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6 THE WEEKLY CONSTITUTION, DECEMBER 13 1881. 47TH CONGRESS. GETTING BEADY FOR THE WORK OF LEGISLATION. The Reception of the President???. 21ees.ee???Sow it wu Met in the Honse???Business Introduced in the Senate???Mr. Brown???s Effort (or a Settlement with the Hail roads. In and Around the Capitol. Washington, December 4.???ISjiectul Correspond ence Constitution.]???The capital has thrown off its long lethargy and Is once more putting on air* be fore the nation. Congress will open with unusual gaycty and with the prospect of a long, excited and important ses sion. Kvcrythiug is absorbed in the interest felt in the doings anil sayings of the wise men to whom the i-e.'ple have delegated these arduous toils, liven the ghastly Guiteau sensation has passed into necond-ratc importance as a matter of gossip, and the poor wretch is performing his unties to let Hive audiences than he has hitherto had. Ydsterilay was a day of caucuses. The wire puf- ???r was in his glory and the political trader had a The speakership business looks ugly. Hisrock it' here the choice of more republican represent- rftiv-.???s than any other man, and the chqjce of a good majority ol them over Keifer. The last two (lays ii??d the I-ti - iness. It seems that the administration hi imbued with the einiracteiistic vindictiveness and the stolid a??? suinaey of Grant. Poor Htscock???s political sins were hauled tip from the grave wherein his peni tence seemed to have buried them and were paraded as ghost., to frighten the timid from his support. The scarecrow worked well. By 10 o'clock yester day the best friends of the genial New Yorker knew that he was doomed and could only pro'est by a Arm stand for their friend until the avalanche came. Alter all it may he best. Keifer is uot the man that Hi cock is, and the leaders of a powerful mi nority may find his sway less potent than would have been that of his rival. But there are sad sug gestions connected with this affair. We are evi dently going to have a live administration. It clearly proposes to have a hand in all that is going on in this country and Arthur has already shown that he will not scruple to interfere whenever his nriful ways or his strong inducm-c ere needed. Unmt has been styy of Washington since he was rebuked at Chicago, hut he will "bob up serenely ' now, since he cun use the royal "we" and link himself to the administrative power. With him and Arthur at the helm, and olu man Mavis silting next, congratulating himself on the beauty of a i imlejiendonce which has paid so well, we have n pleasing prospect for the next three years. There arc already signs that this thing is telling on the people. in the vessel of republican pence rancors have fallen and every day embitters the factions. It is ltnrdiy better witli the demo crats. They fussed in their caucus yesterday over the tariff. ltauitall has come here more fully imbued with protection views than ever, and as the leader of the minority, will lie ns actively the champion of monopoly ns he was in the chair. He and his friends are so aggressive that it is thought they will even try to whirl the party to theirline. Knott, of Kentucky, offered some resolutions in the caucus which meant nothing but a rap on Randal.s knuckles, and they were rejected. Colonel Ham mond opposed them as being inopportune. Properly managed, the democratic minority will be able to do much, hut the chances arc in favor of the s.ime lack of concert which made its majority so ineffectual. Randall will be the nominal leader. As a parliamentarian anil a director ot minor tac tics he is very strong. But can he always look back of him and see a solid line? lam afraid his horn is not as inspiriting us Khoderick Dhu's. < Jeorgia Ishere with eleven good men ready for the ioitg session. Mr Hilt looks strong and cheerful. He weighs within one pound of his best record. Ilis tongue has censed to trouble him and his physicians say the danger is past. He has shaven his chin clean but wears a hutch of whiskers on each cheek bone. Senator Brown lias taken elegant quartets at the Metropolitan, which seems to l>e headquarters for Georgia, lie seems to anticipate the coming session very cheerfully, and cannot bo classed among the sombre hued democrats. Mr. Stephens has recently been troubled with what he culls "nn excrescence" which attacked the left side of his face, near the temple. The doctor nay it was merely a tetter, but if let alone might have run into a bad sore. They performed a severe o|>eration with knife and acid, the patient standing it like a man of stone with no anesthetic, unless a few drops of whisky could be so called. The cure is permanent. Among the men who will partake of- the fresh feast of republican spoils is Colonel Jack llspwn, ol Georgia, who some ' time ago appeared for door-keeper? of the house. Me Is said to have developed enough strength to give him a prominent position before the caucus of southern republicans, which successfully pushed Walter Urownlow ior the place. Colonel Brown will be nicely cared for. Rainey, the South Curo- lluu negro, was treated to a full supply of taffy and then told that he was not good enough forclerk. Republican love for the negro is fruitful of brnutiful rhetoric but is singularly bnrren of tangible results. F. H. It. the United States: An appalling calamity has be fallen the American people since their chosen representatives last met in the halls where you are now assembled. We might else recall with unal loyed content the rare prosperity with which, throughout the year, the nation has been blessed. Its harvests have been plenteous, its varied indus tries have thriven, the health of its people has been preserved, and it has maintained with foreign governments the undisturbed relations of amity and peace. For these manifestations of His ravor we owe to Him. who holds our destiny in His hands, the tribute of our grateful devotion. To that mys terious exercise of His will, which has taken from ua the loved and illustrious citizen, who was but lately the head of the nation, we bow in sorrow and submission. The memories of his exalted character, of his noble achievement, and of his patriotic life, will be treasured forever as a sacred jjossession of the whole people. The announce ment of his death drew from foreign governments and peoples tributesof sympathy and sorrow which history will record os a signal token of the kinship of nations and the federation of mankind. GOOD DELATIONS ABROAD. The feeling of good will between our own gov ernment and that oi Great Britain was never more marked than at present, in recognition of ??? this pleasing fact, I directed on the occasion ot the late centennial celebration at Yorktown, that a salute be given to the British Hag. Save for the correspondence to which I shall refer hereafter, in relation to the proposed canal across the isthmus of Panama, little has occurred worthy of mention in the diplomatic relations of the two countries. Karly in the year the Fortune bay claims was satis factorily settled by the British government paying in full the sura of ??15,009, most oi which has been already distributed. As the terms of the settle ment included oompeusation for injuries suffered by our fishermen at Aspee bay, there bus been re tained from the gross award a sum w hich is deemed adequate for these claims. The participation of Americans in the exhibition at Melbourne and Sydney will be approvingly men tioned in the reports of the two exhibitions soon to be presented to congress. They will disclose the readiness of our countrymen to make successful competition in distant fields of enterprise. Nego tiations for an international copyright convention are in hopeful progress. The surrender of fitting Bull and his forces upon the Canadian frontier has allayed all apprehension, alihough bodies of British Indians still cross the bor der in quest of sub-t .nance. Cpoti this subject a cor respondence has been obtained which promises an adequate understanding. Our troops have orders ??? ???iivuuiip, uiiusoaiiimiiip. MUUJ'n H.HU UiUClB to avoid meanwhile all collisions with alien Ju lians. The presence at the Yorktown celebration