Rensselaer Republican, Volume 25, Number 15, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 December 1892 — PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE. [ARTICLE]

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE.

President Harrison Hoc. fllli sent lips' list annual message to Congress. It wits very long, comprising in all 16,000 words. We give in the following its most salient features. . • To the benate end House of Representatives: In submitting my annual message to Congress, 1 have great satisfaction tn being able to say that the general conditions affecting the commercial and Indus trial interests of the United States are in the highest degree favorable. A comparison of the existing couditiouawith those of the most favored period in the history of the country will, I believe, show that so high a degree of prosperity and so general a diffusion of the cointorts of the life were never before enjoyed by our people. f i’ho toial wealth of the country in 1860 was *10, If, ii 618,068 . Jn 1860 it amounted to *62,01 OOrxi,ooo, an increase of 2*7 per cent. The total mileage of railways in the United States In 1860 was 20,6:20; in 18M) it was 167.741, an inercuso of 448 pc** cent.; and it is estimated that them will he tftiCnl4,(f 0 nilles of Iraek added By l the close of tho year 1802, Tho following official ret unis ot the eleventh census and lJiose of tho tenth census,for seventy-live leadiugcit.es furnish the basis for the following comparisons: • —. In 188 u the capital invested in manufacturing wa5*1,332,839,670. In K9O the capital invested in manufacturing was *2,800,705,854. ~ In tbso thc iVumhor oTlfiffSiffoyes' was-1,~-311,388. Jp 1820 the number of employes was 2,251,1 31. _ln I£Bo the wages earned wero {501,665,* '~i: In 1800 the wages earned were *l,221,170,454. Inlßßolhe vnliio of the product was 12,711,570,900. Jn 1890 tlie value of the product was*l,Boo,\'B6.B,i7. lam informed by -tlie Superintendent of tho Census that the omission of certain industries in 1880, which were included in 1830, accounts, in part, for the remarkablo increase thus shown. Hut after making full allowance for differences of method and deducting the ret in ns for all Industries not included in the census of IS 0, (hero remain in the reports from theso seventy-five cities an increase in the capital employed of 81,622.745,004 in the value of, tho product of *2,624,216,166, in wages earned of *077,943,129 and in wage earners employed of {55,02*. The wage earnings no tonly show an increased aggregate, but an increase percupita from t 3.0 in 1880 to 15.7 iu 119 J, or 41.71 per cent. THE INDUSTRIAL STATISTICS IN DETAIL. The now industrial plants established since Octdbdr 0,1830, aii3 up to Uetobcr 22, 1892, as partially reported in the American Economist, numbered 395, and the extension of existing plants 103: the new capital invested amounts to $40,4 0.50, and the number of additional employes to 37,*BS. The “Textile Wqrid” for duly. 1892, states that during the first six months of the prosent calendar year K 5 new factories were built, of which forty am cotton nritls, forty-eight are knitting mills, twen-ty-six woolen mills, fifteen silk mills, four plush mills and two linen mills. Of the sixty cotton mills tweuty-one have been built in the Southern States. Mr. A. If. Shoppersou, of tho fsow York Cotton Exchange, estimates the number of working Spindles In the United Stales on September 1, H 92, at 15,200,000, an increase of 660.100 over the year 1891. The consumption of cotton by American mills in 1191 was *,3)6,100 bales, and in 1e92, 2,584 Out) hales, an inert aso of 183,600 bales. From the year 1869t0 18..2, inclusive, them lias been an Increase in the consumption of cotton in Europe of 92 per cent., while during the saino period the increase of consumption 111 the United Stales has been about 150 per cent.. Tho report of Ira Ayer, special agent of tfco Treasury Department, shows that at the date of September 30, 1812, them were thirty-two companies manufacturing tin find torpo plate iu the United Stales, and ourtoen companies building new works tor such manufacture. The estimated in vestment in buildings and plants, at the tloso of the fiscal year, Juno 30, 1393. if ixisliug coiidilions were to bo continued, wa5*5,000,600, and the estimated rate of production 200,000,000 pounds per aunuin. l’he actual production for tho qhurtor Hiding September 30, 1892, was 10,952,72, pounds. The report of Labor Commissioner Peck, if Mow York, shows that during the year istabiisliments iu that State, embraced within tho special inquiry mudo by him, and embracing sixty-seven different industries, there was a not increase over tho year 1890 of* 1,515,1; 0.(8 in .the valuo of tho product, and of *6,377,925.09 in tire amount of wages paid. The report of tho Commissioner of Labor for the Stato of Massachusetts shows that 3,745 industries lit tl at State paid $129,416,2 8 in wages during tho year 1891. against $126.630,,'!