneous aelion of her Majesty’s Govern
ment in giving effeot to the award. In antiolpC
tion of any request from this Government and
before the. reception in the United States of
the award signed by the Emperor, her Majesty
had given instructions for the removal of her
troops whioh had been stationed there, and for
the oessation of all exercise or olaim of juris
diction so as to leave the United States in 'h >
exclusive possession of the late disputable terri
tory.
1 am gratified to be able to announce that the
orders for the removal of the troops have been
executed, and that military joint ooonpation of
Sau J nan has oeased. The lslaods are now in-
the exclusive ipossession of the United Slates
It now becomes necessary to complete the sur
vey and determination of that portion of the
boundary line through the Har > Channel, npon
whioh the commission, whioh determined the
remaining part of the line, were nnableto agree.
I recommend the appointment of a commis
sioner to act jointly with one which may be
named by her Majesty, for that purpose.
THE ALAt-EA BOUNDABIE8.
Experience of the the diffiouities attending
tho determination of oar admitted line of bonnd-
ary, after the occupation of the territory and its
settlement by those owing allegiance to the res
pect ve governments, pom's to the importanoe
of eeteblubing, by natural objects or other
monuments, the actual line between the terrl- a
tory acquired by purchase from itoeaia and the -
adjoining possessions of her Britanio Majesty.
The region in now so sparsely occupied that no
conflicting interests of Individuals or of juris
diction are likely to interfere to the delay or
embarrassment of the actual location of the
line. If deferred until population shall enter
and oocupy the territory some trivial contest of
neighbors may arise to plaoe the. two govern
ments in antagonism.-• I therefore reoommend
the appointment of a comission to aot jointly
with one that may be appointed on the part of
Great Britain, to determine the line of oar ter
ritory of Alaska and the possessions of Great
Britain.
THH FISHERIES, WTO.
In my last annual message, I recommended
the legislation necessary on the part of the
United States, to bring into operation the ar
ticles of the Treaty of Washington, of May 8th,
1871, relating to fisheries, and to other matters
tonebing the relations of tbe United States to*
ward British North American possessions, to
beoome operative so soon as the proper legisla
tion shonid be bad on the port of Great Britain
and its possessions. That legislation on tbe
part of Great Britain and its possessions had not
then been bad, and daring the session of Con
gress, a question was raised, whioh, for the
time, raised a doubt whether any action by
Congress in the direction indicated, wonld be
oome important. This question has sinoe been
disposed of, snd I have received notioethst the
Imperial Parliament and tbe Legislatures of the
Provincial Government have passed a law to
carry tbe provisions of the treaty of tbe mat
ters referred to, into operation. I therefore,
commend yonr early adoption of tbe leaislation
in the same direction necessary on the part of
this government.
BOUNDARIES or THE BRITISH POSSESSIONS.
The joint commission for determining the
boundary line between the United States and
the British possessions between the Lake of the
Woods and the Rocky Mountains has organized
and entered npon its work. It is desirable that
the force be increased in order that the comple-
pletion of the survey and determination of the
line may be tbe sooner attained. To this end I
recommend that a sufficient appropriation be
made.
FBAK0K, BUS8IA AND GEBMANY.
With France, our earnest ally—Russia, the
constant and steady friend of the United States
—Germany, with whose Government and peo
ple we have so many oanses of friendship and
so many common sympathies, and the other
powers of Europe onr relations are maintained
on the most friendly terms.
AUSTBIA, GEBMANY AND SWEDEN
Since last message the exchange has been
made of tbe ratifications of a treaty with tbe
Anstrian-HuDgarian Empire, rela'ing to nst-
nraliza'ion; also, of a treaty with the Ger
man Empire, respecting consuls and trade
marks; also of a treaty with Sweden and Nor
way, relating to naturalization, all of whioh
treaties have been duty proclaimed.
STATISTICAL 0 ’NGBESS.
Congress at its last session, haring made an
appointment to defray tbe expense of commis
sioners on the part of the United States to the
International Statistical Congress, at Peters
burg, the persons appointed in that character,
proceeded to their de,tina'ton and atteuded the
session of the Congress Their report shall, in
dae season, be laid before you. This Congress
Beets at intervals of about three years, an 1 has
held its sessions in several of the countries of
Europe. I submit to your condderation the
propriety of extending an invitation to the Con
gress to hold its next sitting in the United
States.
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBBATION.
The Gantentidl Celebration to be held in 1876,
wonld afford an appropriate occasion for such a
meeting.
VIENNA EXPOSITION.
Preparations are making for the International
Exposition to be held during the next year in
Vienna, on a scale of very great magnitude.
The tendency of these expositions is in the di
rection of advanced civiliza'ion and of tbe ele
vation of industry and of labor and of the in-
create of human happiness, as well as of greater
intercourse and good will between nations. As
this Exposition iato be tbe first which wiirhave
been held in Eastern Europe, it is believed that
Am* rican inventors and manufacturers will be
ready to avail themselves of the opportunity for
tbe presentation of their productions, if en
oonraged by proper aid and proteolion. At tbs
last session of Congress authority was given for
tbe appointment of one more agent to repret-e-1
this Government at the Exposition. The an
tbority tbns given has been examined, but in
the absence of any appropriation there is dan
ger that the important benefits which tbe occa
sion offers, will be lost to citizens of the United
States. I commend the subject strongly to
your consideration, and recommend that ade
quate appropriation be made f< r the pnroose,
to farther aid American exhibitors at the Vienna
Exposition. I wonld recommend, in addition
to an appropriation of money, that (he Secreta
ry of the Navy be authorized to fit no two naval
vessels to transport between onr Atlantic cities
and Trieste, or the moat convenient port to
Vienna and back, their artiolee for exhibition.
MEXICO
Since your last session the President of the
Mexican Repnblio, distinguished by his high
character and by his eervicea to his country, has
died. His temporary successor ha- been elected
with great unanimity by the people—a proof
of confidence, on their part, in bis patriotism
and wisdom, which, it is believed, will be con
firmed by tbe results of tbe administration. It
is particularly desirable that nothing should be
left undone by the Government of this Repub
lic to strengthen their relations.as neighbors
ani friends. It is much to be regretted that
many lawless sots continue to disturb the quiet
of the settlements on the border between onr
territory and that of Mexico, and complaints of
wrongs to American citizens in various parts of
the country are made. The revolutionary con
dition in which the neighboring Repnblio has so
long been involved, has, in some degree, con
tributed to this disturbance. It is to be hoped
that with a more settled rule of order through
the Repnblio, whioh may be expeoted from the
present Government, the acts of whioh just
complaints are made, will cease.
