Rensselaer Republican, Volume 12, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 December 1879 — NATIONAL AFFAIRS. [ARTICLE]

NATIONAL AFFAIRS.

Ptrsldeit H»jm' Third Annual Message te Congress—He Congratulates the Country Upon Ita Prosperity. The Eemmption of Specie Payments— Suapenaion of the Coinage of the, Silver Dollar Recommended. He niaks the Retirement of the La* Bal-Trnder Notes Should Re Provided Por. The Questions of Polysemy. Civil-Serv-ice Reform, Etc-, Etc- , • 1 .‘ . . I Frlkiw-Cit Izens of the Senate arid House of Representatives: The members of the Forty-sixth Congress have assembled in their first regular session under circumstances calling for mutual congratulations and grateful acknowledgment to the Giver of all good for the large and unusual measure of National prosperity which we now enjoy. The most Interesting events which have occurred in our public affairs since my last annual message to Congress are connected with the financial operations of the Government directly affecting the bust- 1 ness Interests of the country. I con-1 gram bite Congress on the successful exteu- I t ion of the Resumption act. At the time fixed, i and in the manner contemplated by law. Catted ’ Walrt notes began to be redeemed in coin. Since the Ist of January last they have been 1 promptly redeemed on presentation, and in all - business transactions, public ami private, in all : parts of the country, they arc received and ' paid out as the equivalent of coin. The do- i ntand upon the Treasury for gold ami silver In exchange for Uniteal Butts notes has keen comparatively small, ami the voluntary deposit of coin and bullion, in exchange for notes I has been very large. The excess of the precious metals deposited or exchang-l forUntted States notes over the amount of Cnited States notes icdcsawd is about 940.0004X1). The resumption of specie payments has boon followed by a very great revival of business. H'i«h a currency equivalent in value to the money of the commercial world, vro are-ena-bled to enter upon an eqani competition with ' Uker nations hi trade and production. The increasing foreigtr demand for our manuftio-1 lures ami agricultural 'products has caused a , large balance of traile in our favor, which has Icon paid in gold, from the Ist of .July last to November ts, to the amount of al»>ut f.vu»»,l»*i. Since the resumption of specie payments there has lieen a marked and gratlfviiig impmvetnent of the public credit. The Winds of 'the Government l»-aringnnly 4 per cent. Interest have sold at or above par, sufficient hi amount to payoff all of the National debt which was redeemable under the pre-sent laws. The amount of interest saved annually bv the process of refunding the debt since March 1, lx~, is fltjSC.li >. The bonds-sold were largely in small sums, and the number of our citizens now bolding the public securi- | ties is much greater than ever before. The amount of the National debt, which matures in less than two years, is tlK.lfl.3H, of which 16 O.iMM 00. bear interest at the rate of live per cent, and the balance Is In bonds Ih it ring a perCTOt. interest. It is believed that this putt of the public debt can be refunded by the issue of four per cent, tionds and by the reduction of Interest which will thus lie effected about Ill.ODUO) can be annually saved to the Treasury. To secure this important reduction of interest to be paid by the United states further legislation* is required, which it is hoped will be provided by Congress during Its present session. The coinage of . gold by the mints of the United States during the last fiscal year was t40.9tt5.912, * Thecoinage of silversloltars since the passage Of the act for that purpose up to November 1, 1879, was tAi,ott>.xau. of which 112.706.344 have been I-sued from the Treasury, and an- now in circulation, and tS. ; o)..V»i arc still In the poo•esalon of the Government. The pendency of the proposition for unity of action octween'the United States and the principal commercial nations of Europe to effect a permanent system for the equality of gold and sliver, In the recognized money of the world, :■ lemls me to recommend that Congress ; refrain from any new legislation on the gen- ; entl subject. The great revival of trade, internal and foreign, will supply during the coining year its own instructions, which may well be awaited before attempting fnrther ex- . perimentai measures with the coinage. I would, however, strongly urge upon Congress the importance of authorizing the Secretary of the Treasure to suspend the coinage ' Of silver dollars upon the present legal : ■ ratio. The market value of the silver dollar belli* uniformly and largely less than the market value of the gold dollar, it Is obviously- impracticable to maintain j them at par with each other If both are coined without limit. If tbc cheaper coin Is forced infb circulation it will, if coined without limit. , soon become the sole standard/of \nluc, and thus defeat the desired object, which is a currency of both gold and silver, which shall la- of ; equivalent value, dollar for dollar, with the ! universally-recognized money of the world. 1 The retirement from circulation of United I States notes, with the eapacitv of legal tender 1 in private contracts, is a step to be taken in ' our progress toward a safe and stable currency, which should be accepted as the policy and i duty of the Government apd the interest and security of the people. It is my lirtn conviction that the issue of the legal-tender paper money, based wholly upon the authority and credit ofthe Government, except in extreme emergency, is without warrant in the Constitution, and a violation of sound tinancial principles. The Issue of United States 1 notes during the late civil war, with the oa- j pacity of legal tender between private indl- ! viduals, was not authorixed except as a means of rescuing the country from Imminent peril. | The circulation of these notes as paper money j for any protracted period of time after the accomplishment of this purpose was not content- ! plated by .the framers of the laws under which they were issued. They anticipated the redemption and withdrawal of these notes at the earliest practicable period consistent with the attainment of the object for which they were provided. The policy of the United States steadily adhered to from the adoption of the Constitution has been to avoid the creation of a National debt, and when, from necessity, in time of war, debts have been created, they have been paid off on the return of peace as rapidly as possible. With this view, and for this purpose, it is recommended that the existing laws for the accumulation of a sinking fuud sufficient to extinguish the public debt within a limited period be maintained. If any change of the objects or rates of taxation ts deemed necessary by Congress, it Is suggested that experience has shown t hat a duty can be placed on tea and coffee which will not enhance the price of those articles to the consumer, and which will add several millions of dollars annually tothe Treasury. TH* SUPPRESSION OP POLYQAMT. The continued deliberate viol it ion by a large - number of the prominent and influential citixens of the Territory of Utah of the laws of the United States for the prosecution and punishment of polygamy merits the attention of every department of the Government. This Territory has a population sufficient to entitle it to admission as a State. The general interests of the Nation, as well as the welfare of the citizens of the Territory, require Its advance from the Territorial form of government to the responsibilities and privileges of a State. This important change will not. however, be approved by thq country while the cltixens of Utah, In very considerable numbers, uphold a practice which is condemned as a crime by the laws ol all civilized communities throughout ths world. The law for the suppression of this offense was enacted with great unanimity by Congress more than seventeen years ago, but has remained until recently a dead letter in the Territory of Utah because of the peculiar difficulties attending Its enforcement. The opinion widely prevailedamong the citizens of Utah that the law was In contravention of the Constitutional guarantee of religious freedom. This objection is now removed. The Supreme Court of the United States has decided the law to be within the legislative power of Congress, and binding, as a rule of action, for all who resided within the Territories, There b no longer any reason for delay or hesitation in Its enforcement. It should be firmly and effectively executed. If not sufficiently stringent in its provisions, it should t* amended; and, in aid of the purpose in view, I recommend that more comprehensive and more searching methods for preventing as well as punishing this crime be provided. If necessary to secure obedience to the law, the enjoyment and exercise of the rights and privileges of citizenship In the Territories of the United Btates may be withheld or withdrawn from those who violate ot opposethe enforcement of the law on thissub- „■ jeet. The elections of the past year, though occupied only with Btate offices, have not failed to elicit In the political discussions which attended them ail over the country new and decisive evidenceof the deep Interest which the great body of citizens take in the progress of the country toward a more general and complete establishment, at whatever cost, of universal security and freedom in the exercise of the elective franchise. While many topics of political concern demand great attention from our people, both in the sphere of National and State authority, I find no reason to qualify the opinion I expressed in my last annual message, that no temporary or administrative interests of Government, however urgent or weighty, will ever destroy the seal of our people In defense of the primary rights of citizenship, and that the power of public opinion will override all political prejudices and all sectional and State attachments in demanding that all over our wide territory the name and character of citiien of the United States shall mean one wd the same thing, and carry with them unchallenged security and respect. I earnestly •R**^*' 1 inteUigenoe and patriotism of all good citizens of every part of the country, however much they may be divided In opinjonaoo other poittloej subjects, to units In

