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CLEVELAND’S MESSAGE.
all the paramount national
TOPICS TOUCHED UPON.
Tbe Urgent Need of Revision of the
Tariff Again Set Forth—All Questions
with Foreign Nations Susceptible of
Amicable Settlement-Tho Indian
Policy Bearing Good Fruits—Review
ing the Recommendations of the
Secretaries.
Washington, Dec. 3. — Following is the
full text of the annual message to congress
submitted by President Cleveland to-day:
To the Congress of the United Stales:
As yon assemble for the discharge of the du
ties you have assumed as the representatives of
a free and generous people, your meeting is
marked by an interesting and impressive inci
deut. With the expiration of the present ses
sion of the congress, the first century of our
constitutional existence as a nation will be com
plete. Our survival for one hundred years is
not sufficient to assure us that wo no louger
have dangers to fear in the maintenance, with
all its promised blessings, of a government
founded upon the freedom of the people. The
time rather admonishes us to soberly inquire
whether iu the past we have al wavs closely Kept
in tne course of safety, and whether we have
before- us a wny plain and clear which leads to
happiness and perpetuity.
CHART OF THE SHIP OF STATE.
When the experiment of our government was
undertaken, the chart adopted for our guid
ance was the constitution. Departure from the
lines there laid down is failure. It is only by a
strict adherence to the direction they Indicate
and by restraint within the limitations they fix,
that we can furnish proof to the world or the
fitness of the American people for self-govern
ment. The equal and exact justice of which we
boast as tho underlying principle of oar institu
tions should not be confined to the relations ■ f
our citizens to each other. The government
itself is under bond to the American people,
that, in the exercise of its fuuctionsand powers,
it will deal with the body of our citizens in a
manuor scrupulously honest and fair, and abso
lutely just. It has agreed that American citi
zenship shall bo the only credential necessarj’
to justify tbe claim of equality before the law,
aid that no condition in life shall give rise
to discrimination In the treatment of
the people by their government.
The citizen of cur republic in ils early days
rigidly insisted upon full compliance with the
letter of this bonu, and saw stretc.iing out be
fore him a clear field for individual endeavor.
Distribute to the support of his government
was measured by t.ie cost of its economical
maintenance, and ha was secure iu the enjoy
ment of the remaining recompense of nisste idy
and contented toil. In those days the frugality
of the people was stamped upon their govern
ment. a*;d was enforce l by the free, thoughtful
ancl intelligent suffrage of the citizen.
NO MONOPOLIES IN THOSE DAYS.
Combinations, monopolies and aggregations
of capital were either avoided or sternly
regulated aud resiiaiued. Tl© pomp and glit
ter of governments less free offered no temota
tion and presented no delusion to the plain peo
ple who side by side in friendly competition
wrought for the ennoblement and dignity of
man, for the solution of the problem of free gov
* l ament, and for the achievement of tho graud
destiny awaiting the land which God had
had given them. A century has passed; our
cities are the abiding places of wealth aud
luxury; our manufactories yield fortunes never
dreamed of by the fathers of the republic: our
business men are madly striving in the racj
for riches, and immense aggregations
of capital outrun tbe imagination
in the magnitude of their undertakings.
We view with pride and satisfaction this bright
picture of our country’s growth and prosperity,
while only a closer scrutiny develops a somber
shading. Upon more careful inspection we
find the wealth and luxury of our cities mingled
w.th poverty and vvre.chedness and unremuner
ativetoil. A crowded aid constantly increas
ing urban population suggests the impoverish
ment of rural sections and discontent wi'h agri
cultural pursuits. The farmer s son, not satis
fied \* i.li his father’s simple and laborious life,
joins the eager chase for easily-acquired wealth.
Children of the Tariff.
We discover that the fortunes realized by our
manufacturers are no longer solely the work of
sturdy industry and enlightened foresight, hut
that they result from the discriminating favor
of the government, and are largely built upon
undue exactions from the masses of our people.
The gulf between employers and the employed
is constantly widening and classes are rapidly
forming, one comprising the very rich aud povv
erful, while in another are found tue toiling
poor.
As we view the achievements of aggregated
capital, we discover tffie existence of trusts,
combinations and monopolies, while the citizen
is struggling far in the rear or is trampled to
d**ath beneath an iron fieel. Corporations,
which should be the carefully restrained crea
tures of the law, and the servants of the people,
are fast becoming the people’s masters. Still
congratulating ourselves upon the wealth and
pr sperityof our country, aud complacently
contemplating every incident of change insepa
rable from these conditions, it is our duty as
patriotic citizens to inquire, at the present state
of our progress howfthe bond of thegovernni* nt
made with the people has been kept and per
f-i med. Instead of limiting the tribute drawn
from our citizens to the necessities of its eco
nomical aimlnistration.thogovernmentpers.sts
in .wactiog from the substance of the people,
millions which, unapplied and useless, lie dor
mant in its treasury. This flagrant injustice
and this breach of faith and obligation adds to
extortion the danger attending tbe diversion of
the currency of the country from the legitimate
channels of business.
Uuder the same iaws by which these results
ar, ‘ produced, the government permits many
millions more to be added to the cost of tbe liv
ing of our people and to be taken by our con
sunn is. which unreasonably swell the profits of
a small but powerful minority.
A TARIFF FOR REVENUE.
The people must still bo taxed for the support
of the government under the operation of tariff
la "s. But to the extent that the mass of our
1 itizeus are inordinately burdened beyond any
useful public purpose, and for the benefit of a
favored few. the government, under pretext of
an exercise of its taxing power, enters gratuit
ously into partnership with these favorites to
their advantage and to the injury of a \ast ma
jority of our people. This in n;t equality before
the law. The existing situation is injurious to
the health of our entire body politic. It stifles
i . those for whose benefit if is permitted all
patriotic Jove of country and substitutes iu its
pao selfish greed and graspiug avarice.
Devotion to American citizenship for its own
Rake ,ind for what it should accomplish as a
junto r- to our nation's advancement ar.d the
ess of our people, is displaced by the as
sumption that the "overnment, instead of being
the *mh.wiimeait of equality, is but an instru
mentality through which especial individual ad-
v cihage. nr-**to he gained. The arrogance of
’ji • * iiiut*tion is unconcealed. It appears in
’ncsor i. i • s-g.vd of all but personal inter-
I' l the refusal to abate for the benefit of
'•'ii**rso e iota of selfish disativantage, aud in
• ' Me inations to perpetuate such advantages
’I-rough efforts to control legislation and iin
properly influence the suffages of tho people.
hardships of the farmers.
4 . The grievances of those not included within
j-- circle of these lieneflciarres. when lully
realized, wifi vqrely arouse irritation and din
content Our farmers, long- .offering; and
a ‘ nt. struggling in tbe race of life with the
;a. :*m and most unremitting toil, will not fail
s, ‘** in spite of misrepresentations and mis
-1 ng fallacies, that they are obll red to accept
i prices for their products asareftxoiin
dre markets where they compete with th *
"•inner;-, of the world, thattbeirlandsarede
<ui nng in value while their debts increase, and
' Vi ’ without comp, fixating favor they are
hv.-ed i y the net on of the government to pay.
he* tho boneflt of others, such enhanced prices
h*rth.. things they need that the scanty returns
, h# * ir labor fail to furnish their support or
leave n ,, margin for accumulation.
’VORKTNGMEN WILL WAKE I P AT LAST.
' ,;Jr workingmen, enfranchised from all d©lu
*j" * and no longer frightened by the cry that
ti>!r wages are end angered by a just revision
'} our i iriff laws, will reasonably demand
through such revision steadier employment,
cheaper means of living in their homes, free
ji 111 t ’ r themselves and tli**ir children from the
I® perfsjiual servltu e aud an open door
Lx eir hdvancement beyond the limits of a
laboring '‘lass.
„ of our citizens whose com'orts and
tures are measured by moderated sal*
■ ' and fixed incomes, will insist upon the fair
J justice of cheapening the cost of nec
f sar.es for themselves and their families,
hen to the selfishness of the Imueflctariee of
discrimination under our laws there
anded the discontent of those who
' r °h> such discrimination, we will realize
ihe ract that the beneficiary purposes of our
r ' rnment dependent upon tha patriotism and
L "htentnient of our people are endangered.
communism of capital.
( °tnmunism is a hateful thing, and a menace
. 1 /***'** and organised government. But this
.'himunism of combined wealth and capital.
• >“ 'Sit growth of overweening cupidity and sel
Quean which insidiously undermines the jus
. ;* tnd integrity of free institutions, is not less
w: Wou* than the communism of oppressed
poverty and toil which, exasperated by injus
tice and discontent, attacks with wild "disorder
the citadel of rule.
He mocks the people who proposes that tho
government shall protect the rich and that they
in turn will care for the laboring poor. Any
intermediary between the people and ttieir
government, or the least delegation of the care
and protection the government owes to the
humblest citizen in the lauJ, ma tes the boast
of free institutions a glittering delusion and tho
pretended boon of American citizenship a
shameless imposition.
