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f AYETIKVH.l-K«.V
itd Dilates it luk length Upsn XIa brrlMi
to the (butrHU|r, Psmmi, Trade,
MtiifaiUni ui Agriesltsra
Celled to Eli Aid.
Fello w-Citizens of the Senate and House
of Representative*: I congratulate you on
tbe continued and increasing prosperity of
the country. By the favor of Dirine Provi-
dence we have been bleated, during the peat
year, with health, with abundant harvests,
with profitable employment for all our peo
ple, and with contentment »t bom*. lad
■with pan mod friendship with other na*
The occurrence of tbo twenty-fourth
election of chief magistrate hie afforded
another opportunity to the people of the
United States to exhibit to the world •
significant example of 'fie peaceful and safe
transmlalon of the power and authority of
government from the public servants whose
terms of office are about to expire, to their
newly-chosen successors. This example
cannot fail to impress profoundly, thought
ful people of other countries with the ad
vantages which republican institutions
afford. The immediate, genera], and cheer
ful acquiescence ol all good citizens, in the
result of tha e'eclioo, gives gratifying as
surance to our country, nod to its friends
throughout the world, that • government
baaed on the free convent of an Intelligent
and patriotic people possesses elemsnts of
atrengtb, stability, and |>ermaaaney not
found in any other form of government.
sights or ciTlisK*-nr,
Continued opposition to the full and frea
enjoyment of the rights of citizenship, con
ferred upon the colored people by tha re-
oest amendments to the constitution, still
prevails in several of the late eiaveboldiog
states. It has, perhaps, net been manifested
in the recent election, to any large extent.
In teta of violence or intimidation. It has,
however, by frmudulentprsctir.ee in connec
tion with the ballots, with the regulations
as the places to and manner or Toting, and
with counting, returning and canvassing
the votes cast, been successful in defeating
tbeexereiuof tha right preservative ol all
rights, tha right of suffrage, which the con
stitution expressly confers upon our en
franchised citizens.
It is the desire of the good people of the
whole country that sectionalism as a factor
in our polities should disappear. They
prefer that no section of the country should
be united in solid opposition to any other
section. The disposition to refuze a
prompt and hearty obedience to
the equal rights amendments to tbs consti
tution, Is all that now stands In tha way of
a complete obliteration of sectional line*
in our political contests. As long as either
ol tbtia amendments is flagrantly violated
or disregarded, it Is safe to assume that the
people who placed them in tbecanstltutlon,
as snibodyiog tha legitimate results of the
war (or tha union, and who believe them to
be wise and necessary, will continue to act
together, and to insist that they shall be
obeyed. The paramount question still is,
as to tha enjoyment of tha right by every
American citizen who hss tha requisite
qualifications, to fetely cast his vote end to
have it honestly counted. With this q<
tion rightly settled, the oonntey will be re
lieved of tha contentions ol the past; by
gones will indeed be by-gooet; and politi
cal and party Isaacs with reepcct to economy
and efficiency ol administration. Internal
Improvements, tha tariff, domestic taxation,
education, finance, and other Important
subjects, will then receive their fall share
of attention; but resistance to and nullifi
cation o( tbs results ol the war, will unite
together in resolute purpose for their inp-
port ell who maintain tha authority of tba
government and the perpetuity o! the nnion,
and who adequately appreciate the value
of the victory achieved. This determina
tion proceeds from no hostile sentiment nr
feeling to any part of the people of oar
chantry, or to any of their interacts. The
inviolability ol the amendments rests upon
the fundamental principle ol onr govern
ment. They era the solemn expreaeion ol
♦he win of the people of the United
States.
The sentiment ol all that tha conetito-
tional rights of our citiseue must be main
tained, doee not grow weaker. 11 will
continue to control tha government ol the
country, lleppliy, the history of tbo late
elec via s shows that in many puts ot the
country where opposition to tba fifteenth
amendment hea heretofore prevailed, it is
diminishing, and likely to cease altogether.
If firm at d wall considered action ia taken
by congress. I trust .the house of repreenta-
Uvtj and tha senate, which have the right
to judge of the elections, returns, and qual
ifications of their own members, will eee
toil that every case ol violation ol the lat
ter or epiritoi tha A fteealh amendment is
thoroughly investigated, and that no ben
efit from anch violation shall accrue to any
person or party. It will ha tha duty of the
executive, with sufficient sppropristolns
for the purpose, to prosecute unsparingly
all who have been engaged in depriving etti
sens of the rights guaranteed to them by
the constitution.
It is not, however, to be forgotten that
tha best and surest guarantee of the prima
ry rights of citizenship 11
be found in that capacity
sell-protection which can belong only to a
people whose right to universal suffrage is
supported by universal education. Tba
means at the command of the local and
state authorities are, in many eases wholly
inadequate to furnish (res instruction to all
who need it. This la especially true where,
before emancipation, the education of the
people wav neghetad or prevented, in the
Interest of slavery. Firmly convinced that
the subject of popular education deserves
the earnest attention of tbs people ol the
whole country, with a view to wise and
comprehensive action by the government ol
the United Slate?, I respectfully recom
mend that congress by suitable legislation
and with proper safeguards, supplement the
local educational funds us the several states
where • he grave duties and responsibilities
of citizenship bava been devolved on un
educated people, by devoting to the pur
sues grants of tbs public lands, and. If nec-
* kw avwvwvnrtstiAnfi (mm IrMtnrv
void. xm.
ATLANTA, GA., TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1880.
in the great body of American citizenship.
rUBUC lauds.
A large increase is reported in the dis-
posal of public lands for settlement daring
the past year, which marks the prosperous
growth of our agricultural industry, and a
vigorous movement of population toward
our unoccupied lands. Aa this movement
proceeds, the codification of our land laws,
as well as proper legislation to regulate the
disposition of public lands, become of more
pressing necessity, and I therefore invite
the consideration of congress to the report
. r.nd the accompanying draft of a bill, made
) *y tire public lands commission, which
1 stre communicated by me to congress at
die last session. Early action upon this
important subject is highly desirable.
The attention of congress is again asked to
the wasteful depredaUonscommittedonour
public timber lands, and the rapid and in*
discriminate destruction of our forests. The
urgent necessity for legislation to this end ia
now generally recognized. In view of the
lawless character of the depredations com-
c\"r I milted, and the disastrous • consequences
** 4 I which will inevitably follow their contin-
tained in a high degree in the offices where
the rules for appointment by competitive
examination nave been applied.
A method which has so approved itself
by experimental tests at points where such
"ST be fairly ooneidered conclusive,
should be extended to nil subordinate posi
tions under the government. I believe that
a strong nod growing public sentiment de
mands immediate measures for seenring
and enforcing the highestpossible efficiency
in the civil service, and its protection from
recognized abuses, and that the experience
referred to has demonstrated the feasibility
of such measures.
The examinations in the custom houses
and pout-offices have been held under many
embanaasmenu and without provision for
compensation for the extra labor performed
by the officers who have conducted them,
and wboee commendable interest in the im
provement of the public service has induced
this devotion of urns and labor without pe
cuniary reward. A continuance of these
labors gratuitously ought not to be expected,
end without an appropriation by congeal
for compensation, it is sot practicable to
extend tha system of examinations gener
ally throughout the civil service. It is also
highly important that all such examinations
should b: conducted upon a uniform system
and under general supervision. Section 1753
of the revised statutes authorizes the presi
dent to prescribe the regulations for admis
sion to the civil service df- tha United
States, and for this purpose to employ suita
ble persons to conduct the requisite inqui
ries with reference to "tha fitness of each
candidate, in respect to age, health, charac
ter, knowledge and ability, for the branch
of service into which he seeks to enter;"
but the law is practically inoperative for
want of the requisite appropriation.
I therefore recommend an appropriation
of $25,000 per annum to meet the expenses
of a commission, to be appointed by the
president in accordance with the terms of
this section, whose duty it shall be to de
vise a just, uniform, and efficient system of
competitive examinations, and to super
vise the application of the same throughout
the entire civil service of the government.
I am persuaded that the facilities which
such a commission will aflord for testing
the fitness of those who apply tor office will
not only be as welcome a relief to members
of congress as it will be to the president and
heads of departments, but that it will also
greatly tend to remove the causes of em
barrassment which now inevitably and
constantly attend the conflicting claims of
patronage between the legislative gnd exec
utive departments. Tne most effectual
check upon the pernicious competition of
influence and official favoritism, in the be
stowal of office, will be the substitution of
an open competition of merit between the
applicants, in which every one can make bis
own record with the assurance chat his sac-
si will depend upon this alone.
