Rensselaer Republican, Volume 14, Number 13, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 December 1881 — THE MESSAGE. [ARTICLE]

THE MESSAGE.

Views of President Arthur Upon the Current Issues, As Set Forth in His First Annual Communication to Congress. 4 Deceurtjfcr 6. THE DEATH OF GARFIELD. To the Senate and House ot Representatives of the United Spates. An appalling calamity has befallen the American people since their representatives last met in the halls where you are now assembeld. We might also recall with unalloyed content the rare prosperity with "which throughout the vear’the nation has been bles-ed. Its harvests Lave been plenteous.iis various industries have thriven, the health of its people been preserved, and it has maintained with foreign governments undisturbed relations of amity and Ejace. For these manifestations of [is favor, we owe to Him who holds our uestiny in His hands the tribute of our grateful devotions. To that mysterious exercise of will which has takeu from us the loved and illustrious citizen who was t ut lately the head of the nation, we bow in sorrow and submitskin. The memory of his exalted character, of his noole achievement?, and of liis patriotic life wi’l be treasured forever as a sacred possession of the whole people.- The announcement of his death drew from foreign governments and peoples tributes ofsvmpathv and sorrow which history will record as signal tokens of the kinship of nations, and the federation of mankind. The 'eeling of good will between onr own government and tLat of Great Britain was never more murked than at present. In recognition of this pleasing fact 3 directed on the occasion *4 the late centennial celebration at Yorktown, that a salute be given to the British llag. Savj for the correspondence to which I shall refer hereafter, relative to the proposed ca- al across me Isthmus of Panama, little has occurred worthy of mention in the iUplomatic>relatiotis ofthe coun.tries. Early in the year the Fortune bay claims were satisfactorily settled by the British government paving u; full the sum of fifteen thousand pounds most of which lias already been distributed. As the terms of settlement included compensation for injurre suffered l*y our li-hermen at Ashee bay. there has l»een retained from the gross award a sum which is deemed adequate for those claims. The participation of the Americans in the exhibition at Melbourne and Sidney will be approvingly mentioned in report of the Tino exhibitions soon -to be presented to Congress. Theywilldtsclo.se the readiness of our eouutrymeu to make successful competition in distant fields ‘of enterprise. Negotiations for an inter-national copyright convention are in honejul progress. The surrender of Bitting Bull and his force upou the Canadian frontier has allayed all apprehension, although bodies of British Indians still cross the border in quest of sustenance. Upon this subject a correspondence has been opened which promises ass adequate understanding. Our troops have orders to avoid, meanwhile, all collisions with alien Indians. The presence at the Yorktown celebration of representatives of republicanism, descendants of Lafayette and of bis gallant combatants who were Dur allies in the revolution, has served to strengthen the spirit of good will which has always existed between the two nations. —You will be furnished with the proceedings of the bimetallic conference held during the summer at the city of Paris. No accord was reached but a valuaole interchange of views was had and, the conference will next year be renewed. At the. electrical exhibition and congress, also held at Paris, this country was creditably represented by eminent specialists who in the absence of an appropriation generously lent their efficient aid at the instance'of the state department, while an exhibition in this almost distinctively American field of achivement has won several valuable awards. I recommend that congress provide for the repayment of the personal expenses incurred in the public interest by the honorary comini •'sioner and delegates. No new questions respecting the status of our naturalized citizens in Germany lias arisen during the year, and causes of complaiut, especially in Alsasce and Loraine have practically ceased. Through the liberal action of

the imperial government in accepting our often expressed views on the subject the application of the treaty of 186 S to the lately acquired Rhenish provinces has received very earnest attention. A definite and lasting agreement on this point is confidently expected. The participation of the descendants of Baron Von Steuben in the Yorktowu festivities and their subsequent reception bv their American kinsmen, strikingly evinced the ties of good will which unite the German people and our own. Our intercourse with Spain has been friendly. An agreement. concluded in February last, fixes a term for the labors of the Spanish and American dams commission. The Spauish government has. been requested to pay the late awards of the commission and will, it is believed, accede to the request as promptly and courteously as on former occasions. By recent legislation onerous fines have been imposed upon American shipping in Spanish and colonial ports, for slight irregularities in the manifests. Just one case of hardship worthy of mention. The bark ; “Masonic,” bound for Japan, entered Manila in distress, and is there sought to be confiscated under the Spanish revenue laws for an alleged shortage in her transhipped cargo. Though all efforts for her relief have thus far proved unavailing it is expected that the whole will be adjusted in friendly spirit. The Senate resolution of condolence on the assassination of the Czar Alexander tbe Second were appropriately communicated to the Russian government, which in turn has expressed its sympathy in our late nadonal bereavement. It is desirable that our cordial relations with Russia should be

