Indiana State Sentinel, Indianapolis, Marion County, 6 December 1893 — Page 1

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rIKST PART.

ESTABLISHED 1822. INDIANAPOLIS, WEDNESDAY MORNING, DECEMBER G, 1893-TWELArE PAGES. ONE DOLLAR A YEAR.

Careful Review of the Operations o the Government.

Plain, Outspoken Declaration for Tariff Reform Along the Lines Marked Out by the Wilson Bill A Special Message on the Hawaiian Question to Be Submitted Reform of the Civil . Service Work of the Departments.

WASHINGTON'. Dee. 4. At 1:33 today Secretary Traden delivered the president's message to the senate and it was aid before that body by the viee-presl-henL The secretary of the senate, Mr. Cox, then read the message. It is as follows: The constitutional duty which requires Ihe president, from time to time, to lve to the congress information of the state cf the union, and recommend to its consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient, is fittingly entered upon Ly commending to the congress a careful examination of the detailed etatements and all supported recommendations contained in the reports of the heads of departments, who are chielly churged with, the executive work of the government. In. an effort to abridge this communication as much as Is consistent with its purpose, 1 shall supplement a brief reference to the contents of those departmental reports by the mention of euch executive business and incidents as are embraced therein, and by such recoml mendations as appear to be, at this particular time, appropriate. OIR FOREIGV ItF.LATIONS. Dlicnsilon of tbe Situation 1 lirnzil nuil Klsevt here. While our foreign relations have not at nil times during the past year been entirely free from perplexity, no embarrassing situation remains that will not yield to the spirit of fairness and love of justice, which. Joined with consistent firmness, rharacfrize a truly American foreign policy. My predecessor having accepted the office of arbitrator of the long-standing missions boundary disputes, tendered to the president by the Argentine Republic and Brazil, it has been my agreeable duty to receive the special envoys commissioned by those states to lay before me evidence and arguments in behalf of their retpective governments. The outbreak of hostilities in the republic of Brazil found the United States alert to watch the interests of our citizens in that country-, with which we carry on Important commerce. Several vessels cf our new navy are now. and for some time have been, stationed at Rio de Janeiro. The strudle being between the established government, which controls the machinery of administration, and with which we maintain friendly relations, and certain officers of the navy employing the vessels of their command in an "attack upon the national capital and chief sea-port, I have failed to see how the insurgents can reasonably claim recognition as belligerents. Thus far the position of our government has been that of an attentive, but impartial, observer of the unfortunate conflict. Emphasizing our fixed policy of impartial neutrality in such a condition of affairs as now exist, I deemed it necessary to disavow, in manner not to be misunderstood, the unauthorized action of our late naval commander in those waters, in saluting the revolting Brazilians, aa admiral being unauthorized to countance an act calculated to give pratuitous sanction to the. local Insurrection. The convention between our government and Chill haviner for its object the settlement and adjustment of the demands of the two countries against each other has been male effective by the organization of the claims commission provided fur. The two governments failing to agree upon the third member of the commission, the goood offices of the president of the Swiss republic were invoked, as provided la the treaty, and the selection cf the Swiss representative in this country, to complete the organization was gratifying eJike to the United States and Chili. The vexatious question of a so-called legation asylum for offenders against the ptate and its laws was presented anew In Chili by the unauthorized action of the late United States minister in receiving Into his official residence two persons who bad just failed in an attempt at revolution and against whom criminal charges were pending, growing out of a former abortive disturbance. The doctrine of asylum, as epplled in this cas", is not sanctioned by the best precedents, and. when allowed, tend3 to encourage sedition and strife. Under no circumstances can the representatives of this government be permitted under the ill-defined fiction of extra territoriality to interrupt the administration of rrimlnal Justice in the countries to which they are accredited A temperate demand having been made by the Chilian government for the correction of this conduct in the Instance mentioned, the minister was instructed no longer to harbor the offenders. The f'blneae Question. The legislation of list year known as the Oeary law,, requiring the registration of all Chinese laborers entitled to residence in the United States, and the deportation of all not complying with the provisions of the act within the time prescribed, met with much oppoition from Chinamen in this country. Acting upon the advice of eminent counsel, who said the law was unconstitutional, the great mass of Chinese laborers, pending Judicial inquiry a to its validity, in good faith declined to apply for the certificates required by its provisions. A test case upon proceeding by habeas corpus was brought before the supreme court, and on May 15. a de cision was mads by that tribunal sustaining the law. it i believed that under the recent amendment of the act. extending the time I for reglstratfbn, the Chinese laborers thereto entitle, wno aesire to reside in this country, will now avail them Helves of the renewed privilege thus afforded, of establishing by lawful procedure, their right to r-f i.i wnd tf. at m-i -oy tne Necessity of enforced deportation may to a great degree be avoided. It has devolved upon the United States minister at Peking, as dean of the diplomaticrolv, un-l in the absence of a representative of Sweden and Norway to press upon the Chinese government reparation for the recent murder of Swedish Hasaloaaxicd at äuuü i'uu hia wucsuoa

V.