of rep resentatives of the French repuhlicand the descend ants of Lafayette and of liisgallaut com patriots wlu> were our allies in the revolution, has served to strengthen the spirit of good will which has always existed between the two nations. You will be furnished with the proceedings of the bimetalic conference held during the summer ut the city of Paris. No accord was reached, but a valuable interchange of views was had, and the conference will next year be renewed, in the elec trical exhibition and congress, also held at Paris, this country was creditably represented by eminent specialists who, in the absence of an appropriation, generously lent their cilicicnt aid, at tlie instance of the state department, while our exhibitors u this almost distinctively American tield of achievement ??? have won several valuable awards. I recommend into effect. proposed Panama canal, a guarantee which would be in direct contravention of our obligation As the sole guarantor of the integrity of the Colom bian territory and of the neutrality of the canal it self, my lamented predecessor felt it his dutv to place before the European powers the reasons which make the prior guarantee of the Cnited States in dispensable, and for which the interjection of any foreign guarantee might be regarded a?? a snptrllu- ous and unfriendly act. Foreseeing the probable reliance of the British government in the provisions of the Claytou-Bulwer treatv of 1850. as affording room for a share in the guarantees which tlie Cnited Suites made with Colombia four years before, 1 have not hesitated to supplement tlie ac tion of my predecessor by proposing to her majesty's go.eminent the modification of that instrument and the abrogation of such clauses thereof as do not comport with the obligations of the Cnited States towards Colombia, or with the vital- needs of tlie two friendly parties to the compact. This government sees with great concern the con tinuance of the hostile relations between Chili, IS.Kvia and Peru. An early peace between these , republics is much to be desired, not only that thev ; may themselves be spared further misery and blootf- ! .- i,t*.!, but because their continued antagonism :::: catena consequences which are, in mv judgment, dangerous to the interests oi republican gov ernment on this continent, and calculated 'to destroy the best interests of our iro- and peaceful civilization. As in tlie present ex cited condition oi popular feeling in these coun tries there has been serious misapprehension of the position of the Cnited States, and as sepa ate diplo matic intercourse with each tnrough independent ministers is sometimes subject, owing to the want of prompt reciprocal communication, to temporary misunderstanding, 1 have deemed it judicious a't the present time to send a -peeial envoy, accredited to all and each of them, and furnished with gen eral instructions which will, i trust, enable him to bring these powers into friendly relations. The government of Venezuela maintains itsatti Hide ol' warm friendship and continue witli great regularity its payment of the monthly quoto nt' the diplomatic debt. Without suggesting the direc tion in which congress should act, I ask its attention to the petniiup questions affecting tlie distributing of the sums thus far received. The relations between Venezu ela and Fnince, growing out of the same, have for some time past been in an unsatisfactory state, and this government, as the neighbor and one of the largest creditors of Venezuela, has -interposed its influence with the French government with the view of producing a friendly and honorable adjust ment. 1 regre* that the commercial interests between the I'nited States uuu Brazil, from which great ad vantages were hoped a year ago, have suffered sources for the fiscal year ending June 30,1881, were: *??? From customs 98,159,676,022 Internal revenue - 135,264,385 51 Sales ol public lands 2,201,863 17 Tax ou circulation and deposits of national banks S,116,115 72 Repayment of interest by the Pacific railway company 810,833 80 Sinking fund for the Pacific railroad company S5.1S0 51 Customs, fees, tines, penalties, etc 1,225,514 86 From fees, consular letters patent aud lands 2,244,9S3 98 From proceeds of sales of government property 26.217,400 00 From profits on coinage 3,4GS,4So 61 From revenues oi the District of Co lumbia 2,016,199 23 From miscellaneous sources 6,206,880 13 ????????????'???o'-* 3 " viv uopou <?? j vui iiniv aumticu irorn the withdrawal oi the American lines of com munication between the Brazilian ports and our own. ??? Through the efforts of our minister resident at Buenos Ayres and the United Slates minister at Santiago, a treaty has been concluded between the Argentine republic, and Chili disposing of the long pending Patagonian boundary question, it is a matter of congratulation that our govenment has been afforded the opportunity of successfully exerting its good influence for the prevention of disagreement between these republics of tlie American continent. 1 am glad to inform you that the treaties lately negotiated with Chiua, have been duly ratified on both sides, anti the exchange mode at Peking. I.egisliuion is necessary to carry their provisions ' - ??? - xhe prompt and friendlv spirit with congress to provide for the repayment of the per- I which the ???hinese government at the retfUest of sonal expense incurred in the public interest bv the I the United States, conceded the modification of ex- honorary commissioners am???, delegates. * 1 issing treaties, should secure a careful regard for Washington, Decembers.???(Special Correspond ence.!???There are more people in Washington than usual, even for the opening of congress. Everybody .anticipates n very lively session and are on hand to .sec thCjfun. But another element lias contributed largely to the croud. The horde of office-seekers now afflicting this city is without a parallel even in Washington, the politician's paradise. In the first l >laoe. the republicans are back into power, and their '???appetite for spoil has been keeuly whetted by the recent period of enforced abstemiousness. They nre here now ready to take it all. They are like the evil spirit which holy writ tells us afflicted some good man. When once driven out it did not dispair hut got control of him again and brought lmek a fresh troop of torments. In this mongrel group comes a full representation from that mys terious party led in Virginia by a democrat who sits and votes and juggles with republicans. The jubilee in the republican ranks over >Ia- hone???s success is going to causo trouble for he can now att'ord to demand great consideration from the party which persists in canonizing him as a latter duy saint and the apostle of deliverance to the poor south. Behind him arc thousands of followers whose inspiration arises in tlie mines of the flesh pots. They urge him, crying like the horse leech???s daughter "Give;??? and he comes to tire administration for his supplies. How these demands are to De met I cannot im agine. That question troubles me less than it does the administration. The southern republicans are growing bold too. They have captured a goodly share of the fat things to come from tho house and are not yet satisfied. The administration lias trained its artillery on the ???solid south,??? but comes to find that its friends from that section want the command of operations. There is a very interest ing little family tempest brewing. Mahone is apotheosized already in Virgiuia, and has been set on a pedestal from which his devotees propose to lilt him into the vice presi dency. It may be done. He is ambitious enough to aim nt that nigh mark and giddy enough with recent success to dream of its attainment. 'Southern democrats look iicrplexed. They recog nize the fact that they have made the backbone of democratic strength since the war aud cannot dis guise the fact that appearances are, at least, dubious. Who could say that the south would be solid on u national election to-morrow 7 The same influences which whirled Virginia to the line of the rcadjust- cr.