strengthened by proper engagements, assuring to peaceable Americans who visit the empire the consideration which is due to them as citizens of a friendly state. This is especially needful with respect to American Israelites, whose classification with the native Hebrews has evoked energetic remon strances from this government. The abolition of all discriminating duties against Dutch colonial productions ofthe Dutch East Indies, or imported hither from Holland, has been already considered by Congress. I trust {hat, at the present session, the matter may be lavorably concluded. The insecurity of life and property in many parts of Turkey has given rise to correspondence with the porte, looking particularly to the better protection of American missionaries in the empire. The condemned murderer of the eminent missionary, Dr. Justin W. Parsons has not yet been executed although this government has repeatedly demanded it. The Swiss government has solicited the good offices of our diplomatic and consular agents for the protection of its citizens in countries where it is not itself represented. This request has within proper limits been granted. Our agents in Switzerland have been instructed to protest against tfle conduct of the authorities of certain communes n permitting the emigration to this country of crimina and other objectionable persons. Several such persons, through the co-operation of commissioners of emigration at New’ York have been sent back by the steaapers which brought "them. A eentiniflmee of this course may prove a more efficient remedy thau diplomatic remonstrance. Treaties of commerce and navagatiorr and for the regulation of consular privileges have been concluded with Roumania and Servia since their admission into the family of European States. As is natural with contiguous States having like institutions, and like aims of advancement and development, the friendship of the United States and Mexico lias been constantly maintained. The government has lost no occasion of encouraging the Mexican government to a beneficial realization of the mutual advantages which will result from more iutimate commer'cial intercourse, and from the opening Pf the rich interior of Mexico to railway enterprise. I deem it important that means be provided to restrain the lawlessness unfortunately so common on the frontier, and to suppress the forays of the reservation Indians on either side of tlieißio Grande. The neighboring States of Central America nave preserved internal peace and their outward relations toward us have been those of intimate friendship. There are encouraging signs of their growing disposition to subordinate their lofeal Interests to those whiefoare common to them by reason of their geographical relations. The boundary dispute between Guatemala ami Mexico has afforded this government an opportunity to exercise its good offices /or preventing a rupture between these States and for procuring a peaceful solution of the question. I cherish a strong hope that in view of our relations of amity with both countries, our friendly counsels will prevail; The Porto Rico government lately formed an engagement with Colombia for settling, by arbitration, the boundary question between those countries, providing that the post of arbitrants should be offered, successively to the King of Bulgians,the King of Spain and the President of the Argentine Confederation. The King of the Belgians has declined to act, but I am not as yet advised of the action of the King of Spain. As we have certaiu interests in the disputed territory, which is protected by our treaty engagement with one of the parties it is important that the arbitration should not without our consent effect our rights, and this government has accordingly thought proper to makes its view's known to the parties to the agreement as well as to intimate them to the Belgian government. The questions growing out of the proposed inter-ocean water way across the Isthmus of Panama. are of grave national importance. This government has not been mindful of the solemn obligation impesed upon it by its compact of 1846 with Colombia, as the independent and sovereign mistress of the territory crossed by the canal, and nas sought to render them effective by fresh engagements with the Colombia Republic, looking to their practical execution. The negotiations to this end, after they had readied what appeared to be a mutually satisfactory solution here, were met in Colombia by a disavowal of the powers which its envoy bail insured, and by a proposal for renewed negotiation on a modified basis. Meanwhile, this government learned that Colombia bad,proposed to the.Eu* ropean powers to join in a guarantee ot the neutrality of the proposed Panama canal, a guarantee which would be in direct contravention of our obligation as the sole guarantee of the integrity of Colombia territory aud of the neutrality of the canal itself. My lamented predecessor felt it his duty to place betore the European powers the reasons which make .hi prior guarantee of the United -'.ates indi°pensible. This government sees with great concern the continuance ofthe hostile relations between Chili, J Bolivia and Peru. An early peace between these republics is mucu desired, not only that they may be spared further misery and bloodshed, but because their continued antagonism threatens consequences which are in my judgment uangerous to the interests of republican government on this continent, aud calculated to destroy the.best elements of our free civilization, as in the present excited condition of popular feeling in these countries there has been serious misapprehensions of the posltku of the United States, and as separate diplomatic intercourse with each through independent ministers is sometimes subject to the want of prompt reciprocal communication to temporary misunderstanding. I have deemed it judicious at the present time to send special envoy accredited to ail and each of them and furnished with general instructions which will I trust enable us to bring these powers into friendly relations. THE FINANCES. The report of the secretary of the treasury represents in detail a highly satisfactory exhibit of the state of finances and condition of various branches of the public service administered by this department. The ordi-

