Rensselaer Republican, Volume 26, Number 15, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 December 1893 — Page 7

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

President Cleveland’s message to Con- . grass was delivered Monday. It says: The constitutional duty which requires the President, from time to time, to give to the Congress information of the state •f the Union, and recommend to its consideration such measures as ho shaii judge necessary and expedient, is fittingly entered upon by commending to the Con* gross a careful examination of thedetailed statements and all supported recommendations contained In the reports of the heads of departments, who are chiefly charged with the executive work of the Government. In an effort to abridge this communication as much as is consistent with its purpose, I shall supplement a brief reference to the contents of those departmental reports by the mention of such executive business and incidents as are embraced therein’ aud by such recommendations as ap|iear to be, at this par* Wcnlar time, appropriate. OUB FOREIGN RELATIONS. - While our foreign relations have not at 811 times during tire past year beeu entirety free from perplexity, no embarrassing* situation remains that will hot yield to the spirit of fairness aud love of justice, which, joined with consistent firmness, characterize a. truly American foreign policy. My predecessor having accepted

the office of arbitrator of tbo lorig standing Missions boundary disputes, tendered to the President by the ArgentlneKepubH: and Brazil, it has bqen my agreeable duty to receive the special envoys commissioned by those states to lay before me evidence and arguments In behalf of their respective governments. ~ THR TKOUBI.EB IN BRAZIL. The outbreak of hostilities in the republic of Brazil found the United States alert to watch the interests of our citizens In that country, with which we carry on important commerce. Several vessels •f our new navy are now, and for some Mme have been, stationed at Rio de Janeiro. *1 he Struggle being between the established government, which controls the machinery of administration, and with which we have friendly relations, and •main officers of the navy employing the vessels of their command in an attack upon the national capital and chief seaport, I have failed to see how thoinsnrBcuts8 cuts can reasonably claim recognition as elligerents. iThns far< the position of •nr Government has been that of an attentive, but impartial, observer of the unfortunate conflict. Emphasizing our fixed poltcv of impartial neutrality in such a •ondition of affairs as now exist, I deemed ft necessary to dlsavow.in a manner not to be misunderstood, the unauthorized action •four late naval eomniander in those waters, in i&aluting the revolting Brazilians. an admiral being unauthorized to •ontenance an act calculated to give grat-, ultious sanction to the local Insurrection. OUR RELATIONS WITH CHILE. , The convention between our Government and Chile having for its object the settlement and adjustment of the demands •f the two countries against each other has been effective by the organization of the claims commission provided for. The two governments failing to agree upon the third member of the commission, the good offices of the President of the Svyisg republic wfero Invoked, as provided in the treaty, and the selection of the Swiss representative in this country, to complete the organization was gratifying alike to the United States and Chile. The vexatious question of a so-callea legation asylum for offenders against the State and its laws was presented anew m Chilo by the unauthorized action of the late United States minister .in receiving Into his official residence, two persons who had just tailed In an attempt at revolution and against whom criminal charges were pending, growing out of a former abortive disturbance, the doclrlno of asytnm. as applied to this case, Is not sanctioned bv the best precedents and, when allowed, tends to encourage sedition and strife. Under no circnmstanccs can thp representatives of this •■government be permitted under the til-defined fiction of extra territoriality to interrupt the administration of criminal justice in the •onhtrlgs to which they are accredited. A; temperate demand having been made by she Chilean governmi nt for the correction «f this conduct in the Instance mentioned, the minister was instructed no longer to harbor the offenders. / THE CHINESE QUESTION. The legislation of last year known as the Geary law, requiring the registration of all Chinese laborers entitled to residence in the United States, and the deportation of'all not complying with the provisions of the pct within the time preScribid, met with much opposition from Chinamen in this country. Acting upon the advice of eminent counsel, who said the law was unconstitutional, the great mass of Chinese laborers, pending judic.al inquiry as to its validity, in good faith declined to apnly for the certificates required by its provisions. A test casO upon prodeeding by habeas corpus was brought before the tupremo Court, and on May 15, 2893, a decision was made by that tribunal sustaining lhe law. It is believed that under the recent amendment of the act, extending the time ■ for registration, tbo Chinese laborers thereto entitled, who desire to reside in this country, will now avail themselves of the renewed privilege thus afforded, of establishing by lawful procedure their tight to remain, and that thereby the necessity es enforced deportation may to a groat degree be avoided. ,» It has devolved upon the United States minister at Peking, as dean of the diplomatic body. and in the absence of a repte- i tentative of Sweden and Norway, to press upon the Chinese government reparation for the murder of Swedish missionaries at Sung Put. This question is of vital Interest to all countries whoso citizens engage tn missionary work In the interior. BELATIONe WrtH OTHER COUNTRIES, By Article 13 of the General Act of Brussels, signed July 2,1890, for the suppression of the slave trade and the roaatiction of certain injurious commerce in the Congo and in the adjacent territory of Central Africa, the United States and the J ,«|her powers agreed to adopt appropriate menus for the punishment of persons soiling arms and ammunition to the natives and for the confiscation of the prohibited articles, I recommend that an act bo i passed prohibiting the sale of arms and intoxicants to natives in the r.g dated none by our citizens. Costs Rica has lately testified lie friendliness by surrender!) ft to the United States, in the absence ol a convention of extradition, but upon duly submitted evidence of criminality, a noted fugitive and Columbia the kind y desire rs! the united States to see their pending boundary dispute finally closed by arbitration.