-. two years ago were intensified a little and swept it into thy recent event of electing a coalition ticket One more degree w ill turn it to square rcpulican- ism and chip off the top layer of the "solid south." To this complexion tilings are coming. I hoar men well posted putting Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina among the doubtful states. The people are crowding now to the caphol to see the fun of electing a s|>eaker and other offi cers of the house, and in the senate the nestors are already sitting gloomily glaring at each other, and seemingly awaiting the fray which they know is coming. All so far is smooth, however. The w inds have not arisen and the waves are sing ing the soft song of peace. But there will be squalls ami gales soon enough. Turning from politics, a pleasing relief, I want to say a few words about Carp. To-night l>r. Cary will leave for Atlanta with 1,300 German carp, which Professor Baird w ill turn over to him. in excellent health aud ready to do tlieir duty iu Georgia. The. doctor said when I asked him how the carp were in Georgia: "Why, the best that we could wish. I could tell you some stories of tlieir crow-tli in Georgia which would sound truly 'fishy.??? Last February we put some fish in Georgia waters when they were hardly as long as my little finger, and by Set tember they were big fellows, weighing live jHiunus apiece." "How has their increase been?" "Remarkable. The very fact that wc have had ouly a few to put in a place has perhaps been the best thing that could have happened, where there nre a few fish they increase wonderfully. At the navy yard Professor Baird has tried ihe experiment of placing a great many of them together, and there he found that instead of half a million young fish he had only about ten thousand." "What was the reason of that???? "Well, when there area few of the fish together they find plenty of food in the water, but where they are so crowded the natural supply of food is soon exhausted aud they then devour the sqiawii ??? !*-. I???nry went on to sav that he hoped to nave enough carp very soon to supply all the wants of Georgia. The people are beginning to appreciate them, and almost every good citizen who can have a fish pond is now arranging for that luxury. The doctor selected his 1,500 fish from the smaller sizes, as they are easier to transport, ami by next fall will Im as large as their larger playmates are now. The average of the fish he is bringing is about the size of your little finger, but by this time next year each one of these little fellows, if he keeps good health and temperate habits, will be enough for the dinner of a big family. F. H. R. The President'* Message. Washington, December 6.???The following is the fn ,| ext of President Anliur'stnessoge to Congress: ??? T> the senate and house o:' repbjseatatlycs oi No new questions respecting tlie status of our nat uralized citizens in Germany have arisen during the year, and the causes of complaint, especially in Alsace and Lorraine, have practically ceased through the liberal action oi the imperial govern ment iu accepting our often expressed views on the subject. The applii ation of the treaty of 1868 to the land acquired iu the Rhenish provinces has re ceived very earnest attention, and a definite and lasting agreement ou this point is confidently ex pected. The participation of the descendants of Baron \ on Steuben in the Yorktown festivities and their subsequent reception by tlieir American kinsmen, strikingly evinces the ties of good will which unite the Gcnnau people and our own. ???ur intercourse with Spain lias been friendly. An agreement concluded February last, fixes a term tor the labors of the Spanish and American claims commission. The Spanish government has been requested to pay the late awards of that com- mission, aud will, it is believed, accede to the re quest as promptly and courteously as on former oc casions By recent legislation onerous flues have been imposed on American shippingin Spanish uinl colonial courts for slight irregularities in manifests. One case of hardship is specially worthy of atten tion. The bark Masonic, bound for Japan, entered Manilla in distress, and is there sought to be confis cated under the Spanish revenue laws. All efforts for her relief have thus far proved unavailing. It is expected that the whole matter will be adjusted in a friendly spirit. The senate resolutions of condolence on the as sassination of the czar. Alexander II, were appro priately communicated to the Russian government, which, in turn, has expressed its sympathy iu our late national bereavement. It is desirable that our cordial relations with Russia should be strength ened by proper engagements, assuring to peaceable Americans who visit the empire the consideration which is due them as citizens cl a friendly state. This is especially needful with respect to the Amer ican Israelites, who-e classification with the native Hebrews has evoked energetic remonstrances from the government. A supplementary consular agreement with Italy has been sanctioned and proclaimed, which puts at rest all conflict of jurisdiction iu the ease of crimes ou shipboards. Several important international conferences have been held in Italy duriug the rear. At the geographical congress of Venice, the benefieieree congress of Milan, and the hygienic congress of Turiu, this country was represented bv delegates from branches of the public service, or by private citizens duly accredited in an honorary capacity. It is hoped that congress will give such prominence to the results of their participations as they may seem to deserve. The abolition ol all discriminating duties against such colonial productions of the Dutch East Indies ns are imported hither from Holland, has been al ready considered by congress. I trust that, at the present session, tlie matter may be favorably con cluded. * The insecurity of life and property iu many parts of Turkey has given rise to correspondence with Hie porte looking particularly to the better protec tion of American missionaries in tlie empire. The condemned murderer of the eminent missionary, Dr. Justin W. l'nisons, has not yet been executed, although this government has repeatedly demanded that examplary justice be done. The Swiss government has again solicited the good offices ol our diplomatic and consular agents tor the protection oi its citizens in countries where it is not itself represented. This request has witnin proper limits been granted. Our agents in Switzer land have been instructed to protest against the conduct of the authorities of certain communes permitting the emigration to this country of crimi nals and other objectioiiuble persons. Several such persons, through the eo-opperation of the commissioner of emigration at New York, have been sent back by the steamer which brought them. A Continuance of this enurse may prove a more effectual remedy than diplomatic remonstrance. Treaties of commerce and navigation, and for the regulation of consular privileges, have been con cluded with Roumauia and Servia, since their ad mission into the family of European states. As is natural with contiguous states, having like institutions and like aims of advancement and de velopment, the friendship of the United States and Mexico has been well maintained. This govern ment has lost no occasion of encouraging the Mexi- an government to a beneficial realization of the mutual advantages which will result from more in timate commercial intercourse and from the open ing of the rich interior of Mexico to railway enter prises. I deem it important that means be pro vided to restrain the lawlessness unfortunately so common on the frontier.???and to suppress the forays of the reservation Indians of either side of the Rio Grande. The neighboring states of Central America have preserved internal i**aee, and tlieir outward rela tions toward us have been those of intimate friend ship. There are encouraging signs of their growing disposition to subordinate their local interests to those which nre common to them bv reason of their geographical relations. The boundary dispute between Guatemala and Mexico lias afforded this government an opportuni ty to exercise its good offices lor preventing a rup ture between those states, and for procuring a peaceable solution of the question. 