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THE MACON WEEKLY TELEGRAPH: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15,1885.--TWELVE PACES.
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
2VERY POINT OF NATIONAL INTER-
EOT TOUCHED UPON.
route (s declared by engineers of the highest repute
and by competent scientist# to afford an entirely
I iracticable tramdt for vessels and cargoes
>y means of a ship railway fiom tha Atlantic to tho
Pacific. The obvious advantages of auch a route, if
possible, ovor other* more remote from the axial
linen of trafllo between Europe and the Pacific and
particularly between the valley of the Mississippi
Peddeil Position Upon the Silver Ques
tion—M noli Space IlcvOted to Com
mercial lie nitons With For
eign Countries, Ktc.
Vtwuamtw. December 8.~Aftor tlio
reading of the journal tlio Preahlent'a mee-
»ace «•«« delivered by Mr. Prudon, h!a as
sistant private Beerotary, and at 12:15' ita
reading wan begun by General McCook, sec
retary of the Senate. An impressive silence
both on the floor and in the galleries marked
the reading, many Senators leaning forward
on their desks to catch the words of the
message.
The President’s Message.
To tbo Congress of the United States: Your as
sembly te clouded by * sense of public bereavement,
ain'weii by the sudden and recent death of Thomas
a Hendricks, Vice-President of tlio United States.
1 to •y>nr doty and bta por.on.l
virtue, will Sad honorable record la hie country',
til.tnrv Ample and repeated proof, of the OHteem
Smlwnndence la which he wae held by hie follow
countrymen were manifested by hie election to
Sfflcos of tlio moet Important truet and
hlilied dignity, a"' 1 , .full of
vearaaml honor., he hae been laid at rest amid unl-
jran.»u“ l-neitlcllon.
that panv>*e
tain strong hopes that with s better understanding attended os a delegate, but refrained from commit- the United States. A grant of la . ...
of the matter this vexatious prohibition will bo re- ting thin government to the results, even by sign- , whs made some years since by Jai an. and has been Agaim-t tbi
moved. It would be pirating to be aNt to say os ing tbo re-rom me mbitory protocol adopted. Uro referred to in the annual int nsug. H of my ]>n «l - ►
much with respect to Germany, Austria and other interesting and Important subject of international
and the western coast of North and South America,
are worthy of consideration. Whatever highway
may be constructed across tbo barrier dividing the
two great maritime areas of the world must be fur
tho world's toneflt, a trust for nisukind, to be re
moved from tho chance of domination by any
single power, nor become a point cf invitation for
warlike ambition. An engagement combining the
construction, ownership and operation of such a
work by this government, with an offensive and de
fensive alliance for its protection with tbo foreign
state whose responsibility and rights we would share
is.in my judgment inconsistent with such dedication
to universal and neutral use, and would moreover
entail measures for its realization beyond the scope
n *national policy or pre-Kent means. The lapse
of years ha< abundantly confirmed the wisdom aud
forethought of those earlier administrations which
long before the conditions of maritime intercourse
wore changed and enlarged by the progress of the
age proclaimed the vital need of inter-oceanic trsn-
across the American isthmus, and consecrated
it in advance to tho common use of mankind by
their pooitive declarations and through the formal
obligation of treaties. Toward such realization the
efforts of my administration will bo applied, ever
bearing In mind the precepts on which it must rest
uncertain tones by
and which were declared in JMH MM
Mr. Csss, who, while Secretary of State in 1858, an
nounced that what tho United States wont in Cen
tral America is tbo security and neutrality of the
venal sorrow and benediction.
The constitution which requires thoso chosen to
lefftPlate for the people to annually meet iu the dis-
1-hnrce of their solemn trust, also requires the
President to givo to Congress information of the
state of tho Union and recommend to their conside
ration such measures as he shall deem nocessary
and expedient. At the threshold of a compliance
with these constitutional directions it is well for
«■ to bear In mind that our usefulness to
the people’s interests will be protected by a con
stant appreciation of the scope and character of our
respective duties as they relate to federal legists-
tton White the executive may recommend auch
measures as he shall deem expedient, the responsi-
miitv for legislative action hraat and should rest
unon those selected by the people to make their
laws. Contemplation of the grave and responsible
functions assigned to the respective branches of the
government under the oouititntion will disclose
Hie partitions of power between our re*
■nectWe departments -and their necessary
Independenre. and also the need for the exercise of
2l the power entrusted to each in that spirit of
comity and co-operation which Is essential to the
Soper fulfillment of the patriotic obligations which
rout upon ns ae faithful servants of the peoplo.
Tho jealous watchfulness of our constituencies,
crest and small, supplemeute their suffrages, and
before the tribunal they establish every servant of
tho republic should be judged.
^ roBXIGK RELATIONS.
luter-oceanlo routes which lead through It.'
The construction of three trans-continental linos
of railway, all in successful operation, wholly with
in our territory and unitiug the Atlantic and the
Pacific oceans, has been accompanied by results of
a most interesting and Impressive uature, and has
created new conditions, not. in the routes of com
merce only, but in political geography, which pow
erfully affect our relations toward and necessarily
increase onr interests in any trans-lsthmlal route
which may be opened and perpetuated for the ends
of peace and traffic, or, in other contingencies,
uses inimical to both. Transportation
pow-
States with all foreign
MM continue to bo friendly. Our
position. after nearly a contury of surcosvful con-
lor uses inimical to both. Transportation
is a factor in the cost of commodities scarcely second
to thst of their production and weighs as beavUy
upon the consumer. Our experience already has
S Boven the great Importance of having the competi-
■on between land carriage and water carrlago fully 1
developed, each acting as a protection to the public
hands of the vast corpororions.
These suggestion* rnsy serve to emphasize what
1 have already said on tho score of the
necessity of thn federalization of any inter-
ocean transit, and this can only be accomplished
by maktng the uses of the route open to oil nations
and subject to the ambitions and warlike necessi
ties of none. The drawings and report of a recent
survey of the Nicaragua canal route, made by Chief
Engineer Menocal, will be communicated for your
information.
AMERICA* CLAIMS IN PERU.
The claims of citizens of the United States for
losses by reason of tho late military operations of
Chill in Peru aud Bolivia are the subject of negoti
ation. A claims convention with Chili provides for
their submission to arbitration.
stltntional government, maintalnence of good faith
hi ill onr engagements, the avoidance of complica
tions with other nations and our consistent and
impartial Attitude toward tbo strong aud weak
alike, furnl'h proof of a political disposition which
renders professions of good will unnecessary.
There is no question of difficulty pending with
any foreign government. The Argen
tine government has revived the long
dormant question of the Falkland Islands
by claiming from the United States indemnity for
their loss, attributed to the action of the com
mander of tho sloop of war Lexington in breaking
up a piratical colony on those islands in 1831 and
their subsequent occupation by Orest Britain. In
view of tbo ample justification for the act of the
Lexington and the direlict condition of the islands
before their alleged occupation by Argentine
unionists this government considers the claim as
wholly groundless.
Tits AUSTRIAN MISSION.