I also recommend such legislation as,
while leaving every officer as free as any
other citizen to express his political opin
ions and to use bis means for I heir advance
ment, shall also enable him to feel as safe
as any private citizen in refusing all de
mands upon his salary for political pur
poses. A law which should thus guarantee
true liberty and justice to all who are en
gaged in the public service, and likewise
contain stringent provisions against the use
of official authority to coerce *the political
action of private citizens or of official subor
dinates, U greatly to be desired.
The most serious obstacle, however, to an
improvement of the civil service, ana espe
cially to a reform In the method of appoint
ment and removal, has been found to be
the practice, under what is known as the
spoils system, by which the appointing
power has been so largely encroached upon
by members of congress. The first step in
tne reform of the civil service must be a
complete divorce between congress and the
executive in the matter of appointments,
f be corrupting doctrine that “to the victors
belong tbe spoils," ia inseparable from con
gressional patronage aa the established rule
and practice of partieajin power. It comes
to be understood by applicants for office,
and by the people generally, that r—
Uti vas and senators are entitled to
the patronage of their respective districts
and states, it is.not necessary to redte at
length the evils resulting from this inva
sion of the executive functions. The true
principles of government on the subject of
appointments to office, as stated in the na
tional conventions of the leading parties of
the country, have again and again been ap
proved by the American people, and have
not been called in question in any quarter.
These authentic expressions of public opin
ion upon this all-important subject are tbe
statement of principles that belong to the
constitutional structured government.
“Under the constitution, the president
and heads of departments are to make nom
inations for office. The senate is to advise
and consent to appointments, and the house
of representatives is to accuse and prosecute
faithless officers. The best interest of the
public service demands that these distinc
tions be respected; that senators and rep-
resentares, who may be judges and accus
ers, should not dictate appointments to of
fice." To this end the co-operation of the
legislative, department of the gov
ernment ia required, alike by the
necessit «s of the case and by public
opinion. Members of congress will not be
relieved from the demands made upon
them with reference to appointments to of
fice until, by legislative enactment, the per
nicious practice is condemned and forbid-
It is therefore recommended that an act
be paased defining the relations of members
of oongress with respect to appointment to
office by tbe president, and I also recom
mend that tbe provisions of section 1767,
and of tbe sections following, o' tbe revised
statutes, comprising tbe tenure ot office
act. of March 2.1867, be repealed.
Believing that to reform the system and
methods of the civil service in our country
is one of the highest and most imperative
duties of statesmanship, and that it can be
permanently done only by the cooperation
of the legislative and executive departments
of the government, I again commend the
whole subject toyour considerate attention.
POLYGAMY.
It la tbe recognized duty and purpose of
the r„-op!« of tne United States to suppress
polygamy where it now exist* in our terri
tories, and to prevent its extension. Faith
ful and zealous efforts have been made by
tbe United States authorities in Utah to
enforce tbe laws against it. Experience has
sliowu that the legislation upon ibis subject,
. to be effective, requires extensive modifica-
hatever the govern- |j on amendment. The longer action ia
delayed, the more difficult it will be to ac
complish what is desired. Prompt and de
cided measures are necessary. Tbe Mormon
sectarian organization which upholds poly
gamy has the whole power of making and
executing the local legislation of the terri
tory. By ita control of the grand and petit
juries it possesses large influence over the
administration of justice. Exercising, as
the heads of this sect do, the local | optical
the territory, they are able
tbe British government to the demand of
indemnity to our fishermen tor the injuries
suffered by that industry at Fortune bey,
in Janaary, 1878, which I expressed in my
last annual message, waa disappointed.
This ans ver waa received only in tbe latter
part of April in tbe preeent year, and when
received, exhibited a failure of acoord be
tween tbe two governments, ae to tbe
measure of tbe inshore fishing privilege
secured to our fishermen by tbe treaty of
Washington, of so ?eriooa a
character that I made it the
subject of a communication to congress, in
which I recommended the adoption of the
measures which seemed to me proper to be
taken by this government in maintenance
of the rights accorded to our fishermen
under the treaty, and towards securing an
indemnity for the injury these interests
bad suffered. A bill to carry out these re
commendations waa under consideration by
tbe houae of representatives at the time oP
tbe adjournment of congress in Jana last.
Within a few weeks I have received a
communication from her majesty's govern
ment, renewing tha consideration of tbe
subject, both of the indemnity for the in-
janes at Fortune bay, end of the interpre
tation of the treaty in which the previous
correspondence bad shown the two govern
ments to be at variance. Upon both these
topics the disposition towards a friendly
agreement is manifested by a recognition of
our right to an indemnity for the transac
tion at Fortune bay. leaving the measure of
such indemnity to farther conference, and
by an assent to tbe view of this government,
presented in the previous correspondence,
that the regulation of . conflicting interests
of the shore fishery of the provincial sea-
coasts, and the vessel fishery of our fisher
men, should be made the subject of confer
ence and concurrent arrangement between
tbe two governments.
I sincerely hope that the basis may be
found for a speedy adjustment of the very
serious divergence of views in the interpre
tation of the fishery clause of the treaty of
Washington, which, as the correspondence
between tbe two governments stood at the
close of tbe last session of congress, seemed
• be irreconcilable.
In the important exhibition of arts and
industries, which was held last year at Syd
ney, New South Wales, as well as in that
now in progress at Melbourne, the United
States have been efficiently and honorably
represented. Tbe exhibitors from this
country at the former place received a large
number of awards in some of the most con
siderable departments, and the participa
tion of the United States was recognized by
a special mark of distinction. In the exhi
bition at Melbourne,-the share taken by our
country Is no less notable, and an equal de
gree ot success is confidently expected.
Tbe state of peace and tranquility
enjoyed by all tbe nations of tbe continent
of Earope has its favorable influence upon
our diplomatic and commercial relations
with them. We have concluded and ratified
a convention with the French republic for
the settlement of claims of the citizens of
either country against the other. Under
this convention a commission, presided
over by a distinguished publicist, ap
pointed, in pursuance of the request of
both nations, by his majesty the empsror
of Brazil, has been organized and has begun
Us sessions in this city. A congress to con
sider means for the protection of industrial
irty has recently been in session in
, to which I have appointed the minis
ters ot tbe United States in France and in
Belgium as delegates. The international
commission upon weights and measures
also continues its work in Paris. I invite
your attention to the necessity of an appro
priation to be made in time to enable this
government to comply with its obligations
under the metrical convention.
Our friendly relations with the Germau
empire continue without interruption, * ‘
during tbe past year, been concluded and
duly ratified. ,
Relations of friendship and amity have
been established between the government
of tbe United States and that of Roumania.
We have sent a diplomatic representative
to Bucharest, and have received at this cap
ital the special envoy, who has been charged
by his royal highness. Prince Charles, to
announce the independent sovereignty of
Roumania. We hone for a speedy develop
ment of commercial relations between the
two countries. ,
In my last annual message I expressed the
hope that the prevalence of quiet on the
border between this country and Mexico
would soon become so assured as to justify
the modification of the orders, then in
force, to our military commanders, in re
gard to crossing the' frontier, withont en
couraging such disturbances as would en
danger tne peace of the two countries.
Events moved in accordance with these ex
pectations, and the orders were accordingly
withdrawn, to the entire satisfaction of our
own citizens and tbe Mexican government.
- - “ “ Wilier was
, under the
s but, bv the
combined and harmonious action of the
military forces of both countries, his band
baa been broken up and substantially de
stroyed.
There is reason to believe that the obsta
cles which have so long prevented rapid and
convenient communication between the
United States and Mexico by railways, are
on the point of disappearing, and that sev
eral important enterprises of this character
will soon be set on foot which cannot fail to
contribute largely to the prosperity of both
countries.
New envoys from Guatemala, Colombia,
Bolivia, Venezuela, and Nicaragua have
recently arrived at this capital, whose dis
tinction and enlightenment afford the best
guarantee of tbe continuance of friendly
relations between ourselves and these sister
republics.
The relations between this government
and that of the United States of Colombia
have engaged public attention daring tbe
past year, mainly by r« ason of the project
of an interoceanic canal across the isthmus
of Panama, to be built by private capital
under a concession from the Colombian
government for that purpose. The treaty
obligations subsisting between the United
States and Colombia, by which we guaran
tee the neutrality of the transit and the
sovereignty and property of Colombia in
the isthmus, make it necessary that the con
ditions under which so stupendous a change
in tbe region embraced in this guarantee
should be effected—transforming, as it
would, this isthmus from a barrier between
tbe Atlantic and Pacific oceans, into a gate
way and thoroughfare between them, for
tbe navies and merchant-ships of
the world—should receive the approval of
this government, as being compatible
the discharge of these obligations on our
part, and consistent with our interests as
tbe principal commercial power of the west
ern hemisphere. The views which I ex-
ressed in a special message to congress in
Ciupiiv WUUUUB HUUUUk lUWilUjIVIUU, Al.
the recent international exhibition of fish
and fisheries at Berlin, the participation of
•he United States, notwithstanding tbe
haste with which the commission was forced
to make its preparations, was extremly
successful aud meritorious, winning for
E rivate exhibitors numerous awards of a
igb class, and for tbe country at large the
principal prize of honor offered b^r hie
education ought to be done,
grarval rJoration iz found, peace. virtue,
sod zorlol otder prevail, ana drlf and re
ligions Ubrrty are recare.
am anavicn.
