Pike County Democrat, Volume 27, Number 32, Petersburg, Pike County, 18 December 1896 — Page 3

ANNUAL MESSAGE Ot the President ext the United States to Congress. lA DUpusioimt* and Couemtlra btUrmnc* ou tha Cuban Qua*. Uoa—Ganarat G«* am mental Affalra UtccuucU.

Wabuikgton, Dec. 7.—Following is -gt synopsis of the president's annual 'message to congress: Tbs Ut« Election*. To tbs Congress or tbs Usitkd States— ▲a representative* of the people m the legislative branch of their government you have na•eeml'lfsl st s time vheu the streugth and exeelleaoe of our tree InatituMons and the illness of our citizens to enjoy popular rule have bpen sin made maulfesv A political contest Inegai Telving momentous consequences fraught with feverish apprehension and creatinguggresvivene*» ao Intense as to approach bitterness and passion, has been waged throughout our land and determined by the decree of free and independent suffrage, without disturbance of our tranquillity or the least sign of weakness la our national structure. Obedience to Constitutional Requirement. In obedience to a constitutional rcqulr*Eent. 1 herein submit to the congress certain foimaiion concerning national affair*, with the suggestion of such legislation as in my judgment U necessary aud expedient To secure brevity and avoid tiresome narration. 1 •hall omit many details concerning matters within federal control, which, though by no mean* unimportant, are more profitably diaeuaatvl la departmental reports. FOKE1UN AFFAIRS. The Arm 'titan Massacres. At the outset of a reference to the raor* Important matters affecting, our relations with foreign powers it would afford me satisfaction if I could assure congress that the disturbed J.uoa in Asiatic Turkey bad . uring the •oud I_........ past year assumed a less hideous and b.oody Mpect. and that either as a consequence of (be «<wakening of the Turkish government to the demands of humane civilization, or as the result of decisive action on ihe part of the ?treat nations having the right,by treaty, to nterfere for the protection of those exposed to lae rage of mad bigotry and cruel faustioiam. the shocking features of the situation had been mitigated. Instead, however, of welcoming a softened dl*p»».t!on or positive Intervention, we have been afflicted by confirmed and not unfrequent reports of the want-n destruction of homes and the bloody butchering of lima, women and children. mode martyrs to their profession of Christian faith While none of our citizens in Turkey hate tbufc far been killed or wounded, uoogh often in the midst of dreadful scenes of danger, tfiflr safety In the future is by no means ass ired. Our g> -vernmeot at home aud pur minister at Gou.siauiitiopie have left nothjug undone to protect our missionaries in Ottoman territ. ty. who « > : stable nearly all the individuals residing there have a right to ala!:: . protection ou tbfaccre of American •Utseushlp -•several t aval vessels are static red in the Medltoi ranean as a n ensure of Cai tlob and to furnish ail possible relief and refuge iu case of emergency. The ('tibau Insurraetion. The insurrection In Cuba sti’ll continue* with •U iw perplexities It is difflcu t to perceive that any pr> gre** has thus iar been made to--wa ds the pacification of ihe island or ihat the Situation affu.rs as deplete 1 in uiy last annual message has iu the least Improved. If Spain ai. 11 holds Havana and the seaport* and •it the considerable town,s, the lavurgeuts still yearn at will over at least two-thirds of the inland country. If the determination of Spain to put down the Insurrection seems hut to Strengthen with the lapse of time, and is evident. i by her uahcs.tat ;ug devotion Ot largelyIncreased military and uuv al forces to the task. t-ere Is much reason to believe that the insurgents have ‘gained in point of numbers and character and resources, and are none the less indexible in tfie.r resolve not «o suoeuuib, witn.ut prae* tic ally securing the great object* for which they took up arms. If Spain has not yet re-estab-lished tier authority, neither have the tn*urgreat* yet made good their title to be regarded as an independent state Indeed, as the contest git's on. tbe, pretense tuu; it U government exists on th« island, except so far ae Spain l* able to maintain it, has teen practically abandoned,, Spain d-es keep on foot £uch a government, more or less imperfectly. i the large town* and their Immediate suburb* Hut, that exception being made, the enure country is either given ovef to anarchy er 1* n.bp ci lo tbe military occupation of one or the Cher |w*rtv , It t* reported. indeed, on reliable authority, that at the demand.of the c.-winander-ln-•kief of the Insurgent army, the reputatlve Cuban gov> t".me.it ha* now given up all atternp. i" so its fun n.Puvn*! that government confessedly twliat there is the l-cst reason for supposing It always to have been in fartl a government merely on | a per. Were the Mpanlah able to g. et their ar.tsgomsta !n the cjten, or in pitched ba;t?c, prompt ai d decisive results might he -looked for. and Re immense superiority of the Spanish force* nun.ler». discipline and equipment could bard y fas! to tell greatly to then advantage Hut they are called upon to face n fo** that abuns get oral engagements; that can choose. UKl does choose, Its own ground; that from the pnture • f the country :a vt* h e or invisible at plea- .re, and that fights only from na.buscade. and when all the advantages of position and •umber* are ontt* sole. In a country where nil tbs; Is Indlspe; *abie to life In the way of foist, r.othli g a. . s.i-Her is so easily - btalanble. e pe-lsilv by those bom and bred on the *©!.. .t U obvious that there 1* hardly a limit to the tic e during which hostilities of this sort may be prolonged. „ Means! lie, as In all case* of pr- tracied civil strife, the pnsalOM Of the combatants grow more aud more inflamed,'and tic-oy ou both - .it s bee me mere fiequent %nd: rable. I-.-, also a;e participated In by hand* of marwu >r-, who. i.owtti too name of one t arty an<i u-w in the name of the other, as mav t*evt a .a' <• •c.vaion, bam '.tie country at w !. and pmnder its wretched inhabit*!)la Hr their own advantage. Such a condition of Ibtng* would lnev.tah.y entail Immense destination of property. ereu If It were the policy Of bgth parties tc i revent it a* far a» practicable Hut while tueh seemed to be the original poller of the Spanish government, it has now apparently abandoned it. and 1* aci.ng upon the earn# theory as the insurgent*, namc.y, teat the exigencies of the contest require the wholesale annih.lat.on of property, that U may not prove of use and advantage to the enemy ■ It is to the ‘game end that In pursuance of general order*. Spanish garrison* are now being withdrawn fr- m plantations and the rural popu.atioti required to ooneenirate Itself In the (owns. The sure result would seem to be that the industrial value of the island Is fast diminish lug and that unless* there is a *jeedy and radical change In exisUug conditions. It will soon disappear altogether. That value consist* very largely, of eourwa. In tu capacity to produce sugar—a capacity a ready much reduced by the interruption of tillage w hich has Usen-p.acc ,luring the last two year*. it t* reliably Ssgrrted that should these Interruptions continue during tbe curvent year, and practically extend, a* 1* now threatened, to the end. tbe sugar-producing territory of tbe Island, ao much Ume and »o much money will be required to restore tbe land to tu normal productiveness that it l* extremely -doubtful If capital can be Induced to even make the attempt. The spectacle of tbe utter rum of aa adjolamr country, by nature one of tbe moat fertiie and charming on the git be, would engage ihe serious attention of the government aud people of the Catted State* under anv circumstances. In point of fact they have * concern with it which is by no mean*of a wholly' '•■niiaietdai or philanthropic character. ’ It * so hear to u» as to be hardly separated from our territory. Ou: mi ai pecuniary Interest In It la second oniv to that of, tbe people and government of bpatn. It is reasonably estimated that at least from t» ,0uv W) to 6d.QM.rik' of American capital are invested in plantations and :n railroad. trwntag and other business enterprise* oa the is.Xad- Tbe volume of trade between the Called State* and Cub* which, la amounted to about |*t-<^t;.0M. rose in iwa w about gutt.!>«.'.«». and la lWet, the year before the present insurrection broke out, amounted to nearly |*e.ao.ct». Ues.dew tbU large pecuniary stake In the fortune*.'? Cuba, the United States end* Uaelf inextricably involved in the present contest In other way*, both vexatious

