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journal & messenger. CL13BY, JONES & EEESE, Pbopbiztons. Tex Famili Jottbkal.—Nxws—Politics— Litbbatttbx—Asbicultues—Dokbstis GEOEGIA TELEGEAPH BUILDING Established 1826. MACOIN, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1879. Volume LIY—N059 ANNUAL MESSAGE Of the President of United States tile 20 the two House* of Congress, at tbe Commencement of (be Sp.coml Sea sion of tbe For. Ij-Slxib Congress. Fellow Citizen* of the Senate and Souse of Representatives: —The members of the Forty-Birth Congress have asiembled in their first regular session tinder circum stances calling for mutual congratulation and grateful acknowledgment to the Giver of all good for the large and un- nensl measure cf national prosperity which we now enjoy. The most interesting events which have occurred in our public affairs since my last annual message to Congress are connected with tbe financial operations of the government, directly affecting the business interests of the country. I corn gratulate Congress on the successful ex ecution of the resumption act. At the time fixed and in the manner contem plated by law, United States notes began to be redeemed in coin. Sinoe tbe first of January last they have been promptly redeemed on presentation, and in all bna iness transactions, public and private, in all parte of the country, they are received and paid ont as the equivalent of coin. Tho demand npon tho Treasury for gold ana silver in cxobange for United States notes has been comparatively small, and the voluntary deposit of coin and bullion in exchange for notes has been very large. Tbe excess of the precious metals deposited or exchanged for United States notes over the amount of United 8tates notes redeemed is about $49,000,000. The resumption of specie payments has been followed by a very great revi val of business. With a cnrrenoy equiv alent in valne to the money of tbe com mercial world, wo are enabled to enter upon an equal competition with other nations in trads and production. The increasing foreign demand for our manu factures and agricultural products has caused a large balance of trade in oar fa vor, which has been paid in gold, from tbe 1st of July last to November 15, to the amount of about $59,000,000. Since tbe resumption of specie payments there has also been a marked and gratifying improvement of the public credit. Tbe bonds of tho Government bearing only four per cent, interest bavo been sold at or above par, sufficient in amount to pay off all of the national debt which was redeemable undyr present laws. The amount of internet saved annually by the process of refunding tho debt, since March 1, 1877, is §14.297,177. The bands sold were largely in small sums, and the number of oar citizens no® h~ ,J lag tu« iiuouoaruuriiies u much greater than ever before. The amount of tbe national debt which matures within less than two years is $792,121,700, of which $500,000,000 bear interest at the rate of five per cent-, and the balance iB in bonds bea-ing six per cant. interest. It is be lieved that this part of the pnblio debt can be refanded by tbe issue of four per oent. bonds, and, by the redaction of in* terest which will thus bo effected, aboat eleven millions of dollars can be annually saved to tho Treasury. To secure this important rednotion of interest to be paid by the United States, farther leg islation is required, which, it is hoped, will be provided by Congress during ita present session. The coinage of gold by the mints of the United States, during the la-it fiscal year, was $49,986,912 The coinage of silver dollars, since the passage of the act for that purpose, up to November 1, 1879. was $45,000,850, of which $12,700,- 844 have been issued from the Treasury, and are now in circulation, and $32,- 300,506 arc etlll in the possession of the Government. The pendency of the proposition for naity cf ac'.icn between tbe United States and the prinoipal commercial nations of Eirope, to effect a permanent system for tbe equality of gold and silver in the reo* ognlzid money of the world, leads me to recommend that Congress refrain from new legislation on tbe general snbjsot. The great revival of trade, internal and foreign, will supply, during tbe ooming year, its own instructions, which may well be awaited before attempting other experimental measures with the coinage. I would, however, strongly urge npon Congress the importance of authorizing the Secretary of tho Treasury to suspend the coinage of silver dollars npon the present legal ratio. The market value of tho silver dollar being uniformly and largely lees than the market value of the gold dollar, it is obviously impreoticable to maintain them at par with each other if both are coined without limit. If tbe cheaper coin is forced into circnlation it will, if ooined witbont limit, soon become the solo standard of value, and thus de feat the desired object, which is a cur rency of both geld and silver, which shall bo of equivalent valne, dollar for dollar, with the universally recognized money of the world. The retirement from circulation of United States notes, with the capacity of legal tender in private contracts, is a step to bo taken in onr progress towards a safe and stable cnrrenoy, which should be accepted as the polioy and daty of the government, and the Interest and se curity of the people. It Is my firm ccn- viotion that tho issue of legal tender pa per money based wholly npon tbe author ity and credit of the government, except in extreme emergency, is witbont war rant in the Constitution, and a violation of sound financial principles. Tho issue of United States notes daring the late civil war, with tbe capacity of legal ten der between private individuals, was not authorized except as a means of rsscu- ing tbe country from imminent peril. The circulation of theso notes as paper money, for any protruded period of time after tbe accomplishment of this purpose, was not contemplated by the law under which they were iained. Th6y anticipated the redemption and withdrawal of these notes at the earliest practical period consistent with the attainment of the object for wbioh they were pro vided. Tbe policy of the United State?, stead- ily adhered to from the adoption of the Constitution, has been to avoid the crea tion of. a National debt, and when, from necessity in time of war, debts have been crested, they have been paid off on the return of peace as rapidly as poseible. With this view, and for this purpose, it is recommended that the existing laws for the accamalation of a sinking fund sufficient to extinguish ths public debt within a limited period be maintained. If any change of tho objects or rates of taxation Is deemed necessary by Con gress, it is snggested that experieuco has shown that a duty can ba placed on tea and coffee, which will not enhance the pries of those articles to the consumer, wd whlob will add several millions of aolhrs annually to the Treasury. The oontiuued deliberate violation by influential citlzsns of the Territory of Utah of the laws of the United States for the