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THE WEEKLY TELEGRAPH: TUESDAY. DECEMBER 11.1888-TWELVE PAGES,
AFFAIRS OF STATE.
President Cleveland's Mes
sage to Congress.
THE CHEAT NEtO OF TARIFF REFORM.
I -
Viutt Accnnitilntlom* * t l’rlvRt«TVfQltli Cre»
alius Cla»6t*a and Tlirrntroliis the
Stabtlitj of tlie lie pub tc-lhe
Danger of the Suri>lus.
K.rdot all but personal interests Id the re- management, recommended by tlmne well
7 ->«- l .»_ tu« i<onafitnf nthpm nn 1 iDforoicd is conUioing \aluable featur< * in
furtherance of the solut
of the Indian
fusalto abate for the benefit of others an
| pVobuSh.- thn.far failed of leglaiativ.
to controM^alation^itid improperly in.u- Unction, while mrt. «> doubtful ex-
Washington, Deo. 3.—The Preaident'a
message wc* transmitted to congress today,
and is aa follows:
To the Congress of the United Slatei:
Asjou aB-.cn ble for the discharge of the
duties you have assumed aa the represents*
tiyes of a free and generous people, your
meeting js marked by an interesting and
impressive incident. With the expiration
of the present session ot the congress, the
first century of our constitutional existence
aa a nation will be completed.
Our survival for one hundred years is not
sufficient to secure us, but we no longer
have dangers to fear in the maintenance,
with all its premis'd blessings, of a govern
ment founded upon the freedom of the
people. The time rather admonishes us to
soberly inquire whether in the past we have
always closely kept in the course of safety,
and whether we have before us a way plain
and dear which leads to happiness and per
petuity.
When the experiment of our government
was undertaken, the chart adopted for onr
guidance was the censtltution. Departure
from the lines there laid down is a failure.
It is only by a strict adherence to the direc
tion they indicate and by restraint within the
limitations they fix, that we cut furnish
proof to the world of the fitness of the
American people for self government.
Thd equal and exact justice of which we
boast as the underlying principle of our in-
dilutions, should not be confintd to the re
lations of ("”• oit iens to each other. The
governmetr i'self is under bond to the
American people that iu the exercise of its
functions and powers it will deal with ihe
body of our citizens in a in inner sernpu lously
honest and fair and absolutely just. It has
agreed that American citizenship shall be
the only credent! il necessary to justify the
claim of equality before the law and that no
condition in life shall give rise to discrimi
nation-in 'ho treatmejl of the people by
their government.
The eiux-n oi our republio in its early
days rigidly insisted upon full compliance
with the letter of thilbond, and saw stretch-
Inc out before him a cle*,r field for individ
ual endeaver. His tribute to the supportof
bis government was measured by the cost of
its economical maintenance, and he was
eoeure in the enjoyment of the remaining
recompense of his steady nod contented toil.
In those days tho frugality of the people
was stamped upon their government anti
was enforced by the free, tlioughtfnl and in
telligent suffrage of the citizens. Combina-
lions, monopolies and aggregations cf capi
tal were either ■ voided or sternly regulated
and restrained. The pomp anil glitter of
governments less free, oflered no temptation
anil presented no delusion to the plain people
who, side by side in friondly competition,
wrought for the enobiement and dignity of
man, lor the solution of the problem of free
government, and for the achievement of the
graud destiny awaiting tlio land which God
bad given them. A century has patted; our
aities are the abiding places of w»altliaud
luxury; our manufactories yield fortunes
never dreamed of by the fathers of the repub
lic; our business men are madly striving in
the rare for riches, and immense aggrega-
,, c .,pl„l outrun the imagination in
ths >>f their undertakings.
TIIR IlIBK OF CLASSICS.
We view with pride and satisfaction this
bright picture of our country’s growth and
prosperity, while only a closer scrutiny de
velops a somber shading. Upon more
careful inspection we find the wealth and
luxury of our cltiee mingled with poverty
and wretchedness and unremunerative toll.
A crowded and constantly incrca>iog urban
populalion'suggests the impoverishment ol
rural sections and discontentlwhh ngricuit
ural pursuits and the farmer’s son, not satis
fled witli ltis brother’s simple'.and labo
rious life, joins the eager
chase for eireiiy acquired wealth.
We discover that fortunes arc realized by
manufacture and no longer solely the re
ward ol sturdy industry and enlightened
foresight, hut that they result from the
discriminaiir g favor of government and are
largely built upon undue exactions from the
masses of our people, ibe gulf between
employes and the employer ia constantly
widening and classes are rapidly forming,
one comprising the very rich and powerful,
while in another are found the toiling poor,
As we view the achievements of aggre
gated capital, we discover tha existence of
trusts, combiuatiqns and monopolies, while
the citiren is struggling far in the rear,or ia
trampled to death beneath nu iron heel.
Corporations, which should be the carefully
restrsiaed creatures of the law and the
servants of the people, are fast becoming the
people’s masters. Still, congratulating our
selves upon the wealth and prosperity
of our country, and complacently
contemplating every incident of the
charge inseparable from these con
ditions, it is our duty as patriotic
citisens to inquire at the present stage of our
progre s how the bond of government made
with the peojde has been kept and per
formed.
