Rensselaer Standard, Volume 1, Number 25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 December 1879 — Page 6

inmMßt the MUM appropriated IfttMtM wimmlSKi t*s"SS thMth* destrurtieß at our potato foeMtsby <tepredattea. aUboujch Met fUM still ocaar, ku Wt greatW reduced ia extent. and it ia prohable that if the pwaeut sSastt^TSsstzHZ passes, at least thuae oa a largo scale. oaa be entirely xnpprcsscd. except In the territories w here timber for the daily reqataanaat a of the population eanaut, unfit r the present atate of the law. be otherwiae obtained. 1 tliercfor* earnest Ir invite the attention of Coheres* to the recommendation made by the Secretary of the Interior, that a law be enacted enabling the forermment to eeU timber from the public laa& without conveying the fee. where eocb lands are principally valuable tor the timber thereon, such mire to be so regulated uto oonforta to damae tie went* and business requirement*. while at the same time guarding against a' sweeping deatniKlon of the fareata. The enactment of each a law appears to become a more pressing neoeetn former mens age* are renewed in favor of enlarging the faculties of the Deietrtmeift of Agriculture. Agriculture ia the leadiug Internet and the permanent industry at our people. It te to the abundance of agricultural production, aa compared with our borne oonamnptlon, and the largely Increased and highly profitable market abroad which we have enjoyed in recent yean.' that we are mainly Indebted for our present prosperity aa a people. We must look for its continued maintenance to the same substantial resource. There is no branch of lndn»a In which labor,'directed by aefontifle knowle. yields such increased production in oompari«ou with unskilled labor, and no branch of the public service to which the encourage (sent of liberal appropriations can be more appropriately extended. The omission to render such aid la not a wise economy; but, on the contrary, undoubtedly results tn leases of immense sum* annually that might be saved through well-directed . efforts by the government to promote this vital interest. The results already accomplished with the very limited means heretofore placed at the com maud of the Department of Agriculture i* an earnest of what may be expected with increased appropriations for the several purposes Indicated in the report of the commissioner, with a view to placing the department upon a footing which will enable it to prosecute more effectively the objects for which it is established. Appropriations are needed for a more complete laboratory, tor the establishment of a veterinary division, and a division of forestry, and for an increase of force. The requirements for these and other pur poses, indicated in the report of the commissioner under the bead of the immediate necessities of the department, will not involve any expenditure of money that the country cannot with propriety now undertake in the interests of agrieulIt is gratifying to learn from the Bureau of Education (he extent to which 'educational privileges throughout the United Btates have Wen advanced during the year. Mo more fundamental responsibility rests upon Congress than that of devising appropriate measures of financial aid to education, supplemental to local action in the States and Territories, and in the District of Columbia. The wise forethought of the founders of our government has not only furnished the basis for the support of the common-school systems of the newer Blades, but laid the foundstious for the maintenance of their universities and colleges of agriculture and the mechanic art*.. Measures in accordance with this traditional policy for the further benefit of ail these interests, and the extension of the same advantage* to every portion sf the country, it is hoped, will receive your favorable consideration. To preserve and perpetuate the national literature should be among the foremost cares of the national legislature. The library gathered at the Capitol still remains unprovided with any suitable accommodations for its rapidly-increas-ing stores. The magnitude and Importance of the collection. increased as it Is by the deposits made under the law •f copyright, by domestic and foreign exchange*, and by the scientific library of the Bniithsoulan Institution, call for building accommodations which shall be at once adequate and fire-proof. The location of such a public building, which should provide for the pressing necessities of the present, ami for the vast increase of the Nation's hooks in the future. Is a matter which addresses itself to the discretion of Congress. It is earnestly recommended as a measure which should unite all suffrages, and which should no longer be delayed. The Joint commission crested by the act of Congress of August 2.1870, for the purpose of supervising and directing the completion of the Washington National monument, or whioh commission the President is a member, has given careful attention to this subject, and alreauy the strengthening of the foundation has so far' progressed as to insure the entire success of this part of the work. A massive layer of masonry has been introduced below the original foundation; widening the base, increasing the stability of the structure, and rendering it possible to carry the shaft to completion. It Is earnestly recommended that such further appropriations be made for the continned prosecution of the work as may be necessary for the completion of this national monument at an early day. In former messages, impressed with the importance of the subject, I have taken occasion to commend to Congress the adoption of a generous policy towards the District of Columbia. The report of the Commissioners of the District, herewith transmitted, contains suggestions and recommendations, to all of which I earnestly invite your careful attention. I ask yonr early'and favorable consideration of the views which t hey express as to the urgent need of legislation for the reclamation of the marches of the Potomac aud its Eastern branch, within the limits of the city, and for the repair of the streets of the CapitoL. heretofore laid with wooden blocks, and now bv decay rendered almost impassable, and a source of imminent danger to the boalth of Its citizen*. The means at the disposal of the commissioners are wholly inadequate for the accomplishment of these important works, and should be .supplemented by tiiuely appropriations from ihe Federal treasury. The filling of the fiats in front of the city will add to the adjacent lands and parks now owned by the United States, a large and valuable domain, sufficient, it is thought, to reimburse its entire cost, and will also, as an incidental result, secure the permanent Improvement of the river for the purposes of navigation. The constitution having invested Congress with supreme irnd exclusive Jurisdiction over lUc District of Columbia, Hs citizens must of necessity look to Congress alone for all needful legislation affecting their interests; aud as the territory of this District is the common property of the people of the United States, who, equally with its resident citizens, are interested In the prosperity of their capital, I cannot doubt that you will bo amply sustained by the general voice of the country In any measure yon may adopt for this purpose. I also luvlte tfio favorable consideration of Congress to the wants of the public-schools of this District, as exhibited in the report of the commissioners. While the number of pupils is rapidly increasing, no adequate provision exists for a corresponding increase of school accommodation. and the commissioners are without means to meet this urgent need. A number of the buildings how used for school purposes are rented, and are, in important particulars, unsuited for the purpose. The cause of popular education In the District of Columbia is surely entitled to the same consideration at the hands of the National government as in the several States and Territories. to which munificent grants of the public lands have been made for the endowment of schools and universities. Rem euro Rn B. Hates. siutdve Mansion, December 1,1879.