proseontion and pnniBhment of polygamy, demands the attention of every department of the Government. This Teiritory has a population sufficient to entitle it to admission as a State, and the general interests of the Nation, as well as the welfare of the citizens of the Territory, reqnire its advance from the territorial form of government to the re sponsibilities and privileges of a State. This important chango will not, however, be approved by tbe connlry while the citizens of Utah in very considerable number uphold a practice which is con demned as a crime by the laws of all civilized communities thronghont the world. The law for the suppression of this of fense was enaoted with great nnaaimity by Congress more than seventeen years ago, bnt has remained nntil re cently a dead letter in the Territory of Utah, because of the peculiar difficulties attending its enforcement. The opinion widely prevailed among the citiz;n9 of Utah that the law waB in contravention of the Constitutional guarantee of reli gious freedom. This objection is now removed. The Snpreme Court of the United States has decided the law to be within the legislative power of Congress, and binding as a role of action for all who reside within the Territories. There is no longer any reason for delay or hesi tation in its enforcement. It should be firmly and effectively executed. If not sufficiently stringent in its provlsicns it should be amended, and, in aid of the purpose in view, I recommend that more comprehensive and more searching methods for preventing as well as pun ishing this crime be provided. If neces sary to secure obedience to tbe law, the enjoyment and exercise of the rights and privileges of citizenship in tbe Territo ries of the United States may be withheld or withdrawn from those who violate or oppose the enforoent of the law on this ■ubjeot. The elections of the past year, though occupied only with Scato offices, have not failed to elicit in the political discussions which attended them all over the conn try, new and decisive evidence of the deep interest which tho great body of citizens take in the progress of the coun try towards a more genoral and complete establishment, at whatever cost, of uni versal eecurity and freedom in the exer- oise of the elective franchise. While many topics of political concern demand great attention from oar people, both in tbe sphere of National and State author ity, I find no reason to qaalify the opin ion I expressed in my lost annual mes sage, that no temporary or administrative interests of government, however argent or weighty, will ever displaoe the zeal or our people in defense of the primary rights of citizenship, and that tho power of publio opinion will override all politi cal prejudices, and all seotional and State attachment?, in demanding that all over our wide territory the name and charier ur citizen or inu uuiicu outies eaall mean one and the same thing, and oarry with them unchallenged seount; and re spect. I earnestly appeal to the intelli gence and patriotism of all good citizens of every part of the oountry, however muoh they be divided in opinions on oth er political subjects, to unite in compell ing obedience to existing laws aimed at the proteotion of th6 right of suffrage. I respectfully urge upon Congress to sup ply any defects in theso laws which ex perience has shown and which it is with in its power to remedy. I again invoke the co-operation of tbe executive and leg islative authorities of the States in this great pnrpose. I am convinced that if the public mind can bo eet at rest on this paramount question of popular rights, no serious obstacle will thwart or delay tho complete pacification of the country, or retard the general diffusion of prosperi ty- In a former message I invited tbe at tention of Congress to the subject of the reformation of tho civil service of the Government, and expressed tho intention of transmitting to Congress as early as practicable a report upon this subject by the chairman of the Civil Service Com mission. In view of the fast that, during a con siderable period, the Government of Great Britain has been dealing with ad ministrative problems and abases, in va rious partioolars analogous to those pre sented in this country, and that in recent years the measures adopted wero under stood to have been effective and in every respect highly satisfactory, I thought it desirable to have fuller information upon tbe subject, and aoootdingly requested the chairman of the Civil Service Commission to make a thorough investigation for this purpose. The result has been an elabo rate and comprehensive report. Tho report sets forth tho history of the partiean-spoils system in Great Britain, and of the rue and fall of the parliamen tary patronage, and of official interfer ence with the freedom of elections. It shows that after long trials of various kinds of examinations, those that are competitive and open on tqutl terms to all, and which aro earned on under the superintendence of a single commission, have, with great advantage, been estab lished as conditions of admission to al most every official place in tbe subordi nate administration of that country and of British India. The ccmpLlion of tho report, owing to the extent of the labor involved in its preparation, and the omis sion of Congress to make any provision either for tho compensation or the ex- peases of tba Commission, hae been postponed nntil the present time. It is herewith transmitted to Congiese. While the reform measures of another Government are of no authority for ns, they aro entitled to influence, to tho ex tent to which their intrinsic wisdom, and their adaptation to oar insti‘ntions end social life may commend thorn to our consideration. The views I have heretofore expressed concerning the defects and abuses in onr civil administration remain unchanged, except in bo far as an enlarged experi*. once bos deepened my senso of tho duty both of the officers and cf the people themselves to co-operate for their re moval. The grave evils and perils of a partisan-spoils system of appointment to office and of office tenure, are now gener ally recognized. In tho resolutions of the great parties, in the reports or De partments, in the debate and proceedings of Ocngre33, in the messages of Execu tives, the gravity of these evils has been pointed ont and the need of their reform ha3 been admitted. To command tbe necessary anpport, every measure of reform must bo based on common right and justice, and must be compatible with the healthy existence of great parties, which are inevitable and es9ential in a free 8tat». When the people have approved a pol icy at a National election, confidence on tho part i of the officers the/ have se lected, and of the advisers who, io accordance with onr political institution?, should be consulted, in the policy which It is their daty to carry into effect, is in dispensable. It is eminently proper that thoy should explain it before the people, ae well as illustrate its spirit in the per formance of their official duties. Very different considerations apply to w