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About The Rockdale banner. (Conyers, Ga.) 1888-1900 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 10, 1896)
Cleveland’s Last Regular Conv munication to Congress. HO HOPE FOE STRUGGLING CUBANS Interference by Oar Government Not Recommended—Settlement of Che Ven¬ ezuelan Dispute Referred to—Turkish ! Affairs Still In a Very Rad Condition. Progress Made In Civil Service Reform. To the Congress of the United States; As representatives of the people in the legislative branch of this government, jou the have assembled at a time when strength and excellence of our free institu¬ tions and the fitness of our citizens to en¬ joy popular rule have been again made manifest. A contest momen¬ tous consequences fraught with feverish apprenheusion.and creating aggressiveness so intense as to approach bitterness and passion has been waged through our land, and determined by the decree of free and independent suffrage, without disturbance of our tranquility or the least sign of weakness in our national structure. OUR RELATIONS WITH TURKEY. At the outset of a reference to the more important matters offending our relations with foreign powers, it would afford m« satisfaction if I could assure the congress that the disturbed condition in Asiatic Turkey had during the past year assumed a less nideous and bloody of aspect, the awakening and that either ns a consequence of the Turkish government to the demands of human civilization as is the result oi decisive action on the part of the great na¬ tions having the right by treaty to inter fere for the protection of those cruel exposed fanati¬ to the rage of mad bigotry and situa¬ cism, the shocking features of the wel¬ tion had been mitigated. Instead of coming, a softened disposition or pro¬ tective intervention, we have been afflicted by the continued and destruction not infrequent of and reports the of wanton home butchery of men, women and children, made martyrs to their profession of Chris¬ tian faith. While none of our citizens in Turkey have thus far been killed oi¬ wount led, though often in the midst of dreadful scenes of danger, their safety in the future is by home no means assured. minister Our government at and our at Constantinople have missionaries left nothing Ottoman undone to protect our in territory, who constitute nearly all the in¬ dividuals residing there who have a right to claim our protection on the score of American citizenship. Our efforts in this fe aroused amouug our people ought not to so far blind their reason and judgment as to lead them to demand imposible things. The outbreaks of blind fury which lead to denly murder and without pillage notice, in Turkey and occur sud¬ and an attempt on our part to force such a host ile presence there as might he effective for prevention or protection would not only be resisted be by the regarded Ottoman government, but of would their plans by as an interruption who their the great nations assert exclusive right to intervene in their own time and method for the security of life and property in Turkey. Several naval vessels are stationed in the Mediteranean as a measure of caution and to furnish of all possible relief and refuge in case emergency. We have made claims against the Turk¬ ish government for the pillage and de¬ struction of missionary property at liar poot aud Marash during uprisings at those places. Thus far the validity of these demands has not been admitted, though our min¬ ister. prior to such outrages and in antici¬ pation of danger, demanded protection for the persons and property of our mission¬ ary citizens in the localities mentioned, and notwithstanding that strong evidence exists of actual complicity of Turkish sol¬ diers in the work of destruction Ibw and rob¬ bery. The facts as they appear do not permit us to doubt the justice of these claims and their nothing will be omitted to bring atsmt prompt settlement. A number of Armenian refugees having nrrived at our ports, an order has lately been obtained from the Turkish children govern¬ ment permitting the wives and of such hoped refugees hereafter to join obstacle them will here. be inter¬ It is no posed to prevent the escajgs of all those who seek to avoid the perils which threaten them in Turkish dominion. Our recently appointed consul to Erze rum is at his office, post and discharging the duties of his though for some un¬ accountable reason his formal exequ&ter from t he sultan has not been issued. I do not believe that the present somber pros¬ pect in Turkey will be long permitted to offend the sight of Christendom. It so mars the humane and enlightened civili¬ zation that belongs to the close of the nineteenth century that it seems hardlv possible that th • earnest demand of good people throughout the Christian world fot its corrective treatment will remain un¬ answered. NO HELP FOR THE CUBANS. The insurrection in Cuba still continues with all its perplexities. It is difficult to perceive that any pro¬ gress has thus far been made towards tht pacification of the island or that the situa¬ tion of affairs ns depicted in my last an¬ imal message has in the least improved. If Spain still holds Havana and the sea¬ ports and all the considerable towns, tht insurgents still roam at will over at least two-thirds of the inland country. If the determination of Spain to put down the insurrection seems but t< strengthen with the lapse of time, and is evinced by her unhesitating devotion ol largely the increased there military and naval forcei to task, is much reason to be lie ye that- the insurgents have gained it point of numbers aud character and re¬ sources. and are none the less inflexible in their resolve not to succumb, without practically which securing the great objects fot they took up arms. If Spain has not yet re-established her authority, nei¬ ther have the insurgents yet made good their title to be regarded as an independ¬ ent state. Indeed, as the contest has gom on_. the pretense that civil government exists on the island, except so far as Spain Is able to maintain it, has been practically abandoned. Spain does keep on foot such a govern¬ ment. more or less imperfectly, in the large towns aud their immediate suburbs. But. that exception being made, the entire country is either given over to an orchy, or is subject to the mili¬ tary occupation of one or the othei party. It is reported, indeed on reliable authority, mander-in-chief that at of the demand of the com¬ the insurgent army the putative ( uban government has now giver tip all attempt to exercise its functions, leaving that government confessedly (what there Is the best reason for supposing it always to have been in fact), a government merely on paper. Were the Spanish the armies able to meet their antagonists in open, or in pitched battle, prompt and decisive results might be looked for and the im¬ mense superiority of the Spanish forces in numbers, discipline, and equipment could hardly fail to tell greatly to their advant¬ age. But they are called upon to face a foe that shuns general engagements, that can choose and does choose its own ground, that from the nature of the country is vis¬ ible or invisible at pleasure, and that fight only from ambuscade, and when all the advantages of position and numbers are on its side. In a eountrv where all that is indispensaDIe to life in the way of food, clothing and shelter is so easily obtain¬ able, especially by those born and bred on the soil, it is obvious that there is hardly a limit to the time during which hostilities of this sort may be prolonged. Mean! while, as in all cases of protracted civi* strife, the passions of the com¬ batants grow more and more in¬ flamed and excesses on both sides become more frequent and more deplora¬ ble. They are also participated in by bands of marauders who, now in the name of one party and now in the name of the other, may best suit the occasion, roam the country at will and plunder itE wretched inhabitants for their own ad¬ vantage. Such a condition of things would inevitably entail immense destruc¬ tion of property, even if it were the policy of both parties to prevent it as far as prac¬ ticable. But whife such seemed to be ths original policy or the Spanish government, is it has now apparently abandoned it and acting upon the same theory as the insur gents namely,that the exigences of the con¬ test require the wholesale annihiliation of property, that it may not prove of use and advantage to the enemy. It is to the same end that in pursuance of general order, Spanish garrisons are now being withdrawn lrjm plantations and the rural population required to concen¬ trate itself in the towns. The sure re¬ sult would seem to be that the industrial value of the island is fast diminishing and that unless there is a speedy and radical change in ixisting conditions it will soon disappear altogether—that value consists very largely, of course, in its capacity much to produce sugar—a capacity already reduced by the interruptions to tillage which have taken place during the Iasi two years. It is reliably asserted that shouLd these interruptions con¬ and tinue during the current year practically extend, as is now threat ened, to the entire sugar producing terri¬ tory of the island, so much time and sc much money will be required to restore the land to its normal productiveness thal it is extremely doubtful if capital can be induced to even make the attempt. The spectacle of the utter ruin of an ad joining aud country, by nature one of the mosi fertile charming on the globe, would engage the serious attention of the govern¬ ment and people of the United States in any circumstances. In point of fact, they have a concern