ana ro»uj. Mu; Cbbaas reside in this country, and in* dUreetiy promote the insurrection through the »re»s. by public tore ting*, by the purchase and shipment of anus, by the raisin* of funds, and by other means, which the spirit of our institutions and the tenor of our laws do net permit to be msde the subject of Criminal prosecutions Some of them, though Cubans at heart and la all their feeliwp and interests bare taken out papers as Saturn;lied cituens of the

sympathy ths people of this eownlry always Mo lnstlnctlTsly feel tor every struggle tor bettor and freer government. and -which is the out of the more adventurous end restless elements of our population, leads. In only too many Instances, to aetlve and personal participation In the contest. The result ts that this government 1s constantly called upon to protect American citizens, to claim damages tor injuries to persous and property, now estimated at many millions or dollars, and to ask explanations and apologies for the sots of Spanish officials, whose zeal tor the repression of rebellion sometimes blinds them to the immunises belonging to the unoffending citizens of a friendly power. It follows from the same causes that the United States is compelled to actively police a long line of seacoast against unlawful expeditions, the escape of which the utmost vigilance will not always suffice to prevent. These Inevitable entanglements of the United States with the rebellion in Cuba, the large American property interests affected, and oonslderatlons of philanthropy and humanity In general, have led to a vehement demand - In various Quarters for some sort of positive Intervention on the part of the United It was at first proposed that belligerent rights should be accorded to the insurgents—* proposition no longer urged, because untimely jaiui Impractical in operation and clearly perilrous ana injurious to our own Interests, n has been aud is now sometimes contended that the rdudependence of the insurgents should t* recognized. itut imperfect and restricted as the Spanish government of the isluad may be, no other exists there—uuless the will of the military officer in temporary command of a particular district cau be dignified as a species of government. It is now also suggested that the United States should buy the Island—a suggestion possibly worthy of consideration If there were any evidence of a desire or willingness on the part of Spain to entertain such a proposal, it Is urged, finally, that ail other methods falling, the existing internecine strife in Cubs should be terminated by our intervention. even st the cost of s wer between the United Stales end Spain—a war which Its advocates confidently prophesy could be neither large in its proportions nor doubtful in Us issue The correctness of this forecast need be neither affirmed nor dented. The United States has. nevertheless, a character to maintain as a nation, which plainly dictates that right and not might should be the rule of its