nary revenues from all sources for the fiscal year ending June 10th, 1781, were: From $198,159,676.02; from internal revenue, $135,264.885.51; from public lands, $2,221,863.17; from tax on circulation and deposits of national banks, $8,116,115.12; from repayment of interest by Pacific railroad companies, $805.180 53; from customs, fees, fines, penalties, etc., $1,225,514 86; from fees, consular letters, patents and lands, $2,244,283.99; from toe proceeds of sales of government property, $262,174.00; from profits on coinage, $3,468,485 61; from revenue of the District of C01umbia,52,016,109.23; from mi-cella-neous sources, $6,200,881.13; total ordinary receipts, $360,782.209.57. The ordinary expenditures for the same period were: For civil expenses, $17.041.177.19: for foreign intercourse, $1,093,954.92; for the Indians. $6,518,161.09; for pensions, $50,050,279 62. The surplus revenue was applied as follows: To the redemption of bonds for the sinking fund, $74,371,200,00; fractional currency lor the sinking fund, $109,091,105; loan of February, 1861, $7,418,000; ten-forties of 1862, $lB,300; five-twenties 0f!864, $3,400; fivetwenties of 1865, $37,300; consols of 1805, $2,131,500,00; consols of 1857, $959,150,00; consols of 1868, $337,400,00: loap indemnity stock, $10,000,00; old demand, compound interest of cash in the Treasury, $14,637023.00; total. SIOO.059,464,98. ’The requirements of the sinking fund for the year amounted to licy of the Government to maintain silver at near the gold standard, the standard dollar was made receivable tor all customs, taxes and public dues; about 66,000,000 of them are now outstanding. They are found an unnecessary addition to the paper currency, a sufficient amount of which may be readily supplied by the national banks. In accordance with the act of February 28tli, 1878, the Treasury Department has monthly caused at least two millions in value of silver bullion to be coined iri|o silver dollars; 102,000,000 of thjese dollars have been already coined, while about 34 000,000 are in -eirfe ilatioit. For the reasons which lie specifies I concur in the Secretary's recommendations that the provision for coinage/of a fixed amount each month be repealed, aud that hereafter only sjo much be coined as shall be Accessary to supply the demand. The Secretary advises that the issue of gold certificates should pet for the present be resumed, anti suggests that the National Banks may properly be forbidden by law to-ret ire their currency except upon reasonable notice of their intention so to do. Such legislation would seem to he justified by tue recent action of certain banks on the occasion referred to in the Secretary’s report. Of the fifieeu millions of fractional currency still outstanding, only about eighty thousand has beeen redeemed the past year. The suggestion that this amount may properly lie dropped from fpture statements ofthe public debt seems worthy of approval. *So, also, does the suggestion of the Secretary as to the advisability of relieving the calendar of the United States Court in the Southern District of New York by the transfer to another tribunal of the numerous suits there pending agajirist Collectors. The revenue from customs for the past fiscal year was $198,159,676.02, an increase '4 111,637,611.42 over that of the preceding year; $138,998,562.39 of this amount was collected at the port of New? York, leaving $40,251,113.63 as the amount collected at all the other ports of the country. Of this sum $47.977,137,.63 was collected on sugar and molasses; $27,285,624.78 on wool and its manufactures; $21j462,534,.34 on iron and steel and manufactures thereof; $10,825,115.21 on manufactures of cotton; and $6,469,643.04 on wines and spirits, making a total revenue from these sources of $133,058,729.81. The expenses of collection for the past year w£re $6,419,344, an increase over the preceding year of $387,420,04. Notwithstanding the increase in revenue from customs over the preceding year the gross value of imorts, including free goods decreased $25,000,000. The marked decrease was in the value of manfactures of wool $14,023,682. and in that of scran land pig iron $12,810,671. The value of imports of sugar on the other hand showed an increase of $74 - 574.74; of steel rails, $43,455.21; of barley, $21,542.04, aud of steel in bars, ingots, etc., $6,200.46. The imports were as follows: Domestic merchandise, $00,839,259.47: foreign merchandise, $181,513,99; total, 90,238.734.60; imports merchandise, $642,664,628. Excess of exports over imports of merchandise, $59,712,719. Aggregate of exports and imports, $1,545,041,974. Compared with the previous year, there was an increase of $66,838,688 in the value of exports of merchandise and a decrease pf $25,290,118 in the value of imports. [Then follows a comparison of exports aud imports for a series of years: j j