1 cherish a strong hope that in view of our relations of amitv with both countries, our friendly counsels mav pre vail. A special envoy of Guatemala has brought to^me the condolence of his government and peonlofou the death of President Garfield. The Casta ltiean government lately framed an engagement with Colombia for settling by arbitra tion the boundary question between those coun tries. providing that the post of arbitrator should be offered successively to the king of the Belgians, the King of Spain and the president of the Argentine confederation. The king of the Belgians has de clined to act, but I am not as yet advised of the action of the king of -Spain. As we have certain interests in the disputed territory, which are pro tected by J our treaty engagements with one of the parties, it is important that the arbitration should not, without our consent, affect our rights, aud this government has accordingly thought proper to make its views known to the parties to the agree ment as well as to intimate them to the Belgian and Spanish governments. t he questions growing out of the proposed inter- oceanic waterway across the isthmus of Panama are of grave national importance. This govern ment has not been unmindful uf the solemn obli gations imposed upon it by its compact of 1846 with Colombia, as the independent and sovereign mis- tn-ss of the territory crossed by the canal, aud has sought to render them effective by fresh engage ments with the Colombian republic, looking to their practical execution. The negotiations to this eud. after they had reached what appeared to be a mutually satisfactory solution here, were met in Colombia by a disavowal of the powers which its envoy has assumed, and by a proposal for re newed negotiation on a modified basis. Mean while this government learned that Colombia had proposed to the European powers to join in a gzaantvc of the itcuiali;;' of the 6.414.161 09 50,059,279 62 40,460,460 55 Total ordinary receipts $300,782,292 57 The ordinary expenditures for the same period were: For civil expenses $17,941,477 19 Foreign intercourse 1,013,954 92 Indians Pensions. Military estalishment,including river and harbor improvements audarse- Navul establishment, including ves sels, machinery and improvement at navy yard 15,686,671 06 For miscellaneous expenditures, in cluding public bniiding, light houses and collecting tlie revenue.. 41,837,280 5; For expenditures on account oi the District of Columbia 3,513,912 0: For interest of the public debt 82,508,741 IS For premium on bonds purchased..??? 1,061,248 Total ordinary expenditures 260.712.887 I.eiivimCasurplus revenue of Slot,069,440 98, which wa a ,>; lied as follows: To uie redemption of bonds for the inking fund Fractional currency for tlie sinking Loan of February, 1861 Ten-forties of 1861... Five-twenties of 1862.....* Five-twenties of 186! Five-twenties of 1865 Consols of 1865 Consols 1867,. . - Consols of 1*6 ; Texan indemnity tuck Old demand compound interest and other notes 1,833,000 crease oi cash iu the treasury 14,037,1)23,!*; 74,371,200 00 109,001,015 00 7,418.100 00 2,016,150 00 18,390 00 3,400 On 37,300 03 148.150 0?? 959.150 i/0 387,400 00 18,330 00 the interests and susceptibilities of that government iu the enactment of any laws relating to Chinese immigration. These clauses of the treaties which forbid the participation of citizens or vessels of ihe United States in the opium trade will doubtless re ceive your approval. They will attest the sincere interest which our people and the government feel in the commendable efforts of the Chinese govern ment to put a stop to this demoralizing and de??? stractive traffic. in relation both to China and Japan some changes are desirable in our present system of con sular jurisdiction. I hope at some future time to lay before you a scheme for its improvement in the entire east. The intimacy between our own coun try and Japan, the most advanced of the eastern nations, continues to be cordial. I am advised that the emperor contemplates the establishment of a full constitutional government, and that he has already summoned parliamentary congress for the purpose of effecting the change, t-uch a remarkable step toward a complete assimilation with our sys tem cannot fail to bring Japau into closer aud more beneficial relationship with ourselves os the chief pacific power. A questiou has arisen iu rela tion to the exercise in that country of the judicial functions conferred upon our ministers and con suls. The indictment trial arid conviction in the consularcourt at Yokohama of John Ross, a mer- chaut-senman ou board an American vessel, have made it necessary for the government to institute a careful examination into tlie nature aud methods of this jurisdiction. It appeared that Ross was regularly shipped ??? under the Uag of the United States, but was by birth u British subject. My predecessor felt it to lie his duty to maintain the position that during his service as a regularly shipped seaman on board nu American merchant vessel. Boss, was subject 'to the laws of that service, and to the jurisdiction of the United States consular authorities. 1 renew the recom mendation which lias been heretofore urged by the executive upon the attention of congress thut after the reduction of such nmomitus may tie found due to American citizens, the balance of the indemnity funds heretofore obtained from China and Japan, aud which are now in the bunds of the state depart ment, be returned to thegovernment of these couu tries. The king of Hawaii, in the course of his home ward return, after a journey around the world, lias lately visited this country. While our relations with that kingdom are fneudly, this government has viewed with concern the efforts to seek replen ishment of the diminished population of the islands from outward sources to a decree which may im- paiijthe native sovereignty,the dependence of which the United States was among the" first to testify a lively interest. Relations of unimpaired amity have becu main tained throuhout the year with the respective gov ernments of Austria, Hungary, Belgium, Denmark, Hayti, Paraguay, Uruguay, Portugal, Sweden anil Norway. This may also be said of Greece and Ec uador. although our relations with these states have for some years been severed by the withdrawal of appropriations for diplomatic representatives at Athens and Quito. It seems expedient to restore these missions even in a reduced scale, and I deci dedly recommend such a course with respect to Ec uador, which is likely within the near future to p ay an important part among the nations oi the southern .Pacific. At its last extra session the senate called for the text 6f the Geneva convention for the relief of the wounded in war. I trust that this action fore shadows such interest in the subject as will result in the admission of the United States to that hu mane and commendable arrangement'; - . . ON THE HIGH SEAS. I invite your attention to the propriety of the adoption of the new code of international rales for the prevention of collisions on the Uign seas, and of conforming the domestic legislation of the United States thereto, that no confusion may arise from the application of conllicting rules in the case of vessels of different nationalities meet ing in tidal waters. Tlie interna tional rules differ but slightly from our own. They have been adopted by the navy department for the governing of war ships of the United States on the nigh seas in foreign waters, and although tho action of the state department iu disseminating tlie rules and in acquainting ship- masters;with the option of conforming to them without the jurisdictional waters of the United States, they are now very generally known and obeyed. FOKEIGN MANUFACTURES AND AGRICULTURE. The state department still continues to publish to the country the manufacturing reports received from its officers abroad. The success of this course warrants its continuance and such appropriations as may be required to meet the rapidly increasing demand for the pubiicaiion. With special refer ence to the Atlanta cotton exposition, the October number of the reports was devoted to a