Democratic Sentinel, Volume 8, Number 45, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 December 1884 — ARTHUR'S LAST. [ARTICLE]

ARTHUR'S LAST.

The President’s Fourth Annual Message to Congress. The Questions of Finance, Revenue and Taxation Discussed, Our Domestic Affairs and Foreign Delations in a Satisfactory Condition. Congress Asked to Repeal All Excise Taxes Except on Whisky. The Immediate Suspension of the Coinage of SUver Dollars Recommended. The Attention of Congress Directed to the Necessity of Strengthening the Navy. He Working, of the Civil Service Law Has Answered the Anticipations of Its Friends.

To THE CONGREBS OF THE UNITED STATES: Since the close of your last session, the American people, in the exercise of their highest right df suffrage, have chosen the Chief Magistrate for the four years ensuing. When It is remembered that at no period in the country’s history has the long political contest which customarily precedes the day of the national election been waged with greater fervor and intensity, it is a subject of congratulation that, after the controversy of the polls were over, and while the slight preixmderance bv which the issue had been determined was as yet unascertained, the public peace suffered no disturbance, but the people everywhere patiently and quietly awaited the result. Nothing could more strikingly illustrate the temper of the American citizen, his love of order and his loyalty to law. Nothing could more signally demonstrate the strength and wisdom of onr political institutions. THE PRESIDENTIAL COUNT. Eight years have p ssed since a controversy concerning the result of a national election sharply called the attention of the Congress to the necessity of providing more precise and definite regulations for counting the electoral vote, ft is of the gravest importance that tilts Snestion be solved before conflicting claims to ie Presidency shall again distract the country, and I am persuaded that by the people at large any of the measures of relief thus far proposed would be preferred to continued inaction. FOREIGN EELATIONS. Our relations with *ll foreign powers continue to be amicable. With Belgium a convention has been signed whereby the scope of present treaties has been so enla ged as to secure to citizens of either country within the jurisdiction of the other equal rights and privileges. In the acquisition and alienation of property, a trademark treaty has also been concluded. CHILI AND PERU. The war between Chili and Peru is at an end. For the arbitration of the claims of American citizens who, during its continuance, suffered through the acts of the Chilian authorities, a convention will soon be negotiated. FRANCE AND CHINA. The state of hostilities between France and China continues to be An embarrassing feature of our Eastern relations. The Chinese Government has promptly adjusted and paid the claims of - American citizens whose property was destroyed in the recent riots at Canton. I renew the recommendation of mV last annual message, that tbq Canton Indemnity fnnd be returned to China. The true intepretation of the recent treaty with that country permitting the RESTRICTION OF CHINESE IMMIGRATION is likely to be the subject of your deliberations. It may be seriously questioned whether the statute passed at the last session does not violate the treaty rights of certain Chinese, who left this country with return certificates valid under the old law, and now seem to be debarred from landing from lack of certificates required by the new. The recent purchases by the United ■States of a large trading fleet heretofore under the Chinese flag has considerably enhanced our -commercial Importance in the East. THB MERCHANT MARINE. ” In view of the large ' number of •vessels built of purchased by American citizens in other countries and exclusively employed in legitimate traffic between foreign nprts under the recognized protection of our nag, it might be well to provide a uniform rate for their registration and documentation so that the bona fide property rights of our citizens therein shall be duly evidenced and properly guarded. • . *. 1 THE CONGO COUNTRY./Pursuant to the advice of the Senate at the last session I have reoegnized the flag of the International Association of the Congo as that of a friendly government, avoiding in so dbing any nrejudgment of conflict in the territorial claims Cl that region, fljubsequently, In execution of the expressed wish of the Congress, I appointed a commercial agent for the Congo basin. The importance of the rich prospective trade of the Congo valley sow led to the generaleonsnetion that it should be open to all nations «pon equal terms. The international conference for the consideration of this subject, called by the Emperor of Germany, is now in session at Berlin, and delegates are now in attendance on behalf of the United States. Of the results of the cohference you will be duly advised. FOREIGN LEGATION SITES. The Government of Corea has generously aided the efforts of the United States Minister to secure suitable premises for the use of the legation. The conditions of diplomatic Intercoursa with Eastern nations demand that the legation premises be owned bv the represented power. I advise that an appropriation be made for the acquisition of this property by the Government. The United States already possess valuable premises at Tangiers as a gift from the Saltan of Morocco. As Is stated hereafter, they have lately received a similar gift ifromthe Siamese Government. The Government of Japan stand ready to cede to us extensive grounds at Tokio wherein to erect a isnltable building for the legation, court house Mid jail, and similar privileges can probablv be secured in China and Persia. The owning of such premises would not effect a large saving ol' the present rentals, but would permit of the duo assertion of extra-territorial rights in those oountrles, and would the better serve to maintain the dignityof the United States. - - EGYPT. The failure of Congress to make an appropriation for onr representation at the autonomous court of the Khedive has proved a serious embarrassment in onr Intercourse with Egypt, and, 4n view of the necessity of the intimacy of our ■diplomatic relationship due to the participation •of this Government with the treaty powers in all matters of administration there affecting the eights of foreigners, 1 advise the restoration of Ini Agency and Consulate General at Cairo on its fformer basis. Ido not conceive it to be the wish M Congress that the United States should Withdraw altogether from the honorable position they have hitherto held with respect to the Khedive, or that citizens of this republic residing or sojourning in Egypt should hereafter be without the aid and protection of a competent < * l * Wea THE BAJBTHOLDI STATUE. “Liberty Enlightening the World/ the generous gift Of the people of France,” fa expected to reach New York in May next. I suggest that Congressional acttUVSSp& tEfSK A A XI

