Newspaper Page Text
V
atfott
By Clisby, Jones & Reese,
MACON, GEORGIA, TUESDAY MORNING. DECEMBER 2, 1879-PRICE EWE CENTS.
Number 9.881
ANNUAL MESSAGE
Of the President of the
United States
To Ue two Houses of Congress,
at the Commencement of the
Kecand Session of the For-
ij-stxtto Congress.
Fellov-Citueruof the Senate and House
e/ Eepretcnlalivct:—The members of the
Forty-sixth Congress have assembled in
their first regular session under circum
stances oalling for mnlnsl congratulation
sad grateful acknowledgment to the
Giver of all good for tbe large and un.
usual measure of national prosperity
which we now enjoy.
The most Interesting events which
have occurred in our publio affairs since
my last annual message to Congress are
oonnected with the financial operations
of the government, directly affecting the
business interests of the country. I con
gratulate Congress on the snocc3af nl ex-
eention of tho resumption act. At the
time fixed and in the manner contem
plated by law, United States notes began
to be redeemed in coin. Since the first
of January last they have been promptly
redeemed on presentation, and in all bus
iness transactions, public and private, in
all parts of tbe oonntry, they are received
and paid out aa tho equivalent of coin.
The demand upon tho Treasury for gold
ana stiver in exchange for United States
notes has been comparatively small, and
tbs voluntary deposit of coin and bullion
in exchange for notea has been very
large. Tbe excess of tbo precious metals
deposited or exchanged for United States
notes over tho amount of United States
notes redeemed is about $*0,000,000.
The resumption of speoie payments
his been followed by a very great revi
val of business. With a enrrenoy equiv
alent In value to tbe money of tbo com
mercial world, wo are enabled to enter
upon an equal, competition with other
nations in trade and production. The
Increasing foreign domand for onr manu
factures and agricultural products has
ososed a large balance of trade in our fa
vor, which has been paid in gold, from
the 1st or July lost to November 15, to
tbe amount of sbont $50,000,000. Since
tbe resumption of speoie payments there
has also been a marked and gratifying
improvement of tho pnblio credit. The
bonds of tho Government bearing only
fonr per cent, interest bave been sold at
or above par, sufficient in amount to pay
off all of tbo national debt which was
redeemable under present laws. Tbe
amount of interest aavod annually by the
process of refunding tho debt, since
March 1, 1817, ia $14,297,177. The
bonds sold were largely in small earns,
and tho number of car citizens now hold
ing the publio securities is much greater
than ever before. The amount of the
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 bnlanco is in bonds
bearing six per cent, interest. It is be
lieved that this part of the pnblio debt
oan bo refanded by tho issao of fonr per
cont. bonds, and, by tbo redaction of in
terest which will thus bo effeoted, about
eleven millions of dollars enn bo annually
saved to tho Treasury. To secure this
important reduotloa of interest to bo
psid by tho United States, farther leg
islation is required, which, it is hoped,
will be provided by Congress during its
present session.
Tbo colnsgo of gold by tho mints of
the United 8tatcs. daring tho last fiscal
joar, was $10,986,912. The coinage of
silver dollars, sinco tho passage of the
sc: for that purpose, np to November 1,
1879, was $*6,000,850, of wbioh $12,700,-
34* havo been leaned from tho Treasury,
and are now in circulation, and $32,-
300,506 aro still in tho passos3ion of the
Government.
The pendeney of tho proposition for
-onity of action betweon the United States
and tho prinoipal commercial nations of
Europe, to effect a permanent system for
the equality of gold and silver in tho reo.
ogn'a.’d money cf tbo world, leads mo to
reoommond that Congress refrain from
new legislation on the general snbjeot.
Tho great revival of trade, Internal and
foreign, will supply, daring tho coming
year. Its own instructions, which may
well bo awaited beforo attempting other
experimental measures with the coinago.
I would, however, strongly urge upon
Congress tbo importance of authorizing
tho Secretary of the Treasury to suspend
the coinage of silver dollars upon the
present legal ratio. The market value of
the silver dollar being uniformly and
largely less than tho market valno of the
gold dollar, It is obvionsly impracticable
to maintain them at par with each other
if both are coined without limit. It the
cheaper coin is forced into circnlation it
will, if ooined without limit, soon become
tbe solo standard of value, and thus de
feat tho desired object, which is a cur
rency of both gold and silver, which
shall be of equivalent value, dollar
for dollar, with tho universally recognized
.money of the world.
The retirement from circnlation of
United States notes, with the capacity
of legal tender in private contracts, is a
step to be taken in oar progress towards
« safe and stable enrrenoy, which should
be accepted as tho polioy and duty of
she government, and the interest and se
curity of the people. It is my. firm con
viction that tho issuo of legal tender pa
per money based wholly upon the anthor-
ity and credit of the government, except
in extreme emergency, is withont war
rant in tbe Constitution, and a violation
of eonnd financial principles. The issne
of United States notes during the late
civil war, with tho capacity of legal ten
der between private individuals, was not
authorized except as a means of resou-
ing tho country from imminent peril.
The circulation "of theso notes as paper
money, for any protraoted period of time
after tbe accomplishment of this purpose,
was not contemplated by tho law under
which they were issued. They anticipated
the redemption and withdrawal of these
notes at the earliest practical period
consistent with the attainment of
the objeot for whioh they were pro
vided.
The polioy of the United Stater, stead
ily adhered’to from the adoption of the
Constitution, has been to avoid the crea
tion of a National debt, and wheD, from
necessity in time of war, debts have been
created, tbey have been paid off on the
retnrn of peace as rapidly aa possible.
With this view, and for this purpose. It
is recommended that tho existing laws
for tbe accumulation cf a sinking fund
.sufficient to extinguish the pnblio debt
within a limited period be maintained.
If any change of the objects or rates of
taxation Is deemed necessary by Con
gress, it is suggested that experience has
shown that a duty can be placed on tea
and ceffee, which will not enhance the
prioe of tboee articles to the consumer,
and which will sdd several millions of
dollars annually to tho Treasury.
The continued deliberate violation by
a large number of the prominent and
infinentiil citizens of the Territory of
Utah of the laws of the United States
for the prosecution and punishment of
polygamy, demands tbe attention of every
department of the Government. This
Territory has a population sufficient to
cntitlo it to admission as a State, and
the general interests of the Nation, as
well as the welfare of tbe citizens of tbe
Territory, require its advance from the
territorial form of government to the re
sponsibilities and privileges .of a State.
This important change will not, however,
he approved by the oonntry while the l
citizens of Utah in very considerable
number uphold a practice which is con'
demoed as a crime by the laws of all
civilized communities throughout the
world.
