People's Pilot, Volume 3, Number 25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 December 1893 — THE MESSAGE. [ARTICLE]

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 tao Repeal of the Silver Purchasing Clause. Fraudulent Pensioners Scored —Workings of the Civil Service Law. ▲ Reform. of the Tariff Policy an Abso- ' lute Necessity. A LENGTHY DOCUMENT. WASHINGTON, Dee. 4. —The following Is tfie message of President Cleveland transmitted to congress: To tbe congress of the United States: The constitutional duty which requires the president iTom time to time to give to the congress information of the state of the union, and recommend to their consideration suvti measures as lie shall judge necessary and expedient, ts fittingly entered upon by commending to tbe congress a careful exam.nation of the detailed statements :.nl 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 w consistent with Vs purpose. I shall supplement a brief reference to the contents of these departmental reports by the mention of such executive business ant incidents as are not embraced therein, and by such reeommen latlons as appear to be at this particular time appropriate. Peaceful Foreign Relations. While our foreign relations have not at all times during*the past year been entirely free from perplexity, no embarrassing situations remain that w ill not yield to tbe spirit of fairness und love of justice, which, joined with consistent firmness, characterize a truly American foreign policy. Argentine and Bra.tl Boundary Question. My predecessor having accepted the office of arbitrator us the long-standing missions boundary dispute, tendered to the president of the Argentine Republic and Brazil, it has been my agreeable duty to receive the special envoys Commissioned bv those states to lay before me evidence and arguments in behalf of their respective governments. The Brazilian Insurrection. The putbreak of domestic hostilities in the rcpubljdof Brazil found the United Sta es alert to watch the interests of our citizens in that country, with which we carry on important commerce. Several vessels of our new navy are now and for some lime have b -en stationed at Rio do danciro. Tbe siruggle being between lhe established government, whiih controls the machinery if administration, and with which we maintain friendly relations, and certain officers of the navy employing the vessels of their command in an attack upon the national capital and chief seaport, and lacking, ns it does, ths elements of divided administration, I have failed to see that the insurgents can reasonably claim recognition us belligerents. Thus far tbe position of our government has been that of an a tentive but impartial observer of the unfortunate conflict. Emphasizing our fixed policy of impartial neutrality in such a condition of affairs as now exists. I deemed it necessary to disavow in a maimer not to be misunderstood the unauthorized action of our late naval commander in those walers in saluting the rev lu-d Brazilian admiral, being in disposed to countenance an act calculated to give gratuitous sanction to .the local iitacrcciion, Chilian Claim Question.

The oouveuiion between our government and ■Chili, ha vim; for its object the settlement aud sdjustmen ■ of the demands of the two countries •.gainst each other, 1 as been made effective by the, organization of the claims commission provided tor. Tan two governments failing to agree upon the third mi inter of the commiss.oti, the good offices of the president of the bwiss republic were Invoked, as p ovided in the treaty, an I the selection of th i Swiss representative in this country to complete theo.ganiiatton wits gratifying alike to tho United States and Chui. Too vexatious question of socalled legation asylum for offenders against the state and its laws was presented anew in Chili by the unauthorized action of the late United St ites 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 crowing out of a former abortive disturbance. The do trine of asylum us applied to this case is not sanctioned by lhe bes. precedents, and, when allowed, tends to encourage sed tion and strife. Under no circumstances can the representatives c.f this government bo permitted, ■under the. ill-defined fiction of extra territoriality, io interrupt the administration of criminal justice in the countries to which they are accredited. A temperate demand hav ng been made by lie Chilian government tor the correction of this conduct in the instance mentioned, the minister was Instructed no longer to harbor the offenders.

Chinese Registration. ‘ "The legislation of last year, known as the Geary law. requiring the registration of all Eiilu<.se laborers entitled to residence in the United Slates, and tho deportation of all not complying v, ith the provisions of the act within the lime prescribed, met with much opuosition from Ch Inamen in this country. Acting upon the advice of eminent counsel that lhe law was unconstitutional, tie great mass of Chinese laborers, pending judicial inquiry ns to its validity, in good faith declined to apply for the certificates required by its provisions. A test case U] on pro ceding by habeas corpus was brought before the supreme court, •nd on May 15, 1,-93, a decision was made by that tribuual sustaining the law. It is believed that under the recent amendment of- the act extending tho time for registration the Chinese laborers thereto entitled who desire to reside in this country will now avail themselves of the renewed privilege thus afforded of establishing by lawful procedure their right to remain. and that thereby the necessity of enforced deportation may to a great degree be •voided, 'lhe Murder of Missionaries in China. It has devolved upon the United States minister at Peain, 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 Swedish missionaries at Sung-Pu. This question is of vital Interest to all countries whose citizens engage in missionary work in the interior. Tito Slave Trade in Africa. By article 12 of the general act of Brussels, ■signed July 2, 1893, for the suppression of the slave trade and the restriction of certain injurious 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 Tor the punishment of persons selling arms and ammunition to the natives and for the contlsca•tion of the inhibited articles. It being the plain duty of this government to aid tn suppressing the nefarious traffic, imrpairing as; it does the praiseworthy and civilizing efforts now in progruss in that region. I recommend that an act be passed prohibiting the sale of arms and intoxicants to the natives In the regulated zone by our citizens. Extradition Treaties.

■Costa Rica has lately testified its friendliness by surrenderin',; to the United States, in the absence of a convention of extradition, but open duly submitted evidence of criminality, a noted fugitive from justice. It is trusted that the negotiation.of a treaty with that country to meet recurring cases of this kind will soon be accomplished In my opinion treaties for reciprocal extradition should be concluded yrlth all those countries with which the United States has not already conventional arrangements of that character. I have deemed it fitting to express to the govertithenls of Costa Rica and Colombia the Kindly desire of the United States to see their (tending boundary dispute finally closed by arbitration in conformity with the spirit of the treaty concluded between them some years ago. y The French Republie. Our .relations with the French republic continue to be intimate and cordial. I sincerely that the extradition treaty with that •country, as amended by the senate, will soon be •operative. Germany. While occasional questions, affecting our M,tuialized citizens returning to the land of tbqln birth, have arisen in our intercourse with verinany. our relations with that country contmue sat it factory. Great Britain. ,Th<- questions affecting our relations with (Great Brtain have been treated In a spirit of ♦r'rf.nsl'.itirtts. Negotiations are in progress be-