SECRETARY SHERMAN’S REPORT.

TREASURY Dr.PARTMF.VT, ) Washiwtow, D. C.. December 1, 1879. $ Sir—l have the honor of submitting the following annual report: RECWITS AKD EXPKXDITIHEB. The ordinary revenue*, from all sources, for the fiscal year ending June 80,1879, were: From customs $137,250,042.70 From internal revenue. 113,561.610.58 From sale* of public lands 924.781 06 From tax on eirculatiou and deposit* of National banks...... 6,747.500 32 From repayment of interest by _ Pacific railroad companies.... 2,707,2014)8 From custom fee*, fine*, penaltt***- 1,100,871.66 From fee*, consular, letters pat_entand lands. 2,1364)51.79 From proceed* of sale of government property... ... 181.128.81 From premium on sales of coin.. 8.104.38 From premium on loans 1.496,943 25 From profits on coinage, etc.... 2,914,938.67 From revenues of tlieD [strict of Columbia 1,741.461-16 From miscellaneous sources ... 3,016,5444)5 ordinary receipts 8273.827,184.46 The ordinary expenditures for • * 16.439.997.17 For foreign intercourse 1,333.836.13 For 1ndiana......... 54206,109.08 For pensious, including *5,373.of f >el ißious 35,121,462.39 For the military establishment, including river and harbor Improvements and arsenals 40,423,600.73 For the naval establishment, including vessels, machinery 7 and improvement* at navy- ...... „t... 15.126.126.84 including public boildinga, llgbt-houaeaand collecting the rßTeone 88,870,205.78