Ow relations with the French republ :e continue to be Intimate and cordial. While occasional questions affecting on? naturalized citizens returning to the land of their birth Shaverarisen in our affairs with our j relations with that country continue satisfactory. The questtons affecting our relations with Great Britain have bJeff treated m a spirit of friendliness, ’ Negotiations are in progress between the two governments,, with a view to such concurrent action as will make the award and regulations agreed upon by the Bering sea .tribunal of arbitration practically effective, and it is not doubted that Great Britain, will cooperate freely with this country for the accomplishment of that purpose. The dispute growing out of the discriminating tolls imposed in the Welland canal upon cargoes of cereals bound to ai d from the lake ports of the United States was adjusted by tho substitution of a mbreiequltable schedule of charges, and my predecessor thereupon suspended Bis proclamation imposing discriminatli g tolls upon British transit through our canals. VARIOUS ACTS OF REPARATION. During the past year an American citizen, employed In a subordinate commercial position in Uayti, after suffering a protracted imprisonment on an unfounded charge of smuggling, was finally liberated after a judicial examination. Upon urgent representation to the Haytian govermeui, a suitable indemnity was paid to the sufferer. By a law of Hayti, a sailing vessel, having discharged her cargo, is refused clearance until the duties on such cargo has been paid. The hardship of this measure upon American ship-owners, who conduct the bulk of the carrying trade of that country, has been Insisted on. with a view of securing a removal of this cause of complaint. Upon receiving authentic Imfortpatlon of the firing upon ah American mail steamer toueihng at the*port of Amapala, because her cap<ain refused to deliver up a passenger in transit from Nicaragua to Guatemala upon demand of the military authorities of Honduras, our minister to that country, under instructions, protested against the wanton act and demanded satisfaction. The government of Honduras. actuated by a sense of just’ce, and In the spirit of the utmost friendship, promptly disavowed the illegal conduct of its officers and. expressed sincere regret for the occurrence. , A SUGGESTION TO FRANCE.. A notable part of the southeastern coast of Liberia between the Cavaliy and San Pedro rivers, which for nearly half a century has been generally recognized as belonging to that republic by cession and* purchase, has been claimed to be under the protectorate of France in virtue of agreements entered into by the native tribes, over whom Liberia’s control has not been well maintained. Feeling a sympathetic interest in the fortunes of the little commonwealth, this government has sugjested to the French government its earnest concern lost territorial impairment in Liberia should take place without her unc mstrained consent. MEXICO, NICARAUGUA AND GUATEMALA. Our relations with Mexico contihud to be of that dose and friendly nature which* should always characterize the intercourse' of two neighboring republics. Nicaraqgua has recently passed through two revolutions, the party at first tnccessfuk having in turn been displaced oy another. Our newly appointed minister, by his timely good offices, aided in a peaceful adjustment of the controversy involved in the first conflict The large American interests established in that country in connection with the Nlcaraugua canal were not molested. The canal company has unfortunately become financially seriously embarrassed, but a generous treatment has been extended it by the government of Nicaraugua. Gautemalu has also beeu visited by the Eolitical vicissitudes which have afflicted er Central American toolghbors, but’ the dissolution of its Legislature and the proclamation of a dictatorship have been attended with civil wars. THE TROUBLE IN SAMOA. Led by a desire to com posed ifferences and contributing to the restoration of peace in Samoa, the United States, departing from its policy, consecrated by a century of observance, entered four years ago into the treaty of Berlin. The treaty provided for a foreign court of justice, a mun cipal council for the district of Apia, with a foreign president therefor, authorized to advise tne King, a tribunal for the settlement of- native aud foreign land titles and a revenue system for the kingdom. It entailed upon the throe powers that part of the cost of the new government not met by the revenue of the islands. Early in the life of this triple protectorate the native dissension it was designed' to quell revived. Rivals defied the authority of the new King, refusing to pay taxes and demanding »tno election of a ruler by natives’ suffrage. Mataafa, an aspirant to the throne, and a largo number of his native adherents were In oben rebellion on oneof the islands. Quite lately, at the request of the other powers and In ful Ailment of its treaty obligations, this government agreed to unite in a joint military, movement of such dimensions as would probably secure the surrender of the insurgents without bloodshed. The warship, Philadelphia, was accordingly put under orders for Samoa, but before she arrived, the threatened conflict was precipitated by King Maletoa’s attack upon' the insurgent camp. Mataafa was defeated and a number of his men killed. The British and German naval vessels present subsequently secured the surrender of Mataafa anl his adherents. The defeated chief and ten of his principal supporters were deported to a German Island of the Marshall group, where they are hold as prisoners under the joint responsibility and cost of the three powers. This incident and the events leading up to It signally Illustrate the Impolicy of entangling alliances with foreign powers.