Tae law for the suppression of this of.
feme was enacted with great unanimity
by Congress more than seventeen
yean ago, bat has remained until re
cently a dead letter in the Territory of
Utah, because of the peculiar difficulties
attending its enforcement. The opinion
widely prevailed among the citizens of
Utah that the law was in contravention
of the Constitutional guarantee of rell
gious freedom. This objection is now
removed. The Snpreme Court of the
United States has decided the law to be
within tho legislative power of Congress,
and binding as a rule 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 provisions it
ehonld be amended, and, in aid of the
purpose in view, I recommend that
more comprehensive and more searching
methods for preventing aa well as pun
ishing this crime be provided. If neces 1
sary to secure obedience to the law, the
cajoyment and exereise'of the rights and
privileges of citzenehip in tbe Territo
ries! cf the United States may be withheld
or withdrawn from those who violate or
oppose the enforoent of the law on this
subject.
The elections of the past year, though
occupied only with State effices, hare not
failed to elicit In the political discussions
which attended them all over the coun
try, new and dcoieire evidence of the
deep interest which tho great body of
citizens take in the progress of the conn-
try towards a mare genera! and complete
establishment, at whatever cost, of uni
versal eecnrity and freedom in tbo exer
cise of tho elective franchise. While
many topics of politioal concern demand
great attention from onr people, both in
the sphere of National aud Srato author
ity, I find no reason to qualify the opin'
ion I expressed is my last annual mes
sage, that no temporary or administrative
interests of government, however urgent
or weighty, will over displace tho zsal of
onr people in defenso of the primary
rights of citizenship, and that the power
of pnblio opinion will override all politi
cal prejudices, and all seotionsl and,State
attachment?, in demanding that all over
onr wide territory the name and charac
ter of citizen of the United States Bhall
mean one and tbo same thing, and oarry
with thorn unchallenged security and re
spect. I earnestly appeal to tho intelli
gence and patriotism of all good citizens
of every part of the country, however
much they bo divided in opinions on oth
er political subjects, to unite in compell
ing obedience to existing laws aimed at
the protection of the right of suffrage. I
rcspeotfnlly 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 the executive and leg
islative authorities of the States in this
great pnrposo. I am convinood that if
the pablic mind oan bo set at ro3t on this
paramount question cf popnlar rights, no
serious obstacle will thwart or delay tbo
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 tho subject of the
reformation of tho olvil service of tho
Government, and expressed the intention
of transmitiing to Congress as early as
practicable a report upon this subject by
tbe chairman of tho Civil Sorvico Com
mission.
In view of tho faot that, daring a con
siderable period, tbe Government of
Great Britain has been dealing with ad
ministrative problems and abuses, in va
rious pactioolars analogous to thoso pro-
seated in this country, and that in recent
years tho measures adopted wore under
stood to havo been effective and in every
respect highly satisfactory, I thought it
desirable to have fuller information upon
the subject, and aooordingly reqaested the
chairman of the Civil Service Commission
to mako a thorough investigation for this
purpose. The result has been an elabo
rate and comprehensive report.
Tho report sots forth the hiBtory of tho
partisan-spoils system in Great Britain,
and of the rise and fall of the parliamen
tary patronage, and of official interfer
ence with tho freedom of elections. It
shows that after long trials of various
kinds of examinations, thoeo that are
competitive and open on equal terms to
all, and which aro carried on under the
superintendence of a single commission,
have, with great advantage, bson estab
lished as conditions of admission to al
most overy official place in the subordi
nate administration of that country and
of British Indi3. Tho completion of tho
report, owinglo tho extent of the labor
involved in its preparation, and the omis
sion of Congress to make any provision
either for the compensation or tho ex
penses of the Commission, has been
postponed until the present time. It is
herewith transmitted to Congress.
While the reform measures of another
Government aro of no authority for ns,
they are entitled to influence, to tho ex
tent to which their intrinsic wisdom, and
their adaptation to onr institutions and
social life may commend them to onr
consideration.
The views I have heretofore expressed
concerning the defects and abases in onr
civil administration remain nnchanged,
except in so far aa an enlarged experi
ence has deepened my sense of the dnty
both of tho officers and of tho people
themselves to co-operate'for their re
moval. Tho grave evils and perils of a
partisan-spoils system of appointment to
office and of office tenure, are now gener
ally reodgnizsd. In tho resolutions of
the great parties, in the reports of De
partments, in the debate and proceedings
of Congress, in the messages of Execu
tives, the gravity of these evils has been
pointed out and tho need of their reform
has been admitted.
To command the necessary support,
every measure of reform must be based
on common right and justice, and must
be compatible with the healthy existence
of great parlies, which are inevitable and
essential in a free Stats.
When the people havo approved a pol
icy at a National eleotion, confidence on
the part | of the officers they havo sa-
Iected, and of the advisers who, in
accordance with onr politioal institutions,
should ba consulted, in the policy which
it is their dnty to carry into effect, is in
dispensable. It is eminently proper that
they should explain it before the people,
as woll as illustrate its spirit in the per
formance of their official duties.
Very different considerations apply to
the grs ater number of those who fill tbe
subordinate places in the civil service.
Their responsibility is to their superiors
in official position. It ia their duty to
obey the legal instructions of those upon
whom that authorily ia devolved, and
their best pnblio service consists in the
discharge of their functions irrespective
of partisan politics. 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-
lance of any policy or the supremacy of
any party, but should be determined by
their capacity to serve the people most
usefully, quite irrespective of partisan in
terests. The same considerations that
should govern the tenure, ehonld also pre
vail in the appointment, discipline, and
the removal of these subordinates. The
authority of appointment and removal is
not a perquisite; which may be used to
aid a friend or reward a partisan, bnt is
a trust to be exercised in the public in
teract, under all the santions which at
tend the obligation to apply tha pnblio
lands only for pnblio purposes.
B TK j oitUes has an equal right to tbe
honor and profit of entering tbe public
service of his eauntry. The only just
ground for discrimination, is the meas
ure of character and capaoity he has to
make that service most useful to the peo
ple. Except in eases where, upon joet
and recognized principles, as upen tbe
theory of pensions, offices and promo
tions are bestowed as rewards of past ser
vices, their bestowal upon any theory
whioh disregards personal merit, is an
act of inj tutice to the citizen as well as a
breach of that trust Bubject to whica the
appointing power ia he.d.
In the light of these principles it be
cornea of great importance to provide
jost and adequate means, especially for
every department, and large administra
tive office, where personal discrimina
tion on the part of its head is not practi
cable, for ascertaining thoso qualifier
tions to which appointments and re'
movals should have reference. To fail to
provide each means is not only to deny
the opportunity of ascertaining the facts
upon which tbe most righteous claim to
office depends, bnt, 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 the worthiest claimant to gain
tbe appointment, and the interest of the
people to bestow it upon him, it would
seem dear that a wise and jnat method of
ascertaining personal fitness for office
most be an important and permanent
fnnotion of every jnst’and wise govern
ment. It has long since become impos
sible, in the great offioes, for those hav
ing the dnty of nomination and appoint
ment, to personally examine into the in
dividual qualification of more than a
small proportion of thoso seeking offioe;
and, with tho enlargement of the civil
service, that proportion mnst continue to
beoome less.