compelling obedience to existing laws aimed ht the protection of the right of suffrage. I respectfully urge upon Congress to supply any defects In these law* which experience has shown, and which It ts within Its power to remedy. I again Invoke the co-operation of the Executive and Legislative authorities of the States In this great purpose. lam fully convinced that if the public mind can be set - at rest on this paramount question of popular rights, no serious obstacle will thwart or delay the complete pacification of the country, or retard the general diffusion of prosperity. tk* cim MRncr. In a former message I invited the attention of Congress to the subject es the reformation of the Civil Service of the Government, and expreseed the intention of transmitting to Congress, as early as practicable, a report upon this subject by the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission. In view of the fact that during a considerable period the Government of Great Britain has been dealing with administrative problems and abuses in various particulars analogous to those presented In this country, and that, in tecent years, the measures adopted were understood to have been effective and in every respect highly satisfactory. I thought It desirable to have fuller Information upon the subject, and accordingly requested tbc Chairman of the iCivll-Service Commission to make a thorough investigation for this purpose. The result has been an elat> orate and comprehensive report. The report Sets forth the history of the partisan spoils system in Great Britain, and of the rise and fall ofthe Parliamentary patronage, and of official interference with the freedom of elections. It shows that after long trials of various kinds of examinations, those which are competitive and open on equal terms to all, and which are carried on under the superintendence of a single commission, have With great advantage been established as conditions of admission to almost every official place In the subordinate administration of that country and of British India. The completion of the report, owing to the extent or the labor involved In its preparation, and the omission of Congress to make any provision either for the compensation or the expenses of the Commission, hns been postponed until the present time. It is herewith transmitted to Congress. While the reform measures of another Government are of no authority for us, they are entitled to influence to the extent to which their intrinsic wisdom and their adaptation toour institutions and social life may commend them to our consideration. The views I have heretoexpressed concerning the defects and abusps in our civil administration remain unchanged, except in so far as an enlarged exKrience has deepened my sense of the duty th of officers and of the people themselves to co-operate for their removal. The grave evils and perils of a partisan spoils system of appointment to office and ofllce tenure arc now generally recognized. In the resolutions of the great parties, in the reports of Departmentsdn the debates and proceedings or Congress, in the messages of Executives, the gravity of tbeso evils has been pointed out, and the need of their reform has been admitted, To command the necessary support, every measure of reform must lx? based on common right and justice, and must be compatible with the healthy existence of great parties, which are inevitable and essential in a free State. When the people have approved a policy at a National election, confidence In the officers they have selected, and the advisers who, in accordance with our political In-. si it ut lon-, should be consulted in the policy which it is their duty to carry into effect, is indispensable. It Is eminently proper that they should explain It before the people, as well ns illustrate its spirit in the performance of their official duties. It hardly nets! be pointed out that very different considerations apply to the greater number of those who tiff the sutmrdinate places in the civil service. Their n-sponsibility is to their superiors in official position. -It is their duty to obey the legal instruction? of those upon whoin that authority is devolved, and tbeirbest public service consists in the discharge of. their functions irrespective of partisan politics. Their duties nre the same whatever party is in power, and whatever policy prevails. As a i-onscquenec. It follows that their tenure of office should not depend upon the prevalence of any policy or the supremacy of any party, but should be determined by their capacity tosefre the people most usefully .quite Irrespective of partisan interests. The same considerations that should govern the tenure should also prevail In the appointment, discipline and removal of these subordinates. Ttu- authority of appointment and removal is not a .perquisite which may be used to aid a friend or reward a partisan, but is a trust to be exercised in the public interest, under all the sanctions which attend the obligation to apply the public funds only for public purpwes. Every citizen has an equal right to the honor and profit of entering the public service of his' country. The only just ground of discrimination is the measure of character and capacity be has to make that service most useful to the people. Except in cases where, upon just and recognized principles, as upon the theory of pensions, offices and. promotions are bestowed as rewards for past services, their bestowal upon any theory which disregards personal merit Is an act of injustice to the citizen, as well as a breach of that trust subject to which the appointing power is held. In the light of these principles it becomes of great importanoe to provide just and adequate means, especially for every department and Inrgcadministrative office, where personal discrimination on tho part of its head is not practicable tor ascertaining those qualifications to which appointments and removals should have reference. To fail to provide such means is not only to deny the opportunity of ascertaining the facts upon which the most righteous claim to office depends, but of necessity to discourage* I all worthy aspirants by handing over appointments and removals to mere influence and favoritism. If it is the right of the I worthiest claimant to gain the appointment, : and the interest of the people to bestow it upon him. It would seem clear that a wise and Just method of ascertaining personal fitness for office must needs be an important and permanent function of every just and wise Government. It has long since become impossible in the great offices for those having the duty of nomination and appointment to personally examine into , the individual qualifications of more than a small proportion of those seeking office, and [ with the enlargement of Civil Service that pro- ! portion must continue to become less. In the ; earlier years of the Government the subordinate offices were so few in number that it was quite easy for those making appointments and promotions to personally ascertain the merits ;of candidates. Party managers and methods had not then become powerful agents of coercion hostile to the free and Just exercise of the appointing power. A large and responsible part of the duty of restoring the Civil Service to the desired purity and efficiency rests upon the President: and it has been my purpose to do what is within my power to advance such prudent and gradual measures of reform 9s will most surely and rapidly bring about that radical change of system essential to make our administrative methods satisfactory to a free and intelligent people by a proper exercise of authority. It is in the power of the Executive to do much to promote such a reform, but it cannot be too clearly understood that nothing adequate can be accomplished without co-operation on the part of Congress, and considerate and intelligent support among the people. Reforms which challenge the generally accepted theories of parties and demand changes in the methods of departments are not the work of a day. Their permanent foundation must be laid in sound principles and in an experience which demonstrates their wisdom and exposes the errors of their adversaries.

