Nappanee Advance-News, Volume 15, Number 38, Nappanee, Elkhart County, 6 December 1893 — Page 2

THE MESSAGE. President Cleveland’s Review of American Affairs. Peaceful Relations with All Foreign Countries. Hawaiian Affairs'to Be the Subject of a Special - Message. Effect of t.ho Repeal of the Silvor Purchasing Clause. Fraudulent Pensioners Scored Workings of the Civil Service Law. A Reform of the TariflT Policy an Absolute Necessity. A LENGTHY DOCUMENT. Washington, Doc. 4. —The following 1 is the message of President Cleveland as transmitted to congress: To the congress of the United States: The constitutional duty which requires the president from time to time to give to the;congress information of the state of the union, and recommend to their consideration such measures iis he shall judge necessary and expedient, is fittingly entered upon by commending to the congress a careful examination of the .detailed statements and well supported recommendations contained in the reports of the heads of departments, who are chiefly charged with the executive work of the government. In an effort to abridge this communication as much as Is consistent with i's purpose, I shall supplement a brief reference to the contents of theso departmental reports by the mention of such executive business and Incidents as are not embraced therein, and by such recommendations as appear to be at this particular time appropriate. Peaceful Foreign Relations. While our foreign relations have not all times during the past year been entirely free from perplexity* no embarrassing situations remain that will not yield to the spirit, of fair ness and love of justice, which, joined with consistent firmness, characterize a truly American foreign policy Argentine ami Hru7.ll lloundary Question. My predecessor having accepted the office of arbitrator of the long standing missions boundary dispute, tendered to the president of the Argentine Republic and Hrazil. it has been my agieeable duty to receive the special envoys commissioned by those states-today before mo evidence and arguments in behalf of their respective governments. The Hrazllian Insurrection. The outbreak of domestic hostilities in the republic of Hrazil found the United States alert to watch the Interests of our citizens in tnat country, with which we carry on important commerce. Several vessels of- our new navy are now and for some time have been stationed at Rio do Janeiro. The struggle being between, the established government, which controls the machinery of administration, and with which .wo maintain friendly relations, and certain s officers of th) navy employing Ihe vessels of their command in an attack upon Hie national capital and chief seaport, and lacking, as it does,- the elements of divided administration, I have failed to see that 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 How exists. 1 deemed it necessary to disavow In a manner not to be misunderstood the unauthorized action of our late naval commander in those waters in saluting the revolted Brazillan admiral, being Indisposed to countenance an act calculated to give gratuitous sanction to the local insurrection. Chilian Claim Question. The convention between our government and Chili, having for its object the settlement and adjustment of the demands of the two countries against each other, has been made effective .by the organization of the claims commission provided for. The two governments*failing to agree upon the third member of the commission, the good offices of tho president of the Swiss republic were invoked, as provided in the treaty, and the select ton of the Swiss representative in this country to complete the organization was gratifying alike to tho United States and Chill. The vexatious question of socalled legation asylum for offenders against the •tate and its laws was presented anew in Chili by the unauthorized action of tbe late United States minister in receiving into his official residence two persons who had 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 applied to this ease is not sanctioned by the best precedents, and. when allowed, tends to encotfrage sedition and strife. Under no circumstances can the ri pr<sentative? of this government be permitted, under the ill-defined fiction of extra territoriality, to interrupt the administration of criminal 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 4he instance mentioned, the minister was instructed no longer to har■bor the offenders. 1 Chinese Registration. \ . Thf legislation of hist year, known as Phe Geary law. requiring, the Registration of all Chinese laborers jonjitlcd to residence in the United States, and trie deportation of all not complying with the provisions of the art within the tijoe prescribed, met with much'opposition from Chinamen in this country. Acting upon the advice of eminent counsel that the law was Unconstitutional, thn great mass or Chinese laborers, pending judicial inquiry as to its validity, in good fai tb declined to appiy fr tho certiti'jates required by its provisions. A test ease upon pro e-ding by habeas corpus was brought, before tho supreme court, anu on May 15. R 93. a decision was'made bv that tribunal sustaining the law. it is believed that under thi recent amendment, of the act extending the time for registration the Chinese laborers thereto entitled who desire lore side jn this country w ill now avail themselves of tho renewed privilege thus afforded of establishing by lawful procedure their right to re. main, and that thereby the necessity of enforced deportation may to a greivt*- degree be avoided. - The Murder of Missionaries in China. It has devolved upon the United States min Inter at i'eKiti, as dean of the diplomatic body and in the absence of a representative of Sweden and Norway, to press upon the Chinese government reparation for the recent murder of Swedjsli missionaries at Sung-Pu. This question is of vital interest to all countries whnsb citizens engage in missionary work In the Interior. Tlie Slave Trade in Africa. Hy of the general act of Hrussels, signed July 2. IXOU. for the suppression of the slave trade and the restriction of certain in Juriote’commerce in the independent state of the Congo, and in the adjacent zone of Central Africa, the United "States and the -other signatory powers agreed to adopt appropriate means for thw punishment of personsselling arms and ammunition to th* natives and for the .confiscation of the inhibi-ied art Ic'. it being the plain duty of. th! g.,v.