In the earlier years of the Government,
the subordinate officers were so few in
number that it was quite eaey for those
making appointments and promotions to
personally ascertain tho merits of oandi-
da-,03. Party managers aud methods had
not then become powerful agencies of oo<
ercion, hostile to tho free and just exer-
oise of the appointing power.
A large and responsible part of tho du
ty of restoring the civil service to the de
sired parity and efficiency rests npon tho
President, and it is my purpose to do
what is within my power to advance enoh
prudent and gradual measures of re-
i 'orm as will most surely and rapidly bring
about that radical change of system es
sential to mako 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 mush to promote each, a reform. Bnt
it cannot be too clearly understood that
nothing adequate oan ba accomplished
withont co-operation on tho part of Con
gress and considerate and intelligent
sappport among the poople. Bsforms
whioh challenge tho generally acoepted
theories of narties, and demand ohanges
in tho methods of departments, are not
the work of a day. Their permanent
fonndations mnst be laid in sound prin
ciples, and in an exporienoo which de
monstrates their wisdom and exposes the
errors of their adversaries. Every worthy
offiasr desires to make his official action a
gain and an honor to his country, bnt the
people themselves, far more than their
officers in pnblio station, are interested
in a pure, economical, and vigorous ad
ministration.
By laws enacted in 1853 and 1855, and
now in substance incorporated in tho
Bsvissd Statutes, tbe practice of arbi
trary appointments to the several subor
dinate grades in the great Departments
was condemned, and examinations, as to
capacity, to bo conducted by department
al boards of examiners, were provided
for and made conditions of admissions to
tho pnblio eorvioe. These statutes aro a
decision by Congress that examinations
of some sort, as to attainments and ca
paoity, are essential to the well-being of
the pnblio service. Tho important ques
tions since tbo enactment of these law3
bave been as to the character of these
examinations, and whether official favor
and partisan infiuenoe, or common right
and merit, were to control tho access to
the examinations. Ia practice, these ex-
aminaiions have not always been open to
worthy persons generally, who might
wish to bo examined. Official favoritism
and partisan influence, aa a rule, appear
to have designated those who alone wore
permitted to go before tbo examining
ooards, subjeoting avon the examiners to
a pro33uro from tho friends of the candi
dates vary difficult to resist. As a con
sequence, the standard of admission fell
below that whioh the pnblio interest de
manded. It was also almost inevitablo
that a system whioh provided for varions
separate boards of examiners, with no
common supervision or uniform method
of procedure, should resalt in confusion,
inconsistency, and inadequate tests of
capacity highly detrimental to tho pnblio
interests. A farther and moro radical
change was obviously reqnired.
In the annual message of Decamber,
1870, my predecessor declared that “thero
is no dnty whioh eo 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 end Representatives
as that of finding places for constituents.
The present sjstem does not secure the
beet men, and often not oven fit men for
the pnblio places. The elevation and
purification of the civil servica of tho
Government will be hailed with approval
by the whole people of tho United
States.” Congress accordingly passed
the act, approved March 3,1871, ‘‘to reg
ulate the oivil service of the United
States and promote the efficiency there
of,” giving the nooesaary authority to
the Executive to inaugurate oivil service
reform.
Acting under this statute, which was
interpreted as intended to seonre a sys
tem of jost and effectual examinations
under uniform supervision, a number of
eminently competent persons were select
ed for the purpose, who entered with zeal
npon tha discharge of their duties, pre
pared, with an intelligent apppreciation
of the requirements of tho service, the
regulations contemplated, and took
charge of the examinations, and who, in
their capacity as a board, have been
known as the "Civil Service Commis
sion.” Congress for two years appropri
ated the money needed for tha compen
sation and for the expense of carrying on
the work of the Commission.
It appears from the report of the Com
mission, submitted to the President in
Apnl, 187*, that examinations had been
held invariona sections of the country,and
that an appropriation of aboat $25,000
would be required to meet the annual ex
penses, including salaries, involved in
discharging the dnties of the Commis
sion. The report was transmitted to
Congress by special message of Apnl 18,
187*, with the following favorable com
ment. npon the labors of the Commission:
“If sustained by Congress, I have no
doubt the rules can, after the experience
gained, be so improved and enforced as
to still more materially benefit the pnblio
serrioe and relieve the Executive, Mem
bers of Congress, and the heads of De
partments, from influences prejudicial to
good administration. The rales as they
have hitherto been enforced, have result
ed benficially.as is shown by tha opinions
of the members of the Cabinet and their
subordinates in the Departments, and in
that opine* I concur.” And in tha an
nul message of December of the same
year, similar views are expressed, and an
appropriation for conttetrsq the work of
the Commission again advised.
The appropriation was not made, and,
as a consequence, the aotive work of tbe
Qommisaioa was suspended, leaving the
Commission itself still in existence.
Without the means, therefore, of causing
qualifications to bo tested in any system
atic or of securing for tha pnblio
service the advantages of competition
upon any extensive plan, I recommended
in my annul message of December!
1877, the making of an epprepriation for
the resumption of the work cf the Com
mission.
In the meantime, however, competitive
examinations under many embarrass
meats have been oondneted within limit'
ed spheres in the Executive Departments
in Washington, and in a number of the
anatom houses and post-offieee cf the
principal cities of the oountry, with
view to farther test their effects, and, in
every instance, they have been found to
be as salutary as they are stated to have
been under the administration of my
predecessor. I think the eoonomy,,pa
rity, and efficiency of the public servioe
would be greatly promoted fay their sys
tematic introduction, wherever practioa
ble, throughout the entire civil servioe of
the Government, together with ample
provision for their general supervision,
in order to secure consistency and nni
form justice.
Reports from the Secretary of the In
terior, from the Postmaster General, from
the postmaster in the city of New York;
where such examinations have been some
time on trial, and also from the oollector
of the port, the naval officer, and the sur
veyor in that oity, and from the postmas
ters and ooUeoton In several of the other
large cities, show that tho competitive
system, where applied, has, in variou
ways, contributed to improve the pnblio
service.
The reports show that tho results hivo
been salutary in a marked degree, and
that tbe general application of similar
roles cannot fail to be of decided benefit
to the service.
The reports of the government officers,
in tho city of New York espeoially, bear
decided testimony to the utility of open
competitive examinations in their re*
speottve offices, showing that “these ex
aminations, and the excello at qualifica
tions of those admitted to the service
through them, havo had a marked inci
dental effect upon the persons previously
in the servioe, and particularly npon
those aspiring to promotion. There has
been, on the part of theso latter, an in
creased interest in the work, and a desire
to extend acqnaintanoo with it beyond
the partionlar desk oocnpied, and thus
the morals of the entire force has been
raised. • * The examinations
havo been attended by many citizens who
have had an opportunity to thoroughly
investigate the soope and character of
tho tests and the method of determining
the results, and those visitors have,
withont exception, approved the methods
employod, and several of them have pnb
lioly attested their favorable opinion.”