A question has arisen with the government of
Anstria-Hungary touching the representation of
the United Htates at Vienna. Having, under
my constitutional perogotlve, appointed an estima
ble citizen of unimpeached probity and competence
as minister at that court, the government of Aus
tria-Hungary invited this government to take cog-
ntzance of certain exceptions based upon allegs.
tions against the personal acceptability of Mr-
Kellny. tho appointed envoy, asking that in view
thereof the appointment shonld be withdrawn
RELATIONS WITH CHINA,
jTlio harmony of our relations with China is fully I
sustained in tbu application of the acts lately passed
| to execute the treaty of 1880 restrictive of the im-i
grstion of Chinese laborers into the United States. 1
Individual cases of hardship have occurred beyond
the viewer of the executivo to remedy, and calling
for judicial determination. The condition of tho
Chinese question in the Western States and Territo
ries is, despite this restrictive legislation, far
countries where such f<xxl product* are absolutely
excluded without present prospect of reasonable
change.
THE Til KATIES WITH GERMANY.
The Interpretatiou of our existiug treaties of natu
ralization by Germany during the past year has
attracted attention by reason of au apparent
tendency ou the part of the imperial government to
extend the scope of residential restriction to which
returning naturalized citizens of German origin are
asserted to be liable under tho laws of the empire.
The temperate and lust attitude taken by this gov
ernment with regard to this class of questions will
doubtless lead to a satisfactory understand ing. Tho
dispute of Germany aud Spain relative to the domi
nation of the Caroline Islands has attracted
attention of this government by reason
extensive interests of American citizens
having grown up in tkore part* during the past
fifty years, and because tho question of ownership
involves jurisdiction of matters affecting the status
of our citizens under the civil aud criminal law.
While standing wholly aloof from the uroprlctary
issues raised between the powers, to both of whioh
the Uuitod States are friendly, the government ex
pects that nothing iu tho present contention shall
unfavorably affect our citizens carrying on a peace
ful commerce or there domiciled, aud has so in
formed tho governments of Spain and Germany. '
RELATIONS WITH OBEAT DUITAIN.
The marked good will between the United States
and Great Britain ha* Leon maintained during the
past year. The termination of the fishing cUu-cs
of the treaty of Washington in pursuance of tho
joiut resolution of March 3, 1883, must have re
sulted in tho abrupt cessation on the 1st of July of
this year in tho midst of their ventures of tho op
erations of citizens of the United Htates engaged in
fisting in British American waters,
but for a diplomatic understanding
reached with her Majesty's government
in June last, whereby assurance was obtained that
no interruption of those operations should take
placo during the current fishing season. In tho
iutercst of good neighborhood aud of the commer
cial intercourse of adjacent communities the ques
tion of tho North American fisheries is one of much
importance. Following out the intimation given
me when the extenaory arrangement above de
scribed was negotiated, 1 recommend that the Con
gress provide for the appointment of a commission
against the tendencies to monopoly which teud to respectively represented, charged with the conaid-
tho concentration of wealth and power* in the eretionand settlement upon a just, equitable and
copyright has been before you for several years.
Action in certainly desirable to effect the object in
view, and while there may lie a question as to the
relative advantage of treating it by lrgiHlatlon or by
specific treaty, the matured views of the Berue con
ference canuot fail to aid your consideration of tho
subject.
TREATY WITH TURRET,
The termination of the commercial treaty of 1863
between tho United Htates and Turkey bos been
sought by that government While there is ques
tion as to the sufficiency of the notice of considera
tion given, yet as the commercial rights of our citi
zens in Turkey come under the favored nation
guarantees of the prior treaty of 1830, and as equal
treatment is admitted by the Forte, no inconveni
ence can result from the assent of this government
to the revision of the Ottoman tariffs which the
treaty power* have been Invited to join. Questions
concerning our rlttzeas iu Turkey may bo effected
by the Porto's IMMHKMpiieaceiice iu tho right
of expatriation and by the imposition of religious
tests as a condition of residence in which this gov
ernment connot concur. Tho United Htates must
hold in their iuteruourso w th every power tliat the
status of tholr citizens is to he respected and equal
civil privileges accorded to them without regard to
creed and affected by no considerations save those
growing out of a domiciliary return to the laud of
original allogiauce or of unfulfilled persona! obliga
tions which may survive under municipal laws
after such voluntary return.
THE VENEZUELAN CLAIMS.
The negotiation with Venezuela relative to the re
hearing of the awards of the mixed conunislou
constituted under the tresty of 1806 was resumed in
view of the recent acquiescence of tho Venezuelan
view of the receut acquiescence of tbo Venezuelan
envoy In the principal point advanced by this gov
ernment, thst the effects of the old treaty could
only beset aside by the operation of a new conven
tion. he result, in substantial accord with the ad
visory suggestions contained in th* joint resolution
of March 3d, 1883, has lieen agreed upon, and will
shortly be submitted to the Senate for ratification.
(INVESTMENT OF TRUST FUND*
By sec. MR of the revised statutes, all funds held
in trust by the United States, and the annual inter
est accruing thereon, when not otherwise required
by treaty, are to be Invested in stocks of the United
States bearing a rate of interest of not less tl an 0
per centum per annum. There being now no pro
curable stocks paying so high a rate of Interest,
the letter of the statute la at
present inapplicable.
The Siamese government has iua‘do a gift
to the United States of comuiodlons quarter*
in Bangkok. In Corea the late mink-t< r was per
mitted to Dun'liaso a building from the government
for tho legation's um*. L\ China tho preminca
rented for tho legation are favored as to tho local
charges. At Tangier the bouso occupied by our
representative has been many year* tho nroperty of
this government, having been given for thst pur
pose iu 188*2 by the Sultan of Morocco. I approve
the suggestion heretofore nudo that in
view o the condition of life and ad
ministration in tho Eastern countries the
legation buildings In China, Jspon. Corea, Siam,
and perhapH Feral*. shonld be owned and fumlshod
by the /jovernment. with a view to permanency
and security. To this end I recommend thst au
thority be given to accept the gifts adverted to in
Japan and SUm and to purchase in the other coun
tries named, with a provision for furniture and re
pairs. A considerable saving in rentals would re
sult.
THE NEW ORLEANS EXPOSITION.
The World's Industrial Exposition held at New
Orleans last winter, with th j aaalstanco of thn govern
ment, attracted a large number of foreign exhibits
and proved of great valuo in spreading among
the cone mrse of visitors from Mexico
and Central and South America a wide knowledge
of the varied manufacture.# and productions o* this
couutry, and their availability in exchange for the
productions of those region*.
THE DUTY ON WORRS OF ART.
Fast Congresses bav« had under consideration the
advisability of abolishing the discrimination mode
by the tariff laws in favor of the works of American
artists. The odium of the policy which subjects to
a high rate oi duty the paintings of foreign artists
'and exempts the productions of American artiste
residing abroad, and who receive gratuitous advan
tages sml instruction, to visited, upon citizens
engaged in art-culturo in Europe and has caused
them, with practical unanimity, to favor the aboli
tion of auch au ungracious distinction in their In
terest. and for other obviooa reasons I strongly
recommend it
THE FINANCES.