Instead of limiting the tribute drawn from
our citiieua to the necessities of its economi
cal administration, the government persists
in exacting from the substance ot the people
millions which, unapplied and useless, lie
dormant in its treasury. This flagrant in-
juatice and this breach of faith and obliga
tion add to extortion the danger' attending
to control legislation and improperly
ence the aufftagei of the people.
The grievances of those not included
within the olrcle of these beneficiaries, when
fully realised, will surely arouse irritation
and discontent. Our farmers, long suffering
and patient, struggling iu the race of life
with the hardest and most unremitting toil,
will not fail to sec, in spite of misrepresen
tations and misleading fallacies, that they
are obliged to accept such prices for their
products as are fixed in foreign markets,
where they compete with the (armera of the
world; that their lands are declining in
value while their debts increase; and that,
without compensating favor, they are forced
by the action of the government to pay, for
the benefit of others, such enhanced prices
for the things they need that the scanty re-
turns of their labor fail to furnish their
support, or leave no margin for accunrula-
Our worklugmeu. enfranchised from all
delusions and no longer frightened by the
cry that their rages are endangered by a
just revision of our tariff laws, will reason*
ably demand through such revision steadier
employment, cheaper means of living in
their homes, freedom for themselves and
their children from the doom of perpetual
servitude, and an open door to their ad
vancement beyot d the limits of a laboring
class. Others of our citixens whose com
forts and expenditures are measured by
moderate salaries and fixed incomes will in
sist upon the fairness and justice of cheap
ening the cost of necessaries for themselves
and tneir families. When, to the selfishness
of the beneficiaries of unjust discrimination
under our laws, there shall be added the dis
content of those who Buffer from such dis
crimination, we will realize the fact that the
beneficent purposes of our government,
denendent upon the patriotism and con-
tei* ment of our people, are endangered.
Communism is a hateful thing, aud a
menace to peace Bnd organized government,
hat me coinrnu i-nr ol coiutimeil wealth and
capital, the outgrowth of overweening
cupidity and »<lfi»hness which insidiously
undermines the justice and integrity of free
institutions, is not less dangerous than the
coorntu-ism of oppressed poverty aud toil,
which, exasperated by injustice and discon
tent, attacks with wild disorder the citadel
of rule. ,
Ue*mo-ks the people who proposes that
the goverumeut shall protect the rich and
that they, in turn, will cire for the laboring
poor. Auy intermediary between the people
and theirgovernment or the least delegation
of the care and protection tire government
owes to the humblest oilizen* iu the land
makes the boast ot free institutions a glit
tering delusion and the pretended boon of
American citizenabip a shameless imposi
tion.
TARIFF REVISION.
A just and sensible revision of our
tariff laws should be made for the relief of
those of our countrymen who suffer under
present conditions. Such a revirion should
receive the support of all who love that jus
tice and equality due to American citizen
ship; of all who realize that in this justice
and equality our government finds its
strength and its power to protect that citi
zen and his property; of all who believe the
contented, competence and comfort of the
many accord better with the spirit of our
institutions than colossal fortuues unfairly
gathered in the hands of a few; of ail who
appreciate that forbearance and fraternity
among our people, which recognize the
value of every American interest, are the
surest guaranty of our national progress, and
ot all who desire to see the products of
American skill and ingenuity in every mar
ket of the world with a resulting restoration
’ American commer. c.
The necessity of the reduction of our rev
enue is so apparent as to bo Igenerrlly con
ceded, but the means by which tins end
shall be accomplished, aud thesuui of direct
benefit which shall result to our citizens
present a controversy of the ntmost Impor
tance There should be no scheme accepted
as satisfactory by which the burdens ot the
-•--i- «nl. rsir.r.ved. Ex
travagant appropriations of public money,
with all their demoralizing consequences,
should not be tolerated, either as a means of
relieving Ihe treasury ol its present surplus or
as furnishing a pretext for resisting a proper
reduction iu tariff rates. Existing evils and
injustice tho old be honestly recognized,
boldly met and eflectually remedied. There
should be no cessation of the struggle until
a plan is perfected, fair and conservative to
ward existing industries, but which will re
duce the cost to consumer* of the necessa
ries of life, while it provide! for our manu
facturers the advantage of freer raw mate
rials and-permit* no injury to the interests
of American labor. The cause for which the
battle ia waged is comprised within lines
clearly and distinctly defined. It should never
be compromired, for it is the people’s cause.
It cannot be deoied that the selfish and
private intereata which ure ao persistently
heard when efforts are made to dent in a
just and comprehensive manner with our
tariff laws are related to, if they are not
responsible for the sentiment largely pre
vailing among the people, that the general
government lathe fountain of individual
and private aid, that it may be expected to
relieve with paternal care the distress of
citizen! and communities and that from the
fullness of its treasury it should, upon the
slightiBt possible pretext ot promoting the
general good, apply public funds to lb
benefit ot localities aud Individuals. Nor can
it be denied that there is n glowing
assumption that, as ag tinst the government
and in favor of private claims and interesta,
the usual rules and limitations of business
principles and just dealing should be
waived. These ideas have been unhappily
much encouraged by legislative acquies
cence. Helief from contracts made with the
government is too easily accorded in favor
of the citizen. The failure to support claims
against the government by proof is often
supplied by no better consideration than the
wealth o( the government and the poverty
of the claimant; gratuities ia the form of
pensions are granted upon no other real
ground than the needy condition ot the ap
plicant, or (or reasons less valid, and large
sums are expended for public buildingsaud
other improvements upon representations
scarcely claimed to be related to public
needsand nccesrities. The extent to which
pediency to railroad corporations, per
milting them to pass through Indian
reservations, have greatly multiplied.