valuable collection of papers bn the cotton goods trade of the world. THE SANITARY CONFERENCE. The International sanitary conference, for which in 1S79, congress made provision, assembled in this city early in January last, and its sessions.were prolonged until March. Although it reached no specific conclusions affecting the future action of the participant powers, the inter change of views proved to" be most valua ble. The full protocols of the ses sions have been already presented to tlie senate. As pertinent to this general subject, I call your attention to the operations of the national board of health, established by act of congress approved March 3, 1879. Its sphere of duty-was en larged by the act of June 2, iu tlie same year. By tlie last named act the board was required to institute such measures as might be deemed necessary for preventing the introduction of conta gious or infectious diseases from foreign countries into theil'nited States, or from one state into an other. The execution of the rules and regulations prepared by ice board and approved by my prede cessor has done much to arrest the progress of epi demic disease, and has thus rendered, substantial services to the nation. The international sanitary conference to which I have referred, adopt ed a form of a bill of health to be used by all ves sels seeking to cuter the ports of the countries whose representatives participated in its deliber ation. This form has since been prescribed by the National board of health and incorporated with its rules aud regulations, which have been approved by me In pursuance of law. The health of the people is of supreme im portance. All measures looking to their protection against thespread of contagious diseases and to the increase of our sanitary knowledge for such pur pose deserve the attention of congress. THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT. The report of the secretary of the treasury pre sents In detail, a highly satisfactory exhibit of the state of the finances and the'condition of tlie vari ous branches of the public service administered by the dcpunmuLi. Xhe G.JiLa y istsbucs Iran all Total $100,969,464,98 The requirements of the sinking fund for the year union n tea to $90,786,064.02, which sum included ubalance of $49,817,128-78 not provided for during the previous fiscal year. Tlie sum of $7,448,021.05 was applied to this fund, which left a deficit of $16,- 005,878.47. The increase of the year 1881 over those of the previous year $29,352,901.10. It is estimated that the receipts during the pres ent fiscal year will reach $10o.000,C0o, amt the ex penditure $270,000,000, leaving a surplus of $130, 010,000 applicable to the sinking fund, and the re demption of the public debt. I approve the recommendation of the sec retary of the treasury, that provision be mude for the early retirement of silver certificates and that tlie act requiring theii issue be repealed. They were issued in pursuance of the poliev of the government to maintain silver at t lie-gold shin da ret, and were accordingly made receivable for all cus toms, taxes and public dues. About sixty-six millions of them are now outstanding. They i'orin an unnecessary addition to the paper currency, u sufficient amount of which may be readily supplied by the national banks in accordance witli the act of February 28th, 1878. Tlie treasury department has monthly caused at least two millions in value of silver bullion to be coined into standard silver dollars. One hundred and two millions of these dollars have been already coined, while only about thirty-four millions are in circulation. For the reasons which he specifics I concur iu tlie secretary???s recommen dation that the provision for the coinage of a fixed amount each month be repealed, and that hereafter only so much be coined ius shall be necessary t?? sup ply the demand. The secretary advises that the issue of gold certificates should not, for the present.be resumed, and suggests that the national banks may properly be forbid by law to retire their currency exeept.upon reasonable notice of their intention so to do. $ lu ll legislation would seem to be justified by the recent action of certain banks on the occasion referred to in the secretary???s report. Of tlie $15,000,000 of fractional currency still outstanding, only about $80,000 lias been redeemed the past year. The sug gestion that this umornit may properly be dropped from the future statements of the public debt seems worthy of approval, so also does the suggestion of the secretary as to the advisability of relieving the calendar of the United States courts in the southern district of New York by the trans fer to another tribunal of the numerous suits there pending against collections. THE CUSTOMS. The revenues from customs for the past fiscal year was $198,159,663.02, an increase of $11,637,611.42 over that of Hie year preceding. $138.098,562^9 of this amount was collected at the port of New York, leaving $50,251,113.63 us the amount collected at ull the other ports of the country. Of this sum $47,977,137.63 was collected on sugar and molasses; $27,285,621.78, oil wool and its manufactures: $21.- 462,434.34 on iron and steel and manufactures there of; $19,03s,065.81, ou manufactures of silk; $1,825,115.21, on manufactures of cotton and$6,169,613.01 on wines and spirits, making a to tal revenue from these sources of $133,058,720,081. The expenses of collection for the past year was $6.4li 984.52, an increase over the preceding vear of $787,410.01. EXPORTS AND IMPORTS. Notwithstanding the increase in the revenue mark ed from customs over the preceding year, the gross value of the imports, including free goods decreas ed over twenty-five millions of dollars. The most decrease was in the value of unmanufactured wool, $14,023,682 aud in that of scrap and pig iron $12,- 810,671. The value of imported sugar, ou the oilier hand, showed an increase of $7,457,- 474;_ steel rails ??4,345,621: of barley $2,154,201, and of steel iu bars, ingots, etc., $t,620,- 046. Contrasted with the imports during the last fiscal year, the exports were as follows: Domestic merchandise, $882,925,947; foreign merchandise, $18,451,399; total, $902,377,346. Imports of merchan dise, $642,664,028. Excess of exports over imports of merchandise, $259 712,718. Aggregate of exports and imports, $1,545,011,974. Compared with the pre vious year, there was an increase of $66,738 CSS in value of exports of merchandise, and a decrese of $25,290,110 in tlie value of the imports. Thejin- uual average of the excess of im ports of merchandise over the exports thereof for ten years previous to June 30,1873, was $101,706,???.122, but for the last six years there has been an excess of exports over imports of merchandise amounting to$l,180.C68,105,attheannualaverage of $196,778,017. The specie value of the exports of do mestic merchandise was $870,616,478 in 1870 and $$88,925,517 In 1881, an increase of 8507,809,474, or 35 per cent. The value of imitorts was $435,958,408 in 1870 _ and $0-12,664,628 in 1881, an increase ol" $206,706,220, or 47 per cent during each year. From 1862 to 1879 inclusive the exports of specie exceeded the im purls. The largest excess of such exports over the imports was readied during the year 1864, when it amounted to $92,280,9251, but during tlie year ending June 30, 1880. the imports of coin and bullion exceeded the exports by $7,589,139, and during the last fiscal year the excess of imports over exports was $91,168,650. THE REFUNDING QUESTION. In the la3t annual report of the secretary of the treasury the attention of congress was called to the fact that 8469,651,050 ill five percentum bonds, and $203,573,570 in six percentum bonds would become redeemable during the year, and congress was asked to author ize tlie refunding of these bonds at a lower rate of interest. Tlie bill lor such refunding having failed to become a law, the secretary of the treasury, in April lost, notified the holders of the $195,690,400 six per centum bonds, then outstanding, that tlie bonds would be paid at par on the first day of J uly following, or that they might be continued at the pleasure of tlie government, to bear interest at the rate of 3]/ t per centum per annum. Under this notice $178,055,150 of the six per cent bonds were continued at the lower rate, aud $17,635,250 were redeemed. In the month of May a like notice was given respecting the redemption or contin uance of the $439,841,350 of 5 per cent bonds then outstanding. u??d of these $401,504,900 were con tinued at 3j^ per cent per annum, und $38,330,450 were redeemed. The 6 per cent bonds of Hie loan of February 8, 1881, and of the Oregon war debt, amounting together to $14,125,800, having matured during the year, the secretary of the treasury gave notice of his intention to redeem the same, and such as have been presented have been paid' from the surplus revenues. There have also been redeemed at pur $16,479,100 of the 3;^ per cent continued lands, making a total of bonds redeemed or which have ceased to bear interest during the year of $123,869.