tween the two governments with a view to such concurrent ac.ipa as will make tbe award and regulations agreed upon by the Behnng 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 discriminating lobs imposed in the V> el land canal, upon cargoes of cereals bound to and from the lake ports of the United Stales, was adjusted by the substitution of a more equitable schedule of charges, aud my predecessor thereupon suspended his proclamation imjiosing discriminating tolls upon British transit through our canais A request for additions to the list of extraditable offenses covered by the ex sting treaty between the two countries is under consideration. Hayti. During the past year an American citizen employed in a subordinate commercial position in Hay d, after suffering a pruiracted imprisonment on an unfounded charge of smuggling, wax dually liberated on judicial examination. Upon urgent representation to tbe Haytien government a suitable indemnity was paid to lue sufferer. By a law of Hayti a sailing vessel having discaarged her cargo is refused clearance umli the duties on sucn cargo have been paid. The hardship of this measure upon American shipowners who conduct tne buls of the carry.ng trade of that country has been Insisted on with a view of securing tbe removal of this cause of complaint. Honduras. Upon receiving authentic information of tbe fir.ng upon an American mail steamer touching at ttie port of Amapaia, because her captain refused to deliver up passengers in transit from Nicaragua to Guatemala upon demand of the military authorities of Honduras, our minister to that ouuiry under instructions protested against the wanton act and demanded satisfaction Tao government of Honduras, actuated by the sense of justice, and in a spirit of the utmost friendship, promptly disavowed the illegal conduct of us officers, and expressed sincere regret for the occurrence. It is ci ntiuently anticipated that a satisfactory adjustment will soon re reached of the questions arising out of the seizure and use of American vessels by insurgents in Honduras and the subsequent den.al by the successiul government or commercial privileges to those vessels on that account. Republic of Liberia. A notable part of the southeasterly coast of Liberia between Cavlly and San Fedoro rivers, which tor nearly half a century has been generally recognized as belonging to that republic by cession and purchase, has been claimed to be under the protectorate ot France in virtue of agreements entered into by the native tribes over whom Liberian control has uot been well maintained More re<ently, negotiations between the Liberian representative and the French government resulted in the signature at Paris of a treaty whereby as an adjustment certain Liberian territory is ceded to France. This convention at last advices had nut been ratified uy the Liberian legislature und executive Feeling a sympathetic interest in the fortunes of this little commonwealth, the establishment and development of which were largely aided by the benevolence of our countrymen, und which constitutes the only independently sovereign state on the west coast of Africa, this government has suggested to the French government its earnest concern lest territorial impairment in Liberia should take place without her unconstrained consent.

Mexico. Our relations with Mexico continue to be of that close and iriendly nature which should always characterize the intercourse of two neighboring republics. The work of relocating tue mouumeuis maiking lhe boundary between the countries Iroui Paso del Norte to the Pacific is now nearly completed, lhe commission recently organized unuer the lonvintioiis of IjSI and 18.-.9 it is expected will speedily settle disputes growing out of the shifting currents of the Rio Grande river east of 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 ills timely good offices, aided in a peaceful adjusim--tit of tue controversy involved in the first conflict. The large American interests established in that country in connection with the Nicaragua canal were not molested. 'liiu canal company has, unfortunately, become financially serious! j embarrassed, but it generous treaimem has been extended to it by the government of Nicaragua. Ti.e United Sluics are especially interested in the successful achievement of lhe vast undertaking this company has in charge. Tuat it should be accomplished under distinctively American auspices, and Us enjoyment as ,ured, not only to tno vessels of this country as a channel of communication between our Atlantic and Pacific seaboards, but to the ships of tho world in ihe interests of civilization, is a propositi >n which, in my judgment, does not anin.t of question. Guatemala has also been visited by the political v.cissitudes which have afflicted her Central American neighbors. Lu; the dissolution of her legislature and tee proclamation of a dictatorship have teen unattended with civil w ar. Extradition with Norway and Russia. An extradition treaty with Norway has recenil 1 / been proclaimed and exchanged. 'Hie ex edition treaty with Russia, signed in March. 1-37, and amended and confirmed by the senate in February last, was duly proclaimed lust June. The Samoan Troubles.

Led by desire to compose differences and contribute to tiie restoration of order in Samoa, winch for some years previous hud been the Elene of conflicting foreign pretensions and native strife, the United Slates, departing from its policy consecrated by a Ctniurr of observance, entered four years ago into the treaty of Berlin, thereby becoming jointly bound with England and Germany io establish and maintain Malietoa Eaupepa as king of Samoa. The treaty provided lor a foreign com t of justice; a municipal council for the district of Apia, with a foreign president thereof, authorized to advise the king; a tribunal for the- settlemeat of native and foreign laud titles, and a revenue system for the kingdom. It imposed upon the three powers that part of the cosi of the new government not met by lhe revenue of lhe islands.

Early in tho lile of this triple protectorate the native dissensions it vias designed to quell revived. Rivals defied the authority of tue new king, refusing to pay tuxes and demanding the election of a ruler by native suffrage. Mataafa, an aspirant to the throne, and a large number of his adherents wore in open rebellion m one of the islands. Quite lately, at the request of the other powers, and in fulfillment of its treaty obligation, this government agreed to unite in a joint military movement of such dimensions as would probably secure the surrender of the insurgents without bloodshed. The warship Philadelphia was accordingly put under orders for Samoa, but before she arrived lhe threatened conflict was precipitated by King Malietoa’s attack upon the 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 his adherents. The defeated chief and ten of his principal supporters were deported to a German island of the Marshall group, where they are held as prisoners under the joint responsibility and cost of the three powers. This incident and the events leading up to it singularly illustrate the impolicy of establishing alliances with foreign pow»rs. Relations with Spain.

More than fifteen years ago this government preferred a claim against Spain in behalf of one of our citizens, for property seized and confiscated in Cuba. In 1886 the claim was adjusted, Spain agreeing to pay, unconditionally, as a fair indemnity, 11,530,000. A respectful but earnest note was recently addressed to the Spanish government insisting upon prompt fulfillment ot its lung-neglected obligation. Other claims preferred by the United States against Spain, in behalf of American citizens for property confiscated in Cuba, have been pending for many years.

At the time Spain’s title to the Caroline islands was confirmed by arbitration; that government agreed that the rights which had been acquired there by American missionaries should be recognized and respected. It is sincerely hoped that this pledge will be observed by allowing our missionaries, who were removed from Ponape to a place of safety l.y a United States warship during the late troubles between the Spanish garrison and the natives, to return to their fields of usefulness. The reproduced caravel, Santa Maria, built by Spain and sent to the Columbian exposition, has been presented to the United States in token of amity and in commemoration of the event t was designed to celebrate. I recommend that, in accepting this gift, congress make grateful recognition of tho sincere friendship which prompted it The Outrages In Turkey. Important matters hove demanded attention in our relations with the Ottoman porta The firing and partial destruction, by an unrestrained mob, of one of the school bui dings of Anatolia college, established by citizens of the United States at Marsovan, and the apparent indifference of the Turkish government to tbe outrage, notwithstanding the complicity of some of its officials, called for earnest remonstrance. which was followed by promises of reparation and punishment of the offenders. Indemnity for the injury io the buildings has already been paid, permission to rebuild given, registraiion of the school property in tbe name of the American owners secured, and efficient protection guaranteed. Information received o' maltreatment suffered by an inoffeus ve American woman engaged in missionary work in Turkish Koordls-

tax. wwm folioby such representations to tbe porui as resulted in tbe Issuance of orders for the punishment of her assailants, tbe removal of a delinquent official, and the adoption of measures tor the protection of out citizens engaged In mission and other lawful work ixi that quarter. Turkey complains that her Armenian subjects obtain citizenship in this country not to identify itemselves In good faith with our people, but with the intention of returning to tbe land of their birth and there engaging in sedition. This complaint is not wholly without founds tion. A journal published in this country in the Armenian language openly counsels its readers to arm, organize ard participate in movements for the subversion of Turkish authority in the Asiatic provinces The Ottoman government has announced its intention to expel from its dominions Armenians who have obtained naturalization in tbe United States since 1868. Will Protect Armenians. The right to exclude any or all classes of aliens Is an attribute of sovereignty. It is a right asserted and, to a limited extent, enforced by the United States with the sanction of our highest court There being no naturalization treaty between the United Slates and Turkey, our minister at Constantinople has been instructed that while recognizing the right of that government to enforce Its declared policy against naturalized Armenians, he Is expected to protect them from unnecessary harshness of treatment