TARIFF REVISION URGED.
A just and sensible revision of our tariff laws
should be made for tho relief of those of our
countrymen who suffer under the present con
ditions. Sue i a revision should receive tue sup
j>ort of all who love that justice and equality
due to American citizenship, of all who realize
that in this justice and equality our government
finds its strength and its power to protect tbe
citizen and his property, of all who believe that
the contented compilenoe and comfort of the
many accord better with the spirit of our insti
tutious than colossal fortunes unfairly gathered
in the bauds of a few. of all who appreciate
that the forbearance acd fraternity among our
people, which recognize the value of every
American interest, are the surest guaranty of
our national progress, aud of all who desire to
seethe products of American skill an 1 inge
nuity iu every market of the world with a re
suiting restoration of American commerce.
DIFFERENCE IN METHODS.
The necessity of the reduction of our revenue
is so apparent as to lie generally conceded. But
the means by which this end shall be accom
plished, and the sum of direct benefit which
snail result to our citizens present a controversy
of the utmost importance. There should be no
scheme accepted as .satisfactory by which the
burdens of tue people arc only apparently re
moved.
Extravagant appropriations of public money,
with ail their demoralizing consequences, should
not lie tolerated, either as a means oi relieving
the treasury of its preseut surplus, or as fur
nishing a pretext for resisting a proper reduction
ir tariff rates. Existin< evils and injustice
should be honestly recognized, boldly met and
effectively remedied. There should be uo cessa
tion of the struggle until a plan is perfected fair
and conservative toward existing industries,
but which will reduce tue cost to consumers of
the necessaries of life, while it provides for our
manufacturers the advantage of freer raw
materials, and permits no injury to the inter
ests of American labor.
The cause for which the battle is waged is
comprised within lines clearly and distinctly de
fined. It should never be compromised. It is
the people’s cause.
A Paternal Government.
It cannot be denied that the Selfish and pri
vate interests which are so persistently heard
when efforts are made to deal Ip a just and
compretieusive manner with our tariff laws are
related to, if they are n -t responsible for, the
sentiment largely prevailing among the people,
that the general government is the fountain of
individual and private aid; that it may be ex
pected to relieve with paternal care the distress
of citizens and communities, and that, from the
fullness of its treasury, it should, upon the
slightest possible pretext of promoting the
general good, apply public funds to the benefit
of localities and individuals, nor *■ -can
it be denied that there is a growing
assumptiou that as against the government,
and iu favor of private claims and interests,
the usual rules and limitations of business priu
cipaies. and just dealing should be waived.
These ideas have beou unhappily much eu
couragedby legislative acquiescence Relief
from contracts made with the government is
too easily accorded in favor of the citizen. Tue
lailur© to support claims against the govern
ment by proof is often supplied by no better
consideration than the wealth of the government
aud the poverty of the claimant.
USELESS PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
They are in the form of pensions and are
granted upon no other real ground, than the
needy condition of the applicant, or tor rea
sons less valid, and large sums are expo n;ed for
pnblic buildings and other "improvements upon
representations scarcely claimed to be related
to the public needs and necessities. The extent
to which the consideration of such matters
subordinate and postpone action upon subjects
of great pit olio importance, but involving n
special private or partisan interest, sh mid
arrest attention aud lead to reformation.
A fe . of the numerous illustrations of this con
dition may be state i. The crowded condition
of the calendar of the supreme court and the
delay to suitors and tue denial of justice re
suiting therefrom has strongly urged upon
the attention of the congress, with a plan for
the relief of the situation approved by those
well able to ju Jge of its merits. While this sub
ject remains without effective consideration,
many laws have been passed providing for tiie
holdi gof terms of inferior courts at places to
suit the convenience of localities, or to lay the
foundation of an application for the erection of
new public buildings.
Land Legislation Needed.
Repeated recommendations have bean sub
mitted for the amendment and change of the
laws relating to our public lands so that their
spoliation and dive rsion to other uses than as
homes for honest settl rs might be prevented.
While a measure to meet this conceded neces
sity of reform ro rains awaiting the action of
congress, many claims to the public lands and
applications fur their donation in favor
or states and individuals have been allowed.
A plan in aid of Indian management recom
mended by those wt-11 informed, as containiug
valuable features iu furtherance of the solution
of tho Indian problem, has thus far failed of
legislative sanction, while grants of doubtful
expediency to railroad corporations permitting
them to pass through Indian reservations, have
greatly multiplied.
Th i propriety aud necessit yof the erection of
one or more prisons for tho confinement of
United States convicts and a poetoffloe building
in the national capital arc not disputed, but
these needs yet remain unanswered while scores
of public buildings have been erected where
their necessity for public purposes is not ap
parent.
REVISION OF PENSION LAWS.
A revision of our pension law s could easily be
mad** which would rest upon just principles and
provide for many worthy applicants. But.
whde our general pension laws remain confused
and imperfect, hundreds of private pension
law s are an Dually passed, which are the sources
of unjust discrimination and popular demoral
ization. Appropriation bills for the support of
tbe government are defaced by items and pro
visions to meet private ends and it is freely as
serted by responsible and experienced parties
tuat a bill appropriating money for public in
ternal improvements would fail to irreet with
favor unless it*contained|itemsmorejfor local and
private advantage than for public benefit.
These statements canfbe much emphasized by
an ascertainment of the proportion
of federal legislation, which ciiher hairs
upon its face its private character, or which,
upon examination. developbsuch a motive power
an and yet the people wait and expect from their
chosen representatives such patriotic action as
will advance the welfare* of the entire country,
and this expectation can only !e answered by
the performance of public duty with unselfish
purpose.
DEVOTION TO THE PUBLIC GOOD.
Otir mission among the nations of the earth,
and our success in accomplishing the work
God baa given the American people to do, r©
quire of th> e intrusted with the making and
execution of our laws fierfect devotion, abovo
all other things, to the public good. This devo
tion will lead us to strongly resist all impatience
of constitutional limitations of federal power,
and to persistently check th** increasing ten
dency to extend the scope of federal legislation
into the domain of state and local jurisdiction,
upon the plea of subserving the puolio welfare
Tne preservation of the partit onu l>etwa©n
proper subjects of federal and local care and
regulation, is of such importance under tho
constitution, which is th© law of our very
existence, that no consideration *f expediency or
sentiment should tempt us to enter upon doubt
ful ground. W© have undertaken to discover
arid proclaim the richest nlessings of a free
government, w ith the constitution as our guide.
Let us follow the way It points out. It will not
mislead us. And surely no one who haa taken
upon himself the solemn obligation to support
and preserve the constitution can find justifi
cation or solace f-.r disloyalty in the excuse
that he wandered aud disobeyed in search of a
better way to reach the public welfare than the
constitution offers.
What haH been said i deemed not inappro
priateat a time when from a century a hijzht,
wo view the way already trod by tho American
people and attempt to discover their future
path. Tiie seventh President of fibe United
Btates. th© soldier and stat©*mnn, and at all
times th© firm and brave friend of th.* people,
in vindication of his course as the protector of
popular rights and the chamnh nor true Ameri
can citiz nship, declared: “The ambition which
loads mo on is an anxious desire and
a fixed determination to restore to
the people unimpAlred, the sacre 1 trust
they nave ooaQded to my charge, to heal the
wounds of the constitution and presene it from
further violations, to persuade ray countrymen
so far as I may, that it is not in a splendid gov
eminent, supported by pownrful monopo
lies and ari-tocratical establishments, that
they will find happiness or their liber
ties protected, but in a plain system, void
of pomp- protecting all and granting favors
to none, dispensing its blessings like the dews
of heaven, unseen and unfelt. j-ave in the
freshness and beauty they contribute to pro
duca.” It is suCh a government that the real us
of our people require, such a one only uuder
which irar states may remain for ages to come,
uulted, prosperous and free.
Our Foreign Relations.
In pursuance of s constitutional provision re
<l airing tbe Freeideut, front time to Urn*, to giro
to the congress information of the state of the
Union. I have the satisfaction to announce that
the close of the year finds the United States in
the enjoyment of domestic tranquility and at
peace with all nations.
Since my last annual message, our foreign
relations have b.-en strengthened and
improved by the p rforiunice of inter
national good offices, and by new
and renewed treaties of amity, com
mere© and reciprocal extradition of criminals.
Those international questions which still
await settlement are all reasonably within the
domain of amicable negotiation, and there is no
existing subject of dispute between the United
States and auy foreign power that is not sus
ceptible of satisfactory adjustment by frank
diplomatic treatment.
THE FISHERIES.
The questions between Great Britain and the
United States, relating to tie rights of Ameri
can fishermen, under treaty and international
comity, in tbe territorial waters of Canada ami
Newfoundland, 1 regret to say are not yet sat
isfactorily adjusted. These matters were fully
treated in my message to the Sen ate® Feb. 2u,
1888. together with which a couveution con
eluded under my authority with her majesty's
government on Feb. 15 last, for the removal of
all causes of misunderstanding, was submitted
by me for the approval of the Senate.