-r 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 sulo of ami 6 * and intoxicants to the natives in the regulated /one by our citizens. Extradition Treaties. Costa Rica has lately testified its friendliness by surrendering to tho United Stales, 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 fur reciprocal extradition should be concluded with all those countries with which the United States has not already conventional arrangements of that.character. I have deemed it lilting', to express to the governments of Costa Rico_and Colombia the Kindiy desire of the United States to see their pending boundary dispute finally closed -by arbitration In conformity with the spirit of the treaty concluded between them sumo years •go. Tlie French Republic. Our relations with the French republic continue to be Intimate and cord Val. I sincerely flop© that tho extradition treaty with that •ountry, us amended by the senate, will soon bo operative. Germany. While occasional questions, affecting our naturalized citizens returning to the land of their birth, have arisen in our Intercourse with Germany, our relations with that country continue satisfactory. Great Britain. The questions affecting our relations with Great Britain have been treated in a spirit of friendliness. Negotiations arc in progress be-

tween the two governments with a view to such concurrent action as will make the award and regulations agreed upon by the Behring sea tribunal of arbitration practically effective: and it is not doubted that Great Britain will cooperate freely with this country for the accomplishment of that purpose. The dispute growing out of the discriminat~ingv toils imposed in the Welland 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 tolls upon British transit through our canais A request for ad ditions to the list of -ex traditable offenses covered by tin existing treaty between the two Countries isaindur consideration. Uavtl. Dhring past year.an American citizen employed in a subordinate comm Trial ]Ksition in Hayli, after suffering a protracted imprisonment on an unfounded charge of smuggling, was dually liberated on judicial examination. .Upon urgent representation to the Haytien government a suitable indemnity was paid to the sufferer. By a law of Haytia sailing vessel havjng discharged her cargo is refused clearance until the duties on such cargo have been paid The hardship of this measure upon American shipowners who conduct the hulk of the carrying {cade of that country has been Insisted on with a view of securing the removal of this cause of complaint Honduras. Upon receiving authentic information of tho firing upon an American mail steamer touching at tlie port of Amnpala, because her captain refused to deliver up passengers In transit from Nicaragua u> Guatemala upon demand of the military authorities of Honduras, our minister to that ouniry under instructions protested against the wanton demanded satisfaction The government of Honduras, actuated by the sense of justice, and in a spirit of tho 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 tho questions arising out of the seizure and use of American vessels by insurgents in Honduras and the isubsequent denial by the successful government of commercial .'privileges to those vessels on that account. Republic of I,lberia* A not,tUe part of tho southeasterly coast of Liberia between Cavlly and San I’edoro rivers, which for xieari.v jvjJf a century has been generally rf.voguiatvj as belonging to that republic oy 'cession and purchase, has been claimed to be under tlie protectorate of France in virtue of agreements entered into by the native tribes over whom Liberian control has not been well maintained More recently, negotiations between tho Liberian representative and tho I Tench government resulted in the signature at Paris of a -treaty whereby as an adjustment certain Liberian territory is coded to France. This convention at last advices had not been ratified by the Liberian legislature and executive. Feeling a sympathetic interest in the fortunes of this littie commonwealth, the establishment and development Os v\lnch were'"largely aided by the benevolence of our countrymen, and which constitutes the only independently sovereign state on the westcoast 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. ■ Mexico. Our relations w itli’Mex ico continue to be of that close and frtemlly nature which should always characterize the intercourse of two neighboring republics. The Work of relocating the monuments marking the boundary between tlie countries from Paso del Norte to tbe Pacific is now nearly completed. The commission recently organized-under-the conventions of 1881 and 1889 it is expected will speedily settle disputes growing out of the shifting currents of the Rio Gramie river east </f El Paso. , Nicaragua and Guatemala. Nicaragua has recently passed through two revolutions, the party at first successful having in turn been displaced by another. Our newly appointed minister, by his timely good offices, aided m a peaceful adjustment of tlie controversy involved in the first conflict. Tho large American interests established in that country in connection with the Nicaragua canal were not. molested. The canal company lias, Unfortunately, become financially seriously embarrassed, but. a generous treatment has been extended to it by the government of Nicaragua. Tho United States are especially in teres ted in the successful achievement of the vast undertaking,this company has in charge. That it should >*■ accomplished under distinctively Atnoric.-n auspices, and its enjoyment afisured, not only to tne vessels of this country as a channel id communication between our Allan tl*-and Pacific-seaboards-, hut to the ships 'of the world in the interests of civilization. Is a proposition which, in rny judgment, does not admit of question. Guatemala has also been visited by the political vicissitudes which have afflicted her Centra! Amo re: mi neighbors, but the dissolution of her leg is at nr©-and the proclamation of a dictatorship have been unattended with civil war Extrarilflon with Norway and Russia. An extradition treaty with Norway has recently been proclaimed and exchanged. Ilf exiraoCUm treaty with Russia, signed in March, 1887. and amended and confirmed by the senate in February last, was duly proclaimed last June.

