Rensselaer Republican, Volume 13, Number 13, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 December 1880 — PRESIDENT'S MESSAGH. [ARTICLE]

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGH.

A ■■ OMfcif i e Ins ci ::r> rwAkbMia, with riwss >ifmra. was provlUtUtr MtkM to. ps*si. at IS* United HUM » exhibit te tbs world frmmttopubite l «vTuM <i «SoM*laMi (T2Tu« rtsrrsas. teooghtawl people el must iouMh with th* ndvaatoate white Republican lasUtsUooe afford. Tto Inoorlili,gaasral,aad cheerful iimlmhiio of all goodsiltasas, 1a tost—Uo« ttoetasftsn.give* gratifying ssssranss to mt ecmaUr, aad to Mo friends throughout itr world, that a gorecamrat based on toe fra* eoosaat of aw fcateUigsru aad patriotic people po—— stamsat* o < mresgta. stebUUr. aad por.naaaoer oot foaod la any other farm of aararaasaai. Osattaasd aopotatlaa to ta* fall and (roe sojsymsat of tto right* at rttlreatelp. conferred apoa thsootorsd Jliii by thsressat ami slants of tho Constitution, 011 l prsvtll* la asm* o i thm lata sUraboLdtng atatoo. It ha* perbapa, aot booa meeifsatsd In tha roeaot •tostloo to any largo extant la acta o t rlolonco or laUmldattea. It has. however, hp fraudulent practices ta nsaisthcwtis thebeltate, with the ragaluUoos aa lo Lha pfaea* aad maaae of voting. and with counting, returning, and eaaraaafag tha votaa caat, booa susaoaafnt tad« footing tho azardan of tbs right pressrveU*a of all rlghta. tho right of suffrage, which tha Consiltntloo aaproaa f oonisrs upon oar sofransn lss.l ttilM Ml. It a (ha daotro of tha good pooplo of tha whole soontr» that im lli aillaai aa a faotor la oar poll ties should i-uappear. Th»r profnr that no aaetloa of tha scant rr «i' tattM It Mild oopodti ■ to tty i4h— (MtHon. The dUpoaltlon to masa'a prompt aad honrtj , to tbaoqnal-right* tnraiinwfi to tonaoaatUation, a all thru BOW ataoda la tho war of a eonpUia Obi)uratior of aacUonal .lnaa la oar poHtioil coo lea to. ha loagaaalthor of tboaa ainondaanta la ttagrantfr rlolatod or aleragnrdod, ltU aafs to mu< that tho ywoytw who pi col thorn in tba oonatltatlow, ** aaabodrfng tho logltUnato rorolu of tho war for tha On. 03. aad who baUoro them to bo wlao aad nocoararr, wtlt coot 100. to aot together aad lo loeht that the, •hall bo obeyed. Tho poraaMmal qoeoUoo »tul h. to to the anjojaoat of tha right b, aear, American eltlxoo who ban th» rwqn tofrool, caat hia ro-.a and to knew It hoooaU, aoontod. WlththUqoeo flea rlghil, teuled. lha eoontr, will be relieved of tba coctent.oat of tho ana*j hygawaa will indeed bo br gooaa.aad ,«lltlcaf aad port, taaaca with reaped to econo it? »d 1 tdrlran at adatlalaimtloo, Inieraallm proeemencr. tho toriZ, dogmatic taaaUoa, edncntlon, danocn, and other Important anbjocta, wilt thaw re aofeothablall ahara of el Motion > bat reeivtnneo to nnd aal 11 Ac at 100 of thororoKa of the war, wUI nafti top ether la reeotato oarpoee for their eopport nil who dnlginln the eathorit, ol the government end the pOTpornttg of the Osloo, and who ndeqoetel, appreciate the vefci* of lha viator, achieved. 1 hia dotermt nation proceed a from no hnotlla •onUmeat or feoling M aa, port of the people of ear country. or to on, of their infer erne. Thetavtolebtlit, of tho ameodamaU reeta apoa too fundamental principle of oar govern-M-nt. lha, are the eoteeao expraaotowa of, tha will of thegeop.c of <be United (Mateo. The aeo . ->-3t that tha ooaatitaUooal righto of all oorattlanaa moat ha maintained, dona not grow weaker. It will cootie no to control the government of the ooon try. Happily, the hlator, of tha late eteciton ahowi that la man, parto of tba oooatr, where opposition to the fifteenth «mead wont ha* hacotoforo paavaltod. It l» dlmlnith.ng, and la likely to coaae alto ether. If firm and w.il cooatdsred action u taken by OoagreSL 1 trust the Howes as Kapraoawtattvaa end tbs Senate, which hare Ihe right to di d t# of the elections, retu at, and ganllflonttown of their own awmbera, will aw toll that near, aw of violation of tha letter ot •pint of tea fifteenth amendment U thotougkl, Investigated. aad that wo benefit from each violntloo •hall accrue toon, parson or part,. It will bo toe duly of tho executive, with sufficient appropriations for the purpose, to prase cat* unsparing), all who hare boon sags god ta depriving dtisoaaof tba rlghUguaran (and to thorn b, tho eonaUtuUon. It la not, however, to be torgyttoa that the bwtt and tareal guanntooof tho primary righto of oltlzeaMipla to b* found ta that capacity for salf-proteo-tioa which can belong owl, to a people whuaa right to Sroraal auSrage U supported by ontraraal educeTho moans at the command of the loeal and aathuriilan are, in nut, cum, wholly lnnde quote to faruiah free InrtrucUon to all who need IX i his la aapaaf i U, true where, befoie emancipation, the education of the people was neglected or prevented, la tho lagaroet of slavery- Firmly co vlnceU that the •object of pjpu ar education decerrea the earnest a* tea I tow of tho people of the whole oountry, with • rlow to wto* end cocapreheMlre act on b, the govern meat of tm Catted Staton, 1 revpectfn-ly re omm •< that ecmgraaa. with anilahle 1-aUaUon and will . proper aafegoard*. top pie men t the local eiurailonr roads la tha several crates where : bn grave duties anrespounlblltttoa of clUaonahlp have been devolved oi uneducated poo pin. by derating to the purpaw grantof the public lands, and, if aecewary, b, approprla ttoaafrum tho towainy, of theCoited States. What sear tha govommoot can fairly do to promote fro popnlai nduewtloo ought to be dooa. Wherever gen •ml education la found, ponce, virtno, and serial order prevail, and dvtl aad rellgiotu liberty are vecoro. Ia my former annual atcaaagoa, 1 have aakrd the atteotlouof congress to the orgeat necessity of a reformation of the cfril-eervlce cittern ol thegoTerameat. My-view* concerning the dangers of patronage, or appointment# for personal or partisan con-id oral lona, hare been •irengthened by my observation and axporiaece ta tha axacotire office, and I bellavethrso danger* threaten the stebllity of the goeerumeot. Abuses so •ericna In their nature cannot bp permanently tolerated. The,.toad to become more.atarmtng with the enlargement of the administrative cenrice, aa the growth of the country in |«t«l.Ueo increases tha number of officeri and placemen ample,ed. The reasons are Imperative fur tbe adoption of fixed rules (or the regulation of appointment*, promo tioo, and ramyvala, aatabllahlng a uni( -:m method, hiving axcloaivel, ta view. In over, lncUuoe, the atta Lament of tbe boot quallflea i loo* for the poalt 100 is quMtiow. Such a metDcd alone it cooslweat with the equal righto of all eiUgaoa, and the most economical and aActeat-admtnistritloo of the public bus Lon •