is of vital Interest to all countries whose citizens engage in missionary work, In the Interior. Itehttloii with Oilier Countries, By art 12 cf the general act of Brüssels, signed July 2, 1S'1, for the suppression of the slave trade and the restriction of certain injurious commerce i:i the Independent state of the Congo an l in the adjacent territory of central Africa, the United States and the other pjwers ngre-d to adopt appropriate means for the punishment of persons selling arms and ammunition to the natives and for tha confiscation of the prohibited articles, it being the plain duty of this government to aid in suppressing the nefarious traffic, impairing as it does the praiseworthy and civilizing efforts now in progress in that region, I recommend that an act be passed prohibiting the sale of arms and intoxicants to natives in the regulated zone by our citizens. Costa Kum. has latt-ly tvstitied its friendliness by surrendering to the United States in the absence of a convention of extradition, but upon duly submitted evidence of criminality, a noted fugitive from justice. It is trusted that the negotiation of a treaty with that country, to meet recurring cases of this kind, will soon be accomplished. In my opinion treaties for reciprocal extradition should be concluded with all thoe countries with which the United States has not already conventional arrangements of that character. I have deemed it fitting to express to the government of Costa Rica and Colombia the kindly desire of the United States to se their pending boundary dispute finally closed by arbitration, in conformity with the spirit of the treaty concluded between them some years ago. Our relations with the French republic continue to be Intimate and cordial. I sincerely hope that the extntdltlon treaty with that country, as amended by the senate, will soon be operative. While occasional questions affecting our naturalised citizens returning to the land of their birth lew urisen with Germany, our relations with that country continue satisfactory. The questions affecting our relations with Great Britain have been treated in a spirit of friendliness. Negotiations are in progress between the two governments, with a view to such concurrent action as will make the award and regulations agreed upon by the Bering sea tribunal of arbitration practically effective, and It is not doubted that Great Britain will co-operate freely with this country for the accomplishment of that purjose. The dispute growing out of the discriminating tolls Imposed in the "Weiland canal upon cargoes of cereals bound to and from the lake ports-of the United States was adjusted by the substitution of a more equitable schedule of charges, and my predecessor thereupon suspended his proclamation Imposing discriminating cut tolls upon British transit through our canals. A request for additions to the list of extraditable offenses covered by the existing treaty between the two countries are under consideration. AioloKlri Mnilc. During the past year an American citizen, employed in a subordiate commercial position in Ilaytl, after suffering a protracted imprisonment on an unfounded charge of smuggling, was finally liberated after a judicial examination. Upon urgent representation to the Haytlan government, a suitable indemnity was paid to the sufferer. By a law of Ilaytl, a sailing vessel, having discharged her cargo, is refused clearance until the duties on such cargo has been paid. The hardship of this measure upon American ship-owners, who conduct the bulk of the currying ttade of, that country, has been insisted on. with., a view of securing the removal of this cause of complaint. Upon receiving authentic information of the firing uron an American mail steamer touching at the jort of Amapala, because her captain refused to deliver up a passenger in transit from Nicaragua to Gautemala upon demand of the military authorities of Honduras, our minister to that country, under Instructions, protested against the wanton act, and sdemandej satisfaction. The government of Honduras, actuated by a senRe of Justice, and in a spirit of the utmost friendship, promptly disavowed the illegal conduct of its officers and expressed sincere regret for the occurrence. It is confidently anticipated that a satisfactory adjustment will soon be reached of the questions arising out of the seizure and use of American vessels by insurgents in Honduras, and the subsequent denial by the successful government of commercial privileges to those vessels on that account. A notabie part of the southeastern coast of Liberia between the Cavally and San Bedro rivers, which for nesirly half a century has been generally recognized as belonging to that republic by cession and purchase, has been claimed- to be under the protectorate of France in virtue of agreements entered into by the native tribes, over whom Liberia's control has not leen well maintained. More recently, negotiations between the I.iberlan representative and the French government resulted in the signature at l'aris of a treaty whereby certain Llberian territory is added to France. This convention, at last advices, has not been ratified by the Llberian legislature and executive. Feeling a sympathetic interest in the fortunes of the little commonwealth, the establishment and development of which were largely aided by the benevolence of our countrymen, and which constitutes the only Independently sovereign state on tha west coast of Africa, this government has suggested to the French government Its earnest concern lest territorial Impairment in Liberia should take place without her unconstrained consent. Oar Southern Neighbor. Our relations with Mexico continue to be of that close and friendly nature which should always characterize the Intersourse of two neighboring republics. The work of relocating the monuments marking the boundary between the two countries from I 'a so del Norte to the Pacific Is now nearly completed. The commission recently organized under the conventions of 1884 and 1SS9. it is expected, will speedily settle disputes growing out of the shifting currents of the Kio Grande river east of El Paso. Nicaragua has recently passed through two revolutions, the partv at first" successful having in turn been displaced by another. Our newly appointed minister, by his timely good offices, aided In a peaceful adjustment of the controversy involved In the first conflict. The large American interests established In that country in connection with the Nicaragua canal wre not molested. The canal company lias unfortunately ' become financially seriously embarrassed, but a generous treatment ba4 been, extended to it by Lba rovexu

