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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