Relations with Venezuela. In view of the Impaired financial resources of Venezuela, consequent upon the recent revolution there, a modified arrangement for the satisfaction of tbe awards of the late revisory claims commission. In progressive installments, has been assented to und payments are being regularly made thereunder. The boundary dispute between Venezuela and British Guiana is yet unadjusted. A restoration of diplomatic intercourse between , the republic and Great Britain and reference of the question to impartial arbitration, would be a most gratifying consummation. The ratification by Venezuela cf the.convention.or the art!tralion of the long deferred claim of the Venezuelan transportation company, is awaited. The Hawaiian Affair. It is hardly necessary for ma to state that the questions arising from our relations with Hawaii have caused serious embarrassment. Just prior to the installation of the present admin.stration the existing government of Hawaii had been suddenly overthrown, and a treaty of annexation bad been negotiated between the erovisional government of the islands and the Inited States and submitted to the senate for ratification. This treaty I withdrew for examination,und dispatched Hon, James H. Blount,of Georgia, io Honolulu as a special commissioner to make an impartial investigation of the circumstances attending the change of government, and o* all the conditions bearing upon the subject of the treaty. After a thorough ana exhaustive examination Mr Blount subm.tied to me his report, showing beyond all question that the constitutional government of Hawaii had been subverted with the active aid of our representative to that government, und through the intimidation caused bv the presence of an armed naval force of the United States which was landed for that purpose at the instance of our minister. Upjn rhe facts developed it seemed to me the only honorable course for our government to pursue was to undo tbe wrong that had been done by those representing us and restore as far as practicable the status existing at the time ot our forcible intervention. With a view of accomplishing ibis result within the constitutional limits of executive power, and recognizing a..! our 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 Forthcoming. Thus far no information of the accomplishment of any definite results has been received frjm him. Additional advices are soon expected. When received they will be promptly sent to the congress, together with all other information at hand, accompanied by a special executive message fully detailing all the facts neccsstry to a complete understanding of the case, and presen tin,; a history ui all Vue material events leading up to the fireseut situation. Favorable to Arbitration. By a concurrent resolution, passed by the senate February 11, it-UO, and by the house of I representatives on th? 3J of Apri following, the I president was requested to “invite, from timo'to ! time, as fit o casions may arise, negotiations I w ith any government witi> whivh the United States has or may ha»o diplomatic relations, to the end that auy differences or dispu.es arising between tho two governments which cannot be adjusted by dip.omatic agency may be referred to arbitration and be peaceably* adj us ted by such means.” April IS. 1893, the international American conterenceof Washington by resolution expressed the wmh that all controversies between lhe republics of America and the nations of Europe rnig.it ba settled by arbitration, and recommended that the government of each nation represented in that conference thould cemmuuicate this wish to all iriendly powers A favorable response has been received from Great Britain in lhe shape of a resolution adopt’d in parliament July Iff lasi, cordially sympathizing with the purpose in view, and expressing lhe hope that her majesiy s government will lend ready cooperation to the government o' tne Uniled States upon the basis of the concurrent resolution above quoted, it affords me s gnal pleasure to lay tins parliamentary resolution before the congress, and io express my sincere gratification Hist the sentiment of two great and kmdred nations is thus uutnoritatively manifest In favor of the rational and peaceable settlement of international quarrels by honorable resort to arbitraiiou.

tirade of f oreign Envoys Raised. Since the passage of the act of March 3, 1893, authorizing iho president to raise the grade of our envoys to correspond with the rank in which foreign countries accredit their agents here. Great Britain, France, Italy and Germany have conferred upon their representatives at this capital the title of ambassador, and I have responded by accrediting the agent or the United States in those countries with the same i i tie. A like elevation of mission is -announced by Russia, and when made will be similarly met. Tins step fittingly comports with tho position the United States holds tn tho family of nations. During my former administration I took occasion io recommend a recast of the laws relating to the consular serw.ee in order that it might become a more efficient agency in tho promotion of lhe interests it was intended to subservo. The duties and powers of consuls have been expanded with the growing requirements ot our foreign trade. Discharging important duties affecting our commerce and American citizens abroad, and in certain countries exercising judicial functions, these officers should be men of character, intelligence and ability.

Copyright Extended to Denmark. Upon proof that the legislation of Denmark secures copyright to American citizens on equal footing with its own, the privileges of our copyright laws have been extended by proclamation to subjects of that country. Finauclal btatement. The secretary of the treasury reports that the receipts of the governmeut from all sources during the fiscal year end.ng June 30, 1893, amounted to <1461,716.561.94 and its expenditures to 4459,374,674 29. There was collected from customs 4215,3)5,01673 and from internal revenue $161,027,623.91. Our dutiable imports amounted to 6421.856,711, an increase of 452,453,907 over the preceding year, and importations free of duty amounted to $444,544,211, a decrease from the preceding year of 413,455.447. Internal revenue receipts exceeded those of the preceding year by 47,147.415.32.

The total tax collected on distilled spirits i was $94,720,260 55; on manufactured tobacco, j 131,889,711.74, and on fermented liquor, $32,548.983.1/7. We exported merchandise during the 1 year amounting to 4847,6(55,194, a decrease of i 8182,612,954, trom the preceding year. The amount of gold exported was larger than any I previous year in the history of the government, I amounting to SIOB 680,844, and exceeding the i amount exported during the preceding rear bv 458.485,517. The sum paid from the treasury for sugar bounty was •: 9,375,130 88, an increase over the preceding year of cz.u33.053 05. Estimates. It is estimated upon the basis of present revenue laws that tbe receipts of the government for the year ending June 35, 1891. will be J 21.565.38 and its expenditures $438,121,365.38, resulting m a deficiency of $28,009,0/0. Oar Circulation'. On the first day of November, 1853, the amount of money of all kinds in eirculation, or not ineludedin treasury holdings, was $1,718,544,682, an increase for the year of fl 17,4,14.917. Estimating our population at 67,426,900 at the t ime mentioned tbe per capita circulation was 825 49. On the same date there was in the treasury gold bullion amounting to 196.657,273 and silver bullion which was purchased at a cost of $426.261.551

Silver Bullion Purchases. The purchases of silver under ths law of July 14, 18K1, d, ring the last fiscal year, aggregated i ¥54.008.162.59 fine ounces, vrhnn cost $45,531.- ! 37i.53. The total amount of silver purchased from the lime that tax became operud.te until i tbe repeal of its purchasin’ clause, on '.he Ist i day of November, 18.3. was 1168.674,590.46 fine ounces, which cost 5155,930.&40 84. Between the Ist day of March, 1873 and the Ist day of November, 1893. ' the government purchased under all laws, 5/3,0,13.717 line ounces of silver at. a cost of 516,622,i 948 The silver dollars 1 bat, have teen coined j under the act of July 14, 1890. uwitber 35.98'7,285. I The seigniorage arising from such coinage was i t 6 977 ‘998.39. leaving ou hand in the mints 11 >,- 699,76) fine otutcea of silver, whieh.txn.i '.La%B 218.