< oinpetltira examlcations. ta aid of Impartial appolntmanta ana promotion*, have been conducted for ■cm yean past ia several of the executive departrr. -cs. and by my direction this zystom has Loan adopted in toe custom houses and po*ufte*e of th* larger olttas of toe country. Io tbe city of New York over two thousand positions in' toe civil Berries have beau subject, in their appointment* aud tenure of place, to toe eperetion of published rules for this purpose, during tbe past two years. The resulted these practical trials have been very satisfactory, and bars confirmed my opinion In favor of this •ystem cf aelvcUou. Ail aro subjected to toe same tests, aad tha result ta free from prejudice by personal fa-or or parti tan Inflnanoo. It secures for tbe position applied for ifi* best qualifications attain able among the competing applicants It ta aa ©ffei tool protection from the pressure of importunity which, under any other coarse punned, largely exacts ths Urns and attention of appointing officers, to their (rest detriment in to© dis char** of other c Octal dot Isa, preventing th* abuse of Uic smvioe for tbs mere furtherance of private or party purposes, and leaving ths employs of ths government, freed from the obligations Imposed by |»atron age, to depend solely upon m rit for rstonti.n and advene Meat, and with tail constant incentive to axsrlion and iECDrOYoznt»nC\ . «; • These involute e result* .have beau attained la a high de-roe la to# offices where the zuleafor appointment by competitive been applied. w * ieh Ms-so. by experimental tetas st point* where neffiffiu may be fairly considered coecluaivs. should hw extended to ail lobordlnate position* unitor tba rover omect 1 baiter* tost a strong aad growtog public teoltmeal demands burned Late man suras tor assuring end eaferctng toe highest possible efficiency in tou civil service, sad its protectee* from rsacgntaud abuses, aod Amt the experience refer rad to has dtcoiiftritid ttra fetaiblhij of j "ii: •x*lninaUoas ta lha custom-houses and post- ! 3w bare been held under many tmbarraasmeute without provision for compensation for the extra r performed by toe offieer* who have conducted them, aad whsss com mauds bis in terra t la the Improvement of the public service has induced this de- . voUoo of Ms* and labor without pecuniary reward. 4 oontiutaaces of to*** labor* grakultouafy ouaht not to he expected, and without an appropriation by ceozraa* tor acmpsosa' too, U la not practicable to extend the aysssm os examinations geserally throughout th* dvtl mi-rice. It ta also highly Important that all such examluatioes should be conducted upon a uniform * yets tu aod under general tupervuioa. ftoollao 1751 of the lurised ttatutes authorise* the president to presort b* toe regulation* for ad mi*-ion vo ths sivii aarvtcs of the United States, and for this purpose to employ •citable persons to oooduct ths requisite Inquiries with reference to '‘the fitness of each candidate ta respect to age, health, character, knowledge aod ability, to* toe branch of mrvios Into which he soaks io outer;'' but toe law ta practically Inoperative for want of tks requisite appropriation: I thereforerucummood an appropriation of •25 000 psr annum ta mast ths axpsuun of a commissi on. to bs appointed by ths president < a accordance with ths terms of this section, wboaa duty it *hall ba to devise * testem of or mnotltivs sx■mlwsibms, sad to supervise tbe application of tha asms tarenxbout ta* an Lire Cvti service of too government, ram peraucted test toe fneUittasshtcti •ach a somiiilmlnii wi.l afford for Meting Uie fitosm of th ose who apply for office will aot ou£rb, as welcome a relief to stewtosr. of coogrom aa it will to ths president and heads of departments, but tool It will also greatly tsud to zumoVs tbs causes of embarrassment nowtasritablj aad ooa-tantiy attend tha ooofltetiag claim* of patrooagu between the lr*l*JaUvs and executive department*. Tha moat effectual ehsck %pou too paruicioa* oompctiUon as lofiasass aad offl«aJ favoritism; in th* be*tows] of office, will bs ths •utaaSitutiau of so OMu eompteiUo. of nirt* •fi* MpltaunU, ia which every on*, oao make his own S^totoJw* - **o** 0 ** u, *‘ “■ •"« i aj*o_r*commaad imeh UgtaUUon as. while laavlag S^hMii*. teMcmut, shall alao enable him to fasl aa aafau anv as proviteous ayalnst I haute of official author(V tg oomsatha poUtSml action of private citUcn* or greatly toba CsrirerL* Themes* oofioam obstacle, however, to aa lmprovsasnt of ths clvU terries, aod especially tea toamathod of appolattoaat and removal, has bean found to bs toe practice, doder what ta known aa toe ef-‘casL4ta. , s«f‘i5 i »s«r3 , sr gross. The first step is ths reform of tha civil ssrvlcs •fat ha a cumulate dteccca between congress and tha ■liillH.ls tit matter as appointments. Tha oorrapteng doetrtas that “te the victor, belong ths •ifli. Mlhteuayatli from ssngrelnnsl putronaga or toe setstatsts-! rule aad Mattes of parties in power. K aomsa to hs caffarctood by a ppl lean M for office, and by the paopto csss rally, teat repnasnmlr** and u» atm* are an tilted te disburse tha patronage of toalr reaps® Mrs districts aud states. It toast osumary to zm dta at tauath tha arils icsnldac from ths Invasion of tha exactly# functions Ths tows principles of gov eramee* on toa subject cf appotntmoato to office, as ■toted ta ton national eosvssUons ot ths leading parties of toe country, hats agate and agate been appsnwed hy ths Amartena people, end hare not bean called In question la any quarter. Those aothent c axpreaatous es public opinion upon this all-important •abject, are tha state went of priori piss that belong to *h> ssssritsllmnl stowetnre of ths gßverumsni’"Under the constitution, ths president and has a* of fl«p*rtm*n’t*ra to mat* Dominations for office- Ths • renti ta to advise aod consent to appotetmauta, and the bouse of repress □ tat ivas ta to aeons* sad prosocfaa faith Ism sffimre. Ths Imri interest of tks pubUt terries demands that thsos distinctions ba zMgacted; thclmnstszs aad tspzssnntaffy, yho tony bs judges o*o tenuters, should Mt dictate at potntiasgts to oftan.* To this sad toa coroporatloa of tha tegtetaUvs dspartmsat of to* rovarsmaoS ta required, alike by 0 ?^ maada made apen them with rdwmss to fenSSSSaasasaar.•apt to appnicfmant to offios by the prssTdwut, aad Imm zcaCMkaaud that tbs prevtatnos of aacttou 17(7, aod to fan ilans following, es ton rerissfi toatntec, camprtatey the teesne cf-offics art, as Marsh 2.18*7, bs'reBsilwriag that to reform toa system aad method© cf tasrtrt! sarviesU our country ta am of Ik* hlgboot tori mart imperative dattas of sUtrurl.blp, and tost bu.PsrmaoooUy dons only by ths eo-operation oi the lutalllire and sxaoaUv© dspsrtssautoof tha gov

■ aiß asm ■and whom awbjoct to pa«f now exists in owr terri:-tries and to precept Ms extewafnn. FottAfwl nod am lew efiorta have hocw mode b, tho Doited States authorities In Utah to arn faaoottw tows agalwt tt. Kypartowoo too chowm that tho legislation epos this anbjact. to bo vfiectiva. re- . a wires axtanotve modification aad amaodmosX Tha longer action todafay-d. tho Morwdtfitowlt It win W to aooompUah what to deotood. Prompt aad derisive aaawanaw are wooenaary. The Mormon anatarinn organlaaUon which upholds polygamy has tho whole MMMff Qf AMS MBMMtnHB Ufe# 104 AI lifflliAUoo Ot tha territory By Its control of the grand aad potil twrtm , U poMMM laifi iAila«De« over ihe ■ draintl tratooa of tori toe aa tho hands ot this sori do,the local poUtical power of tha territory, tha, aiwahte to make vff active their horiUß, to ihe law of eowgrew on tho awbiectof polygamy, led, ta fori, do prwveot tto utonnint Polygamy will not bo ahol Mted If too oafercaariet of tho law dowada on thaw who praetlon and uphold tha eriaM. U eaa only ha ngwreaasd by taking awa, tha political nowar of thr fast which aaoowragw and anatafna It The power of aoagrari to aaari anltablo laws to protect tho tarritortoe h ample, It la aot a eaaa far half-wag am aato. Tba political power of tho Mormon Nd la tnarearing; it controls now oao of ear wealthiest aad riori populous tarritones. It to ertoodiag StaadUy Into Other torritorlttes. Wkorover It goes it eatabUahaa polygamy and sectarian political power. Tha sanctity of marriage aad tha family re'alios are the oorner -stone of owr American aoc ety and civilization. Bollgtram liberty and the aaparatlon of ehenjh and state are amoeg tho alemantery Ideas of free taaMtWtlona. To re aatabllah the lotoreoto aad prtoriptoe which polygamy and Mormooiam have Imperiled, and to fall, reopen to intelllgeut aad virtoou* immigrant* of ail ereoda that port of our domain which has base, la a great degree, closed to general Immigration by intolerant and Immoral institution a. It to recommend ed that tt:e government of tha territory of Utah bo latogaeiaad. 1 recommend that eon gum provide for tho govern--moat of Utah by a governor and i d.w, or aoramtosloners, appointed by the president aad cooflimcd by tbo senate—a gorernmont analogous to ths provisional govern scant established for the le ritory northwest ot the Ohio, by the erdinaaee of 1187. If, however, it to deemed best to ooaUaao tbe existing form of toeal rnverwmsnt, I rsoommsnd that the right to vote, bald office, sod sit oa Jnrtaa In tho territory of Utah, be confined to thorn who ueither practice nor uphold polygamy. If thorough moaenros are adopted, it to bo isred that within a tow years the svtia which now abut Utah will be aradlooted, aad that this termor, will lo good Umgbooooto one of the most prosperous and attractive of tho new states of tbo Union. Our relations with all foreign countries have been those of nndlstnrfaed pence, agd have presented no < ceaclon tor ooooera aa to their continued malnten*MyanUdpatlnoofaneariyrepb from the Britirii gevernmritt to the demand ot togs—illy t-o oar fishermen for the lnjarles safiend by that Industry at Fortune Bay, la January, which I expressod In my lest annual message, was disappointed Jhls answer was received only lathe latter part of April In ths present year, and, when received, exhibited a fallare of accord bo tween tbe two governments, a* to ths measure of the Inshore ft*hug privilege secured to owr fishermen by the treaty of tkaabh-gton, of ao serious a character that 1 mads It the subject df a eomnnmteatlon to eonsreaa. In which I recommended tho adoption if tho measures which seemed to ate proper to be takrn by this government la aaetuteaaaee of the rights accord, d to* our fisherman under the treaty, sod towards securing an Indemnity for the injury these Inter.ett had suffered. A bill to cart, ant those recommendations was under consideration by the , house of representatives at the time of tha adjournment of congress In Ju. e lari. Withtu a few wsaks I have received a oommunleatton from Her Majesty's government, renewing tho consideration of the sub-m t, both of tbe Indemnity for the Injuries at Fortono Boy, aad of the Interpretation of the treaty In which tha previous correspondence hid shown tha two governmantato bast variance. Upon both these topics the disposition towards a friendly agreement is manifested by a reoognlt on of our risht to aa Indemnity too tho Wan. action at Fortune Bay, 1 saving tho measure of such indemnity of fur.her conference, aad by on ssesnt to the view of thlsgorernmeat, presented in tbe prerifins oovreepond once, that tha regulation of ooafliotlag In fin rests of thy ih r-i fistary of tha Proriasial see ooaste, and ths vessel fishery of our fisherman, should be made fhi subject of conference end concurrent arrangement between the two governments. 1 si no# rely hope that ths basis may be found for a •peed, adjustment of tha vary serious divergence of views io the interpretationof tbs fishery olauses of tbs Treaty of Washington, which, as the correai>ondeoos between the two government • stood at tha close of the law cession of co agree*, seemed to be irreconcilable. In tbelmporisniexhibition of arts aad Industries which was held last jear at (Sydney, New South Wales, as well ss In that now lo progress at Melbourne, thr United States hare been efficiently sod honorably represented. Ihe exhibitors from this oountry at the former place received a large number of awards in some ol tbe most coos dersble departments, and tha participation of tbe United (Hates was recocn zed by a special mark of distinction. In the exhibition at Melbourne, tbe share taken by our oountry la no lew notable, and ao equal degree of euocess Is confidently expected. The aisle of peace sod tranquility now enjoyed by all tbe nations of tbe oontinem of Europe bae Its to rorable influence upon our diplomatic aud commercial relations with them. We hare concluded and ratified a convention with tbe Brooch republic fer tbe settle meat of claims nf tbe citixscsof either country against theother. Under this loorentton a commission, presided over by a distinguished publicist, appointed la pursuance of the request of both nations, by Hit Majesty the Emperor of lirsxll, has been organised and has begun Its session la ibis city. A congress to consider means for the protection of industrial prop orty has recsstly been In session in Parts, to which 1 have appointed tbe ministers of the United States la France and in Belgum as delegates. Tbe international commission upon weights and measures alio continual IM work In Paris. I Invite your attention to the no cealty of an appropriation to be made in time to so able tbia government to comply with Its obligations under the Metrical convention. • Oar friendly relations with the German empire oon tinue without interruption. at the recent Inter national exhibition of fish aud fisheries at Berlin, th* participation ol the United (Mates, oot withstand In* the baste with which the commission waa forced tr make its preparations, was extremely successful and meritorious, s-rimln* foi private exhibitors nnmerotu swards of a high class, and for tbs country at largt the principal prize of honor offered by bis majesty th< emperor. Tha results ot this great sucoess cannot but be advantageous to this Important and growing Industry. Thera have been some questions ra sed b» tween the two governments ss to (he proper effoet and interpretation of onr treaties of naturalization, bal recent dispatches from our miulster at Berlin shoa that favorable progreea la making toward an under standing. In accordance with tbe views of this government, which makes and admits no distinction whatever between tbe rights of a native and a naturalised cltlsen of the United Btates. In practice, tbe com plaints of molestation suffered by naturalized citisens abroad bare nevar been fewer than at present.