In o>y lorrn.r annual messages- 1 bare
arkrd ibe nitration of oongnaz to the urgrat
inni~**j Of • reformation of tha mil acr-
vice ayawm ol tba gor.rumauu My view*
concerning tbo danger* of jauronag*, or
appointments far personal or partUau con
siderations, bare been
strengthened by my
obaamtioo and experience in the execu
tive office, and 1 betters tbeae dangers
■threaten the stability of the government.
Abo-ree so serious in thairadture cannot be
; permanently tolerated. They tend to be
come more alarming with lha enlargement
.ol the edminiatrauee rervioa, aa the growth,
•of tbe country in population Increases tha
momber Of offices and placemen employed.
Tbe reasona are imperaltee tor the adop
tion of fixed roles for tbe retaliation ofap-
ooiotmeutz, promotions and removals, e»-
rabUahing a uniform method, baring ex-
••'.naivety to rirw. in errry instanoe, the
attainment of thh best qualifications for tbe
position in question, inch a method alone
^consistent with tbe equal rights of all
citiaeoa. and tbe mast economical and effi
cient administration ol lha public bon-
power o» icuuwj, tuuj
make effectire their hostility to the law of
congress on the subject of polygamy, and,
is fact, do present its enforcement. Polyg
amy will not be abolished if the enforce
ment o! the law depends on those who
.iweticeand opbold tne crime. It ran only
oppressed by taking away the political
erof the sect which encourages and
power of the sect
sustains it. The power of oongreaz to enact
suitable lacs to protect the territories is
ample. IMa not a case tor bait-war mess-
urea Tha political power of the Mormon
sect is incranaing; it octrois now one ol
our wealthiest and most populous territo
rise It is extending steadily into other
territories. Wherever it goes it establishes
polygamy aud sectarian political power.
The sanctity of marriage and the family re
la tion are the corner-stone ol onr American
society and civilization. Keligious liberty
and tbe separation ot church and state are
among the elementary ideas ol free inatitn-
lions To reestablish lbs interests and
principles which polygamy and Mormoa-
niajczty the emperor. The results of this
great success cannot bat be advantageous
to this important and growing industry.
There have been some questions raised be
tween tbe two government* as to the
proper effect and interpretation of our
treaties of naturalization, but recent dis-
pitches from our minister at Berlin show
that favorable progress is making toward
an understanding, in accordance with the
views of this government, which makes
and admits no distinction whatever be
tween tbe rights of a native and a natural
ized citizen of the United States. In prac
tice, the complaints of molestation suffered
by naturalized citizens abroad bare never
been fewer than at present
There is nothing of importance to note
in our unbroken triendly relations with
the governments of Austria-Hungary, Rus
sia, Portugal, Sweden and Norway,
Switzerland,. Turkey and Greece.
Daring the last summer several vessels
belonging to the merchant marine of this
country, sailing in neutral waters of tbe
West Indies, were fired at, boarded, and
searched by an armed cruiser of tbe Spanish
government. Tbe circumstances, aa re
ported. involve not only private injury te
the persons concern'd, but also seemed too
little observant of the friendly relations
existing for a century between this country
and Spain. The wrong waa brought to the
attention of the Spanish government in a
serious protest and remonstrance, and the
matter is undergoing investigation by the
royal authorities, with a view to such ex-
e nation or reparation as may be called
by the facts.
Tbe commission sitting in this city for
tbe adjudication of claims of our citizens
against the government of Spain, is, Ihope,
approaching the termination of its labors.
The claims against the United States un
der the Florida treaty with Spain were sub
mitted to congress for Its action at the late
session, and I again invite your attention to
this long-standing question, with a •new to
a final disposition of tbe matter.
At the invitation of the Spanish govern
ment, a conference has recently been held
at tbe city of Madrid to consider the subject
of protection by foreign powers of native
M ora in the empir .* of Morocco The min
ister of the United States, in Spain, was di
rected to take part in the deliberations of
this conference, the result of which ia a
convention signed on behalf of all the
K wers represented. The instrument will
laid before the senate for ita considera
tion. The government of the United States
has also lost no opportunity to urge upon
that of the emperor of Morocco the necessi
ty. in accordance with the humane and en
lightened spirit ol the age, of putting an end
to the persecutions which nave been so
prevalent in that country, of persons of a
faith other than the moalem, and especially
oEtbe Hebrew residents of Morocca
l’be consular treaty concluded with Bel
gium has not yet been officially promulga
ted, owing to the alteration of a word in tne
text by the senaie of the United States,
which occasioned a delay, during which the
time allowed for ratification expired. The
senate will bo asked to extend the period
for ratification.
Tbe
dition
the objection of the Danish government to
the usual clause providing that each nation
pressed m a special message to congress in
March last, in relation to this project, I
deem it my dnty again to press upon your
attention. Sabseqnent consideration has
but confirmed the opinion “that it is the
right and duty of the United States to assert
and maintain such supervision aud author
ity over any interoceanic canal across tbe
isthmus that connects North and South
America aa will protect oar national inter
est."
The war between the tepublic of Chill on
the one hand, and the allied republics of
Peru and Bolivia on the other, still contin
ues. This government has not felt called
upon to interfere in a contest that is within
the belligerent rights of the parties as inde
pendent states. We have, however, al ways
neld ourselves in readiness to aid in accom
modating their difference, and have at dif
ferent times reminded both belligerents of
our willingness to render such service.
Our good offices, in this direction,, were
recently accepted by all the belligerents,
and it was hoped they would prove effica
cious; but I regret jo announce that tbe
measures, which the ministersof tba United
States at Santiago and Lima were author
ized to take, with the view to bring about a
peace, were not successful. In tte course
of the war some questions have arisen
affecting neutral rights; in all of these the
ministers of the United States have, under
their instructions, acted with promptness
and energy in protection of American in
terests.'
The relations of the United States with
the empire of Brazil continue to be most
cordial, and their commercial intercourse
steadily increases, to their mutual advan-
^Tlie internal disorders with which the
Argentine republic has for some
time past been afflicted, and
which have more or less influenced
its external trade, are understood to have
been brought to a close. This happy result
may be expected to redound to the benefit
ment of our exchanges and of our carrying
trade, lam sure the wisdom of congress
will be ready to supply. One initial mea
sure, however, seems to me so clearly use
ful and efficient that I ven
ture to press it upon your
earnest attention. It aeems to be very
evident that the provision of regular steam-
postal communication, by aid from govern
ment, has been the forerunner of the
commercial predominance of Great Britain
on all these coasts and seas, a greater share
in whose trade is now the desire and the
intent of onr people. It » also manifest
that the efforts of the other European
nations to contend with Great Britain for a
a share of this commerce have been suc
cessful in proportion with their adop
tion ol regular a team-postal commu
nication with tbe markets whose
trade they sought Mexico aud the
states of South America are anxious to re
ceive such postal commnnkptions with this
country, aud to aidin' thew-l?<e'.opaiem.
Similar co-operation maj^^ljoked for/In
due time, l ea '.he eLu.1 h and from
Australia. It is difficult to see how the lead
in this movement can be expected from
private interests. In respect ol foreign
commerce, - quite as much as internal
trade, postal communication aeems neces
sarily a matter of common and public
administration, and thus pertaining to
government. I r espectfnlly recommend to
your prompt attention such just and effi
cient measures as may conduce to the de
velopment of our foreign commercial ex
changes and the building up of our carrying
trade.
In this connection I desire also to suggest
the very great service which might be ex
pected in enlarging and facilitating our
commerce on the Pacific ocean, were a trans
marine cable laid from San Francisco to the
8andwich Islands, and thence to Japan at
the north and Australia at the sontb. The
great influence of such means of communi
cation on these routes of navigation, in de
veloping and securing the due share of our
Pacific coast in the commerce of the world,
needs no illustration or enforcement It
may be that anch an enterprise, useful and
in the end profitable as it would prove to
private investment, may need to be accel
erated by prudent legislation by congress in
its aid, and I submit tbe matter to your
careful consideration.