Coinage Statistic*. Our total coinage of all metals during the last Area! vear consisted of 97 281,875 pieces, valued al 143,685.178 8). of which there was j3J.U38.14i In gold coin, 46,343.715 in silver- dollars, 17,317.240.9 J in subsidiary silver Coins and tl,UBU,!u£ 9J in minor coins. During the calendar year 1832 the production of precious metals in the United States was estimated to be 1.596 375 line ounces of gold ot the commercial and coinage value of 4a3.OJU.UjO and 58,u) i.UUJ mine ounces of silver of the bullion or market value of »50,7x*,ujo and of the coinage Vai ue of 174,983 9JO It ij estimated that on the Ist dt rot July, 1893, the metallic stock of money in the United Sta-ies. consisting of coin and bullion, amounted to 11.213.559,169 ot which $097,697,685 was gold 1 aud 4615,861,484 was silver. New aud suspended Bauks. One hundred and nineteen national banks I were organized during the year ending October 31, 1893, with a capital of 511.230.UJU. Forty-six ' went into voluntary liqukia ion and 158 sus--1 pended. Sixy-live of the suspended banks | were insolvent, eighty-six resumed business i and seven remained in the bauds of tank ex- | -iminers. with prospects of speedy resumption. Of the new ban .s organized forty-four were located in the eastern states, forty-one west of i the Mississippi river and thirty-four in the 1 central aud suuthern states The total number ' or national banks in existence on the 31st day of October. 1393. was 3,793. Laving an aggregate capital of .695,558,12) Net increase in the circulation of taese banks during the year was i 36 881.972 Repeal of the Silver Purchasing Clause. The recent repeal of the provisions of law requiring the purchase of silver bullion bv the government as a feature of our monetary scheme has made an entire change in the complexion of our currency affairs. Ido not doubt that the ultimate result of this action will be most salutary and far reaching In the nature of things, however, it is Impossible to know at this time precisely what conditions will be brought about by the change, or what, if any, i supplementary legislation may, in the light of i such conditions, appear to be essential or expedient Confident of the Future.

Of course, after >he recent financial perturbation, lime 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 ot tins 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 the probability of wise action. The Monetary Conference. The monetary conference which assembled at Brussels upon our invitation was adjourned to the 3Uth day of November in the present year. Tne considerations just stated anu the fact that a definite proposition from us seemed to be ex peeled upon the reassembling ot the conference led tne to express a willingness to have the meeting still further postponed. It seems to me thiiiit would be wiso to give general authority to tho president to invite other nations to such a conference at any time v. hen there should be a fair prospect of accomplishing an international agreement on the subject of coinage. Recommend itlon Regarding Bonds. I desire also to earnestly suggest the wdsdom of amending the existing statutes in regard to the issuance of government bonds. The authority now Vested iu the secretary of the treasury to issue bonds is not as clear as it should be. and the bonds authorized are disadvantageous to tbe government both as to the time of their maturity and rate of interest, immigration Statistics. The superintendent of immigration, through tho secretary of the treasury,"reports that during the last fiscal year there arrived at our ports 44),793 immigrants. Of these 1,1)63 were not permitted to land under the limitations of the law, und 577 were returned to .he countries from whence they came, by reason of their having become public charges The total arrivals were 111.G34 .ess than for the previous year. I‘reveiiliou of Disease. ! The secretary in bis report gives an account of the operation ot the marine hosp tai service and of Uie good work done under its supervis.on in preventing the entrance und spread of contagious diseases. The admonitions of the lust two years touching our pubiic hea.th and tbo demonstrated danger of the introduction of contagious diseases irom foreign ports has invested lue subject of national quurant.ne witu . increased interest A more general aud hari monlous system than now exists, acting promptly und directly everywhere, and constancy operating by prevint.ve means to shield our country from the invasion of disease, : and at the same time hav ng due regard to Uie i r.gnts aud duties of local agencies, would, I bei licve, add greatly to the safety of our people. '

lhe War department. The secretary ot war reports that the ! strength ot tue army on the 30ill day of Sep- 1 lumber last was 25,778 emisled men and 2,144 officers. The total expenditure of the depart- ; ment for tue year ending June 30, 1893, amuuntI ed to 8-a1,906.374.94. Of this sum, 41.992,581.95 ' i was for salaries and contmgen; expenses; <,23,- i , 377.828.35 lor the support ot lhe military eslab- i I lisiimeut; 86,077.033.18 lor miscellaneous ob- I i iects, and 420,518,631.41 for public works. This lat ter sum includes $15,2961876 46 ’or nver and , harbor improvements and 53,21)6,141.20 for fortilicat.ous aud other works of deienso. The National Guard. The total enrollment ot the militia of the several states was on tr.e 3lst of October of the * current year 112,597 ofilcers and enlisted men. ! The officers ui the army detailed fur the in- 1 spectiuu and instruction of this reserve of our military force report that increased interest and marked progress are apparent in tfie discipline and efficiency of the organization. Feaoe Has Reigned. Neither Indian outbreaks nor domestic violence have called the army into service during the year, and tue only active military duty required of it has been In tfie department of Texas, where violations ot the* neutrality laws of the United Stalesand Mexico were promptly and efficiently dealt with by lhe troops, el,citing the warm approval of the civil and military authorities of both countries.

Reorganize the Army. The operation ot wise laws and the influences of civilization constantly tending to relieve tne country from the dangers of Indian hostilities, together with the increasing ability of the stales, through the efficiency of tho national guard organizations, to protect ; their ciuzens from domestic violence, lead to the suggestion that the time is fast approaching when there should be a reorganization of our army on the lines of the present necessities of the country. This change contemplates neither increase in number nor added expense, but a redistribution of the force and an encouragement of measures tending to greater efficiency among the men and improvement of tne service. The adoption of battalion formations for infantry regiments, the strengthening of the artillery force, the abandonment of smaller and unnecessary posts, and the massing ot the troops at important and accessible stations, all promise to promote the usefulness of the army. In the judgment of army officers, with but few exceptions, the operation of the law forbidding the reen- ' listment ot men after ten years service has not i proved its wisdom, and while lhe arguments I tnat led. to its adoption were not without merit i the experience of years constrains me to join in 1 the recommendation for its repeal.

Progress in (toast DefenseIt is gratifying to note that we have begun to attain completed results in the comprehensive scheme of seacoast defense and fortification. entered upon eight years ago. A large sum has been already expended, but the cost of maintenance will be inconsiderable as compared with the expense of construction and ordnance. At the end of the current calendar year the war department will have nine IZihtch, twenty 10-mch and. thirty-fourß-inchguns,ready to be mounted on gun lifts and carriages,and seventy-live 12-| inch mortars. In addition to the product of | the army gun factory, now completed at Watervliet, the government has contracted ' ! with private parties for the purchase i |ot one hundred guns of these call- ' j bers, the first of which should be > | delivered to the department tor test, before | I July 1, 1894. The manufacture of heavy ord- , i nance keeps pace with current needs: but to : • render these guns available for the purposes ' I they are designed to meet, emplacements must be prepared fur them. Progress has been made i in this direction, and it is desirable that conI gross bv adequate appropriations should, proi vide for the uninterrupted prosecution off this necessary work. New Rifie for the Army. After much preliminary work and exhaustive examination in accordance with the requirements of the law, the board appointed to se.ect a magazine rifie of modern type, with which to replace the obsolete Springfield rifie of the infantry service, completed its labors during the last year, and the work of manufacture is now in progress ut the 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 world. | National Military Park. The work on the projected Chickamauga and ' Chattanooga national military park has been pros outed with zeal and judgment, and its opening will be celebrated during the coming year. Over nine (square milso of tiie Chlckaintug* 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 ts making satisfactory progress on the plans directed by the last congress. The Military Schools. The reports of the Military academy at West Po nt and tbe several schools for spec.al instructions of officers show marked advance in education 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 tbe superv.sion of Adjt Gen. Robert Williams, lately retired, the bureau of military information has become well established and is performing a service tuat will put in possession of the government tn time of war most valuable Information aud at all 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 the usual summary of the affairs -and proceedings of the department of justice for the past year, together with certain recommendations as to needed legislation on various subjects. I cannot too heartily indorse the proposition that the fee system as applicable to the compensation of United States attorneys, marshals, clerks of federal courts and United States commissioners, should be abolished wih as little delay as possibla It is clearly in the interest of the community that the business of the courts, both civil bnd criminal, shall be as small and as inexpensively transacted as the ends of justice will allow. The system is therefore thoroughly vicious which makes the compensation ot court officials depend upon the volume of such business, and thus creates a conflict between a proper execution of the law and private gain, which cannot fail to be dangerous to the rights and freedom of citizens and irrisislible temptation to the unjustifiable expenditure of public funds. It in addition to this reform another was inaugurated which would give to the United States commissioners tho final disposition of petty offenses within tho grade of misdemeanors, especially those coming under the internal revenue laws, a great advance would be made toward a more decent administration of the criminal law. Iu my first message to congress, dated December 8, 1885. I strongly recommended these changes and referred somewhat at length to the evils of the present system. Since that time the criminal business of the federal courts and the expense attending it have enormously increased. The number of criminal prosecutions pending in the c.reuit and district courts of the United States on the Ist day of July, 1885, was 3,fk)B, of which 1,884 were for violations of tbo Internal revenue laws, while the number of such prosecutions pending on the Ist day of July, 1833, was 9,0). of which 4,20) were for violation of the internal revenue laws. The expense of the United States courts, exclusive of judges’ salaries, for the year ending July 1, 1885, was 42.874,733 11 and for the year ending July 1, 1893, 44,528,076 87. It Is. therefore. apparent that the reasons given in 1885 for a change iu the manner of enforcing the federal criminal law have gained cogency and gained strength in lapse of time. Indorses tho 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 many ot the slates; authorizing writs of errors in behalf of the government : in cases where final judgment is rendered : against the stiffi ien<y of an ir>i dictuient or against the (government ' upon any other question arising before actual trial; limiting the right of review in cases of felony punishable only by fine and imprisonment to the circuit court of appeals, and making speedy provision for the construction of such prisons and reformatories as may be necessary lor tne confinement of United States convicts.

