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JOURNAL AND MESSENG-ER.
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THE FAMILY JOURNAL—NEWS—POLITICS- LITERATURE—AGRICULTURE—DOMESTIC NEWS, Etc.—PRICE $2.00 PER ANNUM*
GEORGIA TEL APH BUILDING
STABL1S11ED 1826.
MACON, ERIDAY* DECEMBER 9, 1881.
..VOLUME LV-NO. 49
FltOM WASHINGTON.
XjHK 1'ltESIDES T'S AXSMJAlj
MESSAGE TO COXGBESS.
Proceedings of the Two Hogw*«>The
Old Committees of tlie Henafe Con
tinned—Tho Flood of Snbsldjr
Hit Im Already »tarto«l—Mow tU«
Ilnain Listened to the Hessace.
[Sunday's Telegrams.]
Washington, December 4.—After the
adjournment or the Republican caucus
last night, tbe Democratic members elect
assembled in tbe same hall and organized
their caucus for the ensuing Congress, by
the re-election of Representative House,
of Tennessee, as chairman, Frask, of Mis
souri, and Welborn, of Texas,
secreiaries.' Representative Froctor Knott,
ol Kentucky, then offered a reso
lution indorsing the declarations
of the Democratic national conventions of
1876 ami 1830—tlie supposed object being
to put tlie Democratic members on record
in favor of a plank indorsing a tariff for
reveuuo only, which, if it did not prevent
a complimentary nomination of Speaker
Randall, would serve as a rebuke. The
resolution was supported by Representa
tives Knott, of Kentucky, and Reagan, of
Texas, and opposed by Representatives
Hammond, of Georgia, McLaine, of Ma-
rylainl, Hooker, of Mississipp 1 , and Her
bert, ol Alabama. Representative Hook
er moved to indefinitely postpone the
consideration of the resolution and his
motion was carried—ayes 63, nays 42.
Representative McKenna, of West Vir
ginia, then moved that the caucus indorse
and put in nomination, as candidates of
tbe Democrats, all tbe officers of the last
House, and tlie motion was carried vita
voce without dissent. Tbe caucus theti
adjourned, subject to the call of the
chairman.
Tlie impression prevails to-niglit that
the organization of the House will be
considerably delayed to-morrow by ob
jections totheswearing in ofboldcrs of cre
dentials from several Southern districts,
and by tlie threatened contest in regard to
the admission of Delegate Cannon, of
Utah. Ills impossible to predict safely how
long such delay may continue, but many
well informed persons arc of tbe opinion
that the House will be ready to proceed to
the election of officers early in the after
noon, in which event it is expected that
the Republican nominees will probably
receive tbe requisito majority vote, and
the President's message will be sent in
before to morrow’s adjournnient.
f Monday’s Telcgrams.l
Washington, December 5.—Tlio first
regular session cf the forty-seventh Con
gress began to-day, aud botb bouses were
called to order at nocn. In the Senate,
after tbe usual intcrcbango of friendly
greetings by tbe members, the president
pro lent. (Senator Davis, of Illinois), for
mally convened tlie chamber, and, after
prayer by the chapiaiD, presented the cre
dentials of Senator-elect Win. Windoni,
of Minnesota, chosen to fill the vacancy
caused by his resignation of the term
ending March 3d, 1S83, said vacancv
having been temporarily tilled by the
appointment of ex-Senator Edgerton. Af
ter the reading of the credentials, Senator
Wmdom, accompanied by Senator Hoar,
appeared, was duly qualified and entered
upon his duties. Resolutions forcommit-
tees of notification to the House of Repre
sentatives and the President, informing
them of tbe organization of the Senate,
were adopted. The annual reports of the
acting secretary of theSenate,sergeant-at-
arms,chief clerk of tbo Court of Claims
aud public printer were presented by tbe
chairman and laid on the table. Tbe
bourof meeting daily was fixed at 12
o’clock m.
A number of bills were introduced and
tlie Senate took a recess until half past
two. Upon reassembling, Mr. Edmunds
offered a resolution continuing the com
mittees as now constituted. An amend
ment was offered requesting the president
of the Senate to decide whether the com
mittees should be divided between the po
litical parties or not. Without a decision
tlie Senate adjourned.
A number of bills wero presented and
laid over, among which were one by Mr.
Beck to provide for tbo retirement ot tbe
trade dollars and their recoinmge Into
standard dollars. By Mr. Logan, to
place General Grant on the retired
array list. By Mr. Sherman, to provide
for the issue of three per cent, bonds to
tbe amount of three hundred millions,
tbo proceeds to bo applied to the redemp
tion of tbe 3| per cents. By Ur. Garland,
to provide for a tariff commission.. This
bill is a substitute for Eaton’s bill of
1830. Also, by Mr. Morrill, to investigate
tbe tariff question. By Mr. Grover, re
stricting Chinese immigration, being
mainly a copy of the vetoed fifteen-pass
enger bill of JS70. By Mr. Coke, alloting
lauds in severalty to tho Indians on va-
vions reservations, and forollier purposes.
Pepdletou gave notice that be would to
morrow introduce his civil service reform
hill. A recess was taken from 1:15 to
2:30.
HOUSE.
Tbe House met fit noon sod tlie roll
was called, showing four members abseut.
Keifcr was elected Speaker and the swear
ing in of members proceeded with. Con
siderable discussion Las ensued over con
tested seats and still continues.
Two hundred and ninety mem
bers answered tlie roll call. Tbe
absentees wero Morse, Scales aud
Deuster. The vote for Speaker was:
Keifcr 148, Randall 129, Ford 8—neces
sary to a choice 143. Fulkerson and Paul,
Viiginia Readjustee, voted forKeifer.
Upon calling the States for tbe swearing
in of new members, Jones, of Texas, ob
jected to tbo swearing In of Wheeler, of
Alabama, and, after some dispute, Wheel
er stepped aside. Mr. Springer, of Illi
nois objected to Cutt V’f Iowa; Van Voor-
liis, of New York, to King, of Louisiana,
and King to Van Voorhis, Springer to
Wardsworth, of New York, and Calkins,
ot Indiana, to Dibble, of South Carolina.
Next, Moore, of Tennessee, in a delicate
fashioD, objected to Chalmers, of Missis
sippi. Bragg, ot Wisconsin, imitating
the words and tone of Moore, in turn ob
jected to Moore. All objected to stood
aside. Tho remainder were sworn
in. Mr. Jones, of Texas, took the floor
to explain his objections to Wheeler, and
offered a resolution referring the matter
to the committee on elections when ap
pointed. Tabled, on motion of Mr. Ran
dall, by an almost unanimous tion voce
vote.