The proceedings of the commission nnder the
Convention with Mexico of the 4th July, 1868,
on the subjeot of claims, have unfortunately
been checked by an obstacle for the removal of
which measures have been taken by the two
governments, whioh it is believed will prove
sncoeaafuL . ' '
DEPREDATIONS ON THE TEXAS FBONTIEB.
The C mmiBsioners appointed pursuant to the
joint resolution of Congress of the 7th May last,
to enquire into depredations on the Texas fron
tier have diligently made investigation in that
qnarter. The resources wero necessarily in
complete, partly on account of the limited ap
propriation made by Congress. Mexico, on the
part of that government, has appointed a search
Commissioner to investigate th—e outrages. It
is not announced officially, bnt the press of that
oonntry states that a fall investigition is de
sired and that the co-opeia'ion of all parties
concerned is invited to secure t iat end. I
therefore recommend that a special appropria
tion be made at tbe earliest d®y practicable, to
enable the Commissioners, on tbe part of tbe
United States, to return to their labors without
delay.
CUBA. i ... ,
It Is with regret that I have again to an
nounce a continuance of tho disturbed condi
tion of th i Island of Cnba No advanoe toward
the pacification of the discontented p-.rt of
ttie people has been made, while the insurrec
tion has gained no advance, and exhibits no
more of the elements ol power or the pros-,
pects of ultimate snooess than were exhibited a
year ago. Spain, on the other hand, has not
succeeded in its repression, and the'parties
stand apparently in the same relation and at
titude which they have oocupied for a long
time past. This contest has lasted now for
more than five years Were it seen at a distance
from our neighborhood we might be indifferent
to its result, although humanity would be
moved by many of its incidents, wherever they
might oocur. It is, however, at our door.
I oannot doubt tbat the oonticued mainte
nance of slavery in Onba is among the strongest
inducements for the continuance of this strife.
A terrible wr->ng is the natural cau e of a terri
ble evil. Tbe abolition of slavery ard the in-
trodac'ion of other reforms in the administra
tion of tbe government' in Cuba could not fail
td advance the restoration of peace' and order.
It is greatly to.be hoped tbat the present liberal
government of Spain will voluntarily adopt the
new lawof emancipation whioh was parsed more
than two years since and has remainedunexe
cuted in the absence of regulations for itaen
foicimen'. It was bnt a feeble step towards
emancipation, bnt it was the recognition of
right and was bailed as such nod exhibited Spain
in harmony wtih sentiments of humanity and of
jhstioe and in sympathy with tbe other powers
of the Christian and oivilized world, t
Within the past few weeks the negotiations
f. r carrying out the lawof ernaccipaiion have
been announced, giving evidence of the sincer
ity of the intention of the present administra-
tisn to carry into effeot the !a# of 1870
I have not failed to urge the consideration of
the wisdom of 'the policy, and the justice of a
more effective system for the abolition of the
great evil whioh oppresses a raoe and continues
a bloody and destructive oontest close to our
border, as toll tt tUi expediency pud thejus-
tioe of conoeding reforms of which,the proprie
ty is not questioned. Deeply impressed with
the eonvietion that the oontinuanoe of slavery
is one of the moat aotive causes of the
oontinuanoe of the unhappy oondition in Onba,
I regret to believe that' citizens' of the United
Statea or those olaiming to be snob, are large
holders in Onba of what is ithere claimed es
property, bhti whioh is forbidden and denounced
by tte L lairs of the United Slates. They are
thus, in defianoe of .’the Spirit of onr own laws,
oon'ributing to the oontinuanoe of this distress
ing and siokening oontest In my la-.t annual
message, I-referred to this snbjeot, and I again
reoommend such legislation as may be proper
to denonnoe, and if. not prevent, at least to
disoomage, American oitizena from bolding or
dealing in slaves.
SPAIN AND THX AT.T.TTO REPUBLICS.
It is gratifying to announce that the ra'idea
tion of a convention conolnded nnder the anspi;
oee of this Government, between Spain on the
one part,and the Allied Republics of the Pacific
on the other, providing for an armistioe, have
been exchanged. A copy of the instrument is
herewith submitted. It is hoped that this may
be followed by a permanent*pease between the
same parties. .
BRAZIL AND THX ARGENTINE REPUBLICS.
The differences tbat at one time threatened
the maintainanoe of peaoe between Brazil and
the Argentine Repnblios, it is hoped, are in the
way of a satisfactory adjustment with these
States, as also with the Repnblios of Central
and South America, with whom we continue to
maintain the most friendly relations.
BEPUBLUC) OF VENEZUELA.
It is with regret, however, I announce that
the Government of Venezuela has made no far
ther payments, on aooonnt of the awards nnder
the convention of the 25th of April, 1866 _ That
repnblio is understood to be now almost, if not
quite, tranquilizei. It is hoped, therefore, that
it will lose no time in providing for the unpaid
balanoe of its debt to tbe United States, whioh
having originated in injuries to onr oitizena by
the Venezuelan authorities, and having been
acknowledged pursuant to a treaty in the most
solemn form known among nations, would seem
to deserve a preference over debts of a dif
ferent origin, contracted in a different manner.
This snbjeot is again recommended to the atten
tion of Congress for aaoh aotioa as may be
deemed proper.
japan. J.
Our treaty with Japan remains unchanged.
An imposing Embassy from that interesting and
progressive nation visited’ tbismountry during
the year that is passing, but being unprovided
with powers for the signing of a convention in
this country, no-conclusion in that direction was
reaobed. It is hoped, however, that tbe inter
change of opinions, whicb took place during
their stay in this oonntry, has led to a mutual
appreoiation of the interests which may be pro
moted when the revision of the existing treaty
shall be undertaken.
THX CHINA AND JAPAN MISSIONS.
Iu this connection, I renew my recommenda
tion of one ye re ago, that to give importance
and to add to the effioienoy of onr diplomatic
relations with Japan and China, and to farther
aid in ret lining tbe good opinion of those peo
ple. and to secure to the United States its share
of the commerce destined to fl > w between those
nations and the balanoe of the commercial
world, au appropriation be made to suppoit at
least four American youths in each of those
countries to s«-rve as a part of the official
family of our Ministers there.
