Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 15, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 December 1894 — PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE [ARTICLE]

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

The second session of the Fifty-third Congress convened at. Washington, Monday, December 3, at noon, with a full quorum in both Houses. The President’s annual message was rectffved and read as follows: To the Congress of the United States: The assemblage, within the Nation’s legislative halls,of those charged with the duty of making laws for the benefit of a generous and free people, impressively suggest the exacting obligation and inexorable responsibility involved in their task. At the threshold of such labor, now to be undertaken by the Congress of the Uni tod .'States, and in the d isehtyrge ofan executive duty enjoined by the Constitution, I submit this communication, containing a brief statemeniTof the condition of our national affairs,, and recommending such legislation as seems to me necessary and expedient. OUR FOREIGN RELATIONS. The history of our recent dealings with other nations, and our peaceful relations with them at this time, additionally demonstrates the advantage of consistently adhering to a firm but just foreign policy, free from envious or ambitious national schemes, and characterized by honesty. ■ I have endeavored to impress on the Belgian Government the needlessness and positive harmfulness of its restriction upon the importation of certain of our food products, and have strongly urged that the rigid supervision and inspection under our laws are am ply sufficient to prevent the exportation from this country of diseased cattle and unwholesome meat. The termination of the civil war in Brazil has been followed by the general prevalence of peace and order. ; ft appearing at an early stage of the insurrection that its course would call for unusual watchfulness on the part of this government, our naval force in the harbor of Rio de Janeiro was strengthened. The commission organized under the convention which we had entered into with Chill for the settlement of the outstanding Maims against the other adjourned at the end of the period stipulated for its continuance, leaving undetermined a number of American cases, which had been duly presented. These claims are not barred, and negotiations are in progress for their submission to a new tribunal. On the 17th of March last a new treaty with China, in further regulation of emigration, was signed at Washington, and on Aug. 13 it received the sanction of the Senate, Ratification on the part of China and formal exchange are awaited. A gratifying recognition of the uniform impartiality of this country toward all foreign States was manifested by the coincident request of the Chinese and Japanese governments that the agents of the United States should, within proper limits, afford protection to the subjects of the other during the suspension of diplomatic relations, duo to a state of war. Acting under a stipulation in our treaty with Korea (the first concluded with a Western power) I felt constrained at the beginning of the controversy to tender our good offices to induce an 'amicable arrangement of the initial difficulty growing nut of the Japanese demand for trative reforms in Korea, but theunhappv precipitation of actual hostilities defeated this kindly purpose. A convention has been finally concluded for the settlement by arbitration of the prolonged dispute with Ecuador, growing out of the proceedings against Emilio Santos, a naturalized citizen of the United States.

Our relations with the Republic of France continue to be such as should exist between nations so long bound together by friendly sympathy and similarity in their form of government. The recent cruel assassination of the □President of this sister republic called forth such universal expressions of sorrow and condolence from onr people and Government as to leave no doubt of the depth and sincerity of our attachment. Acting upon the reported discovery of Texas fever in cargoes of American cattle, the German prohibition against importations of live stock and fresh meats from this country lias been revived. The German government lias protested against that provision of the customs tariff act which imposes a discriminating duty of nnertenth of one cent a pound on sugars coming from countries paying an export bounty thereon, claiming that the exaction of such duty is in contravention of Articles 5 and 9of the treaty of 1828 with Prussia. I recommend the repeal of so much of the statute as imposes that duty. Early in tho present year an agreement was reached with Great Britain, concern ing instructions to be given to the naval commanders of the two governments in, Bering sea, and the continguous North’ Pacific ocean, for their guidance in the execution of the award of the Paris tribunal of arbitration, and tho enforcement of the regulations therein prescribed, for the protection of seal life in the waters mentioned. An understanding lias also been reached for tho payment by the United States of #425,000 in full satisfaction of all claims which maybe made by Great Britain for damages growing out of the controversy as to fur seals in Bering sea. I recommend that provision bo made (or the prompt payment of the stated sum. Since communicating the voluminous correspondence in regard to Hawaii, and the action taken by the Senate and House of Representatives on certain questions submitted to the judgment and wider discretion of-Congress, the organization of a government in place of the provisional arrangement which followed the deposition nf the Queen, has been announced with evidence of its effective operation. Tho recognition usual in such cases has been accorded the new government. Under our present treaties of extradition with Italy, miscarrges of justice have occurred, owing to the refusal of that government to surrender its own subjects. Thus far our efforts to negotiate an amended convention obviating this difficulty have been unavailing. Good will fostered by many interests in command lias marked our relations with our nearest southern neighbor. Peace being restored along her northern frontier Mexico has asked the punishment of the late disturbers of her tranquility. There ought to be anew treaty of commerce and navigation with that country, to take the place of the one which terminated thirteen years ago.