Tbe objections were then withdrawn in
all the cases except those of Chalmers
* and Dibble, aud aU but these two were
sworn. Chalmers was also sworn, after
tome further skirmishing, Calkins then
called up the case of Dibble, of South
Caroliua, and offered a resolution refer
ring the matter to the c ramiuee on elec
tions when appointed. He gave a state
ment of tbe circumstances under which
Libblo was elected. He contended that
there was no vacancy, inasmuch as it
might be that Mackey bad originally been
elected. Brown, of Indiana, took the op
posite ground, and argued that Dibble
nad as good a prlma face right to a seat
as any other member. Evana, of South
Carolina, moved to lay Calkins’ resolu
tion on tbe table, and, it being agreed to,
Dibble appeared and was qualified.
McPherson was then elected clerk, tbe
vote being—McPherson 148, Adams 129,
Delamatyr 9. Hooker, Brownlow and
Sherwood were then elected sergeant-at-
arms, doorkeeper and postmaster at one
vote, and all tho officers wero sworn in.
Hiscock, Orth and Reagan wore ap
pointed a committee to wait on the Presi
dent. Fred D. Power, of Washington,
was then elected chaplain. Adjourned.
Nothing now intervenes to delay tho
President's message but the swearing in
of tho territorial delegates, which will he
done in a few minutes.
[Tuesday’s Telegrams.]
Washington, December 0.—In the
Senate^litions were presented by Messrs.
Beck, Jonas, Sherman and Plumb to re
quire railroads to conduct their business
on terms just and equitable to the public.
By Mr. Miller, of California, for a territo
rial government for southeastern Alaska.
Bills were introduced by Mr. Cameron,
of Pennsylvania, for public buildings for
tbo courts and post-office at Erie, Pa. By
Mr. Saunders, for the admission of Dakota
as a State.
At 12:50 a report was made by tbe Ben
ato half of tbe joint committee to wait on
tlie President and inform him of tbe or
ganization of Congress that they bad been
informed by tbe President that lie would
communicate with the two houses forth-
Washington, December C.—At 1:00
p. m. the doorkeeper of the Sonata an
nounced the reception of a message from
the President of the United Stales, and a
moment later the clerk began tho reading
of the annual message.
THE MESSAGE.
To the Senate and House of Represen
tatives of the United Stales:—An appall
ing calamity has befallen tlie American
people since their chosen representatives
last n et in the hails where you are now
assembled. We might elso recall with
unalloyed content tho rare prosperity with
Which, throughout the year, the nation
has keen blessed. Its harvests have been
plenteous, its various industries have
thriven, the health of its people has been
preserved, it has maintained with foreign
governments the undisturbed relation of
amity and peace. For these manifesta
tions of His favor, wo owe to Him who
holds our destinies in His hands the trib
ute of our grateful devotion. To that
mysterious exercise of His will which has
taken from us tho loved and illustrious
citizen who was hut lately the head of the
nation we bow in sorrow aud submission.
Tlie memory of his exalted characlor,
of his noble achievements and of bis pa
triotic life will be treasured forever as a
sacred possession (ft tho whole people.
The announcement of his death drew from
foreign governments and peoples tributes
of sympathy and sorrow which history
will record as signal tokens of the kinship
of nations and the federatijn of mankind.
NEGATIONS WITH ENGLAND.
The feeling of goodwill between our own
government and that of Great Britain was
never more marked than at present. In
cognition of this pleasing fact, I decided,
on tlie occasion of the late centennial cel
ebration at Yorktown, that a saluto be
given to tlie British flag. Save for the
correspondence to which I shall refer
hereafter in relation io the proposed canal
across the Isthmus of Panama, little has
occurred worthy of meutien in the diplo
matic relations ot tlie two countries. Ear
ly in the year the Fortune Bay claims
were satisfactorily settled by the Britisii
government paying in full the sum of
£15,000, most of which has already
been distributed. As tho terms of the
settlement Included compensation for in
juries suffered by our fishermen at
Aspect Bay, there has been retained from
the gross award a sum which is deem
ed adequate for those claims.
The participation of Americans in the
exhibitions at Melbourne and Sydney will
be approvingly mentioned in tlie reports
of tbe two exhibitions, soon to be present
ed to Congress. They will disclose tho
readiness of our countrymen to meet com
petition in distant fields of enterprise.
Negotiations for an international copy
right convention are in hopeful progress.
Tho- surrender of Silting Ball and bis
forces upon tbe Canadian frontier has al
layed apprehension, although bodies of
British Indians still cross the border in
quest of sustenance. Upon this subject
a correspondence has been opened which
promises an adequate understanding. Our
troops have orders to avoid meanwhile all
collisions with alien Ind-ans.
THE FOREIGN VISITORS.
The presence at the Yorktown celebra
tion of representatives of tho French re
public and descendants of Lafayette and
of ids gallant compatriots, who were our
allies in the revolution, lias served to
strengthen tbe spirit of good will which
has always existed between tbe two na
tions.
THE BI-METALLIC CONFERENCE.
You will be furnished with the proceed
ings of tbo Bi-metallic Conference, held
during tbo summer at tbe city of Paris.
No accord was readied, but a valuablo
interchange of views was bad and tbo con
ference will next year be renewed.
ELECTRICAL CONGRESS.
At tbo electrical exhibition and con
gress, also held at Paris, this country was
creditably represented by eminent special
ists, who, in the absence of. an appropria
tion, generously lent their efficient aid at
tho instance of tho State De
partment. While our . exhibitors
to this almost distinctively Amer
ican field of achievement have won
several-valuable awards, I recommend
that Congress provide for the repayment
of the personal expenses incurred in tho
public interest by tlie honorary commis
sioners and delegates.
GERMAN-AMERICANS.
No new questions respecting tho status
of our naturalized citizens in Germany
hare arisen during the year, and the
causes of complaint, especially in Alsaco
and Lorraine, have practically ceased,
through tho liberal action of the imperial
government in accepting our often ex
pressed views on tho subject. Tho appli
cation of the treaty of 1808 to the lately
acquired Rhenish provinces has received
very earnest attention, and a definite and
lasting agreement on this point is con
fidently expected. The participation of
the descendants of Baron Von Steubeu in
the Yotktown festivities and their subse
quent reception by their American kins
men, strikiDgly evinced the ties of good
will which unite the German people and
our own.
INTERCOURSE WITH SPAIN.
Onr intercourse with Spain lias been
friendly. An agreement concluded n
February last fixes a term for the labors
of tbe Spanish and American claims com
mission. Tbe Spanish government lias
been requested to pay tbe late awards of
that commlssiou aud will, it is believed,
accede to the request as promptly and cour
teously as on former occasions. By recent
legislation onerous fines have been im
posed upon American shipping in Spanish
and colouiai ports for slight lrregulsrities
in manifb its. One case of hardship is
specially worthy of attention. The bark
Masonic, bound for Japan, entered Ma
nilla in distress, and is there sought to be
confiscated under tbe Spanish revenue
laws for an alleged shortage In her trans
shipped cargo. Though efforts for her re
lief have thus far proved uuavalling, it is
expected that the whole matter will be
adjusted In a friendly spirit.