Tlie Samoan Troubles. L'ul by dr sire to compose differences and contribute to the restoration of order in Samoa, wm u for 'mite years previous had been the Mi'll of con diet'ng foreign pretensions and native strife, the United States, departing from iis policy consecrated by a century of observant'', enter* and fur years ago into ihe treaty of Berlin, thereby becoming jointly bound with England and Germany to establish and maintain Malietoa Lahpepa 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 thereof, authorized to advise the king: a tribunal for lie* sett'oiqent of native and foreign land titles, aii'.l a revenue system for tb*! kingdom, it imposed upon the three powers that part of tho cost of the new government not met by tho rev une of the islands. Early in tlie lifo of this triple protectorate th** native dissensions it was designed to quell revived. Rivals defied- the authority of tne new king, refusing to pav taxes and* demiuuiing the election of a-ruler bv native suffrage. Mnlaafa, an aspirant to the throne, and n large minib**r of his adherents were in open rebellion on one of‘the islands Quite lately. a 1 the reqm st of the other powers, and in fulfillment of its treaty obligation, this government agreed to unite jn a joint military movement oi such dimensions as would probably secure the surrWhdcr of tho insurgents without bloodshed The warship l'hiladelphia was accordingly jiut under orders, for Samoa, but before she arrived the threatened conflict was precipitated by King Malietoa's attack upon tbe insurgent camp. Mataafa was defeated and a number of men killed The British and German naval vessels present subsequently secured the surrender of Mataafa and ills adherents. Tho defeated chief arid ten of his principal supporters were deporte*! to a German island of the Marshall group, where they are held as prisoners yml or the.'joint responsibility and coat of the three powers. This incident and the events leading up to it singularly Illustrate the impolicy of establishing alliances with foreign powers.. Relation* witli 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 Culm. In iHB6 the claim was adjusted, Spain agreeing to pay. unconditionally, as a fair indemnity, #1,506,000. A respectful but earnest note was -recently addressed to the Spanish gov* rnincnf insisting upon prompt ful•fiUJneni of its long neglected obligation. Other Malm's preferred- by the U::i!r! Spain, in behalf of Ame.rk an citizens for "properly confiscated in Cuba, have been pending for many years. At the time Spain's title to the Caroline islands wa l confirmed by arbitration: that government agreed that the rights which had been acquired th**r by American missionaries should be recognized and respected. It is sincerely hoped that this pledge will bs observed by al 'owing our missionaries, who were removed from If on ape to a place of safely by a United States warship during the late troubles between the Spanish i/arrlson and the natives, to return to their fields of usefulness. Th*-reproduced enravel, Santa Maria, built by Spain and sent to the Columbian exposition, has been presented to the United States in token of amity and ir. commemoration of the event It was designed to celebrate, i recommend that, in accepting this gift, congress make grateful recognition of tho sincere friond- . ship which prompted p. Tli Outrage* In Turkey. Important matters have demanded attention In our rotations with the Ottoman porte. The firing and partial destruction, by un * unrestrained mot), of one of tho school buildings of Anatolia college, established by citizens of the United States at Mursovan. and the apparent indifference of the Turkish government to Ihe outrage, notwithstanding the complicity of some of its officials, culled for earnest remonstrance. which was followed by promises of reparation and punishment of the offenders. Indemnity for the inJury lo the building* has.already been paid, permission to rebuild given, registration of tho school property In the name of the Amerlcun owners secured, and efficient protection guaranteed. I Information received of maltreatment Buffered by an i nolle naive American woman engaged in missionary woiV In Turkish ltoordla-

tan was followed by such representations the porte as resulted in the Issuance of orders for the punishment of her assailants, the removal of a delinquent official, and 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 obtain citizenship in this country not to identify themselves in good faith with rfwr people, hut 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 languageopenlv counsels Its readers to arm, organize ard participate in movements for the subversion of Turkish authority in tho Asiatic provinces. The Ottoman government has announced its intention to expel from its dominions Armenians who have obtained naturalization in tlie United States since 1868. Will Protect Armenians. The tight to exclude any or all classes of aliens 1s an attribute of 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 right of that-government to enforce its declared policy against naturalize 1 Armenians, he is expected to protect them from unnecessary harshness of treatrflHfit. itelatlons with Venezuela. In view of the impaired financial resources of Venezuela, consequent upon the recent revolution there, a modified arrangement for the satisfaction of the awards of the lato revisory claims commission, in progressive installments, has been assented to and payments are being regularly made' thereunder. The boundary dispute between Venezuela and Brltlsn Guiana Is yet unadjusted. A restoration of diplomatic intercourse between tbo 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,or the arbitration of the Jong deferred claim of the Venezuelan transportation company, is awaited. The Hawaii on Affair, It is hardly necessary for me to state that tho Juestions arising from our relations with lawali have caused serious embarrassment. a prior to the installation of the present adtration the existing government of Hawaii een suddenly overthrown, and a treaty of annexation had been negotiated between tho provisional government of the islands and tho United States and submitted to tho senate for ratification. This treaty I withdrew for examination,and dispatched Hon. James H. Blount,of Georgia, to Honolulu as a special commissioner to make an impartial investigation of the circumstances attending the change of government, and-of aii the conditions bearing upon the subject of the treaty. After a thorough and exhaustive examination Mr Blount submitted to me his report, showing beyqnd all question that the constitutional government of Hawaii had been subverted with the active aid of our representative to that government, and through tho intimidation caused by the presence of an armed naval force of the United Slates which wps landed for that purpose at the instance of our minister. Upon iho facts developed it seemed to me the only honorable course for our government to pursue was to undo the wrong that had been done by those representing us and restore as far as practicable the status existing at the time of our forcible intervention. With a view of accomplishing this result within tb(* constitutional, limits of executive power, and.recognizing all ouf Obligations and responsibilities growing out of any changed conditions brought by our unjustifiable interference, our present minister at Honolulu has received appropriate instructions to that end. A Special Message Fortliconilng. Thus for no information of the accomplishment of any definite results 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 band, accompanied by a special executive message fully detailing all the facts necessary to a complete understanding of tlie case, and presenting a history of all the material events leading up to the present situation. Favorable to Arbitration. By a concurrent resolution, passed by the senate February 14, 1890, and by the house of representatives on Ihe3(}of April following, the president was requested to “invite,from time to time, as tit occasions may arise, negotiations with any government with whirl) tlie United States has or may have diplomatic relations, to the, ejid that any differences or disputes arising between the two governments which cannot be adjusted by diplomatic agency may be referred to arbitration and bo peaceably adjusted by such means.” April 18. 1890, the international American conferenceof Washington by resolution expressed the 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 represented in that conference should communicate this wish to all friendly powers A favorable response has been received from Great Britain In the shape of a resolution adopted in parliament July 16 last, cordially sympathizing with the purpose in view, and expressing tlie hops that tier majesty's government will lend ready cooperation to the government of the United States upon the basis of the concurrent resolution above quoted It affords me signal pleasure to lay this parliamentary resolution before the congress, and to express my sincere gratification that the sentiment of two great and kindred nations is thus authoritatively manifest in favor of the rational and peaceable settlement of International quarrels by honorable resort to arbitration. Grade of Foreign Envoys Raised. Since the passage of the act.of March 3, 1893, authorizing the. president to raise the grade of our envoys to correspond with the rank in which foreign countries accredit their agents hero, Great Britain, France. Italy and Ger n any have conferred upon their representatives at this capital the title of ambassador, and I have responded by accrediting the agent of the United States in those countries with the same title. A like elevation of mission Is aliffounced by Russia,' and when made w ill bo sihiilarly met. Tills .step fittingly comports with the position the United Stales holds in the family of nations. During my former administration J took occasion to recommend 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 tbe growing requirements id our foreign trade. Discharging important duties - affecting our commerce and American citizens abroad, and in certain countries exercising judicial functions, those' officers should be men of character, intelligence and ability, Copyright Extended to Denmark. Upon proof that, the legislation of Denmark oecures copyright to AmefciTun citizens oh equal footing with its own, the privileges of our copyright laws have been extended by proclamation to subjects of that country.