There is notbing of lmportaucs to note in our unbroken friendly relations with the governments of Anstrts-Huogsiy, Ramis, l’ortugsl, Sweden end Norway, Switzerland, Turkey, and Greece During tbs last summer several vesssls belonging to the merchant martnH of this country, sailing In neu tra waters of ton West Indies, were fired at, b srded and sssrebed by an armed cruiser of the Spanish government. Ths circumstance*, aa reported. Involve oot only s private Injury to toe persons oon earned, but also seems Ito little observant of tha friendly relation* existing for a century between this oountry and Spain. Tne wrong was br ugbt to tfe attention ol the Spanish government la a serious protest sad rs moctirance, and the matter ta undergoing investigation by tbe royal authorities, with a view to snob explanation or reparation sa may be called for by to) Ths commission sitting in this city for ths sdjndl cation.of claim* of our cltixcns against ths governmeat of Spain, is, I hope, approaching ths tormina, tioo of it* labors. Tbs claims sgslnst the United States unaor the Florida treaty with Spain were submitted to coogrest st ita lata session, and 1 again invite your attention to this long standing qua,tioo, with a view to a ilnal disposition of to© matter. At th© Invitation of th© Spanish government, a confsreac© has lately been held In tbe city of Madrid to consider tbs suhjsct of protection by foreign t over.of native Moors in tbs empire of Morocco. Tbs Min nt©r of the Units.l States. In Spain, was directed to take part In tbo d liberations of this conference, th* resnlt of which 1* s convention stoned on behalf of a" tbe powar* represented. Tbs instrument will tM laid before the is a ale for its c laeulerat too. The government of toe United State* hs* lust no opportunity te nrg* upon tost of toe emperor of Morocco ths neeaosi ty. In accordance with the homans aad snlightsusd spirit es ths age, of putting an end to toe persecutions, which hare been so prevalent to that oountry, as persona of a faith other than toe Moslem, and especial!] of ths Hebrew resident* of Morocco. The oo ocular trusty concluded with Belglnm has not yet been officially promulgated, owtefftotoe alteration of a word In. the tut by ths senate of the United States, which occasioned a delay, during which tb* time allowed for rattiest toa expired. The Beast* will bs asked to extend tbe period of ratification, Tha attempt to negotiate a treaty of extradition with Deo mark failed on account of the objection oi the Danish government to the astral clause that each nation should pay the expense otsthe arrest of tha poraons whose extradition It asks. The provision made by CO agrees, at tto last session, for the expense of ths commission which had been appointed to enter upon negotiations with the imperial government of China, on sabjocto of great Interest to to* relations of the two oouatries, enabled to* commtarioomsto prom ed atones upoc their mi* sion. Tbs imperial govern meat waa prepared te giro prompt and raspectfal attention to ths nutter* brought trader negotiation, and the conferences proneeded with such rapidity and suooess that, oa tbe 17to as November last, two treaties were signed st Pekin, one relating to to* Introduction of Chinese Into this oountry, and on* relating to eommeroe. Mr.Tknacot, oo* of the sommissuinere. ta now on hta way home bringing tba treaties, and It ta axtocted that tbes will be received in season to b* laid before tbe senate Our mirdsteHn J- pan bat negotiated a convention for tba reciprocal relief ol shipwrecked «*•»• 1 take occasion so ug© one© more upon cocgreM th© propriety of making provision for th© erection of stetsblo fire-proof buildings In tbs Japanese capital for tbe use of to© American legation, and tbs court boas* and jail oouaacted with it. The Japanese government, with g rat generosity sod oonrtasy, has uff«red for this purpuas an ailgibleid see of tend., , In my test annual mum age 1 Invited attention cf sougrete ta too subject of toe Indemnity funds rerrived tout year* ago from Chins and Japan. I renew too recommendsi ton then made, that whatever portions cf these fends are due to American citizens should bs promptly paid, sad tha re*ulna to to* nations, respectively, to which they justly aod equitably buioof. Ths sxtradition treaty with tha kingdom of th* Metosnaads. wnleh has been tor sometime lo course ot negotiation. has, during the past year, bten concluded and duly ratified. Relations at friendship and smite have been erinbli*hed between the goiernmeotof the Unite I Btates and that of Roumania Wa hare seat a diplomatic Royal Highness. Prince Charles, to annocaoe the lodependent sovereignty of Houmaaia. We hope tor a »p*#dy develop-neat of commercial relations between the two countrlM. la my 1s t umsag© I expressed tha hope that tho prevalence of qutst oo ths border between this country sad Mexico would soeu become ca assured ss to justify, tbe modification* of toe seders, toon ja fores, to opr military eoKteandsn, in regard fa Draping tba (reciter, without socouzaglog such d later bap css aa would aadangar ton pesos of tb* two eonatries. Events moved to scaordsocs with these expectations, aid tba orders wore accordingly wilhilrsWnTto tb* entire istirfaction of our own citizens and th* Mexican govarnmsnt. Babasquentiy th* peso* of to* border waa again disturbed by a saver* foray, ui der tb* command of tba Chief Victoria, but, by toe c mlitG' d and harmonious action of toe military forces of both countries, his •••* jte aatao foot! which sea oot fall to oontribut# lareulj to tos jwo.perite of hofh coontrlsa, co . p ” n —"U* ot friendly reinb ” and toss* Bistar republics. UtoUntasdHtotm *ot Ookfmtits ’hs*re**ureged t^raS i°c gtasottou dcrijrths-terear. tha pro-act cf an fpdarnnsteu cansi ■ crass ths latbmus of Panama, to bs built by privet* esplUr ©Sdsite rnnrsmloa from tosOntombtaa goveramsut for tbst purpose Tbp treaty obUgaMoos anbatatlag botwsso top United States aad Ostombta, by whieh wc guaraataa tbo asntoaUty of tbs treaslt aad to# sovereignty aad property of OotomMa In the istbnua, make It nsesmary that tb* conditions aadsv which an stepea-