ment of Nicaragua. The United States, is especially interested in the successful achievement of the vast - undertaking this company has in charge. That it should be accomplished under distinctively American auspices, and its enjoyment assured not only to the vessels of this country, as a channel of communication between our Atlantic and Pacific seaboards, but to the ships of the world in the Interests of civilization, Is a proposition which, in my Judgment, does not admit of question. Guatemala has also been visited by the political vicissitudes which have afflicted her Central American neighbors, but the dissolution of its legislature and the proclamation of a dictatorship have been unattended with civil wars. ' Tbe Treaty of Iterlln. Led by a desire to compose differences and contribute to the restoration in Samoa, which for some years previous had been the scene of conflicting foreign pretensions and native strife, the United States, departing from its policy, consecrated by a

century of observance, entered four years j ago into the treaty of Berlin, thereby becoming Jointly bound with England and Germany to establish and maintain Malletoa Laupepa as king of Samoa. The treaty provided for a foreign court of justice, a municipal council for the district of Apia, with a foreign president therefor, authorized to advise the king, a tribunal lor the settlement of native and foreign land titles and a revenue system for the kingdom. It entailed upon trie three powers that part of the cost of the new government not met by the revenue of the islands. Early in the life of this triple protectorate the native dissension it was designed to quell revived. Rivals deiied the authority of the new king, refusing to ray taxes and deui lining wie eievnuu u. luiri ujr iiumra , suffrage. Mataafa, an aspirant to the throne, and a large number of his native ( adherents were in open rebellion on one of j me isianus. juiie laieiy, at ine reque.-i ui the other powers and In fulfillment of its treaty obligations, this government agreed to unite in a joint military movement of such dimensions as would probably secure the surrender of the insurgents .without bloodshed. Tne warship Philadelphia was accordingly put under orders for Samoa, but before she arrived the threatened conllict was precipitated by King Alalletoa's attack upon the Insurgent camp. Mataafa was defeated and a number of his men killed. The British and German naval vessels present subsequently secured the surrender of Mataafa and his adherents. The defeated chief and ten cf his principal supporters were deported to a German islam! of 'he Marshall group, where they are held as prise tiers tinier the joint responsibility and cost of the three powers. This Incident and the events leading up to It signally illustrate the impolicy of entangling alliunces with foreign powers. Claims A au I list Spain. More than fifteen years ago this government preferred a claim against Spain In behalf of one of our citizens for property seized and confiscated In Cuba. In 1SSG the claim was adjusted, Spain agreeing to pay unconditionally as a fair indemnity frl,500,0Oi. A respectful but earnest note was recently addressed to the Spanish government insisting upon the prompt fulfilment of its long-neglected obligation. Other claims preferred by the United States against Spain in behalf of American citizens for property confiscated in Cuba have been tending for many years. At the time Spain's title to the Caroline islands was confirmed by arbitration, that government agreed that the rights which had been acquired there by American missionaries should be recognized an 1 respected. It Is sincerely hoped that this pledge will be observed by allowing our missionaries, who were removed from I'onape to a place of safety by a United States war ship during the late troubles tietween th Spanisli garrison and the natives, to return to their field of usefulness. The reproduced caravel, Santa Maria, built by Spain and sent to the Columbian exposition, has leen presented to the United States in token of amity and in commemoration of the event it was designed to celebrate. I recommend tkit. li.ceertihg this gift, congress make a grate! ul recognition of the sincere friendship which prompted it. Act of the Turks. Important matters have demanded attention In our relations with the Ottoman Porte. The firing and partial destruction by an unrestrained mob. of one of the school buildings of Anatolia college, established by citizens of the United States at Marsovan, and the apparent indifference of the Turkish government to the outrage, notwithstanding the complicity of some of its officials, called for earnest remonstrance, which was followed by promises of reparation ami, punishment of the offenders. Indemnity for the injury to the buildings has already been paid, permission to rebuild given, registration of the school property in the name of the American owners secured, and efficient protection guaranteed. Information received of maltreatment suilered i.y an inoffensive American woman engaged in missionary work in Turkish Koordistan was followed by such representation to the Port as. resulted in the Issuance of orders for the punishment of her assailants, the temoval of a delinquent official, anil the adoption of measures for the protection of our citizens engaged in mission and other lawful work In that quarter. Turkey complains that her Armenian subjects obt; in citizenship in this country, not to Identify themselves in good faith with our people, but with the Intention of returning to the land of their birth and there engaging in sedition. This complaint is not wholly without foundation. A journal, published in this country in the Armenian language, openly counsels its readers to arm, organize and participate in movements for tiie subversion of Turkish authority in the Asiatic provinces. The Ottoman government has announce'! its Intention to expel from Its dominions Armenians who have obtained naturalization In the United States since 1W8. The right to exclude any or all classes of uliens Is an attribute of sovereignty. It Is a right asserted, and to a limited extent enforced by the United States with the sanction of our highest court. There being no naturalization treaty between the United States and Turkey, our minister at Constantinople has been instructed that, while recognizing the rteht of that government to enforce its declared policy against naturalized Armenians, he is expected to protect them from unnecessary harshness of treattrent. THE HAWAIIAN QTESTIOX. The President "Will Send re Special Hefiort to Ihe Senate. It is hardly necessary for me to state that the questions arising from our relations with Hawaii have caused serious embarrassment. Just prior to the installation of the present administration the existing government of Hawaii had been suddenly overthrown and a treaty of annexation had been negotiated between the provisional government of the Islands and the United States and submitted to the senate for ratification. This treaty I withdrew for examination, and dispatched the Hon. James A. Blount of Georgia to Honolulu as a special commissioner to make an impartial investigation of the circumstances attending the change of government and of all the conditions bearing upon the subject of the treaty. After a thorough and exhaustive examination Mr. Blount submitted to me his report, showing beyond all question that the constitutional government of Hawaii had been subverted with the active aid of our representative to that government, and through the intimidation caused by the presence of an armed naval force of the U nited States, which was landed for that purpose at the Instance of our minister. Upon the facts developed it seemed to me the only honorable course for our government to pursue was to undo the wrong tnat had ten done by those repre- i Renting us, and to restore, aa far as practicable, the status existing at the time of our forcible Intervention. With a view of accomplishing this result within the con- ' stltutlonal limits of executive power, and recognizing all our obligations and responsibilities growing out of any change of conditions brought about by our unjustifiable interference, our present minister at Honolulu has received appropriate instructions to that end. Thus far no information of the accomplishment of any definite result has been received from him. Additional advices are soon expected. When received they will be promptly sent to the congress, together with all other information at hand, accompanied by a imeelal executive message fully detail'ng all tha facta necossary to t complete under- i