Upon Guoh considerations, I deem it
my dnty to renew the xcsommendation
contained in my annual message of Da
comber, 1877, requesting Congress to
make the necessary appropriation for the
resumption of the work of the Civil Ser
vice Commission. Economy will bo pro
moted bv authorizing a moderate com
pensation to persona in the publio service
who may perform extra labor upon or
under the Commission, as the Executive
may direct.
I am convinced that if a just and ade-
qaate test of merit is enforced for admis
sion to the public servioe and in making
promotions, sash abuses as removals
without good causa and partisan and offi
cial interference with the proper exsroiso
of the appointing power, will in large
measure disappear.
There are other administrative abuses
to which tbo attention of Congress should
be asked in this connection. Mere parti
san appointments, and tho constant peril
of removal without cause, very naturally
lead to an absorbing and misohovioa3 po
litioal aotivity, on the part of those thus
appointed, which not only interferes with
the duo discharge of official duty, but is
incompatible with the freedom of elec
tions. Not withont warrant, in tho views
of several of oar predecessors in the
Presidential office, and direotly within,
the law of 1871, already cited, I endeav
ored, by regulation, made on the 22d of
Jane, 1877, to pat some reasonable limit
to snoh abases. It may not be easy, and
it may perhaps be necessary to define
with precision ths proper limit cf politi
oal notion on the part of tho Federal
officers. Bnt while their right to hold
and freely oxproas their opinions cannot
be questioned, it is very plain that they
Bhonld neither bo allowed to devote to
other subjects tho time needed for tho
proper discharge of their official dnties,
nor to use tho authority .of their office to
enforco their own opinions, or to ooerce
tha political action of'those who hold
different opinions.
Reasons of jnstioe and public policy,
quite analogous to those which forbid the
use of official power for tho oppression of
tha private citizen, impose upon tho
Government tbo duty of protecting its
officers and agents from arbitrary exaot-
ions. In whatever aspect considered,the
practice of making levies, for party pur
poses, npon the salaries of officers is
highly demoraliziog to toe pnblio -eer-
vico and discreditable to the oonntry.
Though an officer ehonld be as free as
any other citizen to give his own money
in aid of his opinions or his party, he
shonld also ba as free as any other citizen
to refuse to mako such gifts. If salaries
are bnt a fair compensation for the time
and labor of tho officer, it is gross injust
ice to levy a taz npon them. If they ore
made excessive in order that they may
bear the tax, the cxcee3 is an indirect
robbery of the pablic fands.
I recommend, therefore, such a revis
ion and extension of present statutes aa
shall seenre to those in every grade of
official life or pnblio employment the
protection with which a great and en
lightened Nation should guard those who
are faithful m its servioe.
Our relations with foreign eonntries
have coatinned peaceful.
■ With Great Britain there are still tin
selled questions, growing ont of the lo
cal laws of the maritime provinces and
the action of provincial authorities, deem
ed to be in derogation of rights secured
by treaty to American fishermen. The
United States Minister in London has
been instructed to present a demand far
$105,305.02, in view of the damages re
ceived by American citizens at Fortune
Bay on tho 6th day of January, 1878.
The snbjecthas been taken into consid
eration by the British Government, and
an early reply is anticipated.
Upon tha completion of the neoessaxy
preliminary examinations, the subject of
onr participation in the provincial fishe
ries, as regulated by treaty, will at once
ba brought to the attention of .the British
Government with a view to an early and
permanent settlement of the whole ques
tion, which was only temporarily adjusted
by the Treaty cf Washington.
Efforts have been made to obtain the
removal of restrictions found injurious
to tbe exportation cf cattle to the United
Kingdom.
Same oorrespocianoa has also oocurred
with regard to the rescue and saving of
life and property upon the lakes, which
has resulted in important modifications
of the previous regulations of the Do
minion Government on the snbjeot, in
the interest of humanity and commerce.
In accordance with tha joint resolu
tion of the last session of Congress,
commissioners ware appointed to repre
sent tho United States at tho two Inter
national Exhibitions in Australia, one of
which is now in progress at Sydney, and
the other to be held next year at Mel
bourne. A desire has been expressed by
our mero hunts and manufacturer* inter
ested in the important and growing
trade with Australia, that an increased
provision shonld Jbe made by Congress
for the representation of onr industries
at the Melbourne Exhibition of next
year, and the snbjeot is respectfully sub
mitted to your favorable consideration.
The assent of the Government has
beta given to the leading, on the omit
of Massachusetts, of a new and inde
pendent trans-Atlantic cable between
France, by wsy o£ the French island of
St. Pierre, and this oonntry, subject to
any fntnre legislation of Congress on the
snbjeot. The conditions imposed, before
allowing this connection with onr shores
to be established, are Buch as to seenre
its competition with any existing or fu
ture lines of marine cable, and preclude
amalgamation therewith, to provide for
entire equality of rights to onr Govern
ment and people with those of France
in the nse of the cable, and prevent any
exclaaive possession of the privilege as
aooorded by Franoe to the disadvantage
of any fntnre oable communication be
tween Franoe and the United States
which may be projected and accomplish
ed by our citizens. An important redac
tion of the present rates of cable commu
nication with Europe, felt to be too
burdensome to the interests of oar com
merce, mast necessarily flow from the
establishment of this oompstingline.
The attention of Congress was drawn
to the propriety of some general regula
tion by Congress of the whole subject of
transmarine cables by my predecessor in
his message of December 7, 1875, and I
respectfully submit to your considera
tion the importance of Congressional
aotion in this matter.
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 Bet-
tied. It may reasonably be anticipated
that the Commission now sitting in
Washington, for the' decision of private
cases in this connection, will soon bo able
to bring its labors to a conclusion.
The long standing question of East
Florida claims has lately been renewed as
a subject of oorrespondenoe, and may pos'
sibly require Congressional aotion for its
final disposition.
A treaty with tho Nethezlands, with
respeot; to consular rights and privileges
similar to those with other powers, has
been signed and ratified, and tho ratifi
cations were exchanged on the 31st of
July lost. Negotiations for extradition
treaties with tho Netherlands and with
Denmark are now in progress.
Some questions with Switzerland, in
regard to panper and conviot emigrants,
have arisen, bnt it is not doubted that
they will be arranged npon a just and
satisfactory basis. A question has also
occurred with respect- to an asserted
claim by Swiss municipal authorities to
excroiso tutelage over persons and prop
erty of Swiss citizsns naturalized in this
oonntry. It is possible this may reqaire
adjustment by treaty.
With the German Empire frequent
questions arise in connection with tho
subjects of naturalization and expatria
tion; but the Imperial Government has
oonstantly manifested a desire to striotly
maintain and comply with all treaty
stipulations in regard to them.
In consequenoo of tho omission of
Congress to provide for a diplomatic
representative at Athens, the legation to
Greece has been withdrawn. Thers is
now no channel of diplomatio communi
cation between tho two countries, and
tho expediency of providing for one,
some form, is submitted to Con
gress.
Relations with Austria, Russia, Italy,
Portugal, Turkey and Belgium, continno
amicable, and marked by no incident of
espocial importance.
A change of tho personal head of tho
Government of Egypt haa taken place.