Every worthy officer desires to make his official action an honor to his country. But the people themselves, far more than their officers in public station, are interested in a pure, economical and vigorous Administration. By laws enacted in 1853 and 1865, and now in substance incorporated in the Revised Statutes, the practice of arbitrary appointments to the several subordinate grades in the great Departments was condemned, and examinations as to capacity, to be conducted by the Departmental Boards of Examiners, were provided for and made conditions of admission to the public service. These statutes are a decision or Congress that examinations of some sort as to attainments and capacity are essential to the well-being of the public service. The important questions since the enactment •of these laws have been as to the character of these examinations, and whether official favor and partisan influence, or common right and njfcnt were to control the access to the examinations. In practice these examinations have not always been open to worthy persons generally who might wish to be examined. Official favoritism and partisan influence, as a rule, appear to have designated those who alone were permitted to go before the Examining Boards, subjecting even the Examiners to a pressure from the friends of the candidates very difficult to resist. As a consequence, the standard of admission fell below that which the public interest demanded. It was almost inevitable that a system which provided for various separate Boards of Examiners, with no common supervision or uniform method of procedure, should result In confusion, inconsistency. and inadequate tests of capacity highiy detrimental to the public interest. A further and more radical change was obviously required. In the annual message of December, 1870, my predecessor declared that “there is no duty whtth so much embarrasses the Executive and beads of Departments as that of appointments, nor Is there any such arduous duties and thankless labor imposed on Senators and Representatives as that of finding places for constituents. The present system docs not secure the best men, aud often not even fit men, for the public places. The deration and purification of the Civil Serv ice of theGovemmcnt will be hailed with approval by the whole people of the United States.” Congress accordingly passed the act approved March 3. MCI. “To regulate the Civil Service of the United States and promote the efficiency thereof," giving the necessary authority to the Executive to inaugurate a Civ-il-Service reform. Acting under this statute, which was interpreted as intended to secure a system es just and effectual examinations under uniform supervision, a number of eminently competent persons were selected for the purpose, who entered with seal npon the discharge of their dutleg, prepared with an in-

telligent appreciation of The' requirements off the service and the regulations contemplated, and took charge of the examinations, and who, in their capacity as a Board, have been know* as the Civli-Bervloe Commission. Congress for two years appropriated the money needed for the compensation and for the expense of carrying on the work of the Commission. It appears from the report of the Commission, submitted to the President In April. 1874, that examinations had been held in various sections of the country, and that an appropriation of about 928,000 would be required to meet the annual expenses, including salaries, involved in discharging the duties of the Commission. The report was transmitted to Congress by special message of April 18, 1874, with the following favorable comment upon the labors of the Commission: “If sustained by Congress, I have no doubt the rules can. after the experience gained, be so improved and enforced as to still more materially benefit the public service, and relieve the Executive, members ot Congress and the beads of Departments from influences prejudicial to good administration. The rules, as they have hitherto been enforced, have resulted beneficially, as is shown by the opinions of the members of the Cabinet and their subordinates in the Departments, and in that opinion I concur.’’ And in the annual message of December of tbe same year similar views are expressed and an appropriation for continuing the work of the Commission again advised. The appropriation was not made, and, as a consequence, the active work of the Commission was suspended, leaving the Commission itself still in existence without the means therefore of causing qualifications to be tested in any systematic manner, or of securing for the public service the advantages of competition upon any extensive plan. I recommended in my annual message of December, 1877, tbe making of an appropriation for the resumption of the work of the Commission. In the meantime, however, competitive examinations, under many embarrassments, have been conducted within limited spheres In the Executive Departments in Washington, and in a number of the cus-tom-houses and post-offices of the principal cities of the country, with a view to further test their effects, and in every instance they have been found to be as salutary' as they are stated to have been under the Administration of my predecessor. I think the economy, purity and efficiency of the public service would be greatly promoted by their systematic introduction, wherever practicable, throughout the entire Civil Service of the Government, together with ample provision for their general supervision, in order to secure consistency and uniform justice. Reports from the Secretary of the Interior, from the Postmaster-General, from the Postmaster in the City of New York, where such examinations have been for some time on trial, and also from the Collector of the Port, the Naval Officers and the Surveyor in that city, and from the Postmasters and collectors in several of the other large cities, show that the competitive system, where applied, has In various ways contributed to improve the public service. The reports show that the results have been salutary in a marked degree, and that a general application of similar rules cannot fail to be or decided benefit to the service. The reports of the Government officers in the City of New York especially bear decided testimony to the utility of open competitive examinations in their respective offices, showing that these examinations, and the excellent qualifications of those admitted to the service through them, have had a marked incidental effect upon the persons previously In the service, and particularty npon those aspiring to promotion. There has been on the part of the latter an increased interest in the work, and a desire to extend acquaintance with it beyond the particular desk occupicd.and thus the morale of the entire force has been raised. The examinations have been attended by many citizens, who have had an opportunity to thoroughly investigate the scope and character of the tests, and the method of determining the results, and those visitors have without exception approved the methods employed, and several of them have publicly attested their favorable opinion. Upon such considerations I deetn it my duty to renew the recommendation contained in my annual message of December, 1877, requesting Congress to mHke the necessary appropriations for the resumption of the work of the Civil-borvice Commission. Economy will be promoted by authorizing a moderate compensation to persons in the public service wno may perform extra labor upon or under the Commission as tho Executive may direct. I am convinced that if a just and adequate test of merit be enforced for admission to the public service, and in making promotions, such abuses as removals without good cause and partisan and official interference with the proper exercises of the appointing power will in large measure disappear. There are other administrative abuses to which the attention of Congress should be asked in this connection. Mere partisan appointments and the constant peril of removal without cause very naturally lead to an absorbing and mischevious political activity on the part of thosethus appointed, which not only interferes with the due discharge of official duty, but is incompatible with the freedom of elections. Not without warrant In the view of several of my predecessors in the Presidential office,and directly in accordance with the law of 1871 already cited, I endeavored, by regulation made on the 22d of June, 1877, to put some reasonable limits to such abuses. It may not be easy, and it may never, perhaps, bo necessary, to define with precision the proper limit of political action on the part of Federal officers. But while their'right to hold and freely express their opinions cannot be questioned, it is very plai.i that they should neither be allowed to devote to other subjects the time needed for the proper discharge of their official duties, nor to use the authority of their office to enforce their own opinions, or to coerce the political action of those who hold different opinions. Reasons of justice and public policy quite analogous to those which forbid the use of offlicial vower for tbe oppression of the private citizen impose upon the Government the duty of protecting its officers and agents from arbitrary exactions. In whatever aspect considered, the practice of making levies for party purposes upon the salaries of officers is highly demoralizing to the public service and discreditable to the country. Though an officer should be as free as any other citizen to give his own money In aid of his opinions or his party, he should also be as free as any other citizen to refuse to make such gifts. If salaries are but a fair compensation for the time and labor of tbe officers, it is gross injustice to levy a tax upon them. If they are made excessive In order that they may bear the tax, the excess is an indirect robbery of the publlo funds. I recommend, therefore, such a revision and extension of the present statutes as shall secure to those in every grade of official life or publio employment tbe protection with which a great and enlightened Nation shall guard those who are faithful in its service.