Tho report of the Secretary of tho Treasury fully
exhlbita the condition of the public finances, aud
the several branches of the government connected
with his department. The suggestions of the Sec
retary relating to the practical operations of this
important department aud his recommenda
tion in the direction of simplification and
in the
out
for
P»Mio
liver dollars to lx- added to the idle
accumulated. If continued 1 ng • m
ration will result in the suiiHtituti >r
all gold the government own* .q plic
oral purpose*. It will not do to rely
toms receipts of tlio government to
drain of gold, because the
lieen made legal tender for all debt*
lie and pcivato. at time* during the l
fiB per cent of tho receipts for duties
silver or silver certificates, while tin
in that period has been 20 p
proportion of silver and its certifies.,
the government will probably lucres*
for the reason that the nearer the period aj»
preached when it will be obliged to efter silver n
payment of its obligations the mate: iudn.-i m* m
there will bo to hoard gold against a dopre ‘
in value of silver, or for tho purpose of spccnl
from being satisfactory. The recent outbreak
iu Wyoming Territory, where number* of unoffend
ing Chinamen, indisputably within the protection
of the treaties and law, were murdered by a mob,
and the still more recent threatened outbreak of
the same character In Washington Territory are
fresh in the minds of all. There is apprehension
lest the bitterness of feeling against the Mongolian
race on tho Pacific slope may find vent in similar
The reasons advanced
not be acquitted
of my “ ““
were auch as could
PMVwitboat violation
offioe and the precept*
of tho condltutloo. elneo they necessarily
involvad a limitation in favor of a foreign govern
ment up n the right of selection by the executive,
and re mired such an application of a religious teat
as a qualifies Won for office under the United States
on would bare resulted In tbs practioal dtetrenebtee-
Imeut of a large claw* of our citizens and tbs ebon-1
don men! of a vital principle in our government.
Tho Austro-Hungarian government finally decided
not to receive Mr. Kelley os the envoy of the United
Hut*-*, and that gentleman has since resigned bis
eoramteelor, leaving the post vacant I bare
made no new nomination and the
lutnrcsto of this government at Vienne
are now in the rare of the secretary of legation,
acting sr cAarjft tC affair** ad interim.
Early iu March bud war broke out la Central
America, ranted by the attempt of Ooetomala to
eoiiHoliil i'n the several elates into a tingle govern
ment In these controls between our neighboring
states the Uuitod Metes forbore to interfere act
ively. but tent the old of their friendly offices in ds-
pra atton of war and to promote peace and concord
among the belli* rents, end by such counsel con
tributed |m**ortan*l- to tho restoration of tran-
qt.lLliy in that locality.
TUR ISTHMUS EXPEDITION.
An emergency crowing out of tho civil war in the
Uuitod KUU X of Colombia demanded of the gov
ernment at the b* 1 .mi. mg of this administration tho
eurdoYUiout of armed force to fulfill its guarantees
umUr tlio thirty-fifth article of
the treaty of IMS, la order
to keep the transit open across tho tsthmus of
Panama. Desirous of exmcMng only the power
expre«»ly re-* rved h> th** United States by the!
treaty and mindful of tbo rights of Colombia, thoj
forces rent to tin* I-thn. ■* were instructed to con
fine their action t«* ••perateteotly aud efficiently
preventing th« transit end ito ;uv«*Moriea from b*-
, .t,.rr u t* .1 . • ri.II " II.*- • x-. t> n. f
thn* deli* tto ami re*potn*lM«* to*k ne<.-aaarily in-
vulvad police control, as the local authority waa
t.-rim..rarily poworle***. but olwaja in aid of Um
sovereignty of Colombia, The prompt and success
ful fulft im-ntof iteduty by this government was
highly appreciated by the government of Colombia
a:.*! has been followed by expresalono of its jaljgJ
I faction. Ulgh praise is due to th# offl.jera an^^H
Messaged In tbleaervtce. The restoration of: peace
lawless demonstrations. All the power of this gov
ernment should be exerted to maintain ample good
faith toward China in the treatment of these men,
and the law in bringing the wrong-doers to justice
should be insisted upon. Every effort is being
made by tho government to prevent these violent
outbreaks and to aid the representatives
of China iu their investigation of these
outrages, aud it ie but fair to say that they are
traceable to the lawlessness of men not citizens of
the United State*, engaged in competition with
Chinese laborer*. Race prejudice is the chief fac
tor in organizing these disturbances, and it axlsta in
a large part of our domain, jeopardizing our do
mestic pra-n and the good relationship we strive to
maintain with them. The admitted right of a gov-
ernm nt to prevent the luflux of thooe hostile to in
ternational peace end security may not be ques
tioned—even where there is no treaty stipulation
on the subject. That the exclusion of Chinese la
bor is demanded in other countries where like con
ditions prevail is strongly evidenced in the
Domlnlou of Canada, where Chinese
Immigration is now regulated by
laws more exclusive than our own. If existing
laws or* Inadequate to compose tbs end In view, 1
shall be prepared to give earnest consideration to
any further remedial measures, within the treaty
limits, which the wisdom of Congress may devise.
THE CONOO STATE.
an Um I.lhmu.By U.r, e«taWWmi«ot of U»«>n-
■UtaMIsaTMBVMX. **in(t ftMMyffSyVt HTl
too* nf the I’nllfJ But.» *•« *lthdr»wn. rn»d-
tn, th.M ocurrencM . quMttun of much tmpor
Unc. «m praMQUd by ot t^ CotombMp
\cruincut nr-Ulnitn* th, iJo.nre_ of «ru.ln
AnTtricff!. -um nf |»rt> Bat In Ui. .
oonill notb.r*co(fnl»Y; n«th.r«n.U U
{Egg
th. .ut, MDwtwbMM .uthortly
revolt- Tl., d.tiil l>r toU Cov*niin.nt
of the Colombian propositi ots di*» ooq
baw*v «r. Imply th,almta.l.mot»J»UlW>«o|
on th. pert tn.ln.nruvnU. Tb,Colombtan sorer,-
U.cnt Em Mi.tvre.-1 IK wlUlnsMM to nreotut.
oonvMlUon,for tho utjMtm.nl b, ,r b lt "““®.“J
cuim. by
DnlUd Mrtre rrere »ret to
vintcuun of A*, In. .11 by in. InrerrecUcnmy
foren*. T)l , MCAVTnr* r*u*<-».
Til. Internet “f I ■ l i;.'- 'l Stole* In » J'nv'tl. *M,
tr•< -tt r." .Mn- . : it.- -Ini' * f **! .
,|. MUM • I 1 ‘ " ''I-*'. >•>
n. ...if I ir ■: ' ' •
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hi uw ... . in .in f. i It tru. l."ll 1 ■*'■ 1 »t
. f 1 • I. I -!.••• ■ < * * on*1 tilt .. It
S' . *."■ i t.-rn' -I'.'l l.i'1 it t "f. r, ‘ 1,1 ' '
P.'.'ll'M It- nil'll tli-.. bndj th, " I *•’ 1
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•1'l.r.tt'in "f IK nmvKIou. I.»i« mo
vrltbbnU li from re.ilhmU.Mn lo Uic
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.tr ".V t ; . 1 lit'. II. u
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■ ’■ ’ - in.-'" ;
mfSSeas'jssiS's.'SSs Ssrarsrew*
honorable basis of the entire question of the fishing
right: of tl.e two governments and their respective
citizens on the coasts of the United Bute* and
British North America. The fishing interests being
intimately related to other general questions de
pendent upon contiguity aud intercourse, the con
sideration thereof in all their cqnitiea might also
properly come within the purview of such
commission, «and the fullest latitude of
expression on both side* should be
permitted. The correspondence in relation to the
fishing rights will bo submitted.