No change, however, has occurred m tho
relations botwoen Egypt and the United
States. The action of tho Egyptian Gov
ernment iu presenting to the oity of Now
York one of tho ancient obelisks, which
possess suoh historio interest, is highly
appreciated us a generons mark of inter
national regard. If prosperity shonld
attend the enterprise of its transporta
tion across the Atlantic, its erootion in a
conspicuous position in tho chief com
mercial oity of tho Nation will soon bo
accomplished.
Tho treaty recently mado between
Japan and the United States in regard to
the former commoroial troaties, it is now
believed will bo followed by similar ao
tion on the part of other treaty powers.
Tho attention of Congrcea is again invit
ed to tho subject of indemnity funds re
ceived some years sinoe, from Japan and
China, which, with their aooumnlatod in
terest, now amonnt to considerable sums.
' any part of these funds is justly duo
to Amerioan citizens they shonld receive
" promptly; and whatever may have
been received by this government in ex-
excess of strictly justly demands, shonld
in some form bo returned to tho nations
to whom it equitably belongs.
The Government of China ha3 signified
its willingness to consider tho question
of the emigration of its subjscts to the
United States with a dispassionate fair
ness, and to co-operate in such measures
as may tend to prevent injurious conss-
qnsnees to the United States. The ne
gotiations arc still proceeding and will
be pressed with diligence.
A question having arisen between Chi
na and Japan abont tho Lew Chow Is
lands. the United States Government
ha3 taken measures to inform thoso pow
ers of its readiness to extend its good
offices for the maictainance of peace, if
thuy shall mntualiy deem it desirable,
and find it practicable to avail themselves
tho proffer.
It is a gratification to be able to an
nounce that, through the jndicione and
energetic aotion of the military oom-
mandera of the two nations on oach side
of the Rio Grande, under the instructions
" their respectiv Governments, raids and
depredations have greatly decreased,and
in the localities where formerly most de
structive, have now almcet wholly
ceased. In view of this xesnlt, I en
tertain a confident expectation thet
the prevalence of qniet on the
border will soon beoome so assured as
to justify a modification of tbe present or
ders to onr military commanders as to
crossing the border, without encourag
ing enoh distcrbances as wonld endanger
the peace of the two countries.
The third instalment of the award
against Mexico under tho Claims Com
mission of Jnly *, 1863, was duly paid,
and haa bsen put in course of distribu
tion in pursuanos of the act of Con
fess providing for tho same. This sat
isfactory situation between tho two conn-
tries leads me to anticipate an expansion
of onr trade with Mexioo and an in
creased contribution of capital and in
dustry by onr peop’e to the develop
ment of the great resources of that
country. I earnestly commend to the
wisdom of Congress the provision of
suitable legislation looking to thie result,
Diplomatio intercouse with Colombia
is again fully restored by the arrival of a
minister from that country to the United
States. This is especially fortunate in
view of the fact that the question of an
inter-oceanic canal has recently assumed
a new and important aapeot, and is now
under discussion with the Central Amer
ican countries through whoso territory
the canal, by the Nicarnnga rante, would
have to pass. It is trusted that enlight
ened statesmanship on their part will
see that the early prosecution of such a
work will largely enure to the benefit,
not only of their own citizens and those
of the United States, bnt of the com
merce of tha civilized world. It is not
donbted that Bhonld the work he under
taken under the protective auspices of
the United States, and npon satisfacto
ry concessions for the right of way, and
its security, by the Central American
governments, the capital for its comple
tion wonld be readily furnished from
this oonntry and Europe, which might,
failing such guarantees, prove inacessi-
ble. v.
Diplomatic relations with Caili have
also been strengthened by the reception
of a minister from that oonntry.
The war between Fern, Bolivia, and
Obili Hill continues. Tha United States
havo not deemed it proper to inteipose
in the matter, farther than to convey to
all the Governments concerned, the as-
suranoe that ths friendly offioes-of tho
Government of the United States for the
restoration of peace npon an honorable
basis willba extended, in case the bellig
erents shall exhibit a readiness to ao-
oept them.
Cordial relations continue with Brazil
and the Argeatnio Bepnblio, and trade
with_ those countries Is improving. A
provision for regular and more frequent
mail communication, in our own ships,
between the ports of this country and
the nations of South America seems to
me to deserve tho attention of Congress,
as an essential preonrsor of an enlarge
ment of onr commeroe with them, and an
extension of onr carrying trade.
A recent revolution in Venezuela has
been followed by tho establishment of a
provisional government. Thi3 govern
ment has no: yet been formally recog
nized, and it is deemed daeirable to await
the proposed action of tho people, which
is expected to give it the sanction of con
stitutional forms.
A naval vessel has been sent to the
Samoan Islands, to make snrvsys and
take possession of the privileges oedod
to the United States by Samoa, in the
harbor of Pago Pago. A coaling station
is to be established there, whioh will be
convenient and useful to tho United
StateB vesseb.
Tho subject of opening diplomatio re
lations with Roumania and Servia, now
become indepenpent sovereignties, is at
present under consideration, and is the
subject of diplomatio oorrespondenoe.
There is a gratifying increase of trade in
nearly all European and Amerioan coun
tries, and it is believed that with judi
cious aotion in regard to its development
it can and will bo still more enhanced,
and that Amerioan products and manu
facturers will find now and expanding
markets. Tho reports of diplomatic and
oonsnlar officers npon this subject, under
tho system now adoptod, 1 ave resulted
iu obtaining much valuable information,
which hu3 been and will continuo to bo
laid beforo Congress and tho pnblio from
timo to time.
The third article of tho treary with
Russia,_ of Maroh 30, 1S67, by which
Alaska was oeded to tho United States,
provides that tho inhabitants of the ceded
territory, with the exception of the un
civilized native tribes, eball bo admitted
to the enjoyment of all the rights of cit
izens of the United States, and shall bo
maintained and protested in the freo en
joyment of their liberty, property, and
religion. The uncivilized tribes aro sub
ject te suoh laws and regulations as the
United States may from time to time
adopt in regard to the aboriginal tribes
of tbat country.
Both tho obligations of this treaty and
tho necessities of the people, require that
somo organized form of government over
the Territory of Alaska be adopted.
There appears to be no law for tho ar
rest of persons charged with common
law offenoes, such aa assault, robbery
and murder, and no magistrate author
ized to issue or execute process in snch
oases. Serious difficulties havo already
arisen from offences of this character,
not only among the original inhabitants,
but among oitizsns of the United States
and other oountries, who have engaged
in mining, fishing and other business op
erations within the Territory. A bill
authorizing the appointment of justices
of the pesos and constables, and tne ar
rest and detention of persons charged
with criminal offenoes, and providing for
an appeal to United States courts for tho
district of Oregon> in suitable oases, will,
at a proper time, bo submitted to Con
gress.
The attention of Congress is called to
tho annual report of tho Secretary of the
Treasury on tho condition of the publio
finances.