the greater number of those who fill the a large number of the prominent and subordinate places in the civil service. Their responsibility is to their superior 8 in offiAal position. It is their dnty to obey the legal instructions of thoBa npon whom that authority is devolved, and their best public service consists in the discharge of their functions irrespective of partisan politios. Their duties are the same, whatever party is in power and whatever policy prevails. As a conse quence, it follows that their tenure of offioe should not depend on the preva lence of any policy or tho suprematyy of any party, but should be determined by their capacity to serve the people most usefully, quits irrespective of partisan in terests. The same considerations that should govern the tenure, should also pre vail in tbe appointment, discipline, and the removal of theso subordinates. The authority of appointment and removal is not a perquisite; which may be used to aid a friend or reward a partisan, bnt iB a trust to bs exercised in tho pnblio in terest, under all tho santiona which at' tend the obligation to apply the pnblio funds only for pnblio purposes. Every citizen has an eqaal right to the honor and profit of entering tbe pablic service of his country. Tho only just ground for discrimination, is the meas' ure of charaoter and capnoity he has to meko that service most nseful to the peo ple. Except in cases where, npon just and recognized principles, as npon the theory of pensions, offices and promo' tionsare bestowed as rewards of past cer vices, their beBtowal npon any theory whioh disregards personal merit, is an act of inj ns tics to the citizen as well as a breach of that trust subjeot to whioh the appointing power is ho.d. In the light of those principles it be comes of great importance to provide just and adequate means, especially for every department, and large administra tive office, where personal discrimina tion on tho part of its head is not practi cable, for ascertaining tboso qualifier tions to which appointments and re movals should have reference. To fail to provide such means is not only to deny the opportunity of asoertainiog the facts upon which the most righteous claim to office depends, but, of necessity, to dis courage all worthy aspirants, by handing over appointments and removals, to mere influence and favoritism. If it is the right of tbe worthiest claimant to gain the appointment, and the interest of the people to bestow it upon him, it would seem dear that a wise and just method of ascertaining personal fitness for office must be an important and permanent fanotion of every just and wise govern ment. It has long since become impos sible, in tho great offices, for those hav ing tho duty of nomination and appoint ment, to personally examine into the in dividual qualification of more than a small proportion of those seeking office; ar.d, with tbe enlargement of the civil service, that proportion must continue to beoooo less. In the earlier years of the Government, tbe subordinate officers were so few in nn ^i tu'ti it was *£unu vtiay tuc lOOSO making appointments and promotions to personally ascertain tho merit? of oaoSi- dates. Tarty managers and methods had not then become powerful agencies of oo- eroion, hostile to tba freo and just exer cise of the appointing power. A large and responsible part of tho da ty of restoring the civil service to the de sired parity and efficiency rests upon the President, and it is my purpose to do what is within my power to advance such prudent and gradaal measures of re form as will most surely and rapidly bring about that radical change of system es sential to make onr administrative meth ods satisfactory to a free and intelligent people. By a proper exercise of authori ty, it is in the power of the Executive to do muoh to promote such a reform. But it cannot bs too clearly understood that nothing adequate oac be accomplished without co operation on tbe part of Con gress and considerate and intelligent Euppport among the people. Reforms whioh challenge the generally acoepted theories of parties, and demand changes in the methods cf departments, are not tbe work of a day. Their permanent foundations must be laid in Bound prin ciple?, and in an experienos which de monstrates their wisdom and exposes tho errors of their adversaries. Every worthy officer desires to meke his official action a gain and an honor to his country, but tbe people themselve?, far more than their efficors in public station, are interested in a pure, economical, and vigorous ad ministration. By laws enacted in 1853 and 1855, and now in substance incorporated in the Revised Statutes, the practice of arbi trary appointments to the several subor dinate grades in the great Departments was condemned, and examinations, as to ospacity, to be conducted by department al boards of examiners, were provided for and made conditions of admissions to the publio eervice. These statutes are a decision by Congress that examinations of some eort, a3 to attainments and ca pacity, aro essential to the well-being of the publio service. The important ques tions since the enactment of theae laws have been as to the oharseter of these examinations, and whether official favor and partisan inflaenoe, or aammon right and merit, were to oontrol the aoceas to the examinations. In practice, these ex aminations have not always been open to woithy persons generally, who might wish to be examined. Official favoritism and partisan influence, B3 a rule, appear to have designated those who alono wore permitted to go before tho examining board?, subjecting even the examiners to a pressure from tho friends of tbe candi dates vary difficult to resist. As a con sequence, tho standard of admission fell below that whioh tho publis interest de manded. It was also almost inevitable that a system whioh provided for various separate boards of examiners, with no common supervision or uniform method of procedure, should result m confusion, inconsistency, and inadequate teats of capacity highly detrimental to tbe pnblio interests. A farther and more radical change was obviously reqnired. In tho annual message of Deoamber, 1870, my predecessor declared that “there is no daty whioh so much embarrasses the Executive and heads of Departments as that of appointments, nor is there any such arduous and thankless labor im posed on Senators and Representatives as that of finding places for constituents. The present system does not secure the best men, and often not even fit men for the pnblio places. The elevation and purification of the civil service of the Government will be hailed with approval by the wholo people of the United States.” Congress accordingly passed tho act, approved March 3,1871, “to reg ulate the civil service of tbe United States and promote tho efficiency there of,” giving the neoeasary authority to the Executive to inaugurate civil semes reform. Acting under this statute, which was interpreted as intended to secure a sys tem of just and effectual examinations under uniform supervision, a camber of eminently competent persons