REFUNDING THE DEBT. In the last annual report of the Secretary of the Treasury the attention <>f Congress was called to the fact that $469,651,050 in five per centum bonds and $308,573,750 in six per centum i<is would become redeemable dur- ’ g the year, and Congress was asked to authorize the refuudiug of the-e bonds at a lower rate of interest. The bill for such Refunding having failed to become a law, the Secretary of ,the Treasury in April last notified the holders of the $195,690,400 of six per centum bonds then outstanding, tnat the bonds would be paid at par the first day o f July following, or that they’ might be coutinned at the pleasure of ttie government to bear interest at the rare of 3J per centum per annum. Under this notice $178,1)55,160 of the 6 per eeutum bo,ids were continued at the lower rate, and $17,635,250 were redeemed. Iu the month of May a like notice Was given respecting the redemption or continuance of the $439,841,350 of 5 per centum bonds then outstanding, and of these $401,504 900 were continu-ai at 3 and 3$ per cent, per annum, and $38,336,450 redeemed. The 6 per centum bonds of the Joan of February 8, 1866, and of the Oregon war debt, amounting together to sl4 125 800, having matured during the year, the Secretary of the Treasury gave notice of his intention to redeem the same. Such as have been presented have been paid, from surplus revenues. There have also been redeemed at par, $16,179,100 of the 3J per cent, continued ’ bonds, making a total of boDds redeemed, or which have ceased to bear interest during the year, of $123,969,620. The reduction of the annual interest of the

public debt through these transactions, is as follows: By reduction of interest to three and one-half per cent., $10,473,052 27; by redemption of bonds, $6,352,340.00; total. $16,826,292.25. The three and one-half per cent, bonds being payable at the pleasure of the Government are available for the investment of surplus revenue without the payment of premiums. Unless these bonds can be funded at a much lower rate of interest than they now bear I agree with the Secretary of the Treasury that no legislation respecting them is desirable. It is a matter for congratulation that the business of the country has been so prosperous during the past year as to yield by taxation, a large surplus of income to the Government. i ABOLISHING INTERNAL TAXATION. If the revenue laws remain unchanged this surplus must year by year increase on account of the reduction of the public debt and its burden of interest, aud because of the rapid increase of our population. In 1860, just prior to the iustitution of our internal revenue system, our population but slightly exceeded thirty millions. It is estimated that even if the annual receipts and expenditures should continue as at present, the entire debt could be paid in ten years. In view, however, of the heavy load of taxation which our people have already borne, we may well consider whether it is not the part of wisdom to reduce the revenue even if we delay a little the payment of the debt. It seems to me that the time has arrived when the people justly demand, some relief from their present enormous burden, and that by due economy in various branches of the public service this may readily be afforded. I therefore concur with the Secretary in recommending the abolition of all internal revenue taxes except those upon tobacco in its various forms, and upon distilled spirits and fermented liquors, aud except, also, the special tax upon the ‘ manufacture of, and dealers in such articles. The intention of the jatter tax is desirable as affording the officers of the government a proper supervision of these articles lor the prevention of fraud. I agree with the secretary of the treasury that the lhw imposing a stamp tax upon matches, proprietary articles, playing cards, checks anil drafts may now with proEriety, be repealed, and the law also y which hanks and bankers are as-se-sed upon ttieir capital aud deposits. There seems to be a general sentiment in favor of this course. In the present condition of our revenues, the tax upon deposit* is especially unjust. It was never imposed in this country until it was demanded by the necessities of war, and was never exacted. I believe in any other, even in its greatest exigencies, bankers are required to secure their circulation by pledging with the treasurer of the United States bonds of the general goverment. The interest upon these bonds, which at the time when the tax was imposed was 6 per cent,, is now in most instances 3i per cent., und besides the entire circulation was originally limited by the government apd no increase was allowable. When the existing banks bad practically a monopoly of the business there was force in the suggestion that for the franchise to the favored grantees, the government might very properly exact a tax on circulation, but for years the system has been free and the amount of circulation unliihited by law.