otms a erne age ta the rsgion —toyed to thto gparamtea dtoM to affinstoST■ trasMnrtdjto, to It tontfi* this tokhasna, frwri a hgrzter h 0 aatoCthn Afifafififa amfi twasw theaa.Vbrths nartosTau 1 the tewtriMtlyc as tbe World—show Id zee ive the approval es this government, as being compatible with tho «twhasgs es thses obUgsUoan oa emr port, aad eoatoMaat with tor Intonate oa tha prtoMpal aaan nisi power ot tba was* era beat lap hare Tbs vises which lax pressed to a special message to caagrsm le Match last, to relation to this project, 1 demo it my Saar agate to pram gpg§ your ittfottoo. BnlwyiTnt ooaiwAistloa bet usages thesptelon ‘-that It Is too right sod duty of the United States to assert asd ms lata to ish •aparviatoM aad authority over any late* Oceania eoaal across the isthmus that nsaaeata Morth aad ffieadh » marl as aa will pests si ear astoaail Interest* Tba war between tbe BapubMc of Ch.li eg tba aae head, aad tbs silted ffiapatllas of Fen asd Bob via aa too aihar. still aosUnaaa. Tbto gnesrarisni bae not fait eaitod agon to Intortaso to miens! tank to adahto toe haOlgeraat rights as tbs partite aa tedepeadaat rising. Wa have, h—arm. al* ape bald eozeeives to readiness to aid la srsnssmndsilag their Hffarasne, aad hove at dlffisraot liana laailadad both belUgaranto ot ear willingness to zander sash service. Okt good offices, in this dlzeeUoa, were reseat>y accepted by all tbe aslMgsrseta, aad .t waa hoped they would prove etoceclous; bat I regret to announce that the sssaaaiaa, which tha atiatotors of tbo United Stotoo tsdtDtlsco §b4 y won Mtho.litd to with tbs view tollring about a posse, nose wot ommesasful. In Use eeaxan of the war come qussitnas have arisen affecting neutral righto; In nil oi these tba ministers of the United Btates have, uoder thair tastrucUoon, aritod and energy Is pro Tba rsiattoos of tho Halted States with tbe aapbe of Brasil eootlnae to be aseet serdlal. aad their commercial Intercourse steadily Increases, to Utelr mntasl disorders with wbtoh tha Argaa toe Reaablle has far anotettzae past boon afflicted, aad whlah have mor* or ton toffoaaesd Its external trade, are aaderrteod to have bean brought to a close. Thto happy result may be expected to redound tu tbe benefit of tbe foreign coucmer.e of that ropabMs as weU u to tbs dovoioerioat of Its vast Interior rannarcos. In Samoa, tbe peveronmnt as King MaMatoa. under tho support and iwoogwittoo of the eonsular repressntativsa of tho United States, Orest Britain, and Germany. seems to have given peace aad tranquility to the Islands. While to does not appear desirable to adopt as a whole the scheme of tripartite local government, whfab has been proposed, the commo interest# of tbo three great treaty ponses require harmony to their rsiattoos to the native frame of governmvnt, and this may be essayed by a simple diplomatic agreement between them. It would bo well If the consular jurisdiction of onr repieeectatlve at kpte were increased In extent and importance So as to guatd American intonate In tbe surrounding and outlying liliadstf OoMaicA. Tba obelisk, generously presented by tha Khedive of Eaypt to the city of Mew York, has safely arrived In this oountry, aad will soon be erected ia that metropolis. A commission for ihe llquldatloa of the Egyptian debt has lately concluded its woik. and tbia government, at tbe earnest solicitation of the Khedive, has screed ed to tea provisions adopted by It, which will be laid before congress for its information. A aamsnissfon for ths revision of tbo Judicial code of tbe Reform Tribunal of Igypt la now in session in Cairo, Mr. Fsrman, oousul gsearal, aad J. M. Bricheldsr. Esq., hare beea appointed aa eommtosienevs to participate la this work. Tbe organisation of the re form tribunals will probably be santinned for another period of five years. In pursuance of tha aot paaaad at tba last session of congress. Invitations have been extended to foreign maritime states to Join la a sanitary ooafarenee in Washington, beginntng thr first of January. The acceptance of th ■ Invitation by many prominent powers gives promise of soceess in this important measure, designed to establish a system of International notification j>y which the spewed of infections or epidemic diseases may be more effectively checked or prevented. The attention of congnsa ta Invited to tbs necessary appropriations for carrying lntosfleet ton provtoious of tbs set referred to. The efforts of tha department of state to enlarge the trade and oommarcs of tho United btates, through tbs active agency of consular officers aad through the Atari minatlon of Information derived from *k«m. have beea nn relaxed. Tbe interest ta torie efforts, as developed ta ear oorimoveUl eommnaltlm. and tba value of too information secured by this means, to the trade aad manufactures of tbe oountry, were recognised br congress at Its last m slon. aud provision was mads for tba more frequest publication of eonsu ar and other reports by the de pertinent of state The first issue of this pob lcetion has now been prepared, and subsequent Issues may regularly be expected. The Importance aad interest attached to the reports of ooneolar officers, are wile nessed by toe general demand for them by all classes of merchants and manufacturers engaged In our foreign trade. It Is believed that the system of ruoh publications Is deservlag of the approval of congress, and that the necessary appropriations for Its continuance and enlargement will command itself to your consideration.

The prosperous energies of onr domestic Industries, and their Immense production nf the subjects of foreign commerce, invite, and even require, nn aotlve development of the wishes and Interests of onr people in that direction. Especially Important la It that our commercial relations with tbe Atlantic aad ecifio coasts of Sooth America, with the West Indies sod tbe Gulf of Mexico should be direct and not through the circuit of European systems, aad should be carried on In our own bottoms. Ths fall appreciation of ths opportunities which our front on ths Pacino ocean glree to oomYnerce with Japan. Oblns, and ths East Indies, with Australia and ths Island groups which Hr along the routes of navigation, should Inspire equal efforts to appropriate to our own shipping, sod to administer by our own capital, a due proportion of this trade. Whatever modifications of our regulations of trade end navigation may be necessary or uses 1 to meet sal direct these Impulses to tho enlargement es our exchanges and of our carrying tyads. I am aura th* wisdom of congress will be reedy to supply. One initial measure, however, seems to me so nearly useful sal efficient that I venture to press It upon your earnest attention. It seems to be very evident that tbe provision of regular steam-postal communication, by aid from government, boa bean toe forerunner of the c ini mercial predominance of Greet Britain ca ell thaee coasts and seas, a greater ahara in whose trade, is now the desire and tha Intent our people. It la also manifest that tbe efforts of other European nations to contend with Great Britain for a share or This com mere© have been successful la proportion with tbeli adoption with tbo regular steam-postal communiontlos with the markets whoa© trade they soagfat. Mexico and toe states of South America are noxious ta receive snob postal oegimnnicsHaai with tola country, an Jto aid In thrir development. Similar eo-oporatlos may be looked for. lo due time, from the Eastern nations and from Australia. It Is difficult to see bow the lead In ibis movement can be expected from private Interests, la respeet ot foreign commerce, quite sa much as In Internal trade, postal commanleatlen teems necessarily e matter of eemmou end public administration, and thus pertaining to government. I rear ectfnlly commend to your prompt attention sueb just and efficient measures ss may conduce to tbe development of onr foreign commercial exchanges and tbe bnllding np of our carrying trade. In this connection I desire also to suggest the vary* groat service which might be expected In enlarging and facilitating our commerce on tbe Pacific ocean, were a t-ansmarineeebla laid from San Francisco to the Sandwich Islands, and thence to Japan at tba north and Australis st tbe south. Tbe groat influence ' of such mega* of communication oa these routes of navigation, la developing and securing tha duo share of onr Pacific ooaat In the commerce of the w rld. needs no Illustration or enforcement. It may be that such an enterprise, useful and in tba aod profitable ss it would prove to private Investment, may need to be accelerated by prudent legislation by congress In its aid. and I submit ths matter to your careful eoosldaratlon. An additional, and net secondary, reason for fostering end enlarging toe navy may be found In tne unquestionable service to toe a * pension of onr commerce, which would be rendered by toe frequent olrcnlaiton of the naval ships In the seas end ports of ell quarters of ths globe Ships of tha proper construction and equipment to be,of the greatest efficiency In case of mar time war, ritoht be made constant aad active agent* la time of peace lo tbe sdTsooement and protection of our foreign trade, aad In tba nurturo and discipline of yooag seamen,who would, naturally, la aome numbers mix with and Improve ths craws of our merchant-ships. Oar merchants at home aod abroad recognise the rales to foreign eommeroe es an active movement of our naval vessels, and tbe Intelligence and patriotic seel of ear naval officers In promoting every Interest of toelr countrymen, is e just rabj«ct of nation a 1 pridn. Th© condition of Use financial affairs of ths gocemment. as shown by tbe report of tbe secretary of tbe treasury, is very satis'actory. It Is believed that the present financial situation of toe United States, whether considered with roapeet to trade, curreoor, credit, growing wealth, or tha extent and variety of our roaouoea. la more favorable toon that of any other oountry of our time, aod baa never been surpassed by that qf any oountry at any period of Its history. AU our industries are thriving; the rate of Interest Is low; new railroads are being constructed | a vast Immigration is Increasing onr population, capital, and labor; new enterprises la groat number aro la pragmas i and fair commercial relations with othar oountrlaa aro lm proving.