The Arctic exploring steamer Alert, which was
generously given by her Majesty's government to
aid in the relief of the Greely expedition, was after
the successful attainment of that humane purpose
returned to Great Britain, in penraance of the au
thority conferred by the act of March 3d, 1AS5.
The luadequacy of the existing engagements for
extradition between the United States and Great
Britain has been long apparent. The 10th article of
the treaty of 1843, one of the earliest compacts in
this regard entered into by the United Htates,
stipulated for surrender id respect of a limited
number of offenses. Other crimes, no less inimical
to tho social welfare, should be embraced and the
procedure of extradition brought in harmony with
E resent International practice. Negotiations with
er Majesty’s government for an enlarged treaty of
extradition havo been pending •ince 187o, and 1 en
tertain strong hopes that» satisfactory result may
* b soon attained.
Tho frontier Una between Alaska end British Co
lumbia, as defined by the treaty of cession with
Russia, follows the line of demarkation assigned
in a prior treaty between Great Britain
and Russia. Modem exploration disclose#
that this ancient boundary is impracticable as a
geographical fact. In the unsettled condition of
that region the question has lacked Importance, bat
the discovery of mineral wealth In the territory the
Una is supposed to traverse admonishes that tho
time has come when an accurate knowledge of the
boundary Is needful to avert jurisdictional compli
cations, and I recommend that provision be made
for a preliminary reoonnotaoance by officer* of the
United Htatea, to the end of acquiring more pre
cise information on tho subject. I have
invited her Majesty’s government to con
sider with us tbs adoption of a
more convenient Une to be established by meridian
observations or by known geographical features
without the necessity of on expensive survey of tho
whole*
CLAIMS AGAINST HAITI,
. economy, particularly in the work of collecting
E resent inapplicable, but its spirit • customs duties, is eepeclsUy urged upon tho stten-
I•ntM.rvnlbjr continuingtnm,k, invmtnuniaof tlon of Conpra*. Tb. or.lln»rv raertpt, from ,11
this nature in current stocks bearing the highest
interest now paid. The statute, however, makes uo
provision for the disposal of such a criterion. It
Wing contrary to tho general rule of this govern
ment to altow interest on claims, I recommend the
repeal of the prr- .ision in question and the disposi
tion under a uniform rale of tho present accumula
tion from the investment of trust funds.
NATURALIZATION LAWS.
The inadequacy of existing legislation
touching citizenship end naturalization
demands your consideration. While rec
ognizing tho right of expatriation,
no statutory provision exists providing means for
renouncing citizenship by an American citizen, na
tive born or naturalized, nor for terminating and
vacating an Improper acquisition of citizenship.
The independent 8tats of the Congo has boon or
ganized as a government under th~. sovereignty of
111* Majesty tb* King of tbs Belgians, who assumes
Its chief magistracy in bis personal character only,
without making tb* new stow a dependency of Bel
glum. It is fortunate that a benighted region, ow*
all its quickening civilization t«
beniflcenco and pbilantropia spirit
ibis monarch. should have tbs
advantage and security of bis benevolent super
vision. The action taken by this government last
year in being tbe first to recognize the flag of the
International Association of the Congo has been fol
lowed by tbe formal recognition of tbs new nation
silty which succeeds to its vreien powers.
A conference of delegates of th* principal com
mercial nations was held at Berlin last winter to
discuss methods whereby th* Congo basin might be
kept open to the world's trade. Delegate* attended
on behalf of th© United State*, on th* understand
ing thst tbelr part should be merely deliberative,
without Importing to the results any binding char
acter so far as ths United Htotss war* concerned.
This reserve was due to th* indisposition
of this goverment to share In any disposal by
an intern taional congress of JarisdtetkMud
questions in relation to foreign territories. The re-
suits of ths conference were embodied In a formal
act of the nature of an international convention,
which laid down certain obligations purporting to
be binding on the signs to rise, subject to ratification
within one year. Notwithstanding ths reservation
under which th* delegates of th# United State# at
tended. their signatures were attached to th# general
act in the sans manner as those of the plenipotsn
tlari*# of other governments, thus making the
United Htatea appear without reserve or modifica
tion as a signatory to a joint International engage
ment imposing on ths signer ths conservation of ths
territorial integrity of distant regions where w#
have no established interests orcontroL
This govern ueut doe* not, however, regard its
reservation of liberty of action in tbspremltsa a* at
all Impaired, holding that an engagement to shore in
tbs obUgstion of snfordng neutrality in tbs remote
volley of tho Congo would b#
fln0MT““* * *“ ‘
abstait
that general — .
baton j.m, ut th, UutracttrMu aad taMraatlnt n-
port at th, MKnt wot bjr tht, «««snsMU h, th,
Co turn country and hto neamumUtiDaii ft*• th.
The late insurrectionary movements In HayU
have been quelled. Tbe government of that re
S ubtle has mads prompt provision for adjudicating
ie losses suffered by foreigners bscauao of hostili
ties there, and the claims of certain citizens of Ura
United Htates will be in this manner determined.
Tbo long pending claims of two citizens of ths
United Htates. Pelletier and Lazars, have been
disposed of by arbitration, and
award in favor of each claimant
been made which by tbe tonne of ths engagement
is final. It remains for Congress to provide for the
payment of the stipulated moiety of ths expenses
A question arose with Heytl daring the past y
by reason of tbs exceptional treatment of an Ameri
can citizen. Mr. Van Hokkclen, a resident of Fort
au Prince, who on salt by creditors residing in th*
United Htates was sentenced to Imprisonment, end
under the operation of llaytian statutes
was denied th* relief secured a native lla>
tisn. This government asserted hii
treaty right to equal treatment
with natives of llaytl in all suits at law. Our con*
tention Lav been denied by the llaytian govern
ment, which, however, while still professing to
maintain tbe ground taken against Mr. Van
Bokkeien's right, terminated the controversy
by setting him at liberty without explanation.
9 HR MEXICAN TREATY.
Tbs relocation of tbs boundary line between tbs
United Htatea end Mexico westward of the Rio
Grands, under the convention of July 29, 1881, has
been unavoidably delayed, but I apprehend no
difficulty in securing a prolongation of th* period
for its accomplishment.
Th* lately concluded commercial treaty with
Mexico still awaits tho stipulated legislation to
i alliance whose re-
slbilitie* w« are not in a position to assume. I
tin horn Mktu th, Mnrtton ot th, BmmU to
■mnl *ct Th, conwipTMdMM. will b, UM
MublUhment or . comMMjba M-ocy on th, *frt
cut tout m Dm MbullKd for yourconMUcMton,
TVS MCTV iVSVloiV CUMKMMOV.
iMtvIvSrS^rtSt tbfi>nUD ut BoutETtMrtcMi
cnnntriM ut raport ov tho VMthod of «lM(ins th,
srStSaesrjtsjs.
wboM Mtnnc l.to th. fmnlly of truly pown, th.