I-inaiM'lal statement. The secretary of the treasury reports that thi! receipts of the government Iroin all sources (luring Hie fiscal year ending June 30, 1893, amounted to #461,716,501 94 and its expenditures to •147/3,374,674.20. There was collected from customs 12<5,3>5,016.73 and from internal revenue #161.627,023.9.1 Our dutiable imports amounted to 1421.856,711. an Increase of #52,453,907 over the preceding year, and importations free of duty amounted to #144.541,211, a decrease from the preceding year of #13,455.447. Internal revenue receipts exceeded those or the preceding year by #7.147.415 32 The total tax collected on distilled spirits was #94,726,200.55. on manufactured tobacco, ?31.889.71174.- and on fermented liquor, #32,548,98.(07. We exported merchandise during the year uyiouuting to #847,665,104, a decrease of #182,012,951, from the preceding year. 'lhe amount of gold exported was larger than any , ' "/.Uiistory of th©government,-an,.-in* -;; ■*; SIOH.6Hi.KIt, an*! esc: t*v amount exported during the prcced'"" yea-** L #58.485,517. The sum paid from the treasury for sugar bounty was 0,375,130 88. an increase over ihe preceding year of #2.u33.053 05. Esi lm ate*. It is estimated upon Ihe basis of present revenue laws that the receipts of the government for the year ending June 3), 1891. will tie #130,- ! 21,3*15.38 and its expenditure* *4 )8.121,305,38, resulting iu a deficiency of *28,000,0)0. Our Limitation. On the first day of November, 1893, the amount of money of all kinds in circulation, or not included in treasury holdings, was #1,718,.M1,682. an increase for the year of * 112,464.917. Estimating our population at 67,420,000 at the time mentioned the per capita circulation was 125.40. On the same dale there was in tho treasury gold bullion amounting to #06.057,273 and sliver tmtUmi which was purchased at a cost of #120.201,553. Silver llal I lon Furclinne*. The purchases of silver under tho law of July 14, 1806, during the last fiscal year, aggregated 064,008.10*50 fine ounces, which cost #46,531,371.5.3. The total arnotmt of silver purchased from the time that tax became operative until the repeal of Its purchasing clause, en the Ist day of November, IMyfl, was 0168.674,590 46 fine ounces, which cost #155,930,Wloß|. Between tho Ist day of March, 1878, and the Ist day of November, 1803, the government purchased, under all laws, frill,003.717 tine ounces of silverat a cost of '516,622,948 The silver dollars that have beep coined under thn act of July 14, 1890. number 80.087,286. The seigniorage arising from such coinage was 40.977.008.09, leaving on hand in the mints 14 ,- 699,760 floe ounces of silver, whlch-oost U. 6750 • m

Coinage Statistic*. Oar total coinage of all metals during the last fiscal year consisted of 97,28),875 pieces, valued at M 3.685,178.8), of which there was #30,038,146 in gold coin. #5,343.715 In silver dollars, 17,217.220 9J In subsidiary silver coins and #1,086,102 90 in miner coins. During the calendar year 1892 the production of precious metals in the United States was estimated to be 1.596,375 fine ounces of gold of tho commercial and coinage valu-s of #53,000,0)0 and 58,U1)J,00J mine dunces of silver of the bullion or market value of #SO. • 750,0X1 and of the coinage value of #74,989 900. It is estimated that on the Ist (lav of July, 1893, the metallic stock of monoy In the United States, consisting of coin and bullion, amounted to #1.213,559,160. of which #597,697,685 was gold and 1615,861,481 was silver. New and Suspended Hanks. Ore hundred and nineteen national banks were organized during the year ending October 31. 1893, with a capital of #11.230.000. Forfy-six .went into voluntary liquidation and 158 suspended. Sixty-five of the suspended banks were Insolvent, eighty-six resumed business and seven remained in tho hands of hank examiners. with prospects of speedy resumption. Os the new ban <s organized forty-four wero located in thf? eastern states, forty-one west of tbe Mississippi river and thirty-four In the central and southern states The total number of national banks in existence on the 31st day of cap-tal of #695.558.120. Net increase in the circulation of these banks during the year was 836X8 5,972. Repeal of the Silver Purchasing Clause. The recent repeal of the provisions 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 ouf currency affairs. Ido not doubt that tho ultimate result of this action will be most salutary and far reaching In the nature of things, however, it is impossible to know nt this time precisely what conditions will be brought about by the change, or what, if any. supplementary legislation may, In tho light of such conditions, appear to be essential or expedient Confident of tlie Future. Os course, after the recent financial perturbation, time is necessary for the reestablishment of business confidence When, however, through this restored confidence the money which has been frightened into hoarding places is returned to trade and enterprise, a survey of the situation will probably disclose a safe path' leading to a permanently sound currency, abundantly sufficient to meet every requirement of our increasing population and business. In the pursuit of this object we should resolutely turn away from alluring and temporary expedients, determined to be content with nothing less than a lasting and comprehensive financial plan. In these circumstances I am convinced that a reasonable delay in dealing with this subject, instead of being injurious, will increase tho probability of wise action.