Postal Affairs. The report of the postmaster general contains a detailed statement of the operations of the post office department during the last fiscal year aud much interesting information touching this important branch ot the public service. The business of the ma Is indicates with absolute certainty the condit.on of the business ot the country, and depression in financial affairs inevitably and quickly reduces lhe postal revenues. Therefore a larger discrepancy than usual between the post office receipts and expenditures is the expected and unavoidable result of the distressing stringency which has prevailed throughout the country during much of the time covered by lhe postmaster general's report. Enormous Deficiency. At a date when belter times were anticipated it was estimated by his predecessor ihat the deficiency on the 30th day of June, 1893, would be but a little over 41,5(M),00U It amounted, however, to more than i.5,utx),000. At the same tune, and under the influence of like anticipations, estimates were made for Ute current fiscal year ending June 3>, 18'34, which exhibited a surplus of revenue over expenditures of t872,245 71; but now. in view of tne actual receipts and expenditures during that part of the current fiscal year already expired, the present postmaster general estimates that at i s c.ose instead of a surplus there will be a deficiency Ol nearly 88 003.003. The post office receipts for the last fiscal year ami tinted to 75,8'36 93.1 16, andiis expenditures to 181.074,004 0.1. Tais post office deficiency would disappear or be immensely decreased if less matter was carried free through the mails, an item of which is upward of 300 ions of seeds and.grain from the agricultural deparlm nt The total number of post offices m the United States on the 33th day of June, 1893. was 68,403, an increase of 1,284 over the preceding year. Ot these 3,360 were presidential, an increase in that class of 204 over lhe 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, 1833. Ninetythree other cities and towns are now entitled to this service under the law, but it has not been accorded them on account of insufficient funds to meet the expense of its establishment. I am decidedly of tho opinion that the provisions of the present law permit as general an introduction of this feature of mail service as is necessary or justifiable, and that it not be extended to smaller communities than are now designated. The expense of free delivery for the fiscal year ending June 30. 1894. will be more than 811,003,000, and under legislation now existing there must be a constant increase in this item of expenditure.

Money Order Business. There were 6,401 additions to the domestic money order offices during the last fiscal year, being the largest increase in any year since the inauguration of the sytem. Tbe total number of these offices at the close of the year was 18,434. There were 13,309,735 money orders issued from these offices, being an increase over the preceding year ot 1,240,293 and the Value ot these orders amounted to ¥127,576,433.65, an increase of t7,5u9,632.68 There were also issued during the year postal notes amounting to ¥12,993,076.73. During the year 195 international money-order offices were added to those already provided, making a total of 2.407 in operation on June 30, 1893. The number of international money orders issued during the year was 1,055,993, an Increase over the preceding year of 72,525, and their value was $16,341,837.86, an increase of $1,221,506.81. The number of orders paid was 300,917, an increase over the preceding year of 13,593, and their value was $5,283,375.70 an increase of 194.094.83, From the foregoing statements it appears that the total issue of money orders ana postal notes for the year amounted to 5156 821.348 24. The number of letters and packages mailed during the year for special delivery was 3,375,693, an increase over the preceding year of nearly 22 per cent. The special delivery stamps used upon these letters and packages amounted to $337,569 39, and the messengers’ fees paid for their delivery amounted to $256,592.71, leaving a I profit of $89,976 69. Tho Railway Service. | The railway mail service not only adds to the I promptness of mail delivery at all offices, but j it is the especial instrumentality which puts ; the smaller and way places in the service on an [ equality in that regard with the larger and I terminal offices, 'this branch of tbe postal i service has therefore seceived much attention j from the postmaster general, and. though it is I gratifying to Know that it is in a condition of high efficiency and great usefulness, lam led to agree with the*-postmaster general, that there is room for its further improvement.

Valae of Civil Service Reform. There are now connected with the post office establishment 28,3.4 employes who are in the Classified service. The head of this grott department gives conclusive evidence of the value of civil service reform when, after an experience that renders his judgment on the subject absolutely reliaole. be expresses the opinion that without the benefit of this system it would be impossible to conduct the vast business intrusted to him. 1 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 bet ter dis- | tribution of responsibility In his department Hie Navy. i The report of the secretary of tho navy contains a history of the operations of his department during the past year, and t xbibits a most gratifying condition of tbe personnel of our navy. Ho presents a satisfactory ac ountof tbe progre.*/which has be' u made In the oon«

•traction of vessels and mrJtee a number of recommendations to which attention is especially invited. Cruiser* Kept Busy. During the past six months the demands for cruising vessels have been many and urgent. There have been revolutions calling for vessels to protect American interest* In Nicaragua, Guatemala, Costa R ai. Honduras. Argentina and Brazil, while the condition of affairs in Hono--1 ulu has required the cons tant presence of one or more ships. With all these calls upon our navy. It became neces-ary. in order to make up a sufficient fleet to patrol tbe Rebring sea under tbe modus vivendi agreed upon with Great Britain, to detail to that service one vessel from the .fish commission and three from the revenue marine. Progress tn the construction of new vessels has not been as rapid as was anticipated. There has been delay in tbe completion of unarmored vessels, but for the most part they have been such as are constantly occurring even in countries having the largest experience in naval ship building. Tbe must serious delays, however, have been la the work upon armored ships The trouble has been the failure of contractors to deliver armor as agreed. The difficulties seem now, however, to have been all overcome, and armor is being delivered with satisfactory promptness Oar Reorganized Maty.