THE TARIF. The tariff laws also need revision. But, that a due regard may be paid to the conflicting interest of our citizens, important, chancres should .be made with caution. If a careful revision can not be made at this session a commission, such as was lately approved by the !Seh«te and is now recommended by the Secretary of the Treasury, would doubtless lighten the labors of Congress whenever this subject shall be brought to its consideration. The accompanying report of the Secretary of War will make known the operations of that department for the past year. He suggests measures for promoting the efficiency of the army, with adding to the number of its officers and recommends the legislation necessary to increase the number of enlisted men to the 30,000 maximum allowed by law. [Then follows reasons for this increase arid a review of Indian affairs.] The President recommends the increase of the Engineer Corps the improvement of coast defences. He reviews the report at length. ENLARGING -THE NAVY. Nothing can be more inconsistent with true public euonomy than withholding the means necessary to accomplish the objects intrusted by the Constitution to the national legislature. One of these objects, and one which is of paramount importance, is declared by our fundamental law to be the provision for “the common defense.” Surely nothing is more essential to the defense of the United states, and of all our people than the fllcieucy of the navy. We have for many years maintained with foreign governments the relations of honorable peace, and that such relations? may be permanent is desired by every naifi »tic citizen of the repnblK But if we read the teachings of history we shall not forget that in the life bf every r ation emergencies may arise when , resort to arms can alone save it ..om dishonor. No drover from abioad now threatens this people, nor have we any cause to distrust the friendly professions of other governments. But for avoiding as well as for repelling dangers that may threaten us »n the future we must be prepared to face any policy which we think wise to adopt. We must be ready to defend our harbors against aggressiou, to protect by the distribution of our ships of war over the highways of commerce the varied interour foreign trade and the persons and property of our citizens abroad, to maintain everywhere the honor-of our flag, and the distinguished position which we may rightfully claim in the nations of the world. THE POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT. * The report of the postmaster general Hi a gratifying exhibit of the growth and efficiency of the postal service. The receipts from postal and other ordinary sources during, the past year were $464,8081316,58; the receipts from the money order business were $295 - 581,39, making a total of $36,782,887,97. The expenditures for the fiscal year was $69,241,735,45, the deficit supplied out of thi general treasury. The receipts werd $346,991,68 in exoess

' of those of the previous year and $4,595,397,97 In excess of the estimate made two years ago before the present period of business prosperity bad fairly begun. The number of letters carried, etc., is here given and a report of the money order business. POSTAL SAVINGS BANKS. - The attention of Congress is again pointed to the subject of establishing a system of savings depositories in connection with the Postoffice Department.

STAR ROUTES. The statistics of mail transportation show during the past year railroad routes have been increased in length 6,249 mite?, and in cost, $1,114,381, while steamboat routes have been decreased in length 2,181 miles, aud in cost, $134,654. The so called star routes have been superseded by railroad services, the list of the star service must therefore rapidly decrease in the western states aud territories. The investigations of the department of justice, and the post-office department, have resulted in the presentation of indictments against persons formerly connected with the service, accusing them of offenses against the United States. I have enjoined upon the officials who are charged with the conduct of the cases on that part ofthe government, and upon the eminent counsel who before my accession to the Presidency were called tr their assistance, the duty of prosecuting with the utmost vigor of tbe law all persons who may be found chargeable with frauds upon the postal service. [The acting attorney general’s suggestion of modifying the present system of courts is then touched upon, but no suggestion made.] l