AMERICAN CLAIMS AGAINST SPAIN. More than fifteen years ago this Government preferred a claim against Sp ill? 1 - in behalf of one of our citizens for property seized and confiscated In Cuba, tn 1883 the claim was adjusted, Spain agreeing to pay unconditionally as a fair Indemnity »l.rX>>OX). A respectful but earnest note was recently addressed to tho Spanish government insisting upon the prompt fulfillment of its ioug neglected obligation. . Other claims preferred by tho United States against Spain in behalf of American citizens for property confiscated in Cuba have been ponding for many years. The reproduced caravel. Banta Maria, built bv Spain and sent to the Columbian Bx position, has been presented to the ntted States in token of amity and in commemoration of tho event It was d««° signed to celebrate.- I recommend that, in accepting this gift. Congress make grateful recognition of the sincere friendship which prompted ft .TURRET AND THE AMERICANA Important matters have demanded attention in our relations with the Ottoman Porte. The firing and partial destruction by an unrestrained mob, of one of tho school buildings of the Anatolia College, established bv citizens of the United States at Marsovan. and the apparent indifference of the Turkish government to tho outrage, notwithstanding tho complicity of some of Ita officials, called for an earnest remonstrance, which was followed by promises of reparation and punishment of offenders. Indemnity for the injury to thn buildings has already been paid, permission to rebuild given, registration of the school property In the name of tho American owners secured, and efficient, protection guaranteed. Turkey complains that her American subjects obtain citizenship in this country not to Identify timmrelvea In good faith with onr people, but with the intention of returning to the land of their birth and there engaging In sedition. Thia oom-

plaint is not wholly without foundation. The right to exclude any or all classes of aliens is an attribute of eoverelgpity. It is a right asserted, and to a limited extent enforced by the United States with the sanction of our. highest court. There being no naturalization treaty between the United States and Turkey.our miuisterat Constantinople has been Instructed thstl, while recognizing the right of that government to enforce its declared policy against natural teed Armenians, he is expected to protect them from unnecessary narshness of treatment. HAW A WIL It is hardly necessary for me to state that the questions arising from our relations with Hawaii have canned serious embarasSment. Just prior to iße-histat-lationof the present administration toe existin'' government of Hawaii had beGn suddenly overthrown and a treaty of annexation had been negotiated between the provisional government of the islands and the United States and submittal to tne Senate for ratification. Tais treaty I withdrew for examination, and dispatched Hon. James A.Blount, of Georgia, to Honolulu as a special commissioner to make an impartial Investigation of the circumstances attending tne change of government, and of ail the conditions bearing Upon the subject of the treaty. After a thorough and exhaustive examination, Mr. Blount submitted to me his ; report, showing beyond all question that the constitutional government of Hawaii had been subverted with the active aid of our representative to that government, and.through the intimidation caused by. the presence of an armed naval force of the United States, which was landed for that purpose at the instance of our minister. TJ port the facts developed, it seemed to mo the only honorable course for our Government to pursue was to undo the wrong that had been done by those representing us. and to restore, as far as practicable, the status existing at ths time of our forcible intervention. With a view of accomplishing this result within the constitutionallimits of.executive power, and recognizing all our obligations and responsibilities growing out of any change of conditions brought about by our unjustifiable interference, our present minister at Honolulu has received appropriate instructions to that end. Thus far nu information of the accomplishment of any definite result has been received from him. J Additional advices are soon expected. Wnen received, they will be promptly sent to the Congress, together with all other information at hand, accompanied by a special executive message fully detailing all the facts necessary to a complete understanding of the case, and presenting a history of all the mater ial events leading up to the present situation. ARBITRATION BETWEEN NATIONS. By a concurrent resolution passed by the Senate February 14,1891, and the House of Representatives on the 3d of April following, the President was .ftt* quested to invite, from time to time, as nt occasion may arise, negotiations with any government with which the United States has or may have diplomatic relations. to the end that any differences or disputes arising between the two governments which can not be adjusted by diplomatic agency, may be referred to arbitration and be peaceably adjusted by such means. April 18, 1810, the International American conference of JrVasbington, by resolution, expressed the wish that all controversies between the republic of America and the nations of Europe might be settled by arbitration, and recommended that the government of each nation represented in that conference.should communicate this wish to all friendly powers. A favorable response has been received from Great Britain, in the shape of a resolution adopted by Parliament July 16 last, cordially sympathizing with the purpose in view, and expressing the hope that Her Majesty’s government will lend rea ly co-orieration to the\ Government of the United States, upon the basis of the concurrent resolution above quot'dDIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR SERVICE.