The propriety aud necessity of the erection
of one or more prisons for the confinement
of United Slates couvicta, and a poitofli#
building iu the national capital are not
disputed, but these needs yet remain tin
answered, while scores of public budding.-
disorder and bloodshed. Tbs titular gov
eminent of President Salomon has been
forcibly overthrown arid he driven out of
in'ee
have been erected where their ^necessity tor n t e rcourse in this
' I the government of
well 1 t'on of the treaty,‘i now azain invoke the
' earnest and immeilinte attention of the con
gress to (he condition of this important
question as it now stands before them ai .1 t co „, ltrv t0 France, where he has '.Inb
the country and fir the settlement of which , Ti , e ‘ teollr(! of ’ ,, ower hn , been „
I am deeply solicitous. unstable amid the war factions that Imv
DISMISSAL OF 9ACRVILLE.
Near the close of tho month of October
last occurrences of a deeply regrettable
natnre were brought to my knowledge which
made it my painful but imperative duly to
obtain, with us little delay ns possible, a
new personal channel of (liplonmtio
country' with
FU w..v r -., .. . ,»,MM — Orest Britain.
aion or our pension laws coulu easily ! e ; The correspondence in relation to this loci-
“C” | dent will in due courte be laid before you
public purposes is not apparent,
aion ot our pension laws could
made, which would rest upon just | ...
des and provide forevery worthy applican t, fllu j w jj| Ji st .| 0ie the unpardonable conduct
jut while confuied and imperfect,^hunur*--is o g} 0 ; a | referred to in his interference,
of private pension law* are annually pss-ed
which are the soutces of unjust dia-
crimination and popular demoralization.
Appropriation bills for the support of the
government are defaced by items and pro
visions to meet private ends, and it is freely
asserted by responsible and experienced
parties that a bill appropriating money for
1 ..LI! - !.r«.nal U'Oliltl f.'Lll tO
Ly advice and couuse), with tbs suffrages of
American citizens in the very crisis of tbe
prtsideiilia! election, then near at hand, and
also in his subsequent public declarations to
justify bis action, superadding impugn
ment of tho executive and Senate
of the United States in connection
with important questions now pending iu
public internal improvement would ffitl to con t rov e"rsv between the two governmental
meet with favor unless it contained itemi | *jq ie 0 fl ens £ tb u » committed was most grave,
more for local and private advantage than j involving disastrous possibilities to the
for public benefit. These statements can be I B00( j re | a t ong D f the United States
much emphasized by an ascertainment of g rea t Hritain, constituting a gross brea
the proportion of federal legislation, which '
either bears upon its face its private char
acter, or which, upon examination, develops
such a motive power.
The people wait and expect from their
chosen representatives such patriotic action
as will advance the welfare of the entire
country, and this expectation can only be
answered by the performance of public duty
with unselfish purposes. Our mission
among the nations of the earth nml our
and
breach ol
diplomatic privilege and an evasion of tbe
purely domestic affairs and essential aover-
eignty of the government to which the
envoy was accredited. Having first ful
filled the just demands of international
comity by affording full opportunity for
her majesty's government to net in relief of
the situation, I considered prolongation of
the discussion to be unwarranted and there
upon declined to further recognize the
diplomstio character of the person
success in accomplishing the work God has , w j 10Je con t[ nuan ce in such a function
given the American people to do require •>! | wou u destroy that mutual confidence which
those intrusted with the making ami execu-, esse ntial to the good understanding of the
tion of our laws perfect devotion, above all • w0 governments and was inconsistent with
wo governments
the welfare and self respect of the govern-
other things, to the publio good, HH
reserving CONSTITUTIONAL LIMITATIONS. m ent of the United States. The usual inter-
This devotion will lead ns to Btrengly re-' change of communication has since con
st all impatience of constitutional limita-j tin'ied through her majesty’s legation in
sist all impatience
tiona of the federal powerand to persistently
: this city.
My endeavors to establish, international
check the increasing tendency to extend the co operation, measures for the prevention of
scope of federal legislation into the domain | the extermination of fur seats in Behring
, I Ihn nlan ■« have no been relaxed, and I have hopes
of state and local jnrls'Uetion ap'm the plM j o( ena bi c d shortly to’ submit an effect-
of aubservjngthe publl^velfafe. Jheprtonr- RIlJ „ t Lfactory conventional project
with the maritime powers for the approval
of the Senate.