_ Th* ordinary raven ass, from all so areas, fog to* fiscal year coded Jons 80,1880, war*:— From customs «18« 522 084 « From Internal revsaoa 124,009,172 92 From sals* ot public lands 1,016,80# 40 From tax oo circulation and deposits of notional banks .. 7.014,271 44 From repay meat of Interest by Fsriflo railway oompanics 1,707.881 18 From sinking fund for Pacific railway companies 188,821 28 From custom* fees, floss, penalties, sto 1,148,800 16 From fee.—consular, Ist tare-patent sod lands .77. t in mo on From proceed* of sale* of guvwamsat ’ Pfai rty. 281616 r* From profits on coinage, sto 2,791186 Th From revenue* of District of Colombia 1,806,469 70 rrom miscellaneous sources 4,019,108 88 Total ordinary receipts. -888.5l8.fiM> 98 The ordinary expenditures for ths same period were: For civil expenses 816.196968 56 For pensions, including *19,>41.076 .0 arrears of pensions. 58,777424 41 For ths military estabilebmeot. Including river and harbor Improvements anirarmnals 58,115418 22 For |hs naval establishment. Including vassals,’ machinery, and improvsmento at navy-yards 12,516,284 14 For miscellaneous expenditures, Intending public buildlugs, lighthouses, and collecting tbs revenue.... 81485,691 00 Far expenditures oa account of toa District of Oolumbia 8,272.884 68 For interest oa to* public debt 85,741475 11 For premium on bonds purchased 2,796420 42 Total ordinary txpeadUuzoa 187448457 28 tnaviag a surplus tsvsnuo of •05488481 ID Which, with an amount dr,wn from tha cash balance la treasury, of 8,084,434 H Making 78488,187 41 Wss applied to tha redemption— Of bond, forth# Bin icing fund •18,502.901 00 Oftrsctional eurreacy ELW tt Of tks loan of ISB 41>,UU0 00 OlAamporery lona 10J 00 Of fcuoty-laud scrip.. ,S 26 00 Of eompoand-lotorsot notes 16,600 00 Of 7 SO notes of K - 6 2/40 00 Of ens and two-year notaa 8,290 00 Of old damaad notes. 118 90 72468,987 41 Th* aaMmntdM tba staking And far tkta year ©tea $37,931,043 64. Than was applied thereto tks sum Of 878,904,8 7 <l, being 335,972,978 IS fa cxeste ot tbe set sal i tquircmsnta for lb* year. The aggregate of tb* revsntms from all nutri f » r, M »*4te June 30,1880, was 1388.828,ei0 oa, an Ucrsase over tba y-j-Tifag year cf |58.000,476 62. The receipts thus far of fa* butt rut tear, together with tb* estimated receipts tor tb© remainder of ths year, amount to which will b* suffirlsat to most tbe sstimated sxpsaditores of the year, aad leer© a surp os of (MAJOAUO. It ta fortunate that tbia large surplus reran us centra at a period whan It may to directly apphte fa (to payment of tto public debt soon to to icissm abis. No public duty has been mor* soastaatly cherished fa fa* United States then tto policy of paying ths Nation’* debt oo rapidly ot pomfafa

jßbc Mt of ton United Stales, leas ca h ia tit Zwswry am* exclusive of arc ulng imeic-t, attained its faaxtotam of $e 76«,tt1A7l 4S tm August, IMA, and has since that Bum been redumd to $1,886 Oi*,tot St Of tou prl -eipa> oi the debt, f 1U8,7£3,10U has beswpcM since March 1. ISH, effecting. an annual saving of interest ot 86,107 303. The burden of interact has nine hasp dßminl had by the sale of bonds hem lag a law rate of lager am, aad the appltca'iou ol tha proceeds to tbe ycdaaipUoaof bonds bearing a higher rote. The nan cal saving tons secured since Marsh L. 1877. is Within aa* art period over sfx hundred million* if •to aad Mx car cent,loads will become redeemable. Thto presents a wary tovorahls opportunity act only to farther rsdaoe tbe principal of thq debt, bat also to red ace tbe rate ot latsswct ea that which will ram its unpaid I caK toe ettoatloa cf congress to tha views vxpumas* ea thto satyvet by the secretary of tha treagary In hW annual report, aad recommend prompt legislation, to enabl• tha treasury department to complete the refaodlag ot the debt which to alsat to matara. Tha sartlaess net toe pamsete has aot bean !»• aadto ear luamrt able prespart-.y. Tha fear* that puu•ehed and accompanied racnmptlou have proved groaadtosa. Ee considerable amount of Uaii ed States antes have been arceaetad fer ndamptlea, while very ed, srotakeu ‘tew coln°or aoshortasdaaa war measure, aad made necessary by exigencies of toe conflict In whieh tbe United States wa* thee engaged. The preservation of too na■syysfiirSifsrzsa rhtefa tt waa creeled to aot qasetoymeat ot toe notes as paper (ter the aeeompltohmeot of ihe were provided, was aot ooutamof toe law under which they warn long since base me Uke any other sf the goverameat-a deb* to be te he cancelled se mere evtdsoee lunger existing. I therefore repeat waaewas Sam In tee ananal message of last year, that too ruttromsot from circulation of United States notea, Wlto tou capacity of legal tender in private 003tracts,Is a otop to be taken In our program towards n safe and toatovonrranoy, Which Should be aereptod as the polley aad dmt. ■ es our govsrmont and tea letaewst and security ot tba people. At the time of the passage of the set now In faros requiring tbe oranage or stiver dollars, fixing toelr value and String tbvm legal-icoder character, tt waa be™f®7 °t the supporter* of the measure that the stiver dollar, which It authorised, would speedily b *“>• opsraOoos of the law, of equivalent £° :<1 There were other supporter© th© bUI, krno, wbllo they qpubied as to the probability as this result, nevsrtheiees were willing to giro tbe propmd experiment • fair trial, with a view to stop tbe ootaagn, if experience should prove tost th© silver dollar authorised by tba bill oontlnned to be of teas commercial Tains than tha standard gold dollar. Tbs coinage of silver dollar*, under toe act referred to, began ta March, 1878, and has been xonttoaed aa required by tha act. Tbe average rate for mouth to toe present time has been 21(1,492. Tbe total amount coined prior to the 7rat of November test was •72,817,0 f thi« amount *47.084 451 remain iu the treasury, and only •15.783.291 are in tbe hands of th© people. A constant effort has been made to keep this eurreacy in circulation, aad ccnslderabl© expense has been neoasssrlly Incurred forlbir purpose, bnt its rareturn to tbe tiassury ta prompt and sure. Contrary to tha eosfldeet anticipation of the friends of the ■•nmiro at the tlma of Its adoption, the value of the silver dollar, containing 412 K grslos of stiver, has not )°°ra«n«d. During toe year prior to toe pstsage of the bill authorising its coinage, toe market value of the stiver which It contained waa from ninety to nine-ty-two cents, as compared with the standard gold delis'- JP" rln f * h# *“* f“' the average market valne ot theMlvar dollar has beeo eighty-eight and a half