OUR RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA.
The Senate resolutions of condolence
on tlie assassination of tho Czar Alexander
II, were appropriately communicated
to the Russian government, which, in
turn, has expressed its sympathy in our
bio that our cordial relations with Russia
should be strengthened by proper en
gagements, assuring to peaceable Ameri
cans who visit tbo Empire tho considera
tion which h due to them as citizens of a
f.icndiy State. This is especially need
ful with respect to American Israelites,
whose classification with the native He
brews has evoked energetic remoustrauen
from this government.
AMERICANS IN ITALY.H
A supplementary consular agreement
with Italy has been sanctioned and pro
claimed whicli puts at rest conflicts of ju
risdiction in the case of crimes on ship
board. Several important international
conferences hare been held in Italy durin,
the year. At the Geographical Congress
of Venice, the Beneficence Congress of
Milan and the Hygienic Congress cf
Turin, this country was represented by
delegates from branches of tbe public
service or by private citizens duly ac
credited in an honorary capacity. It is
hoped that Congress will give such promi
nence to tho results of their participation
as they may seem to deserve.
DUTCH COLONIAL IMPORTS.
The abolition of all discriminating du
ties against such colonial productions of
tlie Dutcli East Indies as are imported
hither from Holland has been already
considered by Congress, and I trust tlmt
at tlie present session tho matter may ho
favorablyvconcluded.
CORRESPONDENCE WITH TURKEY.
The insecurity of life and property in
many parts ot Turkey lias given rise to a
correspondence with the Porte, looking
particularly to tho butter protection .of
American missionaries iu the empire.
Tho coudemncd murderer of the eminent
missionary, Dr. Justin W. Parsons, has
not yet occn executed, although this gov
ernment has repeatedly demanded that
exemplary justice be done.
CRIMINALS FROM SWITZERLAND.
The Swiss government lias again solic
ited the good offices of our diplomatic
and consular agents for tbe protection of
its citizens in countries where it is not
itself represented. This request lias, with
in proper limits, been granted. Our agents
in Switzerland have been instructed to
protest against the conduct of the author
ities of certain communes in permitting
tho emigration to this country of crimi
nals and other objectionable persons.
Several such persons, through tlie co-op
eration of the commissioners of emigra
tion at Now York, have been sent back
by tiie steamers which brought them. A
continuation of this course may prove a
more effectual remedy thau diplomatic re
monstrance.
8ERVIA AND R0UMANIA,
Treaties of comraerco and navigation
aud for tlie regulation of consular privil
eges have been concluded witli Roumania
aud Servia since their admission into the
family of European States, as is natural
with contiguous states having, like insti
tutions and like aims of advancement aud
development.
MEXICO.
Tho friendship ot tbe UnitedStatos and
Mexico has been constautly maintained.
This government lias lost no occasion of
encouraging the Mexican government to
a beneficial realization of tbe mutual ad
vantages which will result from a more
intimate commercial inteicuursc and
from the opening of the rich interior of
Mexico to railway enterprise. I deem it
important tiia t tho means he provided to
restrain tlie lawlessness unfortunately so
common on tho frontier, and to suppress
the forays of tho reservation Indiaus on
cither side of the Rio Grande.
THE CENTRAL AMERICAN STATES.
The neighboring States of Central
America bavo preserved iuternal peace
and their outward relations toward us
have been tiiose of intimate friendship.
There are encouraging sigus of their
growing disposition to subordinate their
local interests to those which arc common
to them by reason of their geographical
relations. The boundary dispute between
Guatemala and Mexico has afforded tills
government an opportunity to exercise Us
good offices for preventing a rupture be
tween those States, aud for procuring a
peaceble solution of tho question. I cher
ish a strong hope that, in view of our rela
tions of amity with both countries, our
friendly counsels may prevail.
A special envoy of Guatemala has
brought to me the condolences of bis
government and people on the death of
’resident James A. Garfield. Tho Cos'a
Rican government lately formed an en
gagement with Colombia for settling by
arbitration tbo boundary question be
tween those countries, providing that tlie
post of arbitrator should be offered suc
cessively to the King of tli^Belgians, tbe
King ol Spain, and tbo President of the
Argentine Confederation. Tho King of
the Belgians has declined to act, but I
im as yet unadvised of tbo action of tbe
bGng of Spain. As we bayo certain in
terests In tlie disputed territory which are
protected by our treaty engagements witli
one of tbe parties, it is important that tlie
arbitration should not, without our con
sent, affect our rights, and this govern
ment lias accordingly thought proper to
make its viows known to tho parties to
the agreement, as well as to intimate
them to the Belgian and Spanish govern
ments.
THE PANAMA CANAL.
The questions growing out of the pro
mised mler-oceanic water way across the
Isthmus of Panama are of grave national
importance. This government lias not
been unmindful of tbe solemn obligations
imposed upon it by its compact of 1840
with Colombia as the independent and
sovereign mistress of tbe territory crossed
by tbe canal, and has sought to render
them effective by fresli engagements with
tbe Colombian republic looking to tbeir
practical execution. Tlie negotiations to
this end, after they had reached what ap
peared to be a mutually satisfactory so-
uliou here, wero met iu Colombia by a
disavowal of tho powers which its envoy
had assumed, and by a proposal for re
newed negotiations on a modified basis.
Meanwhile this government learned that
Colombia had proposed to the European
powers to Join iu a guarantee of tbe neu
trality of the proposed Panama canal—a
guarantee which will be iu direct contra
vention of our obligations as the sole guar
antor of the integrity of tho Colombian
territory aud of the”neutrality of the canal
itself.
My lamented predecessor felt it his duty
to placo before the European powers the
reasons which make tlie prior guarantee
of the United States indispensable, and
for wliieb the inteijection of any foreign
guarantee might be regarded asaauper-
tiuous and unfriendly act. Foreseeing tbe
probable reliance of tbo British govern
ment on tlie provisions of tbe Clayton-
Bulwer treaty of 1850, as affording room
for a share in tbe guarantees which tbe
United Stales covenanted with Colombia
for years before, 1 have not hesitated
to supplement tbe action of mypredeces-
sor by proposing to her Majesty’s govern
ment the modification of that instrument
and the abrogation of such clauses thereof
as do not comport with the obligations of
the United States ^towards Colombia or
with tbe vital needs of the two friendly
parties to tlie compact.
THE SOUTH AMERICAN WAR.