were select ed for the pnrpose, who entered with zeal npon the discharge of their duties, pre pared, with an intelligent apppreciation of the requirements of the service,' the regulation contemplated, and took charge of the examination?, and who, in their capadty as a board, have been known as the “Civil Servioa Commia- ba aa salutary as they are stated to have pendent trans-Atlantic oable between I ry oonoessions for the right of way, and , wlll been under the administration of my France, by way of the French Island of its security, by the Central American I tationa as annUed*tothe crime of finer- I ? xp2 “?iiP r ® s ° r tt>0 D<, P predecessor. I think the eocnomy, du- St. Pierre, and this oountry, subject to I governments, the capital for its comple- I tion " I 419, £93*15, of which tbo sum of *S76.46d 63 rity, and efficiency of the publio service any future legislation of Congress on the tion would bo readily furnished from T n thsaa several Moommandalioiia I } on Ii4bi!ui ®* inoorred In preoeding would be greatly promoted by their sys- subject- The conditions imposed, before this conntry and Europe, which might, concur. ’ 5 The expenditures dnrioc the year were tomatio introduction, wherever practioa- allowing this connection with onr shores failing such guarantees, prove inacoasi- The Secretary of War further repc ' MB "■ - - - J ble, throughout the entire civil service of to be established, are such as to secure bio. that the work for the improvement the Government, together with ample its competition with any existing or fu- Diplomatic relations with Chill have t he Scute Pass of the Mississippi river * - „ . ..... provision for their general supervision, I ture lines of marine cable, and preclude j also been strengthened bv.the reception under contract with Mr James B Eids* 18 ‘ 8, #h8B 8h>* tbo compensation of pest- inorderto seoure oonaiatenoy and uni- amalgamation therewith, to provide for of a minister from that oountry. midn in nnrnnanna of an ant of n ? Htersl ’ ro . nl8 commission on tho valne of form justice. entire equality of rights to our Govern- Tho war batween Pern. Bolivia, and b^£n^Stad d£rfM the past £S2L.“ M ’ a ca “ miaaion fia stamps Reports from ths Secretary of the In- pent and people with those of Franca Chili still continues. The United States yea r, with a greater measure of success The amount drawn from the Treasury on tenor, from the Postmaster General, from m the use of the cable, and prevent any have not deemed it proper to interpose m the attainment of results than during appropriations in addition^tteSSwtf tho postmaster in the city of New Yolk, exclusive possession of the privilege as hn the matter, further than to convey to I any previous year, The channel tbronsU I tD0 Department was $3 131,451 96 being where suoh examinations have been some- aocorded by France to the disadvantage all the Governments concerned, the as- the South Pas? whlob, at the beginning $7,276,197 £6 lejs than in the preceding yean time on trial, and also from the collector of any future oable communication be- suranoa that the friendly offioes of the I 0 ? operations ia June 1875 had a depth I expenditures for the Ureal yooren- of the port, the navalofiicer. and the aur- | tween Franoe and the United States Government of the United StateB for the ofonlysaven and one-half ’feet of water I SS? j?, 9 ’ 168l \ aroeatim atel at *39.920,- iplish-1 restoration of peaco npon an.honoroblq of'twenty-six feet, having a width I pnatedfor, ourcd^'^e»sm?^o?i7^[op« veyor in that oity, and from thspostmas- which may be projected and accomplish laxpA citiap -h/>»>*j>-4 t*-- .. ------uummu- i erenls^naii® lifeibitTa readiness to ac- system, where applied, has, in various I moation with Europe, rem -re ters and collectors ia several of the other I od_b^our ci^iz^g^ xift?a*m%^ n coramu' 3lai lOldviWM. ..niinv and the Argentine Rspufa with thoao countries is improving. A provision for regular and more frequent of not leas than two hundred feet and a eentral depth of thirty foot. Payments with Brazl | nave been made in accordance with the nttxtntrc-, —o tba work progressed, amount ing in the aggregate to $4,250,000; and _ . funher payments will become duo as pro- tbat tho general application of 8lmiiar to the propriety of some general regula- I mail communication, m our own ships, v i led by the statute, in the event of sao- rules cannot fail to bs of decided benefit tion by Congress of the whole subject of between the ports of this connlry and 0 ss iu maintaining the channel now se- to the service. I transmarine cables by my predecessor in the nations of South America seems to oured. The reports of the government offioers, hia message of December 7, 1875, and I me to deserve the attention of Congress, The report of the General of the Army tho city of Now York ospeoially, bear respectfully submit to your conBidera- Ub an essential precursor of an enlarge- and of his subordinates, present a full cidtd testimony to the utility of open 1 the importance of Congressional meat of our commerce with them, end an and de wave, contributed to improve the publio burdensome to the interests of our com eervice. I merce, must necessarily flow from the The reports show that the results hive establishment of thi3 competing line, been salat ary in a matked degree, and | The attention of Congress was drawn sion.” Congress for two years appropri-1 Oar relatione with foreign countries | and find it practicable to avail themselves [ estimated surplus revenue for the year 1870, entitled‘An act to amend an *ot ab ated the money needed for ths campon- I have continued peioeful. j Of the proffer. I ending June 30, 1880, of $24,000,000. I proved May_SO,,1870, entitled An act to en- thf work oUhe h OomSon! ° ariyiDg °! I I »» » gratification to be able to an, | &%J h LS2LS*£! I vo?e ta ta e 0 t Z veA,°8tat a e a M pose for the ourrent year. As no general election for members of Congress ooaurred, the omission was a matter of little practi cal importance. Such election will, how ever, taks place daring tho ensuing year, and the appropriation made for the pay of It appears from the report of the Com mission, submitted to tha President in . . , uo knu ulvluuo uu DJVJU oluo . - . . .. - . ,. , , , , April, 1874, that examinations bad beea ed to be In derogation of rights secured 0 f the Rio Grande, under the instructions ponditures for the same period will be No appropriation was made for this pur- held invarioas sections of the country.and I bv treaty to American fishermen. The of their respeotiv Governments, raids and *278. 