Since the passage of the act of March 3.1893. authorizing the President to raise the grade of our envoys to correspond with the rank in which foreign countries a-credit their agents here. Great Britain. Franco, Italy arid Germany have conferred upon their representatives at this capital the title of Ambassalor, and I have responded by accrediting the agents of the United States in those countries with the same title. A like elevation of mission is announced by Russia, and when made will be similarly mot. THE.GOVERNMENT’S FINANCES. The Secretary of the Treasury reports that the recipts of thsGavernmont from all source during the fiscal' year ended June 30,1833. arn Minted to *4)1.716.511.94, and its expenditures to $159.374,074.29. There was collected from customs *205,355.0i6.73 and from Internal revenue <161.0.7 0 3 32. Oar dutlble imports amounted to *431.853,711, an Increase of <51.453.iw7 over the proceeding year, and importations fred of duty amounting to <141.544 211 a decrease from the proceeding year of *13,455.447. Internal revenue receipts exceeded those of the proceeding year by *6.147.445.32. Total tax eollectud on tilled spirits was *94.7 0.260.55, on. manufactured tobacco ?31.88>711 n, andon fermented liquors <13.548.983.07. We exported merchandise during tbo yatr amonnting to <847.615 194, a decrease of *182.612.954 from the preceding year. The amount of gold exported, was larger than any previous year in the history of thn Govcrimont, amounting to <IOB 630 814 arid exceeding the amount exported duringthe preceding year by *58.43>.517. The sum paid from the Treasury for sugar hountv was 0,375,180.88, an increase over the pr< - ceding year of O.OBOIW. It is estimated upon the basis of present revenue law 4, that the receipts of the Government for the year ending June 30. 18 4, will be *130.121.335.38. an 1 its expenditures *453,121,315.38, resulting in a deficiency of OJ,003,000. THE SILVER QUESTION. The recent rep sal of the provision of law requiring the p irchase of the silver bullion By the Gowrment as a feature of our monetary scheme, has m uie an entire chang in the complexion of -onr currency affairs I do not not donbt that the ultimate result of this action will be most salutary and far reaching. In the nature of th n is, however, it is impossible to know at this time precisely what conditions will he brought about by the change < r what. If any; snpplemenary legislation may, in the light of such conditions, appear to be essential or expedient. Of course, after the r< cmt financial perturbation. time is necessary for the re-estab-lishment nf business confidence. In the pursuit of this object we should resolutely turn awav from alluring and temporary expedients determined to be ern .ant with io th Ing less than a lasting and comprehensive financial qlah. In these circumstances. I am c tnvincod that a reasonable delay in de ding with this subject, instead of being injurious, will Increase the probability of wise action. The M 'notary Conference which assembled at Brussels upon our Invitation was . adjourned to the 33th day of November, in the present year. The considerations jnst stated, ani th* fact that a definite proposition from us swmxl to -be expected upon the reassembling of the conference, I*d me to express a willingness to have the meeting still further postponed. OTHER TREASURY RETORTS. The Suporintenient of Immigration, throngb the Secretary of the Treasury, reports that during the last fiscal veer there arrived at onr ports 446,793 Immigrants. Of these, I.FQI were not permitted upland, under the limitations of the law, and 577 were reUfrood to theconntrles from whence they came by reason of their having become pubHc chafes. The total arrivals were 141,031 lesi than for the previous year.