cfVUUUl'l. Further, though the United States is not a nation to which peace ia a necessity, it is in truth the moat pacific-of power*, atul dcetrgs nothin* so much as tb lire In amity with all the woaid lu own ample and diversified domaius satisfy ail possible longings for territory, preclude all dreams of conquest, and prevent a ? casting,ef covetous eye upon neighboring regions however attractive. That our couduct toward* Spain and her dominions hxg* constituted no exception to this national disposition is trade manifest by the course of our government, not only thus far during the present insurrection, but during the ten years that followed the rising at Yara in No other great power, it may safely be said, under circumstances of similar perplexity, would have manifested the same restraint and the san e patient endurance It may also be s;ud that this persistent attitude oi the United States toward Spain in connection with Cuba will unquestionably evince no slight respect and regard for Spain on the part of the Amer* loan people Thev, iii truth, do not forget her connection with the discovery of the western heu> .pin-re. i. r do .they underestimate the (jrea: qualities -f the Spanish peepie. nor tali to fully rec< gtiixe their splendid patriotism and their chivalrous devotion to the national honor. They view with wonder and a dm 1 r allot; the cheerful resolution with which vast bodies of men are sent across thousands of nyies of ocean and an enormous debt accumulate*- , that the cogtiy possession of the (join of the An* .lilies mav sti.l hold its place in the Spanish crown, aud yet ueither the government nor the people of the United States have shut their ev«-s to the course of efents m I'ubaor have ia.ied to rvalue tlie ms.stonee of conceded grievances, which have Ted to the present revolt from the authority of Spain—grievances recognired Uv the queen regent and by the cortes. voiced by the moat patriotic and enlightened of Spanish statesmen without regard to party, and demonstrated by reforms proposed by the executive and approved by the legislative branch of the Spanish government. It Is in the assumed temoer and disposition cf the Spanish government to remedy these grievances. fortified by indications of influential public opinion In Spain, that this government fu-.s hoped t<- discover the most promising and effective m eons of composing the present strife, with honor and advantage to Spain, with the achievement of all the reasonable objects pf the insurrection. it would seem that If Spam should offer to Cuba genuine autonomy, a measure of homo rnie which, while preserving the sovereignty of Spain, would satisfy all rational requirements of her Spaniah subjects, there should be no just reason why the pacification cf the island might not be effected on that basis. Such a reault would appear t-o be in the interest of all concerned. It would at once stop the conflict. which is now consuming (he resources of the island aud malting It worthless tor whichever party mv ultimately prevail. It would beep intact the possessions of Spain without touching her honor, which will be consulted ruthty than impugned by the adequate redress of admitted grievances It would pot the prosperity of the island and the fortunes of its Inhabitants within their own control without severing ffce natural and ancient ties which bind them to the mother country, and would yet enable them to test their capacity for self-government under the; most favorable condition*. H hits been objected, on the one side, that Spain should not promise autonomy until her Insurgent subjects lav down their arms. On the other side, that promised autonomy, however liberal, is insufficient. because without ,4i-s- • ,<• .-e f the premise being fulfilled Hut the reasonableness of a requirement by Spain of unconditional surrender outhv p; t cf the insurgent Cubans !«efore their authaon y is conceded Is not altogether apparent. ibtgnores imnortant features of the situation the stability two years' duration hah given to the insurrection: the feastbl ity of us indefinite prolongation ic the nature of things, and as shown by pa>t experience: the uft**r and m m'.uent rmn of the island, ic.irx* the present strife is speedily composed; aKwe all, the rank abuses which ail parties in Spain, all i ranches of her government and all her leading public men concede to exist and profess a desire to remove. Facing such circumstajneea. to withhold the prefer of needed reform* untli the parlies demanding them put themselves at merev by throw ing down their arms, has the appearance of neglecting the grave** of peril* and jnvltIng Mis^teivKi as to the sincerity of any protested willingness to grant reform*. The objection on behalf of the insurgents — that promised reform* can not be relied upoa — must, ef course, be cons!der«d.,tbough we hive no right to assume, and no reason for asf turning, that anything that Spain undertake* to do for the relief of Cuba will not be done ac cording to both the sptrit and the letter of the undertaking. ’Nevertheless, realising that auspicious and precaution* on the part of the weaker of two combatants are always natural and not always unjustifiable, aud being sincerely desirous ia the interest of both as well as on Usowpae - count that the Cuban problem should be solved wuh the least possible delay, it was intlu a ted ; by this government to the government of tspatn »umr months ago that, if a satisfactory measure of home rule wete tendered the Cuban insurgent* and would be accepted iy them upon a guaranty of its execution, the United >taie* would endeavor to rind a way not objectionable to Spain of furnishing such guaranty. Whi.e uo definite response to this intimation ha* yet been received from the Spanish government. it is believed to be not alt wether welcome, while, as a treaty is suggested, no *ie*»ou is perceived why a should not be approved by the insurgents. Neither patty con fail to see the importance of early action, and both must realise that to prolong the present ■late of things fer even a short period will add enormously to the time and labor and expenditure necr»*ary to bring about the industrial recuperation > of the island It is. therefore, fervently hoped on all groffnd* that earnest effort* for healing the breach between Spam aud the insurgent Culpas upon the iter* above indicated, ma* be at once inaugurated and push. , to an immediate and successful issue. 1 he friendly offices of the Uciu d Mates, either ta the manner above outlined. or m any other way eonstatest with our constitution and law*, will always be at the disposal of either party. Whatever circ tnsiances may arise, onr policy sod our interest* would constrain us tc abject to the acquisition of the island or the mterienence with its control by any other

It should b« added that it can not be rea*«naMp assumed t&at the hitherto expectant atutuie tsf the Cr.uod State* a lit be i!>.e.inaely maintained. While we are anxious to accord ail due respect to the sovereignty of Spain, we ean not view the pending conflict in all its feature* and props: iy apprehend our inert table re.atloas to it. and possible result*, without considering that, by the course of events, we may be drawn into such an unusual and unprecedented condition as will ex a limit to our patient waiting fee Spain to and the contest, either alone and in her ova wag, or with our friendly < . 'Operation. When the inability of Spain to daal successfully with the insurrection has beeoaea manifoat. and it is damocttrsted that hat noearnignty la extinct in Cnbn tor ell purposes of its rightful existence, i ale for its Into* OX purposes of ite n hop sin— strughns degenerated