with it which iq by no sentimental or philan¬ thropic character. It lies so near to us as to be hardly sepa¬ rated from our territory. Our actual pe¬ cuniary interest in it is second only to of that of the people and government Spain. It is reasonably estimated that at least $30,000,090 to $50,009,000 plantations of American capital are invested in and in railroad, mining and other business enter prises between on the island. The volume of trade the United States and Cuba, which in 1880 amounted to about $64,000, 003, rose in 1893 to about $103,000,000, aud in 1894, the broke year before the present insur¬ rection out, amounted to nearly $90,000,000. stake Besides this large pecuniary iu the fortunes of Cuba, the United States finds itself inextricably involved in the present and contest in other ways both vexatious costly. Many Cubans reside in this country and indirectly the promote the insurrection through the press by public meetings, by purchase funds and shipment by of arms, by which the raising spirit of and other and means the the of our institutions tenor of our laws do not permit to be made the subject of though criminal prosecutions. heart and Some in of them, Cubans at all their feelings and interests, have taken out papers as naturalized citizens of the United States, a proceeding resorted to with a view- to possible protection by this government, much indignation and not unnaturally the regarded of with by country their origin. The insurgents are undoubt¬ edly encouraged and supported by the widespread always sympathy instinctively the people feel of this for country and every struggle which, for better and freer the govern¬ ment, and in the case of more adventurous and restless elements of our population, leads in only too many in¬ stances to active participation in the con¬ test. The result is that this government is constantly claim upon damages to protect for iu Amer¬ juries ican citizens, to estimated to persons and property, now at many millions of dollars, and to ask ex¬ planations officials and apologies whose for zeal the for acts the of Spanish repression of rebellion sometimes blinds them to immunities be longing to the unoffendiug citizens of a friendly power. It follows from the same causes that the United States is com¬ pelled to actively police a long line of sea coast against unlawful expeditions, the escape of which the utmost vigilance These will in¬ not always suffice to prevent. evitable entanglements of the United States with the rebellion in Cuba, the large American property interests affected aud considerations of philanthropy led vehe¬ and humanity in general, have to for a ment demand in various quarters some sort of positive interruption on the part of the United States. It was at first pro prosed that belligerent rights should be accorded to the insurgents—a untimely, proposition no 1 nger urged because and in practical operation clearly perilous and injurious to our own interests. it has since been, and is now sometimes eontended.that the independence recognized. of But the in¬ surgents should lie im¬ perfect and restricted as the Spanish government of the island may be. no othei exists there—unless the will of the military officer in temporary command of a partic ular district can be dignified also as a speices of government. It is now suggested that the United States should buy the consideration island, a suggestion possibly- evidence worthy of it there were any of u desire or willingness proposal. on the part It of Spain to entertain such a is urged, finally, that- all other methods failing the existing internecine strife in Cuba should lie terminated by our intervention, even at the cost of war between the United States and Spaiu—a war which its advocates con¬ fidently prophecy could doubtful be neither in its large issue. in its The proportions nor of this forecast need be correctness neither affirmed nor denied. Tue United States has, nevertheless, a character to maintain as a nation, which plainly dic¬ tates that rights and not might should be the rule of its conduct. Further, though the United States is not a nation to which peace is a necessity, it is in truth the most pacific of powers, and there is nothing so much as to live in amity with all the world. Its own ample and diversified domains satisfy all possible longings for territory, preclude aU dreams of conquest, and prV vent any casting of covetous eyes upon neighboring regions, however attractive. That our conduct towards Spain and her dominions has constituted no exception tc this national disposition is made manifest by the course of our government, not only tlius far during the present insurrection, but during the ten years that followed tht rising at Yara in 1868. No other great power.it may safely be said, under circum¬ stances of similar perplexity, would have manifested the same