timely completion of the pedestal upon which it is to be placed. GERMANY. Onr relations with Germany, a country which contributes to our own w me of the best elements of citizenship, continue to be cordial. The United Btates have extradition treaties with several of the German States, but, by reason of the confederation of these States under the imperial rule, the application of such treaties is uot as uniform and comprehensive as the interests of the two countries require. Therefore, negotiations should be opened for a single convention to embrace all the territory of the empire. GBEAT BRITAIN. It affords me pleasure to say that our intercourse with Great Britain continues to be of a most friendly character. SANDWICH ISLANDS. The Government of Hawaii has indicated its willingness to continue for seven years the provisions of the existing reciprocity treaty. Such continuance, in view of the relations of that country to the American system of States, should, in my judgment, be favored. HAYTI. The revolution in Hayti against the established Government has terminated. While it was in progress it became necessary to enforce our neutrality laws by instituting proceedings against individuals and vessels charged with their infringement. These prosecutions were in all cases successful. TARIFF ON WOP. as OF ART. Much anxiety has lately been displayed by various European Governments, especially by the Government of Italy, for the abolition of our import duties on works of art. It is well to consider whether the present discrimination in favor of productions of American artists abroad is not likely to result, as they themselves seem very generally to believe it may, In the practical exclusion of our painters and sculptors from the rich fields for observation, study and labor which they have hitherto enjoyed. JAPAN. There is a prospect that the long-pending revision of the foreign treaties of Japan may be concluded at a new conference to be held at Tokio. While this Government fully recognizes the equal and Independent station of Japan in the community of nations, it wquld not oppose the general adoption of such terms of compromise as Japan may be disposed to offer in furtherance of a uniform policy of intercourse with Western nations. MEXICO. During the past year the Increasing good-will between our own Government and that of Mexico has been variously manifested. The treaty of commercial reciprocity, concluded Jan. 20, 1833, has been ratified, and awaits the necessary tariff legislation of Congress to become effective. This legislation will, I doubt not, be among the first measures to claim your attention. A full treaty of commerce, navigation, and consular rights is much to be desired, and such a treaty, I have reason to believe, the Mexican Government stands ready to conclude. Some embarrassment has been occasioned by the failure of Congress, at its last session, to provide means for the due execution of the treaty of July 29, 1882, for the resurvey of the Mexican bonndary and the relocation of boundary monuments.

THE ISTHMUS CANAL. With the Republic of Nicaragua a treaty has been concluded which authorizes the construction by the United States of a canal, railway and telegraph line across the Nicaraguan territory. By the terms of this treaty, sixty miles of the River San Juan, as well as Lake Nicaragua, an inland sea forty miles in width, are to constitute a part of the projected enterprise. This covers, for actual canal construction, seventeen miles on the Pacific side, and thirty-six miles on the Atlantic. To the United States, whose rich territory on the Pacific is, for the ordinary purposes of commerce, practically cut oil' from communication by water with the Atlantic ports, the political and commercial advantages of such a project can scarcely be overestimated.

It is believed that when the treaty is laid before you, the justice and liberality of its provisions will command universal approval at home and abroad. RUSSIA. The death of our representative at Russia, while at his post at St. Petersburg, afforded to the Imperial Government a renewed opportunity to testify its sympathy in a manner befitting the intimate friendliness which has ever marked the intercourse of the two countries. SIAM. The course of this Government in raising its representation at Bang-Kok to the diplomatic rauk has evoked from Siam evidences of warm friendship, and augurs well of our enlarged intercourse. The Siamese Government has presented to the United States a commodious mansion and grounds for the occupancy of the legation, and I suggest that by joint resolution Congress attest its appreciation of this generous gift. SPAIN. This Government has more than once been called upon of late to take action in fulfillment ot Its international obligation toward Spain. Agitation in the Island of Cuba, hostile to the Spanish crown, having been fermented by persons abusing the sacred rites of hospitality which our territory affords, the officers of the Government have been instructed to exercise vigilance to prevent infractions of our neutrality laws at Key West and at other points near the Cuban coast. I am happy to say that, in the only instance where these precautionary measures were successfully eluded, the offenders when found in our territory were subsequently tried and convicted.