< 3 In 1890, an incrcnso of *3,335,945, and that, tljerc was an Increase of *9,932.410 in tho umountof capital and of 7,346 in tho nmnfcer of persous employed iu the Samo period During tho last six months of the year 1891, and tho first six mouths of 18 2 the total production of pig iron was 9.710,819 tous, as against 9.202.703 tons in tho ycr.r —iß9Qr wbiclHVas tho largest oiVt,cMH- pro--due lion ever attained. For t!:c same twelve mrnths of 1891-02 the prod net ion of “hessemer ingots’’ was 3.878,581 tons an Increase of 189.710 gross tons over tho proviruly unprecedented yearly production of 3,1,88,871 gross tous, in l8.;o. The production of lb sseiner steel rails for the first six months of 1892 was 772,436 gross tons, as against 702,080 gross-tons during tho last six months of the year 1891. OUR FOREIGN TRADE. The total value of our foreign trrde {exports and manufactures) during tho last iisenl year was *1,857,580 6:0, an Increase of $i28,203,6( 4 over the previous fiscal year. The average annual value of our imports and exports of merchandise for the ten fiscal year prior to 1891, was 61,457,322,011). It. will bo-observed that our foreign trade for 1892 exceeded this annual average valuo by *400,' 5 <,39i, an increase of 27.47 percent. Tho significance and vain? of t his increase are shown by tho fact that tlih excess in the trado of 1892 ovor 1891 was wholly In the value of oxporls. for there was a docreaso in the value of exports of 11 .513,754. Tho value of our exports during t.hs fiscal year 1812 reached the highest figure In the history of the Government, amounting to *1,039,278,118, exceeding by *145,797.338 the exports of 1891 and exceeding the value of the Imports by *202,875,686. A Comparison of the valuo of our exports for 1892, with tlie annual average for tho ten years prior to 1891, shows un excess of *2('5,142,6M, or of 34.65 per cent. The value of our imports of merchandise for 1892. which was *829.402,102, also exceeded tho annual average value of the ten vours prior to 1891 Jby *135,215,440. During tho Meal yenr 1892 the value of imports freo of duty amounted to *457,999,658, the largest aggregate In the history of our commerce. Tho value of the Imports of merchandise so entered free of duty in 1892 was 55.3 > por cent, of tho total valuo ot Imports, as compared witli 43.35 per coat, iu 1891, and 33.00 por cent, iu 1820. THE INTERNAL COMMERCE. In our coustwlso trade a most encouraging development is in progress, there huving been in tho last four years an Increase of to per cent, in internal commerce. The statistics show that no such lierlod of prosperity lias ever before existed, The freight carried in tho coastwise trade of the Great Lakes in 18* 0 aggregated 28,295,9.79 tons. On the Mississippi. Missouri and Ohio rivers and tributaries in tim same year the traffic aggregated 29,-'01,406 tons, and the total vessel tonence pnsdng through the Detroit rlvor In that year was 21,681 00) tons. The vessel touuugo euterod and cleared in the for-

eign trade of London daring 1890 amounted to 3.480,767 tons, and of Liverpool 10,341,8001 tons, a total, lor these two great .ahUUUW-pOTirijf 11.422,568 tons, only siight’y In excess of the vessel tonnage passing through the Detroit river, and it should bo said that tho season for the Detroit river was but 228 davs. while, of course, in London and Liverpool the season was for the entire year. The vessel tonnage passing through the St. Mary’s canal for tho fiscal year 1692 amounted to 9.828,874 tons, and the freight tonnage of the Detroit river is estimated for that year at 25,0G0,00tHons, against 33,209,919 tons in 1891. , The aggregate traffic on our railroads for the year isvil amounted to 794,998,600 tons yf freight, compared witli 691,351,437 tons in 1390, an increase of 13,051,173 tons. OTHER EVIDENCE OF PROSPERITY, Another indication of the general prosperity of 4he country is iouud iu the fact that the number of depositors in savings banks increased from 693,870 in 1860 to 4,258,893 in 1890, an increase of 613 per cent,, and tho umountof deposits from *149,278,' 01 il: 1310 to *1,5)4,844,703 in 1890, an increase of 921 per tent. In 1891 the t mount of deposits in savings banks was M;3i'Cf'9,B,9. It Is estimated that 90 per cent, of these "deposits represent the savings of wage earners. Tho bank clearances for nino months ending September 30,,J89J . amounted to *41,019,390,803. For the samo months In 13t2 they amounted to *45.1 <9,601,917, an excess for tho nino months of $4,110,211,319, Thero never has been a time iu our history when work was so abundant or when wages wore as high, whether measured by the curroncy in '“"which they are paid or by their power to supply tue necessaries and comforts of life. It i 3 true lligt the market prices of cotton and wheat have been low. It is one of the unfavorable incidents of agrieuN tiro that tho farmer cannot produce upon orders, lie must sow and reap in ignorance of the groat production of the vear. and is peculiarly subject to the depredation which follows over production. Hut w,bile.the fact I have stated is true as to tho crops 1 have mentioned, thegenoral average of prices has been such as to give to agriculture a fair