I with
SSSSTh** tSTS«m.l -KtSi of Chin, Mil |
TVS IVTSJMSVEJIT 09 UTOt I
Th, mtmI,n.l ImprUoonMmtof JnlKE. IKnto#.|
. dtlMV of th, Dntwd HtMM. by th, .nth-wittMof^
Eetuhlor. or* rtMlo, coot-oilov with mu SOT-
< rnu.'UL tn which hK rt»ht lo tx RlMMdortol
b?«l .«3r »nd import!! trill on th, unouncD
chum. Ut with D1 IWMMlWMof fetMUW •“U'J
tml bytTMty. ■*. In.Utml npow b^ th. Pwjlg]
huts*. After an elaborate corrsspoaasnca, ana <>-
rested end sarnssl ispreseMtelinas on onr psz^ Mr.
'laiut h* ttaa hnuuloriU WOTMWIMWt ,*t tWMiMTl
d.nM.I by th, KmudorUw fowrnnBl
upon by onr own.
Am,n. .n cUlm. cowiwUMtow M W 4w, fTowi.th,
b> » r. neb ' Uiinuil.. .. uvunnl of ln-
nUblStW lb. Flwwch (.miwitfh,
rights uoteMe of '
with iWln's end r
til* tHTTi^oria
tsrestz Us '
Ing the two ucssn* wy ■*'*f** 1
cn-iwl. I »m of th. oplnte*
• i i . I . ■ 1 .* •
fi n. l ■ 1
icmi -y. -I'li rowpWd yriri.tHil. Tb*UShlSIlTSS 1 ' '
-.1 cnjA^-m.nK lodwwd ,h« rr;«rt of thomt-nt will b. UIJtwf.T. jr m^m
.... .. tb. MM, wh«w .wh in-1 TH , urctun )* Q9 rows.
tb. prftml pmjMt,
thsl *t.» *< ' mo to
favor should bs free wUhstaadlng
... It., KL iVit* i ' sL * n*e
Even a fraudulent decree of naturalization rannot
now be cancelled. Tho privilege and franchise of
American citizenship should be granted with care
and extenffed to those only who intend in good
faith to assume Its duties and responsibilities. It
should be withheld from those who merely go
through the form of naturalization with
MM intent of escaping the duties
■ their original allegiance, without
taking upon themselves those of their new statns,
or who may acquire the rights of American citizen
ship for no other than a hostile pnrpose towards
their original governments. Those evils have Lad
many flagrant illustrations. I regard with favor
gran)
the various courts throughout the United States
now invested with that power. Tbe rights which
spring from domicile In the United Htates, especi
ally when coupled with a declaration of Intention
to become a citizen, ore worthy of definition by
statute. Tbe stranger coming hither with intent to
remain, establishing his residence in our midst,
contributing to the general welfare, and by bis
voluntary act declaring bis purpose to assume the
rosponaibUity of citizenship, thereby gains an in
choate status which legislation may properly de
fine. The laws of certain Htates end Territories
admit a domiciled alien to the local franchise, con
ferring on him the rights of citizenship to a degree
which places him in ths anomalous position of be
ing a citizen of a Htato and yet not of the United
Htates within tbe purview of federal and interna
tional law. It is important within the scops of
national legislation, to define thltgright of aliens
supplementary article signed In February
last and since ratified on both aides.
Our relations with Mexico continue to bs most
cordial, as befits th< e* of neighbors between whom
tb* strongest ties of friendship sod commercial in
timacy exist os tb* natural and growing conse
quence of our similarity of institution* end geo
graphical propinquity. I express tbs hops that
legt-datiun needed to make the treaty effective may
not bs long delayed.
Th, Urn, influx of rapltal »nd .nUrpriM to
lleiii-o from tli. Unlt«<l statM continue, to .11 in
th. development of th, rMouicM, and In ,Dement
ing th, matcrUl wall-balo* of our .KUr republic.
Lie of railway pcn.trwtiuit to the hurt uiidc.pl'
tel of th, country bring th, two people, into urn
tnully benetl lul UKrconn. and rnUrged fucUIUe.
of tmu.lt add to pruflubt, comm.ra, cm,!, a.
tuurk.K, and funuah .t.iiumIo othenrlM taolaMd
couimunltiM. I have already udvrrUd to tb, ang-
K' .led couatructlou or * .hip railway aerwa the
narrow .rmatlon of the territory of llexico lo
Tabuawtepec.
uxrrawT qcswrtoira.
Au InKntational conference to con.lder the
mnue of armetlnfl the .pread of cholera and other
epidemic dfcmaaa wav held M Borne In Uay tael
aad adjourned to meet again at further wntirw. An
•Ipwrt delegate tn behalf of the United htatea tut.
attended it, Mmtmn and will aubmll a report.
With th, gradual recovery of Para fmm the
effect, of hM utte dt.aeiron, conflict with Chill and
with th, matoration of civil authority tn that dto-
tracted country. It la hoped that pending ww claim,
ef Mr citteens will be adjusted. In conformity
with tbe notiffcatlon gins by the government of
Peru the .slating treat*., of commerce aad axtradl-
Uoo between tbe United State, and that country
will terminate March 31. lend.
Onr good nlatlonahlp with BueD, eoutlnuee. An
officer of the navy, detailed for th, pnrpoM. la wow
on kte way loKiherte.bearlogthe teeUmenial, voted
by Cowgran to thoM who •manm.ly aweemd th.
■arvtvora of th, unfortunate Jeannette expedition.
cn.iv. uum Turn.
It K gratifying to revert to the cordUUty of
.jteruoniee with Hpaiw. The long pendtag ekten of
the owner, of the ehlp Meeowic foe Iom Buffered
thorlltee tw the PhllUpln. UUnd^ ha. been adjn.ted
|by arMtnthmaad u Indemnity awarded.
■The arbitration tn each am to which the Unil
ted MM. have long mid couuntly adhered, tbu.
racetvea a frw^ and gratifying cowflrmutlon. I
I other eantlone with Bpain have been dtepoaad
of or mw of dlptomMte roweldMailew with , vtew to
Jiwtand honorable «tt:«OMwl The operation
the com in. re tel ignem.nl with HpMn of Jmsmt
|5d Mid r.bruMV IS.
found Inal, pi.to t.>
L. .n. Pwbed tSSSMWaSMjSreW
t are »u
AntlUem and the ten; . of tbe J
fulltrwMy notOPM tothM# Dijeetton. aodlwlhe
Use of the general policy touchingithe nel.bhorly
UKnown, of proximal, commuotte. to which I Dee-
when mlnet. m«I Dmlwg, monovrw. ettho wworal
of existing burden, and Minoylwg rvetrtctlowe.
|although , aattefarVory urminatton u • - — , --
is sss-sawttS 1
$m690,706,38. OC tills sum $181,471,939.34 was re
ceived from customs, sad $112,498,725.64 from In
ternal revenue. The total receipts, as given above,
were $23,829,163.64 less than those for the year
ended June 30, IsK). The diinioution em
braces a falling off of $13,605,660.42 in the
receipts from customs, anti $9,687,346.97 ii
the receipts from internal revenue. The total ordi
nary expenditures of the government for the fiscal
yosr were $260,226,935.60, leaving a surplus in tbe
treasury st tbe close of the year of $»B,463,771.27.