The growing need of close relationship of intercourse and traffic between the Spanish Antilles and their natural market in the United States led to the adoption, in January last, of a commercial agreement looking to that end. This agreement has since been superseded by a more carefully framed and comprehensive convention, whioh I shall submit to the Senate for approval. It has been the aim of this negotiation to open such a favored reciprocal exchange of productions carried under the flag of either country as to make the intercourse between Cuba and Porto Rioo and ourselves scarcely less intimate than the commercial movements between, our domestic ports, and to insure a removal of the burdens on shipping in the Spanish Indies, of which,'in the past, our ship-owners and ship-masters have so often had cause -to complain. The negotiation of this convention has for a time postponed the prosecution of certain claims of our citizens which were declared to be without.the jurisdiction of the Spanish-Ameri-can Claims Commission, and which are therefore remitted. to diplomatic channels- for adjustment. The speedy settlement of these clamis will now be urged by this Government. THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. Negotiations for a treaty of commercial reciprocity with the Dominican Republic have been successfully concluded, and the result will shortly be laid before the Senate. . RELATIONS WITH THE PORTE. Certain questions between the United States and the Ottoman Empire still remain unsolved. Complaints on behalf of our citizens are not satisfactorily adjusted. The Porte has sought to withhold from our commerce the right of favored treatment to which we are entitled by existing conventional stipulation, and the revision of the tariff is .unaccomplished. the OASAgAs awards. The final disposition of pending questions rawo -Venezuela has not yet been reached, but I have good reason to expect an early settlement which will provide for the means of re-examin-ing thed3aracas awards in connection with the expressed desire of Congress, and which will recognize the justice of certain claims -preferred against Venezuela. THE CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICAN COMMISSION appointed by authority of the act of July 7,1884, will soon proceed to Mexioo. It has been furnished with instructions which will be laid before you. They contain a statement of the general policy of the Government for enlarging Its commercial Intercourse with American States. The Commissioners have been actively preparing for their responsible task byfaoldini* conferences In the principal cities with merchants and others interested in Central and South American trade. THE INTERNATIONAL MERIDIAN CONFERENCE, lately convened in Washington upon the Invitation of the Government of the United States, was composed of representatives from twentyfive nations. The conference concluded its labors on the Ist of November, having withsubstantial unanimity agreed upon the meridian of Greenwich as the starting point whence longitude is to be computed, through 180 degrees eastward and westward, and upon the adoption, for all purposes for which it may be found.convenient, of a universal day which shall begin at midnight on the initial meridian, and whose hours shall be counted from zero up to twentyfour. The formal report of the transactions of this conference will be hereafter submitted to Congress.

INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION s. This Government is in frequent receipt of invitations from foreign states to participate in international exhibitions, otten of great interest and importance. Occupying, as we do, an advanced position in the world’s production, and aiming to secure a profitable share for our Industries in the general competitive markets, it is a matter of serious concern that the want of means for participation in these exhibits should so often exclude our producers from advantages enjoyed by those of other countries daring the past year. The attention Of Congress was drawn to the formal Invitations in this regard tendered bv the Governments of England, Holland, Belfinm, Germany and Austria. The Executive has In some instances appointed honorary commissioners. This Is, howeve ', a most un-atisfac: ory expedient, for without some provision to meet the necessary working expenses of a commission, It can effect little or nothing in behalf of exhibitors. An interna ional inventors' exhibition is to be held in London next Muy. This will oover a field of special importance. In which our ooun-

try holds a foremost rank; but the Executive is , at present powerless to organize a proper reDresentationof our vast national interests in'this direction. I have in several previous messages referred to this subject. It seems to me that a statute, giving to the Executive general discretionary authority to accept such invitations, and to appoint honorary commissioners, without salary, and placing at the disposal of the Secretary of State a small fund for defraying their reasonable expenses, would be of great public utility, COLLISIONS AT REA. The Government has received official notice that the revised international regulations for grev-nting collisions at sea have been adopted y all the leading maritime powers except the United Slates, and came into force on the Ist of September last. For the due protection of onr ship Ding interests, the provisions of our statutes should at once be brought into conformity with these regulations. INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT. The question of securing to authors, 00mposers and artists copyright privileges in this country, in return for recipocal rights abroad, is one that may Justly challenge your attention. It is true th»t conventions wfll be necessary for fully accomplishing this result. But until Congress shall by statute fix the extent to which foreign holders of copyright shall be here privileged, it has beea deemed inadvisable to negotiate m such conventions. For this reason the United States were not represented at the’ recent conference at Berne. NEUTRALITY LAWS. I recommend that the scope of the neutrality laws of the United States be so enlarged as to cover all patent acts of hostility committed in our territory and aimed against the peace of a friendly nation. Existing statues prohibit the fitting out of an expedition and restrict the shipment of explosives, though the enactments in the latter respects were not framed with regard to International obligations, but simply for the protection of passenger travel. All these statnes were intended to meet special emergencies that had already .risen. Other emergencies have arisen since, and modern ingenuity supplies means for the organization of hostilities without open resort to armed vessels, or to filibustering parties. I see no reason why overt preparations in this country for the commission of criminal acts, such as are here under consideration, should not be alike punishable, whether such acts are intended to be committed in our own country, or in a foreign country with which we are at peace. The prompt and thorough treatment of this question is one which intimately concerns the national honor.

NATURALIZATION. Our existing naturalization laws also need revision. Those sections relating to persons residing within the limits of the United States within 1795 and 1798 have now only a historical interest. Section 2172, recognizing the citizenship of the children of naturalized parents, is ambiguons* in its terms and partly obsolete. There are special provisions of law favoring the naturalization of those who serve in the army or in merchant vessels, while no similar privileges are granted those who serve in the navy or marine corps. A uniform rule of naturalization such as the Constitution contemplates should, among other things, clearly define the status of persons born within the United States, subject to a foreign power (Sec. 1,992), and of minor children of fathers who have declared their Intention of becoming citizens, but have failed to perfect their naturalization. It might be wise to provide for a central bureau of registry, wherein should be filed authenticated transcripts of every record of naturalization in the several Federal and State courts, and to make provision also for the vacation or cancellation of such record in cases where fraud had been practiced upon the court by the applicant himself, or where he had removed or forfeited his acquired citizenship. A just and uniform law in this respect would strengthen the hands of the Government in protecting its citizens abroad, and would pave the way for the conclusion of treaties of naturalization with foreign countries.

DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR SERVICE. The legislation of the last session effected in the diplomatic and consular service certain changes and reductions which have been productive of embarrassment. The population and commercial activity of our country are steadily on the increase, and are giving rise to new, varying, and often delicate relationships with other countries. Our foreign establishment now embraces nearly double the area of operations that it did twenty years ago. The confinement of such a service within the limits of expenditure then established is not, it seems to me, in accordance with true economy. A community of sixty millions of people should be adequately represented in its intercourse with foreign nations. A project for the reorganization of the consular service and for re-casting the scheme of extr i-territorial jurisdiction is now before you. If the limits of a short session will not allow its full consideration I trust you will not fail to make suitable provision for present needs of the service.

It has been customary to define in the appropriation acts the rank of each diplomatic office to which a salary is attached. I suggest that this course be abandoned, and that it be left to the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, to fix from time to time the diplomatic grade of the representatives of the Government abroad as it may seem advisable, provision being definitely made, however, as now, for the amount of salary attached to the respective stations.

THE CONDITION OF OUB FINANCES and the operations of the various branches of the public service which are connected with the Treasury Department are very fully discussed in the report of the Secretary. It appears that the ordinary revenues for the fiscal year ended J une 80, 1884, were: From customs $195,067,489.76 From internal revenue 121,586,072.61 From all other sources 31,866,307.65 Total ordinary revenues $348,519,569.52 THE PUBLIC EXPENDITUBEB durine: the same period were: For civil expenses $22,312,907.71 For foreurn intercourse. 1,260,706.37 For Indians 6,475.999.29 For pensions. 56,429,228.36 For the military establishment, including river and harbor improvements and arsenals 39,429,603.36 For the naval establishment, including vessels, machinery and improvements at navy yards 17,292,601.44 For miscellaneous expenditures, including public, buildings, lighthouses and oollecting^herevenue. 43,939,710.00 .Fof expenditures on account of the A ~ District of Columbia 3.407,049.62 For interest on the publio debt, 54,578,378.48 For the sinking fund 46,790,229.50 Total ordinary expenditures 290,916,483.83 Leaving a surplus ot 67,603,396,09 As compared with the preceding fiscal vear, there was a net decrease of over $21,000,000 in the amount of expenditures. The aggregate receipts were less than those of the year previous by about $54,000,000. The falling off of revenue from customs made up nearly $20,000,000 of this deficiency, and about $23,000,000 of the remainder was due to the diminished receipts from internal taxation. The Secretary estimates the receipts for the fiscal year, which will end June 30, 1886, at $330,000,000, a/nd the total expenditures at $290,620,201.16, in which are Included the Interest on the debt and the amount payable to the sinking fund. This would leave a surplus for the entire year of about $39,090,000. THE VALUE OF EXPORTS from the United States to foreign countries during the year ending Juno 30, 1884, was as follows: Domestic merchandise $724,964,862 Foreign merchandise 15,648,757 • Total merchandise $740,513,609 Specie : 67,133,383 Total exports of merchandise and specie .$807,646,992 The cotton and cotton manufactures included in this statement were valued at $208,900,415, the breadstuffs at $162,544,715, the provisions at $114,416,547, and the mineral oils at $47,103,248. IMPOBTS. During the same period the Imports were as follows: Merchandise, $667,697,693; gold, and sliver, $37,426,262; total, $705,123,966. More than 63 per cent, of the entire value of Imported merchandise consisted of the following articles: Sugar and molasses, $103,844,274; wool and woolen manufactures, $53,542,292; silks andits manufactures,s49,949,l2B; coffee, $49,686,705; iron and steel and manufactures thereof, $41,644,599; chemicals, $38,464,965; flax, hemp, jute and like substances • and manufactures thereof, $33,463,398; cotton and manufactnres,s3o 454,476; hides and skins other than far skins, $22,350,900. THE SILVER COINAGE. I concur with the Secretary of the Treasury in recommending the immediate suspension of the .coinage of silver dollars and the issue of silver certificates. This is a matter to which in former communications I have more than once invoked the attention of the national legislature. It appears that annually for the past six year* there have been coined, in compliance with the requirements of the act of February 18, 1878, more than twenty-seven million silver dollars. The number now outstanding is reported by the Secretary to be nearly one hundred and eighty-five millions, whereof but little more than forty millions, or less than 22 per cent, are ln'aotual circulation. The mere existence of this fact seems to me to furnish of itself a cogent argument for tee repeal of the statute which has made such fact possible, but there are other and graver considerations that tend In the same direction. The Secretary avows his conviction that unless this coinage and the issuance of silver certificates be suspended, silver is likely at no distant day to become our sole metallic standard. The commercial distui banoe and the impairment of national credit that

would be thus occasioned can scarcely be I hope that the Secretary's suggestions respecting the withdrawal from circulation of the $1 and $2 notes will receive your approval. It la likely that a considerable portion of the silver now encumbering the vaults of the Treasury might thus find its way into the onrrency. While trade-doilars have ceased, for the present at least, to be an element of active disturbance in our enrrenjcy system, some provision should be 1 made for their surrender to the Govi eminent. In view of the circumstances under which they were coined, and of the fact that they have never had a legal tender quality, there should be offered for them only a ! slight advance over their bullion valne. The Secretary, in the coarse of his report, considers the propriety of beautifying the designs of our subsidiary silver coins, and of so increasing their weight that they may bear their dne ratio of value to the standard dollar. His conclusions in this regard are cordially approved. INTERNAL REVENUE TAXES. In my aunual message of 18821 recommended the abolition of all excise taxes except those relating to distilled spirits. This recommendation is now renewed. In case these taxes shall be abolished, the revenues that will still remain to the Government will, in my opinion, not only suffice to meet its reasonable expenditures, but will afford a surplus large enough to permit such tariff reduction as may seem to be advisable when the results of recent revenue laws and commercial treaties shall have shown in what quarters these reductions can be most judiciously effected. OUR FOREIGN TRADE One of the gravest of the problems which appeal to the wisdom of Congress lor solution is the ascertainment of the most effective means of increasing our foreeign trade, and thus relieving the depression under which our ind stries are now languishing. The Secretary of the Treasury advises that the duty of investigating this subject be intrusted in the first instance to a competent commission. While fully recognizing the considerations that may be urged against this course, lam nevertheless of the opinion that, upon the whole, no other would be likely to affect speedier or better results.