THE BLUEFIELD* TROUBLE. Prominent among* the questions of the year was the BlueiieldS incident, in what is known as the Mosquito Indian strip, bordering on the Atlantic ocean and within the Jurisdiction of Nicaragua. By the treaty of 1860, between Great Britain and Nicaragua, the former government expressly recognized the sovereignty of the laticr over the strip, and a limited form of self-government was guaranteed to the Mosquito Indians, to be exercised according to their customs, for themselves and other dwellers within its limits. Tho socalled native government, which grow to Im largely made up of aliens, for many years disputed the sovereignty of Nicaragua over tho strip, and claimed the right to maintain therein a practically independent municipal government, Early in tho past year efforts of Nicaragua to ma ntain sovereignty over the 'Mosquito territory led to serious disturbances, culminating in the suppression of the native government. Although the alien interests arrayed ogdust Nicaragua in these transactions have been largely American, and tho commerce of that region for some time has been, and still is, chiefly controlled by our citizens, we cannot, for that reason, challenge the rightful sovereignty of Nlc-

aragua over thia important part of her | domain. p Peru. I regret to say, shows symptoms of domestic disturbance, due probably to the slowness of her recuperation from the distresses of the war of 1881. The recent death of the Czar of Russia called forth appropriate expressions of sorrow and sympathy on the part of our Government with his bereaved family and the Russian people. As a further demonstration of respect and friendship, our minister at St. Petersburg was directed to represent our Government at the funeral ceremonies. But few cases of interference with naturalized citizens returning to Russia have been reported during the current year. One Krzeminski, was arrested last summer in a Polish province on a reported charge of unpermitted renunciation of Russian allegiance, but it transpired that the proceedings originated in alleged malfeasance committed by Krzeminski while an imperial official a number of years ago. Efforts for his release, which promised to., be successful, were in progress when his death was reported. The government of Salvador, having been overthrown by an abrupt -popular outbreak, certain of its military and civil officers, while hotly pursued by infuriated insurgents sought refuge on board the United States warship Bennington, then lying in a Salvadorean port. Although tne practice of asylum is not favored by this Government, they were afforded shelter by our naval commander, and were afterward demanded, under our treaty of extradition with Salvador »for trial on charges of murder, arson and robbery. On their arrival at San Francisco such a proceeding was promptly instituted before the United States district judge, who held that the acts constituting the alleged offenses were political,and discharged all the accused, except one Cienfuegos, who was held for an attempt at mmrder. Thereupon I was constrained, totdirect his release. Unreasonable and unjust fines Imposed by Spain on tire vessels and commerce of ■ the United States have demanded, from time to time, during the last twenty years earnest remonstrance upon upon the part of our Government, In the immediate past, exorbitant penalties have been imposed upon our vessels and goods by customs authorities of Cuba and Porto Rico for clerical errors of the most trivial character in the manifects dr bills lading. In some cases fines amounting to thousands of dollars have been levied upon cargoes, or the carrying vessels, when the goods in question were entitled to free entry. The Mora case, referred to in may last annual message remains unsettled. From the diplomatic correspondence on this subject, which has been laid before the Senate, it will be seen that this Government has offered to conclude a convention with Spain for disposalJjy, arbitration of outstanding claims between the two countries except tlie Mora claim, which, having been long ago adjusted,now only awaits payment as stipulated. x, In my last annual message.! adverted to the claim on the part of Turkey of the right to expel as persons undesirable and dangerous Armenians naturalized in the United States, and returning to Turkish jurisdiction. Numerous questions in this relation have arisen. While this Government acquiesces in the asserted right of expulsion, it will not consent that Armenians