standing of the case, and presenting a history of all the material events leading up to the present situation. By a concurrent resolution passed by the senate Feb. 14, 1S, and by the house of representatives on the 3d of April following, the president was reouesfel to Invite, from time to time, as fit occasion may arise, negotiations witn any government with which the United States has or may have diplomatics relations, to the end that any differences or disputes arising between the two governments wiilch cannot be adjusted by diplomatic agency, may be referred to arbitration and be peaceably adJustol bv such mean". April 13. W, the international American conference of Washington, by resolution expresed th wish that all controversies between the republics of America and the nations of Europe might be settled by arbitration, and recommended that the government of each nation rt presented in that conference, should communicate thl wish to all friendly powers. A favorable response has been received from Great Britain, in the shape of a resolution udonted by parliament July 16 last, cordially sympathizing with the purpose in view, and. expressing the hope that her majesty's government will lend reiLdy co-operation to the government of the United States, upon the basis of the concurrent resolution alwve quoted. It affords me signal pleasure to lay this parliamentary resolution before the congress, and to express my sincere gratification that the sentiment of the two great and kindred nations is thus authoritatively manifested in favor of the rational and peaceable settlement of international quarrels by honorable re.sc.Tt to arbitration. Crento! Ambassadors. Since the passage o" the act of March C. authorizing the president to raise the grade of our envoys to correspond w ith the rank in which foreign countries accredit their agents here, Grtat Britain, France, Italy and Germany have conferred upon their repr?sentatlves at this capital the title of ambassador, and have responded by accrediting the agents of the United States in those countries with the same title. A like elevation of mission Is announced by Russia, and when made will be similarly met. This step fittingly comports with the position the United States hold in the family of nations. During my former administration I took occasion to rrcommend a recast of the laws relating to the consular service in order that it might become a more efficient agency in the promotion of the interests it was intended to subserve. The duties and powers of consuls have been expanded with the growing requirements of our foreign trade. Discharging important duties affecting our commerce and Americans citizens abroad, ajid in certain countries exercising judicial functions, those officers should be men of character, intelligence and ability. Upon proof that the legislation of Denmark secures copyright to American citizens of equal footing with its own, the privileges of our copyright laws have been extended by proclamation to subjects of that country. In view of the Impaired finaclal resources of Venezuela con-equcnt upon the recent revolution there, a modified arrangement for the satisfaction of the awards of the late revisory claims commission. In progressive Installments, has been assented to, and payments are being regularly made thereunder. The boundary dispute between Venezuela and British Guinea is yet unadjusted. A restoration of diplomatic intercourse between that republic and Great Britain and reference of the question to impartial arbitration would be a most gratifying consummation. The ratification by Venezuela of the convention for th arbitration of the long-deferred claim of the Venezuela transportation company is awaited. An extradition treaty with Norway has recently leen exchanged and proclaimed. The extradition. treaty with Russia, signed in March, 187, and amended and confirmed by the senate in February last, was duly proclaimed last June. CONDITION" OF THE TKEASUIV.