097^364.39-Wing * of I ooae for tha current vear. that an appropriation of aboat $25,000 | United StateB Minister in London has I dopredatioas have greatly decreased,and I *9.902,63o 61 for that year, would be required to meet the annual ex- been instructed to present a demand for I j n the localities where formerly most de- ThB latffoi account expended ror arrears penses, inoluding salaries, involved in | $105,305.02, in vifjw of the damages re-1 atructivs, have now almost wholly I of Dsnsions daring the laBtaua present ns- uiecharging tbe duties of the Commis- osived by Amerioan citizens at Fortune I ceased. In view or this reauU, I en- cal J°» r i amounting to $21,747,249.60, sion. Ths report was transmitted to | on tb® 6:h day of Janaary, 1878, I tertsin a confident expectation that I haa prevented the apphoitlon of the full I marehols ana deputies should be aufflcieut to Congress by special message of April 18, j Th« subjeot has been taken into oenoid- | the prevalence of quiet on the I amount required by law to ths sinking embrooe compensation for the eervioes they 1874, with tho following favorable com- nation by the British Government, and border will soon become so assured as f acd for the ourrent year; but these ar- m»y be required to perform at such elee ment npon tbe labors of the Commission: 1 80 ®»*ly reply is anticipated. I to jastify a modification of the present or- I f ears having been substantially paid, it - “If sustained by Congress, I have no Upon the completion of the neoes3ary I decs to onr military commanders as to I * 3 believed that the sinking fund can Mss business of the Supreme Court is, at doubt the rules can, after the experienoe preliminary examinations, the subject of crossing the border, without enoourag- hereafter be maintained without an y im!£2u gained, be so improved and enforced as our participation in the provincial fishe- ing such disturbances as would endangfr «««“« l8W ‘ to still more materially benefit the pnblio j ries, as regulated by treaty, will at once j the peace of the two countries. I The Secretary of War reports that the | that by any assiduity the distinguished mog- servioe and relieve the Executive, Mem-1 be brought to the attention of the British I The third instalment of the award I War Department estimates for the fiscal istrates who oompose the Court oan aosom- bers of Congress, and tire heads of De- | Government with a view to an early and | against Mexico under the Claims Com- f year ending June 30, 1831, are $40,380,- pUshmore than is now done. In the oourta ed hsnfieially.as is shown by the opinions j Efforts have been made to obtain the gross providing »or the Bame. This sat- during a period of at least twelve yearp. bjlieved that all is done in eachoircuit which of ths .members of tbe Cabinet and their removal of restriotions found injurious isfaotory situation be tween tho two ooun- j He ooncurs with the General of the oan fairly be expected from its judioial foroe, Enbordinates In tho Departments, and in I to the exportation of cattle to the United I tries leads me to anticipate an expansion I Army iu recommonding auoh legislation [ Ths evils arising from delay, are leas heavily that opintn I concur.” And iu the an-1 Kingdom. I of onr trade with Mexico and an in- as will authorize the enlistment of tho I felt by the United States, than by private nnal message of December of the same Some correspond moe has also ooourred creased contribution of capital and iu-1 full number of twenty-five thousand men I m its .causes ore advanced by the year, similar views are expressed, and an I with regard to the xesoue and saving of dustry by our peop'e to the develop- for the line of the Army, exclusive of tbe ?****** that ttn/ tnyolwtha appropriation for contimrng the work of life and property upon the lakes, whioh ment of the great resources of that three thousand four hundred end sixty- j^“ 0ue * l0E8 ° r questions or a public chorac* the Commission again advised. j has resulted in important modifications I oountry. I earnestly commend to the I three men required for detatche.d duty, I The remedy suggested by tbe Attorney- The appropriation was not made, and, 1 of the previous regulations of the Do-1 wisdom of Congress the provision of and therefore not available for service General, is the appointment of additional as a consequence, the aative work of the I minion Government on the snbjsot, in I suitable legislation looking to this result, I io the field. I circuit j adges, and the creation or aa inter- Commission was suspended, leaving the I tbe interest of humanity and commerce. I Diplomats intercouae with Colombia Ha &Uo recommends that Congress be ®® ai8t0 cotlrt or errors and appeals, which Commission itself still in existence. In aocordanos with the joint reaolu- is again fully restored by the arrival of a asked to provide by law for the dispesi- I !Ml2!S!25^®2Sr" P 0 " 6 , 01 ap«t of Without the mean?, therefore, or causing tion or the laBt session of Congress, minister from that country to the United tionofa Luge number of abandoned mil- qualifications to be tested in any system- commissioners were appointed to repre- Stales. This is especially fortunate in itary dmUltd reserVations,wtaTthough dutfes performance of circuit atio manner, or of secunngfar the public sent tho United States at the two Inter- viow of the fact that the question of an Ter » valuable in themselves, have boen loommend this suggestion to ths oonai- service the advantages of competition national Exhibitions in Australia, one of mter-ooeamo oanal has recently assumed I rendered useless for military purcoie* by I deration of Congress. It would seem to upon any extensive plan, I recommended 1 whioh is now in progress at Sydney, and J a new and important aspeot, and is now I the advance of civilization and settle- | Jfford a complete remedy, and would involve, in my annual message of Dseember, I the other to be held next year at Mel-1 under discn3sion with tho Central Amer- 1877, the making of an appropriation for I bourne. A desire haB been expressed by I ican countries through whoso territory the resumption of the work cf the Com- J our merchants and manufacturers inter-1 the canal, oy the Nioarunga route, would mission. ested in tbe important and growing I have to pass- It ia trusted that enlight- In the meantime, however, competitive I trade with Australia, that an increased ened statesmanship on their part will examinations under many embarrass- provision bhonld.be made by Congress I see that the early prosecution of snob a ments have been conducted within limit- for the representation of onr industries work will largely enure to tho benefit, cd spheres in the Executive Departments at the Melbourne Exhibition of next not only of tbeir own citizens and those in Washington, and in a number of the I year, and the subjeot is respectfully sub- I of the Ucitcd Slates, but of the ootn- cuBtom houses and post-offices of the I mitted to yonr favorable consideration. I merce of the oivilized world. It is not principal cities of tbe conntry, with a The assent of the Gorernment has doubted that should the work be nnder- yiew to farther test their effects, and, in I been given to the landing, on the ooast I taken under the protootire auspices of every instance, they have been found to I of Massachusetts, of a new and index I tbe United States, and upon satisfaoto- ment. He unites with the -Quartermaster Genoral in reocmmeudlog that an appro- priation be made for the oonstruotion of a cheap and perfectly fire-proof building for the safe storage of a vast amount of money accounts, vouchers, claims, and other vaiuble records now in the Qaar- termaster General’s offioe, and exposed to great risk of total destruction by fire. He also xeoommends, in conformity with the views of the Judge Advocate General, some declaratory legislation in referenoe to the military statnte of limi- if ten additional circuit judge* ore appointed, an expenditure, at ths present rate of sala ries, of not more than sixty thousand dollars a year, whiea would certainly bo small in comparison with the objects to bs attained. The report of the Postmaster-General bears testimony to the general revival of business throughout the oountry. The re ceipts of the PoBt-Office Department for the fiscal year ended Juaa 30. 