Our representatives would not, even then, be
placed npon an equality with the representa
tives of Great Bri'am and of some o'her pow
■ As now sitnated onr representatives in
ment of thsyear... 887,148 65
Total .$ 99,960,253 54
This statement treats solely of the principal
of tbe pnblio debt By the monthly statement
on tbe pnblio debt, whioh adds together the
principal andinterest aooraed. to data, not/due
and ded ucts theoaajl.Wjhe Treasury as l »Mpr- t
taiued bn the day of publication. The reduo
tion was $100,644 49128.
The sonroe of this redaction is as follows:
Rednotion in principal aooount $ 99,960,003 54
Rednotion in unpaid interest ao
oount 3 330,952 36
Grand total. 104,290,956 50
Reduction in oaah on hand....... - 2,746,465 22
Grand total $100,544,491 28
On the baais of the last table the statements
show a rednotion of the pnblio debt, from the
1st of Maroh, 1869, to the present time, as fol
lows:
From Maroh 1, 1869, to March . .
1, I870..... . ....... $87,184,789 84
From March .1, 1870, to- Maroh
1,1871 117,619,630 25
From March-1, 1871, to Murdh '*•
1, 1872 94,895,248 04
From March 1, 1872, to Novetn- ., .
her 1, 1872, (8 months).,..... 64,047,237 84
Japan and Obina have to depend (or interpre
ters and translators npon natives of those
countries who know our language imperfeo’ly,
or procure for tbe occasion tbe services of em
ployees in foreign business bouses, or intepre-
tera of other foreign Ministers.
TRANSFER OF TERRITORIES TO THE INTERIOR DE
PARTMENT. ;
I renew the recommeoda ion mtde on a pre
vious occasion, of a transfer to tbe Department
of tbe Interior—to which thev seem more ap-
propria'.ely to belong—of all the powers and da
t ea in relation to the Territories with which the
Department of State is now charged by law,
or by custom ■ ■ .■ ,
BELIEF OF CITIZENS ABROAD.
Congress, fr >m the beginning of the govern -
ment, has wisely made provision for tbe relief
of distressed seamen in foreign countries. No
similar provision, however, has hitherto been
made, for the relief of citizens in distress,
abro d, other than-eanaan. It is understood to
be customary with other governments, to au
thorize their consuls to extend such relief to
their citizens or snbjeots in certain oases. A
similar authority, and au appropriation to oarry
it into effect, are recommended in the case of
citizens of tbs United State®, destitute or sick,
under such-ciroumstsnoes..i > •>
It is well known that suoh citizens resort to
foreign countries in great numbers, and though
most of them a-e able to bear the expenses in
cident to locomotion, there are tome who,
through acoideot or otherwise, become point
less, and have no friend at home able to anccor
them. Persons in this situation must e ttaer
perish or oast themselves upon the charity of
foreigners, or be relieved at the private charge
of our own officers, who usually, even with the
most benevolent dispositions, have nothing to
spare for such purposes.
Should the authority and appropriation asked
for be granted, care will be taken so to oarry
the beneficence of Congress into affect, that it
shall not be unnecessarily or unworthily be
stowed. •' ,i . *1
TREASURY DEPARTMENT
. The monies xeoeived and oonveyed into the
Treasury during the fiscal year ending June 30,
1872, were;
From anatoms $216 370 286 77
From sales of public lands 257,671,419 00
From internal revenue 130,642,167 72
From tax on National Baok cir
culation 6,523 396 39
From Pacific Railway Company. 749.861 87
From customs, fines, etc 1,136 442 14
From fees, consular, patent,
land, eto ..*... 2 284,09o 92
From miscellaneous sonreep... 4,412 254 71
Total ordinary receipts $364,694 229 91
From premium on sales of coin 9,412 637 65
Total net reeeipfp $374,106,867 56
Balanoe in Treasury Jane SOtb,
1871 $109,935,795 58
Including reoeipts from avail
able sources 1,822,836 00
Total available cash receipt®.$464,042,673 15
Tbe net expenditures by warrants daring the
same period were;
For civil expenses $ 16,187 059 20
For foreign intercourse 1 839.3t>9 14
For Indians. 7.061.728 82
For pensions... 28,533,402 76
For military establishments,
including fortifications, river
and harbor improvements
and arsenals 85,372,157 20
For naval establishment, in
cluding veste'a and machin
ery and improvements at na
vy yardp 21,249,819 99
For miscellaneous civil, includ
ing pnblio buildings, light- r I
houses and 'oolleoting the
revenue 1 42,958,326 08
For interest on the public debt 117,358,839 72
Total exclusive of principal
and premium in the pnblio
debt $ 270,559,695 91
For premium on bonds pur
chased . 6,958,266 76
For redemption of the pnblio
debt 9,996,253 64
Total. $ 106,918,520 30
Total net disbursement $ 377 478 216 21
Balanoe in Treasury Jane 3v..;> 72,106,356 94
To'al $ 464,042,673 15
From the foregoing (statement it appears that
the net reduction of the principal of the debt
daring the fiscal year, ending June 30th, 1872,
was $99 960 253 54. The sonroe of the reduc
tion is a-< follows;. „ . t .
Net ordimry receipts during
the 'year,'.'..........,...'.;.;.. $364,694,229 91
Net ordinary'expenditures, in-. *'■
eluding interest on the pnblio
debt U..U..iV.:t 570,559,695,91
Leaving surplus revenue,...tp..;($:94,134,584 00
Add amount received from pte-L
mining and sales of gold in ex
cess of'the premium paid on
bonds purchased 2,454,370,89
Add the amount of the reduction '.
of the oosts balanoe at the ,
close of the year, accompanied
with same at the commenoe-
Total $363,696,999 87
-.5. BKDUOTIoN -OF TAXES. BtUqilJ
With the great rednotion of taxation by the
acts of Congress at its last; session, the expendi
ture of the Government in oolleoting the rev
enue will be mnoh reduced for the next fiscal
year. It is very doubtful, however, whether
any farther rednotion of so vexations a butthen
npon any people, will be praotioable for the
present. ; isdil ?. aid i In „
At all events, as a measure of justioe to the
holders of the DatibnV.certificates of indebted
ness,wonld recommend that no: more legis
lation be had on this subject; unless it be to
correct errors of omission or commission in the
present laws, until sufficient time has elapsed
to prove that it can be~3one and still leave suf
ficient revenue to m-et tbe current expenses of
government—pay interest on - the pnblio debt,
and provide for the sinking fond established by
law.