participation iu the general prosperity. The value of our total farm products lias increased from *1,353,646,860 ill 1860 to *4..’00,(0),0(0 in 1891, as estimated by stetisticians. an increase of 230 per cent. Tho number of hogs January. K-Oi, was .50,625,196, and their value was *210,193.925; on January 1, 1592, the number was 52,398,019, and their value was 1241.931,415. On January 1,1891, the number of cattle was 36,875,648, and tho value *544,127,998! on January 1,1892, the number was 37,652,329, and the valuo *570,749,155. THE CONDITIONS OF LABOR. If any aro diseontontod with their stato here, if any believed that wages or Prices —tho returns for honest toil—are inadequate, they.should not fail to remember tiiat there is no other country in the world where the conditions that seem to thorn hard would not bo accepted as highly prosperous. Tho English agriculturists would be glad to exchange the returns of his labor for those of tho American farmer, and tho Manchester workmen their wages for those of their follows at Fall River. I believe that the protective s\stoin, which lias now for something more than thirty years continuously prevailed in our legislation. ha 9 been a mighty instrument for the development of our national wealth and a most powerful agency in'protecting the homes of our workingmen from tho invasion of want. 1 have felt a most solicitous interest, to proserve to our working people, rates of wages that would not only.give daily bread, but supply a comfortable margin for -those home attractions and family comforts and oujoyinents, without which life is neither comfortable nor sweet. They aro American citizens—a part of the great people for whom our constitution and Government wore framed and instituted—and it can not be a perversion of that constitution to so legislate, so as to preserve in the homes tho comfort, independence, loyalty and sense of interest in the Government which are essential- to good, citizenship in peace, and which will bring this stalwart throng, as in ißil. to-the-dcfeilse of the Hag when it is ussuiled. THE ÜBOPOr E ) TARIFF POLICY. It is not my purpose to renew tho argument, in favor ol a protective tariff. The result of tho recent election must bo accepted as having introduced a now policy. Wo must ass; m) that the prosent tariff, constructed upon the lines of protection, is to be repealed, and that there is to be substituted for it a tariff law, constructed so'fcTy'wlt.'ti reftsr?TTe'irtoTcrTOifrio;"Tfiat"iiff' duty is to be higher, because the iucreaso will keep open an American luillorkeop up tho wages of an American workman, but that ln overy ease such a rate of duty is to l o imposed’as will bring tho Treasury of tlm United States the largest returns of revenue. The contention was not between schedules, but betwoen principles, and it would be offensive tosuggest that the prevailing party will not carry into legislation the principles advocated by it and the pledges given to the people. The tariff hills passed by the liouse of Representatives at tho last session wore, as 1 supp isud, even in the minds of their promoters. inadequate, and justified only by tho fact that tho Senate and House of Representatives were not in accord, and that a general revision could not, therefore, bo '3jgoi taken. —I- recniumend that tlie whole subjext o I tariff lovision lie loft to tho Incoming Congress. Jt is a matter of regrot that tills work must ledolaved for at least threo months, for the threat of great tariff changep introduces so much uncertainty that an amount, not easily estimated, of business inaction aud of diminished production will necessarily result. It is’posslbio, also, that this uncertainty may result for 0”v merchants will make er dors for foreign goods in view of the prospect of tariff reduction, and the uncertainty as to when it will takeoffect. Those wlto have advocated a protective turiffgun well afford to liavo their disastrousTorecasts of a change of policy disapuointed. if u system of customs duties cun be framed that will set, the idle wheels and looms of Europe in motion and crowd onr warehouses witli foreign made goods and at the samo lime keep our own mills busy; that, will glvo us au increased participation In “tlie markets of Iho world” of a greater value than the home market, that wo surrender; that will give increased work to foroign workmen upon products to bo consumed by our peop|e, without diminishing tlteainountof work to bedone horn: that, will enable tho American manufacturer to pay to his workmen from fifty to one hundred por cent, more In wages than Is paid in the foreign mill and yet to compete In our markot. and in foreign markets witli the foroign producer; tiiat will further reduce! hems to! articles of wear and food without reducing tho wages of those'who produco thorn; that can bo celebrated after its effects have been realizod, as its expectation has been, in European as well as In American cities, the authors and promoters of it will bo entitled to the highest praise. We have, had in our history several experiences of tlie contrast, effects of a revenue