Tho ordinary rorenues from all sources
for tha fisosl year ended Juno 30, IS79,
woro $273,827,184.46; tho ordinary ex
penditures for tho same period were
$266,9*7,833.53; leaving a surplus rev
enue for the year of $6,879,300 93.
Tho receipts for the present fisosl year,
ending Juno 30,1880, actual and estima
ted, aro as follows: Aotnal receipts for
the first quarter commercing July 1,
1879', $79.8*3,663.61; estimated receipts
for the remaining three-quarters of tho
year, $208,156.33689; total reooipts for
tho current fiscal year, actual and estima
ted, . $288,000,000.
Tho expenditures for tha same period
will ba, actual and estimated, as follows:
for the quarter commencing July 1,
1879, actual expenditure?, $91,683,385 10;
and for tho remaining three-quarters ot
tho year tho expenditures aro estimated
at $172,316,614.90—making tho total ex
penditures $264,000,000, and leaving an
estimated surplus revenuo for the year
ending June 30, 18S0, of $24,000,003.
The total receipts during tho next fiscal
year ending Jane 30, 1881, estimated ac
cording to existing laws, will bs $283,-
000,000; and tho estimated ordinary ex
penditures for tho same period will be
$278,097,361.39—leaving a surplus of
$9,902,635 61 for that year.
The large amonnt expended for arroars
of csnsiocaduring tho last End present fis
cal year, amounting to $21,7*7,2*9.60.
has prevented the application of the fall
amount required by law to tha sinking
fand for tho current year; bnt these ar
rears having bsen substantially paid, it
is bslieved that the sinking fund can
hereafter ba maintained withont any
change ot existing law.
The Sicretary of War reports that the
War Department estimates for the fisosl
year ending June 30, 1881, are $40,380,-
*28.93, the same being for a less sum
of money than any annual estimate ren
dered to Osngrsss from that Department
during a parted ot at least twelve years.
He ooncura with tho General of the
Army in recommending snch legislation
as will authorize tho enlistment of the
fall namber of twenty-five thousand men
for the lino of the Army, exclusive of the
three thousand four hundred asd sixty-
three men reqnired for detatched dnty,
and therefore not available for Eeivico
in the field.
He alio recommends that Congress be
asked to provide by law for the disposi
tion of a largo namber of abandoned mil
itary pea t3 and reservations,which,thongh
very valuable in themselves, have boen
rendered useless for military purposes by
tho advancoof civilization and settle
ment.
He unites with tho Quartermaster
General in recommending that an appro
priation be made for the cons traction of
a cheap and perfectly fire-proof building
for the safe storage of a vast amount of
mensy accounts, vouchers, claims, and
other valuble records now in the Quar
termaster General’s office, and exposed to
great risk of total destruction by fire.
He ateo recommends, in conformity
with th8 views of the Judge Advocate
General, some declaratory fegidation in
reference to the military statute of limi
tations as applied to the crime of deser
tion.
In these several recommendations I
the Btztute, in the event of sno-
mzintaming the ohannel now so-
concur.
The Secretary of War further reports
that the work for the Improvement of
the South Pass of the Mississippi river,
under contract with Mr. James B. Eads,
made in pursuance of an act of Congress,
ha3 been prosecuted during the past
year, with a greater measure of success
in the attainment of results than daring
any previous ysar, Ths channel through
the Sonth Pass, which, at the beginning
of operations in Jane, 1875, had a depth
of only seven and one-half feet of water,
had, on the 8th of Jnly, 1879, a minimum
depth of twenty-six feet, having a width
of not les3 than two hundred feet and a
central depth of thirty feet. Payments
have been made in accordance with the
statntc, as the work progressed, amount
ing in tbe aggregate to $4,250,000; and
farther payments will beoome dne aa pro-
Tho report of the General of the Army
aDd of his subordinates, present a fall
and detailed aooount of the military oper
ations for the suppression of hostilities
among the Indians of the Uto and
Apache tribes, and praise is jnatly
awarded to the officers and troops en
gaged, for promptness, skill, and conrago
displayed.
The past year ba3 bsen one of almost
unbroken peace and qniet on the Mexican
frontier, and there is reason to believe
that the efforts of this Government and
of Mexico, to maintain order in tbat ro-
gion, will prove permanently successful.
This Department was enabled, during
the past year, to find temporary though
crowded accommodations, and a safe de
pository for a portion of its reoords, in
the oompleted cast wing ot tho building,
designed for the State, War and Navy
Departments. The construction of the
north wing of the bailding, a part of tha
strnotnre intended for the nse of the
War Department, is being carried for
ward with all possible dispatch, and the
work should reoeivo from Congress snch
liberal appropriations as will soenre its
speedy completion.
Tho report of the Secretary of tho
Navy shows continued improvement in
that branch of the service during tho last
fiscal year. Extensive repairs have been
made npon vessels, and two new ships
have bsen completed and made ready for
sea.
Tho total expenditure of tho year ended
Jnne 83,1879, including apeoifia appropria
tions not estimated for by tho Department,
wore $13,555,710 09. Tho expenses ohargo-
able to the year, after doduoting tho amount
of theso specific appropriations, „were $13,-
343,817 79; but this is subject to a reduction
ot $283,725 99, that amount having boon
drawn upon warrants, bat not paid oat du
ring tho year. Tho amount of appropria
tion applicable to the last fiscal year was
$14,533,646 17. There was, therefore, a
balance of $1,479,054 37 remaining unexpen
ded, and to tho credit of tho Department, on
Juno 39,1879. The estimates for tho fiscal
year ending Jano 30,1831, are $14,864,174 95,
wbioh exoueds the appropriations for tho
present fiscal yoar $361,897 23. The reason
1 or this inoroaso is explained in the Secreta
ry’s report. Tho appropriations available
for the prosent fiscal year are $11,502,253 67,
which will, in tho opinion of tbo Secretary,
answer all the ordinary demands of the
service. The amount drawn from tho Trea
sury from Jnly 1 to November 1, 1879, was
$5,770,40*12, of whioh $1,005,410 83 has
been refanded, loavlng as the expenditure
for that period $*,674,963 79. If tho expen
ditures of tho remaining two-thirds of the
jrosr do not exceed the - proportion for these
1’our months, thero will romain unexpended,
at tho end of the year, $477,359 39 of the
entrant appropriations. Tho roport of tho
Secretary shows the gratifying faot that
among all the disbursing officers of tho pay
corps of the Navy there is not ono who Is a
defaulter to tho extent of a single dollar. I
unite with him in reoommonding tbe removal
of the Observatory to a more hoalthfal loca
tion. That institution rofleotH orodit upon
the Nation, and has obtained the approba
tion of saientifio men in all parts of the
world. Its removal from its prosont loca
tion wonld not only bo condaoive to tho
health of its officers and professors, bnt
wonld groatly increase its nsefalness.