This government sees with great con
cerntbo continuauce of the hostile relic
tions between Chili, Bolivia and Peru.
An early peace between thete republics
is much to be desired, not only that they
may themselves be spared further misery
aud bloodshed, but because tbeir con
tinued antagonism threatens consequences
which are, in my judgment, dangerous to
late nailnnmi bereavement. It is desira-1 tbe interests of republican government on
this continent, and calculated to destroy
the best elements of our free and peaceful
civilization. As in tlie present excited
condition of popularfeeiing in those coun
tries, there has beeu serious misapprehen
sion of the positlon.of tho United States,
and as separate diplomatic interviews with
each, through independent ministers, is
sometimes subject, owing to tlie waut of
prompt reciprocal communication, to tem
porary misunderstanding, I have deemed
it judicious at the present time to send a
special envoy accredited to all and each
of them and furnished with genetal in
structions, which will, I trust, enable him
to bring these powers into friendly rela
tions.
VENEZUKLA.
The government of Venezuela main
tains its attitude of warm friendship, and
continues with great regularity Us pay
ment of tho monthly quota of the diplo
matic debt. Without suggesting tho di
rection in which Cougress should act, I
ask Us attention to the pending question
affectiug the distribution of the sums thus
far received. Tho relations between
Venezuela and France, growing out of
the same debt, have been for soino lime
past iu an unsatisfactory state, and this
government, as the neighbor and one of
the largest creditors of Venezuela, has in
terposed its influence with the French
government, with, tho view of procuring
a friendly and honorable adjustment!
TRADE WITH BRAZIL.
I regret that the commercial interest
between the United States and Brazil
from whicli great advantages were hopei
a year ago, have suffered from the with
drawal of the American lines cf commu
nication between Brazilian ports and our
own.
THE AROENTINE-CUILIAN TREATY.
Through tho effortsof our minister res
blent at Buenos Ayres, and the United
States minister at Santiago, a treaty has
been concluded hetwoen the Argentine
republic and Chili, disposing ot the long
lending Patagonian boundary question. It
s a matter of congratulation that our gov
ernment has been afforded tho opportuni
ty of successfully exerting its good influ
ence for the prevention of disagreements
between these republics of the American
continent.
OUR TREATIES WITH CHINA.
I am glad to inform you that tbe treaties
lately negotiated with China have been
duly ratified on both sides by an ex
change made at Peking. Legislation is
necessary to carry their provisions into
effect. The prompt and friendly spirit
with which the Chinese government, at
tlie request of the United States, conceded
the modification cf the existing treaties
should secure careful regard for the inter
est and susceptibilities of that govern
ment in tho enactment of any laws relat
ing to Chinese immigration. Those clauses
of the treaty which forbid tlio participa
tion of citizens or vessels of the United
States in tlie opium trade will doubtless
receive your approval. They will attest
the sincere interest whicli our people and
government feel in the commendable ef
forts of the Chinese government to put a
stop to this demoralizing aud destructive
traffic.
CONSULAU COURTS IN CHINA AND JAPAN.
Iii relation to both China and Japan
some changes are desirable in our present
system of consular jurisdiction. I hope,
at sumo future time, to lay befbre you a
scheme far its improvement in the entire
East. The intimacy between our own
country and Japan—tbe most advanced
of tlio Eastern nations—continues to be
cordial. I am advised that tho Emperor
contemplates tho establishment of a full
coustitutional government, and that he
has already summoned - a parliamentary
congress for the purposo of effecting the
cliauge. Such a remarkable step toward
complete assimilation with the western
system cannot tail to bring Japan into a
closer and more beneficial relationship
with ourselves as the chief Pacific power.
A question has arisen In relation to the
exercise in that country of tbe judicial
functions conferred upon our ministers
aud consuls. Tbe indictment, trial and
conviction in the consular court at Yoko
hama of John Ross, a merchant seaman
on board an American vessel, have made
It necessary for the goveromeut to insti
tute acateful examination into the nature
and methods of this jnrisdictlou. It ap
peared that Ross was regularly shipped
under tbe flag of tlio United States, but
was by birtli a British subject. My pred
ecessor felt it to be Ids duty to maiulain
tbe position tbat during bis service as a
regularly shipped seaman on board au
American merchant vessel tbat Ross was
subject to the laws of that service and to
tbe jurisdiction of tbe United States con
sular authorities.
I renew tbe recommendation which
has been heretofore urged by
tho Executive upou the attention
of Congress, that after the deduction of
such amount as may be lound due to
American citizens, the balance of the in
demnity fund heretofore obtained from
China aud Japan, and which arc now iu
tbo hands of the State department, he re
turned to tho governments of those coun
tries.
THE HAWAIIAN KINODOM.
Tlie King of Hawaii, in the course of his
homeward return after a journey around
the world, has. visited this country. While
our relations with that kingdom are
friendly, this governmeht has viewed
with concern tlie efforts to seek replen
ishment of the diminishing population of
tho islands from outward sources, to a de
gree which may impair the native sov
ereignty and independence, In which the
United States was amoug the first to tes
tify a lively interest,
FUIENDLY RELATIONS.
Relations of unimpaired amity have
been maintained throughout the year with
the respective governments of Austrio-
Hnngary, Belgium,Denmark, Hayti, Par
aguay andUraguay, Portugal and Sweden
and Norway. This may also be said of
Greece and Equador, although onr rela
tions with these Slates have, for some
years, been severed by the withdrawal ol
appropriations for diplomatic rep
resentatives at Athens and Quito. It seems
expedient to restore those missions even
on a reduced scale,and I decidedly recom
mend such a course with respect to Equa
dor, which is likely in tbe near future to
play an important part aftong the nations
of tho southern Pacific.
THE WOUNDED IN WAR.
At its last extra session the Senate
called for tbe text of tbe Genera conven
tion lor tbe relief of the wounded in war.
I trust tbat this action foreshadows such
interest iu the subject as will result in tbe
adhesion ot the United States to tbat hu
mane aud commendable engagemeut.
NAVIGATION LAWS.
I Invite your attention to the propriety
of adopting tbe new code of international
rales for the prevention of collisions on
the high sess and of conforming the do
mestic legislation of the United States
thereto, so tbat no contusion may arise
from the application of conflicting rules
in the case of vessels of different nation
alities meeting in tidal waters. These
international rules differ but slightly from
our own. They have been adopted by
the navy department for the governance
of the warships of the United States on
tbe high seas and In foreign waters, and
through the action of the State Depart
ment in disseminating the rules aud in
acquainting ship masters with tbe option
of conforming to them without the juris
dictions! waters of tbe United States,
they are now very generally, known and
obeyed.