restraint and the same patient endurance. It may also be said that this persistent attitude ol the United States towards ionablj Spain iu connection with Cuba unque* evinces no slight respect for Spain on the part of the American people. They it truth do not forget her connection with the discovery of the western hemisphere. qual¬ nor do they underestimate the great ities of the Spanish people, nor fail tofullj recognize their splendid patriotism national and their chivalrous devotion to the honor. They view with wonder and admiration the cheerful resolution with which vasl bodies of men are sent across thousands ol miles of ocean, and an enormous debt ac¬ cumulated, that the costly possession still ol the gem of the Antilles may hold its place in the Spanish crown. And yet neither the government nor the people ol the United States have shut their eyes tc the course or events in Cuba or have failed to realize the existence of conceded revolt griev¬ ances which have led to the present from the authority of Spain—grievances and by the recognized by the queen regent cortes,voiced by the most patriotic without and en¬ lightened regard of Spanish demonstrated statesmen by to party and re¬ forms proposed by the executive and ap¬ proved by the legislative branch of the Spanish government It is in the assumed temper and disposition of the Spanish forti¬ gov¬ ernment to remedy these|grn influential vanc3s, public fied by indications of opinion in Spain, that this government has hoped to discover the most promising and effective means of composing the pres¬ ent strife with honor and advantage to gpain, and with the achievement of all the reasonable objects of the insurrection. It would seem that if Spain should offer to Cuba genuine autonomy, a measure of home rule which, while preserving the sovereignty of Spain, would satisfy sub¬ all rational requirements of her Spanish why jects, there should be no just reason be the pacification of the island might not effected on that basis. Such a result would appear to be iu the true interest of all concerned. It would at once stop the conflict which is now consuming the worth¬ re¬ sources of the island and making ultimately it less for whichever party may prevail. It would keep intact the possessions of Spain without touching her honor, which will bo consulted rather than admitted impugned griev¬ by the adequate redress of ances ; it would put the prosperity of the Island and the fortunes of its inhabitants within their own control withont, severing the natural and ancient ties which bind them to thg mother country, and would yet enable them to test their capacity for self government under the most favorable conditions. It has been objected on the one sitks that Spain should not promise autonomy until her insurgent subjects lay down their arms; on the other side, that proiQis?'! autonomy, however liberal, the is insufficient without assurance of promise being fulfilled. But the reasonableness of a requirement by Spain of unconditional surrender on the part of the insurgent Cubans before their autonomy is conceded, is not alto aether apparent. It ignores important stability features of the situation—the two years’ duration has given the insur¬ rection, the feasibility of its indefinite pro¬ longation in the nature of things, and, as shown by past experience, the utter and imminent ruin or the island unless the present strife is speedily composed all parties ; above in ill, the rank abuses wuick goverflmentand Spain, all branches of her ill her leading public men. concede tc sxist and prefer a desire to remove. Facing such circumstances to withhold _ ihe proffer of needed reforms until the parties demanding them put themselves it mercy by throwing down their arms has the appearance of neglecting the gravest the it’ perils aud inviting suspicion as to sincerity of any professed objection willingness behali tc jtrant reforms. The on 3 f the insurgents—that promised of reforms be zannot be relied upon—must have right course zonsidered. though we for assuming no to that as¬ sume and no reason mvthing Spain undertakes to do for the relief of Cuba will not be done according to both the spirit and the letter of the un¬ PLAN OF PACIFICATION. Nevertheless, realizing that suspicions weaker and precautions on the part of the of two combatants are always natural and not always unjustifiable—being sincerely desirous in the interest of botli as well as on its own account that the Cuban problem should be solved with the least possible delay, it was intimated by this govern¬ ment to the government of Spain some months ago that, if a satisfactory Cuban measure of home rule were tendered the in¬ surgents, and would be accepted by them upon a guaranty of its execution, the United States would endeavor to find a way not objectionable to Spain of furnish! ing such guaranty. While