and protective tariff; but this generation has not felt them, and the nxporicnco of one generation is not highly Instructive to the next,. Tlie friends of the protect! vq system witli, uncfimiiiished confidence in the principles they hay&advoeated, will await tho results of ‘.lie new experiment. The strained and too often disturbed relations existing between tho employe! and the employers in our gr< a*. inanu ract uriug o tabtllhmeiits have not been vory favorable to a calm consideration by the wage earner of tlie effect upon wages of tlie protective system. Ti e fact tiiat his wages wore Hie highest, paid In Ilko callings in tbe,\vorld and tiiat maintenance of this rate of wage* in the absence of the protective duties upon the product of his labor wnR obscured by the passions evoked by the contacts. He may now be able to review tho question iu the light of his

personal experience under the operation of & tariff for revenue only- If that experience shall demonstrate that present rates of wages aro thereby maintained or increased, either absolutely or in their purchasing power; and that the aggregate volume of work to be done in this country increased, or even maintained, so that there are more or many day’s work in a vear at as good or'better wages for the American workman, as lias been the case under tho protective system, evfcry one witl rejoice, A general process of wage reduction rain not be contemplated by buy patriotic cither without the gravest apprehension. it may be. indeed I believo it is possible for the Americrn manufacturer to compete successfully with his foreign rival in many branches of production without the defense of protective duties if the pay rolto are equalized, but the conflict that stands between the producer and the result, and the distress of our working people when it is attained, aro not pleasant to contemplate. OUR FOREIGN RELATIONS. There have been negotiated and concluded, under Sections of the tariff law, commercial agreements relating to reciprocal trade with the following countries: Brazil, Dominican Republic, Spain for Cuba, and Porto Rico, Guatemala, Salvidor, tho Gorman Empire, Great Britain lor certain West Indiau colonies'and British Guiana. Nicaragua, Honduras and Austria-Hunqary, of these, those -with Guatemala. Salvador, tho German Empiic Great Britain, Nicaragua, Honduras an-* Austria-Hungary liavo Coon concluded siuco my last. annual mossago. Under these trade arrangements a freeorfavored' admission has been secured in every case for an important list of Amorican product*. Especial care has been taken to secure raarkots for farm products iu ordor to roliovo that groat underlaying industry of tho depression which tho lack of an adequate foreign markot for our often brings. An opening has aTso been made for manufactured products that will undoubtedly, if this policy is maintained, greatly augment our export trade. The full benefit; of theso arrangements cannot be realized instautly. New lines of trado are to be opened. Tho commercial traveler must survey tho fields. The manufacturer must adapt, his goods to tho now markets, and facilities for exchange must bo established. This work lias been well begun, and our merchants and manufacturers have entered the new fields with courage and enterprise. In these cases of food products, and especially with Cuba, Ihj trade did not care to wait, and the immediate results have been most gratifying. If this policy and the trade arrangements can be continued in force,and aided by tlie establishment of American steam ship lines, Ido not doubt tiiat wo shall withhi a short period secure fully onethird of the total trade of the countries of Central and South America, which now amounts to about *600.000,009 annually. In 1865 we had only 8 per cent, of this trade. Tho following statistics show the increase of our-trade with the countries with which we have reciprocal trade agreements from the date when such agreements went Intoeffeet up to September 30,1862, the increaso being in some almost wholly and in others in an important degree the result of these agreements. The domestic exports to Germany and Austria-Hungary have increased in value from *47,673,756 to *57,993.054, an increase of 110,313,303, or 21.03 per cent. With American countries the volume of our exports has increased from *44,1 0 235 to *51,613,598, an increase of 810,453.313, or 23.67 per cent. Tho total increase in tlie value of exports to all tlie countries witli which we have reciprocity agreements has been *20.772,621,:. This increase is chiefly in wheat, flour, meat and dairy products, and in the manufactures of iron and steel and lumber. There lias been a large increase in tho value of Imports from all these countries since the commercial agreements went Into effect amounting to *74,294,525, but it has been entirely of imports from tlie American countries, consisting mostly of sugar, coffee, india rubber aud crude drugs. The alarmed tho South American market has been attracted to this new American policy and our acquisition and their loss of South American trade. TIIE BERING