; FerroradiUuvtM account of l the DtotrtritofC»'unibla " 3.597,516.41 I For tautest on the mtMir debt.. ttfibSS7.9*9.oo | For payment of Halifax award 5,900.000-0© - Total ordinary exp. inlrtnrp,»t6t,»47 > B63.M Lasriag a surplus revenue of *U,s77*.BM>W3. which was ap- . piled as foltnwa: To the redemption of United States notes, etc ’•1413.1« Tethe redemption of fractional currency .- ... 706,162.99 To the redemption of t» per c ent bonds tor the oinking fund... 18.300.00 To increase of cash balanc e in the Treasury........ <M24.Q-J4.7T Total. «j. _ *0,879,900.93 The amount due the sinking fund for the rear was *3C,955,5<Vi.63 Leaving a deficiency en this account of ... 30.076,803.70 Compared with the previous fiscal year the receipts for 1879 have increased *16.711.159.70 tn the following Items: In customs revenue 7,079,867.90 la internal revenue 2,979,985.34 In premium on loons 1,496,943.29 In payment of interest by Pacific railroad companies 1,840,246.67 In profits on coinage. 1,234.176.34 And in miscellaneous Items 2UV80.440.10 There was a decrease of *647,803.94, as follows: *• In sales of pabtle lands, *194,962.31. In premiums oa sales of eoin, *308.997.92. In semi-annual tax on banks, *119,992.64. In proceeds of sales of government property, *08.341.07, making the net Increase in tae receipt* from all source* for the year of *16.063,305.76. The expenditures show an increase over the previous yean of *32,222,731.26, as follows: In the War Department. *8,271,912.88; tn the Interior Department, *8,561,292.11 (Indians, *570328.80. and pensions, *7,964,463.31). In the interest on the public debt. *2,827,074.39, and in the civil and miscellaneous. *12,503.851.92. There was a decrease of *2,240.174.53 in the Navy Department, making an increase in the expenditures of *29,983,956.73. FISCAL TEAR 1880. For the present fiscal year the revenue, actual and estimated, will be as follows: For quarter For remaining ending Sen- throe-nuar-teinber 30, tars of the RECEIPTS. 1879. year. ■ ' * ACTUAL. ESTIMATED. From customs *44,083.497.93 *107916,502X)7 From internal revenue 29,409,691.81 86,590,308.10 From sales o f public lands... 117,383.61 882,616.39 From tax on circulation and deposits of national banks.. 3,360,560.60 3,389,430.40 From repaym’nt of Interest by Pacific r a 11road cos 292,427.46 1,247,572.54 From customs f fees, fines, penalties, etc,.... 239,579.26 860,420.74 From fees, consular, letters patent and -. lands v 506,864.29 1,693,135.71 From proceeds of sales of government property 55,881.18 144,118.82 From profits on coinage, etc... 469,486.09 2,030,513.91 From revenues of the District of Columbia... 238,864.06 1,481,135.94 From miscellaneous sources . .1,109,334.17 1,940,665.83 Total receipts *70.843,579.46 *208156,420.54 The expenditures for the same period, actual and estimated, will be: For quarter For remaining EXPENDITURE* ending Bept tbreeqnarters EXPENDITURES. pfo. es tbeyaar, actual. estimated. For civil and miscellaneous expenses, including public buildi'gK, lighthouses. oud collecting the *• ' revenue $12,165,764.34* 39.256.269.66 For Indians 2,046,748.02 3,451,251.98 For pensions. regular .*.. 10.892,742.06 20,480,257.94 For arrears of penskius 16.374,240.60 3,252,750.40 For military establishment, inclndingfortifleations, river » . and bartMir improve in ente, and arsenals . 12,104,897.38 31,017,692.62 For naval establishment. Including vessels and machinery and improvements at navy- * yards 4,196.569.59 11,303.430.41 For expendi-i turee on ac- - count of the IMatriri erf Col- , urnbia 1,163,728.65 2,414,237.35 For interest on public debt... 32.736.685.46 61,140.724.54 Total ordinary expenditures . *91,683,385.i0'*172316.614.90 Total receipts, Actual and estimated *288,000,000.00 Total expenditures, actual and estimated 264.000.000.00 Leaving a balance of f 24.000.000.00 After applying the balance of the special deI>osU of United States notes held in the treasury for the redemption of fractional currency, amounting to *8,375,934, to the payment of arrears of pensions, as directed In section 3of the act approved June 21, 1879, the Increased revenue derived during the months of July. August and September of the present fiscal year, was fully absorbed by current expenses ana the payment of *16,374.249.60 arrears of pensions accruing under the act approved January 26, 1879. Notwithstanding these unusual demands, the department has been able to purchase and apply to the sinking fund, out of the surplus revenues for the month or October, $1,050,000 six per oentmn bonds es 1881, and *676,050 five per centum bonds, act of March 3, 1864, the latter of which is the excess es redemption of those bonds pver the isSuee of four per oents under the refunding act*; and unless unexpected appropriations available for expenditure within this year be. made by Congress, the surplus revenues, in addition to paying off the balance of arrears of pensions, will probably enable the department to apply to the sinking fund aooount during the year the sum of *24,000.000.