whtoh on obligation to tbs sovereignty ef Spain will be superceded bp higher obligauoaa bp which we can hardly heal late to recognise aud discharge. Deferring the choice of waps and methods unwl the time for nation arrives, we should make them depend upon the precise conditions then existing; and they should not be deter* mined upon without giving careful heed to every oousiderutl n involving our bonor and interest, or the internationni duty we owe to | spaiu. Until we face the contingencies augSsted or the situation is by other incidents ipcrativeip changed, we should continue in | the line of oonduot heretofore pursued, thus in all circumstances exhibiting oar obedience to j the requirements of public law and qur regard » for the duty enjoined upon us by the position ! we occupy lu the family of nations, A contemplation of emergencies that map ! arise should plainlp lehd us to avoid their j creation, either through a careless disregard of 1 present duty or even an undue stimulation and j ill-timed expression of testing- Bull have deemed it not amiss to remind the congress that a time may arrive when a oorreot policy ; and care for our interests, as well as a regard for tne interests of other nations and their eltixeus. joined by considerations of humanity and a.desire to see a rich aud fertile country Intimately related to us saved from complete devastation, will constrain our government to such action as [ will subserve the interests thus involved, and j at the name time promise to Cuba and Us inhabitants an opportunity to enjoy the blessings of pesos. The Teaesuelan Boundary Question. The Venexuelsn boundary question hss ceased to be a matter of difference between Great Britain aud the United States, their respective governments.havlug agreed upon the substantial provisions of a treaty between Great Britain and Venesuela submitting the whole controversy to arbitration. The provisions of the treaty are so eminently Just and fair that the assent of Venesuela thereto may confidently be anticipated. Negotiation* for a treaty of general arbitration for all differences between Great Britain aud tbe United States are fpr advanced and promise to reach a successful consummation at : an early date.

Seal Life In Behring Sen We have durlg the last year labored faithfully. and against unfavorable condltlona. to secure better preservation of seal life In the Behring sea. Moth the United States and Great Britain have lately dispatched commissioners to these waters to study the habits and condition of the seal herd and the causes of their rapid decrease- Upon the reports of these commissioner’., soon to be submitted, at, 1 with the exercise of patience and good set-to on the part of all Interested parties. It ta earnestly hoped that hearty co-operation may be secured for the protection against the threatened extinction of seal life in the northern Pacific and Bebrlug sea NATIONAL USANCES. Government Receipt* and Expenditures The secretary of the treasury reports that dur'.ug the fiscal year ended June 3U. IS96. the receipts of the government frwur al) sources amounted to f4O9.47S,408.7fi. During the same period its expenditures were fi434.6h>,C54-M. The excess of expenditures over receipts thus amounting to $.5,2i0:j,24&7ft The ordinary expenditures during the year,were fit,016,862.SI less than during the preceding fiscal year. Of the receipts mentioned there was derived from customs the sum of *169.181 ,*51.67. and from internal revenue fHe.S30.615 6fi The receipts from customs- show an increase of #7.663.134 £2 over those from the same source for the fiscal year ended June fid, 1895. and the receipts from Internal revenue an increase of $3,584.737.91. Imports and Exports The value of our importeddutiablemerchandise during the last fiscal year was *3®,7 7 -I/O and the • a.ue of free good* imported fiiu*>.W7,Uo, being an Increase of fi6.528.i-75 In tin* value of dutiab e goods and f41.2d.054 in the value of free goods over the preceding year. Our exports of merchandise, foreign amt domestic, amounted in value to KP2.dM.P38, being an in-crea-e over the preceding year of 175,00-,773. The average ad valorem duty paid on dutiable goods Imported during the year was S9 9p per cent and on free and dutiable goods taken together 20.55 pet C«uh Internal Revenue. The cost of collecting our Internal revenue * as 2.76 per cent . as againts c -1 per cent, for the fiscal year ending June fin, 1695. The total production of dist tiled -pints, exclusive of fruit brandies, was tS.5ss.70ei taxable gallon*. Ueiug an Increase of 6J39.1 ML gallons over the preceding year. There w as also an increase of 1.443.676 gallons of spli its. produced from fruit, as compared with the preceding year. The number of barrels'of beer produced was 35,859,259. as against 33.C®.764 produced in the preceding fiscal year, being an increase of 2.269.488 barrels. Specie Imports and Exports. The total amount of gold exported during the last fiscal year was 8H2.40M.b47, and of silvbr $00,541,670. teing ah Increase of #45,941.446 of gold and H8.246.38t of silver over the exportations of the preceding fiscal year. The imports of gold were #33,585,665, and or silver 888.877,166, being 82.65'.*.885,less of gold apd 18.: 06, W0 more of silver than during the preceding year. The Stuck of .Metallic Money. The total stock of metallic money In the United states at the close of the last fiscal year, ended on the 39th day of June. 1-96, was §1..28.*.-6.i<35. of winch 8599,597,964 was in gold and 8*06,7.8.671 in ilver. On the first day of November. 1396. the total steak of money of all kind* in the country waa $*,285.419,590 and the amount in circulation, not it oiud -g that in the- treasury holdings, was it.627.085.641, being 822.63 per capita upon an eat.mated population of 71,9 2,001. National ltnuks. The number of national banks organized from the time the law author zing their creation was passed up to October 31, 1896. was ,'ol. and of this number 3.679 were at the date . s; mentioned in active operation, haviug . iborized capital stock of t 50,914.895, held by te-.v- share-holders, and circulating notes an < gating to fi.lM.-2 e*0. Tne .total outfitaudmg circulating notes of all i a: icnal bunks on the 3ist day of October. 1>m6. amounted to fi7c4.5t>3.9P7. including unredeemed but fully secured notes of banka insolvent and in Process of. liquidation. I ore.gu Immigration. The number of Immigrants arriving !n the Uuitcd States during the fiscal year was 343,267, of whom 3.9,4!* were permitted to laud, and 2 799 were ebarred ou various grounds piescribed by law. and re,urned to the countries whence thpy came at the expeus.0 of the -teamship companies by which they were brought in. There arrived from Japan during the year only 1.116 immigrant*, and it la the opinion of the Immigration authorities that the apprehension heretofore existing to seme extent of a large Immigration from Japan to the United .states is without any substantial foundation, fba I.Ife-'wvine service. From the life-saving service it Is reported that the number of disasters to documented ve*-els wtihiu the limits of as operations during tne year was 437. These vessels had on b* urd 4.9U8 persons, of whom 4.595 were saved and 13 lost. The value of such vessels Is estimated at fi6.8W.140, and of their cargoes *3.646,360. r akieg the total value of property imperii ed fit 776.520. Of this amount 8il.292.7d7 waa saved and II 432.756 was lot. Sixty-seven of the vessel* were totally wrecked. There were, besides. 2-13 casualties to sta*U undocumented craft, on b ar 1 of which there were 594 persona, of which 587 were saved awl seven were lot. The Marine Hospital Servtee, ,E_tr* The operations of the marine hospital service, the revenue eutter tenfiee. the steamboat inspection service, the lighthouse service, the bureau of nxvtgat on, and other branches of public work attached to the treasury department. together with various recommendations eoneerntrg their support and Improvements, hr* fully stated la th*> report «cf the secretary of the treasury, to which the attention of the congress is especially invited.