As a result of the experience acquired by ship builders and designers aud material men, it is believed that the aates when vessels will be completed can now be estimate 1 with reasonable accuracy Great gu is. rapid fire guns, torpedoes and powder arc being promptly supplied. The following vessels of the new navy have been completed and are now ready for service: The double-turreted coast-defense monitor Miantonomoh, the double-turreted coast-de-fense monitor Monterev, the armored cruiser New York, the protectel cruisers Baltimore, Chicago, Philadelphia, Newark, San Francisco, Charleston. Atlanta and Boston, the cruiser Detroit, the gunboats Yorkt.wn, i Toneord. Bennington, Machias. Castine and Petrel, the dispatch vessel Do.phin, the practice- vessel Bancroft and the dynamite gunboat Vesuvius. Of these the Bancrofi, Machias. Dt trc-lt and Castine have been placed ia aommiss'.os during the current calendar year. The following vessels,are in progress of construction: The second- battleship Maine and Texas, the crtiisers Montgomery and Marblehead, and the coasti-aefense monitors Terror, Puritan, Amphitrite und Monad nock, all of which will be completed within one year; the harbor defense Ram Katahdin and the’ protected cruisers Columbia,Mmnen polls, Olympia, Cincinnati and Raleigh, ull of whiih will bo completed prior to July 1, 18)5: the first-class battleships lowa. Indiana, Massachusetts and Oregon, which will be comp.eted by February 1, 1896, and the armored cruiser Brooklyn, which will be completed by August 1. of that year, it is also expeo ed that the three gunboats authorized by the last congress will be completed in less than twe years. A Note of Warning. Since 1885 congress has at each session authorized the building of aae or more vessels, and the secretary of the navy presents an earnest plea for the continuance of this plan. Ho recommends the authorization of at least one bat lieship and six torpedo boats. While 1 tun distinctly in favor of consistently pursuing the policy we have inaugurated of building up a thorough and efficient navy I cannot refrain from the suggestion that Um congress should carefully take iuto account the number of unfinished vessels ou our hands and the depleted condition of our treasury in considering the propriety of an appropriation at thia time to begin new work. The method of employing mechanical labor at navy yards through boards ot labor, and making efficiency the sole lest by which laborers are employed and ooatinued. is producing tho best results, aud the secretary is earnestly devoting himself to its development I Attention is invited to the statements ot his report in regard to the workings of tiie system.

The Pension Rolls. The secretary ot tho interior has the supervision of so many important subjects that bis report is ot especial value and interest. On tha 30th day of June, 1833, there were on the pension rolls 966,012 names, an increase of 89,944 I over the number on the rolls June 30, 1892 Ol ' these there were 167 widows and daughters of /revolutionary soldiers, 86 survivors ot the war | ot 1812, 5.425 widows of soldiers of that war,.21,I 518 survivors and widows of tue Mexican war, I 3,332 survivors aud widows of Indian wars, 284 army nurses and 47 >,645 surv.vors and widows ‘ aud children of deceased soldiers and sailors of I the war of thu rebel ion. Tue latter number I represents those pens oued un account of disaI billties or death resulil.ig iroin, army and navy ) service. Tue numb- r o. persons remaining on the rolls June 3J, 1893. who were pensioned unIder the ict ot June 27. 189), which allows penI sions on account of death and disauility not ' chargeable to army service, was 4'59, lai. I The numb'-r added to the rolls uuring the year was ic3,634 aud the numbtr dropped was !33 690. lhe first payments ou pensions ali lowed during the your amounted to 833,756,I 549,98.. This includes arrears, or ihe accumui la lion between the ti.ae from which the allowance of pension dates aud tfie time of actually granting the cer.itloale. Pensions for Disabilities. Although the law at 1839 permits pensions for disabilities not related tu military service, yet as a requisite to its benefits a disability must exist incapacitating applicants “from the performance of manual labor to such a degree as to render them unable to earn a support.” The execution of this law in its early stages does ! not seem to have been V« accord with its true intention: but toward the close ot the lust administration an authoritative construction was given to the statute and since that time this lonstruction has been followed. This nas had the effect of 1 miting the alteration of the law to its intended purpose. The discovery having been made that many names had be<-n put upon ihe pension roll by means ot wholesale aud gigantic frauds,, the commissioner suspended payments upon, a number of pensions which seemed to bo fraudulent or unauthorized pending a complete examination, giving notice to the pensioners in order that they m.ght nave an opportunitv to establish, If possible, the justice of their claims notwithstanding apparent invalidity. Frauds Should Be Exposed.

This, 1 understand, is the practice which hasfor a long time prevailed In the pensioa bureau, but after entering upon these recent investigations the ootnm.ssiotier modified this rule so as not to allow, until alter complete examination, interference -with the payment of a pension apparently not altogether void, but which merely had bee« fixed at a rate higher than authorized by law. I am unable to understand why frauds in the pension rolls should not be exposed and corrected with thoroughness and vigor. Every name fraudulently put upon thebe rolls is a wicked imposition upon the kindly sentiment in which pensions fiavo their origin/ Every fraudulent pensioner has become a bad citizen; every false oath in support of a pension bus made perjury Acre common, and false and undeserving pensioner* rob the people not onty of tneir money but at the patriotic sentiment which the survivors «f war, fought for the preservation of the union, ought to inspire. Thousands 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 doae is to brave and deserving pensioners, who certainly ought not to be condemned tosueh association. Those who attempt In the line ot dnty to rectify these wrongs should not be accused of enmity or indifference to the claims of honest veterans. Enormous Expenditures. The sum expended on account of pensions for the year ending June 39, 1893, was $155,7-40,467 14. The commissioner estimates that u65,0.>0.000 will be required to pay pensions during tbn year ending June 30, 1894.

Indian Affairs. The condition of the Indians and. their ultlmaie fate are subjects which are related to a sacred duty ot the government and which strongly appeal to the sense of justice and the sympathy ot our people. Ourlndians number about 248,00fi Moat of them are located on 161 reservations, containing 86,116,531 acres of land. About 119,000 of these Indians have, to a large degree, adopted civilized customs. Hands In severalty have been allotted to many of them. Such allottments have been made to tO.Ocu individuals during the last fiscal year, embracing about 1006,000 acres. The number of Indian government schools open during the year was 195, an increase of twelve over the preceding year. Of this total 170 were on reservations, of which seventy-three were boarding schools and ninety-seven were day schools. Twenty boarding schools and five day schools supported by the government were not located on reservations. The total number of Indian children enrolled during the year as attendants of all schools was 21,138, an increase of i,z3l over th* enrollment for the previous year. What Is Best for the Indian. lam sure that secular education and moral and religious teaching must be important faotors in an effort to save the Indian and lead him to civilization. I beHevo. too. that the relinquishment of tribal relations and the holding of land in severalty may, in favorable conditions, , aid this consummation. It si ems to me, howi ever, that allotment of land in severalty ought | to be made wi:h great care and circumspection, i If has>ily done before the Indian knows its meanI ing, while yet he has little or no idea of tilling i a farm and no conception of thrift, there is ■ great danger that a reservation life in tribal relations may be exchanged for tho pauperism ot civilization, instead of its independence and elevation. The solut.on of the Indian problem dept nds verv largely . pou good aumir.istraUon. The personal tituesa of ugt nm aud. Uli* qdapV

tbWty to the peculiar duty of carinx for their • ardA are of the utmost imp< rance. f Danger of Abuse*. The law providing that, except in especial eases, army officers shall bo detailed as Indian •gems, it'is hoped will prove a successful experiment. There is danger of great abuses creeping into the prosecution of claims for Indian depredations, and I recommend that every possible safeguard be provided against the enforcement of unjust and tlctilious claims of this description The appropriations on account of the Indian bureau for the year ending June J), 1891. amount to $7,954,96: 99, a decrease as compared with the year preceding it of t 357.131.95 Private Control of Public f.anrts. The vast area of land which, but a short time ego. constituted the public domain is rapidly falling into private hands. It is certain that in the transfer the beneficent intention of the government to supply from its domain homes to the industrious and worthy homeseekers is often frustrated. Though the speculator, who *“ stands with extortionite purpose between the land office and those who. with their families, •re invited by the government to settle on the public lands, is a despicable character who ought not to be tolerated, yet it is difficult to thwart his schemes. Opening of the Strip. The receth opening to settlement of the lands in the Cherokee, outlet, embracing an area of 6.590,00 acres, notwithstanding the utmost care in framing the regulations governing the selection of locations and notwithstanding the presence of United States troops, furnished an exhibition, though perhaps in a modified degree, of the road scramble, the violence and the fraudulent occupation which have accompanied previous openings of public land. I concur with the secretary iu the belief that these outrageous incidents cannot be entirely prevented without a change in the laws on the subject, and I hope his recommendations in that direction will be favorably considered