HI3 RETALIATION MESSAGE.
This treaty having been rejected by the Sen
ate, 1 transmitted a in ssage to the congress on
Aug. 23 last, reviewing the transactions and sub
mitting for consideration certain recommenda
tion* for legislation concerning present ques
tions involved. Afterward, on Sept- 12, in re
aponae to a resolution of the Senate, l again
communicated fully all tho information in ray
P jssession as to the action of tbe government of
Canada affecting the commercial relations be
tween the dominion and the United States, in
cluding the treat neut of American fishing ves
sels in the ports and waters of British North
America. These communications have
all been published and heretofore
opened to the knowledge of both
houses of congress, although two wer*
add eased to the Senate alone. Comment upon
or repetition x>f their contents would be super
fluous, and l am not aware th At anything has
since occurred which should tie added to the
facts therein stated. Therefore. 1 merely
repeat, as applicable to the present time, the
statement wuich will be found in my message
to too Senate of Sept. 12 last, “that since March
3. 1887, no case has been reported to the depart
ment of state wherein complaint has been made
of unfriendly or unlawful treatment of Ameri
can fishing vessels on the part of the Canadian
authorities, in which reparation was not
Cromptly and satisfactorily obtained by tbe
nited States consul general at Halifax.”
FURTHER ATTENTION INVOKED.
Having eaaaye i, in the discharge of my duty,
to procure by negotiation the settlement * fa
long standing cause of dispute, and to remove a
constant menace to the good relations of the
two countries, and continuing to be of the opin
ion that the treaty of February last, which
failed to receive the approval of tiie Senate, did
supply “a satisfactory, practical ami final ad
justment upon a basis honorable and just to
both parties of the difficult and vexed question
to which it related.” aud having subsequently
and unavailingl v recommended other legislation
to congress, which I hoped would suffice
to meet ihe exigency created by the rejection
of the treaty. I now again invoke the earnest
and immediate attention of the congress to the
condition of this important question as it now
stands before the n and the country, and for
the settlement of which I am deeply solicitous.
LORD SACKVILLE'S DISMISSAL.
Near the close o: tbe month of October last,
occurrences of a deeply regretable nature were
brought to uiy knowledge which made it my
painful, hut imperative aut)*, to obtain, with as
little delay as possible, anew personal channel
of diplomatic cours ■ in this country with the
government of Great Britain, l'ne correspond
ence in reJnt on to this incident will, in due
course, be laid before you. and will uisclose t.ie
uupar on ible eouduct of tbe official referred to
in ms interference, by advice aud counsel, with
the suffr igos of America i citizens in the very
crisis of the preside dial ©lection then near at
hand, aud also in his subsequent public declara
tions to justify his action, superadding im
pugnment of the executive aud Senate of the
United States iu connection with important
questions now pending in controversy between
the two governments.
GRAVITY OF THE OFFENSE. f
Tiie offense thus committed was most grave,
involving disastrous possibilities to the good
relat ions of the United States and Great Britain,
constituting a gross branch of diplomatic privi
lege ami an invasion of the purely domestic
affairs and essential sovereignty of the govern
ment to which the envoy was accredited. Having
first fulfill© l toe just demands of international
comity by affording full opportunity for t.cr
majesty's government to act in relief of the
situation. I considered prolongati >n of the d;s
cussion to l>© unwarranted, and the eupon de
ck red to further recozni/.e tho diplomatic char
acter of the person, whose coatiuuancj in such
fir ctions would destrov that mutual co.ifiU -nee
which is essentia! to the good uodersian ling of
the two governments, aou was inconsistent with
the welfare and self respect of the government
of the United States. The usual interchange of
communication hay since continued through her
majesty's legation in this c ry.
My endeavors to establish by international
co-operation measures for the prevention of the
eater nination of fur seals in Behring ©a have
not been relaxed, and J have hopes of bei g en
abled shortly to submit an effective and satis
factory conventional project with the maritime
powers for the approval of the .Senate.
Alaska’s Boundary Line.
The coast boundary between our Alaskan
possessions and British Columbia, 1 regret to
say. lias not received the attention dernauded
by its importance, and which on several occa
sions heretofore i have had the honor to reco u
mend to the congress. Th© admitted imprac
ticability, if not impossibility, of making au ac
cural© and precise survey and demarkation of
the boundary iiu*\ as it is recited in the treaty
with Kus>ia under which Alaska was ceded to
the United States, renders it absolutely reaui
site, for the prevention of international jurisdic
tional complications, t hat adequate appropria
tion for a reconnoisance and survey to obtain
proper knowledge of the locality and the geo
graphical features of th© boundary should Jh*
authorized by congress With as little delay as
possible. The knowledge to be only thus ob
tained is unessential prerequisite for negotia
tion for ascertaining a common boundary, or as
preliminary to auy other mode of settlement.
Humanity on tne Lakes.
It is much to be desired that some agreement
should be reached with her majesty's govern
ment by which tho damage to life and property
< m the great lakes may l>© alleviated by remov
ing or humanely relegating the obstacles to
reciprocal assistance to wrecked or stranded
vessels. The act of Jur.e 19, 1878, which offers
to i anadUn vessels free access to our inland
waters in aid of wrecked or disabled vessels, has
not yet. become effective through concurrent
action by Canada.
Naturalized Frenchmen.
The due protection of our citizens of French
origin or and scent from the claim of military
service in the event of their returning to or
visiting Franc**.has called forth correspondence
which was laid before you ar tho last session.
Iu tiie absence of a conventional agreement as
to natu alization, which is greatly to be desired,
thi > government sees no occasion to recede from
tbe sound position it has maintained, not only
with regard to France, but a* t'> all countries
with wjiic’j th*' United States have not con
cluded special treaties.
Germany's Bereavements.
Twice within the last year has the imperial
household of trermany been visited by death,
and i have hasten***! to express tbe sorrow of
this people aud their appreciation of the lofty
character of the late aged Emperor William,
and their sympathy with the heroism under
suffering of his tho lato Emperor
Frederick.
I renew the recommendation of two years ago
for the passage a bill for fb© refunding to
c© tain German steamship lines of the interest
upon tonnage dues illegally exacted.
Cur Interests In Samoa.
On April 12 last I laid before the House of
Representativefull information respecting our
interests In Samoa, and in the nubsequent cor
respondence on the same subject, which will be
laid before you in due course, tbe history of
events in islands will be found.
Chinese Laborers
In a Tnensag© accompanying my approval on
the first day of October lint, of a bill for the
benefit of Chinese laborers, I laid before con
gress fu l infonnatftjn and all the correspond
ence touching tiie negotation of the treaty with
China, concluded at this capital on March 19,
1688, and which having been confirmed by the
B©nare with certain ameodmtif, was rejected
by t .e Chines** government. This message con
tained a recommendation that a surn of money
be appropriated os co nnennatioii to Chinese
subjects who had suffered injuries at the ham Is
ot lawless men within our iuriadictiod. Such aj>
propriation having been duly made, th© fund
awaiu reception by th© Chinese government.
It is sincerely hoped that by the cessation of the
influx of this class of Chinese subjects, in ac
cordance with the expressed wish of both gov
ernments. a cause of unkind feeling has been
permanently removed.
JAPAN'S TREATY.
On Aug. 0, 1887, notification was given by tbe
Japanese minister at this capital of tbe adjourn
ment of the conference for the revision of t .e
treaties of Japan with foreign powers, owing to
tbe objection of his government to the pro
vision in the draft jurisdictional convention,
which required the submission of the criminal
code of the empire to the powers in advance of
THE MORNING NEWS: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1888.
its becoming operative. This notification
was, however, accompanied '\iih an
assurance of Japan's intention to
continue the work of revision
Notwithstanding this temporary interruption of
negotiations, it is hoped that improvements
may soon be secured in the jurisdictional system
as respects foreigners iu Japan and relief
afforded to that country from the present un
due aud oppressive foreigu control iu matters of
commerce.
I earnestly recommend that relief t e provided
for the injuries accidentally caused to Japanese
subjects in the island of Ikisima by the tArget
practice of one of our vessels.
Corea's Embassy.
A diplomatic mission from Corea has been re
ceived. and the formal intercourse between the
two countries contemplated by ti.o treaty of
1882 is now established. Legislative provia.on
is hereby recommended to organize and equip
consular courts iu Corea.
Persia’s New Minister.
Persia has established diplomatic representa
tlon at this capital and has evinced very great
interest in the enterprise and achievement n of
our citizens. I am, therefore, hopeful that
beneficial commercial relations between the
two countries may be brought about.
Hayti’s Turmoil.