SEA CONTROVERSY. A treaty providing for the arbitration of the dispute between Great Britain and tiio United States to killing of seals in the Hehring sea was concluded on tlie 2Jtii of Enb.t;aat'.j:..LasL.....TkLs, treaty was accompanied by an agreemenji prohibiting Delagic sealing pending the'»rbiJtrati9n v and a vigorous offort was made duringtCTs' season to drive out all poaching in the Bering sea. Six naval vessels, three revenue cutters and one vessel from tlie fish commission, all under the command of Commander Evans, of the Navy, wore sent into the sea, which was systematically patrolled. Sorno seizure was made and it is believed that tho poaching amounted to less titan live hundred seals. It.is true, however, tiiat in the north Pacific, wlilio the seal herds were on their nay to tho passes between tho Aloutin islands, a very largo number, probably 35,000, was taken. The existiug statutes of tho United States do not restrain onr fftizens from taking seals in the Pacific ocean, and perhaps should not, unless the prohibition can bo oxteudod to the citizens of r f bcr natfonjv I l'ecoaSffieffd Hiat pow-' or be givob to the President, by proclamation, to prohibit tlie taking of seals in tho northern Pacific by Amorican vessels in case either, as tlie result of tho findings of tlie tribunal of arbitration or otherwise, the rc3traint9,can bo applied to the vessels of all countries. Tlie caso of tlie United Slates foi tho tribunal of arbitration has been prepared^ wftli great care ter, and tho counsel who represent this Go\ o. nment express confidence that a result substantially establishing our claims and preserving this great industry for tlie benefit of all nations will will lie attained. Tl>ero is no disposition on tho part oi the people or Government of the United States to Interfere in the smallest degree with tlie political relations bf Canada. That question is wbollv with her own peoplo. It is time for us, however, to consider whether, if tlie present state of thiugs and trend of things is to'continue. our interchanges upon lines of land transportation should not lie put upon a different basis, and.our entiro indopend_en_ce„qf Canadian canals and of the St. Lawrence as an outlet to tho sea secured by tlie con struetfen of an American canal aroumi tho falls ot Niagnra and tho openlag of ship communication between the Great Lakes and one of our own seaports. Wo should not hesitate to avail ourselves of onr great natural trade advantages. We should withdrawn,he support which is given to the railroads and steamship lines of Canada by a traffic that properly belongs to us. and no longer furnish tho earnings which lighten the otherwise crushing weight of tlu) enormous public subsidies that, havo been given to them. The subject of the Dower of tho Treasury to deal with this matter without further legislation has been under consideration, but circumstances have postponed o conclusion. It is probable that a considers-, tion of the propriety of a modification or abrogation of tho article of tho treaty of Washington, relating to tho transit, of •roods In bond is Involved in any complete solutiou of the question. MONEY AND THE REVENUE. -—- Congress has already been advised that tlie invitations of this government for the assembling of an International monotary confer nee to consider tho question of an enlarged use of silver were accepted by the nations to which they were addressed Tho conference assembled at Brussels on the 22d of November and has entered uffon the consideration of this great question. 1 have not donbtod, and have taken occasion to express that belief, 14 the Invitations Issued for this conference, as well as in my public messages, that the free coin-

ageof silver upon an agreed international ratio would greatly promote the interests of onr people »ud equally those oLuttier •nations, it is too early to Predict what ~mmu msv h ■ ~^..rrmpl i, y the conference, if auy ietnporory ilieck or delay intervenes. 1 believe that very soon commercial conditions will compel the now reluctant governments to tiuite with us in the moveuiout to secure the enlargement of veimneof coined luouey, needed mr the trausaetioii of llio busitiess ot the world. l'he report o( the Secretary of the treasury wjli attract special interest, in view of the many misleading statements that have been made as to tho state of the Public i revenues. Tlireo preliminary facts should not only be stated, but emphasized before looking into details: (1) That the ■ public debt has been reduced since March q, ls 8.», *25.1,074 2X>, and tlie annuaL interest charge *n,6Si,46y. ,2. That there have been paid out for peusions duriug this administration up to November f,' 13112, *432,5 >4,178; iff, ail-excess of *114.466,603.U3 over the sum .exuendod during the per.od from March J, I»SS, to March 1, 1889, and t&j that under tlie existing tariff up to December 1, about *93,090.000. rnvffnuo wnich would kaye bcuu collected upon impoit)!' 