Observation ''onci-rnlng Onr Fl v.aucea 'I fiilver Question. The secretary of the treasury reports that the receipts of the government from all sources during the fiscal year ended June 3J, amounted to S-ltU,71G,.V".1.9l, and Its expenditures $133,371,G71.29. There was collected from customs J2"Ti,Sri3,016.7i and from internal revenue ?181,027,02C.i3. Our dutiable Imports amounted to $121, fC,711. an Increase of $."2,45.1,01 '7 over the preceding year, and importations free of duty amounting to $114.511,211, a decrease from the preceding year of $13,4.V,447. Internal revenue receipts exceeded those of the preceding year by J7,117.41ü.32. The total tax collected on distilled spirits was $01,720,2iV.5ö. on manufactured tobacco $.11,Ss9.711.74. and on fermented liquors 2,513.5.S3.07. We exported merchandise during the year amounting to $sl7."ir,l!4, a decrease of $lS2,fil2,itT,4 frnm the preceding year. The amount of gold exported was larger than any previous year in the history of the government, amounting to $lS,G'0,84i, and exceeding the amount exported during the previous year by $ÖS.4Sö,G17. The sum paid from the treasury for sugar bounty was $:,373,13ii.8S. an increase over the preceding year of f2,;tt.(jf;U!. It is estimated upon the basis of present revenue laws that the receipts oi me government for the year ending June 3i, 14, will be 1430.121,3(5.38, and its expenditures $4T.S.121,3t.as, resulting in a deficiency of i2s,u,iju0. tin the 1st day of November, 1&9S, the amount of money of all kinds in circulation, not Included in treasury holdings, was f 1.71 ',544. 6S2, an Increase for the year of $112 4H.47. Estimating our population at C7.42f,000, at the time mentioned, the per capita circulation was On the same date there was In the treasury gold bullion amounting to $:C, .77.273, and silver bullion which was purchased at a cost of J12.2tn,nr.3. The purchase of silver under the law of July 14. I'-!, durlne- the last fiscal year, aggregated f4.ou8,l''2.r9 fine ounces, which cost $lr.W1.374.5.1. The total amount of silver purchased from the time that law became operative until the repeal of Its purchasing clause, on the 1st day of November, was 1,674. 50O.4G fine ounces, which cost $ir.?t:!'i,3;o.s4. Between the 1st day of March. 1 87:1, and the 1st day of November, Wi, the government purchased under all laws fi3.0i3,717 tine ounces of silver at a cost of $;dt;.C22.DS. The silver dollars that have lieen coined i'nd.r the act of July 14, IS'.), number ;jii.0is7,2s.". The sei smio rage arising from such coinage was $;,;77.09S.33, leaving on hand in the mints 1 l(i&H.7t fine ounces of silver which cost $126.75,21'. Our total coinage of all meuUs during the last fiscal year consisted of 997,2vi,S75 Pieces, valued fit J43,6U7S.SO. of which there was $,!a,03S,140 In gold coin, $3.343.715 in silver dollars. $7,:i7.22t).&0 in subsidiary silver coin and $1.0miU12 in minor coins. During the calendar year 1S02 the production of precious metals in the United States was estimated to be l.Gltf.375 fine ounces of gold of the commercial and coinage value of $33.o).0irt, and M.OOu.ftiO fine ounces of silver of the bullion or market value of $.v, 750.1X0, and of the coinage value of $74.989.! 0. It is estimated that on the 1st day of July, ls93, the metallic stock of money In the United States, consisting of coin and bullion, amounted to $1.218.559,10:, of which $5'j7,CD7,6Sj was gold and $61ü,8Ül,4S4 waa silver. One hundred and nineteen national banks were organized during the year ending Oct. 31, 18U, with a capital of $ll,2S0,0o. Forty-six went into voluntary liquidation and 15S suspended. Sixty-five of the suspended banks were insolvent, eighty-six resumed business, and seven remain in the hands of bank examiners with prospects of speedy resumption. Of the new banks organized forty-four were located In the eastern states, forty-one west of the Mississippi river and thirty-four in the central and southern states. The total number of national banks in existence on the 31st day of October, 18fi3. was 3,7!. The net Increase in the circulation of these banks Curing the year was J.;6,8,972. The Silver llneallon, The recent repeal of the provision of law requiring the purchase of silver bullion by the government as a feature of our monetary scheme has made an entire change in the complexion of our currency affairs. I do not doubt that the ultimate result of this action will be most salutary and farreaching. In the nature of things, however, it is impossible to know at this time precisely what conditions will be brought about by the change, or what, If any, supplementary legislation muy, in the light of such conditions, appear to be essential or expedient. Of course, after the recent financial perturbation, time is necessary for the re-establishment of business confidence. Vhen. however, through this restored confidence, the money which has been frightened into hoarding places Is returned to trade and enterems ü survey of tha situa

tion will probably disclose a safe path leading to a permanently sound currency, abundant'y sufficient . to meet every requirement of our increasing population and b m In th pursuit oi this object we