- 650. The reduction of the annual interest on the public dei/t through these transactions is as follows: By reduction of interest to 8X percent, $10,473,952.25; by reduction of bonds, $6,352,340; total, $16,820,292-25. The 3% per cent bonds being pavable at the pleasure of the govern ment are available for the investment of surplus revenues without the payment of premiums. Un less these bonds can be funded at a much lower rate of interest than they now bear, I agree with the secretary of the treasury thut uo legislation respect ing them is desirable. THE BUSINESS OF THE COUNTRY, it is a matter for congratulation that the business of tlie country has been so prosperous during the past vear, as to yield by taxation a large surplus of income to the government. If tlie revenue lairs re main unchanged this surplus must, year by year, increase on account of the reduction ot public debt and its burden of interest, and because of the rapid increase of our population. In I860, just prior to the institution of our internal revenue system,our population but slightly exceeded StLOOO.OOO. By the census of 1880 it is found to exceed flftv million. It is estimated that, even if the annual receipts and expenditures should continue as at present, the entire debt could be paid in ten years. REPEALS RECOMMENDED. which our people have already borne, we willcon- sider whether it is not the part of wisdom to re duce the revenues even ii we delay a little the payment of tlie debt. It seems to me tlmt the time has arrived when tlie people may just ly demand some relief from their 4>rvs- ent onerous burdens, and that by the economy in the various branches of the public service this may readily be afforded. I therefore concur with the secretary in recom mending the abolition of all internal revenue taxes except (hose upon tobacco in its various forms, and upon distilled spirits and fermented liquors, and except also the special tax upon tiie manu facturers of and dealers in such ar ticles. The retention of the latter tax is desirable as affording the officers of the govern ment a proper supervision of these articles for the prevention of fraud. I agree with the secretary of the treasury that the law imposing a stamp tax on matches, proprietary articles, playing cards, checks and drafts may with propriety be repealed, and the law also by which banks and bankers are assessed upon tlieir capital and deposits. There seems to be a general sentiment in favor of this course in the present condition of our revenues. The tax on deposits is especially unjust, it was never imposed mtliis country un til it was demanded by trio necessities oi war, and was never exacted, 1 believe, in any other country, even in its greatest exigencies. The banks are re quired to secure their circulation by pledging with trie treasurer of the l uited States bonds of the gen eral government. The interest on these bonds, w hich, at the time when the tax was imposed, was 6 per cent, is now in most in stances Sy. per cent. Besides, the en tire circulation was originally limited by law, and no increase was allowable. When the exist- iug banks had practically a monopoly of the busi ness there was force in trie suggestion that for the franchise to the favored grantees the govern- niciii might very properly exact a tax on circula tion, but ior years the system has been free, ai/d the amount of circulation regulated by the public demand. The retention oi this tax has been sug gested as a means of reimbursing the goverrmeut for the expense of printing uud furnishing the circulating notes. if the tax should be repealed it would certainly seem prop er to require tlie national banks to pay the ntnouimt of such expenses to the comp troller general of trie currency. It is perhaps doub ful whether the immediate reduction of rate of tax ation on liquors and tobacco is advisable, especially iu view of the drain on tlie treasury which must attend the payment of arrears of pensions. A com parison, however, of the amount of taxes comes muter the varying rates of taxation which have at different titties prevailed suggests the intimation that some reduction may soon be made w ithout material dimunition of revenue. THE TARIFF QUESTION. The tariff laws also need revision, but that a due regard may be paid to the conflicting interests oi our citizens, important changes should be made with caution, if a careful revision cannot be made at this session, a commission, such ns was lately ap proved by the senate and is now recommended by the secretary of tlie treasury, would doubtless lighten the labors of congress whenever this subject shall be brought to its consideration. THE WAR DEPARTMENT. Tlie accompanying report of the secretary of war will make known to you the operations of ???dint de partment tor the past year. He suggests measures tor promoting tlie efficiency of the army without adding to tile number of its officers, aiid recom mends the legislation necessary to iucrease the number of enlisted men to 30.009???the maximum allowed by law. This he deems accessary to main tain quietude on our shifting frontier, to preserve peace and suppress disorder mid marauding in new settlements, protect settlers and their property against Indians, aud Indians against the encroach ments of intruders aud to enable peaceful immi grants to establish homes in the most remote parts of our country. The nrmy.is now necessarily scattered over such a vast extent of teiri lory thut whenever an outbreak occurs reinforce ments must be hurried from many quarters over great distances, always at heavy cost of transporta tion of men, homes, wagons and supplies. 1 concur in the recommendations of tlie secretary for in creasing the army to tlie strength of 30,(199 enlisted men. it appears by the secretary???s report that in the absence of disturbances on the .frontier the troops have been actively employed in collecting Indians hitherto hostile, und locating them ou tlieir proper reserva tions; that Silling Bult and other of his adherents are now prisoners at Fort Itaudall; that many In dians have removed to their new reservations in Utah; that during the recent outbreak of the Apaches it was nets ssnry to reinforce garrisons in Arizona by troops withdrawn from New Mexico, ami that some of the Apaches are now held prison ers for trial, w hile some have escaped, and the ma jority of tlie tribe are now on the reservation. There is need of legislation to prevent intrusion upon the lands set apurt fo. the Indians. A large military force, at great expense, is now re quired to patrol the boundary line between Kansas and the ludran territory, . The only punishment that can at present be inflicted is the forcible re moval of the intruder, and the imposition of a pe cuniary fine, which, iu most cases, it is impossible to collect. I here should be a penalty by imprison ment ia such eases. THE SIGNAL SERVICE The separare organization of the signal service is A detailed account of the useful work performed by tlie signal corps'und the weather bureau is also given iu that report. 