may be imprisoned or otherwise punished for no other reason than having acquired without imperial consent American citizenship. In my last annual message I referred briefly to the unsatisfactory state of affairs in Samoa, under the operation of the Berlin treaty, as signally illustrating the impolicy of entangling alliances with foreign powers; and on May 9, 1894. in response to a resolution of the Senate. I sent a special message and documents to that body on the same subject, which emphasized my previously expressed opinion. Reports received from our agents at Apia do not justify the belief that the peace thus brought about will be of long -natives are at heart hostile to the present government; that .such of them as professed loyalty to it did so from fear of the powers, and that it would speedily goto pieces if the warships were withdrawn. the government’s finances. The Secretary of the Treasury that the receipts of the-Government, from all sources of revenue, during the fiscal year ending June 30. 1894, amounted to '#372,802,498.29, and its expenditures to i #442.005,758.87, leaving a deficit of #69.803,- ' 260.58. There was a decrease of $15,952,674.66 in the ordinary expenses of the I Government, as compared with the fiscal ■ year 1893. There was Collected from customs $131,818,530.62. and from internal revenue $147,168,449.70. The balance of the income for the year, amounting to $93. 815,517.97, was derived from the sales of lands and other sources. The value of our total dutiable imports amounted to $285,199,086, being $146,657,625 less than during the preceding year, and the importations, freeof duty, amounted t 05379,795, 536, being $64,748,675 less than during the preceding year. The receipts from customs were #73,536,486.11 less, and from internal revenue $13,836,529.97 less than in 1893. The total tax collected from distilled spirits was #85,249.250.25; on manufactured tobacco, $28,617,898.62, and on fermentod liquors, $31,414,788,04. Our exports of merchandise, domestic and foreign, amounted during the year, to $892,140,572. The total amount of gold exported d iring the fiscal year was $76,898,081. The amount imported was $72,449,119.

Tho total bounty paid upon the production of sugar in the United States for the fiscal year was >12.100,208.89, The total expenses incurred in the payment of the bonnty upon sugar during the fiscal year was >130,240.85. It is estimated that upon the basis of the present revenue laws the receipts of the Government during the current fiscal year, ending June 30,1895, will be 1124,427.748.44. and its expenditures >444.427,748.44, resulting in a deficit of 120,000,030. The first day of November, 1894, the total stock ofmoney of all kinds in the country was 12.240.773,888, as against >2,294.<151,000 on the first day of November, 1883, and money of all kinds in circulation, was >1,670.093,422, or 121.27 per capita, upon an estimated population of 63,887,000. At the same date there was held in the treasury gold bullion amounting to >44.615.107.55, and silver bullion which was purchased at a cost of 1127,777,988. The purchase of silver bullion under the act of July 14, 181 X), ceased on the first day of November, 1893. and up to that time there had been purchased during the fiscal year 11.917,658.78 fine ounces at a cost of >8.715.521.32. an average cost of >3.7318 per ounce. The total amount of silver purchased from.the time that law took effect; until the repeal of the purchasing clause on the date last mentioned was 168,674,682.53 fine ounces,whichs cost >155,9J1,002.25. the average price per ounce being >0.9244. The total amount of standard silver dollars coined at the mints of the United States since the passage of the act of February 28, 1878 is >421,776,408, of which >378,166,793 were coined under the provisions of that act. 138.531,143 under the provisions of the act of July 14, 1890, and >5.078,372 under the act providing for the coinage of the trade dollar bullion, The total coinage of all metals at our mints during the last fiscal year consisted of 63,485,220 pieces valued at >106,246.06 of which there was >99,474,912.50 in gold coin. >758 in standard silver dollars, >6.024,140.30 in the subsidiary silver coin and >716,119.26 in minor coin. THE WAR DEPARTMENT. From the report of the Secretary of War it appears that the strength of the army on September 30,1894, was 2,135 officers and 25,765 enlisted men. Although this is apparently a very slight decrease compared with the previous year, the actual