TRADE AND MANUFACTURING REPORTS
The State Department still continues to
publish to tho country tho trade and man
ufacturing reports received from its of
ficers abroad. The success of this course
warrants its continuation and such appro
priation as may be required to meet the
rapidly increasing demand for these pub
lications. With special reference to' the
Atlauta Cotton Exposition, the October
number of the report was devoted to a
valuable collection of papers on the cot
ton goods trade of the world.
THE SANITARY CONFERENCE.
The International Sanitary Conference
for which, in 1879, Congress made provfo-
ion,assembled in this city in January last,
and Us sessions were prolonged until
March. Although it reached no specific
conclusions affecting the future action of
the participant powers, the interchange of
views proved to be most valuable. The
full protocols of the session have been al
ready presented to the Senate. As point
ing to tho general subject, I call your at
tention to tbo operations of tbe National
Board of Health, established by act of
Congress, approved March 80, 1879. Its
sphere or duty was enlarged by tbo act of
June 2, in the same year. By the last
Darned act the board was required to
institute such measures as might be
deemed necessary for preventing the in
troduction uf contagious and infectious
diseases from foreign countries into tbe
United States or from ono State into an
other. The execution of the rules and
regulations prepared by the board and ap
proved by my predecessor lias done much
to arrest the progress of epidemic diseases,
and has thus rendered substantial service
to tho ualiou. The international sanitary
conference, to which I have referred,
adopted a form of a bill of health to be
used by all vessels seeking to enter the
ports of tho countries whose representa
tives participated in its deliberations. This
form lias since been prescribed by the Na
tional Board of Health aud incorporated
with its rales and regulations, which have
been approved by mo iu pursuance of tbe
law. Tho health of the people is of su
preme importance. All measures looking
to tbeir protection against the spread of
contag.ous diseases and to the increaso of
our sauitary knowledge for such purposes
deserve the attention of Congress.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT REPORT.
The'rpport of tbe .Secretary of tho
Treasury presents iu detail a highly satis
factory ex Dibit of the state of tbe finances
and the condition of the various brandies
of the public service administered by tire
department. The ordinary revenues for
tho fiscal year ending June 30, 1881,
were: . - ■
From customs $193,150,076 02
Internal revenue 135,264,385 61
Sales of pnblio lands.... 2,201,863 07
Tax on circulation and
deposits of uat’l banks
8,116,116 72
10,833 80
805,180 5i
Repayment of interestby
Faciflo railway Co.’s..
Sinking fund for Pacific
railway companies..,.
Customs, foes, flues, pat
ents, etc 1,225,514 80
Fees, consular lotters pat
ent and lands 2,214,983 98
Proceeds of sales of gov
ernment property 262,174 00
Profits on coinage 3,468,485 61
Revenues of the District
of Columbia 2,016,199 23
Miscellaneous sources.. 6,206,880 13
Total ordinary rec'ts. $360,782,292 67
The ordinary expenditures for tbo same
iriod were:
'or civil expenses $17,941,177 19
Foreign intercourse 1,093,951 92
Indians GA14.161 09
Pensions 50,059,297 27
Military establishment, in
eluding river andharbor
improvements and arse
nals........ 40,4GG,4G0 55
Naval establishment, in
cluding vessels, machin
ery and improvements
ofnavyyards 15,686,671 66
M iscellaneous expend!- ■ -
tures, including pnblio
buildings, light houses
and oolleoting the reve
nue .....7. 4,132,728 05
Expenditures on aocount
of the District of Colum
bia :... 8,543,912 08
Interest on tho public debt 82,508,74118
Premium on bonds pur
chased -.*.•» 1,061,218 78
Total ordinary expendi
tures 260,712,887 52
L’ving surplus revenue $100,069,404 98
Whicli was applied as follows :
To tho redemption of bonds
for the sinking f and,.. $ 74,371,200 00
Fractional currency for tbe
sinking fund 109,00105
Loan of February, 1861 7,418,000 00
Ten-forties of 1864 2,010,160 00
Five-twenties of 1862 18,300 00
Five-twenties of 1864 8,40000
Fivo-twenties of 1865 37,300 00
Consols of 1865 143,150 00
Consols of 3867 959,150 00
Consols of 1808.. 837,400 00
Texan indemnity stock 1,000 00
Old demand, compound in
ter’! and other notes,.. 18,330 00
Increase cosh in Treos’y 14,G37,Q23 90
Total 100,069,49408
The requirements of tbe sinking fund
for he year amounted to $90,780,094.02,
which sum included a balance ot $49,817,-
128.78 not provided for during tbe pre
vious fiscal year. The sum of $74,4S0,201.-
05 was applied to this fund which left a
deficit of $16,005,873.46.
Tho Increaso of tbe revenues for 1881
over those of the previous year was $29,-
352,901.10.^11 is estimated that the recepts
during tlie present fiscal year will reach
$400,000,000 and tho expenditures $270,-
000,000, leaving a surplus of $130,000,000
applicable to tho sinking fund aud the re
demption ot tbe public debt.
1 approve tbe recommendation of tbe
Secretary of tbe Treasury tbat provision be
made for tbo early retirement of silver
certificates, and tbat the act requiring
their issue be repealed. They were is
sued iu puis nance of the policy of the gov
ernment to maintain silver at or near the
gold standard, and wero accordingly made
receivable for all customs, taxes aud pub
lic dues. About sixty-six millions of
them are now outstanding. They form
an unnecessary-addition to tbe paper cur
rency, a sufficient amount of which may
be readily supplied by the national
banks.
In accordance with the act of February
28tb, 1878, the Treasury Department has
monthly caused at least two millions in
value of silver bnliion to be coined into
standard silver dollars. One hundred aud
two millious of these dollars have been
already coined, -while only about thirty-
four millions are in circulation. For the
reason which he specifies, I concur in the
secretary’s recommendation that the pro
vision for the coinage of a fixed amount
each month be repealed, and that here
after only so much be coined as shall be
necessary to supply tbe demaud.
Tbe secretary advises tbat tbe Issue of
gold certificates should not for tbe present
be resumed, aud suggests that the national
banks may properly be forbidden by law
to retire tbeir)currency, except upon rea
sonable notice of tbeir intention so to do.
Such legislation would seem to be justi
fied by tbe recent action of certain banks
on tbe occasion referred to iu the secre-
tary’s report.
Of the fifteen millions of fractional cur
rency still outstanding only about eighty
thousand has been redeemed the past
year. Tbe suggestion tbat this amount
may properly be dropped from
future statements''of tbe public debt
seems worthy of approval. So also does
tbe suggestion of tbe secretary as to tbe
advisability of relieving tbe calendar of
tbs United States Court in the southern
district of New York by the transfer to
other tribuusis of the numerous suits
there pending against the collector.