It to obvious, that tbe legislation of the lari congress to rogard to silver, so far ss It wss bated oa an antlotpated rise In the value of silver as s result of that legto prodnoe the effect then pradiot•d. Tbe longer ths law remains in force, requiring as *• dPS© the coinage of a nominal dollar, which, In reality, Is not a dollar, the greater becomes tbe danger that this country will be forced to accept a single metal at the sole legal standard of value, ‘.n circulation, and this a si andsrd of Jess value than it purports to be worth In the rtccgnlxed money of the world. .Tho constitution of the United States, sound finsn•fal principles, and on - best interests, ail r- quire that tos.country should have ss its legal-tender money, noth gold aud silver coin, of an Intrinsic value, as bullion, equivalent to that which, upon its face, It purports to possess. Tbe const ItuZioo, in express terms, recognise© both gold and silrtr as the only true legalteuder money. To banish either of these me tala from our currency is to narrow and limit the circoietlng mediom of exchange so tbe disparagement of imPortant interests. Tne United Btates produc*emoro stiver than any o- hoc to jp< ry, ani isdireojy Interested to maintaining it as ono of ths two precious metals which furotoh tho coinage of the world. It will, la a* judgment, contribute to this result if Congress will repeal so much of existing legislation as requires tbs solnago of sllvor dollars containing only iIW grains of stiver, and la Its stand will authorise tho secretary of tha treasury to eoin silver dollars of equivalent value aa bullion, with gold dollars. This wUI defraud ns man, and will be In accordance with familiar prsosdsnto. Ooagree*, on several occasions, has altered toe ratio of valne between gold aod silver, In order to establish It more nearly In accordance with ths actual ratio of veins between the two metals. la financial legislation every measure In the direction of greater fid-lity In the discharge of poedfitary obligation*, has been found by experience to diminish tha rates of Interest whieh debtors aro required to pay, aad to laoreaae the facility with which money can to obtained for every legitimate purpose. Our own resent flnanctatfilstnry shows how surety money beeomce abuodant whenever confidence In the exaot performance of moneyed obligation* Is established. The secretary as war reports tost ths expenditures of too war department for tha fiscal year ended June 10, 1880, warn •38,924,771.08. Tbe appropriations for tola department, for too current fiscal year, amount to •41,883,880.(0. With respect to ths army, tba secratary Invltea attention to the fact- that its strength la limited by ■tatutaTtectlou lilt, revised statutes) to not more than 80,100 enlisted man, bet that provisos contained ia appropriation bills have limited expenditures to the a- listment of but 25,000. It ta believed the full legal strength ta ths least possible force st which the present organisation can be maintained, having in view •Suleusy. discipline, and economy. While tbe enlistment of this force woo id add somewhat to the appropriation for pay of the army, toe saving mads In other respects would be more than so equivalent for this additional outlay, and ton efficiency of toe army would be largely lncressed. Tbe rapid extension of tbe railroad system west of the Mtoslmippl river, and toe great tide of settlers whlsti has flowed In upon now territory, impose on the military an entire ohange of policy. Tbe maintenance of small posts along wagon and stage-routes of travel to ns longer necessary. Permanent quarter* st points selected, of s more substantial character than thorn heretofore constructed, will be required. Under existing laws, permanent buildings cannot be erected without the sanction of congress, and whan rales of military altos and buildings have been authorised, ths moneys received hero reverted to the trasauiy, and could on y baooms available through a new aporoprlatlon. It ta recommended tbst provision be made, by a general statute, for toe sale of such abandoned military posts and building* as aro found to fie unnecessary, nod for tee application of the proceeds to the construction of other post*. While many of the pros ont posts arc of bat slight value for military purposes, owing to toe changed condition of the country, their occupation is continued at great expense and inconvenience, because they afford toe only aval labia shelter for troops. Tha shames of a large number of officers of ths line to active dwty.from thsir regimentals detrimental to ths maintenance of the service. The uoostaat demand for ■nail detachments, each of which should be commanded by a commissioned officer, and ths various details ot officer* for necessary service away from their commands, oocaalona a scarcity In the number required for company duties. With a view to lessening this drainto soma extent. It ta recommended that the law authorising the detail of officer* from the active list as professors of tactics aad military soianoe at oertaln ooileges and universities, be so amended aa to provide test all sneh details be made from too retired list ot the army. . Attest lon ta asked to toe necessity of providing by legislation (or organising, arming and disciplining tho active militia of toe country, and liberal appropriations are recommended In this behalf. The reports of ths adjutant-general of tho army and the chief of ordinance touching this subject fully act forth its importsave.

Tho report of the offl er In cluifi of edneation In the »™> ebowe that there ere seventy-eight ecbool* Bow In operation In the army, with an aggregate atten(lance of 3.J05 enlisted men and children. The Secretary recommends the enlistment of one 1 hundred and fifty ecboolmaatere, with the rank and i ay of com-missary-sergeants. An appropriation la needed to tupply the judge advocates ot the army with suitable lit brariea, and the aeeretary rec mmenda that the corpof judge adtroeatee be put upon the eame footing, aa to prosMtlon, with other staff corpe of the army Undet eztating laws, the bureau of military justice correlate or owe officer, rhe judge advoeste general, and the corpe es judge adeecatae, of eight officeri of equal rank, (majors,) with a provision that tbs limit of the corps shell remain at four, when reduced l-y casualty or resignation to that cumber, 'lhe consolidation of the bureau of mlliiarr justice, and the corps of Judse advocates, upon the same basis with other staff corpe ot the arms would remove an unjust discrimination against desernng officers, and subserve the best lnterKspeclal attention Is asked to the report of the chief of engineers apon the condition of our national defences. From n personal Inspection of many of the fortifications referred to, the socretery Ic able to emptiest so the recommendations made, and to stats that their Incomplete and defenceless condition Is discreditable to the eoontry. While other nations hava been increaalag their mesas far carrying on offensive warfare and attacking maritime cities, we have been dormantin preparation for defooce; nothing of importunes ban been done towards strengthening and finishing ear canamatad works ainoe our late civil war, during which the greet runs of modern warfare and the heavy armor of modern fortifications and ships came Into nee among the nations, and our earthworks left, bg a sad-tee failure of appropriations some veers since, in all Stamm of lnoompletion, are now being rapidly destroyed by tha elements. ’ The two great rivers of the Ssrtl American continent, the Mississippi and the Columbia, have tholr navigable waters wholly within the limits of the lira Ms of the United States, and are of vest importance to our Interne I nod foreign eommeree. The permscsßcy of the Important work on tee sooth pass of the Mlaaisrtrpi river now teems assured. Thera bae been bo failure what ver In the maintenance of the raaitmom ohannel during the six months ended August y, Inst. 1 his espertment hss opened a broad deep highway to tha ocean, end is so Improvement, upon the perms newt snmsas of which, congratulations may be exchanged among people abroad and at home, and especially among the communities of the Mississippi valley, wheee commercial exchanges float la an unotmtrvetad ohannel safely to and frpm tha sea. ▲ comprehensive Improvement Of the Mississippi aad Its tributaries is s matter of transcendent Importance. These groat water-ways comprise a system of inland transportation spread like oat-work over a kip pert ton of the United K tales, and navigable to tha ax taut of' many thousands of mtlaa. Producers sad noßanmom alike have a common Interact In such unequalled facilities for cheap transportation. Geographically. commercially and politically, they are the strongest tie between the various sections of the eoaatry. These channels of oosajnnnicaUo 3 end lntssshanps orothi property of tho nation, (to jnriadiottoß U rarstetmntover their waters, and the plainest prteolptej of public Interest require their Intelligent and careful supervision, with n vtaw to their protecend the eohauoamont of their useTho ehaaaei ot the Ootambla river. Cor n distance of about oaa hundred miles from Its month, Is ohstroe.od by a soeoaaston at bars, which occasion serious delays S;^«^e^Sß^,iS!STfSs: •honld bo secured and maintained, to meet tha requirements of the extensive sod growing Inland and nimmsrisltsaßsrves. The aeoot urgent need, howover, for this moat water-wsy is a perms neat Improvement of the chausl at the month of the river. From Ootambla river to Saa Fraauteeo, a distance of six hundred ml lea, than la no harbor oa our l>a—*?*Ubesrrommodatod. Tha amountaphh«d will be easy great, owing toUje want of natnral advantages ter a site at say paint oa the roast bn-