FISCAL TEAR 1881. Tbe revenues for the fiscal year ending June 30.1881. estimated upon existing law*, will be: From customs.... *152,000,000 From internal revenue 116,000.000 From sale* or public lands. 1,000.000 From tax on circulation and deposit* of national banks . 6,750.000 From repayment of interest by Pacific railroad companies 1,500,000 From customs fees, penalties, stc... i inn non From fees, consular, letters patent aad lauds. .. 2,200,000 From proceed* of sales of government property • 200.000 From profits on coinage, etc 2.500.000 From miscellaneous sources 4,750.000 Total ordinary reoeipte. *288,000.000 The estimates of expenditures tor the same period, received from the several executive departments. are as follows: Judicial .... 399,300.00 Foreign intercourse 1,185.135.00 Military establishment 29,319,794 78 Naval establishment 14,509,147.95 Indian affairs 4,992.845.86 ft^ 0 1S- 32.404.000.00 Public WorksTreasury Department 3.121,150.00 War Department 7,557,034 4“» Navy Department 375,0004X> Interior Department. 508,633 32 Department of Agriculture... 6.650 00 Postal service. 7,711.900.00 Miscellaneous 17,801,520.75 Permanent annual appropriations— Interest on tbe public debt.... 88,877,410 00 Sinking fund 39.8V8.225.’72 Refunding customs, internal revenue, lands, etc 5,778,600.00 Collecting revenue from cuttom*... 5.500.000.00 MisceUaneou* .. 1,766,000.00 Total estimated expenditures, Or an estimated surplus 0f........ 9,902,635.61 Excluding the sinkiug fund, ths estimated expenditure* will be. 238,269.138.87 Showing a surplus of 49,7304961.33 The estimates for the revenue for the next fiscal year are based upon the assumption that

SUPPLEMENT.