effective force has been Increased to the equivalent of nearly two regiments, through the ieorganization of the system of recruitiug. and the consequent release to regimental duty of the large force-ot men hitherto serving at the recruiting departments. The abolition of these departments, it ,is predicted, will furthermore effect an annual reduction approximating $250,000 in the direct expenditures besides promoting generally the health, morality and discipline of the troops. The year has been free from disturbances by Indians, and the chances of further depredations on their part are constantly growing more remote and improbable. i'he total expenditures of the War Department for the year ended June 30, 1894, amounted to #56,039.009.34. The total enrollment of the militia of the several States is 117,533. officers and enlisted men, a increase of 4,343 over th t e number reported at the close of the previous year. THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. The report of the Attorney-General notes the gratifying progress made by the Supreme Court in overcoming the arrears of its business, aud in reaching a condition in which it will be able to dispose of cases as they arise, without any unreasonable delay. This result, of course, is verv largely due to the successful working of the plan of inaugurating Circuit Courts of Appeals. In respect to these tribunals, the suggestion is made in quarters entitled to •the highest consideration that an additional circuit judge for each circuit would greatly strengthen these courts and the confidence reposed in their adjudication, and that such an addition would not create a greater force of judges than the increasing business of such courts requires. I commend the suggestion to the careful consideration of the Congress . Another subject of pressing moment, referred to by the Attorney-General is the reorganization of the Union Pacific Railroad Com pan yon abasia eq u i table, as re - gards all private interests and as favorable to the Government, as existing conditions will permit. The operation of a railroad by a court through a receiver, is an anomalous state of things, which should be terminated.

THE POSTOFFICE DEPARTMENT. The report of the Postmaster-Goneral presents a comprehensive statement of the operations of the Postoffice Department of the last fiscal year. The receipts of the Department during the year amounted to $75,080,479.04, and the expenditures to 184,324,414.15. The transactions of the postal service indicate with barometric certainty of fluctuations in the business of the country. Inasmuch, therefore, as business complications continued to exist throughout the last year to an unforseen extent, it is ..ot surprising that the deficiency of revenue to meet the expenditures of the Postoffice Department, which was estimated in advance at about $8,090,000. should be exceeded by nearly $1,250,000. The report shows most gratifying results in the way of economies worked out without effecting the efficiency of the postal service. These consist in the abrogation of steamship subsidy contracts, reletting of mail transportation contracts, and in the cost and amount of supplies used in the service amounting in all to $16,619,047.42. THE NAVY DEPARTMENT. . Attention is called to the report of the Secretary of the Navy, which shows very gratifying progress in the construction of ships for our new navy. All the vessels now building, including the three torpedo boats authorized at the last session of Congress, with the exception of the firstclass battleship lowa, will probably be completed during the coming fiscal year. The estimates for the increase of the navy for the year ending June 30, 1894, are large, but they include practically the entire sum necessary to complete and equip all the new ships not now in commission. so that unless other new ships are are authorized, the appropriation for the naval service for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1897, should fall below the estimates for the coming year by at least $12.000,000. The Secretary presents with much earnestness a plea for the authorization of three additional battleships and ten or twelve torpedo boats.