T11E WAH DtlAHTMiST. Wtirkctor; CoudltloM Shown. Tie report of the secretary of war exhibit* satisfactory conditions in the several branches of the nubile aervfee intrusted to hit charge. The limit of oar mlllury force. as txed bv lew,#l* coast*- Uy ana readily maintained. 1 ha present discipline and morale of our army are excellent. and marked progress and efficiency are apparent throughout iu entire orgauixa* lion. Tfee entire army has now been ecus pped with new magarir.e arm*, and wise policy demands that ail available public and private resources should be so employed as to.provlde. within a reasonable time, a sufficient number to supply the state militia with these modern weapons and provide an ample reserve for any eciergency. * The Organised Militia The organised militia cumbers llt,87» men. The appropriations for iu support by the several states approximate **Jwo.0» mutually, and MOO uoo is contributed by the general government. Investigation shows these troops to bo usually well drilled sad Inspired with much military interest, but in manf instances they are so deholont in properarwand egul|^ meal that n sudden oaU to active Out* v—_ tad them inadequately prepared fn held terries. 1 therefore reoommsad that prompt to remedy thin otaditioa.

mi aold!«r«> upow assistance we MM largely rely In Urn* of trouble. Oar Coast Defenses. During the past year rapid progress tea teas made toward the completion of the schema adopted for the erection and armament of fortifications along our sea coaat, while equal progress has been made In providing the material for submarine defense in connection with these works. This Improved situation la largely due to the receut generous response of congress to the recommendations ci the war department Thus we shall soon have complete about oueflfthof the comprehensive system, the first step in which was noted in my message to the congress of December t, 1*M. ' The experience and result of the past year demonstrate that with a continuation of present careful methods the cost of the remaining work will be much less than the original estimate. We should always keep in mind that of all forms of mtlitary preparation eoast defense alone is essentially pacific in its nature. While it gives the sense of security due to a consciousness of strength. It is netther the purpose nor the effect of such permanent fortification to involve us in compllcatiens. but rather to guarantee us agaiust them. They are no temptation to war, but security against it Thus they are thoroughly tu accord with all the traditions of Otfr national diplomacy.

DEPARTMENT OF JCSTICK. Oomuni«nt PrnlteBtlarlM. The attorney general presenta e detailed and interesting statement of the important work done under his supervision curing the last fiscal year. The ownership and management by the government ot penitentiaries for the confinement of the convicted in United States courts of violations ot federal laws, which for many years has been a subject of executive recommendation, has at last, to a slight extent, been realized by the utilization ot the abandoned military prison at Fort Leavenworth as a United States penitentiary. This is certainly a movement lu the right dllection; but it ought to be at once supplemented by the rebuilding or extensive enlargement of this lmprovLhed prisou. and the construction of at least one more, to be located la the southern states. Th« New Salary System. It is most gratifying to note the satlsfaetory results that have followed the inauguration of the new system provided for by the act of May 28. 1890. under which certain federal officials are compensated by salaries instead of fees. The new plan was put In operation on the first day of July. 1890, and already the gseat economy it enforces. Its prevention et abuses and its tendency to a better enforcement of the laws are strikingly apparent. Detailed evidence of the usefulness of this longdelayed but now happily-accomplished reform will be found clearly set forth in the attorney general's report, POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT. Its Operations During the Past Tear. Our post office department is in good condition and the exhibit ma :e of its operations during the fiscal year, ended June SO. 1896, if allowance is made for imperfections in the laws applicable to It. Is very satisfactory. The total receipts during the year were S82.499, 08.40. The total expenditures were f9Q.fiM.SllM, i exclusive of which was earned by the Pacific railroad for transportativ>n, and credited on their debt to the government There was an increase of receipts over the previous year of ,Mtt,»*U21. or * >.l per cent., and an increase of expenditure of $8,858,124.02, or 4.42 per centThe deficit was il.tlTy.95tt 19 less than that of the preceding year. Abuse of tbe Service. The transmission at the rate of one eent a pound of serial libraries, advertising sheets, "house organs" (periodicals advertising some pattieular "house" or institution), sample copies, aud the like, ought certaiulv to be discontinued. A glance at the revenues received for the work done last year will show more plainly than any other statement the gross abuse of the postal service and the growing waste of its earnings. J The free matter carried in the mails for the : departments, offices, etc., of the government and for cougress tu pounds amount to 94.480,189. Corrective Legislation Recommended. If such second-class matter paid m- rely the cost of its haudlingour deficit would disappear and a. surplus result, which might be used to give the people still better mail facilities or cheaper rates of letter postage. I recommend that legislation be at once enacted to correct these abuses and introduce better business ideas in the regulation of our postal rates. Universal Postal I’uion. The Universal Postal union, which ^ow embraces all the civilized world, auii whose delegates will represent l.OtV.OtW.uOO peuo’e. will hold Its fifth co: gross in the city of Washington In May, 1891. In view of the importance of this assemblage and of its deliberations, and of the honors and hospitalities accorded to our representatives by other countries on similar occasions, I earnestly hope that such an appropriation will be made for the expenses necessarily attendant upon the coming meeting in our capital city, as well be worthy of .our national hospitality and indicative of our appreciation of the event.