SHIPPING INTERESTS. That portion of the Secretary’s report which concerns the condition of our shipping interests cannot fail to command your attention. He emphatically recommends that as an incentive to the investment of American capital in American steamships, the Government shall, by liberal payments for mail transportation or otherwise, lend its active assistance to individual enterprise, and declares his beliei that unless that course be pursued our foreign carrying trade must remain as it is—almost exclusively in the hands of foreigners. One phase of this subject is now especially prominent, in vlew.of the repeal by the act of June 26, 1884, of all saintary provisions arbitrarily compelling American vessels to carry the mails to and from the United States. As it is necessary to make provision to compensate the owners of such vessels for performing that service after April, 1885, it is hoped that the whole subject will receive early consideration that will lead to the enactment of such measures for the revival of onr merohant marine as the wisdom of Congress may devise.

THE NATIONAL BANKS. The 3 per cent, bonds of the Government, to the amount of more than $100,000,000, have, since my last annual message, been redeemed by the Treasury. The bonds of that issue still outstanding amount to a litde more than $200,000,000, about one-fourth of which will be retired through the operations of the sinking fund during the coming year. As the bonds still continue the chief basis for the circulation of the national banks, the question how to avert the contraction of the currency caused by their retirement is one of constantly increasing importance. It seems to be generally conceded that the law governing this matter exacts from the banks exoessive security, and that upon their present bond deposits a larger circulation than is now allowed may be granted with safety. I hope that the bill which passed the Senate at the last session permitting the issue of notes equal to the face value of deposited bonds will commend itself to the approval of the House of Representatives. WAR DEPARTMENT EXPENBES. In the expenses of the War Department the Secretary reports a decrease of more than $.),- 000,000, of which reduction $5,600,000 was effected in the expenditures for rivers and harbors, and $2,700,000 in the expenditures for the Quartermaster's Department. Outside of that department the annual expenses of all the Army Bureaus proper (except possibly the Ordnance Bureau) are substantially fixed charges which can not be materially diminished without change in the numerical strength of the army. The expenditures in the Quartermaster’s department can readily be submitted to administrative discretion, and it is reported by the Secretary of War that as a resdlt of exercising such discretion in reducing the number ot draught and pack animals in the army, the annual cost of supplying and caring for such animal3isnow $1,108,085.90 less than it was in 1882.

THE INDIANS. The reports of military commanders show that the last year has been notable for its entire freedom from Indian outbreaks. In defiance of the President’s proclamation of July 1, 1884, certain intruders sought to make settlement In the Indian Territory. They were promptly removed by a detachment of troops. During the past Session of Congress, a biil to provide a suitable fireproof building for THE ARMY MEDICAL MUSEUM and the library of the Surgeon-General’s office received the approval of the Senate. A similar bill, reported favorably to the House of Representatives by one of Its committies, is still pending before that body. It is hoped that during the coming session the measure mav become a law, and thereafter immediate steps may be taken to secure a place of safe deposit for these valuable collections now in a state of Insecurity.

INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. The funds with which the works for the improvement of rivers and harbors werefprosecuted during the last year were derived from the appropriations of August 2, 1882, together with such few balances as were on band from previous appropriations. The balance in the Treasury subjeot to requisition July 1, 1883, was $lO,021,649.55. The amount appropriated during the fiscal year 1884 was $1,319,684,627, and the amount drawn from the Treasury during the fiscal year was $8,228,703.54, leaving a balance of $3,112,580.63 in the Treasury subject to requisition July 1. 1884. The Secretary of War submits the report of the Chief of Engineers as to the practicability «f protecting onr important cities on the seaboard by - FORTIFICATIONS AND OTHER DEFENSES able to repel modem methods of attack. The time has now come when such defenses can be prepared with confidence that they will not prove abortive, and, when the possible result of delay in making such preparation is seriously considered, delay seems inexcusable. For the most important cities, those whose destruction or capture would be a national humiliation, adequate defenses, inclusive of guns, may be made by the gradual expenditure of $00,000,000, a sum much less than a victorious enemy could levy as a contribution,’ An appropriation of about onetenth of that amount is asked to begin the work, and I concur with the Secretary of War in urging that It be granted. The War Department is proceeding with the conversion of ten-inch smooth-bore guns into eight-inch rifles by lining the former with tubes of forged or of coiled wrought iron. Fifty guns will be thus converted within the year. This, however, does not obviate the necessity of providing means for the construction of guns of the highest power, both for the purposes of coast defense and for the armament of war vessels.