no definite re¬ sponse to this intimation has yet been re¬ ceived from the Spanish government, unwelcome, it is believed to be not altogether while preceived as already should suggested not no be approved reason is why it Neither fail by the insurgents. party can to see the importance of early action and both must realize that to prolong the present state of things for even a short period will add enormously to the time and labor and the expenditure industral recuperation necessary of to bring about the island. It is therefore fervently efforts hoped HI all grounds that earnest for healing the breach between Spain and the insurgent Cubans upon the lines above in¬ dicated may be at once inaugurated aud pushed to an immediate and successful is¬ sue. The friendly offices of t he UnitedStates either in manner above outlined or in any other way consistent with our constitution and laws, will always be at the disposal of either party. Whatever circumstances may arise out policy and our interests would constrain us to object to the acquisition of the island or an interference with its control by auj other power. It should be added that it cannot be rea¬ sonably assumed that the hitherto expect¬ ant attitude of the United States will b« indefinitely maintained. Whiie we art anxious to accord all due respect to the sovereignty of Spain we canuot view tht pending conflict in all its features anc properly apprehend our possible inevitably close ► lations to it and its result with¬ out considering that by the course o events we may be drawn into such an un usual and unprecedented waiting condition as wil fix a limit to our patient for Spair to end the contest, either alone and iu hei own way, or with oar friendly co-opera tion. When the inability of Spain o deal sttc cessfully with the insurrection has beconn manifest, and it is demonstrated that hei sovereignty is extinct in Cuba for all pur poses of its rightful existence, and when * hopeless struggle for its re-establish mem has degenerated than into the a strife which means nothing more useless sacrifice oi human life and the utter destruction o the very subject-matter of the conflict, a situation will be pres-uted in which oui obligations to the sovereignty of Spaic will be superseded hardly by higher obligations which we can hesitate to recognize and discharge. Deferring the choice of ways and meth¬ ods until the time for action arrives, we should make them depend upon the pre cise conditions then existing, and they should not be determined upon without giving careful heed to every consideration involving our honor and interest or ths international duty we owe to Spain, until we face the contingencies other suggested or th< situation is by incidents impera¬ tively changed, we should continue in tbs line of conduct heretofore pursued, thus in all circumstances exhibiting our obedi¬ ence to the requirements of public law anc ourfregard for the duty enjoined upon ui by the position we occupy iu the family ol nations. A contemplation plainly of emergencies thal may arise should lead us to avoic their creation, either through a careless disregard of present duty or even an un due stimulation or ill timed expression o: feeling. But I have deemed it not amiss to remind the congress that a time may arrive when a correct policy and care foi our interests, as well as a regard for tin interests of other nations and their citi zens, joined by considerations of humanity and a desire to see a rich and fertile coun try intimately related to us saved front complete devastation, will constrair our government to such action as will subvert the interests thus involved and at the same time promise to Cuba and its inhabitants an opportunity to enjoy tin blessings of peace. THE VENEZUELAN DISPUTE SETTLED. The Venezulan boundry question has ceased to be a matter of difference between Great Britain and the United States, theii resnective governments having agreed upon tne suostantiai provisions or a treaty between Great Britain and Venezuela sub¬ mitting the whole controversy to arbitra¬ tion. The provisions of the treaty are so emi¬ nently just and fair, that the assent ol Venezuela thereto may confidently be an¬ ticipated. Negotiations for a treaty ol general arbitration for all differences be¬ tween Great Britain and the United States are far advanced and promises to reach successful consummation at an early date. OUR COAST DEFENSES. The report of the secretary of war exhibits satisfactory conditions in the several branches of the public service entrusted to bis charge. The limit of our military force, as fixed by law, is constantly and readily maintained. The present discipline and morals of our army are excellent, and marked progress and sfficiency are apparent throughout the entire organization. With the exception of delicate duties in the suppression of slight