The coast boundary between our Alas
vation of the partitions between proper sub-
jetta of federal and local care' nml regula
tion is of such importance under the con
stitution. which is the law ot our very ex
istence that tire consideration of expediency
or sentiment should not tempt us to enter
ipon doubtful grounds. We have undertaken
. j dis-ovgr and proclaim the richest bless
ings of a free government with the constitu
tion ns our guide, and let ns follow the way
it points out. It will not mislead us, nnd,
surelv, uo one who has taken upon himself
the solemn obligation to support mid pre
serve the constitution can find justification
or solace for disloyalty in the excuse that
he wandered and disobeyed in search of a
better way to reach the republic’s welfare
than the constitution oilers.
What has been aaid ia deemed not inap
propriate at a time when, from n century’s
light, we view the way already trod by the
American people and attempt to discover
their future path. The seventh President of
tile United States, the soldier and statesman,
and at all times the fim and brave friend of
the people, in vindication of his course as
the protector of popular rlpbts and the
champion of true American citizenship, de
clared; “Tho ambition which leads me on
i.s nn anxious desire and a
determination to restore to
people, unimpaired, tho sarreil trust
they have conhded to my charge to heat i-c
wounds of the constitution and preserve it
from further violations; to persuade tny
countrymen, so far aa I may, that it ia not
in a splendid government, supported by
uowerfui monopolies and miatocraticai cs
.abllshments, that they will find happiness
or their liberties protection, but in n plain
system, void of pomp, protecting all anil
granting favors to none, dispensing its bless-
tugi like the dews of heaven, unseen and
unl'lt save in the freshness and beauty they
contribute to produce. It Is such a govern
ment that the genius of our’people requires,
remain for ages to come united, prosperous
and free.”
the diversion of the currency of th« conn
u> from tbe legitimate channels of business.) the wuitatttai of suck matters suhordi
Under the same laws by which theae results I natea an j postpones action upon subjects of
are produced, the government perml'smany „ reat public importance, but involving no
millions mere to be added to tbe coat of the | ineeial. nrlvata or partisan interests, should
living ol onr people anu to oe taken irom
our coLsumera, aud which unreaaonablr
swell the profits of a small but powerful
minority. The people must still be taxed
for tbe supportof the government tinder the
opertion ot urifi laws, but to the extent that
the iiiaee of citizens are inordinately bur-
den id beyond any useful public purpose and
for the benefit of a favored few, the govern-
mtnt, under pretext of an exercise of its
taxing power, enters gratuitously into part
nership with the«e favorites to their advant
age and to the injury of avast majority ol
our people. T tiin is nut equality before the
law. Tr.e « xisling situation ia Injurious to
the health of onr entire body politic. It
stifles in tlm«e for who>e benent it is per
mitted all pstriolic love of country, and
substitutes in its place selfish greed
end grasping avarice. Davotion
American crtuciisblp for * its own
s ke, and for what it should accomplish as a
motive to cur nation's advancement and the
bappinera of all our people, ia dhplaced by
the a.-uniption that the government, instead
of being the emboliiceoi of (quality, ia but
an instrumentality tbrongh which especial
individual advantages are to be gained.
The arrojanoe of this assumption is un
concealed. It appears in the sordid dure-
arrest attention and lead to reformation.
NEGLECT OF FBULIC INTERESTS.
A few of the numerous illustrations of
this condition may be stated. The crowded
condition of the calendar of the supreme
court, and the delay of suitors and denial
of justice resulting therefrom,, has been
strongly urged upon the attention of the
congress with a plan for^he relief of the sit-
nation approved by those well able to judge
of it* merits. While this subject remains
witbont effective consideration, many laws
h*Te been parsed providing for the holding
of termi of inferior courts at places to suit
the convenience of localities, or to lay (he
foundation of an application for
the erection of new public buildings.
Repeated recommendations have been aub-
milted for the amendment and change of the
lawa relating to our public lands aothat their
spoliation and diversion to other uses than
a* homes for honest aettierr might he pre
vented. Whiles measure to meet thia con
ceded necessity of reform remains nwailing
the action of coDgresr, many elaima to the
public lands and applications for their dona-
tion in favor of states and individuals have
been allowed. A plan in aid of Indian
FOREIGN RELATIONS.
In pursuance of a constitutional provision
reqnlriqg the President from time to time to
give to the 'congress information of the
state of the union, 1 have the satisfaction to
announce that the close of the yenr finds
the United b'tateain the enjoyment of domes
tic tranquility nml at peace with ail nations.
Since my lost annual message our foreign
relations have been strengthened nnd im
proved by the perfomuuie of international
good offices and by uew and renewed treat
ies of amity, commerce and recipro
cal extradition of crihiiDHl«.
Tnose int. rmitiotml questions which still
await settlement are all reasonably within
tlm domaiu of amicable negotiation and
there is uo existing subject of dispute be
tween tbe United States and any foreign
power that is not, susceptible of sat
isfactory adjustment by frank, diplomatic
treatment. The questions between Great
Britain and the United States relating to
the rights of American fishermen, under
treaty and international comity, in the
territorial waters of Canada and New
foundland, I regret to say, are
not yet satisfactorily adjusted.