This is $40,929,854.33 less than the surplus at tbe
close of tbe previous year. Tho expenditures are
classified as follows: For civil expenvee,
*23,826.942 11; for Indians, $6,662,494.63;
for pensions, $54102.267.49; tor the military. In.
eluding river end harbor improvements and arae-
uaL $42,670,678.47; for the navy. Including vessels
machinery and Improvements of navy yards, $16,-
021,079.69; for Interest on the public debt, $f i,:ta*.,-
266.47; for the District of Columbia, $3,499,660.96,
for miscellaneous expenditure.', in-lading public
buildings and light houses and |uollectiug the rev-
nuee, $64,728,066.21. Ths amouut paid on tho pub
lic debt during tbe fiscal year ended Juno 30, 1885,
waa $46,993,236.43, and there has been paid alnco
that date and up to November 1, 1886, tbe sum of
$369,828, leaving the amount of the doht at the last
domiciled $is distinguished from federal naturali
zation.
COMMERCIAL TREATIES.
Tbe commercial relation of the United Htatea with
their immediate neighbors and with important
m* of traffic near ourahoressuggest e* ecisUy lib
eral iutercouree between them and ths Unl’ed Htates.
Following tbs treaty of 1883 with Mexico, which
rested on the basis of a reciprocal exemption from
cos toms duties, other similar trestles were initiated
>y my predecessor*. Recognizing the need of less
instructed traffic with Cub* and Porto Rico, and
met by the desire of Spain to succor languishing
interests in the Antilles, steps were taken to attain
these ends by a treaty of commerce. A similar
treaty was afterwards signed by the Dominican Re
public. Hntjsequently overture# were made by her
Britannic Majesty’s government tor a like mutual
extension of eommsrcial intercourse with th* Brit-
U-i West India ana South American dependencies,
but without result. On taking office I withdrew f«r
re-examination the treaty signed with
Hpxin, then pending before tb* senate. Tbe
result has been to satisfy me of the
inexpediency of entering into engagements of this
character, not covsrizg the entire traffic. These
treaties contemplated the surrender by lbs United
Htates of large revenues for inadequate considera
tions. Upon sugar alone duties wars surrendered
to an amount far exceeding all tbe advantages of
fered in exchange. Even were it Intended to re
lieve our consumers, it was evident that so long as
the exemption but partially covered our importa
tion such relief would b* illusory. To relinquish
a revenue, so essential seemed highly Improvident
at a time when new and large drains npon ths
treasury were contemplated. Moreover embarrass
ing questions would have arisen under the favored
nation clauses of treaties wtvh other notions.
As a further objection, it is evident that tariff re
gulation by treaty diminishes that independent
control over its own revenues which is essen
tial for tbe safety and welfare of any government
An emergency calling tor as lucres** of taxation
may st any time arise, and no engagement with o'
foreign power should exist to hamper ths govern
TONNAGE DUTIES.
By lbs fourteenth section of the shipping act ap
proved Jnna 36,1884, certtin redactions and con
tingent exemptions from tonnage dues were made
as to vereela entering ports of the United BUtee
from any foreign port in North or Central America,
the West India Islands, the Bahamas and Ber
mudas, Mexico and tha Isthmus
as far m AspinwalL Tha govern
ments of Belgnliu, Denmark, Germany
Portugal. Sweden and Norway have asserted under
tha favored nation clause la their treaties with the
United Htates a claim to Uks treatment In respect of
vessels coming to the United Htates from their
home ports. This government, however, bolds
that the privileges granted by tbs act are pu-ely
ge»grai>hlc*], inuring to any vessel of any foreign
power that may choose to engage in traffic between
Ibis country and any port within tbe d'-flned soue,
and no warrant extern under the moat fa«ored na
tion c!ou*c for the extension of tbs privileges in
qnsstica to vsscb satilsg to th!-* <*>uutry from
named date $1,514,475,860.47. There wav. however,
at that time in the treasury, applicable to the gen
eral purposes of the government; the sum of
$668,182,928. The total receipts for the current
fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, ascertained to Oc
tober 1, 1886, estimated for the remainder of the
year are $3ir>,0G0,0<J0. The expenditures ascertained
and estimated for the earns time $245,-
000,000— leaving a surplus at ths dual
of the year estimated st $70,000,000.
FORE ION COMMERCE,
The value of the exports from the United 8tatoa t°
foreign countries during the last fiscal year was a r
follows:
Domestic merchandise $72,668,294,600
Foreign merchandise L950.580.900
Gold 847,789,200
Silver 3.375.363.300
Homs of the principal exports with tholr value
and ths percentage they revpectively bear to the
total exportation are given as follows:
Cotton and ootton manufactures, vain# $213,799,
049; percentage 29.42. Breadstuff*, value $160,374
821; percentage 22.07. Provisions, valuo $107,332,
465: percentage 14.77. Oils, mineral, voget
and aulmaL value $54,326,202; percentage 7.48.
bsr.co and its manufactures, value $24,767,306; per
rentage 3.41. Wood and its manufactures, value
$21,464,322; percentage 2.96.
Our imiMiria during the year were as follows:
Merchandise $r.«9.680,U53 $0
Oold 26,691,696 00
HUvsr 16.660.627 00
Total $622,822.376 80
The following are given as prominent article* of
Imports daring the year, with their value#
and ths percentage they bear
the total importation: Sugar and molasses,
valne $70,738,713; percentage 13.29. Coffee
port* outside the limitation
Undoubtedly tbe rehui.ms
with our near neighbors, wbo»e territort**
form so long a frontier line, difficult to bs guard* I.
end who find in our c«mntry end squally offer to ua
natural avenues of trade, demand ai«vl*l aud con
siderate treatment. It rests with Congress to con
sider whet legislative action may Increase the fa. il
itiee of intercourse which contiguity makes natural
DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR SERVICE.
I earnestly urge that Congress recast the appro
priations for tb* maintainance of ths diplomatic
and consular service on n footing commensurate
with tbs Importance of our national interest*. At
every poet where n repressnUUve te nseesenry, ths
• * *e to penult him to
live with comfort, with ths assignment of adrquate
salaries. Tb* so-called notarial and extra-official
fees which onr officers abroad ar# now permitted to
treat os israosal perquisites sbooid bo don* sway
with. Every set requiring ths certification and
■sal of tho officer should be taxable at schedule
S^rt^tntteJhUUBljjWwfl^hMheen^Jj^d
tbs consular service would bs self-supporting, even
with a liberal Increase of tbs present low salaries.