9iigars, n the duty had been maintained, has gone into the pockets of tile people and not into the public treasury,as belore. if there are auy who still th'.mt tiiat tlie sarplus shoiUu have hecnJkcptout.oL.cii'euiation by hording it in tliii treasury or deposited in Panics without interest, while ISC '.H'VC' uuvict contiuffc t to pay the very banks ii.Lrcsl upon tho bonds deposited a 3 . security for the deposits, or who think thart-the extended pension legislation was a public robbery, or that duties upon sugar should have been maintained, 1 am coutent to leave the argument where it now rests, while we wait to see wlietlier these eriticisms will tatce thu form of legislation. _ The revenues tor tho fiscal year ending Julie 30, 1892, from ail sources were $4r.:,868,260.22, aud the expenditures torall purposes xyere «4T5,953,au0.50, leaving a ha.ance of 89,914,453.<>6. There were paid during the year upon the public debt *49,570,4u7.j5. The surplus in the treasury and tho bank redemption fund, passed by the act of J uly 14, is9o, la the general fund furnishes in large part tlie casu available and used tor tlie payments mado upou the public debt. Compared with tiiu year 1891 our receipts from custom duties fen off *42,063,2r1.0d, while our receipts from hiternal revenue increased *8,284,823.13, leaving tho net iO3S of revenue from these principal sources *33,736,417,95. The net loss ot revenue Horn all sources was *32,675.972.81. The revenue,'estimated and' actual, for the fiscal year ending J uue 3j, 1a93, is placed by tlie secretary at *463,336, 350.44, aud ths expenditures at *4jl 3.6,35J.4i, showing a surplus of receipts oyer -expenditures of *2,000,009. The cash balin the Treasury at the end of tho fiscal year it is estimated will be*20,992,377,09. ao far as theso figures ate based on estimates of receipts and expenditures for tho remaining mouths of the current fiscal year there are not only the usual elements of uncertainly, hut some added elements. Now reveuuo legislation, or even the expectation of it, may seriously roduce tho public revenues during the press of business adjustment to the now conditions, when they become known. But tho Sec,etary has very wisely refrained from guessing as to tlie effect of possible changes in our revenue laws, since tlie scope of those changes aud tlie lime of their taking effect can not ill auy degree Jie forecastor foretold by him. His estimates must'be based upon existing laws aud upon a conlinuaneo of existing business conditions,-

except so lar as tltusu conditions may be affected by causes other than new legislation. The estimated roceipts for the fiscal year oiuliug June ..u, JBj4, ares49u, 121,365, 48 and the estimated appropriations *467,261,335.33, leaving an estimated surplus of receipts over expenditures of 1.52,fe6n,0n0.0.>. This does not include any payment to tho staking fund. In tho recommcudatiou of tho Secretary that tho sinking fund [aw be repealed, I concur. The redemption of 30,1892, has already oxceeded the requirements by the sum of *790,510,651.49. The retirement of bonds in the future beioro maturity should be a matter of convenience, not of compulsion. Wo should not collect revenue lor that purpose, but only use any casual surplus. To tho balance of $32,8c0,363.50 of roceipts over expenditures for the year 1894 should be added the estimated surplus at the beginning of the year, *20,992,377.01; and from this aggregate there must be deducted, as stated -»pM4*»Ktun=atajg, ;thnnt. 544 0 l.) OK> of ti , mated unexpendea appropriations'.' “ The public confidence in the purpose and ability of tho Government to maintain the parity of all our money Issues, whother coin or paper, must remain unshaken. Tho demand for gold in Europe and the consequent calls upon us are, in a considerable degree, the result of tho efforts of some of the European Governments to increase their gold reserves, and these efforts should be met by appropriations upon our part. The conditions that have created this drain of the treasury gold are, in an important degree, political and not commercial. In view of tho fact that a general revision of our revenue laws in tho near future seems probable, it would be better that any ehangos -Should bo a part of tiiaLreyisiou rather Ilian of- a temporary nature. During tbe last fiscal year the Secrotary purchased under tho act of July 14, 1 hit), 51,335,748 ounces of silver, and-Issued in payment thereof $.51,105,643 in notes. The total purchases since the passage of the act have, been 120,479,981 ounces, aud tho aggregateof notes issued $.16,783,584. Tho average price paid tor silver during tho year was 9 1 ccn s per ounce, the highest price being July 1, 1391, and the lowest-83 edits. March 21. 