MANUFACTUBE OF ORDNANCE. The report of the Gun Foundry Board, appointed April 2, 1883, in pursuance of the act of March, 1883, was transmitted to Congress in a special message of Feb. 8, 1884. In my message of March 26, 1884,1 called attention to the recommendation of the board that the Government should encourage the production by private steel works of the required material for heavy cannon, and that two Government factories —one for the army and one for the navyshould be established for the fabrication of gnns from such material. No action having been taken, the board was subsequently r convened, to determine more fully the plans and estimates necessary for carrying out its recommendations. It has received information which indicates that there are responsible steel manufacturers in this country who, although not provided at present with the necessary plant, are willing to construct the same and to make bids for contracts with the Government for the supply of the requisite material for the heaviest gnns adapted to jmodern warfare, if guaranteed orders of sufficient magnitude, accompanied by a positive appropriation extending over a series of years, shall be made by Congress. All doubts as to the feasibility of the plan being thus removed, I renew my recomendation that such action be taken by Congress as will enable the Government to construct Its own ordnance upon its own tenitory, and so to provide the armaments demanded by considerations of national safety and honor. THE NEW STEEL CEUISEBS. the progress which has been made on the new Bteel cruisers authorized by the acts of Ang. 5, 1882. and March 3,1883. Of the four vessels under contract, one, the Chicago, of 4,500 tons, is more than half finished; the Atlanta, 3,000 tons, has been successfully launched, and her machinery The report of the Secretary of the Navy exhibits is now fitting: the Boston, also of 3,000 tons, is ready for launching; and the Dolphin, a dispatch steamer of 1,500 tons, is ready for delivery. Certain adverse criticisms upon the designs of the cruisers are discussed by the Secretory, who insists that the correctness of the conclusions reached by the Advisory Board, and by tho

department, has been demonstrated by recent development In ship-building abroad. THE MONITORS. The machinery of the double-tnrreted monitors Puritan, Torres, and Amphitrite, contracted for under the act of March 3,1883, is In process ; of construction. No work has been done during. the past year on their armor, for lack of the ; necessary appropriations. A fourth monitor, ! the Monadnock, still remains unfinished at the | navy yard in California. It is recommended that ' early steps be taken to complete these vessels, ! and to provide also an armament for the monitor Miantonomah. NEW CRUISERS. The recommendations of the Naval Advisory Board, approved by the department, comprise the construction of one steel cruiser of 4,500 tons one cruiser of *,OOO tons, two heavily armed gunboats, one light cruising gunboat, one dispatch vessel armed with Hotchkiss cannon, one armoied ram and three torpedo boats. The general designs, all of which are calculated to meet the existing wants of the service, are now well advanced, and the construction of the vessels can be undertaken as soon as you shall grant the necessary, authority. ARCTIC EXPEDITIONS. The act of Congress approved Angnst 7, 1882, authorized the removal to the United States of the bodies of Lieutenant Commander George W. De Long and his companions of the Jeannet,te expedition. This removal has been successfully accomplished by Lieuts. Harber and Schnetze. The remains were taken from their grave in the Lena Delta In March, 1883, and were retained at Yakutsk until the following winter, the season being too tar advanced to admit of their immediate transportation. They arrived in New York Feb. 20, 1884. where they were received with suitable honors. In pursuance of the jo'nt resolution of Congress, approved Feb. 13, 1884, a naval expedition was fitted out for the relief of Lieut. A. W. Greely, United States armv, and of the party who had been engaged under his command in scientific observations at Lady Franklin Bay. The fleet consisted of the steam sealer Thetis, purchased in England, the Bear, purchased at St. John's, Newfoundland, and the Alert, which was generously provided by the British Government. Preparations for the expedition were promptly made by the Secretary of the Navy, with the active co-opera-tion of the Secretary of War. Commander Geo. W. Coffin was placed In command of the Alert, and Lieutenant W. EL Emory in command of the Bear. The Thetis was intrusted to Commander Winfield 8. Copley, to whom also was assigned the superintendence of the entire expedition. Immediately upon its arrival at Upernavik the fleet began the dangerous navigation of Melville Bay, and, In spite of every obstacle, reached Littleton Island on June 22—a fortnight earlier than any vessel had before attained that point. On the same day It crossed over to Cape Sabine, where Lieutenant Greely and the other survivors of his party were discovered. After taking on board the living and the bodies of the dead the relief ships sailed for St. Johns, where they arrived on July 17. They were appropriately received at Portsmouth, N. H., on August 1, and at New York on August 8. One of the bodies was landed at the former place. The others were put on shore at Governor’s Island, and, with the exception of one which was interred in the National Cemetery, were forwarded thence to the destination indicated by friends. The organization and conduct of this relief expedition reflects great credit upon all who contributed to its success. THE NAVY. In this, the last of the state messages that I shall have the honor to transmit to the Congress of the United States, I can not too strongly urge on its attention the duty of restoring our navy as rapidly as possible to the high state of efficiency which formerly characterized it As the long peace that has lulled us into a sense of fancied security may at any time be disturbed, it is plain that the policy of strengthening this arm of the service is dictated by considerations of use and economy, of just regard for our future tranquility, and ot true appreciation of the dignity and honor of the republic.

THE POSTAL SERVICE. The report of the Postmaster General acquaints you with the present condition and needs of the postal service. It discloses the gratifying fact that the loss of revenne from the reduction of the rate in letter postage, as recommended in my message of December. 1882, and effected by the act of March 3, 1883, has been much less than was generally anticipated. My recommendation of this reduction was based upon the belief that the actual falling off in receipts for letter postage for the year immediately succeeding the change of rate would be $3,000,000. It has proved to be only $2,276,000. This is a trustworthy indication that the revenue will soon be restored to its former volume by the natural increase of sealed correspondence. I confidently repeat, thereiore, the recommendation of my last annual message, that single rate postage upon drop letters be reduced to 1 cent whereever payment of 2 cents is now required bv law. The double rate is only exacted at offices where the carrier system is in operation, and it appe-rs that at these offices the increase in the tax upon local letters defrays the cost not only of their own collection and delivery, but of the collection and delivery of all other mail matter. This is an inequality that ought no longer to exist.