The appropriation lor jndioial expenses,
which has heretofore boen mado for tho
Department of Justice, iu gross, was Bub-
divided at tha last session of Congress, and
no appropriation wLntover wts mado for tho
payment of tho foes of marshals and thoir
deputies, oithor iu the servioe ot process or
for tho discharge of other datios; and, since
Juno SO, these officers-have oontinuodthe
performance of thoir datios, without com
pensation from tho Government, taking
upeuthomrjolvos the necessary incidental
outlays, as woll os rendering their own ser
vices. Iu only a few unavoidable instances,
has the propor execution of tho pror.oss of
tho United Btatos failed by reason of tha
absonoo of tho requisite appropriation. This
coarse of official conduct on tho port of
theso officers, highly oredltablo to their
fidelity, was advised by ths Attoruoy-Genor-
al, who informed them, however, that they
would necessarily havo to rely for their com-
lonsation upon the prospect ot faturo logic-
ation by Congress. I therefore especially
recommend that immediate appropriation bo
made by Congress for this purpose.
Theaot making the principal appropria
tion for tha Department of Justice at pre
vious sessions has uniformly contained the
following olause: ‘And for defraying the
expenses whiah may bs incurred iu tho en
forcement of tho act approvod February 28,
1870, entitled 'An act to amend an act ap
proved May 30, 1870, entitled 'An act to en
force the right of oitizens ot the United
States, to vote in the several States of the
United State, .'and for other puipcscs,' or
any acts amendatory theroof or supplemen
tary thereto.”’
No appropriation was made for this pur
pose for the current year. As no general
eleotion for members of Congress oocurred,
the omission war, a matter of little practi
cal importance. Bach election will, how
ever, take place during the oneuing year,
and the appropriation made for the pay of
marshals and deputies should bs sufficient to
embrace compensation for the servioes they
may bo reqnired to perform at snch olee-
tions.
The bneiness of tho Supremn Court Is, at
present, largely la arrears. It cannot be ex-
peoted tbat more causes can bo decided than
are now disposed of in its annual session, or
that by any assiduity the distinguished mag
istrates who compose tho Court oan accom
plish moro than is now done. In tho oourts
of many of tho circuits, also, the business
has increased to such Bn extent, that tho
delay of jnstico will coll the attention of
Congress to on appropriate remedy. It is
believed that all is done in each circuit which
oan fairly be expected from its judicial foroe,
The evils arising from delay, are less heavily
felt by tha United ^.States, than by private
suitors, as its causes aro advanced by the
courts when it is seen that they involve the
diBcussionsof questions of a publio chsrao*
ter.
The remedy suggested by the Attorney-
General, ia the appointment of additional
cironit judges, and the croationof an inter
mediate court of errors and appeals, whioh
shall relieve the Supremo Court of .a part of
its Jurisdiction, while a large force is also
obtained for tbe performance of circuit
duties. -
I commend this suggestion to the consi
deration of Congress. It would seem to
afford a complete remedy, and would Involve,
if ten additional circuit judges are appointed,
an expenditure, at ths present rate of sala
ries, of not more than eixtv thousand dollars
a year, which would oertoinly be small in
comparison with ths objects to be attained.
The report of the Postmaster-General
bears testimony to tho general revival of
basiness throughout tbe oonntry. Tho re
ceipts of the Post-Office Department for tha
fiscal year ended Jane 30, 1879, were $33,-
6*1,982 86, being $764,465 91 more than the
revenues of the preceding year. The amonnt
realized from ths sale of postage-stamps,
stamped envelopes, and postal cards, was
$764 *65 91 more than in the preceding year,
and $2,387,569 23 more than in 1877. The
expenditures of the Department were $33.-
*19, 899 *5, of which the sum of $376,461 63
was paid on liabilities incurred in preceding
years.
The expenditures daring the year were
$891,209 77 less than in the presetting year.
This redaction ia to be attributed mainly to
tbe operation of ths law passed Jane 17,
1178, changing tbe compensation of past-
masters from a commission cn the value of
stamps sold, to a commission on stamps
cancelled.
The amount drawn from the Treasury on
appropriations in addition to tbe revenues of
tho Department was $3,031,451 96, being
$2,276,197 86 leas than in the preceding year.
The expenditures for tho fitcal year en
ding Jane 39,1881, are estimated at $39,920,-
900, and the .receipts from all sources at
$32,210,002, leaving a deficiency to bo appro
priated for, ont of the Treoshry, of $7,710,-
900.
Tho relations cf the Department with rail
road companies have been harmonized, not
withstanding tho general reduction by Ooa-
gress of their oompensttion, by the appro
priation for special facilities, and the railway
post-office lines have bsen greatly extended,
eepeoialiy in the Southern Btatos. Tbe in
terests cf tbo railway-mail ^service and of
the public would be greatly promoted, and
the expenditures could be more readily con
trolled by the classification of the employes
of the railway-nisil service as recommended
by the Postmaster-General, the appropria
tion for salaries, with respeot to which the
maximum limit is already fixed bylaw, to be
made in gross.
The Postmaster General recommends an
amendment ot the law regulating the in
crease of compensation for . increased ser
vice and increased speed on star routes, to
to enable him to advertise for proposals
for such increased service and speed. He
also suggests tho advanUges to aoctne to
the commerce of the country from the enact
ment of a general law authorizing contracts
with American built stoamers, carrying tbe
American flag, for transporting the man be
tween ports of the United States end ports
of tho West Indies end South America, at a
fixed maximum price per mile, tbe amount
to be expended being "regulated by annual
appropriations, in like manner with ths
amount pud for tho domestic .star ser
vice.
Tho arrangement msdo by the Postmaster
General end tie Searotary of the Treasury
for tho oollection of duty upon books receiv
ed in the moil from .foreign countries, haa
proved so satisfactory in its practiosl opera
tion that the recommendation is now mads,
that Congress shell extend the provisions of
tho sot sf March 3, 1879, under which this
arrangement was made, so as to apply to oil
other dutiable articles received in the mails
from foreign oountries.
The roport of tho Secretary of the Inte
rior and the Commissioner of Indian Affairs,
setting forth tho prosent state of our rela
tions with tho Indian iribes on our territory,
tho measures taken ;to advance their civili
zation aud prosperity, and tho progress al
ready achieved by them, will be found of
moro than ordinary intoreet. The general
oondact of oar Indian population has been
so satisfactory that tha occurrence at two
distuibancss, whiah resulted'.in bloodshed
and destruction of property, is all the more
to bo lamented.
The history of the outbreak on the White
River Ute reservation in Western Colorado
has beoome so familiar by elaborate reports
in the publio press, that its remarkable inci
dents noed not bo stated here in detail. It
is expected that the settlement of this diffi
culty will lead to such arrangements as will
prevent farther hoetilo contact between tho
Indians and the border settlements ia Wes
tern Colorado.
Tho other disturbance occurred at tbo
Hescalero agency, in New Mexico, where
Yiotons, the head of a small band of marau
ders, aftor committing many atrocities, be
ing vigorously chased by a military foroe.
mado his way across tho Mexican border and
Is now on foreign soil.