1892. In view of the fact that, the monetary conference is now silting, and that no conclusion has yet been reached, I withhold any recoins meudatiou as to legislation upon this subject. OTHKIt RECOMMENDATIONS, The subject of quarantine regulations, inspection aud control was brought suddenly to uiy attention by the arrival at our ports iu August last of vessels infected witli cholera. Quarsmuno regulations should bo uniform at all our ports. Under the constitution they aro plainly within the exclusive Federal jurisdiction, when and so far as Congress shall legislate. In my opinion the whole subject should be taken into national control. aud adequate power given to the Executive to protect our people against plague invasions, on the Ist of September last T approved regnUtianS establishing a twenty days’ quarantine for all vessels bringing amiulgrants from foreign ports. This ordor will lie continued in force. Some loss and suffering have resulted to passengers, but a due care of the homos our peoplo justifies in such cases the utmost precaution. There Is danger that with tho coming of spring cholera will again appear, and a liberal appropriation should he made at this session to enable our quarantine and post officers to exclude the deadly plague. But the most careful and stringent quarantine regulations may not be sufficient absolutely to exclude the disease. Tho progress of medical aud sanitary science has boon such, howover, that if approved precautions aro taken at once to put all of our cities and towns in tho besL sanltarv condl l lon. and a provision is made for isolation of any sporadic cases and for a thorough disinfection, an epidemic can. I gra sure, be avoided 1 . This work appertains to the local authorities and tlmir responsibility, and the penalty will be appalling if it is neglected or unduly IMMIGRATION SHOULD BE RESTICTED. We %ro peculiarly subject In our great ports to the spread of the infectious diseases by reason of the fact that unrestrlctei immigration brines to ns out of ean cities iu the over crowded steerages of

groat steamships a large number of persona whose surroundings mako then the easy victims of the plague. This consideration, as well as those affecting the poimrftt; aoriTftp ~jgjiiiffltf our country toad me to renew the suggestion, that admission to our country and to tho high privileges of Its citizenship should be more restricted and more cardial. Wo have. I think, a right and ewe a doty to working people, not only to keep out tho vicious, the ignorant, tho civil disturber, the pauper and tho contract laborer,'but to ehcck the' too great flow of Immigration now coming by further limitations. THE COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION. The report of the World's Columbian Exposition has been submitted. That of the hoard of management of the Government exhibit lias been received and here witli transmitted. The work of exposition in May next has progressed most satifactorily, and upon a scalo of liberality, and magnificence that will worthily sustain the honor of tho United States. TIIK CIVIL SERVICE. The Civil Service Commission ask for an increased appropriut on tor needed clerical as»i(*ta»e«r which I think should bo given. I extended tbeclassified service since March 1, 1891, to iuclu o physicians, s >i perin tendon tk.assis tan t su peri n toudents, school teachers and matrons iff tlie Indian o -rvlce, and liavo had under consideration v subject of some furtber extensions, “L hare not as yet fully determined the i i upon whl-*U extensions can mod V /)rl v aud usefully bo made. THE EVILS OF ELECTION METHODS. 7 liavo. in each of the threo annual luosaagas which it has been my duty to submit to Congress., called attention to the evils and dangers connected with onr election methods and practices as they are related lo the cho ee of officers of tlm national government. In my last annual message I endeavored to invoke serious attention tqtlia evils of unfair apportionments for Congress. I can not close tliis mossago without again calling attention to these gravo and threatening evils. I had hoped that it was possible to secure a non-partisan Inquiry by means of a commission, into evils the existence of which is known to all, and that out of this might grow legislation from which all thought of partisan advantage should bo eliminated,.and only the liiglior thought appear oT maintaining tho freedom and purity of the-ballot, and the oqnaUtyof the elector, without guaranty of which the Government could never have boon formed, and without the continuance of which it can not continue to exist in poa;e and pro=p_>rity. It Is time that mutual charges ot unfairness and fraud between tho groat parties should ceuso, and that the s.ncei'ity of those who profess a dosire for pure and honest election should he brought to the test of their willingness tSL free Our legislation and our election methods from everything that tends to impair the public confidence in tho announced result. Tho necessity for an inquiry, and for leg slation by Congress upon this subjoct is emphasized by tlie fact of tho tondoncy of legislation in some States in recent years has, in some important particulars, been away from and uot toward freo and fair elections and equal apportionments. Is it not time that we shonld como together upon the high plane of patriotism, while we devise methods that shall secure the rivht of every man qualified by law to ca;t a free ballot and give to every such ballot an equal value In choosing our public officers and in directing the policy of the Government?