These matters were fully treated in my '..es-
asge to tlie Senate of February 30, 1888, to
gether with which a convention, concluded
under ray authority, with her majesty's gov
ernment on the 16th of February last, for
the removal of all causes of misunderstand
ing war submitted by me for tlie approval of
tlie Senate. Thia treaty having been re
jeoted by the Senate, I transmitted a urn
sage to the congress on the 23d of August
last, reviewing the transactions for legisla
tion concerning the important questions in
volved. Afterward, ou the 12th of Septem
ber, in response to a resolution of the Sen
ate, 1 again communicated fully all the in
formation in my posscaaion os to tlie
action of the government ot Caundu
affecting the commercial relations be
tween the Dominion mi the UuH
States, including the treatment of American
fishing vessels in the porta and waters of
British North America. These communica
tions have all been published ami heretofore
opened to the knowledge of both houses of
congress, although two were addressed tc
the Senate alone. Comqieiri upon or repeti
aud 1 am not aware that anything lias since
occurred which should be added to the
facta therein stated. Therefore, I merely
reprat, aa applicable to the present time,
the statement which will be found in iny
message to tbe Senate of Sept, 2, lost, “That
since March 3, 1887, no case has been re
ported to the Department of Slate wherein
complaint has been made of unfriendly or
unlawful treatment of American fishing ves
sels on the part of tbe Canadian authorities
to which reparation was not promptly ||M
satisfactorily obtained by the United States
consul-general at Halifax.”
Having C--.IIC 1 iu the -li-clurge of my
duty to procure by negotiation the settle-
111, lit <■(;. long v;ai..iii g Ilf dispute ami
I" a - -i.-t.u t i..-i a-e lo li e goml
relations of the two countries, and continu
ing to be of opinion that the treaty of Feb
ruary last, which failed to receive the
approval of the Senate did sappy **a sty
factory, practical and final adjustment upon
a basis honorable and just t>> both parties of
the difficult and vexed qoeM.on to which it
related.” end having eatj.-eq leatly and una-
vailin-gly commended other legislation
to congress which I bn* r-d Wi.ul-I suffice
to meet the exigency created by the rejeo-
kan possessions ami British Colombia, I
regret to sav, has not received the attentiou
demanded by its importance, and which,
on several occasions heretofore, 1 have had
the honor to recommend to the Congress.
Thendmitted impracticability, if not impos
sibility ot making an accurate and precise
survey nnd demarkation of the boundary
line as it is recited in the treaty with Russia
under which Alaska was ceded to the United
States, renders it absolutelyrequisite for the
prevention of national jurisdictional corapli-
eations that any adequate appropriation for
a reconnoiaaance anil survey to obtain
proper knowledge of the locality and the
geographical features of the boundary should
be authorized by congress with as little de
lay ns possible. Tlie knowledge to be only
thus obtained is an essential requisite for
negotiation for ascertaining a common
boundary, as preliminary to auy other mode
of settlement.
It is much to be desired that some agree
ment should be reached with her majesty’s
government by which, the damages to life
. nn.l nrnnartv on the great lakes may be
u alleviated by removing, or humanely rele-
lne gating, the obstacles to reciprocal assistance
to wrecked or stranded vessels. The act of
June 19,1878, which oilers to Canadian ves
sels free access to cur inland waters in aid
of wrecked or disabled vessels, has not yet
become effective, through concurrent action
by Canada.
The due protection of our citizens ot
French origin or descent from claim of
niilitary service in tlie event of their return
ing to or visiting France, lias called fortli
the correspondence which was laid before
you nt the last session. In tlie absence of a
conventional agreement as to naturalization,
which is greatly to he desired, this govern
ment sees no occasion to recede fram the
second position it has maintained, uO* only
with regard to France, butaa to alt countries
with which tlie United States have not con
cluded special treaties.
Twice within the last year has the impe
rial household of Germany been visited by
■bath, nnd I have hastened to express tlie
sorrow of this people and their appreciation
of the lofty character of the late aged Em-
peror William, and their aympathy with the
heroism under suffering of his son, the late
Emperor Frederick.
I renew my recommendation of two years
ago f< r the passage of a bill for the refund
ing to certain German steamship lines of the
' itert-ft unnii tonnngedues Illegally exacted.
On the l'Jtli of April last I laid before the
House of Representatives full information
respecting onr in eresla in tjamoi, uml in
subsequent correspondence on the lime
abject, which will be laid before you In due
course, the history of events in those iilauds
will be found.
NEGOTIATIONS WITH CHINA.
In a message accompanying my approval
i the first day of October lait, of a bill for
the exclusion of Chinese laborer*, I laid
before congress full information and all cor-
esimnilence touching #he negotiation of the
treaty with China concluded at thia capital
on the 12th day of March, 1888, nnd which,
having been confirmed by the Senate with
certain amendments, was rejected by tbe
Chinese government. This message con*
mined a recommendation that a sum of
maney be appropriated as compensation to
Chinese subjects who had suffered Injuries
at tbe hands of lawless men within the juris
diction of the United States. Such appro
priation having been duly made, the fuu'l
awaits reception by the Chinese government.
It is sincerely hoped that by the cessation
of-the influx of this class of Chinese sub
jects, in accordance with the expressed
wish of both governments, n cause of un
kind feeling &• been permanently removed.