1 announce, with sincere regret, that Hayti
hns again become the theater of insurrection,
disorder and bloodshed. The titular govern
ment of President Salomon has been forcibly
overthrown aud he driven out of the country to
France, where he has since died. The tenure of
power nas been so uusta le amid the war fac
ti.rns that have ensu- and since tho expulsion of
President Salomon that no go verm mint consti
tuted by tne will of the llaytten people has been
recognized ns administering responsibly the
affairs of that country Our represe itative has
been instructed to abstai < from i derferenc©
between the warring tactions, and a vessel of
our navy lias been sent t<- Hay: i io sustain our
minister and for the prot m >f ti e persons
and property of America, citizens. Due pre
caution* have been taken to enforce our lieu
trality lawn ami prevent our territ iri -s from
becoming the base of military supplies for
either of the warring factious.
Under color of a blockade of which no reason
able notice had been given, aud winch dues
notfappear to hate been efficiently maintained,
a seizure of vessels under the American flag
has been reported, and in consequence mean
urea to prevent and redress any molest it ion of
our innocent merchantmen have been adopted.
Hawaii’s Treaty.
A proclamation was duly made on Nov. 9,
1887, of tue conventional extensions of the
treaty of June 3, 1875, with Hawaii, under
w hich relations of such special aud beneficent
intercourse have been created.
A CABLE TO HONOLULU
In the vast field of Oriental commerce now
unfolded from our Pacific borders, no feature
presents stronger recommendations for con
gressional action than the establishment of
communication by submarine telegraph with
Honolulu. The geographical position of the
Haw aiian group in relation to our Pacific states
creates a natural interdependency and mutual
it y of interest which our present treaties were
intende to foster ancl which make close com
munication a logical and comniercial necessity.
Reciprocity with Mexico.
The wisdom'of concluding a treaty of com
mercial reciprocity between the United States
and Mexico has been heretofore* stated in my
messages to congress, and the lapse of time and
growtu of commerce witu that close neighbor
an i sister republic, confirm the judgment ko
expressed. The nrecise relocat ion of our boun
dary line is needful.and adequate appropriation
is now recommended. It i> with sincere?
faction that I am enabled to a lvrt to the spirit
of good neighborhood and friendly co-operation
and conciliation that has marked the corres
pondence an i action of the Mexican authorities,
m their share of the tisk of maintaining law
and order along tho line of our >mm >u boun
dary.
Central and South American Affairs.
The long pending boundary dispute bet ween
Coeta Rica and Nicaragua was referred to my
arbitration, and by an award made on March 2J,
last, the question has been finally settled to the
expressed satisfaction of both parties in in
terest.
The empire of Brazil in at>olishing the last
vestige >t slavery among ehris ian nations
ca!le i forth thd earnest congratulations of the
government in expression or the cordial sympa
thios of o t people.
The claims of nearly all other countries
against Chi'.i. growing out of tier late war wi h
Bolivia and Peru, have !>een disposed of c ither
by arbitration or by a lump settlement. Sinn
lar claims of our citizens will continue to be
urged upon the Chilian government, and it is
hoj>e l will not*be subject t • further delays.
A comprehensive treaty of amity and com
merce with Peru wt.fi proclaimed on Nov. 7
last, and it is expected that under its operation
mutual prosoerity and good understanding w ill
be promoted.
PROTECTION FOR AMERICANS ABROAD.
In pursuance of the ooMoy of arbitration, a
treaty to settle the claim of Santos, an Ameri
can citizen, against Equador, lias been con
clii'iei under my authority, and will lie duly
submitted for the approval of the Seoate. \
prior convention no v awaits the advice and
consent of the Senate.
Like disposition of the claim of Carlos But
terfield against Denmark, and of Van Bokeien
against Hayti. will probably be made, ami 1
trust th 1 * principle of such settlements may b *
extended iu practice under the approval of the
Senate.
Through unforeseen causes,foreign to the will
of tx>th governments, the ratifF-ation of the
convention of 5, 1885, with Venezuela for
the rehearing of claims of citizens of t he United
States under the treaty of JRB6, fal.ed of ex
change within the term provided, und a stipple
meetsry convention further extended th© time
for oxchauge of ratifications and exp anatorv
of an ambiguous provision of the treaty. Al
though this matter, in the stage re
f erred to, concerns tlio only current
treaty-making power of one branch
of congress, I an vert to it in view of the
interest repeatedly and consplcuoualy shown by
you. In your legislative capacity, in favor of h
speedy and equitable odju tment of tbe ques
tions growing out of tiie discredited judgments
of the previous mixed commission oi Caracas.
With every desire to do justice to the repre
h niations of Venezuela iu this regard, the tun©
se©ms to ha e com© to end this matter, and I
trust the prompt confirmation by both parties
of the supplementary action referred to, will
avert th© need of legislative or other action to
prevent tiie longer withholding of such rights
of actual claimants as may be shown* to sxist.
The South American Congress.
As authorized by congress, preliminary steps
have been taken for the assemblage at this
capital during the com in r year of the represent
atives of Bout hand central American states,
together with those of Mexico, Hayti and San
Domingo, to discuss sundry important moment
ary and commercial topics, excepting In those
cases where, from reasons of contiguity ofter
ritory and the existence of a common border
line incapable of being guarded, reciprocal com
mercial treatiea may be found expedient. It is
helieved that commercial policies inducing freer
mutual exchange of products can >• most ad
vanlageously arranged by independent but co
operative legislation. In the mode lost men
tiond the control of our taxation for revenue
will b© always iciainrd in our own hands unre
atricted by conventional agreement# with otper
governments.
Rules for Ocean Travel.
In conformity also with congressional author
ity, the maritime powers have been invited to
confer, in Washington in April next, upon the
practicability of devising uniform rules and
measures for the greater aeourity of
life and property at sea. A disposition to ac
cept on the part of a number of th© powers hits
already been manifested, and if the coopers
tion of tiie nations chiefly interested shall lx;
secured, important results may be confidently
anticipated.
Tonnage Duties.
Tho act of June 26. IKR|. and tbe acta amenda
tory thereof, in relation to tonnage duties have
given ns© to extended correspondence with
foreign nations with whom we liavo existing
treaties of / avigation and commerce, and have
caused wide and regrettable divergence of opin
ion in relation to th© imposition of tuo duties
referred to. These questions are important and
I shall make (hem the nub ject of
a Hpariug special and more detailed communi
cation at the presout session.
Revision of Immigration Laws.
With the rapid Iner©".*© of immigration to our
shores, aid tho facilities of modern travel,
abuses ot the generous | rivileges afforded by
our naturalization laws call for their careful
revision. Tbe easy ami unguarded manner in
which certificates of American citizenship can
now be ontai e t has induced a class, unfor
tun&bdy large, to avail themselves of the oppor
tunity to become absoved from allegiance to
their native lad. arid yet, by a foreign real
dence, to ©scape any Just duty and contribution
of service to tae country of tbeir professed
adoption Thus, wbil- evading the duties of
citizenship to tho United Btates. they rnay
muke prompt claim for Its national protection,
0.1. : demand Its intervention la their behalf.
International complications of a serious nature
an**-, aud the coi r©pondt*noe of tbe state de
partment disclose* the great uuiuber and com
plexity of the que-tiots which have been raised.
Our laws regu.ating tha iskuo of passports
should be carufully revised, and the institution
of a central bureau of regtutra' ion at the capi
tal la again strongly recotnmeodd By this
means, full particulars of each case of natural
lxati ju iu the United fitatee would he secured
and properly indexed and recorded, and thus
many cases of spurious citizenship would be de
tooted and unjust responsibilities would be
avoided. The reorganization of tbe consular
service D a matter of serious importance to our
national interests.
Reduction of the Consulates.
Tho number of existing principal consular
offices is believed to be greater than is at all
necessary for tbe conduct of the public busi
ness It need n>t be our policy to maintain
more than a uiodorato number of principal
offices, each supported by a salary sufficient to
enable the incumbent to live in comfort and so
distributed as to secure the convenient super
vision, through subordi ate agencies, of alTaus
over a considerable district
I repeat the recommendations heretofore
made by me that the appropriations for the
maintenance of our diplomatic And consular
service should be recast: t:iat the so called
notarial or unofficial fees, which our repres nta
lives abroad are now permitted to treat os per
sonal perquisites, should tm lorbidde i: that a
system or consular inspect!© i should be iu
stituted. and that n limited number of seer©
taries of legation at large should Le authorized.
Washington’s Inauguration.
Preparations for the centennial celebration of
April 30, of the inauguration of George
\N Afihingtou as President having been made by
a voluntary organization of citizens of that
locality, and believing that am opportunity
should he afforded for the expression of the
interest felt through the country iu this event,
1 respectfully recommend fitting cooperation
bv con ress on behalf of tiie people of the
United States.
Report of Secretary Fairchild.
The report of tho Secretary of the Treasury
exhibits in detail the condition of our national
finances an i the operations of the several
Drenches of the government related to his de
partment. The total ordinary revenues of th©
government- for the fiscal year ended June HO.
188|, amounted to 8 16,074 70, of whichs*l9,-
OJJtlfd 63 was received from customs du? ie
and 5i24,29ft.©71 JS from Internal revenue taxes
The total receipts from all sources exec-* lei
those for the fiscal year ending Juno HO, :887. by
$7,8&!,797 Id. The ordinary expenditures of th *
government for the fiscal year ondiug June 30.