; .. . the CURRENCY. 1 ' ' ol !f ‘ v '
The preservation of onr National credit is of
the highest’importanoe. Next in importance to
this oomes a solemn, duty to prqvide-a National
currency of fixed, unvarying valne, as compared
with' gold, and as -soon as praotioable, having
dne r> gard for the interests of the, debtor class
and the vicissitudes' of trade and obmmeroe oon-
vertible Into gold at pjar. u-!-. - r ;
WAR DEPARTMENT.
The report Of the 8. erntary of War shows the
expenditures of the War-Department for the
fiscal year ending Jane 30.b. 1871, to be $35,-
799,991 82, and for thq fisoal year ending June
30, 1872, to be $35,372,157 20, showing a re
daction in favor of the last fi-ical year of $427,
834 62. The estimates for military appropria
tions for the next fiscal year ending June 30th,
1874, are $33,801,478,78.
Tne estimates of the Chief of Engineers are
snbmitte 1 separately fjr fortifications, river and
harbor improvements, and for publio buildings
and grounds, and the Washington aqueduct. ■
FBBEDMitN’rt BUREAU,
The Affairs of tbe Freeduien’s Bureau have all
been transferred to the War Department and
regulations have been put into execution for
the speedy payment of bonQ'y, pay, elo , dne
colored soldiers properly ooming under that
bureau. K
All war accounts for money and property prior
to 1871 have been examined and transmitted
to the Treasnry for fi ial settlement daring the
fisoal year. There ha® heen paid for transpor
tanon on railroad® $1,300 000, of whioh $800,-
857 was over the Pacific Railroad®. For trans-
por'a’inn by water $626,373 52. and by stage
$48 975 85, and for the pnrohase of transporta
tion Huimals, wagons, hire of teamsters, eto..
$924 650 54. About $370 000 have been col
lected from Southern raiiroids daring the year
—leaving about $4 000 000 still due.
The Quartermaster has examined and trans
mitted to the accounting officer for settlement
$367,172 72 of claims by loyal oitizens for quar
termaster stores taken- during the war Sub.
sistence supplies to the amount of $89,048 12
have been issued toladians.
THE ARMY.
The annual average mean strength of the
army w s 24,101 white and 4,494 colored sol
diers. Tho total deaths reported for the year
were, 367 white and 54 colored. Tne distribu
tion of the mi dical a-id surgioal history of the
war is yet to be ordered by Congress. There
exists an absolute necessity for a Medical Corps
of tbe foil number established by aot of Con
gress of July 28, 1866, there being now 59 va-
canoies, and the nnm'ier of successful candi
date® rarely exceeds 8 or 10 in any one year.
RIVERS AND HARBORS.
I The river and harbor improvements have
been oarried on with energy and economy, al
though many are only partially completed. The
results have saved to commerce, by a greater
depth of ohannel, greater security in naviga
tioD, and tbe saviDg of time, addnd millions to
tbe wealth of the country, and inoreased the re
sources of the Government.'' y
BRIDGE® ACROSS THE MI-tBI'BIPPI AND OTHER IM-
■ • . .1 1 ; < MOVEMENTS.
I The bridge across the Mississippi river at
Rock Islandhas been completed, and theproper
site has been determined upon for the bridge at
LaOrosse. The able and ' exhaustive report
made by the commission appointed to investi
gate the Sntro Tunnel, has been transmitted tq,
Congress. Tbe observations and reports of the
signal office have been continued—stations have
been miintained at each .of the principal lake,
ieiport and river oilies—!en additional stations
have been established in the United States, and
anaugements have been made for an exchange
of reports with Canada, and a similar exobange
of observations is contemplated with the West
India Islands. The favorable attention of Con
gress is invited tdrtbe following recommends
lions of the Secretary of War: A discontinu
ance of the appointment of extra Lieutenants
to Rerve as adjutants and quartermasters.
Tha adoption of a eode providing specific
penalties for well deflued offenoes, so that the
inequality of sentences adjadged by oourt-mar-
tial may be a dj anted.
The consolidation of accounts nnder -whioh
expenditures are made as a measure of econo
my. - . i ‘ •' i ’
An appropriation of money for the construc
tion of a depot at San Antonio, the title to the
site being now perfected.
A special act plaoing tbe oemetery at the City
of Muioo on the same basis as other national
cemeteries. ;
Authority to purchase sites for military posts
in Texas.
Thi appointment of oommiHsanes* sergeant®
from non-commissioned officers, a® a measure
for securing the better cara and protection of
supplies. v ‘ 1 ’ " t
■Am appropriation foe the pnblioation of the
catalogue and tables of the amtomioal section of
the army medical museum.
Reappropriation of the amonnt for the man-
nfaoture of breeoh-loadiog arms, should the se
lection be so delayed by tne board of offloers as
to leave tbe former appropriation unexpended
at the cl ore of the fisoal year.
The sale of anoh arsenals east of the Missis
sippi as oan be spared, aad the proceeds applit d
to the eht®blishmentof one large arsenal of oon-
strnotion and repair-npon the Atlantic ooast,
and the purchase of a suitable site for a proving
and experimental ground for heavy ordnance.
Tbe abrogation of daws which deprive inven
tors in the Unite! Bfates’ servioe from deriving
any benefit from tbeir inventions.
The repeal of the law prohibiting promoting
the staff corps.
A continuance of the work upon the coast de-
fenpea. ' • 7 * ~
The repeal of the seventh section of the aot
of July 18, 1866, taking from engineer soldiers
the per diem granted to other troops.
A limitation of time for presentation of old
war claims for subsistence supplies under aot of
July 4th, 1864, and a midi flea tion in tbe mode
of the Beleotion of cadets for the military acad
emy in order to enhanoe the usefulness of the
Acsdemy, which is Wnra'red by reason of the
large amount of time neoessarily expended in
giving mew cadet® a thorough knowledge of the
more elementary branches of learning which
t hey should acquire before entering the Aoa-
demy.
Also an appropriation for a philosophical ap
paratus, an increase in the number and pay of
the military academy bund.
ATLANTIC AND GREAT WESTERN CANAL.
The attention of Congress will be called
duriDg its present session to various e jt-rprises
for the more oertain and cheaper transporta
tion of the constantly increasing surplus of
Western and Southern products to the Atlautio
seaboard. The subject is one that will force
itself upon the legislative branches of the gov-
emment sooner or later, and 1 suggest, there
fore,; ;tbat immediate steps be taken to gaiD
all availablu infoim ition to insure equable and
just legislation.