INDIAN. RELATIONS. It has been easier to resort to convenient makeshifts for tiding over the temporary difficulties than to grapple with the great problems, aud accordingly the easier course has almost invariably been pursued. It was natural at a time when the national territory seemed almost illimitable, and contained many millions of acres,far ediuth of the bounds of civilized settlements, that a policy should have been initiated which more than aught elsej has been the fruitful source of our Indian complications. I refer, of course, to the policy of dealing with the various Indian tribes as separate nationalities of regulating them by treaty stipulations to the occupancy of immense reservations in the west, and of encouraging them to live undisturbed by any earnest and well-directed efforts to bring them under the influence of civilization. The unsatisfactory results which have sprung from this policy are becoming apparent to all as the white settlers have crowded the borders of the reservations. The Indians, sometimes contentedly aud sometimes against their will, have been transferred to other hunting grounds, from Wnich they have been dislodged whenever their new-found homes have been desired by the adventurous settlers. These removals and the frontier collisions by which they have often been preceded, have led to frequent and disasterous conflicts between the races. It is profitless to discuss here which of them has been cjiiefly responsible for the disturbances whose recital occupies so large a space on the pages of our history. We have todealwi.h the appalling fact that though thousands of lives have been sacrificed and hundreds of millions expended in the attempt to solve the Indian problem it had until within the past few years seemed nearer a solution than it was half a century ago, but ths government has of late been cautiously but steadily feeling its way to the adoption of a policy which has produced gratifying results, aud which, in my judgment, is likely, if Congress and the executive accord in its support, to relieve us ere long from the difficulties which have beset us. For the success of the efforts now making to introduce among the Indians the customs and pursuits of civilized life, and gradually to absorb them into the mass of our cit.iz“ns sharing their rights and holden to their responsibility, there is imperative need for legislative action. My (-Lgges'ions in that respect will be chi°fly such a* have been already called to the attention of Congress, and have received, to some extent, its consideration. First, I recommend tbe passage nf an act making the laws of the various States and Territories applicable to the Indian reservations within th'ir borders and extending the l;» v< <«' the State of Arkansas to the portion of the Territory not oconniwH 1> - the civilized tril >o u . r rhe Tn<l» >n should receive the protection of t»«* law; be should be allowed to maintnln in court his rights of person and property: he has repeatedly begged for the privilege. Its exercise would be very valuable to him in his progress toward civilization. Second, of even greater importance is the measure which has been frequently recommended by my predecessors in office, and in furtherance of which several bills have been from time to time introduced in both Houses of Congress. The enactment of a general law permitting the allotment in severalty to such Indians at least as desire it of a reasonable quantity of land secured to them by patent and for their own protection 'made inalienable Jfor twenty or twenty-five years is demanded for their present welfare and their permanent advancement. In return for such considerate action on the part of the government there is rea-on to believe that the Indians m large numbers would be pursuaded to sever their tribal relations, and to engage at once in agricultural pursuits.

POLYGAMY. The fact that adherents of the Mormon church, which rests upon polygamy as its corner stone, have recently been peopling in large numbers Idaho, Arizona, and /Other of our western territories, is Well calculated to excite the liveliest interest and apprehension. I.t imposes upon Congress and the executive the duty of using against this barbarous system all the power,which, under the constitution and laws, they can wield for its destruction. Reference has already been made to the obstacle whjf 'i the United Statesofficers have surmounted in their efforts to punish violators of the law. Prominent among the obstacles the difficulty of procuring legal evidence sufficient to warrant a conviction even in cases of the most notorious offenders. Your at tent ion is called to the opinion of the supreme court of the United States, explaining its Judgment of reversal in the case of Miles, who had been convicted of bigamy in Utah. The court

refers to the fact that the secrecy at* tending tue celebration of marriage in the Territory make the proof of polygamy very difficult, and the propriety is suggested of modifying that Jaw of evidence, which now makes » wife incompetent to testify against the husband. This suggestion is approved. I recommend, also, the passing of an act provided, that in the territories of the United States, the fact that a woman married to a person charged with bigamy shall not disqualify her as a witness upon his trial for that offense. I further recommend legislation by which any persdn solemnizing a marriage in any of the territories shall be required, under stingent penalties for neglect or refusal, to file a certificate of such marriage in the supreme court of the territory uuless congress may devise other practicable measures for obviating the difficulties which have hitherto attended the efforts to suppress this iniquity. I assure you of my determined purpose to co operate with you in any lawful and discreet measures which may be proposed to that end.