In further prevention of abtuo*, n system of con
sular ln«*pectl‘>n should r jH MMjfi ""“'t
Tbo appointment of L ■■
bar of secretaries of legation at Urge to be
assigned to dnty wherever Ls.e»sary and in cortic-1
ulsr for temporary service st mteotous which for
any cease may bs without a .hoed, should also be
authorized. I favor, also, authorization f« r tho do-
toil of effirsra of ths regular service as military or
naval attaches at legations. Homo foreign govern
ments do not recognize tho union of coneolar with
diplomatic functions. Italy and Vcnosceia will
only receive the appointee in one of hie two capac
ities, bet tble **• «e not |>r vi-nt the re-
quirameat of n bond and sebmtesten to
the re-ponsibOittee of an office whose
duties he cannot d l-charge,
expedient thst * well digested nrei I
nepnirstlon of the extra territorial courts In ori-
snial sewntrise shonld raptei s th^M
whl« h uettor the tii-sdvafil
valne $16,723,318; percentage 8.U9. Wool and ita
manufacturevalue $44,656,482; Dsrcsntage 7.73.
Bilk and lta manufacture*, value $40,393,092; per
centage 6.99. Chemicals, dyes, drugs and medi
cines, value $35,070,816; percentage 6 u7. Iron and
steel and their manufactures, value $34,563,689; per
centage 6.98. Flax, hemp and Juts and their manu
factures, value $32,864,874; percentage 5.09. Cotton
end its manufactures, value $28,l62.0uu; percentage
4.88. Hides and skine and other than
fur skins, voice $20,686,443; percentage 3.56.
of the entire amount of duties collected
7*1 per cent was collected from the following arti
cle* of Imp trt: Huger and molasses, percentage 29;
wool and Its manufactures, percentage 15; silk and
Its manufactures, percentage 8; iron and steel and
their manufacture* percentage 6; flax, hemp and
Jute and their manufactures, per -.atago 6.
THE TABIFF.
The fact that onr revenues are In excess of the
actual need* of i,a economical administration of
the government Justifies a redaction in the
amount exacted tram the ri-irple for Us sup-
iiort Our governmentp* but the means establLibed
by tha will of a free people by which certain prin
ciples are applied which they have adopted for theli
beueflt and protection, and it la never better ob
served than when the people's taxation for Its sup
port is ecmpRloasly limited to tbs actual necessity
uf expenditures and distributed according to a just
and equitable plan. Ths proposition with which
ws hsv# to deal te tho redaction of the
revenue received by tbe government and
indluvtiy paid by ths people
customs duties. Tbs question of free trade
involve l. nor any occasion for tbe general dteoc*-
stun of the wisdom or expediency of a protective
system. Justice and fairness dictate tliat in any
modification of onr present laws re sting to re u’iue
ths Industries and lnteraau wLid have been sn-
-oureged by such laws and in which «r Htiisns
have large investments shonld not bs rutiilssrly in
jured or destroyed. W* shonld also deal with tha
subject in such a insurer as to protect tha
ititerrsts of American labor, which te tha
fl-si.ital of our working men. Its sta
bility and prater nmisnaration famish
the most ju-tiliable pretext for a pr.iteettva policy.
Within these limitation# a certain reduction should
be mads in our custom* revenue. Tbe amount of
reduction having town determined, the inquiry
follows, where can it bed be remitted end whet
articles can test be released from duty In the inter
est of our citizens. 1 think the redaction
should bs mads in tbe revenue derived
from a tax upon ths Imported necessaries of
life. We thus directly lessen the cost of living
in every family of tbe land and release to Ibe
people in every humble borne a larger measure of
The hoarding of gold hat already bci .
the time comev that gold has been withdrawn
circulation then will bo apparent the different
tween th© real valuo of tho silver dollar an
dollar in gold, and the two cm* will
part company. Gold. atlll the ►tendanl
of valne and neccaaary in ourdealin;-* with other
countries, will be at a premium ^or stiver. Banks
which have substituted gold for the dei-oatt* of their
customers may pay them with silver L . ht with
such gold, thus making a haudsotuo profit. Rich
■peculators will Mil their boarded gold to their
neighbors, who need it to liquidate their foreign
debts*, at a ruinous premium over silver, end tho
laboring men and women of the land, tho mobt do-
fcuselcM of all.wlll find that the dollar recoivtMi for
tho wages of their toil has sadly shrunk in
ita purchasing power. It may be said
thst the latter result will be but temporary and tliat
ultimately the price of labor will bo adjusted to ths
change, but even if this takes plsco the average
worker canuot possibly gain but must invariably
lose, since the price he te compelled to pay for his
living will not only be measured in coin heavily do-
-iraclated and ilurtuating and uncertain in its valuo,
•ut this uncertainty in the valuo of the purchasing
medium will bo mado the pretext
for an advance in prices beyond
that justified by the actual depreciation.
The words uttered in 1834 by Daniel Webster in
the Senate of tbe United 8tates sro true to-day:
“The very man of all others who has the deepest
Interest in a sound currency and who suffers moet
by mischievous legislation in money mattor* is
the man who earns his daily bread by Lte daily
toil.”
Tho most distinguished advocate of bi-roetalliHin.
discussing our silver coinage, has lately written:
“No American citizen’s hand has yet felt the *»on-
satlon of cheapness either in receiving or expend
ing the silver-act dollars," and thoso who live by
lsl»or or legitimate trade never feel that sensation
of cheapness. Bowevor plenty silver dollars may
become, they will not be distributed as gifts among
thn people, and if tbe laboring man should receive
four depreciated dollars where he now receives two,
he will pay in the depreciated coin more than
double tbe price he now pays for all tho ncccsawriee
and comforts of life. Those who do not fear any
disastrous consequences arising from thecoutinuod
compulsory coinage of silvor aa now directed by
law, and who suppose that the a-idith-n to the cur
rency of tha country intended aslts result will be a
public benefit, are reminded that history demon
strates that the point 1s easily reached in
the attempt to float at tbe same timu two
sorts of money of different excellence when tha
better will cease to be in general circdlatten. Tho
boarding of gold which has already taken place in
dicates hat we shall not escape tho usual cx]>o-
rionce in such coses. Bo if this ailror coinage bo
continued, we may reasonably expect thst gold and
its equivalent well abandon the field of circulation
to silver alone. This of coarse must
{ •roduco a severe contaaction of our circulnt-
ug medium, instead of adding to it.