A route to oonnect the Mississippi valley
with the Atlantic at Charleston, South Carolina,
and Savannah, Georgia, by-water, by the-way
offihe^Ohio and Tmhwwb tjrmta.- and by
als and elaokwater nhvfgetloa to the Sevan-
i and Oomnlgee liven has been surveyed
and a report msule by an soaompliAAd-engineer
officer of the army.
! Second and third-MW: routes will be pro
posed for tbe consideration of Congress, name
ly, by an extension efrthe Kanawha-and James
River Canal to Ifihe Ohio, and by* tbe extensffin
ment aid to these or other enterprises, until it is
dearly shown that they are not only of national
interest,' bnt : that whet; completed they will be
of a value commensurate with their cost. . ,
That production increases more rapidly than
the,means of transportation in aor.country, has
been demonstrated by post experience. That
the unprecedented growth in .population and
products of the whole oonntry will require ad
ditional facilities and oheaper. ones, for the
more bulky artiolee of oommeroe to reaoh tide
water and a market, will be demonstrated in
the near future, is equally demonstrated.
I would suggest, therefore, that a committee
or commission. be [authorized [to [ consider this
whole question and report .to. Congress at some
future day, for its better guidinoe in legislating
on this important subject.:
The railroads of tbe oonntry have been rapid
ly extended daring the last few years, to meet
the wing demand of producers, and refleots
mat- credit qn the oapitslists and managers
engaged in their oonstiootion.
CANAL ABOUND NIAGARA FALLS..
In addition td’theae, is a project to facilitate
commerce ‘by the building of"a ship canal
around Niagara Falls oh the United States’ Bide,
whioh has been agitated for. many yearn, and
will no doubt be called to yonr attention this
session. > o» j rt la® »• u s.-a .a
j CANAL FROM MAINE TO THX QUIT OFVEXHJ*.
Looking to thegreat'future growth of our
country, and the increasing demands of • com
merce, 1t might be toll, while on this subject,
not only to have exatained’and reported upon
the various praotioable routes for .connecting
tbe Mississippi with tide water in the. Atlattio,
but the feasibility of an almost continuous land
looked navigable route from Maine to the Gulf
of Mexioo. Suoh a route- along our ooast wonld
be of great value at all times, and of inestimable
value in oase of * foreign war. Nature has pro
vided the grea'er part of this route and the
obstacles to be overoome are easily within the
skill of the engineer.
I have not alluded to this subject with the
vi.ew of haying Sny farther expenditure of pub
lic money, at this time, than may be necessary
to procure and place all the* necessary informa
tion before Congress in an authentic form, to
enable it hereafter; if‘deemed praotioable and
worthy, to legislate <m the snbjeot without delay.
THE NAVY DEPARTMENT.
The report of the'Secretary of the Navy here
with accompanying, explains folly the condition
of that branch of the pnblio service. Its wants
and defioienoies, expenses inourred daring the
past year, and appropriations for the same. It
also gives a complete history of the service of
the navy for the past year, ih addition to its
regular servioe. It is evident that unless early
steps are taken to preserve onr navy, m a very
few years the United States will be the weakest
nation npon the ocean of all the great powers
With an energitio, progressive business people
like ours, penetrating and forming business re
lstions with every part of the known world, <
navy strong enbngh to oommand the respect of
onr flag abroad is necessary for iha fall protec
tion of their rights. I recommend careful con
sideration by Congress of tbe recommendations
by tho Secretary of the N«vy.
' POST FFIOE DfPARTMKNT.
The accompanying report of the FosfinaaUr
General fnrnibhes a fall and satisfactory ex
hibit of the operations of toePostoffioe Depart
ment during the year. The ordinary revenues
of tbe Department. for the fiscal year ending
Jane 20, 1872, amounted to $21,916,426 37, and
the expen inures to $26 658 197 31. Compared
with the previous fi-oa' year, the increise of
revenue was $1,878 380 95 or9 37percent., and
• be inorease of expend tares $2 268 088 23, or
9 29 percent. Add ngti theordinary revenues
the annual sppropria'ion of $700,000 for free
matter, and the amounts paid to subsidized
mail steamship lines, from special appropria
tion®, tbe deficiency paid out by tbe general
trea®nry. was $3,3 >7,765 94—an excess of
$889 707 28 over the deficiency for the year *71.
O her interesting statistical information re
lating to our rapidly extending postal service
is furnished in this report. The total length of
railroad mail rentes on the 30ih June, 1872,
was 57 811 miles—8,077 additional miles of
»noh service having been put into operation
daring the year. Eight new lines of railroad
post routes have been es'ablished, with an ag
gregate leng'h of 2 999 miles.
The number of letters exchanged in the mails
with foreign conntr.es was 24 362 600— an in-
will show ui alarming falling off in our carry
ing trade for the last ten yean, and then for the
past year. I do not believe tbat tbe publio
treasure oan be better expended in tbe interest
of tbe whole people titan in trying to recover
this trade. An expenditure of $500,000 per
annum for the next five years, if it would re
store to ns onr proportion of the oarrying trade
of the world, should be profitably expended.
The prioe of labor in Europe has so much en
hanced within the last few years that the oost
of building and operating ooeaa steamers in the
United States is not so mnoh greater than in
Europe, so that I believe tbe proper time baa
arrived for Oongreea to take this subjeot into
serious consideration.
department of justice
i i Detailed statements of the disbursements
through the Department of Justioe will be fur
nished by the report of the Attorney General,
and though these have been somewhat inoreased
by the recent acts of Congress to enforoe the
rights of oitizens of the United States to vote
in tbe several States of the Union and to enforce
the propositions of the 14th amendment to the
Constitution of the United States, and the en
actment supplementary thereto, I oannot ques
tion the neoeaeity and salutary effect of those
enaotments.
1 , THEKUKLUX.
Reckless and lawless men, I regret to say,
have associated themselves together in some
localities to deprive other oitizens of these rights
guaranteed to them by the Constitution of tbe
United States, and to that end have committed
deeds of blood and violenoe; but the prosecu
tion and punishment of many of these persons
have tended greatly tothe repression of suoh
disorders.
I do not doubt tbat a great many of tbe peo
ple in all parts of the oouatry favor tbe foil
enjoyment, by all olasses of persons, of those
rights to whioh they are entitled nnder the con
stitution and laws, and I invoke the aid and in
flaenoeof all good oitizens to prevent organi
zations whose objeots are, by unlawful means,
to interfere with these rights.