An additional, and not unimportant, al
though secondary, reason for fostering and
enlarging the navy may be found in the un
questionable service to tbe expansion of oar
commerce, which would be rendered by
the frequent circulation of naval ships in
the seas and ports of all quarters of the
globe. Ships ox the proper construction
and equipment, to be of the greatest effi
cieocy in case of maritime war, might be
made constant and active agents in time of
peace in tbe advancement and protection of
onr foreign trade, and in the nurture and
discipline of young seamen, who would,
naturally, in some numbers, mix with and
improve the crews of our merchant-ships.
Our merchants at home and abroad recog
nize the value to foreign commerce of an
active movement of our naval vessels, and
tbe intelligence and patriotic zeal of our
naval officers in promoting everv interest of
their countrymen, is a just subject of na
tional pride.
nsAircrs.
The condition of the. financial affairs of
the government, as shown by the report of
the secretary of the treasury, is very satis
factory. It is believed that the present
Of the foreign commerce of that republic as
well as to thedevlopmentof ita vast interior
resources. -
In Samoa, tbe government of King Ma-
lietoa, under the support and recognition
of the consular representatives of the
financial situation of tbe United 8tatos,
whether considered with respect to trade,
currency, credit, growing wealth, or the ex
tent and variety of onr resources, is more
favorable than that of any other country of
onr time, and has never been surpassed by
that ol any country at any period of its
history. All our industries are thriving;
the rate of interest ia low; new railroads
are being constructed; a vast immigration
is increasing oar population, capital and
labor; new enterprises in gresAaawher are
in progress, aud our commercial relations
with other countries are improving.
The ordinary revenues, from all sources,
for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1880,
. 124.001,373 92
. 1,016,606 60
From taxon circulation aud do*
posits ot national banka .. V,014,971 41
From mJes of public lands..
From repayment of interest by Pa
cific railway companies
From sinking fand for Fa
wsy
Pacific rail-
From cnMamifeea, floes, penalties,
From fe»-H»niuTzrj iettexvpatenti
1,707,867 18
786,62122
1,148^0016
2,337,029 00
i profits on coinage,
From revenues of tbe District of
Columbia~..^_...
From miscellaneous
rec
several of the executive departmem
h. wr direction this ayatam haa bran adopt;
ithe lattfcr citiaa of the country. In ttredty
.o! NraYofk orer l*o thousand rraitioaa
Un ItMCiTil nerrioa bare ba«> anbjre*. in
q« appointments and tenure of
• v*. SO tba operation of pob-
have coo ft. ill are subjected to
*y* um gndCfee result is free from
the same testo faror or partisan in-
prejudice .by pe -,1^/ lif poaitioo applied
flneiiCe. Itsecui* L'*ir.ablf among
fur. the beet quailfc. „ effectual
tbe competing epplie. u jjnportuni-
proteettoo from ine pn . panned,
ty erbicb. trader any olha aftxntion of ap-
liraelj *«£» the uma and
csss! »
ms
thla connect incraUre to exertion aad
il VbSt*15aiuabIe reralte bare been.at-
of the consular representatives ot tne
United States, Great Britain, and Germany,
seems to have giTen peace and tranquility
to the Islands. While it does not appear
desirable to adopt as a whole the scheme
of tripartite local government, which has
been proposed, the common interests of the
three great treaty powers require harmony
in their relations to the native frame of
government, and this may be best secured
by a simple diplomatic agreement between
them. It would be well if the consular
jurisdiction of our representatives at Apia
'were increased in extent and importance
so as to guard American interests in the
surrounding and outlying islands of Ocean
ic*.
Tbe obelisk, generously presen tel by the
khedive of Egypt to the city of New York,
has safely arrived in this country, and will
soon be erected in the metropolis. A com
mission for the liquidation of the Egyptian
debt has lately concluded its work, and this
government, at the earnest solicitation of
the khedive, has acceded to the provisions
adopted by it, which will be laid before
congress for its information. A commis
sion for tbe revision of the judicial code of
the reform tribunal of Egypt is now in
session in Cairo. Mr Farmaa, consul gen
eral, and J. M. Batchelder, have been ap
pointed as commissioners to participate in
this work. The organization of the reform
tribunals will probably be continued for
another period of fiTe years.
In pursuance of the act passed at the last
session of congress, invitations have been
extended to foreign maritime states to join
in a sanitary conference in Washington,
beginning the first of January. The
acceptance of this invitation by many
prominent powers gives promise of success
in the important measure, designed to
establish a system of international notifica
tion by which the spread of infectious or
epidemic diseases may be more effectively
checked or prevented. The attention of
congress is invi'ed to the necessary appro
priations for carrying into effect the provis
ions of the act referred to.
For pensions Including 819,Wt,-
025 20 arrears of pensions. 56,777,174 44
For the military establishment, in
cluding river and harbor im
provement and arsenals 33,116,916 22
For tte naval establishment, incl
ding vessels, machinery, and ii_..
prove® ents at navy yards. 18,536,984 74
For miwx-llaneoua expenditures,-
3W6M00
For expenditures on account ol the
District of Columbia. f?
For interest on the public debt 9j.7i7.57o 11
For premium on bonds purchased— 2,795,320 42
Compotitire examinations, in aid of_ im
partial appototmant, promotion^ hare zo'fullT reopaoto
«*■> iniallipataadrtrtaoaa immigrants of all
. - ■ erred, that part of our domain which has
bren, in a great degree, closed to general
immigration hr intolerant and immoral ur
atitntiona, it ia'recommended that the goe-
eroment of the territory o! Ctth be reor
ganized. ,. .
I recommend that congress pronde for
tha goternment of Utah by agoreraorand
judges, or eommistionera, appointed by the
president and confirmed by the senate—a
nent analogous to the prosiaional
ment eatabSsbed tor the.territory
northwest of the Ohio, by tne ordinance ol
17*. If, botrerer, it is deemed best to con
tinue the existing form ol local government,
I recommend that the right to rote, bold
office, and ait on juries in thetemtocyo!
Utah, be confined to those who netthe-
within a few years tbe exiisi which now
afflict Utah will be eradicated, and that this
territory will in good time become one of
the meet prosperous and attractive of the
new states of tbs union.
roaxtev eklatioxs.
Our relations with all foreign countries
have been those of undisturbed peace, and
have presented no occasion for concern as
*t> their continued maintenance.
4 My anticipation of an tarty reply from
extradition it asks.
The provision made by congress, at its
_ at session, for the expense of the commis
sion which had been appointed to enter
upon negotiations with the imperial gov
ernment of China, on subjects of great in
terest to the relations ol the two countries,
enabled the commissioners to proceed at
once upon their mission. The imperial gov
ernment was prepared to give prompt and
respectful attention to ibe matters brought
under negotiation, and the conferences pro-
wnh such rapidity and success that,
Total ordinary expenditures—8267,642,957 78
the cash balance in treasury, ol....
Making.-
Was applied to the redemption-- ^
Of bonds for the sinking landrereretT3.652.900 00
Of fractional currency 251.717 4i
Of the loan of 1856 —:. 40.000 00
Of temporary loan.
which they • were issued. These
notes long since became like any
other pecuniary obligation of the govern
ment—a debt to be paid, and, when paid,
to be cancelled as mere evidence of an in
debtedness no longer existing. I, therefore,
repeat what was said in the annnal message
of last year, that tbe retirement from cir
culation of United States notes, with the
capacity of legal tender in private contracts,
is a step to be taken in our progress towards
a safe and stable currency, which should be
accepted as the policy and duty of the
government and the interest and security
of the people.
THE SILVER DOLLAR.
At the time of the passage of the act now
in force requiring the coinage of stiver dol
lars, fixing their value and giving them
legal tender character, it was believed by
many of the supporters of the measure that
the silver dollar, which it authorized, would
speedily become, under the operations of
the law, of equivalent value to the gold
dollati There were other supporters of the
bill, who, while they doubted aa to the
probability of this result, nevertheless
were willing to give the proposed experi
ment a fair trial, with a view to stop the
coinage, if experience should prove that
tne stiver dollar authorizsd by the bill
continued to be of less commercial value
than tbe standard gold dollar.
Tbe coinage of stiver dollars, under
the act referred to, began in March,
1878, and ha9 been continued as
required by tbe act. The average rate
per month to the present time has been $2,-
276,492. The total amount coined prior to
the first of November last was $72,847,750.
Of this amount $47,084,450 remain in the
treasury, and only $25,763,291 are in the
hands of the people. A constant effort has
been made to keep this currency in circula
tion, and considerable expense has been ne-
cesartiy incurred for this purpose, but its
return to the treasury is prompt and sure.
Contrary to the ■ confident antici
pation of the friends of the
measure at the time of its adoption, the
value of the stiver dollar, containing 412)6
grains of stiver, has not increased. During
the year prior to the passage of the bill
authorizing its coinage, tbe market value of
tbe silver which it contained was from
ninety to ninety-two cents, as compared
with the standard gold dollar. Daring the
last year the average market value of the
silver dollar has been eighty-eight and a
half cents.