THE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT. The report of the Secretary of the Interior exhibits the situation of the numerous and interesting branches of tho public service connected with his department. I commend this report and the valuable recommendations of the Secretary to the careful attention of the Congress. The public land disposed of during the year amounted to 10.496,160.77 acres, including 28,876.05 acres of Indian lands. It is esti - mated that the public domain still remaining amounts to a little more than 600.000.000 acres, —oxeluding, -however, ab0ut360,090.000 acres in Alaska, as well as military reservations and railroad and other selections of lands yet unadjudicated. I fully Indorse the recommendation of the Secretary that adequate protection bo provided for our forest reserves, and that a comprehensive forest system be inaugurated. Such keepers and superintendents as are necessary to protect the forests already reserved should he protected. Though the condition of the Indians shows a steady and healthy progress, the situation is not satisfactory at all points. Some of the Indians to whom allotments of land have been made are found to be unable or disinclined to follow agricultural pursuits, or to otherwise beneficially manage tho land. I am convinced that the proper solution of the Indian problem and the success of every step taken in that direction depend to a very large extent upon the intelligence and honesty of the reservation agents and the interest they have in their work. An agent fitted for his place can do much toward preparing the Indians under his charge for citizenship and allotment of their lands, and his.advice as to any matter concerning their welfare will not mislead. An unfit agent will make no assort to advance the Indians on his reservation toward civilization or preparation for allotment of lands in severalty. and liis opinion as to their condition in tills and other regards is heedless and valueless.

PENSIONS. At the close of the last fiscal year, on the 30th day of June, 1894. there wore 969.544 persons on our pension rolls, being a net increase of 3.532 over the number reported at the end of the previous'year. These pensioners may be classified as follows: Soldiers and sailors, survivors of all wars. 753.968; widows and relatives of deceased soldiers, 215.152 j army nurses in tho war of the rebellion, 414. Of these pensioners 32.039 are surviving soldiers of Indian and other wars prior to tho late civil war, and the widows or relatives of such soldiers. The remainder, numbering 937,505, are receiving pensions on account of the war of the rebellion, and of these 459,344 are on the rolls under the authority of the act of June 27, 1890. sometimes called the “dependent pension law.” The total amount expended for pensions during the year was >139,804,461.05, leaving an unexpended balance from the sum appropriated of >25.205,712,65. The sum necessary to meet pension expenditures for tho year ending June 30,1895, is estimated at >140.000,000. The barefaced and extensive pension frands exposed under the direction of the courageous and generous veteran soldier now at the head of the bureau leaves no room for tho claim that no purgation of our pension rolls was needed, or that continued vigilance and prompt action are not necessary to the same end. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. The Secretary of Agriculture in his report reviews the operations of his department for tho last fiscal year, and makes recommendations for the further extension of its usefulness. He reports' a sav

Ing in expenditures during the year ot $600,0)0, which fe covered back into the Treasury. The sum is 23 per cent, of the entire appropriation. The recommendation contained in the report of the Secretary for 1893, that the vicious system ot promiscuous free distribution of its departmental documents be abandoned, is again urged. The Secretary also again recommends that the gratuitous distribution of seeds cease, and that uo money be appropriated for that purpose, except to experiment stations. CIVIL SERVICE REFORM. The advantages to the public service of an adherence to the principles of civil service reform are constantly more apparent; and nothing is so encouraging to those in official life who honestly desire good government as the increasing appreciation by our people of these advantages. Numerous additional offices and places have lately been bro’ugli'f within cTvIT service rules aud regulations, and some others will probably soonhe included. LABOR COMMISSION.

By virtue of a statute of the United States, passed in 1888, I appointed, in July last, the Hon. John DiKernan, of the State of New York, and the Hon. Nicholas E. Worthington, of the State of Illlnois. to form, with the Hon. Carroll D. Wright, Commissioner of Labor, who was designated by said statute a commissioner for the purpose of making careful inquiry into the causes of the controversies between certain railroads and their employes, which had resulted in extensive and destructive strikes, accompanied by much violence and dangerous disturbance, with considerable loss of life and great destruction of property. The report ot the commissioners has been submitted to me; their work has been well done. THE TARIFF QUESTION. Thetariff act passed at the last session of the Congress needs important amendments if it is to be executed effectively and with certainty. In addition to Tiicfi necessary amendments as will not change rates of duty, I am still very decidedly in favor of putting coal and iron upon the freelist. So far as the sugar schedule is concerned, I would be glad to see every particle of differential duty in favor ol relined sugarstricken out of our tariff law. If it still languishes to the extent of closed refineries and thousands of discharged workmen, it would seem to present a hopeless case for reasonable legislative aid. A tariff built on the theory that it is well to check imports and that a home market should bound the industry and effort ot American producers, was fitly supplemented by a refusal to allow American registry of vessels built abroad, though owned and navigated by our people thus exhibiting a willingness to abandon all contest for the advantages of American trans-oceanic carriage. Our new tariff policy, built upon the theory that it is well to encourage such importations as our people need, and that onr products and manufactures should find markets in every part of the habitable globe, is consistently supplemented by the greatest possible liberty to our citizens in the ownership and navigation of ships in which our products and manufactures may be transported. NEW FINANCIAL SYSTEM.