DEPARTMENT OF WAR. The Secretary of War report* that the strength of the army on the 30th day of Septemoer last was 25,778 enlisted men. and 2,144 officers. The total expenditures for the department for the year ending Juno 30. amounted to $51,966,074.89. Of this sum $1,992,581.95 was for salaries and contingent expenses, $36,377,8:8.35 for the support of the military establishment, $6,077,a>3.18 for miscellaneous objects, and $20,518,631.41 for public works. This latter 1 sum includes «15,2j6,876.46 for river and harbor improvements, and $2,266,141.20 for fortifications and other works of defense. Tne total enrollment of militia for the several States was on the 31st of October of the current year, 112,597 officers and enlisted men. The officers of the army detailed for the inspection and Instruction of this part of our military force report that Increased interest and marked progress are apparent in the discipline and efficiency o(»e organizations. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. The report of the Attorney-General contains the usual summary of the affairs and proceedings Of Uta department of justice for the past together with certain recommendation?-.as to needed legislation of various subjects, I can not too heartily indorse the proposition that the fee system as applicable to We compensation of United States attorneys, marshals, clerks erf Federal courts and United States commissioners, shottd be abolished with as little delay as posable. It Is clearly in the interest of the coiniiunlty that tne business of the courts, @bth . civil and criminal, shall be aa small and as Inexpensively conducted as the endsfj of justice will allow. The system is thorough ly vicious which makes the* compensation of court officials depend upoa /ho volume of such business, and thus emtes a conflict between the proper execution of the law and private gain which canlnot fail to be dangerous to the righto, land freedom of the citizens and an irresistible temptation to the unjustifiable expjmditure of public funds. If, in additmi to this reform, another was inaugurated which would give to United States/ commissioners the final disposition off potty offenses within the grade of. misdemeanors, especially those coming under/the internal revenue laws, a great advance would be made toward a more deyont administration of the criminal law/ POSroFFICE DEPARTMENT. The report of the Postmaster-General contains a detailed statement eg the operations of the postoffice department during the last fiscal year, and much interesting information touching this Important branch of the public service. The business of the mails indicate with absolute certainly the condition of the business of the country, and Repression in financial affairs inevitably And quickly re duces the postal revenues. Therefore a larger discrepancy than/usual between the postoffico receipts and expenditures is the expected and unavoidable result of the distressing stringency which has prevailed throughout the country during much of the time covered by the Postmaster General’s report At a date when better times wore anticipated, It was estimated by his predecessor that the deficiency on the 30th day of June. 1893.w0u1d be but alittle oversl,sCo 000. It amounted however, to more than 85.0J0003. At thfi same time, and under the influence of like anticipations, estimates were made for the current fiscal year ending JunclO 1894, which exhibited a surplus of revenue over expenditures of SB7 J,245.71; but now, in view of the actual receipts and expenditures during tha; part of the current fiscal year already expired, the present Postmaster-General estimates that at its close, instead of a surplus there will boa deficiency of nearljTU.OX) 009.

NAVY DEPARTMENT. The report of the Secretary of the Navy contains a history of the operations of his department during the past year, and exhibits a most gratifying condition of the personnel of out navy. Ho presents a satisfactory account of the progress which has beep made in the construction of vessels, and muk-s a number of recommendations to which attention is especially invited, During the past six months the demands for cruising vessels have been many and urgent. There have been revolutions calling for vessels to protect American Interests in Nicaragua. Guatemala, Costa Rica, Honduras, Argentine and Brazil, while the condition of affairs in Honolulu has required the constant presence of one or more ships. With all these calls upon our navy ft became necessary, in order to make up a sufficient fleet to patrol the Bering sea under the modus vivendi agreed upon with great Britian, to detail to that service one vessel from' the fish commission and three from the revenue marine. . DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. The Secretary of tho Interior has the supervision of so many important subjects that his report is of especial value and interest. On the 30th day of Jnno. 1893, there were on the pension rolls 96(5 013 names, an increase of 89,941 over the number on the rolls June 30, 1892. Of these there were seventeen widows and daughters of Revolutionary soldiers, 5.425 survivors and widows of soldiers of the war of 1815, 21,518 survivors and widows of the Mexican war, 3,883 survivors and widows of Indian wars, 284 army nunes and 475.645 survivors and widows and children of deceased soldiersand sailors of the war of the rebellion. SUSPENSION OF PENSIONS. Tho discovery having been made that many names had been put bn tho pension roll bv means of wholesale and gigantic frauds, the commissioner suspended payments upon a number of pensions which seemed to be fraudulent or unauthorized, pending a complete examination, giving notice to the pensioners. In order that they might have an opportunity to establish, if possible, the justice of their claims, notwithstanding apparent Invalidity. CONDITION OF THE INDIANS. The condition of tho Indians and tbefr ultimate fate are subjects which are related to a sacred duty of the Government, and wblJh strongly appeal to the sense of Justice and the sympathy of our people. >ur Indians number about ‘05,000. Most of them are located on It 1 reservations, containing 86.116.531 acres of land. About 110.00) of these Indians have, to a h rre degree, adopted civilized customs. Lauds in several Territories ha\ e been allotted to maw of them. Such allotments have been m 4e to 10. CO) Individuals during the last fiscal year, embracing about 1 (Lo.tOO acres. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. The report of the Secretary of Agriculture will be found exceedingly interesting. On the 7th day of March, 1893, there were upon tbo pay-rolls 2,430 employes of the department. This numtier has been reduced to 1.850 persons. During the first quarter of the present year the expenses of the department aggregated *345,876 76 against *402,015.42 for tho corresponding period of the fiscal year ending June 30. 1833. The Secretary makes apparent his intention to continue this rata ofrednetlon by submitting estimates for the next fiscal rear, less by <991,380 than those for the present year. CIVIL SERVICE LAW. The continued intelligent execution of tho civil service law and the increased approval by the people of its operation are most gratifying. The recent extension of Its limitations and regulations to the employes at free delivery postoffiees. which has been honestly arid promptly nccomClished by the commission, with tho early co-operation of the PostmasterGeneral. is an immensely Important advance In the usefulness of tho system. . REFORM OF THE TARIFF. Economy tn public expenditure is a duty that cannot innocently be neglected by those Intrusted with the control of money