It is obvious that the legislation of tbe
last congress in regard to stiver, so far as it
was based on an anticipated rise in the value
of stiver as a result of that legislation, has
failed to produce the effect then predicted.
The longer the law remains in force, requir
ing as it does the coinage of a nominal dol
lar, which, in reality, is not a dollar, the
greater becomes the danger that this coun
try will be forced to accept a single metal
as the sole legal standard of value, in circu
lation, and this a standard <5t less value
than it purports to be worth in the recog
nized money of tbe world. *
The constitution of the United States,
souud financial principles, and our best
interests, ell require that the country
should have as its legal-tender money, both
gold and silver coin, of an intrinsic value,
as bullion, equivalent to that which, upon
its face, it purports to possess The consti
tution, in express terms, recognizes both
gold and silver as the only true legal-tender
money. To banish either of these metals
from onr currency is to harrow and limit
the circulating medium of exchange to the
disparagement ot important interests.
Tbe United States produces more
silver than any other county, and
directly interested in maintaining it
as one of the two precious metals which
furnish the coinage of the world. It will,
in my judgment, contribute to th!s result
if congress will repeal so much of existing
legislation as requires the coinage of stiver
dollars containing 412)4 grains of silver,
and in its stead will authorize the secretary
of the treasury to coin silver dollars of
equivalent value as bullion, with gold dol
lars. This will defraud no man, and will
be in accordance with familiar precedents.
Congress, on several occasions, has altered
the ratio of value between gold and silver,
in order to establish it more nearly in ac
cordance with the actual ratio of value be
tween thetwo metals.
In financial legislation every measure in
the direction of greater fidelity in the dis
charge of pecuniary obligations, has been
found by experience to diminish the rates
of interest which debtors are required to
pay, and to increase the facility with which
money can be obtained for every legitimate
purpose. *Our own recent financial history
shows how'surely money becomes abundant
whenever confidence in the exact perform
ance of moneyed obligations is established.
THK WAS DXP.VRTMK5T.
The secretary of war reports that the ex
penditures of the war department fpr the
fiscal year ended June 30,1880. were $39 -
924,773 03. The appropriations sor this de
partment, for the current fiscal year,
amount to $41,993,630 40.
With respect to the army, the secretary
invites the attention to the fact that its
strength is limited by statute (section 1115,
revised statutes) to not more than 30.000
enlisted men, but that provisos contained
in appropriation bills have limited expend
itures to the enlistment of but 25,000. It
is believed the full legal strength is the
least possible force at which the present or
ganization can be maintained having inview
efficiency, discipline, and economy. While
the enlistment of this force would add some
what to the appropriation for pay of the
armv. the saving made in other respects
would be more than an equivalent for this
additional outlay, and the efficiency of the
army would be 1 irgely increased.
The rapid extecs on of the railroad sys
tem west of the Mississippi river, and the
great tide of settlers which has flowed in
upon new territory, impose on the milittry
While other nations have been increasing
their means for carrying on offensive war
fare and attacking maritime cities, we have
been dormant in preparation for
defense; nothing of importance has
been done towards strengthening
and finishing onr casemated works since our
mail' facilities, and naturally watcli and territories the timber needed fordo-
the post-offiM aery closely. This J meatic and other essential uses,
careful, oversight on the part I the geological scrvit.
of the people has proved a constant! The report of the director of the geologi-
stimulus to improvement. During the past I ^ survey is a document of unusual inter-
_ - year there was an, increase of 2.134 post- The consolidation of the various reo-
late civil war, daring which the great guns offices, and the mail routes were extended I logical and geographical surveys and ex-
’ * * * " of 27,177 miles, making an additional annual ploring enterprises, each of which has here
of modern warfare and the heavy armor c., , _ __
modern fortifications and ships came into j transportation of 10,804,191 miles. The rev-1 tofore‘operated upon an independent plan
ose among the nations, and our earthworks i ennes of the postal eenMcetorthe ensuing I w j,b 0 nt concert, cannot fail to be of great
left, by a sudden failure of appropriations j year are estimated at $S8 845.17410. and the I benefit to all those industries of the country
expenditures at H2.475.9S2. leasing a deh- whic b depend upon the development of our
some years stnes, in all stages of incoin- ) expenditures at H2.475.932, leaving a aen-1 „bj c b depend upon the development of our
pletion, are now being rapidly destroyed by ciency to be appropriated out of the ireas-1 minetml ragmrceo. The labors of thescien-
the elements. uiyr of $3,e30,757.JO- . . I tific men, of recognized merit, who compose
The Universal postal union has received I ,j )e corps of the geological survey, during
th.accraauon oUlmctall the countries Ule firat season of their field
and colonua of the world maintaining or- operations and inquiries, appear
gamzedposlal services, and it u confidently I bare been ve.-y comprehensive, and
expecteathat all the other countries and | g^o be communicated to congress in
coloniw now outside the union will »on , number o( vo i um „. The director of the
unite therewith, thus training the grand survfy recommends that the investigations,
ideaand aim ot the founders of the union. I o.rri.&on bj h ls bureau, which ro far
ot forming, for purposes of Internal mail I h , ve been affined to the .oralled nublic-
commnuication, a single postal territory 1&ad stltM ,„d territorie^ te eitonded
embracing the world, with completeJim- OTer tb e entire country, anf the necessary
formity of postal charges, and conditions of I .ppr^riations be made tor this purpose.
international exchange, for all descriptions I T * h ^ a ^ ou iq be t
uance, legislation has again and again been
recommended to ar-est the evil, and to pro-
sod personally interested in having proper serve tor the people of our western states
the 17th ol November last two treaties
were signed at Pekin, one relating to the
introduction o! Chinese into this country
and one relating to oommeree. Mr. Tresco.
oneof the commissioners, is nowon his way
home bringing the treaties, and it is ex
pected that they will be received in season
u be laid before the senate early in January.
Oar minister in Japan has negotiated a
convention tor the reciprocal relief of ship
wrecked seamen. I take occasion to urge
once more upon congress the propriety
of making provision for the erection of
suitable fire-proof baildings at the Japanese
capital for the use of the American lega
lion, and the court-boose and jail connected
with it. The Japanese government, with
giTKWSrSSbe Su
bs my last annnal mesaage I invited the
attention of congress to the subject
of the indemnity lands received
some Tears ago from China and Japan. 1
renew the recommendation then made, that
whatever portiona of these funds are due to
American eiiiaens anonld be promptly
paid, and the residue returned to the na
tions. rvspectivalv, to which they jnstly
*~TtM?«m^tion°mraty with the kingdom
ol the Netherlands, which has been lor
‘SnwSmeiu course of negotiation, ha
The efforts of the department of state to
enlarge the trade and commerce of the
United states, through the active agency of
consnlar officers and through the dissemina
tion ol information obtained from them,
have been nnrelaxed. The interest in these
efforts, as developed in onr commercial
communities, and the value of tbe in
formation secured by this means, to tbe
trade and manufactures of the coun
try, were recoghixed by congress at
its last sesaico. and provision wu made for
the more frequent publication of consnlar
and other reports by the department of
slate. The first issue of this publication
has now been prepared, sad subsequent is
sues may regularly be expedted. The im
portance and interest attached to the re
port* ol consular officer*, are witnessed by
the general demand for them by all classes
of merchants and manufacturers engaged
in onr foreign trade. It ia believed that the
system of such publications is deserving of
the approval of congress, and that the nec
easary appropriations tor its continusbce
and enlargement will commend itself to
your consideration.
The prosperous energies of onr domestic
industries, and their immense production
of the subjects ot foreign commerce, invite,
and even require, an active development
of the wishes and interests of onr people
in sbat direction. Especially important is
it that onr commercial relations with the
Atlantic and Pacific coasts ot Sooth Amer
ica, with tbe VTest Indira and the Galt of
Mexico should be direct, sod not rhropgh
tbe circuit of European systems, and
should be carried on in oar own bottoms.
Tbe fall appreciation of tbe opportunities
which oor front on tbe Pecific ocean gives
to commerce with Japan, China, and
the East Indies, with Australia and tbe
island groans which lie along these
routes of navigation, should inspire equal
efforts to appropriate to our own shipping,
and to adm mister by oor own capital, a due
proportion of this trad*. Whatever modi
fications ol onr regulations of trade and na
vigation mav be necessary or useful to meet
and direct these impulses to the enlarge*
CM 7JJ notes of lZM-’A.
Ol ooe and two-year note* —.
Of old deuuad note* —— w w
873,963.087 41
The amount due the sinking fond for this
year was $37,931,643.55. There was applied
thereto the sum of $73,904,617.41. being
$35,972,973 86 in excess of the actual re
quirementa for the year.