1888, were $259.f1.’3,U68 7, leaving a surplus of
$119,612,1id <l9. T.'io decre \sc in t best* expendi
tures as mpaivd with the fiscal year ended
.June 30. lssr, was $8,278,23* 80, notwithstanding
the payment of in >ro than $5 000.000 f.>r pen
si >ns in excess of wlmt was paid for that pur
pose in th© latter mentioned vear. Tho reve
nues of the government, for the year ending
.June 30, 1880. ascertained for the quarter ended
Sept. 30. 1888, and estimated for th© re*
mainderof the time, amount to CH77.000.00ti;
and th© actual and estimated ? In irv expend
ituresforthesameye.tr are* $273,000,000, leav
ing an estimated surplus <*r slOl 000,000.
ESTIMATED RECEIPTS.
The estimated receipts for the year ending
June 30,1889, are $377,000,000, and the estimated
ordinary expenditure* for tne same nine are
$275.767,488 32. showing a surp us of $101,232,
511 68. Th© foregoing statements of the sur
plus do not take into account the sum necessary
to be expended to meet tne requirements of the
sinking fund act, amounting to more t an $47.
000,000 annually. Tbe cost of collecting tin*
cU'f-oms revenites for the last fiscal year was
2.44 percent- forth© y ar IfiiG It was 3.77 per
cent. Th • excess of internal revenue t ixes col
lected during the last fiscal year over those coi
looted tor the year ended June ~n 1887, was
$5,483,174 20, and tb© cost of collecting this
revenue decreased from 3.4 per cent in 1887 to
less than 3.2 per cent, for tne last year. The
tax collected on oleomargarine was $723,948 U 4.
for tho year ending June 30.1887, and $*414,139 88
lor the f 'Mowing year
BOND PURCHASES.
The requirements of the sinking fund act
have been met for the year ending June 30,1885,
and for the current year also, bv the purchase
of bonds After complying w iih this law as
positively required, and bonds sufficient fort iat
purpose had beeu bought at a premium, it was
not deemed prudent to further expend until the
authority to do so should be more explicit. A
res Jutipn. however, having been tunned by
both hous -s oi congress, removing all doubt a.
I to executive authority, daily purchases of bonds
were conuuencod on A pit I 23. 18b8, nut have
continued until the present time Bythisplai
bonds of the government not yet due nave te©n
purchased up to and including Nov. 80, 188*
amounting to $94 700,400; t'.e premium paid
therein a noticing t< $17,508,613 (K
The premium ad led to the prin dpi’ of these
bods represent s an investment yielding nbou
2 perceut, interest for th© time they still had to
I’tjn; and the Paving to tiie govern ment repre
sented by the difference between the a uoiint of
mier*-t at 2 per cent, upon the sum paid for the
principal and premium and what it would have
p.tid for Inter©*; at tin* rare specifi <1 in the
ixMids, if they had run to their maturity, is
• bout $27,166,000. At first sight thU would
see in to be a profitable and sensible transaction
on the part or the government.
WHY IT IS NOT PROFITABLE.
But, as suggested by the Secretary of tho
Treasury, the surplus thus expended forth©
purchase of bonds was money drawn from th©
people iu excess of any actual need of the gov*
eminent, and was so expended rather than
allow it to remain Idle in the treasury, ff this
surplus, under the opeiatiou of just and ©quit
able I avK. had been left in the hands of the
people, it would have been worth in their busl
ness at least 6 percent, per annum. f"dn ting
from the amount of interest on the principal
and premium of these bonds for the time they
had to run at the rate of 6 per •enf.. rite saving
of 2 per Cent, made for the peo le by the pu
chase of such bonds, the loss will appear to be
$65,700,000.
This calculation would seoni to demonstrate
that if excessive and unu>*> ;-<sai*y taxation!*
continued, and tho government is orced t > pur
sue ihis policy of parchasinz its own bonds at
the premiums which it will he necessary to pay,
th? loss to the people will be bun I reds of mill
ions of dollars. Since the purchase of bonds
was undertaken, hh merit lined, nearly ail that
have been offered were at Jant accepted.
dander of combines.
It lias been made quite apparent that the
government was in danger of Jwdng subjected
to combinations to raise their price, as apfM-Hrs
by the instance cited by the Secretary of the
offering of bones of the par value of only
$326,00 ‘ o often that, the aggregate of the sums
demanded fr their purchase amounted to more
than $l <.7'H).boo. Notwithstanding tho large
turns paid out In tbe purchase of bonds, the
fiurpJu.v in the treasury on N*v. 30. 1888, w s
$5 .*.234,910 01. a b*r deducting about $20.0 0,009
just drawn out for the payment of pensions.
At tuo close of the line and year ••nded June 3d,
1887, there had beau coined, under the com pul
sory silver coinage Act, $266,988,280 In silver
dollars, Ift .504,310 of which wore in tbe bands
of the people <>n June 30, 1888. there had l>eeii
coin and $299,708,790; and of tbix $35,899,303 was
in circulation in coin, aud $800,387,856 in silver
certificates, for the redemption of which silver
dollars to that, amount were held bv th ? gov
ernment. On
coined. $60,970,990 of the silver dollars were
actually in circulati *n, and $237,418 846 in cer
tificates. The Secretary recommends the sus
pe ns 100 of the further coinage of silver, and iu
such recommendation I earnestly concur. For
further valuable information ami timely recom
mendations I a*k the careful af'entioh of the
congress to the Secretary a report.
SECRETARY rNDICOTT’s REPORT.
The Secretary of War reports t hat the army,
at the date of tb© last consolidated returns, con
sistid of 2.189 officers and 24,549 enlisted men.
Tho actual expenditures of the war department
for the fiscal year end**d June3o. 1888, amounted
to $41,155,107 <C, of which sum $9,158,516 63 was
expended for public works, including river and
harbor Improvements.
The board of ordnance and fortifications, pro
vlded for under tho act approved Sept. <ast,
was convened Oct. 30, 1888, and plans arid Hpeci
flections for procur.ng forgings for 8, in and
12-inch guns, under the provisions of section 4.
andabo for procuring 12-inch breech loading
mortars, cost iron, hooped with steel, under the
provisions of section 6 of the said a**t. were sub
mitted to the Secretary of War for refer
ence to the board by the ord
uanca department on tho sain© date
These plans and specifications having been
promptly approved by tne board ami Secretary
of War, the necessary authority to publish ad
v rtioemonta inviting proposals hi the newspa
I>er throughout th© country was grunn-d by the
secretary n Nov. 12, and on Nov. 13 tb© ndver
tisein-nt* were sent out to the different news
papers designated The bids for th© steel forg
ings W to be opened on Dec. 20. 1888, and for
the mortars on Dec. 15, 1888.
WATERVLIFT'S UUN FACTORY.
A lioard of orduanc© officers w convened at
the Watervliet arsenal on Get. 4. inee, to prepare
the noce-'aary plans and specifications for tho
establishment of an army gun factory ai that
point. The preliminary report of this board,
with estimates for shop buildings and officers'
quarters, was approve*! by tlio board of ord
nonce and fortifications Nov. 6and 8, The speci
fication# and form of advertisement an*f in
structions to bidders have been prepared, aud
advertisements inviting pro,osul© for tbe exca
vations for th© shop building and for erecting
the two sets of officers' qu liters have been pub
lished. The detailed drawings and specification*
for the gun factory building are well in hand,
aod will be finished within tnr**e or four months,
when bids will b© invite 1 for the erection of the
budding. Th© list of machines, etc , is made
out. and it is expected that the plans for the
large lathee, etc , will be completed within
about four mooths. and after approval by the
board of ordinance and fortification, bids for
furnishing the same will be invited The ma
chines and other fixtures will be completed as
soon ssthe shop is in readiness to receive them,
probably about July, IftW).
DYNAMITIC Otns.
Under tbe provisions of tbe army bill for tbe
procurement of pneumatic dynamite gun*, tlio
necessary specification* are now borne pre
pared. and ad vert moments for proposals will
Issue early in December. The guns will proba
bly be of !5 inch caliber, and fire a projectile
tliar will carry a charge each of about sk)
pounds of explosive gelatine with full caliber
projection. The puns will probably be dellv
ered in from six to ten months from the date
of contract All the puns of this class that can
be procured under the provisions of the law will
be purchased du. ing the year 1889.
I earnestly request that the recommendations
contained in the Secretary's report, allot which
are. iu my opinion, calculated to increase the
usefulness and discipline of the army, may re
ceive the consideration of the congress. Among
these the propositi that there should Ik* provided
a plan for the examination of officers to test
their fitness for promotion is of the utmost im
portance This reform has been before recom
mended in the reports of the secretary, and Its
expediency D so fully demonstrated uy the
argument he presents in its favor that its
adoption should no longer be neglected.
nhkridan'h death.
The death of lien Sheridan in August last
was a national affliction. Toe army then lost
the grandesLof its chiefs, the country lost a
brave and experienced soldi r, a wise and dis
creet- counselor, and a modest and sensible man.