ttreeo the designated limits, aod that It baa Mt tow lb aught fa to advmabfa to undertake fan work wttbruta larpcr apreopristion. loommoodfa* matter to tto a*teatioii of eougracs. Tbeec-mpletianof ton new ImUdlag for tte war dspartmMrt is urgently needed, aad tbs estimate* far ita canstrccttaa are isperistly reoora--11 Toot toot of booH. iMoftMoi, tad constituting tbe army mediealmaamma aad hbrsry art of nsUoasl Importaoce, Tba library bow conlaias about fifty-on* toouaaad fire hnadred (51,500) volumes sjissr=ss?=siffi«ia:'«?issss3 eomptarsama with which Into military surgery aad tto diseases of armies are lltoctrafad. Thsir dastrscffiiZgL&y.t'zrx: fas record sad, m din dlririam ever Sixties thou seed (14.000) hnaad volumes of hospital soarda. together with a great quantity of papsrs. smbrsci ng tba original records of to* haapifata Yfasr armies during tto riril war. Aside from ttofcr blstertsul vale*, toss* reoorda are dally ssarcfasd far avid sacs aoedad ia tto settlement of large a umbers as pcaripas aad other claim*, for tb* protection of tto govern meet against attempted frauds, ta wallas far tto benefit of hoosst claimants. 7 toss valuable eollocUaas are new In a bnllding whieh Is peculiar y expo ad te tba danger of destruction by fire. It la therefore earnestly recommended teat aa appaepriatloa to made far a new flre-oreuf building, adequate far tto passant needs and reasonable future expansion of those rateable collections. Such s building should ba absolve*. 1© fiis-proofs no expenditure for mare arc attests ia! display ta reqsired. It ta tailored that a suitable structure erected S 4 a oast oot to exessd two hnadred aad fifty thousand dollar* (93t0.«X». I commend te th* attend a cf eoagrem fan grate accrvtecsof the commands r-in-ehi*f of our armies death* war tor tto union, whoa* wise, firm, aad patrieoaduot did so much te brine that momsitous conflict to a ©loss. Th* Ugislstion cf tto United SKSdnsr.; polntmsnt of a ncptala gcoccal of tto army, with suitable nrovtafozu relating to eomparaatlea. retirement, sud othsr dotal ia, would, ta my jadgmsat. to altogether fitting aad propar. aad weald to warmly approved by tto roan try. The report of th* secretary of tha aary exhibits tto *u cuseful aad satisfactory management cf that de partment during tba last fiscal year. Ito total expenditures for th® year were •12,914,629.46 leaving unexpended at th* oka* of th* year •2441482.28 ot tto amount ot aval labia appropriations. The appropris lions tor the proaaat fiscal year ending Jana *O,IBBI. are $16.096161.45; and th* total astimatss for tha next fiscal rsur ending June 80, ÜBi, are §16,961 761.41. Tha amount drawn by warrant from July I,IJOBO, toNo(ember 1.18 K), U $5.1)41,570.46. Th© recommendation of the secretary of th* navy, that provision be mads for tha establishment of coma form of civil government for the people of 4 tasks, is approved. At present there ta no protection of poisons or property In that territory, except such aa ta afforded by the offiocn of lbs United Btates ship Jamestown. This vessel was dispatched to Sitka, toes nse of tha fear that without the Immediate presence of the national authority, there waa Impending danger of anarchy, fihs steps taken to restore order nave been aocepted In good faith by both white and Indian inhabitants, and tho necessity for this method of restraint coes not, fa my opinion exist. If, how ever, ths Jamestown should be withdrawn. leaving the people, as at present, without tto ordinary, jndU cial, and administrative authority of organ aod loeal government, serious consuquenoes might rosso. The laws provide only tor ths collection es revenue, the protection of public prop.rty, sod tho transmission of the malls, ’lbs problem ta to soppy a local rule for a population so scattered and so pscul at fa Ita origin and condl lion. Iba natives era reported to be teachable aud self-sustaining, and, If prensrly instructed, doubtless would advance rapidly In civilisation, and s new faotor sf prosperity would to added to the national lif*. I therefore isccniiusnd the requisite legislation upon this subject. Ihs secretary of ths navy has taken stops tosards ths establishment of naval eosllnt stations te ths Isthmus of Panama, to meet tb* requirements of our commercial relations with Central and Bonth America, which are rapidly growing In importance. Location* omineutly suitable, both ss regards onr naval purposes and the uses of commerce, have been selected, sue on the east ride of th» Isthmus, at Ohiriqul Lagoon, In tbe Caribbean Sea, and th© other on the Pacific coast, at the Hay of Golflto. 2he only oaf* harbors, *ufiident y commodious, on tba isthmus, are st thee© points, and ths distance between them ta leas than one hundrod miles. lh© report of tb© secretary of tha navy conclude* with valoablo suggestions with respect to the bnllding np of our merchant marine service, which deserve the favorable consideration of oongress. The report of the postmaster-general exhibits tb© continual growth and the high state of efficiency of the poets 1 service. The operations of no department of the government, perhaps, represent with greater exactness tbe Increase In tbe population and tha buslnesa of the country. In 1860, tbe postal receipts were •8 618,057 40; in l&U, the receipts were 4 83^6,47934. All tbe Inhabitants of the country are d lrectly and personally Interested In having proper mall faculties, snd nst orally watch tbe poit-office very do*ely. J hi* careful oversight on the part of the people has proved a csostant stimulus to Improvement. During the past year there waa an lncreaa© of 2,184 post offloes, and ihe mall route* were extended 27,177 miles, making an additional annual transportation of 10,814491 miles. 'ihe revenues of tbe postal service for the earning year are estimated at 888,WE47M0, and tha expenditures st $47,475,932, leaving a deficiency to to appropriated out of the treasury of $8,680,757.60. lhennlversri postal union has received the accession of almost all the countries snd colonies of ths werld maintaining organized postal services, snd It ta confidently expected that all tbe other countries and oolonlee now outside of the Union will soon unite therewith, thus realising the grand ides aod aim of tbe founder* of ths Union, of forming, for purpose* of international mall communication, a single postal territory embracing the world, with complete uniformity of postal charges, and condition# of international exchange, tor all descriptions of oorrespondeooe. To enable the United Btates to do ita fail share of this great work, additional legislation to asked by the postmaster-general, to who** recommendations especial attention ta called. The suggestion of th* postmaster-general, that It would to wise to encourage, by appropriate leg'slsUon, the establishment of American lines of staamors by our dllssns, to carry tha mails between our own ports and those of Mexico, Central America, South America, and of the trans-Paolflo countries, ta 00mmanded to the serious consideration of congress. Tba attention of oongress is also Invited to tha saggestions of ths post master-gsnsrai In regard to peats l savings. Ths necessity for additional provision, to aid In tha transaction of the business of ths federal eoorta, becomes each year more sppsren. Ths dockets of ths snpreme court, snd of th* circuit courts, fa ths greater nun. bar of circuits, are encumbered with th* constant secession of cases, la tho formsr court, snd In many instances in ths circuit courts, year© ta terrene before it ta practicable to bring cases to bearing. Tha attorney-general recommends tto establish mentof an Intermediate court of errors aad appeals. It 1s recommended that tha number of judges of tto circuit court in each circuit, with tto exception of tb© second circuit, should to Increased by tto addition’ of soother judge; in tbe saoond circuit that two should to added, and that an Intermediate appellate court should bs formed fa each circuit, to constat of the cironlt judges and tha circuit justice, and that in the event of tha absence of either of thee* judges tto place of the absent judge should bs supplied by tha jodgsof on* of tha district courts in the circuit. Such an appellate oourt coaid be safely invested with large jurisdiction, and its decisions would satisfy suitors in many cases where snpeals would still bs allowed to tbe snpreme oourt. Th* expense incurred for thto Intermediate > ourt, will require a very moderate increase of the appropriations for tb* expense* ot tk* department of justice. This recommendation taoommended to tbs careful consideration of oongress. It lsevldeut that a delay of jostles. In many Instances oppressive and disastrous to sal.on, now nso©s»arlly occurs lo ths federal courts, which will fa this way to remedied. The report of tto secretary of tha Interior, presents

an elaborate account of tba ot eratloos of that department daring the paat rear. It glees me great pleasure to ssr that oar Indian affairs appear to be In a more hopeful condition now than ever before. The Indians have made gratlfrlng progress In agrlealtare, herding, and mechanical pursuits. Many who were a few years ago In hostile oonfliot with the gorernment are quietly settling down on farms where tqey hope to make their permanent homes, building houses and engaging in the occupations of civilised life. The introduction of the frei«titin> business among them has been remarkably fruitful of good results, fu giving many of them congenial and remunerative employment, and la stimulating tbelr ambition to ears their own sopport. Their honesty, fidelity and efficiency as earriase are highly praised. The organisation of a police fores of Indiana aas bean equally successful In maintaining law-end order upon the reservations, and In exercising a wholesome and moral lnflnsnoe among the Indians themselves. I concur with the secretary of the Interior la the recommendation that the pay of this force be Increased. as an Inducement to the best class of young men to eater It. Mach care and attention has been devoted to the enlargement of educational facilities for ths Indians. The means aval able for this Important objaci have been very load equate. A few additional beard logschools at Indian agencies have been established, and the erection of buildings has bean begun for several more, bnt an Increase of the appiopr.atiooe for this Interesting undertaking la greatly needed to aecommodate the large number of Indian children of school-age. Tbs number offered by their parents from ell ports of the country for education In ths government schools la much larger than can bo aoeenamodated with the means at pre-ant arallahle for that purpose. Ihe number of Indian pupils at the Normal school at Hampton, Virginia, under tbe direction of General Armstrong, has been considerably in arose i i, sod the progress Is highly enoonraglng. The Indian school esteblltb«U by the interior department. In 18'9. at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, under the direction of Captain Pratt,has been equally successful. It has now nearly two hundred pupils of both sexes, representing s greet variety of the tribes east or tbo Rocky Mountains. The pupils In both these Institutions receive not only an elementary English education, but are also instructed la housework, agricult ne, and useful mechanical pursuits. A similar school was established this year at Forest Grove, Oregon,- for the education of Indian yonth on the Pacific coast. In addition to this, thirtysix Indian boys and girls were selected from the eastern Oherokees and plaeed In boarding-schools In North Carolina, where they era to receive an elementary English education aod training In lad eel rial pursuits. Ths I atereet shown by Indian parents, even among the so- ailed wild tribes. In the education of their children, Is very gratifying, end gives promise that the results accomplished by the effort* now making will bo of lasting benefit. The expenses of ludlao education have so far been drawn from the p rmansnt civilisation-fund at the disposal of the department of the Inferior; bnt the fnnd Is new so much rwluced, that the continue nee of thie beneficial work will In the fntnre depend on specific appropriations by cony rase for tbs purpose, and 1 venture to express the hope that congress will not permit institutions so fruitful of good results to perish for want of means for tbelr support. On the contrary, an increase of the number of such schools appears to me highly advisable. The past year has been unusually free from disturbances among tbe Indian tribes. An agreement hoe been made with tbe Cl tea. by which they enr-codcr their Urge reservation in Oelorado in consideration of an annuity, to be paid to them, and agree to settle in severalty on certain lends designated for that purpose, os farmers, bolding individual title to their load In fee simple, laellenshe for a certain period, lathis w *y ■ costly Ind'an war has been rvoldel, which at one tim teemed im Inset, and; for the first time in the hlvtoiy of the conn try, an Indian nation has gtr m up Its tribal existence to be settled In severalty, and to live as iudlvidatls under the common protecting at the laws of the country. Thr ooodnet of the Indian* throughout ths country, with hot f w noteworthy exceptions, has been orderly end peacefel. Ths guerilla wi rfate carried on for two year* by Victoria sad Us band or Southern Apaches hat virtually esmet* •n end, by the death of that chief and most es Ids followers, on * exlcan soil. Tbe disturbs, ess caused on our northern frontier by Sitting 801 l sad hitmen, who had taken refuge in the British dominions, geo also likely io raves. A large majority of hie fottewets hare surrdadored to our millta-y foroes, and lbs r—"lnder are apparently in progress of diatn agraUoa. 1 yoneur with tbe secretary of the Interior in expressing the ear rest hope that congress will at ttti seerion t«ke favorable action on the bill praridtex for the allotment of lands on the different reservations In severally to tbe Indiana, with patents oowfamagf**riirple title inalienable for a certain period, and tbs arantaal disposition at tbaresida* at the ywarvatlnna,