! should resolutely turn away from alluring ' and temporary expedients, determined to be content with nothing less than a lastJ ing and comprehensive financial plan. In these circumstances I am convinced that a I reasonable delay In dealing with this sub ject, instead of bing Injurious, will increase the. probability of wise action. The monetary conference which assembled at Brussels upon our invitation was adjourned to the ZMh day of November, in the present vear. The considerations just stated and tiie fact that a definite proposition from us seemed to be expected upon the reassembling of the conference led me to express a willingness to have the meeting still further postponed. It seems to me that it would be wise to give general authority to the president to Invite other nations to such a conference at any time when there should be a fair prospect of accomplishing an international agreement on the subject of coinage. I desire also to earnestly suggest the wisdom of amending the existing statutes in regard to the issuance of government bonds. The authority now in the secretary of the treasury to issue bonds is not as clear as it should be, and the bonds authorized are disadvantageous tr the government, both as t,o the time of their maturity and rate of interest." Other Iteporls. The superintendent of immigration, through the secretary of the treasury, reports that during the fiscal year there arrived at our ports 440,733 immigants. Of these l.S"3 were not permitted to land, under the limitations of the law. and 577 were returned to the countries from whence they came by reason of their having become public charges. The total arrivals were 141,034 less than for the preceding year. The secretary In his report gives an account of the operation of the marine hospital service, and of the good work done under Its supervision in preventing the entrance aril spread of contagious diseases. The admonitions of the last two years, touching our public health and the demonstrated danger of the introduction of contagious diseases from foreign ports has invested the subject of national Quarantine with increased interest. A more general and harmonious system than now exists, acting promptly and directly everywhere, and constantly operating by preventive means to shield our country from the Invasion of disease, and at the same time having due regard to the rights and duties of local agencies, would, I believe, add greatly to the safety of our people. Tili: I) KIA HTM E NT OF NVAH. 1'resent Necessities of the Country Cull for Army Itrorgunlzatlon, The secretary of war reports that the strength of the army on the S'Kh day of September last wa3 25,778 enlisted men and 2,144 officers. The total expenditures for the department for the year ending June 3', 13. amounted to $TdJ6.W4.S9. Of this sum $1, 992,581. 1'3 was for salaries and contingent expenses, J2S,377,S2S.35 for the support of the military establishment, $l,077,033.1S for miscellaneous objects, and $20.51,631.41 for public works. This latter sum Includes $ir,2';.S76.4i; for river and harbor improvements, and $3,200.141.2') for fortifications and other works of defense. The to'.al enrollment of mi'itia of the several states was, on the 31st of October of the current year, 112.51'7 officers and enlisted men. The officers of the army detailed for the Inspection and Instruction of this part of our military f'vrce report that increased interest and marucl progress are apparent In the discipline und efficiency of the organizations. Neither Indian outbreaks nor domestic violence have called t!i army into service during the year, and the only active military duty required of it ha3 been in the department of Texas, where violations of th neutrality laws of the United States an 3 ,Meieo wer promptly and efficiently dAi.lt "with by the troops; eliciting the warm approval of the civil and military authorities of both countries. The operation cf wise laws and the influence of civilization constantly tending to relieve the country rrem the dangers of Indian hostilities, together with the Increasing ability of the states, through the efficiency of the national guard organizations, to protect their citizens from domestic violence, lead to the suggestion that the time Is fast approaching when there should be a reorganization of our army on the lines of the present necessities of the country. This change contemplates neither an increase in number nor added expense, but redistribution of the forces, and an encouragement of measures tending to greater efficiency among the mn and improvement cf the service. The adoption of battalion formations for infantry regiments, the st-engthening of the artillery force, the abandonment of smaller and unnecessary posts and the massing of the troops at important and accessible stations all promise to promote the usefulness of the army. In the Judgment of army officers, with but few exceptions, the operation of the law forbidding ihi re-enlistment of men after ten years' service has not proved Its wisdom, and while the arguments that led to its adoption were not without merit, the experience of the year constrains me to join in the recommendation for its repeal. Our Coast Defenses. It Is gratifying to know that we have begun to attain completed results in the comprehensive scheme of sea coast defense and fortification entered upon eight years ago. A large sum has been already expended, but the cost of maintenance will be inconsiderable as compared with the expense of construction and ordnance. At the end of the current calendar year the war department will häve nine twelveinch guns, twenty ten-inch and thirty-four eight-Inch guns ready to be mounted on gun-lifts and carriages, and seventy-five twelve-Inch mortars. In addition to the product of the army gun factory, now completed, the government has contracted with private parties for the purchase of 100 guns of these calibres, the first of which should be delivered to the department for test July 1, 1S94. The manufacture of heavy ordnance keeps pace with current needs; but to render these guns available fur the purposes they are designed to meet, emplacements must be prepared for them. Progress has been made in this direction, and it is desirable that congress by adequate appropriations should provide for the uninterrupted prosecution of this necessary work. After much preliminary work and examination in accordance with the requirements of the law, the board appointed to select a magazine rifle of modern type, with which to replace the obsolete Springfield rifle of the infantry service, completed Its labors during the last year, and the work of manufacture Is now In progress at the national armory at Springfield. It Is confidently expected that by the end of the current year our infantry will be svpplled with a weapon equal to that of the most progressive armies of the world. Mllllitrr Projects. The work on the projected Chickamauga and Chattanooga national military park has been prosecuted with zaal and judgment, and its opening will bo celebrated during the coming year. Over nine square miles of the Chickamauga battle field have been acquired, twenty-five miles of road have been constructed and permanent tablets have been placed at many historical points, while the invitation to stetes to mark the positions of their troops participating In the be.ttle, has been very generally accepted. The work of locating and preserving the lines of Mttle at the Gettysburg battle field is making satisfactory progress on the plans directed by the last congress. The reports of the military academy of West rolnt and the special schools for special instruction of officers show marked advance in the education of the army and a commendable ambition among lt officers to excel In the military profession and to fit themselves for the highest service to the country. Under the supervision of Adj.-Ocn. Hobert Williams, lately retired, the bureau of military information haa become well established and is performing a service that will put in possession of the government In time of war most valuConllnned on Sixth I'nge. Col. Clark, United States army, writes: For the last two years my henlth has been excellent; this, I think, is due to my using Sulphur Hitters, as formerly my heaJth was miserable, owing to the frequent changes of climate, etc, bo incident to a soldter's life, :