.Hook with confidence to the time, not far
distant, when the obvious advantages of good
order and peaoe will indnoe an abandonment of
all combinations prohibited by the mots referred
to, and when it will be unnecessary to oarry on
proseontions from the IawleS^floings of such
combinations.
Applications have been made to me to par
don persons convicted of a violation of Baid
aots, upon the ground that clemency in suoh
cases wonld tend to tranquilize the pnblio mind
and test the virtue of that polioy. I am dis
posed, a3 far as my sense of justice will permit,
to give these applications a favorable consider
ation; bnt any aotion thereon is not to be oon-
atradd as indicating any change in my determin
ation to enforce, with rigor, snoh acts, so long
as the conspiracies and combinations therein
named, disturb the peace of the oonntry.
It is mnoh to be regretted, and iB regretted
by no one more than myself, that a necessity
has ever existed to execute the enforoement
aot. No one can desire moro than I, that the
necessity of applying it may never again be de
manded. : -
DEPARTMENT OF THX INTERIOR.
The Secretary of the Interior reports satis
factory improvements and progress in each of
the seveial bureaus under the control of the
Interior Depirtment. They are all in excellent
condition. The work which in some of them
for some years has been in arears, has been
brought down to areceutdate, and current bus
iness has been promptly dispatched.
INDIANS.
The polioy whioh was adopted at the beginning
of this administration in regard to the manage
ment of the Indians, has been as successful a®
its most ardent friends anrioipated within so
short time It ba® reduced the expense of their
management, decreased their forays on the
white settlements, tended to give the largest
opportunity for the extension of the great rail
ways through the pnhlio domain, and the push
ing of settlements in*o remote districts of
country, and, at the Bame time, improved the
condition of the Indians. This polioy will be
maint lined without any change, excepting sneb
as farther experience may show it to be neces
sary to render it more effi -ient.
REMOVAL TO THE INDIAN TERRITORY.
The snbjeot of converting the so-called Indian
territory south of Kiusas into a home for the
Indian, and erecting therein a territorial form
of government is one of the grea'est impor
tance as a complement of the existing Indian
polioy.
The question of removal to that territory,
has within the past year been presented to
many of the tribes resident npon other and as
desirable portions of the public domain, and
has generally been received by them with
favor.
As a preliminary step to the organization of
anoh a Territory, it will be neoessary to confine
crease of 4 066,502, or 20 per cent, over thenum- "the Indians therein to farms of proper size,
bn in 1871. and the postage thereon amounted
to $1,871 257 25
The total weight of the mails exchanged with
European conturies, exceeded 820 tons. Tne
oost of tbe United States Trans-Atlantic mail
steamship s rvice, was $220,391 70. The total
cost of the United States Ocean steamship ser
vice, including the amount® paid to the snbsi-
diz- d line of mail steamships, was $1 027,-
020 97.
Tho following are the only steamship lines
now receiving subsidies for mail service, under
speoial act® of Oougress: Tbe Pacifio Mail
Steamship Company, receive $500,000 per an
num for conveying a monthly mail between San
Franoisoo, Japan and China, whioh will be in
oreased t<> $1 000.000 for a semi -monthly mail,
and after 1872, the United States and Brazil
Mail Steamship Company, reoeive $150,000
per annum, for conveying a monthly mail be
tween New York, Bio de Janeiro, and Brazil,
and the California, Oregon and Mexioo 8tenm
ship Company receive $75,000 per annum, for
oonveyiog a monthly mail between San Fran
oisoo snd Honolulu, Hawaian Islands—making
the toial amonnt of mail steamship subsidies, at
present, $725,000 per annum.
Our postal communications with all parts of
the civilized world have been plaoed npoi a
most advantageous footing by tbe improved
poBta' conventions and arrangements reoently
conclnded with the leading commercial countries
of Europe and Amerioa, and the gratifying
statement is made that with the conclusion of a
satisfactory convention with France, the de
tails of which have been definitely agreed to by
the head of the French Postal Department
subjeot to the appioval of the Minister of
Finauoe, little remains to be ccoompliahed by
treaty for some time to come, with re®peot
either to reduction of rates or improved faoili-
ties of postal intercourse.
Your favorable consideration is respectfully
Invited to tbe recommendations made by the
Postma®ter General for an increase of service
from monthly to semi-monthly trips on the
mail steamship route to Brazil; for subsidies
iu and to the establishment of an American
line of mail steamers between San Franoisoo,
New Zealand and Australia; for the establish
ment of a PuBtoffice Savings Bank; for the in
crease of the salaries of the heads of bureaus.
THE FRANKING PRIVILEGE.
I have, beretofoie, reoommended the aboli
tion of tbe franking privilege, and see no reason
now for changing my views on that snbjeot. It
not having been favorably regarded by Congress,
however, I now suggest modification of tha'.
privilege to correct its glaring and costly
abuses.
POSTAL TELEGRAPH.
I would reoommeind, also, the appointment of
a oommittee or commission to take into consid
era'ion the befit method equitably to protsot
private corporations who have invested their
time and capital in the establishment of tele
graph lines, of acquiring the title to all tele
graph lines now in operation and connecting this
service with the postal service of the nation.
It is not probable this subjeot could receive the
proper oonsideiation during the limits of a short
session of Congress, but it may be initiated so
that future aotion may be- fair ' to the Govern
ment and to private parties concerned.
ii OCEAN MAIL 8TXAMEBS
There are but three lines of ooean s'eamer®—
namely, the 'Pioifio Mail Steamship Company,
between Sun Franoisoo, Obina and Jipan, wiih
provision tiiadnfor semi monthly servioe after
Oc otier 1st, 1873 ; the United Slates and Brazil
Line, monthly, and the California,.New Zealand
and Australian Line, monthly, plying .between
the United States and foreign ports, and owned
and operated under onr flag. I earnestly re
commend th t snoh liberal contracts for carry
ing niRils be authorized with thess lu es as will
insure their oontinuanoe.
■ If the expediency of extending the aid of
Government to lines of steamers whioh hitherto
have not received it, should be deemed worthy
of (lie consideration of Congress, political and
commercial objeots make it advisable to. beetow
-nob aid on a lino nnder onr own flag, between
Panama and t)te^western South American porta.
By this meansmucbir-.de now diverted toother
c jnntries might be brought to the Ui.i'ed State®,
to tbe mutual advantage of the country and
tho-e tying in that quarter of the Continent of
Amerioa. S iaeii "
FALLING OFF IN THE CARRYING TRADE.