On the 9th of August, 1887,' notification
was given by the Japanese minister at this
capiial of the adjournment of the confer
ence for the revision of the treaties of Japan
with foreign power* owing to the objection
of his government to the provision in ‘he
draft of tlie juris fictional convention which
required the submission- of tlie criminal
code of ihe empire to the powers in advance
of its becoming operative, This notification
wa« however, accompanied with an
assurance of Japan’s intention _ to
continue tile work o'
Notwithstanding this temporary interrnp.
tion of negotiations, it ts hoped that im
provements may soon he secured in the juris
dictional syteni as respects foreigners in
Japan and relief afforded that countrv from
the prt sent undue and oppressive foreign
c ntrol in matters of commerce. 1 earnestly
recommend that relief be proviled for tho
fniurie* ne,-id -ntally caused to Japanese sub-
jects 111 tlie iBlaml of lklsima by the target
practice of one of ourvessels.
A (liplom itic mi.-sion from Corea has been
received ami the formal intercouiae between
the two countries contemplated by the
treaty of 1882 is now established. I.egisia
have
ucd si ce tbe expulsion of [’resident
Salomon, that no government constituted
by the will of the Haytian people has been
recognized as administering responsibly the
nil tils „f that country. Our n-piv ., ut’i.ivo
has been instructed to abstain iro-t inter
ference between thn warring factions ami a
vessel of our navy has been scuj lo Haytian
waters to sustain our mini-ter and for the
protection of the persons aud property of
American citizens. Due prerauiious have
been taken to enforce our neutrality Jaws
nnd present our territory from becoming
the base of military supplies for either of
the warring factions. Uodcr color of a
blockade of which no reasonable notice had
been given, and which does not
appear to have been effioiently maintained,
a seizure of vessels under the American Q'g
has been reported, and, iu consequence,
measures to prevent and redress any moles
tation of our innocent merchantmen have
been adopted.
Proclamation was duly ma ie on the 9th
day of November, 1887, of the conventional
extensions of the treaty of June 3, 1876,
with Hawaii, under which relations of suoli
special and beneficent intercourse have been
created, in the field of Oriental commerce
now unfolded from onr Pacific bordeis, that
no feature presents stronger recommenda
tions for congressional action than he es
tablishment of communication by submarine
telegraph with Honolulu. The geograph
ical position of tbe Uawniinn group iu rela
tion to our Pacific states, crentes a natural
inter dependency and mutuality of interest
which our present treaties were intended to
foster, and which make close communica
tion a logical and commercial necessity.
RELATIONS WITn MEXICO.
The wisdom of concluding a treaty of
commercial reciprocity with Mexico has
been heretofore stated ia my messages to
congress, and the lapse of time and the
growth of commerce with that close neighbor
aod sister republic, confirm the judgme.it so
expressed. The precise re location of onr
bound try line is needful, and an adequate
appropriation is now recommended. It is
.with sincere satisfaction that I ain enabled
to advert to the spirit of good neighborhood
and friendly co operation and conciliation
that has marked the correspondence and
uction of the Mexican authorities in their
share of tlie task ia mtiotaioing law and
order about the line of our common boundary.
The long-peuding boundary dispute be
tween Costa Rica and Nicaranga was re
ferred to uiy arbitration, and by an award
made ou March 22, last, the question has
been finally settled to tbe expressed sitis-
furtion of both of the parties in interest.
The empire ot Brazil, in abolishing Ihe last
vestige of slavery among Christian nations,
called forth tbe earnest congratulations of
the government in expression of the cordial
sympathies of our people.
The claims of nearly all other countries
agalust Chili, growing out of her late war
with Bolivia anil I’ertf , have been disposed
of tiilicr bya-bitration or-by a lump set
tlement. Similar claims of our citizens will
continue to ke urged upon the Chilian
government and, it is hoped, will not be sub-
jeetto further delay.
A comprehensive treity of amity nnd com-
rnerce with Peru was proclaimed on Nov. 7
last, and it is expected that under its opera-
tion mutual prosperity and good understand-
a.ill Kn nrnmntpd. In pursuance of the
policy of arbitration, a treaty to settle the
claim" of Santos, nn American citizen, against
Ecuador has been concluded under my
authority and will be duly submitted for the
approval of the Senate.
A like disposition of the claim oi Carlos
Butterfield against Denmark and of Van
Iiokelen against Ilayti will probably be
made, and I trust the principle of such set-
dements may be extended iu practice under
the approval oi tlie Nenate. Through un.
foreseen causeH foreign to the will of both
governments the ratification of tho conven
tion of Dec. 5,1835, with Venezuela for the
rehearing of elaima of citizens of the United
States under the treaty of 18(iC failed of ex
change within the term provided and a sup-
piementary convention, further eitendtsg
the lime for exchange of ratifications and
explanatory of nn ambignoua provision of
the prior convention, now awaits
the advice and consent of the Senate.
Although this matter, in the stago referred
to, concerns only the concurrent treaty-
making power of one branch of Congress,
I advert to it in view of the interest repeat
edly and conspicuously shown by yon in
your legislative capacity, in favor of a
speedy and equitable adjustment of the
question! growing out ot the diacredited
judgment* of the prevloui mixed conimia-
aion of Caracas. With every de«lre o do
justice to the representations of Vemzuela
in this regard, the time seems to have come
to end thia matter, and 1 trust the prompt
confirmation by both ptrllet of the aupple-
mental action referred to will avert >he need
of legislative or other action to prevent the
longer withholding of auch righ • of actual
claimants aa may bs shown to exist.