drawn from the people for nubile uses. It must be confessed that our apparently endless resources, the familiarity of our people with immense accumulations of wealth, the growing sentiment among them that the expenditure Of public money should in some manner be to their immediate and personal advantage, the indirect an i almost stealthy manner in which a large part of our taxes are exacted and a sense of official accountability have led to growing extravagance in governmental appropriations. At this time, when a depleted public treasury confronts us, when many of our people are engaged in a struggle for the n-cessitios of life, and when lurcod economy is pressing upon the great mass of our countrymen, I desire to urge with ail the earnestness at biy command that Congressional legislation be so limited by str>c« economy as to exhibit an appreciation, of the condition of the Treasury and a sympathy with the straitened circumstances of our fellow-citizens. M anifestiy. if we are to aid the people directly through tariff reform, one of its most obvious features should be a reduction in the present tariff charges upon the necessaries Of life. The benefits of such a reduction would be palpable and substantial, seen and felt by thousands, who would be better fed, better clothed and better sheltered. These gifts should Be the willing benefactions of a Government whose highest function is the promotion of the welfare bf the people. 1 Not less closely related to our people’s prosperity and well-being la the removal of restrictions upon the importation of raw materials, necessary to our manufactures. The world should be open to our national ingenuity and enterprise. This cam.o; be while Federal legislation, through the imposition of high tariff, forbids to American manufacturers as cheap materials as those used by their competitors. . A measure has been prepared by the appropriate Congressional committee embodying tariff n-form on the lines herein suggested, which will be promptly submitted for legislative action. It is the result of much patriotic and unselfish work, and I believe it deals with its subject consistently and as thoroughly as existing conditions permit. I am satisfied that the reduced * tariff duties provided for in the proposed legislation, added to existing internal revenue taxation will, in the near future, though, perhaps, not immediately produce sufficient revenue to meet the needs of the Government. . ; In my great desire for the success of this measure, I cannot restrain the suggestion that its success can only be attained by means of unselfish counsel on the partoi the friends of tariff reform and as result of their WLl.ngness to subordinate personal de-ires and ambitions to the general good. The local interests aff<cU'd by the proposed reform are so numerous and so varied that if all are insisted upon the legislation embodying the reform will inevitably fail. THE PRESIDENT’S CONCLUSION. In conclusion my intense feeling of responsibility impels me to invoke, for the manifold interests of a generous and confiding people, the- most scrupulous care, and pledge my willing support, to every legislative effort for the advancement of the greatness and prosperity of our beloved country. Grover Cleveland.