THE NAVY DEPARTMENT. Conifru«llou of Our' Now N»Ty. The work of the-navy department and its present condition!, are fully exhibited in the report of the secretary. The construction of vessels for our new navy has beeu cucrgetloally prosecuted by the present administration upon the general lines previously adopted, the department having seen no necessity Ipt radlcal ohanges in prior methods under which the work was found to be progressing in a manner highly satisfactory. It has been decided, however, to provide lu every shlp-buiUllug contract that the builder should pay all trial expenses, and it has also been determined to payno speed premiums In future contracts. The premiums recently earned and some yet to be decided are features of tne contracts made before this conclusion was reached. t>u March 4, IStt, there were la commission | but two armored vessels, the dcuble-turreted monitors Miantonomoh and Monterey. Since that date, of vessels .theretofore authorized, I t iere have been placed la their first commission three flrst-ciai-a and two second-class battleships, two armored crutspra,** one harbor-defense ram, and five doubleturretvd monitors, including the Maine and the l»ui ltan. just completed. Eight new unarmored cruisers ar.d two new ?ut!boats have also been commissioned. The owa. another battleship, will be completed about March t, and at least four more guuboata wiil be ready for sea in the early spring. The Mar College. | The war college has developed mto an institution which it U believed will beef great ! value to the navy, in touching the science of war as weii as m stimulating professional zeal in the navy, and it will be especially useful lu the devising of plans for the utilisation, in case of necessity, of ail the naval resourced of . the United States. The secretary has per- | sistently adhered to tbe piaa he found In operation tor seeurtug labor at navy yards, through boards of labor employment, and has done much to make it more complete and efficient. Discipline lu the Service. Discipline among the officers and men of the navy has been maintained to a high standard, and the percentage of Amcricau citizens enlisted has beeu very much increased. The secretary is considering, and will formulate during the coming winter, a plan for laying up ship* in reserve, thereey largely reducing the coat of maintaining oar vessel* iAat The Naval Militia. The naval militia, which was authorised a tew years ago; as an experiment, ha* now developed into a body of enterprising young men, active ard energetic In the discharge of their dullej*, and premising great usefulness. This establishment has nearly the same re.alien to our navy as tbc national guard in iht: different states bears to our arm .-; and it constitutes a souice of supply for our naval forces, the importance of which is immediately apparent. INTERIOR DEPARTMENT. Enormous Disbursement*. The report of the secretary of the interior presents a comprehensive and interesting exhibit of the numerous and important anuirs committed to his supersoiios. It is Impossible in Hus communication to more than briefly refer to u few of the subjects concerning which the secretary gives full and lns.rui.tive Information. TTie money appropriated on account of this department- and for its disbursement, for the fiscal sear ended June 90, IK*, amounted ta more than #157 000 UJU. or a greater sum than was appropriated for the enure maintenance of the government lor the two fiscal yean ended June 90.1ML The Eublle Domain. Our public leads, originally amounting to .SOU sores, have been so reduced that only acres still remain In governexcluding Alaska. The baiter the most valuable portion, away to eejbafh, to new states »« sol* a* a oamparatlvaly I

VtUtnl VorMbry tyitiMi TkKMUDinlOB appointed from Ui membership of the National academy of sciences, provide4 tor by an act of congress to formulate 6ans for a national forestry system, will. U la >ped. soon be prepared to present the result of thorough and intelligent examination of thin Important subject. Our Indian Wards. The total Indian population of the United States is ITT,ig>, according to a census made in exclusive of those within the state of New York and those eomprisiug the fiTe civilised tribes. Of this uumber there are approximately 38 000 chlldrea of school age. During the year £3.396 of these were enrolled and may be in schools The progress wnlch has attended recent efforts to extend Indian school facilities, and the anticipation of oontlnued liberal appropriations to that end. can not tall to afford the utmost esatisf action to those who believe that the education of Indian children la a prime factor in the accomplishment of Indian civilization. The * ive Civilised Tribes. The condition of affstrs among the Sve civilized tribes, who occupy large tracts of land in the Indian territory, uud who have governments of their own. has assumed* such au aspect as to Tender it almost ludespensable that there should be an eutlre change in the relations of these Indians to the general government. This seems t0 be necessary m furtherance of their own interests, as well ae tor the protection of uon-Xndian residents in their territory. A commission organised and empowered under several recent laws u now negotiating with these Indians for the relinquishment of their courts and the division of their common lands in severalty, and are aldiug in the settlement of the troublesome question of tribal membership. The reception ef their first proffers of negotiation was not encouraging. bu\ through patience and such conduct on their part ns demonstrated that their intentions were friendly, and in the interest of the tribes, the prospect of success has become more promising. Utah GUsonlte Deposits. It appears that a very valuable deposit of gtlsouite or asphaltum has been found on the reservation in Utah occupied by the Unoompagbre Ute Indians. Every const deration of care5for the public interest, and every sensible business reason, dictate such management or disposal of this important source of publio revenue aa will except it from the general rules and incidents attending the ordinary disposition of publio lands and secure to the government a fan- share, at least, of its advantages in place of its transfer for a nominal sum to Interested individualism. A Permanent Indian Commission. I indorse 'the recommendation made by the present secretary of the interior, as wo{l as his predecessor, that a permanent commission, consisting of three members, one \<»f who^i shall be uu, army officer, be created toWrferm the duties now devolving uyou the «x>mtnisai'oner and assistant commissioner of ludian I affairs. The Tension Roll.