VAN ALEI1 DECLINES

Cannot Accept the Place of Ambassador to Italy Although Asked to Reconsider His Decision. THE PRESIDENT'S LETTER In Reply to That of Mr. Van Alen Declining the Honor. The Latter's Seit Hespect Prompts Him to Refuse. Acknowledge That He Mntle n Contribntion to Ihe Cniiipnign Fund Hut Effectively Ilenles That He ltoiight Diplomatic Honors and lind o ThoiiKht Tluit Such Clmrg;es "Would Ever He IlrotiKht Against Him. NEW YORK, Dec. 3. The following correspondence between the Hon. J. J. Van Alen and the president and department of state is made public today and is self-explanatory: "NEWPORT, It. I., Nov. 20, m,. "To the Hon. Walter Q. Gresham, Secretary of State: "Sir I have th honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 2Sth of Oct., in which you officially notify me that the president, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, has appointed me ambassador to Italy. Since the receipt of your letter I have given the matter my most serious and careful attention, and as the result of my reflections, have concluded to ask you to express to the president my decision not to accept the office tendered me. "I must beg that you will not infer from this action any lack of appreciation on my part of the honor conferred. On the contrary. I fully comprehend the dignity, importance and responsibility of the position, and having this realization I may frankly add that the nomination was extremely gratifying to me, not in a personal sense merely, but more particularly because of the opportunity afforded me of representing my country in such a manner as I hoped might be satisfactory to the American people and creditable to the administration, "Among the comments upon my nomination which appeared In the public press one charge only merits attention, not "because it was true, but because it was not, and I suppose is still believed by many persons unfamiliar with the individuals concerned and the facts essential to the formation of an accurate Judgment. The charge was that I received the appointment in. return for a contribution of $30,000 to the democratic national campaign fund. While my nomination was pending in the senate it did not seem fitting and proper for me to offer more than an explicit denial. I was aware that as an interested party my statement would have little effect beyond the limits of my personal acqvaintanees. Now. however, when my action cannot be easily attributed to j purely selfish motives it seems to me i that a repetition of that denial, which I make without qualification, should be sufficient for any honorable man. "I have not denied and do not now deny that I have contributed to the campaign fund not $50,000, but yet a considerable sum of money, sincerely believing, as I did, that a continuation of republican supremacy would be not only a hindrance to national progress, but in time a positive menace to the success of popular government, and having large interests at stake, I was impelled by both patriotic and selfish reasons to aid the democratlo cause. "So far from attaching undue importance to it, I was fully aware that the contribution meant far less to me than the time and effort devoted by thousands of unselfish citizens to the same campaign. Nor did I believe that it should entitle me to any more consideration. On the contrary, I have not only admitted but have positively insisted at all times that it created no obligation to me whatever, and I feel confident that the president who. In fact, was kind enough to say to the democrats of Rhode Island that his personal acquaintance with me enabled hint to consider my candidacy solely upon its merits, will bear me out in this assertion. "On the other hand, I frankly admit that until after the appointment had been made It never once occurred to my mind that my contribution could be used to my injury. It therefore seems to me sufficient to add that self-respect compels me to adopt the only alternative, and to decline the high office to which I have been a pointed. "I have the' honor to be, sir, your obedient servant. J.J. VAN ALEN." "EXECUTIVE MANSION, "WASHINGTON, D. C, Nov. 22. "The Hon. J.- J. Van Alen: "My Dear irrr The secretary of state has submitted to me your letter of the

AGENTS W"A2STTEID. A prominent financial institution of New York desires a few energetic agents of standing who can giro good references. A good income can be obtained by a lady or gentleman having time to devoto to the work. Address SUDLOW, VILSON Sc BOSWELL, MANAGERS,