CONOBB-SS OF AMERICAN NATIONS.
As authorized by thee ngreas, preliminary
steps have been taken for the assemblage nt
the capital, during the c&ming year, of the
representatives ot youth aud Central
American states, together with those of
Mexico, Hajti and San Domingo to discuss
sundry important monetary and commercial
topics, excepting those cases where, from
reas ns ol contiguity of territory and Ihe
existence of a common border line, incapable
of being guarded, reciprocal commercial
treaties wav he found expedient.
It is believed that commercial pnlicifi
inducing few mutual exebauge of products
can he nioit advantageously arranged by In-
dependent bat co-operative legislation. In
the mode last mentioned the control of our
taxation for revenue will be always retained
iu our own hands, unreatrlcted by conveu
tional agreements with other government*
In eonfor oily with congressional author-
ity the maritime powers nave been invited
to confer in Washington in April next, upon
the practicability of devising uniform rales
nd measures for tbe greater security of life
nnd property at sea. A disposition to accept
on the part of a number of tbe powers li-s
already been manifested, and if the co oper
ation of the nations chiefly interested shall
lie secured, important results may be confi
deutly anticipated.
The act ol Juue 16th, 18:1, and the acts
amendatory thereof in relation to tonnage
duties, have given rise to extended corre-
eponaeace wuii lurcigu uauvuo •»»*** «••*«»
wc have existing treaties of navigation and
commerce, and have caused wide aid re-
grettnble divergence of opinion in relation to
the imposition of the duties referred to.
These questions are important, and I shall
make them the object of a special and more
detaih d communication at the present sea-
t on.
IMMIGRATION AND NAVIGATION.
complications of aserlou, natvra arise
the corrwpondence of the S hi Departnent
discloses tli« great number and complexitv
of the questions which hive been raised
Our laws regulating issue of
should be carefully revised and the i.-Li-uf
tion of a central bureau ot registration n t
in pl,a 18 a ? am r *' ronEly r * eoin “tended.
By this means tlie full particulars of each
case of naturalization in the United States
would be secured and properly indexed and
recorded and thns nra-ry can s of spurious
eltlneoihin would be detects I and unjust
rcsimustbilitl'B would be avoided. J
Ihe re-organization oi the consularaervioe
is a matter of serio s importance to our
national interesta. The number of existioi?
principal consular offices is h iievol to be
greater than is at all necessary for the con.
duot of the public buriuesj. ft need not be
our policy to maintain more than a moderate
numuer of principal offices, each supported
by asalary Miflicient to enable the incumbent
to live in comfort, and so distributed as to
secure the convenient supervision, through
subordinate agencies, of affairs over a can-
aulerable <ii-trict.
I repeat the recommendations heretofore
made by me: That the app opriationsforthe
maintenance of our diplomatic and consular
service should be recast; thit the so-called
notarial or unofficial fees, which our repre-
teut.itives abroad are now permitted to treat
as personal pe quisites,should be forbidden-
that a system ol coLsular ioa^ection shonlii
be instituted, and that a limited Lumber of
secretaries of legation at large should be
authorized.
Preparations for the centennial cel .brauon
on April 30, 1889, of the inauguration of
Oeorge Washington as President, hav-
ing been made by a voluntary
organization of citizens of this
locality, and believing that an opportunity
should be afforded for the expression of the
intere't felt throughout the country in this
event, I respectfully recommend fitting and
co-operative measures bv congress on behalf
of the people of the Uuited States.
FINANCIAL AFPAIBE.
The report of the Secretary of the Treas
ury exhibits in detail the condition of our
national finances and the operation of the
several brauchc i of the government related
to his department. The total ordintry rev*
enues of the government for the fiscal year
endiog June 30, 1881, amounted to $379,.
266.078.76, of which $2i0,091,173.63 vis
received from customs duties and $123,.
296,871 93 from internal revenue taxes.
The total receipts from all sources exceeded
thoie for the b-cal year ending June 30,
1887, by $7,802,797.10. The ordiuaiy ex
penditures of the government for tlie fiscal
year ending June 30, 1888, were $250,653,-
938.67, leaving a eurplns of $119612,116.09.
The decrease in these expenditures, as oom-
aared with the fiscal year ending June 30,
18-17, was $8,278,221.30, notwithstanding tbe
payment of the gum of $5,COO,000 far pen
sions in excess of what was paid for that
purpose in the latter mentioned year. The
revenues of the government for the yesr end*,
ing June 30, 1889, based upon receipts
up to sept. 30,1838, and estimated for the
remainder of the period, amount to $377,-
000,000, an I the actual and estimated
ordinary expenditures for the same jear
are $273,(00,100, leaving an estimaetd sun
plus ef 8164,000,000.
The foreg dug statements of the surplus
do not take into account the sum necessary
to be expended to meet the requirements of
the sinking fund act, amounting to more
than $47,000/00 acnuslly.