TBE CUSTOMS REVENUE.
Rerenue from customs for tbe past fis
cal year was $198,159,676.02, an Increase
of 11,637,611.42 over that of the year pre
ceding. $138,098,502.39 of this was col*
tested at the port of Now York, leaving
$50,251,113.63 as the amount collected at
all the other ports cf tbe country. Of this
sum $47,977,187.63 was collected on sugar
melado and molasses, $27,285,024 78 on
wool and its manufactures, $21,462,535 34
on iron and steel and manufactures
thereof, $1,903,86658 On manufactures
of silK. $10,825,115.22 on manufactures of
cotton, and $6,469,043 04 on wines and
spirits—making a total revenue from
these sources of $133,058,720.81
Tbe expenses of collection for tbe fiscal
year were $0,419,345.20, an increase over
tbe preceding year of $387,410.04. Not
withstanding tbe increase in tbe revenue
from customs over the preceding year,
the gross value of the imports, including
free goods, decreased over, twenty-five
million . dollars. The most marked de
crease was in tbe value of unmanufac
tured wool, $14,023,682, and m tbat of
scrap and pig iron, $12,810,671. The value
of imported sugar on the other haud
shows an increase of $7,457,474; ot steel
rails, $4,345,521; of barley, $2,154,204,
and of steel iu bars, ingots, etc., $1,620,-
040.
THE COUNTRY’S TRADE.
Contrasted with the imports during the
fiscal year, the exports were as fallows:
Domes tio merchandise $883,925,947
Foreign merchandise 18,197,399
Total.
Imports of merchandise. .,.
. $902,377,346
, 642,664,628
Excess of exports over imports 259,712,718
Aggregate of exports and im
ports.. 1,515,041,974
Compaicd’with the previousye.ar there
was an increase 6f $68,738,638 in the val
ues of exports ot merchandise and a de
crease of $25,290,118 in tin) value of im
ports.. Tbp annual average of tbe excess
ot imports of merchandise over the exports
thereof for the ten years previous to June
30, 1873, was $103,706,922, but for tbe
last six years.tbere has been an excess of
exports over imports of merchandise
amounting to $1,180,60S,105, an annaai
average ot $196,773,017.
Tho specie value of the exports of do
mestic merchandise was $376,616,473 in
1880, and $SS3R25,947 in 1681 -an in
crease of $507,309,474,or 135 per cent. .The
value of imports was $415,958,408 inlS70,
and $642,604,C2S in 1881—an increase of
$206,700,223, or 47 per cent. During each
year from 1S62 to 1870, inclusive, the ex
ports of specie exceeded the imports. The
largest excess of such exports over im
ports was reached during the year 1804,
when it amounted to $92,250,929, but dur
ing the year ended June 30,1SS0, the im
ports of coin and bullion exceeded the
imports by $75,891,3ul, and daring the
last fiscal year the excess of imports over
exports was $91,168,650.
WINDOll’S REFUNDING OPERATIONS.
In the last annual report of the Secre
tary of the Treasury the attention of Con
gress was called to the fact that $409,651,-
050 in fire per cent, bonds, and $203,573,-
750 in six per cent, bonds would become
redeemable during tbe year, and Congress
Was asked to authorize the refunding of
these bonds 'at a lower rate of interest.
Tbe bill for such refunding having failed
to become a law, the Secretary of tbe
Treasury, in April last, notified tbe holders
of the $195,690,400 six per cent, bonds
then outstanding tbat the bonds would
be paid at par on tbe first day of July
following, or tbat they might be continued,
at tbe pleasure of the government, to bear
iuteiest at tbe rate of 3| per cant, per an
num. Under this notice $178,055,150 of
the six percent, bonds were continued at
the lower rate, and $17,035,250 were re
deemed. • - * •• •
In the month of May a like notice was
given respecting the redemption or con
tinuance of the $447,841,350 of 5 per cent,
bonds then outstanding, and of these
$401,504,900 were continued at 3) per
cent, per annum, and $38,336,450 were
redeemed.
The 6 per cent, bonds of the loan of
February 8,1861, and ot the Oregon war
debt, amounting together to $141,258.00,
having matured during the year, the Secre
tary o! tbe Treasury gave notice of his in
tention to redeem the same, and such as
have been presented have been paid irom
the surplus revenue. There have, also
been redeemed at par $1,617,900 ot the 3}
per cenL'bonds, making a total of bonds
redeemed, or wliich have ceased to bear
interest during the year, of $123,969,650.
The reduction of the annual interest ou
the public debt through these transactions
is as follows: By reduction of interest
to 8J per cent., $10,473,042.25; by re
demption ot bonds, $0,352,340. Total,
$16,826,202.25.
Tho 3| per cent, bonds, being payable
at the pleasure of the government, are
available for tbe investment of surplus
revenue without the payment of pre
miums. Unless tlie hoods can bo funded
at a much lower rate of inteiest than they
now hear, I agree with the Secretary of
the Treasury that no legislation respecting
them is desirable.
THE REDUCTION 07 TAXATION.
It is a matter of congratulation that tue
business of tiie couutry lias beeu so pros
perous dtuiug tbe past year as to yield by
taxation a large surplus of income to tbe
government. If the revenue laws remain
unchanged this surplus must year by
year increase, on account of the reduction
of the public debt and ita burden of in
terest, and because of tbe rapid increase
ot our population. In 1860, just prior to
the institution of our internal revenue
System, our population but slightly ex-
ceedod 30,000,000. By the census of 1880
it is now found to exceed 50,000,000. It
is estimated that even if the aunual re
ceipts and expenditures should continue
as at present the entire debt could be ptid
in ten years. In view, however, of the
heavy lead of taxation which our people
have already borne, we may well con
sider whether it is uot the part of wisdom
to reduce the revenues, even if we delay a
little the payment of the debt.
It seems to me tbat the time has arriv
ed when the people may justly demand
some relief from their present onerous
burdens, and that by due economy in the
various branches of the public service
tills may readily be afforded. I therefore
concur with tbe secretary in recommend
ing the abolition of all internal revenue
taxes, except on tobacco in its various
forms, and upon distilled spirits and fer
mented liquors,and except also tbe special
tax upon manufacturers and dealers in
such articles. The retention of the latter
tax is desirable as aflording tbe officers of
tlie government a proper supervision ot
these articles for the prevention of fraud.
I agree with the Secretary of the Treas
ury that tbe law imposing a stamp tax
upou matches, proprietary articles, play
ing cares, checks and drafts may, with
ropriety, be.repealed, and tbe law also
iy which banks and bankers are assessed
upon their capital and deposits. There
seems to be a general sentiment in favor
of this course. Iu the present condition of
our revenues, tbe tax upon deposits is es
pecially unjust. It was never Imposed iu
this country until it was demanded by
the necessities of war and was never ex
acted, I believe,in auy other country, even
In its greatest exigencies. Banks are re
quired to secure tbeir circulation by
pledging with the Treasurer of tbe Uoited
States bonds cf tbe general government.