20th inst., in which you tender youi resignation as ambassador to Italy. I hasten to express my earnest wish that you will reconsider this conclusion. The sentiments contained in your letter dJ credit to your conscience and Americanism, but you must allow me to dissent from their application in this case. "I did not select you for nomination to the Italian mission without satisfying myself of yuiir entre fitness for tha place. I am now better convinced of your fitness than ever. You know and 1 know that all the malignant criticism that has been indulged in regarding thi appointment lias no Justification and that th? decent people who have doubted it propriety have been misled, or have missed the actual considerations upon which it rests. We should not yield to the noise and ciam-.r w'ikh have ariset from those conditions. "My perFonal prefcrcre should enter very slightly into your final determination, but so far as I h'-ve such prefer-enr-e, it is emphatieallv -lU'-J you accept the honorable office conferrVi upon ou and vindicate by the discharge "oif its duties the wisdom and propriety f your selection. Awaiting your early reply, I am yours sincenly. "TROVER CLEVELAND." "NEWl'ORT. R. I., Nov. 27.. 191. "To the President Sir: I have the honr to acknowledge the- receipt of your letter of tiie 221 inst. In reply allow me to thank you most sincerely and heartily for the very kind and flattering sentiments yu express. For reasons I have plrtady stated in my letter to the secretary of state, an 1 which were reached only after l-dig and serious consideration of the sulj- i t, I feel thit I cannot accept the high ofTce to whi. h I have Wen appointed. My only regret in this decision, which I must beg you to consider as final. Is that it Is contrary to the personal preference which vcu so kindly express. I'ut I cannot think it would be advisable fur me tj invite further misn-pn sciaa'I'ins by taking advantage of your penernsity. "Again thanking a for your most gracious words and with an earnest hope for the continuance of tl." successes which have already milked your "ocond administration, I b-.--g to remain, sir, with much resifct. your obedient servant, J. .7. VAX ALEN." CntiKCal Surprise. WASHINGTON, 1 c. 3. The announcement of th" liictti on by Mr. J. J. Van Ah-n of his commission to Italy was received with apparent surptise by government o!ic:;il here. At the white house inquiries on the subject were met with a fiat refusal to m-ik any statement whatsoever. Set rotary Gresham, when Informed of it, said it was news to him and this was the first he knew of it.

Tili: IIUVOI.T I MEXICO. lienor 14 of a llattle Potislit lSut Details Are Lacking. EL FASO, Tex., D"C. . Persons who arrived from Chihuahua this morning confirm the reports of revolutionists f a severe bat- '.? between the federal troop. and the lni'.irirents. They have indisputable proof hat last Thursday morning a number of iflicers were brought in !rom the west lo the army hospital. Ii was reputed that they were 111 of dysentery. Put it Is positively known that they had been s-hot in a bat lie. Where it was fotiKht is not known. Neither run it tie leimed how many officers were brought in. The reports of continued movement of fedt ral troops to the west and northwest from Chihuahua have also heen ronnrmed. Governor Ahumda declared t dav that the El Paso (Tex.) Timf-s newspaper shall not le circulated on the Mexican side of the river, but the threat has not yet been made good. , DiSTm:ssi:i ami i w.wt. Thsnnanili of People in .nrtlirrn bliebt Kit it Xffd AHinCii uce. LANSING, Mich.. Dec. 2.-Tlie committee headed by ex-Cone ressman v- Maybury, sent to the upper peninsula miningregions to investigate the conlition of the needy, wire a lenethy report to Governor llich and assert that the rejKjrts have not been overdrawn, 'ihe recitals of distress are dreadful, says the report: '"Five thousand persons at ' Iron wood. 2,000 at Bessemer and .vx) at Wakefield must be assisted through the entire winter." In addition to tn idleness of several months thrr has l-en a fearful epidemi of typhoid feyer aloiiR- the Oopebic ranee and the bread-winners are disabled as well as destitute. An appeal is made for elothintr and shoes for womfn and children. There are two fe-t of snow on the ground at lrenwood, with the thermometer 10 degrees below zero and the women and children have no covering- for their feet. SADLY AFFLICTED. A. J. SlahrL'a Wife and Kleven Children Have- Died Mitbin Tvri Iran, LOUISVILLE. Dec. 3. Mr. A. J. Stuhrk of this city has been sadly afflcted. Two years ago when he moved to this city from Owensboro he had a wife and twelve children, all healthy and happy. One by one the children became ill and died, until ten of them had leen taken to Owensboro and burled, and only the wife and two children remained. The wife died last November and was burled here, notwithstanding her daughter Julia's opposition. Julia died on last Friday nipht of consumption, the disease that carried off the others. In accordance with her wish before she died, her mother's body was taken to Owensboro with her own and the double funeral occurred today. Tiie Hank of Kngland, LONDON. Nov. CO.-The statement of the bank of England, Issued today, is as follows: Circulation f2il,000. increase; other securities, increase, 7&e,0t)0; other deposits, ncrease. 30,000; public deposits, increase. 198,000; total reserve, decrease, 151,000; notes reserve, decrease, 134.000; government securities, decrease, 200,000; total bullion. 25,9S!.0'K). The proportion of the bank of England reserve to liability Is 50.75 per cent. TIRED rilOFESSIOXAL 3IEX Vug Iloraford' Acid rhonphate. The tired professional and literary men will find nothing so soothing and refreshing as Horsford's Acid Phosphate. This is the testimony of thousands of these classes of men.