for (MMt HUtent, wlta to* (MMtMlhi tes benefit of Ifcc Mte, ptassd fas tetter mter too eqaeJ protect too of Ite ten of fa# oouotry. This linw, teustoer wtta a Tipor—« p-cwccutioa of oar sdorattoaol sSorta, will work tee most Important aod r fleet! ve adv-acs toward tee notation of tbo ladtea problem. ta aropartef for tea gradual laargtac of oar IMlMi|w>oJa>ln tote# groat bad/ of Arasrinea ctf ▲ terra tacraam U reported ta th diopcsal of watte leads for settlement 'Luring tU« ra't year, which tearka tea areaparoni growth as oar «*f icultaral tadatary, and a rig area* aonacat of popateUea toward oarpmitfit tend*. A- teit nurtmart proceeds, tea aodteca>loa of aor* toad tewa, a* w*J a* proowtegtelathm to regulate th* dUpcaUin of polite aw, kMon of a»r preeilag aratfrity, and I iterahra tartta tea coaal iteration as enagtotate tka rapart aad tka eraom praying draft cf a bill, aaada by tka white landa ooaartteaion which w ra teaaiateatad to mm ta eongree* at teo teat aoadaau Early action apoo tbia lat portent rabjcct tehjbly desirable. Tka attoattea of on|im to again a kad u tea vaatatal dsaradettei • sommittod ua oar pabUo tintbar landa, and tea rapid aad lodtecrim'aato da*ti oe ttea of oar tor rati. Tbo orgeat aocoa ify for tegielatten ta tkte aad l« now p earn ally racogulioJ. la ▼tew of tka t-wteaa ckaraotar of tea dvprnda teas committed, aid tea direction conseqranoc* which BMWt iaarltably follow their caaULOaaca. te*l-Utioa an again and again barn rrrnaaaianlid to at rent tka avit, aad t* praoarro ter tea preservation of our went era ateter aad tarrllortat tea timber naadtd ter «*- martte aad other eroanttal rare. Tka report as tea director cf the geological oorray to a docameat of anaaarl interest. The consolidation of the Tarioar groioikal surety* aad exploring aaterprirea, each of which bar bemtolota operated uaoa aa independent plan, with oat ooaoert, cannot tell to be of grant benefit to all thoao ioda trier of teo ooaatry which depend anon tea dor-iopman of oar mineral reeoarco*. Tbo labor* of teo tctenUde are as raoogatead arant who compear tea eavpr of tea geologies! emvey, daring tea drat area err as their laid oprratlona aad icqairie*. appear to bo Tory earnprahaufra, aad will la eotemaideated toemgrtar ta a anmber of rota met. The director of the rarray rreommeads teat tea Inrtatlgatioaa earritd aa by klo bnraon, which ro ter have barn aondnad to tbo ■o-called pahUo-lnnd rtntrr and t.rritori**. be rxI ended or or tie aatira corn try, aad teat the Decretory appropriate be made for tbte parpoaa. Thtr weald be portico Laxly banadotel to tea lroa, coal aad other mining tnterasU of tea MfsiiesJppi Talley aad •f tea aaatara aad root bar a rater. The enhfect to commanded * j the caretnl conrldrratioa of ooegraas. The raoraterT of tea la tartar arko attoottoa to tea waat of loom ta tea poblic beddings of tka etpltel, aow existing and In pragma of coaotractteo, for tea accommodation ot tea cl rr Seal force employed aad of tbe pabllo record*. Necessity kar aooapoilod tha roaming of prlTete baildloga ta Tarioao parte of the eity far tbo location of pakllo offleer, ter which a large amount of rant to annually paid, white tha reparation of officer belonging to the tame department imped ra the traaoaetion of current burlnraa The secretary ruggert* that tha bloeka. oanwandtag Lafayette ■quara on the cart, north aad weot bo purchased aa the rites for aew edifices, for tbo Meommedatiao of the gOTeromont offices. leasing tbo square itself in* toot; and that. If each building* were constructed aron nharmonioa* plan of architect urn, they would •dd au k to ter beauty of the national capital, aad rote, together with the trecent y aad tha new state, nary and war department building*, form one of too moat imposing groups of-publlc edifice* in the mild. The eommteatmor of agriculture ezpraaaoo teo coofldout belief that hi* rffrrtt lu behalf of the production ot our own sugar aad ten hare been encouragingly rewarded. Tha Importance of the results attained hare attracted marked attention at homo, and have received the special consideration of foreigu nations. The successful cultlvition of our own tea, and the manufacture of our own sugar, would moke a difference of many million* of dollars annually In tha wealth of the nation. The report of tha commissioner asks attention particular I y to the continued prevalence of aa lnfs-tiouo and ooDteglonr cattle disease, ksosrn and dreaded In ■mope and Asia as rattle plage*, or pleuro-pneumo. uta. A mild type of this disease in eertain sections of oar country, is the occasion or groat lose to our rarm • err, and of sorions disturbance t j oar trade with Greet Britain, which taraieheo a market for moat of oar Utb st >ck end dre-eed meets. Th* reiue of neat-cat tie exported from tee United States lor the eight months ended August SL 1880, was mors than twelve million dollars, and nearly doable the vain# for th* same period in 1879, an unexampled increase of export trade. Tour early attention Is soli< ited to this Important matter.

The commissioner of education reports a con tinned increase of public Interest ta educational % Sal re, and that the public schools generally throughout th* country are well sustained. Industrial training is attracting deserved attention, and foliage* for iostruclloa, theoretical and practical, in agricult ere and the mechanic arts, including th* government schools tocenily established for th* Instruction of Indian youth, nr* gaining In pabllo estimation. Th# eommlmionor asks special attention to tha depredation* committed on the lands reserved for th* fntnra support of public instruction, and to-Oho very great need of help fr, m the nation for schools la the territories and In tha southern states. Th* recommendation, beretof .re made, is repeated and urged that aa educational fund beset apart from the not proceed, of tbe sales of tha poblic lands annually, tea income of which, and tbe remainder of the not annual precord-, to be distributed on some satisfactory plan to th* states and tsrrttorios nod the District of Colombia The *ooo*o* of tea pabllo school* of the Dtetetet of Columbia, and tha piogroos made, under the Intelligent ditection of ths board of education and tie superintendent, in supplying thi educational requirements of tbo district, with thoroughly trained and steel sot teachers, is very gratifying, fbe seta of congress from tims to time, donating public lands to tko sever sl states and territories in Jdof educational interacts, have proved to be wise measure* of poblic policy, resulting ta groat and lasting benefit. It would seem to be a matter of tempts justice to extend th* benteti of this lratelaOoo, tea wisdom of wktokhaw boom so fully vindicated by expert cnee, to the District of C< I , agata commend tbo g*a*s»l intares.eof tbe Di*triet of Columbia to th# favorable consideration of congress. The affairs ot the district, as ohown by tha report of th* eommi*loo*r*,ar* ta a very satisfactory massages heretofore, and ta mj special message of December 19, M 79,1 hatr* urged upoa end I am constralqpd by Ite Unp:rtanoo to advert again to teo saUect, Thera flat* embrace aa area # several h u ndred m£ss. Thayer. « impmUmrat W th* drainage of th* city and sorioosly impair Its health. ItUbelieved that,with thijeubetanUal improvement of Its river front, tee capital weald be, ta all respects, on* of th* most attractive elites la the worid/Aeide from It* permanent population, this city li noc—irlly Ik# plftM of ruidtMt of mumi from #T#ry Motion of th# country #ngaf#d in thijmbUe service. Many other* reaW* here temporarily,fer the transaction of brain*** with the government Tbo water supply of ta* eity to inadequate, In addition to tha ordinary no# throughout tbo city, teo consumption by the government U noceeearlly vw? great In th* navy-yard, nreeoal sad the rarious department*, and o large quantity ig raqtfred for tea proper prooorration of the nnmaroaspirtssudtes cleansing of sowars. I recommend teal tejo ratyoot receive th* -arty attention of eoa«nte**» '■ making provieioo for aa Iwcreorad suppiy, eock mrane b* adopted as win bars ta view tee future growth of the city. Temporary expedients for each a purpose cannot bat be wasteful of money, and therefore unwise. A more ample raeervolr. with epnwspooding facilities for keeping It fitted, ehoeld. ta my Jtedgment, be constructed. I oooamond again to teaattratioa of eoagree* th* subject of thoromoval. from their preesst lottettoa, of tbe depots of thotsvssul railroads entering tbe eity; aad I icaaw tbe reeommradatione of my former mwages in tebalf of tbo erection of a building for th* congressional library, tkerampl# tloa oftha Washington monument; and of liberal appropriations In booevoUnt, reformatory nod penal Institution* of th* district BUT HB A FORD B. HATES. Xxnctmra Kaxssox, Doc. B,IMO.