The diminution or our enormous pension roll and the decrease of pension expenditure which have been so otteu confidently foretold still fall In material realization. The number of pensioners on the roll at the close of the fiscal year ended June 30, 1380. was OTO.OTO. This is the largest uumbcr ever reported. The amount paid exclusively tor pensions during the year was tl36,sl4..iil.lM, a slight decrease from that of the preceding yoar, while the total expenditures on account of j^ensicns. including the cost of mulutatuthg the department and expenses attending pension distribution, amounted to IHr.2b6.cfo.i-9. or within a yery small fraction of one-third of the entln? expense. of supporting the governmeut>i’uring the same year. The number of noijfpension certificates issued was 80.640. Of these 40.374 represent original allowabl e of claims, and 16.(OT mcreasss of existing pensions. The somber of persons receiving pensions from the United Ntates.but residing in foreigD countries at the close of the last fiscal year was 3,731. and the amount paid to them during the year was |6S2.;35 3S. The sum appropriated for the payment of pensions for the current fiscal year, ending June td, isyT, Is lltO.WJO.tMO. and for the succeeding year ft is estimated that the saireamount will he ueeessarv. The commissioner of pensions reports that during the last tlsculyear33- indictmeuts were found aguiust violators of the pension laws. U^cn these indictments 167 conviclihus re1‘acitie Ituilroud Obligations The secretary calls attention to the public Interests involved in an adjustment of the obligations of the Pacific railroads to the'governj menu 1 deem it to he an important duty to especially present this subject to the cousidertion of the congress. Under section 4 of the act of congress passed Match S. 16S7, the president is charged with the duty in the event that any mortgage or other incumbrance paramount" to the interest of the United States in the property of the Pacific railroads shall exist aud he lawfully liable to be foreclosed, to direct the action of the departments of the treasury and of justice lu the protection of the Interest of the Uuited States by redemption or through judicial proceedings, including foreclosures uf the government liens. In view of the fact that the cougress has for a number of years almost constantly had under consideration various p.an-« for dealing with the conditions existing between the-e roads-and the government. I have thus :ur felt justified in w ithholding aoviou under the statute above mentioned.

Alt l>lgeu( 9t(UHIIVU. In the case of the Uuion Pacific company, however, the case has become especially and immedlately urgent. Proceedings have been instituted to foreclose a first mortgage upon' these aided parts of the main hues upon which the government holds a second aad subordinate mortgage lien. La consequence of | these proceedings and iacreastng complications. added to the default occurring on the Ural day of January. 1«®?, a condition will be ; presented ut that date, so far as this company is concerned. that must emphasise the man- : date of the act of U&7 and give to executive duty under its provisions a mere important aspect. v •• 'therefore, unless coagrcss shall otherwise direct or snail have previously determined upon a different solution of the problem there will barely appear to exist any reason for delaying-, beyond the date of the default above mentioned, such executive action as will prom- , ■ to subserve the public interests and save tin government from the loss threatened by further inaction. _ Utr.iKlMtST Ot AtiKlCl’LTlRS. Worthy of Coustaut Care and Encouragemeat. The department of agriculture is so intimately related to the welfare of our people and the prosperity of our nation that it suould constantly receive the care and encouragement ot the government. From a small beginning it has grown to be the center of agricultural intelligence and the source of aid and encouragement to agrk uitqral efforts, Large sums of money are annually appropriated for the maintenance of this department, and it must be confessed that the iegi.sj*i:on relating to It has always been rflrecteu in the iuterest of practloai farming or • properly guarded against waste and extravagance. So far. however, as public money has | been appropriated fairly-and sensibly to help ! those who actually tin the soli, uo expenditure has been more profitably made or more generally approved by the people. Exports ol Farm Products. The secretary reports that the value of oar exports of farm products during the last Bacal year amounted to au increase ot itT.c-OtUOu ever those of the year immediately preceding. Thu statement is not the le?s welcome because of the fact that, notwithstanding such increase. the proportion of exported agricultural products to our total exports ot all descriptions fell Off during the year. The benefits ot an increase -a agricultural products being assured. the decrease ia its proportion to our total export is the more gratifying when we consider that It is owing to the fact that such total exports for the year Increased more than f7b.WO.UlU (liatuftous Distribution of Seeds. In mv op albu the gratuitous distribution ol I seeds by the! department, as at present conducted. ought to be discontinued. No one can re a the statement of the secretary oft this subject and doubt the extravagance and quest sable results of this practice Ihe professed friends* of the farmer, and certainly the farmers themselves, are naturally expected to be willing to rid a department devoted to the promotion of tarmrng interests ot a feature wfiich tends so much to its discredit. The Weather Bureau. The weather bureau, now attached to the department of agriculture, has continued to ex- - leap its sphere of usefulness, and by an uninterrupted improvement in the accuracy of its forecasts has greatly increased its efficiency as an aid and protection to nil whose occupations are related to weather conditions. CIVIL-SERVICE REFORM. A Cans* fee Congratulation. The progress: made In civll-aenriee reform furnishes a cause for the utmost congratulation. It has survived the doubts ot Us friends as well as the rancor of its enemies, end has gained a permanent place among the ngensies destined to efcaute our politics, and to imyre, eeooertilse mnd alevaie the public servare now in upward of these hhYe'

time since March 4. m 4 _ R_ ud sweeping extension was made by executire order, issued the 6th day of May. 1884 And it fourth-class poetmastecahipa are not inoluded in the statement it rna^oe said that practically all positions contemplated bjr tbe civil service law are now classified. The annual report of the commissioners will be duly transmitted, and 1 commend the important matter they hare in oharge to the careful consideration of ooogress. luter-Siate Commerce. The Inter-state commerce commission has* during the last year, supplied abundant evidence of its usefulness aud the importance of the work committed to Us charge. Public transportation is a universal necessity, and the question of just and reasonable chargee therefor has become of vital importance. nod only to shippers; and carriers, but also to the vast multitude of producers and consumers. In view o' the judicial interpretation which some provi .one of this statute have received and the defects disclosed by the efforts made for its enforcement, its revision and amendment appear to be essential, to the end that l| may more effectually reach the evils designed to be corrected. 1 hope the recommendations of the commission upon this subjeot will be promptly and favorably considered by the congress.