Indian disturbances along our southwestern bound¬ ary, in which the Mexican troops co-oper¬ ated, and the compulsory but peaceful of re¬ turn, with the consent of Great Britain, a band of Creo Indians from Montana to the British possessions, no active operations the have been required of the army during year past. methods of administration, the Changes in posts and abandonment of unnecessary con¬ sequent concentration of troops and exercise of care and vigilance by the various officers charged with the responsibility in the ex¬ penditures of the appropriations the have cost re- ol sujted in reducing to a minimum maintenance of military establishments. During the past year the work of construct¬ ing permanent infantry and cavalry posts has been continued at the places heretofore designated. The secretary of war repeats liis recommendation that appropriations foi barracks and quarters should, more strictlj conform to the noeds of the service as judged by the department rathe] than respond to the wishes and importuni¬ mud ties of localities. It is imperative that of the money provided for such construction should now be allotted to the erection oi necessary quarters for the garrisons assign¬ ed to the coast defenses, where many mei will be needed to properly care for and op¬ erate modern It is essential, too, thal early provision be made to supply the neces¬ sary force of artillery to meet the demands of this service. The entire army has non been equipped with the new magazine arms, and wise poliey demands that all available public and private resources should be sc employed as to provide, within a reasonable time, a sufficient number to supply the state militia with these modem weapons and pro¬ vide an ample reserve for any emergency. During the past year rapid progress ha? been made toward the completion of the scheme adopted for the erection and arma¬ ment of fortifications along our seacoast, While equal progress has been made in pro¬ viding material for submarine defense in connection with these works. It is peculiar¬ great ly gratifying at this time to note the advance'that has been made in this impor¬ tant undertaking since the date of my an¬ nual message to the ttfflty-third congress, Decem¬ at the opening of its second session, in ber, 1893. At that time I informed the con¬ gress of the approaching completion of nine 12-inch, twenty 10-inch and thirty-four and 3-inch high-power steel guns, seventy-five 12-inch rifled mortars, At that date, however, there were practically these no carriages upon which to mount runs, and only 31 emplacements for guns and 34 for mortars. Nor were all these emplacements in condi¬ tion to receive their armaments. Only one high power gun was at that time n position for the defense of the entire joast. Since that time the number of guns aetual y completed has been increased to a total of 11 twelve-inch, 56 ten-inch, Cl eight-inch aigh power breech-loading steel guns, ten rapid-fire guns and 80 twelve-inch rifled nortars. In addition thero are in process of con¬ struction one sixteen-inch type gun, 50 twelve-inch, 56 ten-inch, 27 eight-inch high power guns and 66 twelve-inch rifled mor¬ tars; in ail 428 guns and mortars. Since 1893 the number of gun carriages constructed or building has been raised to a total of 129, of which 90 are on the disap¬ pearing principle, and the number of mortar carriages to 152, while the 95 emplacements time, which were provided for prior to that have been increased to built and building. This improved situation is largely due to the recent generous response of congress .to ths recommendations of the war department. Thus we shall soon have complete about one fifth of the comprehensive system, the first step of which was noted in my message to the congress of December 4, 1893. When it is understood that a masonry emplacement not only furnishes a platform for the heavy modern high-power gun, but also in every particular, serves the purpose and takes the place of the fort of former days, the impor¬ tance of the work accomplished is better comprehended. the work will be \ cuted In the hope that vigor in the future, prose¬ the with no less secretary of war has submitted an estimate by which, if allowed, there will be provided end of and either built or building by the the next fiscal year, such additional guns, mortars, gun carriages and emplacements of the as will represent not far from one-third total work to be done under the plan adopt¬ ed for our coast defense, thus "affording a prospect that ATTORNEY ?< The ^ GESER4T’ ^ and interesting attorney S Wwsuh work last fiscal done under h^ & su t*rtis: nt of . < ‘ The year. government ownership of and ™ Qana 1 neniw- c i; - ment of those violatio^'o ^ - courts for many of years *£&?