It will not be disputed that any attempt on the t art
of the government to cause the circulation of sliver
dollars worth 80 cents side by side with gold dol
lars worth 100 cents, even within the limit of legis
lation, does run counter to the laws of trade, i.nd
to be successful must be seconded by the confidence
of the people thst both coins will retain the same
purchasing power and be interchangeable at will. A
special effort has been made by tbo Secretary
of tho Treasury to incrr&so ths
amount of our silver con in
circulation, but tbe fact that a larso share of the
limited amount thus put out has been returned to
the public treasury in tho payment of duties leads *
to the belief thst the people do not m.w dculro to
keep it in hand, and this, eitli the oridrnt disposi
tion to hoard gold. gives rico to n suspicion that
there already exists a lock of confidence among the
people touching onr financial processes. There is
certainly not enough silver in chculatlon to cause
uneasiness, and the whole am iunt coined and now
on hand might after a time l-o atoorbod
by the peoplo without apprehension, but it Is Um
ceaseless stream that threatens to over J..w tbo land
which coum a fear and uncertainty, w hat l .»-* 1»* n
thus far committed on thte subject r> late* slu t *t
entirely to considerations of a home nature, ancon-
not ted with tha bearings wblcli die policies of other
nations have upon the question: built te perfectly
apparent that the line of action In regard to our cur
rency cannot wisely bs settled upon or
persisted in without considering the atti
tude on the subject of other countries vith which
we entertain frteudly intercourse through cum-
meres, trade and travch Tbe acknowledgement of
ibis fart te found in the act by virtue of which onr
silver te compulsorily coined. It provides that
“the Preeiduut shall invite the governments of th*
countries composing ths IaUu Union, so-celled,
and of aneb other European nations as he may
deem advisable, to join the United Htates in a con
ference to adopt a common ratio between gold and
silver, for tbe purpose of establishing inter-nation-
ally ths use of bi-metallic money and
at-cnring flxldlty or relative vain*
between these metals.” This conference
absolutely failed, and aeimilsrfate has awaited all
subsequent effort* In tb# asm# direction; and "till
we continue onr coinage of silver at a ratio differ
ent from that of any other nation. Ibe most vital
port of the silver coins.:#* set remains inoperative
and unexecuted, and without on ally or frtend we
battle npon the silver Add In an IIh /Iceland losing
contest To giv * fall offset to tbs assign ofCon*
gn-ea on this subject I have made a careful and
i-srnest endeavor since the adjournment of
the lost Congrren. A history of
this endeavor te here given. IU refers to tho mis.
sloa of Menton Mart :•*. and the Fresldcatpr<»« reds
to say:) >Ve have now on band all tbs silver dollars
necessary to supply the present needs of the peo
ple, and to satisfy those who from reutltnent wUh
to ess them in clrcnlaUon, and If their coinage la
suspended they can be readily obtained by all who
desire them. If need nf tlio money te at any time
apparent, their coinage may be renewed. That dis
aster bos not already overtaken us furnishes
II) I'M ft "I d r t! . , I. i ua t i.p«m * con-
unaaxion of tbs present silver coinage. Wo have
been saved by most careful managenu-ot and unu
sual < xpedicnti, by n oombinate n <-f ft.rtunats
t . nditkms, an 1 by tha confident expectation that
the course of tbs government in regard to silvor
coinage would bs speedily changed by the action of
Congress. Prosperity hesitate* up n our threshold
tLranse of th# dangers and uurerUiuties sur
rounding thte quvntlou. Capital timidly shriuks
from trade and Investors ore unwilling
to Uks the chances of th* quo-ti<-nable
•baps in which tiurlr money wtil be returned Ut
them, while enterprise bos oil the risk against which
careful management doss not protect. As a necessary
cuiotcquenc*. labor loess employment and suffering
and din tress ore visible upon sp« *rti»n of onr f* ii nr
citizens, especially entitled to the careful consider-
tlon of those charged with the duties of legislation,
interest appeals to us to strongly for a
and a table currency m iho t.iii
army of th* unemployed. I m:oramend
tbs suspension of the compulsory cr in* • cf airier
dollars directed by tbs law parsed in Fcbruoiy,
1371.
tbs rewords of frugal industry.
NATIONAL LANES.
ized, with an aggregate capital of $M.93H.'»i. and
I circulating notes have been issued to them amount
ing to $4,274,910. Tb# whole number of these
banks in existence on tbs day above uirtiUuBsd was
2,727. Tbs very limited amount of circulating
ro te* Issued by onr national banks, compared
with tbe amonnt the tew permits them to Usue
upon a deposit of bonds for their redemption, in
dicates that tbs volume of oar circuUtAng medium
may bs largely increased through this instrumen
tality. NothiM R>ors Important than tbo present
condition of oar cwrrsncy and coinage can claim
your attention. Since February, laTs, tbs govern
ment bee under tbs compulsory provisions of law[
purchased silver bullion and clued the same at
ths rate of more than $I.UUJ.QUU every month. By
this process np to tbs »resent date $21*767.441 sti
ver dollars have been coined.
TRR COINAGE QUESTION.
A reasonable appreciation of ths delegation of
power to tb* general government would limit ttsi
’ * ‘ ire*tnrtive words, to the
exercise, without express restrictive words, to the
people’s needs end the requirements of tbe public
welfare. Upon this theory tbe authority to “coin
I money,” given to Congress by the constitution, if it
permit* th* purchase by the government of bullion
for coinage in any event, does not justify sack pur
chase and rotasgs to on extent beyon * ths.Mmmfi
amount
sufficient circulating medium.
Tbe desire to utilize the Oliver product
of tbe country should net lead to
tto mtease or tbe perversion of the power. The
necessity for auch on addition to the silver carreac:
of tbs nation os is compelled by tbs stiver soinage
* t te negatived by tbs fact that up to tb* present
us ooly about fifty ratUton* of ths silver doilari
t uir.ed have actually found tholr way Into sir
‘'—* ~i one hundred and silt*
i f tb* frovrrnnent, rhe
of which L*« tnu.Wccnff.lcreble exponas
ESI
STEAMBOAT INSFECTTON.
Inspection service on the 3uth day of Jnne, 1885.
as composed of 140 peraou*, iro Iu-ling officer*
clerks and mswengem. Tho expenses of tbu sar-
viee over tLr receipt* wt-rs f i38.n22.92 during
th« ttecol year. Tbe ei«cial in
spection of ft reign steam vc*»» 1*,
orKanixod under a law pu-t-ed in 18-J, w»- ina;n-
Utined during tbe year st an expense of $38,641.63.
Since the close of tbe fiscal year, roda.-tica* have
been made in the force employed, which will re
salt la a saving during tbe current year of f 19/vo,
without affecting tbe efficiency of the service.
THE MARINE HOSPITAL SEUVICP.
The Supervising Kuiv :i General report• that
during tbe fiscal year, 41,711 patient* have re
ceived relief through tho inarm hos
pital service, of whom 12. -oi wire
treated lo tho hospitals, and 28,911 at tho
Utopenssrlss. Active and effective S& rts have
been mads, through tho medium of thte
service to protect tbe country spinal
»u invasion of cholera, which ha* prevailed in
Spain and France, aud tbe small pox, whkh re
cently broke out in Canada.
THE LIFE-SAVINO FEBYICK.
Tbs most gratifying results have attended the
operations of the life-saving service daring the
last fiscal year. The ol-rvanro of
ths provision of law re., • 1 the
polntment of the^fom empl #]
l trie
result which may d i fideutiy be *vpe« t* .l
branch of poblic employment where such s rate k
a;>plied. As a cot:sequence this - rvi.-e i- * om, •
uf men well qualified for ths jicrf. nu t .
dengsronsaad exceptionally lnit-.rt %nt di ties. 'I h*
i:umber of eUti-m* in the c. u.i..n at t* cl#
of the year wa* M. Th.* number oi
disasters to vessel* and croft of all kb.-;* wiiblt
their field of action was 3*1. Tbe number of p-r
•oos endangered in such f teastera was %U0. «i
whom i,4M a era saved and ooly II tost Otb*
Uvas which were imperilled, though not by
tscs to skippiag, were also readied, and* uni
■mount of (rapg(y ■MMr
Thaw