The Monetary Conference. The monetary conference which assembled at Brussels upon our invitation wan,adjourned to the 3Utli day of November in the present year. The considerations justs,t a led and the fact that a definite proposition from us seemed to be ex pec ted upon the reassembling of the conference led me to express a willingness to have t.ho 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 lime when there should he a fair prospect ,of accomplishing an international agreement on the subject of coinage. Recommendation Regarding Bonds. I desire also-to earnestly suggest the wisdom of amending the .existing statutes In regard to the issuance of government bonds. The an-, thority now vested in the secretary of the treasury to issue bonds is not as clear us it should be. and the bonds authorized are disadvantageous to the government both as to the time of their maturity and rate of interest. Immigration .Statistles. The superintendent of immigration, through the secretary of the treasury, report-; that during the last fiscal year there arrived at our ports 440,793 immigrants. Os 'these 1,003 were not permitted to land under the limitations of the law, and 577 were returned to .he countries from whence they catne, by reason of their Having become public charges The total arrivals were 141,031 less than lor the previous year. Prevent ion of Disease. The secretary in his report gives an account of the operation of the marine hospital service and of the good work done under it s super \ isiou in preventing the entrance and spread of contagious diseases. The admonitions of tho hist two years touching our public health and the demonstrated danger of the introduction of contagious diseases froiii foreign purls has invested tne 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 tune having due regard to the rights and duties or local agencies, would, 1 believe, add greatly to the safety of oqi people. Tlie War Department, Tho secretary of war reports that the strength of the army on the 30thdayofKcj>tember last was 25,778 enlisted men and 2,144 officers. The total expenditure of the department for the year ending June 30, 1893, amounted to #51,966.074.04. Os this sum, #1,992,581.05 was for salaries and contingent expenses: j 23,377,828.35 for the support ot the military establishment; #6,077,033:18 for miscellaneous objects, and #20,518,631.41 for public works. 'Phis latter sum includes #15,296.876 46 for river and barber improvements and >,3,266,141.20 for fortifications and other works of defense. Tlie National Guard. The total enrollment of tlie militia of tlie several states was on the 3lst of October of the current year 112,507 officers and enlisted.men. The officers of the army detailed for ihe in-., speetion and instruction of this reserve of- our military force report tnat increased interest ami marked progress are apparent in the dis-cipline-and efficiency of the organization. I’eaee Has Reigned. Neither Indian outbreaks nor domestic violence have called the unny into service during the year, and the onl-y active military duty required of it has been in the department of Texas, where, violations of the neutrality laws of the United States and Mexico were promptly and efficiently dealt with by the troops, eliciting the warm apjvroval of the civil and military authorities of both countries. Reorganize the Army. The operation of wise laws and the influences of civilization constantly to idmg to relieve the country from tbe 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 tlie 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 ueithi rincrease in number nor added expense, but a redistribution of the foice and an encouragement of measures tending to greater efficiency among tlie men and improvement of the service. Thp adoption of battalion formations for infantry regiments, tho strengthening of the artillery force, the abandonment of smaller and* unnecessary posts, and the massing of the troops at luipor tantand accessible stations, all promise to promote tho usefulness of the army. In the judgment of army officers, with out few exceptions . the operation 'of the law forbidding the reen listuiont of men after tmi years service has not proved its wisdom, ancr while the arguments that led to its adoption were not without merit the experience of years constrains me Ip join in the recommendation for its repeal. I'i-ogre.HH In Coast Defense. It is gratifying to note that we have begun to attain completed results In tbs eo/nprelien .five scheme of seat-oast defense and fortification. entered upon eight years ago. A large Burn has been already expended, i ... ,1.. ...... • - l coiintructlon and ordnance. At the end of the current Calendar year the war department will have nine 12-inch, twenty 10-inch and thlriy-fourtt-lnch guns, ready to be mounted on gun lifts and carriages, and seventy-five 12inch mortars. In addition to the product of the army gun factory, now completed at Watervliet, tho government has contracted with private parties for the purchase of one hundred guns of these calibers, the first of which should lie delivered to.tbe department for test before July 1,189 t. 'lhe manufacture of heavy ordnance keeps pace with current needs; but to fender these guns available for the purimseH they are designed to meet, emplacements must be prepared for them. Progress has been made in this direction, and it Is desirable that congress bv adequate appropriations shopjil provide for the uninterrupted prosecution of thin necessary work. New Rifle for tbe Army, : After much preliminary work and exhaustive 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 tho last year, and the work of manufacture Is now in progress at thn national armory at Springfield. It is confidently expected that by the end of the current year our Infantry will be supplied with a weapon equal to that of the most progressive armies of the vyorld. National Military Park. The work on the projected Ghtckumauga and Chattanooga national military park has boon prosecuted with zeal and Judgment, and Its opening will be celebrated during the cotring year. Over nine 1 stfuare miles of the Chlckamauga battlefield