The aggregate of the revenues from all
sourcesduring the fiscal year ended June
30, 1880, was H33.526.610.93, an increase
over the preceding year of *59,690,426 52.
Tbe receipts thus far, of the enrrentyear,
together with the estimated receipts for tbe
remainder of the year, amount to *350,000,-
000, which will be sufficient to meet tbe
estimated expenditnres ol the year, and
leave a surplus of *90.000 000
It is fortunate that this large surplus occurs
revenue at a period when it may be directiy
applied to the payment ol the public debt
soon to be redeemable. So public duty
hss been more constantly cherished in the
United States than the policy ot paying tbe
nation's debt aa rapidly aa possible.
The debt of the United Sutra, less cash in
tbe treasury and exclusive of accruing
interest, attained its maximum of *2.756,-
431.571.43 in August, 1865, and hss since
that time been reduced to *1 886.019 504 65.
Of the principal of tbe debt, *106.758 100 has
been paid since March 1. 1877, effecting an
annnal saving of interest ol *6,107,503. The
harden of interest has also been diminished
by the sale of bonds bearing a low rate of
interest, and the application of tbe proceeds
to the redemption of bondsbearingahigher
rate Tbe annnal saving thus secured since
3£ih 1. 1877. is *14,290.453.50.
Within a short period over six hun
dred millions of five and six per cent,
bends will become redeemable, This pre-
its a very favorable opportunity not only
_ further reduce the principal of the debt,
but alao to reduce tbe rate of interest on
that whieh will remain unpaid. I call ths
attention of congress to the views expressed
on this subject by the secretary of the treas
ury in his annual report, aud recommend
prompt legislation, to enable the treasury
department to complete the refuncing of
thedebt which is shout to mature.
The continuance of specie payments has
not been interrupted or endangered since
the date of resumption. It has contributed
greatly to the rental of business and to oor
remarkable prosperity- The fears that pre
ceded and accompanied resumption have
proved groundless. No considerable amount
of United States notes hare been presented
for redemption, while very Urge sums of
gold bullion, both domestic and imported,
are taken to the mints and exchanged for
coin or notes. The increase of coin and
bullion in the United States sixes January
1,1879, is estimated at $227,399,428,
There are still In existence, nnczncelled;
$346,681,016 of United States legal-tender
notes. These notes were Authorized as a
war c.. assure, made necessary by the exi
gencies of the conflict in which tha United
States was then engaged. The preservation
of the nation's sxistecce required, in the
judgment of congress, an issue of legal-
tender paper mocey. That it served well
the purpose for which it wss created is not
questioned, but the employment of the
notes as paper money indefinitely, after the
accomplishment of the object for which
they were provided, was not contemplated
by the framers of the law under
upuu UC« WIIUUJJ. |IU(AI.-V va ZUB — J
an entire change of policy. Tbs muinten
aace of small posts along wagon and stage
routes of travel is no longer necessary Per
manent quarters at points selected, of a
more substantial character than those here
tofore constructed, will be required. Under
existing laws, permanent baildings cannot
be erected without the sanction ol con
gress, and when sales of military sites and
baildings have been authorised, the moneys
received have reverted to the treasury,
and could only become available
through a new appropriation. It is recom
mended that provision be made, by a gen
eral statute, for tbe sale of anch abandoned
military posts and baildings si are found
to be unnecessary, and for the application
of the pioceeds to the construction of other
p.sta. While many of the present posts are
of but slight value for military purposes,
owing to the changed condition of the
country, their occupation is continued at
great expense and inconvenience, because
they afford the only available shelter for
^^iSe*absence of a large number of officers
of the line, in active duty, from their regi
ments, is a serious detriment to the main
tenance of the service. The constant de
mand for small detach men is, each of which
should be commanded by a commissioned
officer, and the various details of officers for
necessary service away from their com
mands, occasions a scarcity in the number
required for company duties. With a view
to lessening this drain to some extent, it is
recommended that the law authorizing the
deutil of officers from the* active list as pro
fessors of tactics and military science at
certain colleges and universities, be so
amended as to provide that all such details
be made from the retired list of the army.
Attention is asked to the necessity cf pro
viding
and di
commended in this behalf.' The reports ot
the adjutant general of the army and the
chief of ordnance touching this snbject
fully set forth ita importance.
Tne report of the officer in charge of ed
ucation in the army shows that tnere are
seventy-eight schools now in operation in
the army, with an aggregate attendance of
2,305 enlisted men and children. The sec
tary recommends the enlistment of one
nndred and fifty schoolmasters, with the
rank and pay of commissary sergeants. An
internal ZMPaovxxxinrs.
The two great rivers of the North Ameri
can continent, the Mississippi and the Co-
‘ , have their navigable waters wholly
with’u tbe limits of the United States, and
are of vast importance to onr internal and
foreign com merce. The permanency of t he
important work on the south pass of the
Mississippi river seems now to be assured.
There has been no fail are whatever in the
maintenance of the maximum channel du
ring the six months ended August 9, last.
Tnis experiment has opened a broad deep
highway to the ocean, and is an improve
ment, upon the permanent success of
whicb, congratulations may be exchanged
among peoyle abroad and at home, and
especially among the commnnities of the
Mississippi valley, whose commercial ex
changes float in an unobstructed channel
safely to and from the sea.
A comprehensive improvement of the
Mississippi and its tributaries is a matter
of transcendent importance. These great
water-ways comprise a system of inland
transportation spread tike net-work over a
large portion ot the United States, and
navigable to the extent of many thousands
of miles. Producers and consumers alike,
have a common interest in snch unequalled
facilities for cheap transportation. Geo
graphically, commercially and politically,
tbey are the strongest tie between the va
rious sections of the country. These chan
nels of communication and interchange are
the property of the nation. Its jurisdiction
h paramount over their waters, and the
plainest principles of public interest re
quire their intelligent and careful super
vision, witn a view to their protection, im
provement, and the enhancement of their
usefulness.
The channel of the Columbia river, for a
distance of about one hunred miles from its
month, is obstructed -by a succession of
bars, which occasion serious delays ia navi
gation, and heavy expense for lighterage
and towage. A depth of at least twenty
feet at low tide should besecnred,and main
tained, to meet the requirements ot the
extensive and growing inland and ocean
commerce it subserves. The most urgent
need, however, for this great water-way is a
permanent improvement of the channel at
the mouth of the river.
From Columbia river to San Francisco,
a distance of over six hundred miles,
there is no harbor on our Pacific coast
which can be approached during stormy
weather. An appropriation of $150,000 was
made by the forty fifth congress for the
commencement of a breakwater and harbor
of refuge, to be located at some point be
tween the straits Fuca and San Francisco,
at which the necessities of commerce, local
aud general, will be best accommodated.
The amount appropriated is thought to be
quite inadequate for the purpose intended.
The cost of the work, when finished, will
be very great, owing to the want of natural
advantages for a site at any point on the
coast between the designated limits^ and it
has not been thought to be advisable to
undertake the work without a larger ap
propriation. I commend the matter to the
attention of congress.
The completion of the new building of
the war department is urgently needed,and
theeatimatesfor continuing its com traction
are especially recommended.
The collections of books, specimens, rec
ords constituting the Army medical mu
seum and library are of national import
ance. The library now contains about fifty-
one thousand five hundred (51.500) volumes
and fifty-seven thousand (57,000) pamphlets
relating to medicine, surgery, aid allied
topics. The contents of the Army medical
nmsenm tonsist of twenty two thousand
(22,000) specimens, and are uniqne in the
completeness with which both military sur
gery and the diseases of armies are illns
trated. Their destruction wonld be an ir
reparable la ~ *
but to the
record and pension division over sixteen
thousand (16,000) bound volumes of hos
pital records, together with a §reat quantity
of papers, embracing the original records of
the hospitals of our armies during the civil
war. Aside from their historical value,
these records are daily searched for evidence
needed in the settlement of Urge numbers
of pension and other claims, for the protec
tion of the government against attempted
frands, as well as for the benefit of honest
claimants. These valuable collections are
now in a building which is peculiarly ex
posed to the danger of destruction by fire.
It is therefore’ earnestly recommended that
n appropriation be made for a new fire
proof building, adequate for the present
needs and reasonable future expansion cf
these valuable collections. . Such a
building should be absolutely fire-proof;
no expenditure for mere architectural
display is required. It Is believed that a
suitable structure can be erected at a cost
oot to exceed two hundred and fifty thoa
sand dollars. ($250,000.)
rEOVIDHTO YOB GBAJTT.