Those who in any way cauie within the range
of his personal association will never fail to pay
deserved and willing homage to his greatness
ami the glory of his career; but they will cherish
with more tender sensibility the loving memory
of his simple, gen runs and considerate nature.
MOUNT VERNON*S PRISONERS.
The Apache Indians, whose removal from
their reservation in Arizona followed the rapt
uro of those of their number who engaged in a
bloody :mJ murderous raid during a part of the
, are 1885 and 1886, are now hald as prisoners f
war at Mount Vernon barracks, in the state of
Alabama They numbered on Oct. 81. the ate
of the last report. *"l men, 170 women. 10 boys
and 50 girls; in all. 382 persons. The command
ing officers trato Hint they arc in good health
aid contented, a I that, they are kept
employed as fully a* is possible
iu the circumstances. The children,
as they arrive at a sun aide age are sent to the
Indian"schools nt t’arlhle ami Hampton, last
summer some charitable and kind jieople asked
permission to send two teachers to these Indians
tor the purpose of inst"noting the adults ns
well as such ohi.dtvn as should be found there.
Such permission was readily granted, futonu
modal ions were provided for the teachers, and
some portions of the building* at the barracks
were made available for school purposes. The
good w rk contemplated has been commenced,
and the teachers engaged are paid by the ladies
with whom the plan originated.
don't favor the return scheme.
1 am not at all in sympathy with those benev
olent but injudicious people who are constant 1 v
Insisting that these Indians should be returned
t their reservation. Their removal was an ab
•ibsolute neeessi ty if the lives and property of
citizens on the frontier are to bent all regarded
by the goverimont. Their continued restraint
at a distance from the scene of their repeated
and cruel murders and out races is still i.eccs
nary. It is a mistaken philanthropy every
way injurious, which prompts the desire to see
these savages returned to their old
haunts. They are iu their pres
ent location as the result of
the best, judgment of those having official
responsibility in the matter, and who are by n •
means lacking in kind consideration for the
Indians a number of these prisoners ha* e for
felted their lives to outraged law and humanity.
Experience ha • prov t that t bey are danger* u •
an I cannot be tini ted. This is true not o ly of
those who on the warpath have heretofore
actually lie. n guilty of at oci us murder, but of
their kindrel and friends who while they re
mained upon their reservation furnished aid
an 1 cmfort to those absent with bloody intent.
These prisoners should be treated kindly and
kept iu restraint far from the locality of their
former reservations.
They should t. subjected to efforts calculated
to lead to their improvement and the soften
ing of their suvnge and cruel instincts, but their
return to their home should be persistently
resisted. The secretary in his ret.ort gives a
graphic history of those Indians and recite
with painful v.vidness their bloody deeds ami
the unhappy failure of the government toman
age by pi ac -fill means. It will be amazing if a
l*>nisul of mis history will allow the survival of
a desire for the ret urn of then * prisoners to their
reservation upon sentiment or any other ground.
Secretary Whitney's Report.
The report of llie Secretary of the Navy
demonstrates v*-ry Intelligent inanaveinent in
that important department >:n ! discloses the
most satisfactory progress in the work of re
construction of tin* navy made during the past
year. Of the ships in course of construction
the. viz: The (Charleston, Baltimore, Yorktowu.
Vesuvius and the Petrel, have in that time been
laun bed. and are rapidly approaching comple
tion. and iu addition loth** above the Philadel
phia, the Sail Francisco, the Ne vark, the Ben
nington, the Concord and the HerresbolT tor
pedo '-oat arc all under contract tor delivery to
the department during the next year. The
progress already made and bemg made gives
good ground for ihe oxidation that these
vessels wili be Incorporated us part of the
American navy wlthiu the next twelve months.
The rep >rl shows that notwithstanding the
large expenditures for new eon-tractions ami
the additional labor they involve, the total ordi
nary or current expenditures of file department
for the three years ending June 3d, 1388, ure less
by more than •Jfi jer cent, than such expendi
tures for the threo years ending June 80, 1884.
The \ ari" h steps whlcli iiave been taken to
improve the business methods of the depart
ment ate reviewed by the secretary.
ULRCUAHES OF HUFPLIES.
The purchasing of suppiioH fias lecn consult
latfl aril placed under a rt-spausibb* bureau
bead. This bus resulted in tbe curtailment of
013)11 pure has* s, which in the vesi* .884 85
amounted to over M) per cent. <f ail the pur
chases of tho depart meat,, to lens tbAii 11 j*>r
cent., so fbit at tli present time .-ib>ut 90 for
cent, of tiie total departmental pun‘bases are
m% le bv contract and after competition. As
the expenditure, on tbis account exceed an
average of’ $2,(J0J.000 annually, it is evident that
an import ant improvement iu the nystern lias
been Inaugurated and sutistautial economy in
troduced.
Tho Postal Department.
Tiie report of the Postmaster Cieoeml shows
a marked increase of himiao s in every branch
of the postal service. Tim number of postoffi- eH
on July 1, 18H8, was 57,878, an incrcate- of 6,1£4
in three years, and of 2.212 for tho la.*t fiscal
year. Tbo latter mentioned increase ia clshh
ifled os follows; New Fugland state*, 5; rni Idle
■>tab's, 181; souMiern states and Indian territory
(41, 1,406; tli* states and territories of the Pa
cific coast, UK); the ten sta'cs and territories of
the west and northwest, 435; District of Coium
bia. 2. Total, 2,2!f1.
F'ree delivery offices have increase-1 from 189
in tho fiscal year ended June 30, 1837, to 358 in
the year ended June Bd, 1888. In tiie railway
mail service them has l>een an increase in one
year of 168 routes, and in the number of miles
traveled per annum an increase of 15,795,017.48.
The estimated increase of railroad service for
the year was 6 000 miles, but the amount of
new railroad service actually put on was
12,764 50 miles.
The volume of business in the money order
division. Including transactions in postal notes,
reached the sum of upwards of $143,000,000 for
the year.
During the pout vear parcel post conventions
have U-e i concluded with Barbadoes, the Ba
hamas, British Honduras, aud Mexico, and are
now under negotiation with all the Central aud
South Americau states.
INC‘RKAHKf> rOREION CORRESPONDENCE.
The increase of correspondence with
countries during the past three years is gratify
lug. and is especially notable aud exceptional
with tlie Ont.rul aud South American staten
and with Mexico. As tho greater parr, of the
mail matter exchange wltn those countries I*
commercial in its character this Increase is evi
dence of the Improved business relations with
them. The practical operation of the parcel
post conventions, so far as negotiated /has
served to fulfill the most favorable predictions
as to their benefits.
In January last a general postal convention
was negotiated with the Dominion
of Canada, I\hich weut into operation on March
band which practically makes one postal terri
tory of the United state* and Canada. Under
it merchandise parcel* may now be transmitted
through tho mails at fourth-class rates of post
age.
It is not possible here to touch even the lead
trig heads of the great postal establishment to
illustrate tho enormous arid rapid growth of its
business aud tho needs for legislative readjust
ment of much of Its machinery that It has out
grown. For these and valuable recommenda
tions of the postmaster (leueral, attention is
earnestly invited to his report.
A department, whose revenues have increased
from $1!).;72 ( 0U0 iu 1870 to $52,7U0.U00 in 1888. d*
spit** reductions of postage, which have enor
mously reduced the rat**s of revenue while
greatly increasing Its business, demands the
careful consideration of the congress ns to all
matters suggested bv those familiar with its
o|>crations, an J which are c d'Mjiaied to increase
its efficiency and usefulness.
FOSTOFFICX BL’fLDrifo*.
A bill proposed by the Postmaster General
was mt rodii- ed at the last session of the con
gress by which a uniform standard iu the
amount of gross receipts would fli the right of
a community to n public building to le erected
by the government foi post office punoiM. It
was demonstrated that aside from the public
convenience and the promotion of harmony
among citizens, invariably disturbed by change
of leasings and of site, it was a measure of tho
highest economy and of sound buxines Judg
ment. It was found that the government was
palng iu rent* at the raio qL from 7to 10 per
cent per annum on what the cost of such public
buildings would be. Avery great advantage re
suiting from such a law would be the prevention
of a large number of bills constantly intro
duced for the erecrion of public buildings at
places and involving expenditures not justified
by public necessity. 1 trust that this will he
come a law at t lie present session of congress
FOURTH CLASS POSTMASTERS.
Of the total number of po-tmasters 54.974 are
of the fourth class. Those, of course, receive
no allowances whatever for expenses in
th service and their compeJii
tion Is fixed by percentages on
receipts ut their respective offices. This rate of
compensation may have been, and probably
was. at seme time, Just, but the standard hus
remained unchanged through the several re
ductions iu the ratio of postage Such reduc
tions have necessarily cut down tho com ousa
tion of those officials, while it undoubtedly in
creased the business i>crformed by them. Sim
pie justice requires attention to tbis subject, to
the end that fourth class postmasters may re
eeive ut least nu equivalent to that which the
law itself, fixing the rat.*, intended for them.