have been acquired, twenty-five miles of roadway have been constructed and permanent tablets have been placed at many historical points, while the invitation to the states to mark the positions of their troops participating in the battle has been very generally accepted The work of locating and preserving the lines of battle at the Gettysburg battlefield is making satisfactory progress on the plans directed hy the last congress ; The Military Schools. The reports of the Military academy at West Point and the several schools for special instructions of officers show marked advance in (*ducation of the army and a commendable ambition among its officers to excel in the military profession and to fit themselves for the highest service to the country. Under the supervision of Adjt. Gen. Robert, Williams, lately retired, the bureau of military information has become well established and is performing a service that will put in possession of the government in time of war most valuable information and*ataU times serve a purpose of great utility in keeping the army advised of the world’s progress in all matters pertaining to the art of war. The Judiciary Department. The report of the attorney general contains tbe usual summary of the affairs and proceedings of the department of justice for Hie past year, together with certain recommendations as to needed legislation oh various 'subjects. I cannot too heartily indorse the proposition that tho fee system as applicable to the compensation of United States attorneys, marshals, cb-rks of federal courts and United States commissioners, should.be Abolished with as little delay as possible. It is dearly in the Interest of tlie community that, the business of the courts, both civil and criminal, shall be as small ami as Inexpensively transacted as the ends of justice will allow. Tho system is therefore thoroughly vicious which makes the compensation ol court officials depend upon the volume of such business, and thus creates a conflict between a proper execution of tbe law and private gain, which cannot fail to bo dangerous to the rights and freedom of citizens and irrisistible temptation Jo tho unjustifiable expenditure of public funds, if in addition to this reform another was inaugurated which would give to the United States commission! rs the final disposition of petty offenses within the grade of misdemeanors, especially those coming under the internal revenue laws, a great advance would lie made toward a more decent administration of the criminal law. hi mv firm message to congress, dated December 8, 1885. 1 strongly recommended these changes and referred somewhat at length to the evils of the present system. Since that time tlie criminal business of the federal Courts and the expense attending it have enormously increased. Tho number of criminal prosecutions pending in the circuit and district courts of the United States on the Ist day of July, 1885, was ii,B)B, of which wor; for yiyiatiuna of thfi internal, revenue laws, while the number of such prosecutions pending on the Ist day of July. 1893, was 9,;.()), of which 4,2o)ayere for violation of llie internal revenue laws. The expense of tin* United States courts, exclusive of judges’ salaries, for the year endingJuly. I, 1885, was 'l2 874,733 11 and for the year ending July I, 1893, 14.528,676 87. It is. therefore, apparent that the reasons given in 1880 for a change in the manner of enforcing the federal (Jnmin.il law have gained cogency aiid'guiued strength in lapse of time. Indorses the Attorney General. I also heartily join, the attorney general in recommending, legislation fixing degrees-of the crime of murder within federal jurisdiction, as has been done in insuiv of tlie states; authorizing wriTs of errors in behalf-• oflhe government in cases where final judgnn nt is rendered against the sufficiency ,of an .Indictment or again- 1 the government' upon any other question arising before actual trial; limiting the rkdit of review in eases of felony punishable only by fine and Jm-pri.-onuieni to tlie circuit court of appeals, and making speedy provision tor the construction of such prisons ami reformatories' as may lie •.necessary for flic confinement of United States conv.ets. I’ostnl A (fairs. "The report of the postmaster general conlairs a detailed statement of the operations of the pi s; office department during the last fiscal year and much interesting information touching this important branch of the public .service. The business of the mails indicates with absolute certainty the condition of the business of tlie country, and depression In financial affairs inevitably and quickly reduces the postal revenues. Therefore a larger discrepancy thaii usual between the ]Mst office receipts and expenditures is the expected and unavoidable result'of the distressing stringency which has prevailed throughout the country during inuch of tlie time coy©red by the postmaster general's report a ' Enormous Deficiency. At a (late when better times were anticipated it was estimated by his predecessor that the deficiency on thoJOlh day of June, 1893, would be but a little over #1,500,0(H) It amounted, however, to more than 85,000,000. At the same time, and under the. Influence of film anticipations. estimates were made for the current fiscal year ending June 3), 1894, which exhibited a surplus of revenue.over expenditures of #872,245 71; but now. in view of the actual receipts and (Expenditures during that part, of tlie current fiscal year already expired, the present postmaster general estimates that at its close instead of a surplus there will boa deficiency of nearly 88.000,000 The post office receipts for the last fiscal year amounted to 75,896.931.16, and its expenditures to f. 81.(774,004.03. This post office deficiency would disappear or bo immensely decreased if less matter was carried free through tin; mails, an item of which is upward of 300 tons of seeds amigrain from the agricultural department. Tno tutal number of post offices in tlie United Start's on the 30th day of June. 1893. was 68,403, un increase of 1,284 over the preceding year. Os these 3.30 J were presidential, an increase in that class of 204 over the preceding year. The Free Delivery System. Forty-two free delivery offices were added during the year to those already existing, making a total of 610 cities and towns provided with free delivery on June 30, 1893. Ninetythree other cities and towns are now entitled to this service under the law, but it Ims not been accorded them on account of Insufficient, funds to meet the (j: pen so of its establishment. I urn decidedly of the opinion that the provisions of the present law permit as general an introduction of this feature of mall service as Is necessary or justifiable, and that it not bo extended io smaller communities than are now designated. The expense of free delivery for the fiscal year ending June 30. 1834. will be more than #11,000,000, and under legislation now existing there must be a constant Increase in this item of expenditure.