Whilo thoio oocurronces, in which a com
paratively small number of Indian* were en
gaged, aro moat doplorablo, a vast majority
of our Indiau population havo fally justified
tho expectation of thoso who beliovo that by
humane and peaceful icllaonoes tho Indian
can bo led to abandon Wo habits of aavaga
lifo and to develop a capaoity for useful and
civilized occupations. What they have al
ready accomplished in tho pursuit of agris
cultural and mechanical work, tbo remarka-
blo Buocoss which has attended tho experi
ment of employing as freighters la class ol'
Indians hitherto oonntod among tho wilder t
and most iutractablo, and tho general azff
urgent desiro expressed by thorn for the ed
ucation of thoir children, may bo taken me
sufficient proof that they will bo found cipa-
ble of accomplishing much moro if they con
tinue to bo wisely and fairly guided. The
“Indian policy” sketchod in tho report of the
Becrotary of tbo Intorior, tho object of wbioh
is to mako liberal provision for tbo educa
tion of IndiatFyouth, to sottlo tbe Indians
upon farm lots in sovoralty, to give them ti
tle in foe to thoir forms, inalienablo for a
cortain numbor of yoars, and whon thoir
wants aro thua provided for, to di-poso l v
salo of the lands on their reservations not
occupied and used by them, a fund to bo
formed out of tlio procoods for tho bouefit
of tho Indians, which will gradually rolievo
the Government of tho expenses now provi
ded for by annual appropriations, must com
mend itself &b Just and bonoficial to tho In
dians, and as also oalcul&tod to remove thoso
obstruotions whioh the existence of largo re
servations prcaonta to tho settlement and
developments of the country. I thereforo
earnestly reoommond the enactment of a law
enabling tho Government to givo Indians a
title in foe, inalienable fortwonty-fivo yoars,
to tho farm lands assigned to them by allot
ment. I also ropoat tho recommendation
mado te my first annual mcceage, that a law
bo passed admitting Indians whe oan givo
satisfactory proof of having, by their own
labor, supported thoir families for a number
of years, and who aro willing to detach
themselves from thoir ttibaljrolalious, to tho
benefit of tho homestead act, and to grant
them patents containing tbo aame provis
ion ;of inalienability - for a certain pe
riod.
Tho oxporimont of sending a numbor of
Indian children, of both sexes, to tho Hamp
ton Normal and Agricultural Institute, ia
Virginia, to recoivo an elementary English
education and practical instruction in farm
ing and other useful industries has ted to
resultB eo promising, that it was thought ex
pedient to turn over tho cavalry barracks at
Oarlislo in Pennsylvania, to tho Interior Do
partment for tho establishment of an Indian
sobool on a larger Boole. This school lies
now one hundred aud fifty-eight pupils,
selected from various tribes, and is in fall
operation. Arrangements aro also mado for
tho education of a namber of Indian boys
and girls belonging to tribes on tho Pocifio
slopo, in a similar manner, at Forest Grove,
in Oregon. Tnoso institutions will oom-
mend themselves to the liberality of Con
gress, and to tho philanthropic munificenco
of tho Amerioan people.
Lost spring, information was rocoivoi of
the organization of an extensive movement
in the Western States, the object of which
was tbe occupation by unauthorized persona
of certain lands in tho Indian Territory ced
ed by the Gherokees to the Government for
tho purpose of eottlement by other Indian
tribes.
On the 29th of April. I issued a proclama
tion warning all persona against participation
in each an attempt,'and, by tbe co-operation
of a military force, tho invasion was prompt
ly checked. It is my purpose to protect tho
rights of tho Indian inhabitants or that Ter
ritory to the full extent of tho Executivo
power. But it would be nowise to ignore
the fact that a Territory so largo and so fer
tile, with a population so upsrro aud with so
great a wealth of nuused resources, will bo
found moro exposed to tho repetition of such
attempts as happened this year, when tho
surrounding Btatos are more densely settled,
and the westward movement of oar popula
tion looks still moro eagerly for fresh lands
to occupy. Under ench circumstances the
difficulty of maintaining tho Indian Territo
ry in its present stale will greatly increaie,
and the Indian tribes inhabiting it would
do well to preporo for such a contingency.
I, therefore, fally approvo of tbo advice giv
en to them by tbe Becrotary of the Interior
on a reoent occasion, to divide among|tbem-
selves in severalty, as large a quantity of
their lands as they can cultivate, to acquire
individual title in fee, instead of thoir pres
ent tribal ownership ia common, and to con
sider in what manner tho balance of their
lands may bs disposed of by the Government
for their benefit. By adopting -cch a policy
they would more oert&inly secure for them
selves the value of their posoeaeions, and at
the same time promote their progress in
civilization andj prosperity, than by endeav
oring to perpetuate the present state of
things in the Territory.
Tho qaeetion whether a change in the oon-
trol of too Indian servioe should bo made,
was in tbe Forty-fifth Congress referred to s
joint committee of both Hoases for Inquiry
and report. In my lost ammal message I
expressed the hope that the decision of that
question, then in prospect, “would arrest
farther agitation of this snbjcct, each agita
tion being spt to produce a disturbing effect
upon the service as well as tha Indians
themselves.” Sinco then, the oommittee
having reported, the question has been deci
ded in the negative by a vote in tbe House
of Representatives.
For the reasons here stated, and inviewo
the fact that farther uncertain ty on this point
wDI bo calculated to obstruct other much need
ed legislation, to weaken tbe discipline ot tbs
service, and to unsettle saiutary measures now
in progress for the government and improve
ment ot tho Indians. I respectfully recommend
that the decision arrived at by Congress at its
lost session be permitted to stand.
Tbe efforts made by the department of the
' * — *«!
interior to arrest' the depredations on the tim
ber lauds ot tho United Stales have boen con
tinued. and have met with considerable success.
A large number ol cases of trespass bav* oe«n
prosecuted in the courts oftba tinned Bsstes;
others hive been settled, tho trespassers offer
ing to make payment to the government fc r the
value of the timber token by them. The pro
ceeds of them prosecutions and settlements
turned into th« treasury, far exceed in amount
the sums oppropriated by Congress for this pur
pose. A more important result, however, con
sists in the fart that the destruction of our pub
lic forests by depredation, although such coses
still occur, has been greatly reduced in -stant,
and it is probable that if the present policy is
vigorously pursued and sufficient provision to
that end is mode by Congress, such trespasses,
at least those on a large scale, can be entirely
suppressed, except in tho Territories -hero
timber for the daily requirements of the popula
tion cannot, under the present state of the law,
be otherwise obtained. 1 tfaerefureeamr—tly in
vite the attention of Congress to tho recom
mendation mode by the Secretary of the Interior
that a law be enacted enabling tlio g .rernnient
to sell timber from tho public lanes without
conveying tbe tee. whsrs such lands arc prinri.
psiiy valuable for tho timber thereon, snch
sales to bo no regulated os to conform to domes
tic want* and business requirements, while at
the tame time guarding against a sweeping de
struction of tho forests. The enactment of such
a i*w appears to become a more pressing neces
sity every day.
My recommendations in tenner niaJsogeJ arc