The interest upon these bonds, which at
the time when the tax was imposed was
6 per cent., is now in most instances 3]
per cent. Besides, tbe entire circulation
was originally limited by law, and no in
crease was allowable. When tiie existing
banka bad practically a monopoly of the
business, there' was force in the suggestion
that for tbe franchise to the favored
grantees, the government might
very property exact a tax on ciiculation.
But for years tbe system has been tree aud
tbe amouut of circulation regulated by tbe
public demand. The retention of this lax
has been suggested as a means of relm
bursing the government for the expense
of printing and furnishing the circulating
nores. If the tax should be repealed it
would certainly seem proper to require
tbe national banks to pay the amount of
such expense to the comptroller ot tlie
currency.
It is, perhaps, doubtful whether the im
mediate reduction of tbe rate of taxation
upon liquors and tobacco is advisable!
especially iu view of the drain upon the
treasury which must attend the payment
of arrears ot 'pensions. A comparison
however, of the amount or taxes collectec
under the varying rates of taxation whicli
have at different times prevailed, suggests
tbe Intimation that some reduction may
be soon made without material diminu
tion of the revenue.'
1 REVISION OF THE TARIFF.
The tariff laws also need revision, but
that all due regard may be paid to the
conflicting interests of our citizens, im
portant changes should be made with cau
tion. If a careful revision cannot be
made at tills session, a commission, such
as was lately approved by tbe Senate aud
as now recommended by tlie Secretary of
the Treasury, would doubtless lighten
the labors of Congress, whenever the sub
jeot shall bo brought to its consideration
TUE ARMY.
The acompanyiug report of tho Secre
tary of War, will make known to you
tlie operations ol that department for the
past year. He suggests measures for pro
moting the efficiency of the army without
adding to the number of its officers, and
recommends legislation to Increase the
number ot enlisted men to 30,000, the
maximum allowed by law. This lie
deems necessary to maintain quietude oil
our ever-shifting frontier, aud to preserve
peace and supp-ess disorder and marau
dors on new settlements, to protect set
tlers and their property against Indians
and Indians against tbe encroachments of
intruders, aud to enable peaceable immi
grants to establish homes in tlie most re
mote parts of our country.
The army is now necessarily scattered
over such a vast extent of territory that
whenever an outbreak occurs re-enforce
ments must be hurried from many quar
ters and over great distances and always
at heavy cost for Uransport at ion of men,
horses, wagons and supplies. I concut! m
tbe recommendations oftbe secretary for in
creasing the army to tbestrengtb of30,000
men. It appears by the secretary’s report
that in the absence of disturbances on the
frontier, the troops bave been actively em
ployed in collecting Indiaus bitbeito
hostile, and locating them on their proper
reservations; that Sitting Bull aud bis ad
herents are now prisoners at Fort Randall;
that tho Utps have been moved to tbeir
new reservation in-Utab; tbat during tbo
recent outbreak ot the Apaches it was
necessary to reinforce the garrisons iu
Arizona by troops withdrawn from New
Mexico, and that some of the Apaches are
now held prisoners for trial while some
bave escaped, aud the majority of the
tribo are now on their reservation.
There is need of legislation to prevent
intrusion upon the lauds set apart for the
Indians. A large military force, at great
expense, is now required to patrol tho
boundary line between Kansas and tbe
Indian Territoiy. The only puuisbment
tbat canat present be inflicted is' the
forcible removal of tbe intruder and tbe
imposition of a pecuniary fine, which, in
most Cases, It is impassible to collect.
There should be a punishment by impris
onment in such esses.
The separate organization of the signal!
service k urged by tbe Secretary of. War,
and a full statement of the advantages of
a permanent organization is presented in
the report of the chief signal office. A de
tailed statement of tlie uselul work per
formed by the signal corps and tbe weather
bureau is also given in tbat report. -
I ask attention to tbe statements of the
Secretary or War, regarding the requisi
tions frequently made by the ludiau bu
reau upon tbe subsistence department of
tbe army for tbe casual support oi bands
and tribes of Indians wbose appropriations
have been exhausted. ,The war depart
meat should not be loft,by reason of inade
quate provision for tbe Indian bureau, to
contribute for tbe maintenance of tbe In
dians. ...... , , , ,
Tho reportof the chief of engineers fur
nishes a datailed account of the opera
tions for the improvement of rivers and
harbors. I commend to your attention
the suggestion contained iu this report in
regard to the condition of our fortifica-
tious—especially our coast defences—and
recommend- an increase of tbe strength
oftbe engineer’s battalion, by which the
efficiency of our torpedo system would be
improved,' I also .call your attention
to the remarks upon the improve
ment of tbe South Fasa of thy Mississippi
river, the proposed free bridge over the
Potomac river at Georgetown, tho im
portance of completing at au early day
tlie north wing of tlie War Department
building, and other recommendations of
tho Secretary ot War which appear In his
report. The actual expenditures of that
department for tbe fiscal year ending June
30, 1881, were $42,122,201.39. The ap
propriations for the year 1SS2 were $44,-
889,725.42. The estimates for 1883 are
$44,541,276.91.
THE NAVY DEPARTMENT.
The report of the Secretary of the Navy
exhibits tbe condition of, that brauch of
tbe service, and presents valuable sugges
tions for Us improvement. I call your
especial attention also, to the appended re
port of the advisory board, which ho con-
port c .. . J | ,
vened to devise suitable measures for in
creasing tbe efficiency of the navy, and
particularly to report as to the character
and number of vessels necessary to place
it upon a footing commensurate with tbe
necessities of the government. I cannot
too strongly nrge upon you my conviction
that every consideration of national safety,
economy aud honor imperatively demands
a thorough rehabilitation of our navy.
With a full appreciation of the tact that
compliance with the auggestions of the
officer at the head of tbat department
must involve a large expenditure of the.
public moneys, I earnestly recommend
such appropriations as will accomplish an
end which seems to me so desirable.