FOREIGN RELATIONS. Our relations with foreign countries have continued peaceful. With Great Britain there are still unsettled questions, growing out of the local laws of the maritime provinces, and the action of provincial authorities deemed to be in derogation of rights seenred by treaty to American fishermen. The United States Minister In London has been instructed to present a demand for $106,305.03 in view of the damages received by American cillzens at Fortune Bay on the6th day of January, 1878. The subject: has been taken into consideration by the British Government, and an early reply is anticipated. Upon the completion of the necessary preliminary examination, the subject of our participation In the provincial fisheries, as regulated by treaty, will at once be brought to the attention of the British Government with a view to an early and permanent settlement of the whole question, which was only temporarily adjusted by the Treaty of Washington. Efforts have been made to obtain the removal of restrictions found injurious to tho exportation of cattle to the United Kingdom. Some correspondence has also occurred with regard to the rescue and saving of life and property upon the lakes, which has resulted in important modifications 6f the previous regulations oi the Dominion Government on this subject, in the interest of humanity and commerce. In accordance with the Joint resolution of the last session of Congress, Commissioners were appointed to represent the United States at the two International Exhibitions In Australia, one of which is now in progress at Sydney, and the other to be held next year at Melbourne. A desire has been cxJiressed by our merchants and manufacturers nterested In the important and growing trade with Australia that an increased provision should be made by Congress for the representation of our industries at the Melbourne Exhibition of next year, and tho subject Is respectfully submitted! to your favorable consideration. The assent of the Government has been given to the landing on the coast of Massachusetts of a new and independent transatlantic cable between France (by way of the French Island of St.. Pierre) and this country, subject to any future legislation of Congress on the subject. The conditions imposed, before allowing this connection with our shores to be established, an- such, aa to secure its competition with any existing or ' future lines of marine cable, and preclude amalgamation therewith, and to provide for entire equality of rights to our Government and people with those of France tn the use of the cable, and prevent any exclusive possession of the privilege as | accorded by France to the disadvantage of any . future cable communication between France and the United States which may bo projected and accomplished by our citizens. An im- , portant/reduetton of the present rates of communication with Europe, felt to be too burdensome to the interests of our commerce, must necessarily flow from the establishment of this competing line. The attention of Congress was drawn to the propriety of some general regulation by Congress of the whole subject of transmarine cables by my predecessor in his message of December 7, 1875, and I respectfully submit to your consideration the importance of Congressional action in this matter. The questions of grave importance with Bpain, growing out of the incidents of the Cuban insurrection, have been for the moat part happily and honorably settled. It may reasonably be anticipated that the Commit

slon now sitting in Washington for the decision of private cases ta this connection will soon be able to bring its labors to a cone elusion. The long-standing question of the East Florida claims has lately been renewed as a subject of correspondence, and miypos* sibly require Congressional action for its final disposition. A treaty with the Netherlands with respect to Consular rights and privileges similar to those with other powers has been signed and ratified, and the ratifications were exchanged on the 31st of July last. Negotiations for extradition treaties with the Netherlands and with Denmark are now In progress. Some questions with Switzerland in regard to pauper and convict emigrants hare arisen, but it is not doubtod that they will be arranged upon a Just and satisfactory basis. A question has also occurred with respect to an asserted claim by Swiss municipal authorities to exercise tutelage over the persons and property of Swiss citizens naturalized In this country. It is possible this may require adjustment by treaty. With the German Etnpire frequent questions arise in connection with tbe subjects of naturalization and expatriation, but the Imperial Government has constantly manifested a desire to strictly maintain and comply with all treaty stipulw tions In regard to them. In consequence of the omission of Congress to provide for a diplomatic representative at Athens, the Legation to Greece has been withdrawn. There is now no channel of diplomatic communication between the two countries, and the expediency of providing for one in some form is submitted to Congress. Relations with Austria, Russia, Italy, Portugal, Turkey and Belgium continue amicable, and marked by no incident of especial importance. A change of the personal head of the Government of Egypt has taken place. No change, however, has occurred in the relations between Egypt and the United States. The action of the Egyptian Government In presenting to the City or New York one of the ancient obelisks which possess such historical interest is highly appreciated as a generous mark of international regard. If prosperity should attend the enterprise of its transportation across the Atlantic, its erection in a conspicuous position in the chief commercial city of the Nation will be soon accomplished. The treaty recently made between Japan and the United States in regard to the revision of former commercial treaties, it is now believed, will be followed by similar action on the port of Other Treaty Powers. The attention of Congress Is again Invited to the subject of the indemnity funds received some years since from Japan and China, which, with their accumulated interest, now amount to considerable sums. If any part of those funds is justly due to American citizens, they should receive it promptly, and whatever may have been received by this Government in excess of strictly Just demands should in some form be returned to the nations to whom'lt equitably belongs. Tbc Government of China has signified its willingness to consider the question of the emigration of its subjects to the United States with a dispassionate fairness, and to co-operate in such measures as may tend to prevent Injurious consequences to the United'States. The negotiations arc still proceeding, and will be pressed with diligence. A question having arisen between China and Japan about the Loochoo Islands, the United States Government has taken measures to inform those powers of its readiness to extend Its good offices for the maintenance of peace, if they shall mutually deem it desirable, and find ir practicable to avail themselves of the proffer.