The report of the Secretary of the Treasury
which should be secured to them iu fee—the
reaidue to be used for the settlement of other
friendly Indians. Efforts will be made in the
immediate fatnre to induce >he removal of as
many peaceably disposed Indians to the Indian
Territory as can be settled, properly, without
destroying the harmony of those already there.
There is no other locition, now available, where
a people, who are endeavoring to acquire knowl
edge of pastoral and ag-iooltural pursuits, can
ba as well accommodated as upon the Indian
Territory lands.
INDIAN TERRITORY.
The Territorial Governments shonid, howev
er, protect the Indians from the inroad® of the
whites for a term of years, until they beoome
Mjffi nently advanoed in tbe arts of civilization
to guard their own rights, and from tho disposal
of the lands held by them for the same period.
PUBLIO LANDS. 6
Daring the last fiscal year there were disposed
of out of the public lands 11,864,975 aores—a
quantity greater by 199,270 aores than was dis
posed of tbe previous year. Of this amonnt
1.370,820 acres were sold for ca®h—389 460
aore® located with military warr*n' c —4.671.S32
aores taken for homestead—693 613 aores lo
cated with eollege scrip-554 887 acres granted
to railroads—465 347 aores rented to wagon
roads—714.255 acres given to S:ates as swamp
lanis—5,860 acres looated by Indians.
The cash receipt® from all sources in the
Land Office am muted to $3 218,190 Daring
the same period 22.016,608 aores of the publio
lands were surveyed, which, added to the quan
tity before surveyed, amounts to 583 364 780
a^res—leaving 1,257 633,628 aores of the public
lands still nmurveyed.
The reports from tbe subordinates of the land
office contain interesting information in regard
to their respective districts. They nniformly
mention the fruitfulness of the soil dating the
past season, and the increased yield of all kinds
of prodace. Even in those States and territo
ries where mining is the prinoipal business, ag
ricultural produots have exceeded the looal de
mand and Liberal shipments have been made
to distant points.
' . PATENTS.
Daring the part year, ending September 30,
1872. there were issued from the Patent Office
13 626 patents, 233 extensions, and 556 certifi
cates and registers of trademarks. During the
same time 19 587 applications tor patent®, in
cluding reissue and designs, have been received
—3,100 caveats filed The fees received daring
the same period amounted to ¥800,954 86, and
the total expenditures to $623,553 90, mak
ing the net receipts ov*-r tbe expenditures $77,-
400 96. Since 1836 200.000 applications for
patents hava been filed, and about 133,000 pa
tents issued.
The office is being conducted under the same
laws and general organization as were adopted
«t its inauguration, when only from 100 to
500 applications were made per annum. The
Commissioner shows that the office has ont-
grown the original plan, and that a new organ
ization has beoome neoessary. This snbjaot
was presented to OoDgresa in a speoial oommn-
nication in February last, with my approvalaud
the approval of the Secretary of the Interior,
and the suggestion® contained in said commu
nication were embraced in the bill that was re
ported to toe House by the Committee on Pat
ents, at the last session.
Tbe snbjeot of the reorganization of th® Pat
ent Office, as contemplated by the bill referie I
to, is one of snoh impo-tance to the industrial
interests of the count!y, that I commend it to
the attention of Congress.
The Commissioner also treats the subject of
the separation of the'Patent Office from the De
partment of the Interior. This subjeot is also
embodied in the bill heretofore referred to.
The Commission*r complains of the want of
room for the model gallery and for the working
foroe, aud neoessary files of the office. It is
impossible to transact the business of the office
properly, without more room in which to ar-
ra"ge fl es and drawings that must be consulted
frequently in the transaction of business.
'The whole of the.Patent Offioe building
soon be needed, if it is not already, for the ac
commodation of the business of the Patent
Ofijoe.
PENSIONS
The amount paid for pensions in the last fis
cal year was $30 169,340, an amonnt larger by
$3,708,434 than was paid during the preceding
year. Of this amount $231,349 were paid un
dw the aot of Oongreea of Fob**•^77777”
to survivors of the war of 1812. 'ft.. %
increase of pension* by tho legi»lati 0 ®
gress has more than kept paoo^ toth t£°'
yearly ioreee from roll*. The act ofrw t<a *l
of June 871872, ha* added an «*tim*teK?'
of $750,000 per annum to the roll*, with?®?*
creasing the number, of pensions Wo **•
therefore, look tor any aubetantial relief
department for aome time to oome, or ^i^
*a Ooograaa oontinuea to ao ohange retea 2
siona. ° 0108 «pe».
The whole number of soldiers enlisted i ,
rar of the rebellion was 2,688 523 Th. ” ^
number of olahna for invalid pension.® i. !?*
000—being bat eix per oent. of tbe whol. i®**
ber of enlisted men. The total nttoW?:
claims on hand at the beginning of th. 4
was 94,689. Tlje. mun^rereifed diW£
year was 26,6^4. The number dispoeTL 8 th »
39,178— making a net gain of 12 604 o? 1
number of claims now on file is 798 595 ’ A "®
On the 25th of June, 1872, there’weri m
rolls the names of 95,405 invalid
sioners, 118,618 widows, orphans and
ent relatives—making an‘aggregate of 208^1
army pensioners. „ _
At the same time there were on the roll. n.
names of 1,449 navy pensioners, and 1 730®®?
ows, orphans and dependent relativegl-mlh;
the-whole number of naval pensioners 3
There have been reoeived .since
of the aot to provide pensions for tha
of the war of 1814.86 557 applioa^a S'
Jane 80, 1872. Of these .here
during the last fisoal year 20,126 clai^TT^
were rejected ‘.during the year, leevW
claims pending at that date. “
The number of pensions of all class*,
ed during the last fiscal year were 338 038
Daring that period there were droDDed’fKm,
the rolls for various causes 9,104 dE W
a grandrtotal of2S2,229 pensioners on the to]],
on the 30th of June, 1872. / ^
It is thought that the claims for pension.
aooount of the war of 1812, will all be disced J
Aoiw *k 0 °* M *y* 1873. It ia estimatedUut
$30,480,000 will be required for the pennon 1
servioe during the next fisoal year,
THE CENSUS.