*** ti n ^ < tive extent, recommendation^ been at ^ la «. o, the abandoned realized L v 7 the *,, enworth milfi a 5 l mn This as a United mf a * F- is certainly a Speall ‘-d direction, plemented but iv ought reL be iat enlargement by the s. dln? at « of this atT°I or - the construction of" Laed ^ located in the southern 3L 0ae tion act of of May the new svIteL° 11 ° Wed J the 8 d f * errl officials 28, 18%. under wv ’ ' r are compensated l "' r ' stead of fees. The dav^M^ new nu by h ia! eration on the first econom?Sfo.® Wa? P’ d ready the great 96 ’ vention of abuses and h kS s ten r ' S ' ter enforcement of the W apparent ness of this Detailed long delayed evident are of :h? accomplished i lnn"i h reform will be S 0 os?om e at torney Ou uur rn postoflice department , is j dition and the exhibit r K tions during the fiscal made of 1S&, if allowance rear ended £wL the is made for P J m laws applicable to it it s“ factory. The total receipts’ (hirin' v hJ •$82,499,203.40. $9 2’- 62 >?’ 296 84 The total 3 898.27, which - ’ ^elusive -il ?i/ traESt was earned by the Pa 1 O O ' )ortati0;j ! «> d credited debt u to the s l government. There 1 ± r fi ce i pt wa v5,316,(L0.21, r erthe or 7 7.1 percent, and in of expenditures of £3,836,124.02 an The deficit $1,679,956.19 or iej I was that of the preceding year. of The both year's star route report sendee shows large raihval ext.J service, and with increased postal fad Much aLso been higher reached, accuracy in handle i J dl of errors in the railway as. appears by the mail sendee t3 d reduction of mail matter returned to letter year, office. although The much deficit less for thfj of preceding than necessity for years, legislation emphasizing the and rect growing abuse of seconl rates, attributable. . no wmen tne deficiency is th| J The transmission at of one cent a pound of serial libraril (pi vertising sheets, “house organs,” “houl eals advertising some particular institution), ought sample copies and the! at the certainly to be discontinued. A| revenues for the work done other] lad will show more plainly than any J ment the gross abuse of the postal and Our the mail growing service waste should, of its earnings.] of count] 3uch as to meet the wants and even till c] venience of our people, at a direct upon them so light as perhaps to ea the idea of our postoffice department a money-making concern, but in the fa a constantly recurring deficiency in its! nues, and in view of the fact that we si the best mail service in the world, it i to me it is quite time to correct the al that swell enormously our annual defid recommend acted to correct that these legislation abuses, be and at intri pnej better business ideas in the regulatk our postal rates. Experience and obs tion have demonstrated that certain imp ments in the organization of the post department must be secured before wi gain the full benefit of the im: sums expended in its administration. OUR KEW NAVY. The work of the navy department ad present condition are fully exhibited ij report of the secretary. vessels ourj The construction of ior navy has been energetically proseeuta the the present administration upon the uepara lines previously adopted, radical ma having seen no necessity for in prior methods under which the world found to be progressing in a manner J satisfactory. , however, to . 1*1 J It has been decided, , contract t:m. in every shipbuilding all trial expense,, builder should pay determined to M a it has also been pay premiums in future contracts. earned, and The premiums recently me yet to be decided, are features or tracts made before this conclusion It*-is ^ratifying believed to state that tc» be our equa^ shipj their outfits are manufactured l best that can he reduchons ua^! , and that such notable J made in theircort .^^ that constructed quite a at rates as low as those prevail in European shipyards, Our in factoring facilities are at this tim for all possible naval contmgentns. ^ The war college has d institution which it is Mwved g. The discipline among n p“rcenUge offle-rj® __ j and «te Of A»-J e affairs committed to commun ^ joQ t impossible in thm ] ' J tfa3 more than briefly rf?f t0 * r j whuh t 1 cretar ects, concerning inf n nu ^ Mr , , full and instructive account of , propriation and" on disbursement ^or j for its ^ year ended or a greater to more than appropriated fm f : • than was r!l fZ tainance ended °‘ , f jfmu ,! • 1961 . Our cal vears originaEy amou^ , u ^ lands been so r t at acres have remain w . r . 600 000.000 acres r ^ , excluding Alaska 4 trol, the most ^aia^ ? P bv for mal sum. secretary that th I agree with the guarded mainder carefully of dean our P^j, win- economy K their by better denee. the FEXSIOS ECU* • dimunition of our enorm The decrease | roll and the which has been soo aiiZi itjon. fail mawml j th _ 4 still pensioners m <m JOtb. 4 j , ber of ^ , >1 the fiscal vear largest nu— 97 °- 6 2f- amount Dud % Sssssrsw ssaw®s!S.--' exi 5 -i attending pension