Monoy Order Buxines*. There were 6,401 additions to the domestic money order offices during the lust fiscal year, being the largest increase In any year since the inauguration of the sytern. The total number of these offices at-the close of the year was 18.431. There -were 13,309,735 money orders issued from these offices, being an increase over tlie preceding year ot 1,210,293 and the value of these orders amounted to #127,570,433.65, an increase of *7,590,032.58. There were also Issued during the year i>o*tal notes amounting to # 12,9)3,076.73, During tho year 195 international money-order offices’ were added to those already provided, making a total of 2,407 iu operation on June 80, 1893. The number of International money orders fS sued during the year was 1,055,003, un increase over the preceding year of 72,525, and their value wim 116.311,837 86, au increase of #1,221,506.31. The number of orders paid was 300,917, un increase over the preceding year of 13,5)3, and their value was #5,283,375.70 an increase of *94.094.83. From the foregoing statements it uppears that the total Issue of money orders ami postal notes for the year amounted to #156.821.348.24. Tlie number of letters and packages mailed urine th*- year for special delivery was 3,375,5 ~ . nearly 22 j/; Th..delivery stampused ujion these letters and packages amounted to *337,569 3d, and the messengers' fees paid for their delivery amounted to *256.592.71, leaving a profit of *8.1.976 59, The Railway Service. The railway mail service not only adds to the promptness of mail delivery ut all offices, but It is ihe especial instrumentality which puts the smaller and way place* in the service on an equality in that regard with the larger and terminal offices, 'iliis branch of the postal service has therefore received much attention from tbe postmaster general, and, though it is f [ratifying to know that it is in a condition of ilghefficiency and great usefulness, lam led to agree with the postmaster general, that there Is room for its further Improvement. Value of Civil Nervlco Reform. There are now connected with the pest office establishment 2H,3.*4 employes who are in the classified The head of this great dopur tment gives conclusive evidence of tho value of civil service reform when, after an experience that renders his Judgment on the subject absolutely reliaole, he expresses tho opinion that without the benefit of this system It would be impossible to conduct the vast business Intrusted to him. J desire to commend as especially worthy of prompt attention the suggestions of the postmaster general relating to a more sensible and business-like organization and a better distribution of respouslbillty in his department Iho Navy. Thn report of the secrotary of the navy contains a history of tho operations of his department during the oust year, and exhibits a most gratifying condition of the uersonnel of our | navy. He presents a satisfactory account of I tbo progress which has been made In the con-

structlon of vessel! find makes a number ot recommendations to which attention is especially invited. Cruisers Kept Rosy. During the past six months the demands for Cfuisipg vessels have been many and urgent. There have been revolutions calling for vessels to protect American interests iu Nicaragua, Guatemala, Costa "Rica. Honduras Argentina and Braz.il, while the condition of affairs iu Honolulu has required tho constant presence of one or mpre ships. With all these Tails upon our navy, it became neoes-ary. in order to make up a sufficient fleet to patrol the Ik bring sea under the modus vivenal agreed upon with Great Britain, to detail to that service one vessel from the .fish commission and three from tbe revenue marine. Progress in the construction of new vessel n has not been as rapid ns was anticipated j There lias been delay in the completion ol unarinored vessels, but for the must part they I have been such as are constancy occurring even in countries having the per fencer iu naval slop building. 'l’he' inosi serious delays. however, haVe been in the work upon armored ships. The trouble lias ;< en tlie failure of contractors lo deliver armor as agreed. The difficulties seem now, however, to have been all overcome, and armor is being delivered with satisfactory promptness. Our Reorganized Navy. Asa result of the experience acquired by ship builders and designers and material men, it is believed that the dates when vessels will be completed can now be estimated with reasonable accuracy. Great gu is. rapid fire guns, torpedoes and powder are being promptly supplied. The following vessels of tho new navy have been completed and are now ready for servic'-: The (loubb-turreted const-defense monitor Miantonomoh, tlie double turret* d y coast defense monitor Monterov, tbe ar,n *red cruiser New York, the protected cruisers Baltimore, Chicago,''Philadelphia. Newark, San Francisco, Charleston. Atlanta and Boston, the cruiser Detroit, the gunboats Yorktown, Uanbord, Bennington, Mnchias, Gas tine and Petrel, tho ■dispatch \essol Dolphin, the practice vessel Bancroft and thp dynamite gunboat Vesuvius. Os these the Bancroft, Marinas, Detroit and Castine have been placed iu commission during the current calendar year. The following vessels are in progress of construction: The second-c’ass battleship Maine anil Texas, the cruisers Montgomery and Marblehead, and the coast-defense monitors Terror, Puritan, Amphitrile and Monadnoek, all of which will lie comp!* ted within one year; tho harbor.defense Ram Katahdin and the protected cruisers Columbia. Minneapolis,Olympia, Cincinnati and Raleigh, all of which will b*j completed prior to July I, 1835; the first-class battleships lowa. Indiana, Massachusetts and Oregon, which will be completed by February 1. 