Preserve the Forests. I especially commend to the attention of the congress the statements contained in the secretary’s report concerning forestry. The time has come when efficient measures should le taken for the preservation of our forests from indiscriminate and remorseless destruction. The report of the secretary of agriculture will be found exceedingly interesting, especially to that large part of our citizens intimately concerned in agricultural occupations On the 7th ot March. 1893, there were upon its payrolls 2.4» employes. This number has been reduced to 1,850 persons. In view of a depicted public treasury and the Imperative demand of the people for economy in the administration of their government, the secretary has entered upon the task ol rationally reducing expenditures by the elimination from the payrolls of all persons not noeded tor an efficient conduct of the affairs of the department Cutting Down Expenses. During the first quarter of the present year the expenses of the department aggregated ¥345,870.76, as against 1402 012 42 for the corresponding period of the fiscal year ending June :0, 1893. The secretary makes apparent his intention to continue this rate of reduction by submitting estimates for the next fiscal year less by 1994,289 than those .for the present year. Among the heads of divisions in this department the changes have been exceedingly few. Three vacancies occurring from death and resignations have been tilled by the promotion of assistants in thesanie divisions. These promotions of experienced and faithful assistants have not only been in the interest of official work, but have suggested to those in the department who look for retention and promotion that merit and devotion to duty are their best reliance. The amount appropriated for the bureau of animal industry for the current fiscal year is 1850 000; the estimate for the ensuing year is 4790,009.

Contagious Diseases of Animals. ■The regulations of 1892 concerning Texas fever have been enforced during the last year, and the largest stock yards of the country have been kept free from infection. Otcasioua? local < utbreaks have been largely such ns could have.been effectually guarded against by the owners of the affected cattle. While contagious pleuro-pneumonia in cattle has been eradicated, animal tuberculosis, a disease widespread and more dangerous to human life than pieuro pneumonia, is still prevalent Investigations have been made during the past year as to the moans of its communication and the method of its correct diagnosis. Much progress has been made in this direction by the studies of the division of animal pathology, but work ought to be extended in cooperation with local authorities until the danger to human life arising from this cause is reduced to a minimum. The number of animals arrived from Canada during th" year and inspected by bureau officers was 162,092, and the number from transAtlantic Countries was 1,297. No contagious diseases were found among the reported animals. The total number of inspect.ons of cattle for export during the past fiscal year was 611.542.

Falling Off in Exports. The exports show a falling off of about 25 per cent, from the preceding year, the decrease oc- , curving entirely tn the last half of the year, i This suggests that the falling off may have 1 been largely due to an increase in the price of American export cattle. During the year end- 1 tng June 30. 18.13. exports of inspected pork aggregated 20,677,410 pounds, as against 38,152,874 pounds for tho preceding year. The falling off in this export was not confined, however, to inspected pork, the total quantity exported in 1892 being 665,490,016 pounds, while in 1893 it was only 527,308 69 > pounds. I join the secretary in recommending that hereafter each applicant for the position of inspector or assistant inspector in the bureau of animal industry be required, as a condition precedent to his appointment, to exhibit to the United States civil service commission his diploma from an established, regular and reputable veterinary college, and that this be supplemented by such an examination in veterinary science as the commission may prescribe. Exports of Agricultural Products. The exports of agricultural products from the United Slates ior the fiscal year ending June 3u. 1882, ■ attained the enormous figure of *800.001),090, in round numbers, being 78.7 per cent of our total exports. In the last fiscal year this aggregate was greatly reduced, but nevertheless reached *ols,oo<),oi)j, being 75.1 per cent, of all American commodities exported. A review of our agricultural exports with , special reference to their destination w.ill show that in almost every line the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland absorbs by far the largest proportion. Of cattle, the total exports aggregated in value for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1893, 82ti,<X)i),OOO, of which Great Britain took considerably over *25,090,000. ut beef products of all kinds our total exports were *28,000,000, of which Great Britain took *24,000,000 Of pork produeds the total exports were 884.000,000, of which Great Britain took 858.000,000. In breadstuffs, cotton and minor products iike proportions sent to the snme destination are shown.

Service of Great Value. 'rhe work of the statistical division of the department of agriculture deals with all that re- . lutes to the economies of farming. The main purpose of its monthly reports is to keep the farmers informed us fully as possible of all ; matters having any influence upon the world's markets, in which the products find sale. Its publications relate especially to the commercial side of farming. It is therefore of profound importance and vital concern to the farmers of the United States, who represent nearly one-half of our population, and also of direct interest to the whole country that the work of this division be efficiently performed and that the informanion it has gathered be promptly diffused. It is a matter of congratulation to know that the secretary will not spare any effort to make this part of his work thoroughly useful In the year 1838 the congress appropriated 81,000 to be taken from the patent office funds for the purpose of collecting and distributing rare and improved varieties of seeds and for prosecuting agricultural investigations and procuring agricultural statistics. From this small beginning the seed division of the department of agriculture has grown to its present unwieldy and unjustifiably extravagant proportions. Dnring the last fiscal year the cost of seeds purchased was 866,548.61. The remainder of an appropriation of J 135.000 was expended in putting them up and distributing them. It surely never could have entered the minds of those who first sanctioned appropriations of public money for the purchase of new and improved varieties of seeds for gratuitous distribution that from this would grow large appropriations for the purpose of distribution by members of congress of ordinary seeds, bulbs and cuttings, which are common in all the states and territories and everywhere easily obtained a? low prices. Wasteful Distribution of Seeds. In each state and territory an agricultural experiment station has been established. These stations, by their very character and name, are the proper agencies to experiment with and test new varieties of seeds: and yet this indiscriminate and wasteful distribution of legislation and legislators continues, answering no purpose unless it be to remind constituents that their representatives are willing to remember them with gratuities at public cost. Under the sanction of existing legislation, there was sent out from the agricultural departmentduring the last fiscal year enough of cabbage seed to plant 19,200 acres of land, a sufficient quantity of beans to plant 4.000 acres, beet seed enough to plant 2 500 acres, < sweet corn enough to plant 7.809 acres, sufficient cucumber seed to cover 2,205 ucres with vines, •nd enough muskmelon a d watermelon seeds