During the last month the gold reserve in the treasury for the purpose of redeeming the notes of the Government, circulating as money in the hands of the people, became so reduced, and its further depletion in the near future seemed so certain, that in the exercise of the proper care for the public welfare, it became necessary to replenish this reserve, and thus maintain popular faith in the ability and determination of the Government to meet, as agreed, its pecuniary obligations. It fs perfectly and palpably plaid" that the only way, under present conditions, by which this reserve when dangerously depleted can be replenished is through the issue and sale of tho bonds of the Government for gold; and yet Congress lias not Only thus far declined th authorize the issue of bonds best suited to sucli a purpose, but tiiere seems a disposition in some quarters to deny both tin: necessity and power for the issue bf_ bands at all. I cannot for a moment believe that any of our citizens are deliberately willing that their Government should default in its pecuniary obligations. It is proposed to repeal all laws provid- , ing for the deposit of United States bonds ■ as security for circulation; to permit ria- . lional banks to issue circulating notes not exceeding in amount 75 per cent, ot their I paid up and unimpaired capital, provided they deposit with the Government as a guarantee fund, in United States legal tender notes, including treasury notes of 1890, a sum equal in amount to 30 per v- cent, of the notes they desire to issue, this deposit to be maintained at all times, but whenever any bank retires any part of its circulation, a proportionate part of its guarantee fund shall be returned to it; to permit the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare and keep on hand ready for issue in case an increase in circulation is de sired, blank National bank notes for each bank having circulation, and to repeal the provisions of the present law irn posing limitations and restrictions upon banks desiring to reduce or increase their circulation, thus permitting such increase or reduction within the limit of 75 per cent, of capital to be quickly made as emergencies arise. Another very important feature of this nlan is theexemotion of State banks from taxation by tho United States in cases where it is shown to the satisfaction of the Secretary of tho Treasury and Controller of the Currency banks claiming such exemption, that they have not outstanding their circulating notes exceeding 75 per cent, of their paid up and unimpaired capital; that their stockholders are individually liable for the redemption of their circulating notes to the full extent of their ownership of stock; that tho liability of said banks uoon their circulation notes constitutes under their State law a first lien upon their assets; that such banks have kept and maintained a guarantee fund in the United States legal tender notes, including Treasury notes, and that such banks have promptly redeemed their notes when presented at their principal branch offices. It is likely that this scheme may be usefully amended but I am satisfied it furnishes a basis for a great, improvement in our banking and currency spstem. I conclude this communication, fully appreciating that the responsibility for all legislation affecting the people of tho United States rests upon their Representatives in congress, and assuring them that whertlmr in accordande with recommendations I have made or not, I shall bo glad to co-operate in perfecting any legislation that tends to the prosperity and welfare of our country. Grover Cleveland. Executive Mansion, December .?, 1894.

New Orleans mounted letter car-’ riers are involved in trouble with the Department at Washington, due to a demand made bv them that the citizens should come to the curbstone for their letters. Many species of bacteria are capable of doubling their number every hour. In this case in the short space of twenty-four hours a single bacterium would increase to a number but little short of 17.000,000. A letter thrown overboard from a Danish ship was found six days later in the stomach of a cod caught 1,250 miles from the spot where the missive was dropped into the sea.