THE BORDER RAIDS. ' It is a gratification to be able to annotHMß that, through the Judicious and energetic action of the military commanders of the two nations on either side of the Rio Grande, under the instructions of their re. spectlve Governments, raids and depredations have greatly decreased, and, in localities where they were formerly most destructive, have now almost wholly censed. In view of this result, 1 entertain a confident expectation that the continuance of this prevalence of quiet on the border will soon become so assured ns to Justify a modification of the pres»it orders to our military commanders as to crowing the bonier without encouraging such disturbances ns would endanger the peace of tbe two countries. The third installment of the award against Mexico under the Claims Commission or July 4, 1868, was duly paid, and has been put in course of distribution in pursuance of the act of Congress providing for the same. This satisfactory situation between tho two countries leads me to anticipate an expansion of our trade with Mexico, and an increased contribution of capital and industry by our people to the development of the great resources of that country- I earnestly commend to the wisdom of Congress the provision of suitable legislation looking to this result. Diplomatic intercourse with Colombia is again fully reston-d by the arrival of ' the Minister from that country to the United States. This is especially fortunate in view of the fact that tho question of an inter-oceanio canal has recently assumed a new and important aspect and is now under discussion with the Central American countrics.through whoso territory the.canal bv the Nicaragua route I would have to pass. It is trusted that enlight- ! ened statesmanship on their part will see that the early prosecution of such a 1 work will largely inure to the ben- ; eflt, not only of their own citizens and those ! of tbe United States, but of the commerce of the Civilized world. It is not doubted that, I should the work be undertaken under the protective auspices of the United States, and i upon satisfactory concessions for the right of 1 way and its security by the Central, American Governments, the capital for its completion would readily be furnished from this country I and Europe, which might, failing such guar- : antces, prove inaccessible. Diplomatic relations with Chili have also been strengthened by the reception of a Minister from that country. The war between Peru, Bolivia nnd Chili still continues. The United States hnve not deemed it proper to interpose in the matter, further than to convey to all the Governments concerned the assurance that the friendly offices of tho Government of the United Stutes for tho restoration of peace - upon an honorable basis Will be extended in ease tho Itelligerents shuH exhibit a readiness to accept them. Cordial relations continue ; with Brazil and the Argentine Republic, and trade with those countries is improving, i A provision for regular and more frequent mail communication in our ships between tbe ports of this country nnd the nations of South America seems to me to deserve the attention of Congress as an essential precursor of an enlargement of our commerce with them and an extension of our carrying trade. A recent revolution in Venezuela has been followed by the establishment of a Provisional Government. This Government has not yet been formally recognized, and it is deemed desirable to await the proposed action of the people, which is expected to give it the sanction of constitutional forms.

A naval vessel has been sent to tho Samoan Islands to make surveys and take possession of the privileges ceded to the United States by Samoa in the Harbor of Pago-Pago. A coaling station- Is to be established there, which will be convenient and useful to United States vessels. The subject of opening diplomatic relations with Routnania and Sen-la, now become Independent sovereignties, is at present under consideration, and is the subject of diplomatic corresponde ee. There Is a gratifying Increase of trade with nearly all European and American countries, and it is believed that with judicious action in regard to its development it can and will be still more enhanced, and that American products and manufactures will find new and expanding markets. The reports of dlplomatio and consular officers upon this subject, under the system now adopted, have resulted In obtaining much valuable Information, which has been and will continue to be laid before Congress and the public from time to time. ALASKA. The third article of the treaty with Russia of March 80,1807, by which Alaska was ceded to the United Btatea, provides that the inhabitants of the ceded territory, with the exception of the uncivilized native tribes, shall be admitted to the enjoyment of all the rights of citizens of the United States, and shall be maintained and protected in the free enjoyment of their liberty, of property and religion. The uncivilized tribes are subject to such laws aud regulations ns the United States may from time to time adopt in regard to the aboriginal tribes of that country. Both the obligations of this treaty and the necessities of the people require that some organized fdhn of government over the Territory of Alaska be adopted. There appears to be no law for the arrest of persons charged with common law offenses, such as assault, robbery and murder, and no magistrate authorized to issue or execute process in such cases. Serious difficulties have already arisen from offenses of this character, not only among the original inhabitants, but among citizens of the United States and other countries who have engaged in raining, fishing and other business operations within the Territory. A bill authorizing the appointment of Justices of the Peace and Constables, and the arrest and detention' of persons charged with criminal offenses, and providing for an appeal to United States Courts for the District of Oregon in suitable cases will, at the proper time, be submitted to Congress. THE PUBLIC FINANCES. The attention of Congress is called to the annual report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the condition of the public finances. The ordinary revenues from all sources for the fiscal year ended June 30,1879, were $273,827,184.46. The ordinary expenditures for the same period were $266,947,883.63, leaving a surplus revenue for the year of $6,*79,J00.83. The receipts for tho present fiscal year, ending June 30, 1880, actual and estimated, are .as follows: Actual receipts for the first quarter, commencing July 1, 1879, $79,843,663.61; estimated receipts for the remaining three-quar-ters of the year, $208,150.3 6 31. Total receipts for the current fiscal year, actual and estimated, $883,000,(0.). aThe expenditures for the same period will be, actual and estimated, as follows: For the quarter commencing July L 1879, actual expenditures, $91,6(3,386.10. For the remaining three-quarters of the year expenditures are estimated at #172,316,614.90, Disking the total expenditures $264,000.1X0. and leaving an estimated sundus revenue for the year ending June SW, too, of SB4 t OOO,QOO. Thu total re-