to p1ant.2,675 acres. The total quantity of flower and vegetable seeds thus distributed was contained in more than 9,o9o,ooopackages and they were sufficient, if planted, to coyer 89,596 acres of land. Should Be Abolished. In view of these facts this enormous expenditure without b-gitimate returns of benefit ought to be abolished. Anticipating a consummation so manifestly in the interests of good administration more than ¥103,000 has been stricken from the estimate made to cover this object for the year ending June 39, 189.5, and the secretary recommends ;that the remaining 435,000 of the estiate be confined strictly to the purchase of new and improved varieties of seeds, and that these be distributed throughout experiment stations. Thus the seed will be tested, and after the test has been completed by the experiment stations, the propagation of the useful varieties and the rejection of the valueless may safely be left to the common sense of the people. Workings of the Civil Service Law. The- continued intelligent execution of the civ I service law and the increasing approval of the people of its operation are most gratifying. Tae recent extension of its limitations and regulations to the employes at free delivery post offices, which has been honestly and promptly accomplished by the commission, with the hearty cooperation of the postmaster general, is an immensely important advance in the usefulness of the system lam, if possible, more than ever convinced of the incalculable benefits conferred by the civil service law. not only in its effect upon the public service, but also, what is even more important, in its effect in elevating the tone ot political life generally. Popular Love of Kight and Justice. The course of civil service reform in this country instructively and interestingly illustrates how strong a hold a movement gains ui>on our people which has underlying it a sentiment of justice and right, and which at the sums time promises better administration of their government. The law embodying this reform found its way to our statute book more from fear of the popular sentiment existing in its favor than from any love for the reform itself on the part of legislators; and it has lived and grown and flourished in spite of the covert as well as open hostility of spoilsmen and notwithstand.ng the querulous impracticability of many self-constituted guardians. Beneath all the vagaries and sublimated theories which are attracted to it there underlies this reform a sturdy common-sense principle not only suited to this mundane sphere, but whose application our people are more and more recognizing to be absolutely essential to the most successful operation of their government, if not to its perpetuity.

An Inconsistency Pointed Out. It seems to me to be entirely inconsistent with the character of this reform, as well us with its best enforcement, to oblige the commission to rely for clerical assistance upon clerks detailed from other departments. There ought not to be such a condi.ion in any department that clerks hired to do the wo’k there can be spared to habitually work at another place; and it does not accord with a sensible view of civil service reform that persons should be employed on the theory that their labor is necessary in one department when in jroint of fact their services are devoted to entirely different work in another department. I earnestly urge that the clerks necessary to carry on the work of the commission bo regularly put upon its roster, and that the system of obliging the commissioners to rely upon the services of clerks belonging to other departments be discontinued. This ought not to increase the expense to the government, while it would certainly be more consistent and add greatlyto the efficiency of the commission.

Economy Is Urged. Economy in public expenditure is a duty that cannot innocently be neglected by those intrusted with the control of money drawn from the people for public uses It must bo confessed that our apparently endless resources, the familiarity of our people with immense accumulations of wealth, the growing sentiment among them that the expenditures of public money should in some manner be to their immediate and personal advantage, the indirect and almost stealthy manner in which a large part ot our taxes are exacted, and a degenerated sense of official accountability have led to growing extravagance in governmental appropriations. At tflts time, when a depleted public treasury confronts us, when many of our people are engaged in a hard struggle for the necessaries or life and when enforced economy is pressing upon the great mass of our countrymen, 1 desire to urge, with all the earnestness at my command, that congressional legislation be so limited by strict economy as to exhibit an appreciation of the condition of the treasury and a sympathy with the strained circumstances of our fellow citizens. The d ty of public economy is also of immense importance iu its intimate and necessary relation to the task now in hand of providing revenue to meet government expenditures and yet reducing the people's burden ot federal taxation. Tariff Reform Delore Us.

After a hard struggle tariff reform is directly before us. Nothing so important claims ourattentlon and nothing so clearly presents itself as both un opportunity and a duty—an opportunity to deserve the gratitude of our fellowcitizns and a duty imposed upon us by our oftrepeated professions and by the emphatic mandate of the people. After full discussion our countrymen have snoken in favor of this reform, and they have confided the work of its accomplishment to the hands of those who are solemnly pledged to it. Fur Revenue Only. If there is anything in the theory of a representation in public places of the people and their desires, If public officers are roally the servants of the people, and it political promises and professions have any binding force, our failure to give the relief so long awaited will be sheer recreancy. Nothing should intervene to distract our attention or disturb our efforts until this reform is ac omplished by wise and caretui legislation. While we should stanchly adhere to the principle that only the necessity of revenue justifies the imposition of tariff duties and other federal taxation, and that they should be limited by strict economy, we cannot close our eyes to the fact that conditions have grown up among us which in justice and fairness call for discriminating care in the distribution of such duties and taxation as the emergencies of our government- actually demand.

Reduction Must Be Substantial. Manifestly, if we are to aid the people direct* ly through tariff reform, one of its most obvious features should be a reduction in present tariff charges upon the necessaries of life. The benefits of such a reduction would bo palpable and substantial, seen and felt by thousands who would be better fed and better clothed aud better sheltered These gifts should be the willing benefactions of a government whose highest lunction is the promotion of the welfare of the people. Not less closely related to our people's prosperity and well-being is the removal of restrictions upon the importation of the raw materials necessary to our manufactures The world should be open to our national ingenuity and enterprise. This cannot be while federal legislation, through the imposition of high tariff, forbids to American manufactures as cheap materials as th<<e used by their competitors. It is quite obvious that the enhancement of the price of our manufactured products resulting from this policy not only confines the market for those products within our own borders, to tbe direct disadvantage of our manufacturers, but also increases their cost.to out citizens. Labor's Interests Involved. The interests of labor are certainly though indirectly involved in this feature of our tariff system The sharp competition and active struggle among our manufacturers to supply the limited demand for their goods soon fill the narrow market to which they are confined. Then follows a suspension of work In mills and factories, a discharge of employes, and distress in the homes of our workingmen. Even if the often disproved assertion could be made good that a lower rate of wages would result from free raw materials and low tariff duties, the intelligence of our workingmen leads them quickly to discover that their steady employment, permitted by free raw materials, is the most important factor in their relation to tariff legislation. The New Measure. A measure has been prepared by the appropriate congressional committee embodying tariff reform on the lines herein suggested, ■which will be promptly submitted for legislative action. It is the result of much patriotic and unselfish work, and I believe it deals with its subjects consistently and thoroughly as existing conditions permit I am satisfied that the reduced tariff duties provided for in the proposed legislation added to existing internal revenue taxation Will in the near future, though perhaps not immediately. produce sufficient revenue to meet the needs of the government The committee, after full consideration, and to provide against a temporary deficiency which may exist before tbe business of the country adjusts itself to the new tariff schedules, have wisely embraced in their plan a few additional internal' revenue I taxes, including a small tax upon incomes deI rived from certain corporate investments Will Not Disturb Business. These new assessments are not only absolutely just and easily borne, but they have the further merit of being such as can be remitted wi thou'.unfavorable business disturbance whenever the necessity of their imposition no longer exists. Must Subordinate Personal Desires. In my great desire for the success of this measure I cannot restrain the suggestion that its success can only be attained by means of unselfish counsel on the part of the friends of tariff i eform and mb result of their wllllßgneM

to subordinate personal desires and ambtticns to the general goo 1. The loosl interests affected by the i ro posed reform are so numerous and so varied that if all ar t insisted upon the legislation embodying the reform must inevitably fail. Conclusion. Tn conclusion, my intense feeling of responsibli y im l *-s roe to invoke tor the man'fold interests ol a generous and o infilling people the mostser pan,us care aua to pledge my willing support to every legislative effort for the advancement of the greatness and prosperity of our beloved country. GUOVER CLEVEtJLND. Executive Mansion, Washington, December 4, 1893. - .