I approve the recommendation of the Postmaster General, that the unit of weight in the rating of first-class matter should be one ounce instead of one-half ounce, as it now is. In view of the statistics furnished by the department, it may well be doubted whether the change would result in any loss of revenue; that it would greatly promote the convenience ot the public is beyond dispute. The free delivery system has been lately applied to five cities, and the total number of oflloes in which it is now in operation is 159. Experience shows that its adoption, under proper conditions, is eaually an accommodation to the public and an advantage to the postal service. It is more than self sustaining, and for the reasons urged by the Postmaster General, mav properly be extended. It is the opinion of that officer, that it is proper to provide means whereby exceptional dispatch in dealing with letters in free-delivery offices may be secured by the payment of extraordinary postage. This scheme might be made effective by the employment of a special stamp whose cost should be commensurate with the expense of the extra service. In some of the large cities private express companies have endeavored to outstrip the Government mail carriers by affording for the prompt transmission of letters better facilities than have hitherto been at the command of the Post Office. It has always been the policy of the Government to discourage such enterprises and in no better way can that policy be maintained than in supplying the public with the most efficient mail service that, with due regard to its own best interests, can be furnished for its accommodation.

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. The Attorney General renews the recommendation contained in his report of last year touching the fees of witnesses and burors. He favors radical changes in the fee nill, the adoption of a system by which attorneys and marshals of the United States should be compensated solely by salaries, and the ere ction by the Government of a penitentiary for the confinement of offenders against its laws. THE INTEBIOB DEPARTMENT. Of the varied governmental concerns in charge of the Interior Department, the reports of its Secretary presents an interesting summary. Among the topios deserving particular attention, I refer you to his observations respecting our Indian affairs, the pre-emption and timber culture acts, the failure of railroad companies to take title to lands granted by the Government, and the operations of thl Pension Office, the Patent Office, the Census Bureau,and the Bureau of Education. THE INDIANS AGAIN. Allusion has been made already to the circumstance that, both as between the different Indian tribes, and as between Indians and whites, the past year has been one of unbroken peace. In this circumstance the President is glad to find a justification for the policy of the Government in dealing with the Indian question, and a confirmation of their views which were fully expressed in his first communication to the Forty-seventh Congress. The Secretary urges anew the enactment of a statute for the punishment of crimes committed on Indian reservations, and recommends the passage of the bill, now pending in the House of Representatives, for the purchase of a tract of 18,000 square miles from the Sioux reservation. Both of these measures are worthy of approval. I concur with him also in advising the repeal of the pre-emption law; the enactment of statutes resolving the present legal complications,touching lapsed grants to railroad companies, and the funding of the debt of the several Pacific railroads under such guaranty as shall effectually insure its ultimate payment. MOBMONIBM AND POLYGAMY. The report of the Utah Commission will be read with interest. It discloses the results of recent legislation looking to the prevention and punishment of polygamy in that Territory. 1 still believe that if that abominable practice can be suppressed by law, it can only be by the most radical legislation consistent with the restraints of the Constitution. I again recommend, therefore, that Congress assume absolute political control of the Territory of Utah, and provide for the appointment of a commission with such governmental powers as in its judgment may justly and wisely be put into their, hands. MORE ABOUT FOREIGN TRADE. In the course of this communication reference has more than onoe been made to the policy of this Government as regards the extension of our foreign trade. It seems proper to declare the general principles that should, in my opinion, underlie our national efforts In this direction. The main conditions of the problem may be thus stated: We are a people engaged in mechanical pursuits, and fertile in invention. We cbver a vaat extent of territory rich in agricultural products and in nearly all

the raw necessary for sucoeosfnl manufacture. Mfe hare a system of productive establishments more sufficient to supply our own demands ;the wages oflabor are nowhere else so grat; the scale of living of our artisan classes is snch as tsnds to secure their personal comfort and the development of those higher morals and the intellectual qualities that go to the making of a good citzen; our system of tax and tariff legislation is yielding a revenue which is in excess of the present needs of the Government. These are elements from wfiich it is sought to devise a scheme by which, without unfavorably changing the condition of the workingmen, our merchant marine shall be raised from its enfeebled condition and new markets provided for the sale beyond our horde;a oi the manifold fruits of onr industrial enterprises. The problem is complex, and can b>; solved by no single measure of innovation or reform, 'i he countries of the American Continent and the adjacent islands are for the United States the natural market of supply and demand. • It is from that we should obtain what we do not produce or do not produce in suffic.encv, and it is to them that the snrplus productions of our fields, our mills, and our workshops should flow, under conditions that will equalize or favor them in comparison with foreign competition. RECIPROCAITY TREATIES. Four paths of policy seem to point to this end: First, a series or re iprorcai commercial treaties with the countries oi America which shall foster between us and them an unhampered movement of trade. The conditions of thf se treaties should be the free admission of • such merchandise as this country does not produce in return tor admission free or under a favored scheme of duties ot our products, the benefits of such exchange to apply on those goods carried under the flags of the parties to the contract; the removal on both sides from vessels so privileged of Hi tonnage dues and national imposts, so that their vessels may ply unhindered between our ports and those of other contracting parties, though without infringing on the reserved home coasting trade; the removal or reduction of burdens on the exported products of those countries coming within the benefits of the treaties; and the avo dance of the technical restrictions and 'penalties by which onr intercourse with those countries is at present hampered. Secondly, the establishment of the consular service of the United States on a salaried footing permitting the relinquishment of consular fees not only as respects vessel * under the national flag but nlso as respects vessels of the treaty nations carrying goods entitled to the benefits of the treaties. Thirdly, the enactment of metfeures to favor the construction and maintenance of a steamcarrying marine under the flag of the United States.