I commeud to the attention of congress
the great aervicee of the com*
mander-in-cnief of our armies during
tLe war for the union, whoso
wise, firm, and patriotic conduct did so
much to bring tha' momentous conflict to
a doee. The legislation of the United
States contains many precedents for the re
cognition of distinguished military merit,
authorizing rank and emoluments to be
conferred for eminent services to the conn-
try. An act of congress authorizing the ap-
.. . this purpose.
additional legislation is asked by tbe post
master-general, to whose recommendations
especial attention is called.
The suggestion of the postmaster general,
that it wonld be wise to encourage, by ap
propriate legislation, tbe establishment of
the Mississippi valley, and Q r the eastern
and southern states. The subject is com
mended to the careful consideration of
congress.
rUBUC BUILDINGS.
The secretary of the Interior asks atten-
American lines of steamers by ourowncit■ I J*®* the want of room in the public
izens, to carry the mails between our own I buildings of the capital, now existing and
ports and those of Mexico, Central America, | in progress of construction, for the acoom-
South America, and of trans Pacific coun- I uunlationof the clerical force employed,
tries, is commended to the serious conside-1 and of the public records. Necessity has
ration of congress. ( compelled the renting of private buildings
The attention of congress is also invited I different parts o(.lhe city for the location
to the suggestions of the postmaster general I of public offices, for which a large
in regard to postal savings. amount of renUs annually paid, while the
juDiciAav separation of offlras belonging to the same
Th. n<ra«;tvinr additional nmvislon to department impedes the transaction of enr-
rfifissSsasssssusi
sasasssss -
uumir 'f toedreuUa .« «cuutt
with the constant accession of cases. In I *£ 8BCh
the former cqurt, and in many instances in I n i oni uSm of
;h. drcnltSortt, jraara intorvened hrfroa I
It U practicable tobriMraaea to hrarIng. to i ,„d would together with the treasury
The attornej-general rec >mmenas the es-1 , ni > »u e new naw and d»
roS^nd Inrail,* a ‘hb^tSl^ °»°> building. toSJK' oUhe’moat '££
K^mb^fudge! “f IhfdreuU^rt in * lng EroU|a "' P ubUc ' dia “» ln > he ™rld.
each circuit, with the exception of *he | agbicpltcbai*
an intermediato ’.ppdl.to SfiK
formed in each cironit, to consist of the cir- I at home, aud have received the es pedal oonaid-
cuilj udges and the circuit justice, and that j eraUon of foreign nations. The successful culti-
in the event of tbe absence of eitherof these ■ “<> ^«““'“«tnre of
j E dg to l he pla r ,°K th t • b *S“ t j , a<Ige mmtootoEffiliSVniSS!?taxSwStthJttte
should be supplied by the judge of one | nation.
of the district courts in the circuit, Such ] The report of the commlsoner asks attention
an appellate court could be safely invested | particularly to the continued prevalence ol aa
site,! L u S Q h;
would satisfy sUztora in many rases where I or pleuro-pncumonia A mild type of thtidls-
appeals would stilt be allowed to the sa-1 cate, in oertain sections of onr country, is the
preme court. The expense incurred for I occasion of great loss to our farmers, and ot so-
this intermediate court, will require a very
moderate increase of the appropriations for I m2.il fo Tha?aine of^iiSu'
the expenses of the department of justice. 1 ^me exported from the United States for the
This recommendation is commended to I eight months ended August 51, 1880, wss more
the careful consideration of congress. I than twelve million dollars, and nearly double
It ia evident that a delay of justice, in
many ini fan ce* oppressive and disaafrona S^u^jSSd'tSSitaSmaiit tto1 '
to suitor,, now necessarily occur* in the I
federal courts, which will in this way be I *t>ccano*au
remedied. I The commissioner o! education reports * eon-
1 tinued increase of public interest In educational
THE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT. I afiklia, and that the publio schools generally
The report of the secretary of the interior J throughout the country are welt sustained. In-
presents an elaborate acconutof the opera- dmttfcbmala^u *Uraairada«Kro*agtatlra,
Sons of that department during th=T«t «'££££ £*
year. Jtgi tea we great pleasure tossy that 1 facluding the govenunem schools recently estilj£
onr Indian affairs appear to be in a more I fitted tor the instruction of Indian youth, are
hopeful condition now than ever before. I gaining steadily in public estimation. The com-
appropriation is needed to supply the judge
advocates of the army with suitable libra
ries, and the secretary recommends that tne
corps of judge advocates be placed upon the
same footing, as to promotion, with the
other staff corps of the army. Un der exist
ing laws, the bureau of military
justice consists of one officer,
the judge-advocate general, and the
corps of judge advocates, of eight officers
of equal rank, (majors) with a provision
that the limit of the corps shall remain at
four, when reduced by casualty or resigna
tion to that number. Tbe consolidation of
the bureau of military justice, and the
corps of judge advocates, upon the tame
basis with the other staff orpsof the army,
would remove an unjust discrimination
against deserving officers, aad subserve the
best interests of tne service.
Especial attention is asked to the report
of the chief engineers upon the condition of
onr national defenses. From A personal
inspection of many of the fortifications re
ferred to, the secretary is able to emphasize
the recommendations made, and to state
that their incomplete aad defensele-s con
dition is discreditable to the country.
pointment of a captain general of the
army, with suitable provisions relating to
compensation, retirement, and other de
tails, would, In my judgment, be altogeth
er fitting and proper, and would be warmly
approved by the country.
THE HAVT DXTABTMKST.
The report of the secretary of tbe navy
exhibits tbe successful aud satisfactory
management of that department during the
last fiscal year. The total expenditures for
the year were $12,916,639 45, leaving unex
pended at tbe close of tbe year $2,141,682 23
of the amount of available appropriations
The appropriations for the present fiscal
year, ending June 30,1881, ate $15,095,06145.
The amount drawn by warrant from July 1,
1880, to November 1, 1880, is $5,041,570.45.
The recommendation of the secretary of
the navy, that provision be made for the es
tablishment ot some form of civil govern
ment for the people of Alaska, is approved.
At present there is no protection oi peraoca
or property in that territory, except such aa
is afforded by the officers of the United
States ship Jamestown. This vessel was
dispatched to Sitka, because of tbe fear that,
without the immediate presence of the na
tional authority, there is impending danger
of anarchy. The steps taken to restore order
have been accepted in good faith by both
white and Indian inhabitants, and the ne
cessity for this method of restraint does nor,
in my opinion, now exist. If, however, the
Jamestown shou’d be withdrawn, leaving
the people, as at present, without the ordi
nary, judicial, and administrative author
ity of organized local government, serious
consequences might ensue.
The laws provide only for the collection
of revenue, the protection ol public prop
erty and the transmission of the malls.
The problem is to supplv a local rule for a
population so scattered god so peculiar
in its origin and condition Tbe
natives are reported to be teaebab’e and
self-anpporting. and, if properly instructed,
doubtless would advance rapidly in civiliza
tion, and • new factor of prosperity be
added to the national life. I therefore
recommend the requisite legislation upon
this subject. \
The secretary of the navy has taken steps
towards the establishment of naval coaling
stations st the isthmus of Panama, to meet
the requirement* of our commercial rela
tions with Central and Sontb America,
quietly settling down on farms where they I southern states. Tne t recommend*-
hope to make ^eir permanent homes, build- f^m
ini: houae* end engegtng in the occupation* uJS.'JSowl.of the nlc. of the pibGTli-“
Vlhzed life. The introduction Of I annually, the lnoome of which, a
freighting business among them ] -—‘ * * ‘
has been remarkably fruitful of good re- ^ —
suite, in giring many of them congenial I ‘‘’$£1 worelS ot^*5bU?iX£)7o! the Dfztrict
and remunerative employment, and m I of Columbia, and the prrareM aude, under the
stimulating their ambition to earn their I Intelligent^direction of the board of education
own support. Their honesty, fidelity and and toe zupertntendent, to umpiring toe educa-
effleieniy ae carrier* are highly praised. !£?£* nw’Kimro’leS’
dian^lS'Sen eqaid'y zaraMsfaUn mein- gffiKS&S
touting law and order upon the I -— ” *
reservations, and in exercising a | —— w.. : -q .——- ri
wholesome moral influence among I }
the Indians themselves. I concur with the «tond!h^c«S^SdfSttoSto^toe^SS^
secretory of the interior in thetecommen-1 0 f which has been so fully vindicated by expert-
dation that tbe pay of ,this force be in I euce to the District of Columbia,
creased, as an inducement to the best class I the distict or Columbia.
of young men to enter it. I I again commend the general interests of the
Much care and attention has been devoted I Distract of Columbia to the favorable considera
te the enlargement of educational facilities I tion ol congress. The affidn of the district, as
for the Indians. The means available I tte report oi the commissioners, are in
for this important object have been 1 * i^^^3d^SSSJf°h^retofore, and in i
veiy inadequate. A few additional I tpcciai meat age of December 19,1879,1 have urg««
boarding-schools at Indian agencies j upon the attention of congress the necessity of
have been established, and the erec I recMmtog the marshes of tne Pocomac adjacent
tion of baildings has been begun for Mr ‘“Spot-
oral more, bat an increiue oflhe appropri- “£»«> aa5roS$«rena hunmSl'acrea TbS?