1879, wero *39,- C41 DS2 86. being $764,465 91 more than the revenues of the preceding year. The amount realized from tbe sale of poetage-stamps, stamped envelopes, and postal cuds, woe *764 465 91 more than in tbe preceding year, aud *2,337,559 13 more than in 1877. Tbe Department were *33,- decidid testimony 1 . - competitive examinations in their re- [ «»’ speettve offices, showing that “these ex- aminations, and the excellent qualifica tions of those admitted to the service through them, have bad a marked inci dental effect upon the persons previously ia tha eervio?, and particularly upon tboso aspiring to promotion. Thera has been, on tbe part of these latter, an in creased interest in the work, and a desire extend acquaintance with it beyond The questions of grave importance with Spain, growing ont of the incidents of the Caban insurrection have been, for the most part, happily and honorably set tled. It may reasonably be anticipated that the Commission now sitting in Washington, for the deoision of private cases in this conneotion, will soon be able to bring its labors to a conclusion. The long standing question of East tho particular desk occupied, and thus I Florida claims has lately been renewed m ths morale cf the entire foroe has been 8 subjeot of correspondence, and may pos- raised. * * The examinations «bly require Congressional aotion for its have been attended by many citizens who final disposition. have had an opportunity to thoroughly A treaty with the Netheilands, with investigate the soope and ehaiaoter of respeot to oonsnlar rights and privileges tho tests and the method of determining similar to ttnse with other powers, has the results, aud those visitors have, been signed and ratified, and the ratifi- without exception, upproved tho methods I oationa were exchanged on the Slat of employed, and several of them h-vs pub- | July last. Negotiations for eztradition licly attested their favorable opinion. 1 Upon suoh considerations, I deem it my duty to renew the recommendation contained in my annual message of Do treaties with tbe Netheilands and with Denmark are now in progress. Some questions with Switzerland, in regard to pauper and conyiot emigrants, cember, 1877, requesting Congress to I have arisen, but it is not doubted that make the necessary appropriation for the j they will be arranged upon a just and resumption of the work of the Civil Ser- satisfactory basis. A question has also vice Commission. Economv will be pro- I ocourred with respect to an asserted moted bv authorizing a moderate com- claim by Swiss municipal authorities to pensation to persons in the publio service I oxeroise tutelage over persons and prop- who may perform extra labor upon or erty of Swiss citizens naturalized in this under the Commission, as the Executive j oountry. It is possible this may require may direct I adjustment by treaty. I am convinced that if a jnstandade- With tho German Empire frequont quatetest of merit is enforced ter admis I questions arise in connection with the sion to the pnblic servioa and in making | subjects of naturalization and expatria- promotionB, suoh abases as removals I tion; but the Imperial Government, has without good causa and partisan and offi constantly manifested a desire to stnotly rial interference with the proper exeroise I maintain and comply with all treaty of the appointing power, will in large I stipulations in regard to Inem. measure disappear. I Iq coosequenos of the omission of “ ^ I Greece has been withdrawn. There is askedm this connection. Mt.ep ti n0? no channel of diplomats commnni- i appointments, and. thecation between the two countries, and removal without cause, very^ naturally expadiency of providing for one, appointed, which not only interferes with the due discharge of official duty, bnt is incompatible with the freedom of elec tions. Not without warrant, in tho views of several of onr predecessors in the Presidential office, and direotly within law of 1871, already cited, I endear gross. Relations with Anstris, Russia, Italy, Portugal, Tarkey and Belgium, continue amicable, and matked by no inoident of especial importance. A change of the personal heal of the Government of Egypt has taken place. “ ’ i H-L - r, States. The action of the Egyptian Gov- suoh abuses. It may iaot be cesy, ernme nt in presenting to the rity cf New may perhaps ba necea a y to J*®..,, York one of the ancient obelisks, whioh ■sSSSSraiS baA'ssysawe s.’sSLaiiKS nor to use the authority of their offioa to ac S?u“ p t „,^ enforce the!/ ownopmionB, or to ooerce j and tha United atat«B in regard to the political action of those who hold th £ former commercial treaties, it is now different opinions. believed will be followed by similar ao- Reasons of justioe and public polioy, | ij 0n on the part of other treaty powers, quite analogous to those which forbid the I The attention or Congress is again invit- use of official power for the oppression of I ed t 0 tjj 0 subject of indemnity funds ie* the private oitizen, impose npon the 0 eived some years sinoe, from Japan and Government the duty of protecting itB I China, whioh, with their accumulated ln- effiesrs and agents from arbitrary cxiot-1 tereat, now amount lo considerable sums, ions. In whatever aspect considered,the I if any par t of these funds ia justly due practice of making levies, for party pur- I to American citizens they Bhonld reoeive 3036?, npon the salaries of offiosrs is I Jt promptly; and whatever may have Highly demoralizing to the pnblio Ber- I b een received by this government in ex- vice and discreditable to the conntry. I excels of strictly justly demands, should Though an officer should be as free as I j n B0m9 form be returned to the nations any other citizen to give his own money 0 w h 0 m it equitably belongs, in aid of his opinions or his party, he The Government of China has signified should also be as free as any other citizen I j^ a willingness to oonBider ths question to refuse to make suoh gifts. If salaries of t h e emigration of its subjects to the are bnt a fair compensation for the time I United States with a dispassionate fair- and labor of the officer, it is gross injust-1 nea3> and to co-operate in snoh measures Ice to levy a tax npon them. If they are aa may tend to prevent injurious oonse- made excessive in order that they may q nBn ees to tho United States. Tho ne- bear the tax, the excess is an indirect I ootiations are still proceeding and will robbery of the publio funds. 