1896, and the armored cruiser Brooklyn, which will he completed by August I. of that year. It Ls also vxp icied that the three gunboats authorized by the last congress will be completed in less than two years. A Note of Warning*' Since 1886 congress has at each session authorized the building of one or more vessels, and the secretary of the navy presents an earnest* plea for the continuance of this plan. He recoin mendsjr-t he authorization of at least one battleship .ami six torpedo boats. While i am distinctly in favor of consistently pursuing tho policy we have inaugurated of budding up a thorough and efficient navy I cannot refrain from the suggestion that the congress should carefully take into account the number of unfinished vessels-on'our hands and the depleted condition of ohr treasury in considering tho propriety of an appropriation at this time to begin new work. The method of employing mechanical labor at navy yards through boards of labor, and making efficiency the sole test by which lalior- • ■rs are employed and continue i, is producing the best results, and tne secretary is earnestly devoting .himself lo its development. Attention is invited to the statements of his report in regard to f\i<- workings of,the system. The I’eiislon Rolls, The secretary of the interior has the siijs-r----vision of so many important'subjects that Ids report is of especial value and interest. On tlie 3(Hh day of June. 1893, there were on the pension rolls 966,012 names, an increase of K9.9D over the number- on the rolls June 30, IHJJ. <if these, there were 167 \Vidows an I daughters of revolutionary soldiers, 86. survivors of the war of 1812, 5,425 widows of soldiers of that war, 21,* 518 survivors and widows of tbo Mexican war, 3,33.2 survivors and Widows of Indian wars. 281 army nurses and 475,615 survivors and widows and children of deceased soldiers and sailors of the war of tho rebellion. The latter number represents those pensioned on account of disabilities or death resulting from army and navy service." The number of persons remaining on the rolls June 30,. 1893, who were pensioned under the act of Jude 27, 1890, which allows pensions on account of death and disability not chargeable to army service, was 459,155 The numlier added to the rolls during tlie year was 123,631 and the number dropped was 33,000. The first payments on js iisions. allowed (luring the year amounted to #33.750,* 549.98. This iqclndes arrears, or ihe accumulation between the lime from which the allowance of pension dates and the time of actually granting the certificate, Tension* for Disabilities. Although the law of 1890 jiermlts pensions for disabilities not related to military service, yet as a requisite to its benefits a disablll'y must exist incapacitating applicants “from the performance of manual labor to such a degree as to render them unable to earn a support.” Th© execution of this law in its early stages does not seem to have been iu accord with its true intention: but toward the close of the last administration an authoritative construction was given to the statute and sine© that time this construction has been followed. This has had the effect of limiting.the operation of the law to its intended purpose. The discovery having been made mat many names had been put upon the pension roll by means of wholesale and gigantic frauds, the commissioner suspended payments upon a number of pensions which seemed to bo fraudulent or uuaiithorizcd ponding a com- , plete examination, giving notico to tbe pensioners In order that they might have an opportunity to'establish, if possible, tho justice of their claims notwithstanding apparent invalidity Frauds Should Be Exposed. This, 1 understand is tho practice which has for a long time prevailed'' in the |>ousion bureau, but after entering ujnon these recent investigations tlie eomnnsshmur modified this rule so as not to allow, until carter complete examination, interference with tbo payment of a pension apparently not altogether void, but which merely had l>ecn fixed at a rate higher than authorized by law. I am unable to understand why frauds in tho pension rolls should not be exposed and corrected w ith thoroughness and vigor. Every mime fraudulently put upon these rolls n a wicked imposition upon the kindly sentiment In which pensions nave their origin. Every fraudulent pensioner lias become a bad citizen, every false oath in ‘support of a pension bus made perjury more common, and false and undeserving pensioners rob the people not otny of their money but of the patriotic sentiment which the survivors of war, fought, for the preservation of the union, ought to inspire. Thousand* of neighborhoods have their well-known fraudulent pensioners, and recent developments by the bureau establish appalling conspiracies to accomplish pension frauds. By no means the least wrong done is to brave and deserving pensioners, who certa4nly ought not to he condemned to such association. Those who attempt in the line ol duty to rectify these wrongs should not be accused of enmity or difference to tbe claims of honest, veterans. Enormous Ex pen dll ti res. The sum expended on accoun t of pensions for the year ending June 81, 1893, was #156,740.407 14. The cointuismoner estimates that #165,0 uOOO will be required to pay pensions during tbe year ending June 30, 1891 - - I nil Inn Affairs. The condition of the Indians aqd their ultltriad' fate are subjects which aro related to a •*-*•- 1 •• ’ ’ 1 strongly ap; *.* n..." sympathy of our people. Our Indians number about 248,0001 Most of them are located on 161 reservations, containing 86,110,531 acres of land. About 110,000 of these Indians huvo, to a large degree, adopted civilized customs. Lands In severalty nave been allotted to many of them. Such allottmenls have been made to 10.00 U individuals during tbe last fiscal year, embracing about 1.000,000 acres. Tho number of Iruliun government schools open during th© year was 195, an Increase of twelve over th© preceding year. Os this total 170 were on reservations, of which seventy-three wero boarding schools and ninety-seven woro(lay schools Twenty hoarding schools and five day schools supported by the government wero not located on reservations. The total number of Indian children enrolled during the year as attendants of all schools was 21,188, an merest© of 1,231 over tho enrollment for the previous year. Wftat ib bwrfftr tlw Indian* I am 'cure that secular education and moral and religious teaching must bo important factors in an effort losave the Indian and leud him to civilization. 1 believe, t<*o, that the relinquishment of tribal relations and tho holding of land in severalty may, In fuvorablo conditions, aid this consummation. It hi ©ins to me, however, that allotment of land in sevoralty ought to be made with great oar© and circumspection. If hastily don© before the Indian knows its meaning. while yot ho has little or no Idea of tilling a farm and no conception of thrift, there is great danger that a reservation life in tribal relations may be exchanged for tho pauperism of civilization, Instead of It/ independence and ©levatloa Tho solution of the Indian problem I depends very largely open good administration. Tho personal fitness of agent# and their adapt*