1 ask attention to the state ments of the secretary of war regarding the requi sitions frequently made by the Indian burcuu oil the subsistence department of the arm v for the cas ual support of bands uml tribes of Indians whose appropriations are exhausted. The war detain ment should not be left, by reason of inadequate provision for the Indian bureau, to eontribuu; for the maintenance of the Iudiaus. THE ENGINEER CORrS. The report of the chief of engineers furnishesa detailed account of the operations for the improve ment of the rivers and harbors. I commend to j'our attention tlie suggestions contained in this report in regard to the condition of our fortifica tions, especially our coast defense, and recommend an increase of strength of the engineer battalion, by which the efficiency of ourtorpedosystem would be improved. 1 also call your attention to the remarks on the improvement of tiie South Pass of the Mis sissippi river, tlie proposed free bridge over tlie Po tomac at Georgetown. the importance of complet ing at an early day the north wing of the war de partment building, and other recommendations of urn secretary of war, which appear in his re]H/rt. The actuul expenditures of the department for the fiscal year ending June, 30,1880, were $42,122,- 201.39: tlie appropriations for the year 1882, were $14,889,725.42. The estimates for 1883 are $44,511,- 276 91. THE NAVAL DEPARTMENT. The report of the secretary of the navy exhibits the condition ef that branch of the service, und pre sents valuable suggestions for its improvement. I call your especial attention to the appended report of the advisory board which suggests suitable meas ures ior increasing the efficiency of the navy, and particularly the report as to the character aud number of vessels necessary to place it on a footing commensurate with the necessities of the govern ment. 1 cannot too strongly urge on yon my con fiction that every consideration of national safety, economy and honor imperatively de mands a thorough rehabilitation of our navy. With a full appreciation of the fact that compliance with suggestions of the head of that department, and of the advisory board must involve a large expenditure of public money, I earnestly recommend such appropriations as will accomplish an end which seems to me so desirable. Nothing can be more inconsistent with true public economy than withholding the means necessary to accomplish objects in trusted bv the constitution to tlie na tional legislature. One of these objects and one which is of paramount importance is de clared by our fundamental law to be the provision for the common defense. Surely nothing is inore essetial to the defense of the United States, aud of all our people, than tlie efficiency of our navy. We have for many venrs maintained with foreign gov ernments the relations of honorable peace, uuu that such relations may tie i??ermanent is desired by every iiatriotic citizen of the repub lic; but if we heed the teachings of history, we shall not fdtget that in the life of every nation emergencies may arise when a resojt to arms can alone save it from dishonor. No danger from abroad now threatens this people, nor have fve any cause to distrust friendly professions of other gov ernments, but for the avoiding, as well as for the repelling of dangers that may threaten us in the future, we must be prepared to enforce any policy which we think wise to adopt. We must be ready to defend our harbors against aggression, to protect bv the distribution of our shi4>s of war over the highways of commerce tiie varied interests of our foreign trade and persons and property of our citizens abroad, to maintain everywhere the honor of our flag and Hie distinguished position which we may rightfully claim among the nations of the world. * THE ROSTOFFICE DEPARTMENT. The report of tlie postmastergeneral is a gratifying one of the growth and efficiency of the postal ser vice. The receipts from postal and ordinary sources daring the past fiscal year were 836.483.S16.5S; the receipts irrm monevorders were$295,581.39, making a total of $36,785,397.67. The expenditure for the fiscal vear was $89,251,736.46. The deficit supplied out of the general treasury wus $2,461,129.35, or 16 3-10 per cent to the amount expended. The receipts were $;???.,- 694.918.63 in excess of the previous year, and $1, 499,397.97 in excess of the estimate made two yeirs ago, before the present i>eriod of business pros\>erity had fairiv begun. Tlie whole number of letters mailed in this country in the last fiscal year ex ceeded one thousand millions. The registry sys tem is reported to be In excellent condi tion. having been remodeled during the past four years, with good results. The amount of registration fees collected during the last fiscal years were $712,882.29, an increase over the fiscal year ending June :w, 4877, of $345,413.40. The en tire number of letters atnl packages registered dur iug the year was 8.338,919, of which only 2,061 were lost or destroyed in transit. The operations of the Id viz.v.hzvvc.er, gI the hsarj lead ol taxaiioa la-jimy ci-.r KTStm tir?? multiply ing yearly under tlie impulse of immigration, of tlie rapid developments of the newer states and territories, and the consequent demand for additional means of intcr-communica- tion and exchange. Muting the past year 338 addi tional money order offices have been established, making a total of 5,499 in operation at the date of this report. During the year the domestic money orders aggregated i:i value $105,075,765.35. A modi fication of the system is suggested, re ducing the fees for money orders not exceeding five dollars, irom ten cents to five cents, and making the maximum limit one hun dred dollars instead of fifty dollars. Legislation ior the disposition of unclaimed money orders in possession of the post-office department is recom mended, in view of the fact that their total value now exceeds one million dollars. The attention of congress is again invited to the subject of estab lishing a system of savings dciKititoties iu connec tion with the post-ofiiceideparlment. The statistics of mail tiunspolutiou show that during the past year the railroad routes have in creased in length over 249 miles, and in cost $1,114,882. while steamboat routes have been in creased in length 2,182 mites 4??nd iu cost $184,051. The so-called star routes have been decreased iu length 3.949 miles, and in cost $361,144. Nearly all oi the more ext ensive routes have been superseded by the railroad service. The cost of the star serv ice must, therefore rapidly decrease in the western states and territories. The postmaster-general, however, calls attention to the constantly increas ing cost of the railway mail service, as a serious difficulty in the way of making the department self-sustaining. Our postal intercourse with foreign countries has kej.t pace with tiie growth of the domestic service. Within the past year several countries mid colonies have declared thetr adhesion to the postal union. It now includes all those which have an organized postal service, except Bolivia, tkista Rica, New Zealand and the British colonies in Australia. As inis been already stated great reductions have recently been made in the expenses of tlie star route service. The investigation of the department of justice and the post-office department have resulted in the 4>re- sontathui of Indictments against persons formerly connected with the service, accusing them of offenses against the United States. X have enjoined upon the officials who aie charged with trie con duct of the cases on tlie part of tlie government, and upon the eminent counsel, who, before my ae- cessiun to the presidency, were called to their as sistance, the duty of prosecuting, with the utmost vigor of the law, all persons who may be found chargeable with frauds on the postal service. THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. The acting attorney-general calls attention to the necessity of modifying the present system of courts of tlie i'nited States, a necessity due to the large increase of business, especially in the supreme court. Litigation in our federal tribunals became greatly expanded after the close of trie late war. So long ns that expansion might he attributable to the abnormal condition in which the community found itself immediately after the return of peace, prudence required that no change lie made iu the constitution of our judicial tribunals, but it