11, 3 pressed with diligence. I recommend, therefore, Bnch a revis- I A question haying arisen batween Chi- ion and extension of present statutes as na and Japan about the Lew Chew Is- shall secure to those in. every grade of I lands, the United States Government official life or pnblio employment the has taken measures to inform those pew- protection with which a great and en- I era of its readiness to extend its good lightened Nation should gmrd those who ] offices for ths malntainanoe of peaoe, if are faithful in its servioe. they shall mutually deem .it desirable, The treaty recently made between extension of onr oarrying trade. A recent revolution in Venezuela bas been followed by the establishment of a provisional government. This govern* ment has not yet been formally recog- nizsd, aad it is deemed desirable to await the proposed action of the people, which is expected to give it the sanction of con stitutional forms. A naval vessel ha3 been sent to tbe Samoan Islands, to make snrveys and taka possession of the privileges ceded to the United States by Samoa, in the harbor of Pago Fsgo. A coaling station is to be established there, whioh will be convenient and nseful to the United States vessels. The subjeot of opening diplomatic re lations with Rcumania and Servia, now beoome iadepanpent sovereignties, is at | present under consideration, and is the subject of diplomatic correspondence. There is a gratifying increase of trade in nearly all European and American ooun* tries, and it is believed that with judi- j liberal appropriations aa will "seeuro ita cious aotion In regard to its development | speedy completion, 1 detailed aooountof the military oper ations for the suppression of hostilities among the Indians of the Ute and Apache tribes, and praise is justly awarded to the officers and troops en gaged, for promptness, skill, and ccnrage displayed. The past year has been one of almost unbroken peace and quiet on the Mexican frontier, and there is reason to believe that the efforts of this Government and of Mexioo, to maintain order in that re gion, will pzovo permanently successful. This Department was enabled, daring the past year, to fiad temporary though orowded accommodations, and a aaf i de pository for a portion of its records, in the completed east wing of the bailding designed for the State, War aud Navy Departments. The construction of thv north wing of the building, a part of the strncture intended for the nse of the War Department, is being carried for ward with all possible dispatch, and the work should receive from Congress such it can and will be still more enhanced, and that Amerioan prodaots and manu facturers will find new and expanding markets. Tho reports of diplomatic and oonsnlar officers npon thiB subject, under the system now adopted, i ave resulted in obtaining much valuable information, whioh has been and will continue to be laid before Congress aud the pnblio from time to time. The third article of the treary with Russia, of Maroh 30, 1867, by whioh Alaska was osded to the United States, The report of the Secretary of the Navy shows continued improvement in that branch of the service daring the last ] fiscal year. Extensive repairs have been made upon vessels, and two new ships have been completed and made ready for sea. The total expenditure of tba year ended June 33, 1879, including specific appropria tions not estimated for by the Department, were $13,655,710 09. Tbe expenses oharge- able to the year, after deducting the amount j The relations of tho Department with rail road companies have been harmonized, not withstanding the general reduction by Con gress of their ooapeusition, by tbe appro priation for sproial facilities and the railway post-effijo lines have been greatiy extended, especially in the Soutbern States Tbe in? tercets of the railway-mtil sorvies and of •he publio would be greatly promoted, and the expenditures could be more readily con trolled by the classification of the employes of the railway-mail servioe as recommended by tbe Fostmaater-Geaoral, the appropria- tion for salaries, with respect to which the maximum limit is already fixed bylaw, to be made in gross, Tbe FoBtmaster General recommends an amendment of tno law regulating the in crease of compensation for increared ser vice and inoreaBed speed on Btor routs?, to as to enable him to advertise for proposals far such increased eervice and speed. He also suggests the advantages to aoo'ua to tbe commerce of the country from the enact ment of a general law authorizing contracts with Ame loan built steamers, oarryiog the Amerioui flag, for transporting the mail be tween ports of the United States and ports of the West Indies and South America, at A fixed maximum pries per mile, tbo amount to be expended bring regulated by annual rppropriations, in like manner with the amount paid for the domestic star ser vice. Tho arrangement made by ths Postmaster General and the seiretary of the Treasury for the collection cf daty npon boobs receiv ed in the mail from fore'ga countries, his proved so satisfactory in its praciical opera tion that the recommendation is now made, that Congress shall extend tho previsions of tbe act ef March 3, 1879, under which this arrangement was made, so as to apply to all other dutiable articles received in the mafia irom foreign countries. Tho report of th3 Secretary of the Inte rior and the OominlBeionc-r of Indian Affairs, getting foitb the present state of our rela tions with tbe Indian tribes on onr territory, the measures taken to advance their civili zation and pro.-pority, and tbe progress al ready achieved by them, will be found of more than ordinary interest. The general conduct of oar Indian population has been eo satisfactory that tbe occurrence ef two dutuibonces, which remited 'in bloodshed Aioaaa was oeaea as aae uaicea states, I ^O^bn^this^ia^ubfect^o oreriictio’n I »*»*-■—!* mjim—■» provides that the inhabitant! of the ceded of *283 725 99. that £«£t having been MddestruriiouofpropeUy, isaU the more territory, with the exception of thenn drawn upon warrants, bat not paid out da- «“ em6a - oivilized native tribes, shall be admitted ring the year. The amount of appropria te tbe enjoyment ot all tbe rights of clt- I tion applicable to ths last fiioal year was izsns of the United States, and shall be 9:4,688,646 17- There was,, therefore, a tee d ir r Hberiv oro^rfv '’and 82n» joymeat of their liberty, property, and j 1879 Ttl9 ee timates for the fiscal religion. The uncivilized tribes are sub- ye ar onding June 30,1881, are *14,864,174 95, -.... _ _ jact to snob laws and regulations as ths I wbioh exceeds tha appropriations for tbo I prevent farther hoatile contact between the — * - ~ * - • - present fiscal year ©661,897 23. The reaaoa Indians and the border settlements in Wea- for this increase is explained in the Secrets- tern Colorado. The other disturbance occurred at the Mcsoalero agency, in New Mexico, where Victor.