ations for this interesting undertaking is I are &n impediment to the drain-
greatly needed to accommodate the large | age of the city, and seriously impair its
number of Indian children of school age. 1 health. It ti believed that, with this substantial
T u‘ 2Zof r the e cD d nn l Sv b for ‘SSfl&SKS
all parts of the country for education in I ln ^ wor j3. Aaide from Its permanent
the government schools is much larger I population, this city la necessarily the place of
than can be accommodated with the I residence of persons from every section of the
means at present available for that purpose, j
The number of Indian pupil* al the nor-
mal school at Hampton, Virginia, under the I itahouldnot be forgotten that
direction of General Armstrong, has been I quired will probably be worth the cost of reclaim-
considerably increased, and their progress | in* it, and that the navigation of the river will be
is highly encouraging The Indian ecliool toaretoro again lavUo to*
established by the Interior department in I taSffiSXSSjErSS&’lSSSK
1879, at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, under the I [Ued improvement
direction of Captain Pratt, has been equally 1 The water supply of the dty Is inadequate. In
successful. It uaa now nearly two hundred I addition to the ordinary use throughout the city,
pupils of both sexes, representing a great
variety of the tribes cast of the Kocky I ^L^d e pLimro“ LJ?^'
mountains. The pupils in both these in-1 required for the proper preservation of thenume-
stitutions receive not only an elementary 1 roua parka and the cleansing of sewers. I recom-
English education, but are alao instructed I mend that this subject receive the early attention
in house-work, agriculture, and useful 1
mechanical pursuits. A similar school I m ^ adopted as ..**.
was established this year at Forest I in view the future growth of the city. Tern-
Grove, Oregon, for the educa* | porary expedients for auch a porooee esanot bat
tion of Indian youth on the Pacific I “
ooast. Io addition to this, thirty-six In I SuS'S'jreStoTlMlUed?sbSSTtoSlr■ l? ^'
dian boys anc* girls were selected trotn tbe I ment, be constructed, i commend *g*in
Eastern Cherokees and placed In boarding- I attention of congrea*the subject of the res
schools in North Carolina, where they are I from their present location, of
to receive an elementary English education I 5* HSL. “®!Sd i M SSSm
and training in industrial pursuits. The 1 *»ny iwiww messages in be-
intersst shown by Indian parents, even I 0 i the erection of * bunding for the con-
among the so called wild tribes, in the ed-1 gresslonal library: the completion of the Wash-
a cation of their children, ia very gratify- lagan
ing, and gives promise that the resulu ae- ^TtradSrtc? ^
rAmnliflhitH bv ihg gffVirtg nnv tnglfitt9 will I —KCTHEKfOtD B. BaVXa.
Executive Mansion,
compUshed by the efforts now making will
be of lasting benefit.
The expenses of Indian education hare
so far'been drawn from the permanent civ
ilization fund at the disposal of the depart
ment of the interior; but the fund is now
so mach reduced, that the continuance of
this beneficial work will in the future de
pend on specific appropriations of congress
for the purpose, and 1 venture to express
Decembers. 1880.
SARa’S ragb
At Finding Her Frailties Talked
Absent.
___ New York, December The Sun publishes a
the ?ope tiuitcongrres wTii'not permit'In-1 communication from Jean Landau, a French
stitucions ao fruitful of good results, to JonmaUrtoowlo toUcouncrjJn whltoherej.:
is for their support. I
zk. 1 ihe saw in Broadway a huge wagon covered with
perish for want of means . we saw in «««*» » uu « wrow wna
On the contrary, an increase of the number | advertisements of the 'amours of Sara Bern-
of such schools appears to me highly advis-1 hardL* She was so hurt that she was for
able I returning to Franoe by the next steamer.
The past year has been unusually free mfi
riimurhancea atnonsr the Indian tribes. I Te . nt ?r.
which are rapidly growing in importance.
Locations eminently suitable, both as re
gards our naval purposes and the utesof
commerce, have been selected, one on the
east side of the isthma* at Ohiriqui Lagoon,
in the Caribbean sea, and the other on the
Pacific coast, at the bay of Golfito. The
only safe harbors, sufficiently commodious,
on the isthmus, are at these points, and the
distance between them is leas than one bun-
dred mile*. The report of the zecreUry of
tbe navy concludes with valuable rug-
Stations with respect to the building up of
oor merchant-marine service, which deserve
the favorable consideration of congress.
THE POSTAL SEBVICE
The report of the postmaster general ex
hibits the continual growth and the high
state of efficiency of the postal service.
The operations of no department of the
government, perhaps, represents with great
er exactness tne increase in the population
and the business of the country. In 1860.
the postal receipts were $3 511067 40; in
1880 the receipts were $33,315,479 34. All
the inhabitants of the country are directly
from disturbances among the Indian tribes. 1 JgJg* touSSS'upfiu
An agreement has been made with the I. tea, I g at ; hc- mwt characteristic part of theafiklr was
by which they surrender their large reserve-1 that when she expressed her Indignation to her
tion in Colorado in consideration of an an- I manager he told her she had no redress. No
unity, to be paid to them, and agrte tozettle
in eeveraliy on certain land deaigna ed for £aiat<EK« and TvS^rito plea,n5r3f u5
that purpose, as farm era, holding individual I absurd accusation* brought against this woman
ti tie to their land in fee-simple, inatie* able j that an American gentleman thought It wholly
for a certain neriod. In this way a costly I natural and proper for him to aend her, the other
IndUn wfr hS bSn a^tod? whiST.t ol dUjMa<u
one time, seemed imminent, and, for tbe I the jewel* please you, let me know, at the
first time in the history of the country, an I address given below, the hour at which you can
Indian nation has given up its tribal exist-1 receive me.
to be settled in severalty, I If the scoundrel could have seen the tears of
liw* M individuals I Indignant rage which his insult provoked, his
and to live as l aiviauais I t JT. Wnnia have flushed with shame, whatever
under the common protection of the [ m.> brutality of his sentiment. Another
laws of the country. The conduct of the I American gentleman sent’ a dispatch to tbe ar-
Indians throughout tbe country, during the 1 tiMe. .asking whethw she wes intereeted in the
tion*, has been orderly and peaceful. The I ££ He mutl have been rattier astonished at
guerrilla w&sfare earned on for two years I getting in response a telegram from Mile, bern-
by Victorio and his band of Southern I hardt's agent, saying that legal prooeeing* had
Apaches has virtually come to an end by I been taken against tbeUbelers. and those who
,h?SS.tb of that chi.fand_.mMa nf hre fof- \ gqg, .SSnSIi
lowers, on Mexican sou. The disturbances 1 they would ascertain tbvt the
caused on our northern frontier by Sitting I defenseless stranger who is being Abused in a
Boll And his men, who had token refuge in I fashion so revolting U not only a woman endowed
Cbe Britixb dominion*, ire *!» likely to I wlto enww. bafj0»o a
ceaze. A targe majority of hi* follower. I u^^J^^t^ucrefroSSSnltoSzS^
have surrendered to oor military forces, and I f «y.<r tint of the gomip-inongen. Lest
the remainder are apparently in progress of I year,'during her visit to England, this woman
disintegration. * | was assaulted by powerful slanderers, but in
I coSSTwith toezecretoryof the Interior S^qjS^kSjjTSl2LEF5&
in exprrazmg tbe eexnezt bone that con- I JTSJ. from toe Sulpl * Moreover,
gre** will at this zession take favorable ac-1 uiere was found one vn g ii,hm,n brave enough
tfou on tie bill providing for toe allotment I to undertake toe defeaze ol toe .tranter, and
of landa on the different reservations in I toe whom he had defended wrote to him from
severalty u the Indians, with patent* coo-1 d mm al in which I and
ferring'fret simple title inalienable for a I toe lu" —iSd
erai settlement, wna tne consent ana lor | ^mmtmwawaVaf
the benefit of we Indians, placing tite lat-1 j have achild; I love him. Thestonea
ter under the equal protection of tbe laws I that they cast st me as l go along shall not nit his
of the country. This measure, together { joaxu head. I will guJdrttim, to the end, t
with a vigorous prosecution of our edaca-1 thst ts my dotT- f
tional efforts, will work the most important
and effective advance toward the solution j vous * j ara soortginal that I prefer to be at poaro
of the Indian problem, in preparing for the I w ith my conscience and with God.
gradual merging of our Indian population 1 ‘•Bxsjl Bxbxhasst."