oetpts dunng the next fiscal year ending June 30, 1881, estimated according to existing laws, will be 9388,0004X9, and the estimated ordinary expenditures for the same period will be leaving a surplus of 99.90C.635.61 for that year. The large amount expended for arrears of pensions during the last and the present fiscal years, amounting to 921,747,349.60, has prevented the application of the full amount required by law to the Sinking-Fund for the current year, but, these arrears having been substantially paid, it is believed that the Sinking-Fund can hereafter be maintained without anv change of the existing law. WAR DEPARTMENT. The Secretary of War reports that the War Department estimates for the fiscal year ending June 30.1881, are 940,380,428.93, the same being for a less sum of money than any annual estimate rendered to Congress from that Department during a period of at least twelve years. He concurs with the General of the Army in recommending such legislation as will authorize the enlistment of the full number of 28.G00 men for tbe line of the army, exclusive of the 8,400 men required for detached duty, and therefore not available for service in the field. He also recommends that Congress be asked to provide by law for tbe disposition of a large number of abandoned military posts abd reservations, which, though very valuable in themselves, have been rendered Useless for military purposes by the advance of dvUizauoti and set* tlement. He unites with the QuartermasterGeneral in recommending that an appropriation be made for tho construction of a cheap and perfectly fire-proof building for the safe storage of a vast amount of money, accounts, vouchers, claims and other valuable records now In the Quartermaster-General's office, and exposed to great risk of total destruction by fire. He also recommends, in conformity with the views of the Judge-Advocate General, some declaratory legislation in reference to the military statute of limitations, as applied to tho crime of desertion. In these several recommendations I concur. Ae Secretary of War further reports that the work for the improvement of the South. Pass of the Mississippi River, under contract with Mr. James B. Eads, made In pursuance of an act of Congress, has been prosecuted during the post year with a greater measure of success in the attainment of results than during any previous year. The channel through the Bouth Pass, which, at the beginning ot June, 1875, had a depth of only seven nnd n half feet of water, nad, on the Bth of July, 1879, a minimum depth of twenty-six feet, having a width of not less than two hundred and a central depth of thirty feet. Payments have been made In accordance with the statute as the work progressed, amounting in the aggregate to 94,250,000, and further payments will become due, as provided by the statute, and in the event of success in maintaining the channel now secured. The reports of the General of tho Army and of his subordinates present a full and detailed account of the military operations for the suppression of hostilities among the Indiuns of the Ute and Apache tribes, and praise is justly awarded to the officers and troops engaged for promptness, skill and courage displayed. The past year has hecn one of almost unbroken peace and quiet on the Mexican frontier, and there is reason to believe that the efforts of this Government and Mexico to maintain order in that region will prove eminently successful. This Department was enabled during the past year to find temporary, though crowded, accommodations nnd a safe depository for a portion of its records in the completed east wing of ‘the building designed for the State, War and Navy Departments! The construction of the north wing of the building—a part of the structure intended for the use of the War Department—is being carried forward with all possible dispatch, and the work should receive from Congress such liberal appropriations as will secure its speedy completion. THE NAVY. The report of the Secretary of the Navy shows a continued improvement in that branch of the service during the last tlscul year. Extensive repairs have been made upon vessels, and two new ships have been completed anil made ready for sea. The total expenditures of the year ended June 20,1879, including specific appropriations not estimated for by the Department, were 913,555,710.00. The expenses chargeable to the year, after deducting the amount of these specific appropriations, were 913,343,317.79: but this is subject to a reduction of 9283,725.99, that amount having been drawn upon warrants, but not paid out during the year, The amount .‘/appropriations applicable to the last fiscal yens was 914,538.046.f7. There was. therefore, a balance of 91,479,054.37 remaining unexpended and to the credit of the Department on June 20,1879. The estimates for the year ending June 30, 1881, are 914,864,147.95, which exceeds the appropriations for the present fiscal year 9361,897.28. The reason for this Increase is explained in the Secretary's report. The appropriations available for the present fiscal year are 914,502,250.67, which will, in the opinion of the Secretary, answer all the ordinary demands of the service. The amount drawn from the Treasury from July 1 to November 1, 1879, was 95,770,404.12, of which 91,095,440.33 has been refunded, leaving as the expenditure for that period 94,674,963.79. If the expenditures for the remaining two-thirds of the year do not exceed the proportion for these four months, there will remain unexpended at the end of the year 9477.359.1 X) of tbe current appropriations. The report or the Secretary shows the gratifying fact that, among allthedisbursingofficers of the Pay Corps of the Navy, there is not one who is a defaulter to the extent of a single dollar. I unite with him in recommending tbe removal of the Observatory to a more healthful location. That institution reflects credit upon the Nation, and has obtained tho approbation of scientific men in all parts or the world. Its removal from its present locality would not only bo conducive to the health of its officers and Professors, but would greatly increase its usefulness.

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. The appropriation for judicial expenses, heretofore made for the Department of Justice in gross, was subdivided at the last session ol' Congress, and no appropriation whatever was mode for the payment of the fees of Marshals and their deputies, either in the service of process or for the discharge of other duties, and since June 30 these officers have continued the performance of their duties without compensation from the Government, taking upon themselves the necessary Incidental outlays, as well as rendering their own services. In only a few unavoidable Instances has the proper execution of the process of the United States failed by reason of the absence of the requisite appropriations. This course of official conduct on the part of the officers, highly creditable to their fidelity, was advised by the Attorney-General, who informed them, however, that they would necessarily have to rely for their compensation upon the prospect of future legislation by Congress. I therefore especially recommend thot immediate appropriation be made by Congress for this purpose. The act making the principal approptiation for the Department of Justice at previous sessions has uniformly contained the following clause; “And for defraying the expenses, which may be incurred in the enforcement ot the act approved Fob. 28, 1870, entitled ‘An act to amend an act approved May 30, 187$, ’ titled ‘An act to enforce the right of citizens of the United States to vote in the several States of tho United Btates, nnd for other purposes,’ or any acts amendatory thereof or supplementary I *hereto.” No appropriation was made for this purpose for the current year. As no general election for members of Congress occurred, the omission was a matter of little practical Importance. Such election will, however, take place during the ensuing year, and the appropriation made for the pay of Marshals and Deputies should be sufficient to embrace compensation for the services they may be required to perform at such election. The business of the Supreme Court Is at present largely In arrears. It cannot be expected that more causes can be decided than are now disposed of in its annual session, or that by any assiduity the distinguished Magistrates who compose the Court can accomplish more than is now done. In the courts of many of the circuits also the business has increased to such an extent that the delay of justice will call the attention of Congress to an appropriate remedy. It is believed that ail is done in each circuit which can fairly lie expected from its judicial force. The evils arising from delay are less heavily felt by the United States than by private suitors, as its causes are advanced by tbe courts when it is seen that they Involve the discussions of questions of a public character. The remedy suggested by the Attorney-General is the appointment of additional Circuit Judges, and the creation of an intermediate Court of Errors and Appeals, which shall relieve the Supreme Court of a part of Its Jurisdiction, while a larger force is also obtained for tbe performance of circuit duties. I recommend thin suggestion to the consideration of Congress. it would seem to afford a complete remedy, and would involve, if ten additional Circuit Judges are appointed, an expenditure at the present rate of salaries of not more than $60,000 a year, which would certainly be small in comparison with the objects to be attained. THE POST-OFFICE. The report of the Postmaster-General bears testimony to the general revival of business throughout the oountry. The receipts of tbe Post-Office Department for the fiscal year ending June 80,1879, were $30,041,882.86, being ♦764,465.81 more than the revenues of the preceding year. The amount realized from the sale of postage-stamps, stamped envelopes and postal-cards was $764,465.91 more than in loe preceding year, and $2,337,560.28 more than in 1877. The expenditures of the Department were $33,449,898.45, of which the sum of $376,461.63 was paid on liabilities incurred in preceding years. The expenditures during the year were $801,209.77 less than in the preceding year. This reduction is to be attributed mainly to the operation of the law passed June 17,1878, changing the compensation of Postmasters from a commission on the value of stamps sold to a commission on stamps canceled. The amount drawn from the Treasury on appropriations, in addition to tbe revenues of tbe Department, was $3,031,454,94, being less than In the preceding year. The expenditures for the fiscal year ettding June 30,1881, are estimated at $38,920,HW. and tbe reoeipts from all sources at $32,210.000. Uffivlnia deficiency .to b# appropriated