THE COUNTRY NEWSPAPER.

influence Wielded by the Rural Press—ita Responsibilities. There is a place and an opportunity not to be despised for the country newspaper worker, and with thia, as with every large opportunity, rfserious obligation to careful, thorough, honest work, writes Edwin A. Start, in the New England Magazine. It is not too much to say there is no better field for i n intelligent, well-equipped nan of large sympathies and vigorous personality than the editorial chair of a country newspaper, nor is there a position whioii places upon a man greater duties to the community In which he Uvea The editors of the great metropolitan newspapers rest on tho heigtbs of impersonal journalism, flinging their thunderbolts with a freedom born of almost entire personal irresponsibility; and while the thunderbolts ore in great part shattered on the rooks below, tho country editor walks with the multitude in the valley, gives the weight of his personality to the impersonal words of his paper, which come to the people like the warm handclasp of a friend, measures hia words iu accordance w.th the peculiarities of his constituents, and influences the thought and feeling of hundreds where tho thunderbolt oi the unapproachable Jove strikes one.* It was a successful country editor in a thriving Massachusetts town who once sagely remarked that, If he were a candidate for office, and must take his chance between the combined support of the metropolitan dailies and that of the country press, he would choose tho latter, and accept with equanimity the hostility of his city brethren. Every country editor knows tbathe.was right. The great dailies, so-called, are received in lhe abstract os venders of the world’s news. Their resources in this direction are gre.it and cannot in the nature of things be rivaled by those al the command Of country papers of limited circulation. But the country paper comes closer to the hearts of the people at large, it is more thoroughly read, and it has an in fluence tho greater because it is.one of the subtH, unrealised. every-day forces of life it is held rigidly to account for the honesty and fairness of its utterances. It cannot pdm off upon its readers what are known in the slang of the newspaper fraternity as "lakes;” It must be reliable first of ait Neither can it violate moral decency to any marked extent and prosper, as can its neighbors in the great citiea In most communities. in Now England, at least, its constituency is largely found in the churches, and will not tolerate vulgarity. The country newspaper stands to dwellers outside the large cities in the place of a friend and regular home visitor, and It is essential above all things that it maintain the good character aud good breeding that are required of other friends, it it would keep warm its welcome in the hoots jircla.

The oldest living criminal in the United States is John Mount, of Cov.ngtan, Ky, He was a good one In bis days. He is now nearly ninety years pt age, and fifty-sig years of his life have Men apsnt in various penitentiaries In tM United States. He has oommitted almost every crime except that of murder. He is Uving avery sectud* ed life at present, and seldom goes on the atroota. _____________ It Is claims J that phosphate Is found in only three places throughout Urn United States—South Ceroliga, Now Mexico and Florida, la Now Mexico It io about exhausted, while in Florida It is tn-xu exton-1 sire than in South LL.ra.tua aud assays 23 per cent more.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.

Aunl Report ®f Secretary Hok* Harfttfc The annua! report of the Secretary of the Interior was made public Friday. Secretary Hoke Smith reviews with thofoughncM the work of his department. Upon the subject of pensions the Secretary calls attention to the great amount saved to the Government by the stoppage of payment of Illegal pensions in Norfolk, Va.. New Mexico and Io«tt. The Secretary comments on the utter Inadequacy of legislation thus far enacted to providefor the legitimate procurement of public tim- , bur to supply the actual necesritierof * the people dependent upon ft to promote settlement and develop the natural resources of the public lands. The Secretary discusses at length the opening of the Cherokee outlet. He says the hardships incurred by applicants was an unavoidable result, when so large • crowd, far in excess of the land to be obtained. was preparing to rush madly upon ft. No care of the department could have lessened the Intense heal or prevented the stifling dust The searcltv'of water was due to an extended drought, which bad dried up many of the usual sources of water supply. The work of the Indian Bureau shows that they are steadily advancing in elrlllzat'sT. It Is a mistake,* he says, io suppose that their number Is rapidly decreasing. On the contrary tribal wars and wars with the whites having ceased, they are increasing, and there are now over 253.010. Much good is being accomplished by allotments In severalty and the schools. Th# payment or Indian depredation claims Is deemed a subject of grave consideration. Under th* existing law. the appropriations Intended for the support of these Indiana will be consumed by the payment of these claims, and a second appropriation would be necessary to meet their needs so that the payment of these claims will eventually devolve upon the government It is estimated that these claims will absorb many millions of dollars and the policy of subjecting the treasury to this strain Is questioned. The recent troubles In the Choctaw Nation are touched upon at length. The Secretary urges the prompt passage of th* bill now pending before Congress, extending the jurisdiction of the United States In the Indian .Territory, so as to include the right of removal of all cases, where local prejudice la shown, without regard to citizenship. Referring to the work of thn Comms Office, the Secretary states? “I now feel all confidence that every effort is being consciontionsiy made to bring th* census to a close, and to render It as useful as possible when finished.” It is intimated that the appropriations now available will be sufficient to meet the expenses uw to the Ist of February, but that additional snpropriations to the amount of $503.(00 will l>e necessary to continue the work from that time. In closing the renortthe Secretary states that, In the estimate of expenditures for the department, a great majority of the proposed improvements were rejected, onlv those actually necee-. wry for the conduct of public business being adopted. x

CONFESSES TO A MURDER.