TUX TARIFF QUESTION. lo||Mtlooi Touching the Pntwt Lav knit It* Operations. I desire to recur to the statements elsewhere made concerning the government’s receipt* ’ and expenditures for the purpose of venturing upon some suggestions touching our present tariff law and its operation. This statute took effect on the ttth day of August, ISW, Whatever may be its shortcomings as a complete measure of tariff refbrm.lt must beconceded that it has opened the way to a freer and greater exchange of cominodt- * ties between the United States uad other countries, and thus furnished a wider market for our produots and manufacturers. The only entire hscal year during which this law has beeu enforced ended on the 30th day of Juno. In that year our imports increased over those of the previous year more than *9,600.000, while the value of domestic products we exported. and which found maVketaabroad, was nearly JTV'.OOO.UOO more than during the preceding year. Those who insist that the cost to- our people of articles coming to them from abroad fog their needful use should only be Increased through tariff charges to an extent necessary to Fleet the expenses of the government, a* wen as those who claim that tariff charge* may be laid upon suck articles beyond the necessities of government revenue,und with the additional purpose of. so increasing their prlo* in our markets as to give American manufacturers and producers better and more profitable opportunities, must agree that our tariff laws are only primarily justified as sources of revenue to enable the government to meet th* necesNary expenses of Jta maintenance. Cun- , sidertd as to jts sutHcienby iu this aspect, the present law canny no means fall under iua% condemnation. During the only conoplete fiscal year of its operation it has yielded nearly $S,i*X).00u more revenue than was received from tariff duties in the precediu* year. There was, nevertheless,7 a deficit between our receipts and expenditures of a tittle more thfca *-■6.000,000. This, however, was not unexpected. The situation was such la December last.seven months before the close of the fiscal year, that the secretary of the treasury foretold a deficiency of Wf.g^WO, / Swii hToT'-Fferidte or Disturb Us. In the meantime no deficit that has occurred or may occur need excite or disturb us. To meet any such deficit iu the treasury, in addition to a gold reserve of #1*0.000,000, a surplus of more than SU’S.ttiO.QCO applicable to the payment of the expenses of the government, and which must, unless expended for that purpose, remain a useless hoard; or. ifuot extravagantly wasted, must in any event be pervertedfirom the purpose of its exaction from our podple. The payment, therefore, of any dedcienoy in the revenue from this fund Is nothing more than its,proper and legitimate use! * V Matter uf Supreme Importance. 1 suppose it will not be denied that under the present law our people obtain the necessaries of a comfortable existence at a cheaper rate than formerly. This is a matter of supreme importance, since it is the palpable duty or every just government to make the burdens of taxation ns light as nmiable. The people should not be requir5l|do relinquish this privilege of cheaper riving except under the stress of their government's necessity made plainly manifest.

OUR FINANCIAL SYSTEM. \Vf>ku»M and Vicm of Oar Frmat Method. This reference to the conditions end preapects of our revenues naturally suggests an allusion to the weakness and vices of otir financial method They have been frequently pressed upon the attention of congress In previous communications and the inevitable danger of their continued toleration pointed out. Without now repeating these details, I can not refrain from again earnestly presenting tbs necessity of the prompt reform of. a system opposed to every rule of sound finanog and shown by experience to bo fraught with the gravest peril and perplexity. Withdrawal* of Gold Obligations. Because we may be enjoying a temporary relief from lta depressing influence, this should not lull us Into a false security, nor lead ns to forget the suddenness of past visitations. J hot more convinced than ever that we can have no assured financial peace and safety until the ^government currency obligations upon which gold may bo demanded from the treasury aro withdrawn from circulation and cancelled. This might be done, as has been heretofore recommended, by their exchange for longterm bonds bearing a low rate of interest or by their redemption with the proceeds of suofc bonds This plan of issuing bonds fyr the purpose of redemption certainly appears to be the moot effective and direct path to the needed reform. In default of this, however, it would be a step In the night direction If currency obligations* redeemable in gold whenever so redeemed* should bo cancelled instead of reissued. Thlh operation would be a slow remedy, but It would Improve pcfisent conditions. National Hank Not**. National banks should redeem their ova notes. They should be allowed to issue circulation to the par value dl bonds deposited ah security for redemption, and the tax on their < circulation should be reduced to one-fourth of one per cent. .*■' In considering projects for the retirement of the United States notes and treasury notes issued under the new law of 1J#», 1 am of thh opinion we have placed too muoh stress upon the danger of contracting the currenoy and hare calculated too iittie upon the geld that would Ik* added to our ctrcul lion If Invited to us by better and safer financial methods. It lh not so much contraction of out edrrenoy that should be avoided as its unequal distribution. The entire case may be presented by thh statement that the day of sensible aad sound financial methods will not dswn upon us until our government abandons the banking business and the accumulation of funds, and confines its monetary operations to the receipt of the money contributed by the people for its support, and the expenditure of euoh money for the people's benefit;Our business Interests and all good citizen* long for rest from fevertsh agitation, and the Inauguration by thh government of a reformed flpanoihl poltoy which will encourage enterprise and make certain the rewards of labor and Industry. MONOPOLY. Trust* and Other Aggr*g *tIons of Capital Another tople in which our people .rightfully take a deep interest may be here briefly considered. I refer to the existence of trusts and other huge aggregation of capital, the object of which is to seoure the monopoly of some particular branch of trade, industry or commerce, and to ‘stifle wholesome competition. AVhen these arc defended it Is usually oa thh ground that, though they increase prices, they also reduce prices, apd thus may benefit the public. It must be. remembered, however, that a reduction of prices to tho people is not one of the real objects of these organizations, nor lh their tendency necessarily in that direction. If It occurs in a particular case It is onFv because it accords with the purposes or interests of those managing the scheme Though congress has attemped to deal with this matter by legislation, the laws passed fur that purpose thus fair hays proved Ineffective, not because of any lack of disposition or attempt to enforce them, but simply because the law#them-elves, as interpreted by the courts, do not reach the difficulty, if the insufficiencies of existing laws can be r* aaedled by .further legislation. It should be done. Au Appeal for Economy. In concluding this communication. Its words shall be an appeal to th the most rigid economy