*, the head of a small band of maraa- dors, after committing many atrocities, be- The history of the outbreak on the White Hirer Uta reservation in Western Colorado baa beoome so familiar by elaborate reporta in the publio pres:, that ita remarkable inci dents need not be stated here in detail. It is expected that the settlement of this d.ffi- cully will lead to each arrangements as will United States may from time to time adopt ia regard to the aboriginal tribes of that country. Both the obligations of this treaty and the necessities of the people, require that som9 organized form of government over the Territory of Alaska be adopted. There appears to be no law for tha ar rest of persons charged with common law offenoaB, such as assault, robbery and murder, and no magistrate author. ry’s report. Ths appropriations available for tbe present fiscal year are *14,502.25) 67, which will, in the opinion or the Secretary, answer all the ordinary demands of the L J| service. The amount drawn from tbe Trea- ing vigorously chased by & m lit ary foroe, eury from July 1 to November 1, 1879, was made his way across the Mexioan border and *5,779,40412, of wbioh *1,195,443 33 has ia now on foreign soil, beenrefunded, leaving aa the expenditure uhilo these occurrences, in which a com- for that perioi *4 674,963 79. ffflw ® X P® 8 “ J paratively BmaU number of Indians were en* uuu iuuiuor, Miu uu ui-Kuu.au> Huuiu," . dltar ® B p 18 w P*** lB i t 7°."-!j ur 7® ?£ i gaged, aro moBt deplorable, a vast majority izid to issue or execute DrocesB in such ? ew do D °t exceed the proportion for these 0 f 0 ur Indian population have felly jastifitd currant appropriation*. Tne report of the Secretary shows the gratifying fact that among ail tbe disbursing officers of the pay corps of the Navy there is not one who is a cases. arisen from offenoes of this character, not only among the original inhabitants, bnt among oilmens of the United States and other countries, who have engaged in mining, fishing and other business op- detainer to the extent of a single dollar. I I unite with him ia recommending tbo removal orations within the Territory. _A bill i Qf ^ observatory to a more healthful looa' authorizing the appointment of justices J j; on- q^at institution reflects oredit upon of the pesos and oonstables, and tbe ar- I the Nation, and has obtained tbe approba- ol ,u ,_ tii t ^. rest and detention of persona charged tion of eoientiflo men in all parts of tee I ““““ t ' da *J‘/ a ™“ 9 g; Bd “h y tusnffor theefU with criminal offenoes, and providing for world. Its removal from iu preaent looa- a3 ® t ion of their children, may be token aa an appeal to United States oourts for the tion would not only be condaolve to the gn jfl^ 9n t proof that they will be found oipa- districtof Oregon, in suitable oases, will, health of ita ^ffloers and P r of e ™ ora . bnt | bis of accomplishing muoh moro if they oon- humane and peaceful ir fineness the Indian can be led to abandon the habits of savage life and to develop a capsoity for neofal and c'vllized occupations. What they have al ready accomplished in the pursuit of agrhs cultural and mechanical work, tho remarka ble success which has attended ths experi ment of employing ss freighters ;a class of Iudi&ns hitherto counted among the wildcat and most intractable, and the general and at a proper time, be submitted to Con gress. The attention of Congress is called to the annual report of the Secretary of the The appropriation for judioial expenses, which has heretofore been made for the tinueto be wisely and fairly grided. Tbe ‘Median polioy” sketched in the report of the Secretary of the Iaterior, the object of which is to make liberal prevision for the educa tion of Indian youth, to settle tbe Indiana Department of Jostles, in gross, was sub- - - .... , „ - ... , divided at the last session ot OongreM, and , j Treasury on the condition of the pnblio n0 appropriation whatever w*s made for the upon farm lota In severalty, to give them tt» finances. payment of the fees of marshals and their tie in fea to their forms, inalienable for a The ordinary revenues from all souroes deputies, either in the service of prooess or certain number of years, and when their for the fisoal year ended Jane 80, 1879, for tee discharge of other duties; and, sinoe wants are tens provided for, to dispose by Bern *273 82? 184 48 • the ordinary ex- June 39, these cfficers have continued tbe sale ot tee lands on teeir rejorvations not to? the *am a period were performance of their datie*. without com- oompied and used by team, a fund to be ggPPHg-”* *** p8t *P ^^ISmaiinn from tee Government, taking formed out of tee proceefs for the benefit $266,947,89*. 53; leaving a surplus rev-I n p !>atham;j6 j vea q, 8 necessary incidental of tbe Indian*, which will gradually relieve - J apciQ tbeaiielves oaae for tbe yea* of #6,879,300 93. I outlays, u well aa rendering tbeir own »er- The receipts for the present fiioal year, 1 vice*. In only a few mnvoldable instances, ending Jane 80,1880, actual and estima- bas the proper execution of the process of ted, are as follows: Aotual reoeipta for tee United States failed by reason of the the first quarter oommeroing July 1, absenoe of the appropririion. This iqitq Mft QA3 coq fli • Aat’ima.tofl pap nr a I OOQTIO Of OffiOi&i COH<JUOt OH tbO ptft Of 1879, $79,843 663 61; estimated receipts offioers, highly creditable to thair for the remaining three-quartcre of the MeHty , w *sadvi*<&bythe Attorney-Gener- yeor, $203,156.33639; total reoeipta for al, who informed them, however, that they ths current fiscal year, actnal and estima- W ould necessarily have to rely for their oom- tsd, $288,000,000. pensation npon tee prospeot or future legls- The expenditures for the same period latlon by Congress. I therefore especially will bs, aotual and estimated, as follows: recommend that immediate appropriation be for the quarter commencing July 1, a'nnmnria. 1879, actual expenditures, $91,683 385 10; and for tbo ron&imog throe (^uirtors ot vionc ooetions M uniformly oostiiood tho the year the expenditures are estimated following olanae: 'And for defraying tee at $172,816 614.90—making tha total ex-, expenses whioh may b» incurred intheen- penditures $264.000,000,,|6i l«avi^ athrAlWriaent of the sot approved February 28, the Government of tbe expenses now provi ded for by annual appropriations, mast com mand itself as jest and conefiaiol to the In dians, and as also calculated to remove those obstructions which ths rx stance of large re servations presents to the settlement and developments of the ccuntry. I therefore earnestly reoammand the enactment cf a law enabling tbe Government to give Indiana a title in fee, inaliensb'e for twenty-five years, to tee farm lands assigned to teem by allot ment. I also ropoot tbe recommendation made in my first annual message, that a law be passed admitting Indians whs con give saUafac'oi? proof of having, by their own labor, supported the ,r families for a number of years, and who ore willing to detach themselve* from thair tribal.relation*, to tee benefit of the homestead act, and to grant them patents containing ths torn* provift-