The cost of collecting the customs reve
nues for the last fiscal year waa 2.44 per
cent. Fortheveai 1883 it waa 3.77 percent
The excess of "internal revenue taxes col
lected during the last fiscal year over those
collected for Ihe year ended Jure 30, 1887,
was $5,489,174.26, and the cost of colliding
this revenue decreased from 3.4 per cent.
1887 to less than 3.2 per cent, for the
last year, ihe tax collected on oleumsigw-
wa» $723,918 04 for ihe year ending June
I«tl7, .od’*801,130 as lo» is. follnwi, g
year.
PURCHASE OF BONUS.
The requirements of the sinking fnnd act
have been met for the yesr ended June JO,
183?, and for the current yenr also, by the
purchase of bonds. Alter coiapijing with
this law aa positively required and bonds
sufficient for that purpose had been bought
at premium, it was not deemed prudent to
go further, as the expend to do so
should be more explicit. A resolution, how
ever, having been parsed bv both Houses ot
congresa, removiug all doubt ns to execu
tive authority, duily purchases of bonds
were commenced on the 23rd day of April,
1888, and have continued until the present
time. By thit plan bauds of the govern
ment not yet due have been purchased op
to and i eluded the 30th day of November,
1884, amounting to $04,700,-400, the premium
paid thereon amounting to $17,608,613-08.
The premium added to the pnuoipal ot
these bonds represent an inveitments yield-*
ing about 2 per cent, interest for the time
they still bad to run, and tho savirg to the
government represented hv tlie difference
between the amount of interest at 2 per
cent, upon tlie sum paid for principal and
premium, nnd what would have l-anl for
interest at the rate specified in the bonds It
they had run to their matunty. la abou
$27,165,600. At firit sight this would
seem to be a profitable ami
tranaaction on tho part of the govern
ment, but, aa suggested bv the
Secretary oi the Treasury, tho
expended for tlie purchase of bonds"**
money drawn from the ptopl* lo «***“•
auv actual need of the government nnd was
so expended rather than “ lloVi ‘{•.'££
idle In the treasury. If j
tlie operation ol justand eqoilablo laws ha
been left to the bands of the people it
would have been worth, in their bwaltows
least, 6 percent, per annum. Deducting
from the amouut of lutereatou tlie pn P*
aud premium of theae bond* tor tka^*
they had to run at the rate of
the saving of 2 per cent made for the peopi
bv purchase of said bonds, the loss will ap
pear to be $55,760,COO. ile [i'on*
Thi. calculation would aeem to’
atrate that if exesove and uocecusirf
taxation is continued and the 8°”''““ “ j|r ,
forced to pursue thia policy of .1'“ . ,|j
l a own bond* at the premiums which it
be necess.-ry to pay, the !o»» to t
will be hundred* of million* , keB
live provision is hereby recommended to their careful revision. Th<
organize and equip consular cour.a in Corea, guarded manner iu winch
Persia ha* established diplomatic repre- American citizentbip can i.
Mentation at this capital, and has evinced has induced a cla-*, imfoi
very great interest iu the enterprise and A avail themielves • ( the opportunity to he
achievements of our citizens. I am, there- i come absolved from allegiance_to their native
With the rapid Increase of immigration
to our shores and the facilities of modern
travel, abuses of the generous privileges
afforded by onr naturalization laws call for
# * ■’ The ezsy and un
it certificates oi
now be ebtained
lias induced a cla-"*, unfortunately large,
opeful that beneficial commercial land, and yet by a foreign residence to es-
between the two countries may be cape any Jnff duty and contribution of serv
ice to Ihe co mtiy of their proposed adop
tion. Thu* while evading the duties of tbe
.7". .n.m United Stales, they may °«k* prompt eUim
I announce with sincere regret that liayti ; or uU l >si| pmtertioa aod demand its tn-
las agdui become the -.heater of in-urrection, ttrventiun in their behalf. International
fore,
relat
brought ah nit.
HKI7.UBF8 Ol HAVTI.
Since the purchase ot bonds was Wjdertak*®
as mentioned, nearly .11 hiat-hive Wen
offered were nt ln>t accepted- J. I t
made quite apparent that the gov . j_
waa in danger of b*>“f !>7
tlie instance cited by the secretary <d
offering of bonds of which the pa t (, a
$326,000 ao often tb it the aggregate 11 ^j
aums demanded for iheirpurchaa
to more than $10,TOW*W. na ;j 0 ut
Notwithstanding the large , h ,
in the purchase ol bond*, »»• ■“JT' ’ is88,
treasury on the SOth day ’ghoul
was $,,2,233,010 01 » f " r , <> f
$20,000,000 jnst drawn ont tor pajm*
pension*.
SILVER COINAGE.
At the close of the fiscal J'» r , enik , d
30, 1887, there had been coined ^on
compulsory silver coinage
mii-air*, fur tlie rcd< nq-’-ion j
dollars to that amount were lie ^• or enibc r i
coined, and *0,-
dolls** wre actually >“
...ent. On tlie 30:h
a It1fi70d60 had b>
-.1*90 of tbe ailv JJ! “
lircuiath
md $237,414
grtificale*-