George Goddard gave himself up a* Madison, Thursday, to Sheriff Kohl, con-; fessing to having killed Alexander Smith, sight clerk of the Occidental house in Chicago, on Oct. 9. Goddard said that ho jot Into a scuffle with Alexander Smith' ibout 2 o’clock a. m.. and in the struggle a revolver was exploded, onoof the bullet* mtering Smith’s abdomen, and he died its two hours. They had beep drinking an I the fight began about a woman “whom h f accused me of rooming with. I denied its ind he struck me with a heavy key. After he was dead I wandered into the street tnd some friends had my wound patched up In a saloon. I hid in a room for two lays and then left Chicago, wandering about inwarions cities until I came heru.*,

THE MARKETS.

Dec. 2. 133 X. Indianapolis. GRAIN AND HfAY. Wheat—No. 2 red, 57J<e; No. 3 red, 53e; wagon wheat, 57c. Corn—No. 1 white, 35l<c; No. 2 white. Jsc;No. 3 white. 34M@35c; No. 2 yellow,. 54c; No. 3 yellow, 33^e' r ear corn. 34)<cJ Oaw-No. 2 White, 31c; No. 3 white, JOc: No. 3 mixed. 29c. Hay—Choice timothy, <12.00; No. V 111.50; No. 2, <0.50; No 1 prairie, *6975; mixed, <8: clover. 19. Bye—No. 2,45 c for car-lota; 40c for wagon rye. Bran—*l2. . . «;<• '?'■ LIVESTOCK. Cattle—choice shippers<[email protected]; feeders, *[email protected]; choice cows, choice bulls, *[email protected]; veals, mllkew, *15.(»a<35.00. Hoos—Rough to choice. *4.0035.45.. Sheep—Common to choice, <1.5033.00. POULTRY AND OTHER PRODUCE. (Prices Paid by Dealers.! Poultry Hens, 5c per ft; young chickens, SX« perffi; turkeys,toms. 5c per Bihens. 7c per >: fanev large young turkeys.6@7c; small and poor, sc: ducks. 6e per lb; geese. <4.20 per doz.. sos choice; rabbits, 75e@H per doz.; quails, <L3S per doz. Eggs—Shippers paying. 22c. Butfer—Choice. 15@lfiet mixed, 10@12eHoney—New, 18@20c. Feather*—Prime geese, 40c per »; mixed duck, 20c per B. Beeswax—2oc for yellow; 15c for dark. Wool—Unwashed medium wool, 16c; unwashed coarse or braid, 13@14e; unwashed fine merino. 10gl3c; tub-washed, 18@2$c: burry aud cotted wool, 3 to 6c less than above prices. . •Hides—No. 1 green hides, 2Wc; No. 1 G. 8. Hides, No. 2G. 8. hides. Ne. 1 ealf hides, sc; No. 2 calf hMtea. 3«e. No. 1 tallow, 4Xc; No. a tallow, 4c. Chicago. Wheat 6‘Xc. Corn-35«<e. Oats. 2TCe. Pork—6l2.9U. Lard, 8.52J4C. Ribs. Cattle—Prime steers, 5 4035.85; Texans, *2.1532.85; Westerns. «[email protected]. Begs— Rourb packers. *5.1055.20: packing. *A3G @5.70; prlmebutehers. *s><!&■*■ Sh"-™ —Thin ewes, *[email protected]; Westerns, *3.003 3.25. MawYort. Wheat—Na 2 red. 67>f c. Cam—No. 45Xc. Oats No. 2, Butter-West-ern creamery. 27tfc. ClnolafiAtl, , Wheat—Na 2 red, 6Oc; Corn. 39e. Oata. 31Sfc; Pork. <13.25; Butter, Elgin, 27a. Eggs, 31a ■ Wheat—66Wc; corm No. 2, yellow, «b; Oata, Mftfc; Batter. Western creamery, 27c. Eggs, 26c. ■ Detroit Wheat-®K ; corn, 3fiMe; oata, »M«-WKEAT-Na 1 bard. 605<e., Whkat-50o; Corn, 33*c; Oata, 28c. Baltimore. Wheat-65X? corn, 13%; Oata, 35J£ Cattte-Reeeipti, 3,450; shipments, <2O. M arkvt Baflbla. ■■ Bheep-*[email protected].