has now become apparent Hunan immense iucrease Of litigation has directly resulted from tlie won derful growth and development of the country. There is no ground for belief that the business of the United States courts will ever be less iu volume than at present. That it is likely to be much greater is generally recognized by bench and bar. In view of tiie fact that congress has already given much consideration to this subject, I make no suggestion as to detail, but ex press tlie hot>c that your deliberations may result in such legislation as will give early re lief to ouroverlmrdeued courts. The acting attor ney-general also calls attention to the disturbance of the public tranquillity during the past year in the territory of Arizona. A band of armed des- peradoes known as "cow boys,??? probably number ing 5o to 100 men, have been engaged ior months in committing acts of lawlessness ami brutality, which the local authorities have been unable to repress. The depredations of these ???cow boys?????? have also extended into Mexico, which the marauders reach from tiie Arizona frontiers. With every disposition to meet the exigencies of the ease, I am embarrassed by the lack of authority to deal with them effectually. The punishment of dimes committed within Arizona should ordinari ly, of course. be left to tlie territorial authorities, liut ii is worthy of consideration wlieiherncls which necessarily tend to embroil tho United States witli neighboring govern menu should not be declared crimes against the United States. Some of the in cursions nlludod to may perhaps be within tlie scope of the law (Revised statutes, section 5280), forbidding "military expeditions or enterprises??? against friendly stnles. bin iu view of the speedy assembling <if your body, i have preferred to await such legislation as, in your wisdom, the occasion may seem to demand, it may perhaps be thought proper to provide that tlie setting on foot within our own territory of brigandage and armed ma rauding expeditious against friendly nations uud their systems shall be punishable as an offense against tlie United .States. 1 will add that iu the event of a request from the territorial government for protection by the United States against domes tic violence, this governm nt would be powerless to render assistance. The act of 1875, chapter 36, passed at a time when territorial governments received little attention from congress, enforced this duty of the United Slates only as to tlie state governments, but the net of 1807. chapter 39, applied also to the territories. This law seems to have remained in force until the re vision of the statutes, when the provision for terri tories was dropped I am not advised whether tills alteration was intentional or accidental, but it seems to me tlie territories should be offered tlie protection which is accorded to the states by tho constitution. I suggest legislation to that end. It seems to me too that whatever views may prevail os to tiie policy of recent legislation by which the army host-eased to be apart of the posse comitatus, mi ex ception might wall be made for permitting tlie mili- tary to assist the civil territorial authorities in en forcing the laws of the United States. This use of the arm'-would not seem to be withlu the alleged evil against which that legislation was aimed. From the sparseness ol the population and other circumstances, it is often quite impracticable to summon ncivil posse in a pluce where the officers of justice require assistance, and where a military force is within easy reach. THE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT. The report of the secretary of the interior with ac- companying documents, presents an accurate account of the business of that department. A summary of it would Im: too extended for this place. 1 ask your careful attention to the rejairt it self. Prominent among matters which challenge the attention of congress at its present session is tiie management of our Indian nffuiis. While this question has been n cause of trouble and embarrassment from tlie infancy of the government, it is but recently that any effort has been made for its solution at once serious, de termined, consistent and promising success. It has been easier to resort to convenient makeshifts for tiding over temporary difficulties tlmu to grapple with the great permanent problem, aud accord ingly the easier course has been almost invariably pursued. It was natural at the time, when imiiouul territory seemed almost illimi table. and contained many millions *of acres far outside the bounds of civilized sctltt- ment, that a policy should have been imitated, which more than aught else has been the fruitful source of our Indian complications. I refer, of course, to the policy of dealing with the various Indian tribes as separate nationalities, of relegating them by treaty sthmlatinns to the oceutpancy of immense reservations in the west, and of encour aging them to live a savaga life, undisturbed l>y any earnest and well directed efforts to bring them under the influences of civilization. The unsatis factory results which have sprung from this policy are becoming apparent to all. As the while settle ments have crowded tlie borders of the reservations the Indians, sometimes contentedly and .sometimes against their will, have been transferred to other hunting grounds, from which they again have been dis'odgeiT whenever tlieir new-found homes have been desired by the adveuturoussettlers. This; rc- li ovalsa id thefrontiercollLsionsby which they hate often been preceded have led to frequent and dis astrous conflicts between the races it is profitless to discuss here which of them has been chiefly re sponsible for tin 3 disturbances, whose recital occu pies so large a space upon tl/e pages of our history. We have toden! with the appalling fact that though thousands of lives have been sacrificed aud hundreds of millions of dollars expended in the attempt to solve the Indian problem, it has, until within the past few years, seemed scarcely nearer a solution than it was half a century ago, but the government has now been cautiously but steadily ieeliug its way to tiie adoption of a policy which has already produced a gratifying result, and which, in my judgment, is likely, ii congress and the executive accord in its support, to relieve us froi' the difficulties which have hitherto beset u* For the success of the efforts now muking to introduce among the Indians the customs and pur suits <>l civilized life, and gradually to absorb them into the moss of our citizens, sharing their rights, there is imperative need for legislative action. My Huggesiiaus in that regard will be chiefly such as have been already called to the attenjon of con gress, and have received to some extent its eonsid- ration. First???l recommend the passage of an act making the laws of the various states and territories applicable to the Indian reservations within their borders, and extending the laws of the state of Arkansas to the portion of the Indian territory not occupied by the live civilized tribes. The Indians should receive the protection of the law. He should be allowed tomamtaiu iu court his rights of person and property. He has repeatedly beeged fur this privilege Its exercise would be very valu- able to him in his progress to ward civilization. Second???Of even greater importance is a measure which has been frequently recommended by my predecessors in office, and in furtherance of which several bills have been from time to time introduced in both houses of congress. The enactment of a general law permitting tho allotment in severalty to such Indians at least as desire it, of a reasonable quantity of land secured to them by patent, and for tlieir owu protection made inalienable for twenty to twenty-five years, is demanded for their present welfare and their i*ermanent advancement. In return for such considerate action ou the part of the govern, ment, there is reason to believe that the ludmns- in large numbers, would be persuaded to sever their tribal relations, and to engage at -once lu ag ricultural pursuits. Many of them realize the fact that their htmtiig days are over, aud that it is now