lor out of the Treasury off 97,710,900. The relations of tbe Department with the railroad companies hare been harmonized, notwithstanding the general reduction by Congress of their compensation by the appropriation for general facilities, and the railway postal lines have been greatly-extended, especially in the bout hern States. The Interests of the Railway Mail Service would be greatly promoted and tbe expenditures could be readily controlled by the classification of the employes of the Railway mail service, as recommended by tho Postmaster-General, the appropriations for service with respect to which tbe maximum ~ limit is already fixed by law to be made in gross. The,Postmaster-General recommends an amendment to tbe law regulating an increase of compensation for increased service and Increased speed on star routes, so as to enable him to advertise for proposals for such increased service and speed. He also suggests tho advantages to accrue to the commerce of the country from the enactment of a general law authorizing contracts with American-built steuners carrying the American Mag for transporting the mail between the United States and parts of the West Indies and South America at a fixed maximum price per mile, the amount to be expended being regulated by annual appropriations in like manner with the amount for the domestic star service. The arrangement made by the Postmaster-General nnd the Secretary of the Treasury for the collection of duties on books re celved in tbe mail from foreign countries bus proved so satisfactory in its practical operation that the recommendation is notr made that Congress extend tho provisions of the act of March 3, 1879, under which this arrangement was made, io as to apply to all other dutiable articles reoeivedin the mails from foreign countries. THE INDIANS. Tbe reports of the Secretary of tbe Interior and of the Commissioner or Indian Affairs, setting forth the present state of our relations with the Indian tribes on our territory, the measures taken to advance their civilization and prosperity, and the progress already achieved by them, will be found of more than ordinary interest. The general conduct of our Indian population has been so satisfactory' that the occurrence of two disturbances which resulted in bloodshed nnd detraction of property is all the more to be lamented. The history of the outbreak on the White River Ute Reservation In Western Colorado has become so familiar by elaborate reports in the public press that its remarkable Incidents need not ue stated here in detail. It is expected that the settlement of this difficulty will lead to such arrangements as will prevent further hostile contests between the Indians and the border settlements In Western Colorado. The other disturbances occurred at the Mescalero Agency In New Mexico, where Victoria, the head of a small band of marauders, after committing many atrocities, being vigorously chased by a military force, made his way across the Mexican border and Is now on foreign soil. While these occurrences, in which a comparatively small number of Indians were engaged, are most deplorable, a vast majority of our Indian population have fully justified the expectations of those who believe that by humane and peaceful influences the Indian can be led to abandon the habits of savage life, and to develop a capacity for useful ana civilized occupations. What they have already accomplished is shown in the pursuit of agricultural and mechanical work. The remarkable success which has attended tho experiment of employing as freighters a class of Indians hitherto counted among the wildest and most intractable, and the general and urgent desire expressed by them for the education of their children, may be taken as sufficient proof that they will be found capable of accomplishing much more if they conttnne to be wisely and fairly guided. The Indian policy sketched in the report of tho Secretary of the Interior, the object of which is to make liberal provision for the education of Indian youth, to settle the Indians upon firm-lots in severalty, to give them title in fee to their farms inalienable for a certain number of-years, und when their wants are thus provided for to dispose by sale of the lands on their reservations not occupied and i%ed by them, a fund to be formed out of the proceeds for the benefit of the Indians, which will gradually relieve the Government ofthe expenses now provided for by annual appropriations, must commend itself os just and beneficial to the Indiuns, and as also calculated to remove those ob; struetions which tho existence of large reservations presents to the settlement and development of the country. I therefore earnestly recommend the enactment of a law enabling the Government to give Indians a title in fee inalienable for twenty-five years to the farm lands assigned to them by allotment. I also repeat the recommendation in my first annual message that a law be passed admitting Indians who can give satisfactory proof of having, by their own labor, supported their families for a number of years, and • who are willing to detach themselves from their tribul relations, to Ihc benefit of the Homestead act, und to grant them patentseontainingthesr.inr? provision of inalienability for a certain period. The experiment of sending a number of Indian children of both sexes to tbe Humpton Normnl and Agricultural Institute in Virginia, to receive elementary English education and practical instruction in farming und other useful industries, has led to results so promising that it was thought expedient to turn over the cavalry l>arrncks at Carlisle, in Pennsylvania, to the Interior Department for the establishment of nil Indian school on a larger scale. This school has now 158 pupils, selected from various tribes, and is in full operation. Arrangements are also made for the education of a number of Indian boys and girls belonging to tribes on the Pacific slope in a similar man ncr, at Forest Grove, in Oregon. These Institutions will commend themselves to the liberality of Congress and to the philanthropic munificence of the American people.