POSTAL CLERKS.
Another class of postal employes whose con
dition seems to demand leg slat lon is that of the
clerks in the postofflee.*; and I call especial at
teotion to tin* repeated recommendations of the
Postmaster General for tueir classification.
Proper legislation of this character for the re
lief of carriers in the free delivery service has
been frequent. Provision is made for their pro
motion; for substitutes for them on vacation;
for Hu stitutesfor holidays, and limiting their
hours of labor. Seven million dollars has been
appropriated for the current year to
provide for them. though the total
number of offices where they are employed
is but 858 for the past fiscal year, with an estl
mated increase for the current year of but
forty, while the total appropriation for all the
clerks in tho offices throughout the United
State* is 15,950,000.
P.IV OK THE RAILROADS.
The legislation affecting the relations of the
government with railroads is in need of revision,
while for the most part the railroad coin pa ales
throughout the country have cordially co
operated with the pogtofflce department in ren
dermg excellent service, yet under ihe law as it
stands, while tiie compensation to them
or carrying the mail is limited and
regulated, and although the railroads are
made post roads by law there is no authority
reposed any where to compel tho owner of a
railroad to lake und carry tho Flitted State*
mail. Tho only alternative provided by act of
oougres.% in case of refusal is for the postmaster
genetai to scud mail forward by pony express
This is but an illustration of ill fitting
legislation reasonable and proper at
tho time of its enactment, but long
since outgrown and requiring readjustment,
it is gratifying to note fro n the carefully pre
pared statist ica. accompanying the Postmaster
General's report, that notwithstanding the great
expansion of the service, the rate of expendit
ure nai Im*oii lessened and efficiency has lieen
improved in every branch; that fraud and crime
have decreased; that losses from tin* mills have
been reduced, and that the number of com
plaints of the service made to postmasters and
to the department are far less than ever before.
Department of Justice.
The transactions of the department of justice
for the fiscal year ended Jan 30. IKSB, are con
tained in the report of the \tb rney General as
well as a number of valu ible recommendations,
the most of wl leh are repetitious of t hose pre
viously made, and ought to receive reconslaera
tion.
It is stated in this report that though judgments
in civil suitH amounting to $569,021 were recov
ered In favor of the government during the
year, only the suui of #182.984 was coll cte I
thereon: and that though fines, penalties and
forfeitures were imposed, amounting to SMIV
80S 13. only $109,648 42 of that stun was paid on
account t hereof. These facts may furnish an
illustration for the sentiment, which extensively
prevails, that, a debt due the government should
cause no inconvenience to the citizens.
PUNIHUINQ POLYUAMY.
It also appears from this report that though
prior to March. 1885, there had been but six
convictions in the territories of Utah and Idaho
under the laws of 1862 an 1 1882, punishing
|K>lygamv and unlawful cohabitation oh crimes,
t here have been since that date nearly 800 con
victions under those laws and the statutes of
1837, and tho opinion in exj>r*sd that under
*ieti a t r.n and vigilant execution of these laws
and the advance of ideas opposed to the for
bidden practices, polygamy withiu the United
State* is virtually nt an end.
The suits i mtituted by the government under
the provisions of the act of March 3. 18 <7, for
the termination o'’ the corn rations known as
the Perpetual Emigrating Fund Comnany, and
t he church of Jesus Christ of Latter Hay Saints
have resulted in a decree favorable to the gov
ernment, declaring the charters of th-'se cor
porations forfeited, and escheating their pr >p
erty. Such pro|xrty, amounting m value
to more than SBOO,OOO, is In the hands of a re
ceiver pending further proceedings, an appeal
having been taken to the supreme court of
the United .States.
. Secretary Vilaa' Report.
In the report of the Secretary of the Interior,
which will le laid before you, the condition bf
the various branches of our domestic affairs
connec t'd witn that department no 1 its opera
tions during; the past year, are fuilv exhibited
But a brief reference to some of the subjects
discussed in this able and interesting report can
hoi e be made; but I commend the entire report
to the attention of the Congress, and trust that
the sensible and valuable recommendations It
contains will secure careful consideration. I
cannot too strenuously insist upon the import
ance of proper measures to Insure a
right disposition of our public landA,
not only as a matter of present Jus
tic*, but In forecast© of the consequences to
future generations. Tin* broad, rich acres of
our agricultural plains have **en long preerved
by nature to become her unirammelcd gift to a
people civilised and free, upon wbicu should
rest, in well-distributed ownership, the numer
ous homes of enlightened, equal aud fraternal
citizens. They came to national possession
with the warning expie in our ©yes of the
eutail of lulquities lu landod proprietorship
which other countries have |>ermitted ami mill
sutler.
KO EXCUSE FOR WASTE.
Wo have no excuse for the violation cf princi
ples cogently taught by reason and example,
nor for tue allowance of pretexts which hare
sometimes exposed our hands to colossal greed,
haws w inch open a door to fraudulent ocuulsi
(iou, or mi adimnistiatiou which permits favor
to rapacious seizure by a favored few of ex
panded areas that many should enjoy, arc no
oeasory t<> od eases against our na
tional welfare and humanity, not to
be too severely condemned or punished
It ia gratifying to know that something has
boon done at last to redress the injuries to our
people and check the perilous tenaeucy of the
reckless waste of the national domain. That
over H 0,000,000 acres hare been arrested from
illegal usurpation, Improvident grants, sid
fraudulent entries and claims, to be taken for
the homo*toads of honest industry-although
less than t e greater areas t ius unjustly lost—
must afford a profound gratification to right
feeling citizens, as It Is a recompense for the
labors and struggles of the recovery.
HMOULD TEACH A LESSQ*.
Our dear experience ought sufficiently to urge
the speedy enactment of measures of legist
tlou which will c utile the future disposition ot
our remaining agricultural lands to tne uses of
actual husbands and genuine homes, nor should
our vast tracts of so-called desert lands be
yielded up to the monopoly of Corporations or
grasping individuals, as appears to be much (h
tendency under the existing statute. Those
hind* require but the supply of water ty become
fertile and productive It U a problem of great
moment how most wisely for the public good
that factor shall be furnished I cannot but
think it perilous to suffer ' liber these lands or
tiie sources of their irrigation to fall into
the bauds of monopolies, which, by such menns.
may exercise InrdsuJp ovar the areas depeifcieul
on their treatment for productiveness. Already
steps have been taken to secure accurate and
scientific information of the ooditions, which
Is the prime basis of intelligent action. Uulil
mis snail Is* course of wisdom
appears clearly to 110 in a superivison of furthar
drmoaal, which only pr m ses to create rights
sin agonistic to the common interest. No harm
can follow i hia cautionary conduct. The land
will remain, and the public good presents no
demand for hasty disposition of national owner
ship and control.
oil ANTS TO TIIE STATES.
I commend also tbo recommendations that
appropriate measures lx* taken t - complete the
adjustment of the various grant* made to the
states for internal improvements and of swamp
and overflowed lands, oh well aw to adjudicate
and finally determine the validity and extent of
tbo numerous private land claims Ail these
arc ©loinonts of great Injustice and peril to
sellers upon the localities affect©d; and now
that their existence cannot be avoidsd, no duty
is more pressing than to Ax. as soon a* possible,
their hounds and terminate the threats of
trouble which arise from uncertainty.
Condition of the Indiana.
The condition of our fvullan population con
tinues to improve, aud the proofs multiply that
the transforming change so much to be desired
which shall substitute for barbarism, enlight* I
moot nd civilizing education, is in favorable I
progesn. Our relations w ith those people during
the year have >-u disturbed by no serious dm
oiders. bui.iather marked by a bettor realiza
tion of their true interests aud increasing eoult
dence and good will. These conditions testify
to the value of the higher tone of consideration
and humanity which ban governed the later
method of dealing with them, and commend its
continued observance.
Allotment* in severalty have boon made on
"ome reservations until all thn M entitled to
lari thereon have had their .hTrea a wed
sod the work I. .till continued |5? “£
tteMeuUCH> of this duty I have not alaSd 5
2^~i rapid(l,spat< h - a8 ro “cure just, and
fair arrangements which shall i,n,t conduce to
the objects °f the law. by prod"dn“ suufa?.
tionwlth ths resuH o f the allotments already
tnsd*. .No measure of (tenoral effect has ever
bT a fafrlv 4re horJ5 n £ Jm " l ' lch ■*>• may
™ fairly, hoped, if |t shall be Alt
i-reetly administered, it proffers onoor
of" I soTrif n aed n br“T l h t tn tUr ln ' l 'Pendence
neels I , lf ?"' l,ich !■>'"'> peculiarly
title ‘ " mnc time tHe inability ef
t the risks hi. 10.
dobs him t/ *^V ,S ,. or m?ft *'* character may ex
pose him to in dealing with others.