The ninth (9th) oensna ia about comnleUd
Its early completion is a subject of congratula
tion inasmuch aa the use to be made of th«
statistics therein contained, depends yer,
greatly in the promptitude of publication
The Seoretary ot the Interior reoommend.
that a oenans be taken in 1875, which recom
mendation should reoeive the early attention of
Congress. The interval at present esubli.hed
between the Federal census is so long th.t the
information obtained at the decennial period u
to the material oondition, wants and resource,
of the nation, is of little practioal valne, after
the expiration of the the first half of that
period.
It should probably obviate the constitnlioail
provision regarding the decennial census, if t
census taken in 1875 shonid be divesred of all
political character and no ^apportionment of
congressional representation be m®de nnder it.
Such a census, coming as it wonld in the list year
of the century of our natural existence wonld
furnish a novel monument of the process ot
tbe United States during tbe century.
EDUCATION.
The rapidly increasing interest in ednetion
is ,a most encouraging picture in the onmet
history of the country, aud it is no doubt true
that this is due in a great measure to the efforts
of the Bareau of Education. That efflee ia cot-
tinually receiving evidences which abnudunt!/
prove - its effioienoy, from the various ics:i:a-
tions of learning and educators of all kinds
throughout the country. ~ "
Tbe report of the Commissioner coiuiuia
vast amount of educational details of grist in
terest. The bill now pending before Cauesa
providing for the appropriation of tbe net pro.
needs of the sales of publio lands for edact-
tional purposes to a d tbe States in tbe genenl
education of tbeir rising generation ia a men-
nre of snoh great impprmaoe to onr real pro
gress, and is so unanimonsly approved by tbe
leading friends of education, tha' I recommend
it to the favorable attention of CongD-sa.
AFFAIRS IN THE TERRITORIES
are generally batisfaoiory. Tne energy ted
business capachy of the pioneers, who are set
tling up tbe vast domains not incorporated iato
States, are keeping pace in internal improve
ments and civil government with theolrer c m-
munities. In bnt cne of them, is tte con
dition of affairs unsatisfactory, except eo tar at
the quiet of ihe cit zen may be di-.tnrbt-d.bj
real or imaginary d-qger of Indisn bostiiitiea
It has »et-me.i to be tne policy t f the Legisla
ture of Utah to evade all responsibility to tbe
Government of the United Stites, and evento
bo’d a position in hostility to it. I rec unmeud
a careful revision of ibe present laws if me ter
ritory by Congress, and the ei actment if such
a law as the one proposed in Congress at i>s last
session, for instance; or something s mi'sr to
it, a® will secure peace—the oqn-ility of all citi
zen.® before the law, and the animate extin
guishment of polygamy.
Since the establishment of a Territorial gov
ernment for the Distriot of Columbia 'he im
provement of the condition of tbe City of
Washington and surroundings, and tbe menu-
ed prosperity of the citizen® is observed bvth*
most oasnal visitor. The nation being a Ifft
owner of property in this city shonid hear w; k
citizens of the Distpct, a just proportion of th«
expense of these improvements. I recommend
therefore, an appropriation to reimburse lie
citizens for the work done by them, along it*
front of the pnblio grouuds during the P**
year, and liberal appropriations in order tW
the improvement aud embelli-hment 0' rhepuV
lio bn'ldings aod grounds may keep pee wi:h
the improvements made by the Territorial au
thorities.
AGRICULTURE.
The report of the Commissioner of Artiom-
tare gives a very full and interesting aooonnt of
the several divisions of that department—th*
horticultural, agricultural, statistical, entomo
logical—and the benefits oonfeired by each upon
the agricultural interest® cf tte cuun>rj. RJ
whole report is a.oomplete history, in deiau, w
the workings of that department in: ■
branches, Bhown g the manner in to®
farmer, merohant «nd miutrs era informed,
the extent to whioh he is aided In bi« P ars!1 ,
The Commissioner makes one reeonat*to
tion—that mta'-nres be taken by Cong'**
protect and induce the planting of fcro-W“
suggests that no part of tha pnblio lands am
be disposed of Without the condition that ®
tenth of it be reserved in timber where 1.
ists, and where it doeB not exist, inaaoeOM
shonid be offered tor planting it.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. j
In accordance with the terms of the ■*
1871, pw na 7
for the eelebrationof the one — i(>
vereary of American independence, a t’®
•ion has been organized, oonatetmg of
her* tor eaoh of the Siatea and territories ^
commission has held two sessions »ni ,
satisfactory progress in the organization^,
in the initiatory steps neoei-sary forc-^ 6
out the provisions of the act, and for execut »
also, the provisions of the
1872. A Centennial Board
created and a preliminary r'-pot tof prort e *
beenreoeivedfromthePrvsta^ 011 ^^
sum and is herewith transmitted, u ™ Uj
duty of the commission, at yonr c rn°K.
before you the details relatingrtothe ^
of American and foreign arts, p ^ ^
manufactures, which, bythete . - Qovers*
ia to be held nnder the au«pice®'ot tne ^'
ment of the United States in the dty ° ^
delphta, inthe year 1876. Tbl *tob
be looked forward to by Amer 10 ^ .
great interest, as marking a centuy ^ tb(
progress and prosperi'y than 18 r “ J^rriiig»
history of any other nation, al r*
farther grand purpose in brin 8J“® iffnatios*L
our soil the people of all the°o®® ® to5 ert*|
of the earth in a manner o®lon!« I
international good feeling- J
CIVIL service eofl* e ‘|
An earnest desire has h®*
ah uses whioh have grown np In 1
of the country, through the tjr«’|
of making appointmenti.to a ioch* , l
Federal offices have been regard^ n^^or-1
the reward of political services- “ .ij^eJ ^1
ity of Congress, rules have been ■- ^oie “1
regulate the tenure of office that 1
appointments. It oannot be ex.
system of rules can be entirely ^ i
prove a pe-.feot remedy f> r ex',. _"
they have been thoroughly tested
tioe and amended aooording to
of the service. beO ,e
Daring my term of office it sh-s* w ^
endeavor, to so apply the rule* »
greatest possible reform to tbe tbJC
the Government; but it w.llreti forfe 3tf
aotion of Oongreas to rerd®r tne' ^
the system binding upon my ■ . ^r,
hope that the experience of » t b y C
gether with th® appropriate 1 g
gress, may reach a aa “ hfaot r ^ 1 , os ervi«
question and aeoure to tl“®, p obW i 0 iDg
time a practical method of obutm
and efficient offloers and empl^ ■“ qbA* 1 I
Executive Mansion, Deo.
2d, 1873*