Fourthly, the establishment of a uniform currency basis for the countries of America, so that the coined products of our mines may circulate on equal terms throughout the whole system of commonwealths. This would revive a monetary union of America wher by the output of the bullion-producing countries and the circulation of those , which yield neither gold nor silver could be adjusted in coniormity with the population, wealth, and commercial needs of each. As many of the countries furnish no bullion to the common stock, the surplus production of our mines and mints might thus be utilised, and a step taken toward the general remonetization of silver. To the accomplishment of these ends, so far as can be at ained by separate treaties, the negotiations already concluded and now in progress have been d.r..cted, and the favor with which th.s enlarged policy has thus far been received warrants the belief that its operations will ere long embrace all, or nearly all, the countries of this hemisphere. It is by no means desirable, however, that the policy under consideration should be applied to those countries alone. The healthful enlargement of our tradp with Europe, Asia, and Africa should be sought by redu ing tariff burdens on such of their wares as neither we nor the other American States are fitted to produce, and thus enabling oursehes to obtain in return a better market lor our supplies of food, ot raw material, and of the manufactures in which we excel.

It seems to ine that many of the embarrassing elements in thp great national conflict between protection and free tade may thus be turned to good account, that the revenue may be reduced so as no longer to overtax the people, that protective duties may be retianed without becoming burdensome, that our shipping interests may be judiciously weighed, the currency fixed on a firm basis, and above all such community of interests established among the States of the American system, as will be of great and of ever-increasing advantage to them all. All treaties in the line of this policy which have been negotiated, or are in process of negotiation, contain a provision deemed to be reauisite under the clause of the Constitution limiting to the House of Representatives the authority to originate bills for raising revenue.

CIVIL SERVICE. On the 29th of February last I transmitted to Congress the first annual report of the Civil Service Commission, together with communications from the heads of the several executive departments of the Government, respecting the practical workings of tne law under which, the commission had been acting. The good results therein foreshadowed have been more than realized. The- system has fully answeied the anticipations of its friends in securing competent and taithful public servants, and in protecting the appointing officers of the Government from the pressure of personal importunity, and Lom the labor of examining the claims and pretensions of rival candidates for public employment. The law has had the unqualified support of the President and of the heads of the several departments, and the members o( the Commission have performed their duties with zeal and fidelity. Their report will shortly be submitted, and will be acoompanied by such recommendations for enlarging the scope of the existing statute- as shall commend themselves to the Executive and the Commissioners charged with its administration.

A NATIONAL BANKRUPT LAW. In view of the general and persistent demand throughout the commercial community for a national bankrupt law, I hope that the differences of sentiment which have hitherto prevented its enactment may not outlast the present session. THE CHOLERA. The pestilence which lor the past two years has been raging in the countries of the East, recently made its appearance in European ports with which we are in constant communication. The then Secretary of the Treasury, in pursuance of a proclamation of the President, issued certain regulations restricting and, for a time, prohibiting the importation of rags and the admission of baggage of immigrants upd of travelers arriving from infected quarters. Lest this course may have been without strict warrant of law I approve the recommendation of the present Secretary, that Congress take action in the premises, and I also recommend the immediate adoption of such measures as will be likely to ward off the dreaded epidemic and to mitigate Its severity in case it shall unhappily extend to our shores. THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The annual report of the Commissioners of the District of Columbia reviews the operations of the several departments of its municipal Government. I ask your careful consideration of its suggestions in respect to legislation, especially commending such as relate to a revision of the civil and criminal code, the performance of labor by persons sentenced to imprisonment in the jail, the construction and occupation of wharves along the river front.and the erection of a suitable building lor District offices. A PENSION TO GENERAL GRANT. I recommend that in recognition of the eminent services of Ulysses 8. Grant, late General of the armies of the United States, and twioe President of the nation, Congress confer on him a suitable pension. MISCELLANEOUS SUGGESTIONS. Certain of the measures that seem to me necessary and expedient I hava now, in obedience to the Constitution, recommended for your adoption. As respects others of no less importance 1 shall content myself with renewing the recommendations already made to the Congress without restating the grounds upon which such recommendations were based. The preservation of forests on the public domain, the granting of Government aid for popular education, the amendment t>f the Federal Constitution, so as to make effective the disapproval by the President of particular items in appropriation bills; the enactment of statutes in regard to the filling of vacancies in Presidential office, and the determining of vexed questions respecting Presidential inability, are measures which may justly receive your serious consideration. CONCLUSION. As the time diaws nigh when I am to retire from the pnblio service, I can not refrain from expressing to the members of the National Legislature with whom 1 have been brought into personal and official intercourse my sincere' appreciation of their unfailing courtesy, and of their harmonious co-operation with the Executive in so many measures calculated to promote the best interests of the na. ion. and to my fellow-citizens generally I acknowledge a deep sense of obligation for the support which they have accorded me in my administration of the Government. Chester A. Arthur. Washington, Dec. 1,1884.

In London a man fell in a drunken fit and broke his neck. The jyry found out - that hiß grandfather had died of a broken neck, and brought in as their verdict, “Died by the hereditary visitation of God."