Nothiug can be more inconsistent with
true public economy than withholding
tbe means necessary to accomplish the
objects entrusted by tbe constitution to
the national legislature. One of these
objects, and one which is of permanent
Importance, Is declared by our nindamen-
tal law to be a provision for the com
mon defense. Surely nothing is more
essential to the defease of the United
States end of all our people tbau the effi
ciency of our navy. We have for many
years maintained with foreign govern
ments the relations of an honorable pesce,
and that such relations maybe permanent
is desired by every patriotic cit'zan of tbo
republic, but if we heed the teachings of
history, we shall not forget that in the life
of every nation emergencies may arise
when a resort to arms alone can save it
from dishonor. No danger from abroad
now threatens this people, nor have we
any cause to doubt the friendly professions
of other governments; but, avoiding as
well as foreseeing any danger that may
threaten us in the future, we must be pre
pared to enforce any policy which wo
think wise to adopt. We must be ready
to defend our harbors against aggression;
to protect, by the distribution ot our ships
of war over the highways of commerce,
the varied interests of our foreign trade
and tbe persons and property of our citi
zens abroad; to maintain everywhere the
4°nor of our flag and the distinguished
position which we may rightfully claim
among the’ nations of the world.
THE POST-OFFICE DEPARTMENT.
The report of tho Postmaster-General
is a gratifying exhibit of tho growth and
efficiency of tbe postal service. The re
ceipts from postage and other ordinary
sources during the past fiscal year were
$36,4S9,816.58. Tho receipts from the
money order business were $259,581.39,
making a total of $36,785,397.97. The
expenditures for the fiscal year were $39,-
251,736.46. The deficit supplied out of
the general treasury was $2,481,229.35, or
63-10 per cent, of the amount expended.
The receipts were $3,409,918.63 In excess
ol those of the previous year and $4,575,-
397.97 in excess of tbe estimate made two
years ago, before the present period of
business prosperity bad fairly begun. Tbe
whole number of letters mailed in this
country tbe last fiscal year exceeded one
thousand millions.
The registry system is reported to be in
an excellent condition, having been re
modeled during the past four years with '
good results. The amount of registration
fees.culiected during the last fiscal year
was $712,882.20—au increase over the fis
cal year ending June 30, 1877, of $345,-
443.40. The entire number of letters and
3ackages registered during the year was
5,338,919, of wliich 2,061 were lost or de
stroyed in trausit. 11 -
The operations of tbe money order sys
tem are multiplying yearly, under the im-
conscquent demand for Additional
means of inter-communication and ex
change. During- the past year 138 addi
tional money order offices have been es
tablished, making a total of 5,499 in oper
ation at rite date” of this report. A mod
ification of'the system is suggested, re
ducing the fees for money orders not
exceeding $5 from ten cents to five cents,
and making the maximum limit $100 in.
place of $59. Legislation for the disposi
tion of unclaimed money orders in the
possession of the Post-office Department.
Is recommended, in view of the fact tbat
tbeirtotal value now exceeds$1,060,000.
The attention of” Congress is again in
vited to the subject of establishing a sys
tem of savings depositories in connection
with the Post-office Department. The
statistics of mail transportation show that
during the past year the railroad routes
have been increased in length 6,249 miles,
and in cost $1,114,382, while steamboat
routes have beeu decreased in length 2,182
miles, and in cost $134,054. The so-
called star routes have been decreased in
ieugtb 3,049 mites, and in cost $364,144.
Nearly all of tbe more expensive routes
have beeu superseded by railroad service.
The cost ot the star service must there
fore rapidly decrease in the western
States and TarrUorics. The Postmaster-
General, however, calls attention to the
constantly increasing cost of tlie railway
mail service as a serious difficulty in the
Why of making the department self-sus
taining.
Onr postal intercourse with foreign
countries has kept pace with tbe growth,
of the domestic service.' Within tlie past
year several countries have declared their
adhesion to the postal uuion. It now in
cludes all those which bave an organized
>ostai service except Balivis, Costa Rica,
New Zealand and the British colonies la
Australia. As lias teen already stated,
;rfeat reductions have recently been made
,u tbe expense of tbe star route service.
THE STAR ROUTE CASES.
The investigations of the Department of
justice and tlie I’ost-offioe Department have
resulted iu the presentation of indictments
against persons formerly connected with
tbat service, accusing them of offenses
against tbe United States. 1 bave en
joined upon the officials who are charged
with the conduct of the cases on the part
of tlie government and upon the eminent
counsel who, before my accession to the
Presidency,were called to their assistance,
the duty of prosecuting with toe utmost
vigor of the law all persons who were
found chargeable with frauds on th3 pos
tal service.
UNITED STATES COURTS.
The acting Attorney General calls at
tention to the necessity of modifying the
present system of the coarts of tbe United
States—a necessity due to tbs large in
crease of business, especially in' the Su
preme Court. Litigation in our Federal
tribunal^becdme 'greatly expanded after
tbe close of tbe late war. So long as that
expansion might be attributable to tbe
abnormal condition in which the commu-
niiy lound itse’f immediately after tlie
the return ot peace, prudence required
that no change be made iu tbe
constitution of our judicial tribunals.
Bat it bas now become apparent tbat an
immense increase of litigation bas direct
ly resulted from the wonderful growth
and development of tlie country. There
is no grouud for belief that tlie business
uf the United States courts will ever be
less iu volume than at present. Indeed,
that it' is likely to be much greater is
generally recognized by the bench and
bar. In view'cf tbe fact that Congress
has already given much consideration to
this subject, I make no suggestion as to
detail, but express tlie hope that your de
liberations may result iu such legislation
will give early relief to our overbur
dened courts.
WESTERN DESPERADOES.
The acting Attorney-General also calls
attention to tlie disturbances of the public
tranquillity during the present year in tbe
territory of Arizona. A band of armed
desperadoes known as “cow boys,” prob
ably numbering from 50 to 100, bave been
engaged for months coromitingacts of law
lessness aud brutality whicli the local au
thorities have been unable to repress.
Tbe depredsttons of these “cow boys” bave
also extended into Mexico, which the ma
rauders reached from the Arizona frontier.
With every disposition to meet tbe exigen
cies of tbe esse, I am embarrassed by ,
lack of authority to deal with them effect
ually. Tbe punishment of crimes com
mitted in Arizona should ordinarily, of
course, be left to tbe territorial authori
ties, but it is worthy ot consideration
whether acts which necessarily
tend to embroil the United States
with a neighboring government should
not be declared crimes against tba
United States. Some of the incur
sions alluded to may perhaps bave been
within the scope of tbe law—revised
statutes, section 5286—forbidding military
expeditions or enterprises against friendly
States; but in view of tbo speedy assem
bling ofyour body, I have preferred to
await snub legislation aa in your wiadom
the'oeeasion may seeui to demand. It
may, perhaps, be thought proper to pro
vide that the settiug oa foot within
onr own territory of brigandage
and armed marauding, expeditions
against friendly nations, and
other citizens, shall be punished
as an offense againsuhe United States. £
will add tbat in tbe event ot a request
from tbe territorial government for pro
tection by tbe United States against “do
mestic violence” this government would
be powerless to render assistance. The
act of 1795, chapter 36, pasted at a time
[orrmuND on fifth floa]