Last spring information was received of tha organization of an extensive movement in tha Western States, the object of which was the occupation by unauthorized persons of certain lands in the Indian Territory coded by the Cherokees to the Government for the purpose of settlement by other Indian tribes. On the 29th of April I issued a proclamation warning all persons against participation in such an attempt, and by the co-operation of a military force the invasion was promptly checkod. It is my purpose to protect the rights of the Indian inhabitants of that Territory to the full extent of the Executive; but it would be unwise to ignore the fact that a Territory so large and so fertile, with a population so sparse, and so great a wealth of unusued resources, will be found more exposed to the repetition of such attemps as happened this year when the surrounding States were most densely settled, and the westward movement of our population looked still more eagerly for fresh lands to occupy. Under such circumstances the difficulty of maintaining the Indian Territory in its present state will greatly increase, and the Indian tribes Inhabiting it would do well to prepare for such a contingency. I, therefore, fully approve of the advice given to them hy the Secretary of the Interior on a recent occasion to divide among themselves, in severalty, as large a quantity of their lands as they can cultivate, to acquire individual title in fee, instead of their present tribal ownership in common, and consider in what manner the balance of their lands may be disposed of by the Government for their benefit. By adopting such a policy they would more certainly secure for themselves the value of their possessions, and at the same time promote then progress in civilization and prosperity that by endeavoring to perpetuate the present state of things in the Territory. The question whether a change in the control of the Indian service should be made was, in the Forty-fifth Congress, referred to a Joint Committee of both Houses for inquiry and report. In my last annual message I expressed the hope that the decision of that question, then in prospect, would arrest.further agitation of tnis subject, such agitation being apt to produce a disturbing effect upon the service as well as the Indians themselves. Since then, the Committee having reported, the question has been decided in the negative by a vote in the House of Representatives. For the reason here stated, and in view of the fact that further uncertainty on this point will be calculated to obstruct other much-needed legislation, to weaken the discipline of the service and to unsettle salutary measures now in progress for the government and improvement of the Indians, I respectfully recommend that the decision arrived at by Congress at its last session be permitted to stand. TIMBER THEFTS. The efforts made by the Department of the Interior to arrest the depredations on the tim-ber-lands of the United States have been continued, and have met with considerable success. A large number of cases of trespass have been prosecuted in the courts of the United States. Others have been settled, the trespassers offering to make payment to the Government for the value of the timber taken by them. The proceeds of these prosecutions and settlements turned into the Treasury far exceed in amount the sums appropriated by Congress for this purpose. A more important cesult, however, consists in the fact that the destruction of our public forests by depredation, although such cases still occur, has been greatly reduced In extent, and it is probable that if the present policy is vigorously pursued, and sufficient provision to that end made by Congress, such trespasses—at least those on a large scale—can be entirely suppressed, except in the Territories, where timber for the daily requirements of the population cannot, under the present state of the law, be otherwise obtained. I therefore earnestly invite the attention of Congress to the recommendation made by the Secretary of the Interior, that a law be enacted enabling the Government to sell timber from the public lands without conveying the fee where such lands are principally valuable for the timber thereon, such sides to be so regulated as to conform to domestic wants and business requirements, while at the same time guarding against a sweeping destruction of the forests. The enactment of such a law appears to become a more pressing necessity every day. THE AaRICUT.TTJKAL, BUREAU. My recommendations in former messages are renewed in favor of enlarging the facilW ties of the Department of Agriculture. Agriculture is the leading Interest and the permanent Industry of our people. It is to the abundance of agricultural productions as oompared with our home consumption and the largely Increased and highly profttgble

market abroad which we hare enjoyed to recent yean that we are mainly indebted for our present prosperity as a people. We must look to its continued maintenance for substantial resource. There is no branch of industrarin which labor, directed by scientific knowledge, yields such increased production in comparison with unskilled labor, and no branch of the public service to which the encouragement of liberal appropriations can be more appropriately extended. The omission to render such aid is not a wise economy, but on the contrary undoubtedly results In losses of immense sums annually that might be saved through welldirected efforts by the Government to promote this vital interest. The results already accomplished, with the very limited means heretofore placed at the command of the Department of Agriculture, is an earnest of what may be expected with increased appropriations for the several purposes indicated in the report of the Commissioner, with a view to placing the Department upon a footing which will enable It to prosecute more effectively the objects for which it is established. Appropriations are needed for a more complete laboratory, for the establishment of a Veterinary Division and a Division of Forestry, and for an increase of force. The requirements for these and other purposes indicated in the report of the Commissioner, under the head of “Immediate Necessities of the Department,” will not involve any expenditure of money that the country cannot with propriety now undertake in the Interest of agriculture.

EDUCATION. It is gratifying to learn from the Bureau of Education the extent to which educational privileges throughout the United States have been advanced during the year. No more fundamental responsibility rests upon Congress than that or devising appropriate measures of financial aid to education, supplemental to local action In States and Territories, and in the District of Columbia. The Wise forethought of the founders'of our Government has not only furnished the basis for the support of the common-school system of the newer Btates, but laid foundations for the maintenance of their universities, of colleges Of agriculture and mechanic art. Measures In accordance with this traditional policy for the further benefit ot all these interests, and the extension of some advantages to every portion of the country, it is hoped will receive your favorable consideration. THE CAPITOL LIBRARY. To preserve and perpetuate the National literature should be among the foremost cares of the National Legislature. The library gathered at the Capitol still remains unprovided with any suitable accommodations for its rap-idly-increasing stores. The magnitude and Importance of the collection, increased, as it is, by the deposits made under the laws of copyright, by domestic and foreign exchanges, and by the scientific library of the Smithsonian Institution, call for building accommndations which shall be at once adequate and fireproof. The location of such public buildings which should provide for the pressing necessities of the present and for the vast increase of the Nation’s books in the future, is a matter which addresses itself to the discretion of Congress. It is earnestly recommended as a measure which should unite all suffrages, and which should no longer be delayed. THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT. The Joint Commission created by the act of Congress of August 2, 1876, for the purpose of supervising and directing the completion of the W ashington National monument, of which Commission the President is a member, has given careful attention to this subject, and already the strengthening of the foundation has so far progresses! as to insure entire success of this part of the work. A massive layer of musonry has been introduced lielow the original foundation, widening the base, increasing the stability of the structure and rendering it possible to carry the shaft to completion. It Is earnestly recommended that such further appropriation be made for tho continued prosecution Of the work as may be necessary for the completion of this National monument at an early day. * DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. Ia former messages, impressed with the importance of the subject, I have taken oocasion to recommend to Congress tho adoption of a generous policy toward the District of Columbia. The report of tho Commissioners of the District, herewith transmitted, contains suggestions and recommendations, to all of which 1 earnestly invite your careful attention. I ask your early and favorable consideration of the views which they express as to urgent need of legislation for the reclamation of the marshes of the Potomac and its eastern branch within the limits of the city, andfor the repair of the streets of the Capital, heretofore laid with wooden blocks, and by delay rendered almost impassable and a source of imminent danger to the health ol its citizens. The means at the disposal of the Commissioners are wholly inadequate for the accomplishment of these important works, and should be supplemented W timely appropriations from the Federal Treasury. The filling of the flats in front of the city will add to the adjacent lands and parks now owned by the United States, a large and valuable domain, sufficient, it is thought, to reimburse its entire cost, and will ulso, as an incidental result, secure the permanent improvement of the river for the purpose of navigation. The Constitution having invested Congress with supreme and exclusive' jurisdiction over the District of Columbia, its citizens must of necessity lt>ok to Congress alone for all needful legislation affecting their interests, and as the territory of this District is the common property of the people of the United States, who, equally, with its resident citizens, are interested in the prosperity of their Capital, I cannot doubt that you will be amply sustained by the general voice of the country in any measure you may adopt for this purpose. I also invite the favorable consideration of Congress to the wants of the public schools of this District, as exhibited in the report of the Commissioners. While the number of pupils is rapidly increasing, no adequate provision exists for a corresponding increase of schoeft accommodation, and the Commissioners are without the means to meet this urgent need. A number of the buildings now used for school purposes are rented, and ' are in important particulars unsuited for the purpose. The cause of popular education in the District of Columbia is surely entitled to the same consideration at the hands of the National Government as in the several States and Territories, to which munificent grunts of the public lands have been made for the endowment of schools and universities.

RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.

Executive Mansion, Dec. 1, 1879.