THE AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. The reDort of tlqo Soeretary of Agriculture contains not only a most interesting statement of the progressive and valuable work dono under the administration of Secretary Rusk, but many for thoenlargcd usefallnuss of this important department, in the successful effort to break down tho restrictions to the free introduction of our meat products in the countries of Europe, tho Secretary has boon untiring from the first, stimulating and aiding all other Government affleors, at home and abroad whose official duties enabled them to participate in the work. The total trado in hog products with Europe In May, 1892. amounted to 82.000,009 pounds, against 46,900,000 in live swo month of lSfil: in June. 1892, exports aggregated 85,700 OX) pounds, against 46,500,000 pounds iu the same month of thn previous year; in July thero was an increase of 41 per ceut. and in August of 55 per cent, over tho corresponding months of 189 L Ovor 40,0.0,003 pounds of inspected pork have been exported since the law was put into operation, aud a comparison of the four months of Mayi Jatre-; Jn-ly irnd- Atrgrrs C. ISTTTWTTTi' tlie same months of 18'>1 shows an increaso in the number of pounds of our export of pork products of 62 per -ent, and an Increaso in value of <(% por cent. Tlie exports of dresseu beef increased from 137,903,000 pounds in 1880 to 250,070,000 pounds in 1892, or about 6) percent. Duriug the past year there have been exported 384,607 head of live cattle, as agaiust 305,266 exported in 1989. This increased exportation has been largely promoted by tlie inspection authorized by law and the faithful efforts of tho Secretary and his efficient, subordinates to mako that inspection thorough and to carefully exclude from all cargoes diseased or suspected cattle. THE MATTER OF PENSIONS. The report of the Comm'ssioner of Pensions, to which extended notice U given by the Secretary of the Interior in his report, will attract great attent en. Judged b/ the aggregate amount o; work done the last year. It has been tho greatest In the history of the office. 1 believe that the organization of the office Is efficient. And that the work has been done with fidelity. The passage of what Is known as the disability hill has. as was foreseen.very largely Increased the annual dlsbursments to tbe disabled veterans o . the civil war. The estimate of this llsjal year was. *154,957,099, anl that amount was appropriated. A doflcency, amounting to Ho.Osß.ftil. must be provided Tor at this session, The e.ffi-nate for pensions for the fiscal year, enling June 31 1191, is »1(5 JOO.UO9. The Comm ssiouer o' Pensions believes lhat If the present legislation and methods are maintained and further additions to the pension laws are not made the maximum expenditure for pensions will be reached June 31. 1-fIM. and wifi be at tne hfgnest point—4lßß,oo9,oooper annum. I adhere to the view expressed In nrovious messages that the care of tho disabled soldiers of the War of the Rebellion Is a matter of nation il concern and duty. Perhaos no emotion cools sooner than that of gratitude but I cannot believe that this process has yet reached a point with our neonle that would sustain the nolicy of remit ting the.cnre of these d sabled veterans to the inadequate agencies provided by local laws. The parade on tho 2 th of Sent,ember last, noon the streets of inis capital of uff.oO) of the surviving Union veterans of ihe war of Ihe rebellion was a most tonening and thrilling episode, and ilie rich and gracious welcome extended lotliem by the District of Coitimliiiv and tho upp ausn tiiat greeteJ thulr progrew from tens of thousands of p opio from all tlie States of the Union did much to revive tin* recs ol’oit ons of the grand review, when thes • mm. and many thousands of others now In their graves, were welcomed whh grate ui jov as victors in a struggle in which tlie NaUffual unity, hou.r and wealth were all as issue. THE PUnPOSE or THE MESSAGE. This exhibit of the work o' the Executive Departments is submitted to Cbngrcsß and tho public in the hope that there will be found in It a due sense or responslbi'ity and an;earnest purpose to maintain tho natlonvl honor and to promote the happiness and proiperitv of all our people, And this brief exhibit of the growth and prosperity of the country will give ub a level form which to noto’increase or decadence. that new legislative politics mav bring tons. -There is no retson wh“ the national influence. p<w rani prosper ty should uot o - 10.* re tbe ra ne rates or increase that havo characterized the past thirty yesrs. We carry the great tmpu se.and increase bf those years into the future. There is no reason why. In many lines of the Brofluction we should not surpass all other nations, as we hsve already done In some. There are no near frontiers to our oosslMo devel* nont Retrogressions W-toliniWi "<*. dENJAMIN H IRKISOV, Executive M .son, Washington, i). Ur 4**ccmbcr 8,1892,