BENEFIT* FROM NEIGHBORS.
should*!* V r ° n ar, y reservation, It
' that all are brought
to tbekamo condition, and a, soon as possible
•any ln ‘ an '’“ s'lntiM cease hr opjnine
wr iSr* I "''; 1 "‘tllament. Con*
farmers ,vi f "">ltrlous and successful
which .ill I l l a healthy emulation
, . h ibstructand stimulate,
MoDle, , < Y Cy , ‘" r l “" of this
I ,i pit apptara to me so protiusinc as 'be e*
t"?--"' 1 b> ' th * seoretury of auch com
oftviuea u.n shall, at the
Inilsev *, :,y ' ''"diTaco all teachable
Indian youths of both sex***, and retain th*m
"Jtt> kindly an I hoiduntn their
StaJSlfm™ Heir faculties and
apusitf>M;i trained to tho sura pursuit, of
some form of uml til industry Tho capacity of
t b ®jtytisn no luncer neo.ls demonstration > It
s establlslied It remains to ntase the m,.st of
" o,M | tb *' *>“*ll be done the curse will be
till?.' thl ‘ 1,11 so race saved and the sin of
their oppression rede tiled. The time of Its ac
w ''"lyids ..n the spirit and ] istir*
w,th b" It it shall Is. presented It cannot ha
too soon for the Indian nor for ihn Internal*and
good name of th‘ nation.
INDIANS IN THE SCHOOLS.
of *0 Han pupils on
tho schoo s locrvascd by over tHTO during the
vear. and th* t t.il mrollment reached 15,212.
The cost of maintenance was not materially
raised. Ihe number of teachable Indian youth
H now Kt inmt*d at 10,000, or nearly three times
th enrollment of the schools, it is
the obstacles in the way of instructing are all
surmountable, and that tin* necessary expendi
ture would is* a Measure of economy.
The Senate on tho reservation of Dakota re
fused to assent to the act passed by tho con
gross nt its lost session for oftening a p*irtion of
“u i® •ettloment, notwithstanding
moaiflcatlon of the t<*rnis was suggested which
uict most of their objections. Their demand is
for immediate payment of the full price of
$1 25 per acre for the entire body of land tho
occupancy of which they an* asked to relinquish.
The manner of submission insured their fair
understanding of the law and their action wo*
undoubtedly as thoroughly intelligent as their
caj sol ty admitted. It is at least gratifying that,
no reproach of over reaching can in any man
ner be against the governpient. however, advis
able the favorable completion of the negotia
tion may have been esteemed. I concur fix the
suggestions of the secretary regar ling the
turtle mountain Indians, the two reservations
in Calif and the Frees. They should in my
opinion receive immediate attention.
Pens ons and Pensioners.
The number of pensioners added to the rolls
during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1888, is
00.252; an Increase of pensions was grants 1 in
45,716 cases. The nimcs of 15.730 (lensiouers
were dropped from the roll* during the year for
various causa*, and at the close of the year the
number of persons of all classes receiving pen
al .na was 452,557 <if these were survivor*
of the war of 1312. 10,787 widows of those who
s rved iu tliat war. 10,000 soldiers of the
Mexican war, and 5,104 widows of said soldiers;
102 different rates of pensions are paid to these
beneficiaries, ranging from $2 to $lO 06 per
month. Tlic amount pld for pensions during
the fiscal year waa $78,• 75.861 W, being an in
crease over tho preceding year of $5,308,280 22.
The expanse* attending the maintenance and
operation of the pension hun-au during that
|M?nOd was $3,202,524 51, making the entire ex
penditures of the bureau $82,088,386 57, being
per cent, of the gr<*ss income, and nearly
31 per cent, of the total expenditure* of the
government during the year.
REVISION or THE LAWS.
Tam thoroughly convinced that our genera!
pom-ion laws should be r vised and adjusted to
meet, as far us possible in the light or our ex
jierlence, all meritorious cases. The fact that
102 different rates of pension* are paid cannot,
in my opinion, h ■ made consistent with justice
to the pensio ors or to the government; and the
numerous private {tension bills that are passed,
predicated upon the imperfection of eneral
laws, while they increase in many case* exist
ing inequality aud injustice, lend additioneal
force to the recommendation for a re
vision of the general law* on this subject.
‘The laxity of ideas prevailing among a large
number of our |*ople regarding pensions is i*
coming everv day more marked. Toe princi
ples upon which t hey should be granted are ia
danger of being altogether Ignored, and already
pensions are often claimed because the appli
cants are us much entitled as other successful
applicants rather than upon any disability rea
suitably attributable to military service. If the
establishment of vicious precedent* be continued
if the granting of peusi *ns ba not divorced from
(•artisan and other unworthy and irrelevant
considerations, and if the honorable name of
veteran unfairly becomes by these means but
another term tor one who constantly clamors
tor the aiil of the government, there is danger
that iojurv will lie done to the fame and pa
triotism of many whom our citizens ail delight
to honor, and that a prejudice will be aroused
unjust to meritorious applicants for pensions.
Department of Agriculture.
The department of agriculture has continued
w itb a good measure or success In its efforts to
develop the processes, enlarge the result* and
augment the i roflta of American husbandry. It
has collected and distributed practical informa
tion, introduced and tested new plant*, checked
the spread of contagious disease of farm ani
mnh, rnsWUfl Ite advance of noilom inincU
aud funtfii. growth*, *nd •ought to
occur-* to agricultural labor tb#
highest reward of effort and
the fullest Immunity from loss ItarMprda
of the year show that the season of 188 bos
b9en oaeof medium production. A generous
supply of the demands of consumption has been
assured, and a surplus for exportation, moder
ate in certain products and bountiful In others,
will prove a benefaction alike to buyer and
years ago It was found that the great
cattle industry of the country was
gersd, aud those eugoged in it were alarmed *•
the rapid extension of the European lung
plague of pleuro pneumonia. Herious outbreaks
existed In Illinois. Missouri and Kentucky, end
in f**noes#ee animals aff'-cted w ere held In
quarantine Five rountln* In Saw York and
from one to four counties in each of the *tatas
of Mnw Jmf. Prnn.v.vania. Delanaru and
Maryland were almost equally ollectea.
LACE or PROPER LAWS.
With this (treat danger upon ti*, and
with the contagion oltrady in tha eban
neU of commerce, with the enormou#
direct and indirect loee* already being
cauwel hf it. nd when cnlj prompt and enar
*etic acliou could bw •ucceoaful, there were J*
none of these -ute any lawn auttiorizing thii
department to eradicate the 'nalady or K ying
t m .tale ortlcial* power to co operate with it
for thu purpo-e. the department eyeo lackm
Ixith the requimte approbation and •o'boW
by eocuritiK elate c > op<traliou ia
with authority from coograea, tbo work of
•radicatlon has Imeu preod
tula .treaded diaeaao haa bean.eitlrpated.from
the elerii atatew. and olw fromlbo
■talcs, with the exception of a few reslr.ctea
a ws, which are .till under .uperruiom The
dauirwr has thus Imvo removed, and trade ana
commerce have been freed frorn U* *****
state restrictions which were deemed necessary
fur a time. „ _
manufacture or sugar. f
nurlnrtlie l*t four year, the pro or
diifusion as applied to the mcriufactute or sagu
ll. lts •orghuni and .uirar can*. hab. .
ii icud tnUi thi. cuunti y and fully lietfected ny
th*peiiineutacarril on Jf JJ*
of Mnciilturo Thu.
conaldered to lie tho moat economical
It It through It that the winthumw.gr ladM g
baa been eatahh.hod upon a rmiba* l * “
road to it* f"iut— sul-um The adoj
tion of thl. dillu.lou proeeM i. atoo etn ng
It, Loiilfliana and idler mar vmlM lnk I Pr“
the oouutry, and will
bo the only method employed )
extraction of sugar from the •■*“*.
roou apclteration. -Mrn *,
An exhauatire .1 tidy haaalao * tb
perioil been undertaken of the I" ’ 1 " ~ j.
adultera ion. oud tho heat analyUca nlhl
for detecting it. A part of “““
work haa already tweu publMi-d by tbe uepar
ni-nt, which, with the uiattjr In couroe ofpMP
nrufciun, will make the mo.t compl, . . .
o-i that kuhjoct that hn er be P ubl “*?J
any country. Tbo department •**
•ive development. It would comtanoth* and
cerwrie. of fctionce with tho ecO
amolloratlon of ' oral practice. rlm(nt *i
A auperyi.se ti of the endowed pe ,
ntatlon ayatetn. recently proided
proper function of the department, *“ JJ rUne
in o,Miration. Thl.autierri. on '* ” ry , , 0
nogehould tie wisely .ud riyi'.nPy ,era
tee end that the pei unlary aid of tn a
meat la favor of ‘lutellikODt agrlcuUum .houia
be OO applied as to result In the fa
and to the benefit of all our pec I' 1 h t ,| lo
f j iag the appropriation, ni.de from in p
tregpury.
Land Grant Railroad*.
the relatioo.
Th* adjustment ot r „| r ,ad
begEiaa the L-overamrnt am;
[Continued on Fifth /VHK-1
3