the Jmmmmmi maetpte .daring the am* lew w*kunilMHH,SM Mififlwislht on. tagsp sf wonts arm ted hjr repeat dapse set on rather to by the -q-d trade. Them waste kau snmUlcd, Ike seresmss tot next year probably will not be increased beyond thramvuat estimated. The estimated ex peadituras for the same period are based upoa the requirements of existing law and the necessary appropriation* far public works tat earns of const rueUuii. The osttfnated surplus of *61992,-6-15.61 will probably he exhausted by additional appropriations. Should Congress increase the appropriations beyond this limit. Or repeal or reduce existing taxea, other; sourem of revenue most be provided. Should this course be determined upon—which, however, the Secretary doe* not recommend—he wouhl suggest, as a means of nice Dug the deficiency, the restoration otf a moderate duty on tea ana coffee and the levying or an internal tax on manufiu t urora of opium, as hereinafter more tolly stated.« nnrtwiMKe. The following table shows the transactions in refunding since March 1,1877, aud the annual saving of Interest therefrom; Title of loan. 3S' |1 ?|'b ft Hi l*4*toof *1864 5 %aJ»90!250 * 9,707 ’ 512 ®° 5-20's of 1865.. 6 100.436.050 Consols of 1865 6 2011063,100 T ,., on Consols of .1.867 6 310,622,750 JW.071.74-.00 Consols of 1868 6 37,473.800 Total 845,345.950 48,779,254.50 In place of the above bonds there have been issued bonds bearing interest as follows: A It Sit Title of loan. 1 tS jl~ Funded loan of 1891 4*81*185,000,000 $ 6,075,000 Funded loan of 1907, including refunding oertifloatea 4 710,345,950 38,413,838 Total.. |~1*845,345,9501 $34,488338 —Making a saving In the annual interest since March 1, 1877, of *14,240,416.50. These transactions have been accomplished without the loos of a dollar, and without appreciably disturbing the current business of the country. In a few days copies of the contracts, circulars, tanSirtaat correspondence, and accounts pertaining ereto, and also to resumption, will be laid before Congress. The entire transactions in refunding since 1870 have been us follows: | o i* I Title of loan. « t Amo'nt refund- Anuual intor’st !«a, ed. charge. Loan of 1858 5 * 14,217,000 10-40’s, 1864 5 193,890,250 $10,405,362.50 5-20’s, 1862. 6 401,143,780' 5-20's March 1864 6 1,827,100 5-20’s of J*ne 1864 6 59,185,400 5-20’s, 1865 . 0 . 160.144,500 Con’ls, 1865. 6 211.577.05 Di 71,234,322.00 Con’ls, 1867. 6 316,423.800, Con’ls, 1868. 6 57,677,050| Total j.... $1.395,345350:*81,639,6.84.50

In place of the above bonds there have been issued uonds bearing interest as follows: X o Annual inTiUe of loan, atf £» Total value, terost ch’g’d a , Funded lean of 1881 5 * 500,000,000 $25,000,000 Funded loan of 1891 4*« 185,000,000 8,325,000 Funded loan of 1901, Including refunding certificates ... 4 710,345,950 28,413,838 T0ta151,395,345,950 *61,738,838 —making an annual saving hereafter in the interest charge on account or refunding operations of $19.900!846.50. The following described bonds will mature in 1880 and 1881: | Rate Date of Account. ofin- maturity. Amonnt. fret. Feb. 8. 1861 6 Dec. 31,’80 * 18,415,000 July 17, and Aug. 5,1861 6 Juno3o,’Bl 182,605,550 March 3. 1863.... 6June3o.’Bl 71,787,000 March 2. 1861.... 6 July 11,’81 823,800 July 1, 1870, and Jan. 20,1871... s|May I,’Bl 506,440,350 Total J *788,071,700

Of these bonds, the loan of February 8, 1861, maturing December 31, 1880, Is payable upon the demand of the holders, and can probably be provided for from the surplus revenues. Under the refunding acts of July 14, 1870, and January 20, 1871. bonds for refunding purposes were authorized hi the amount of $1,500,000.000. Of this amount there have been Issued, as above stated, $1,395,345,950, leaving available for future refunding operations $104,654,050. PUBLIC MONKYB. Tne monetary transactions of the government have been conducted through the offices of the United Btates treasurer, nine assistant treasurers, live hundred and ten depositories, and two hundred and twenty-two national bank depositories. The receipts of the government from all sources have amounted, during the last year, as shown bv warrants, to $1,066,634,827.46, of which $792,807,643 have been received from loans, $137,250,047.70 from customs, $113,561,610.58 from internal revenue,'and $23,015,523.18 from sales of land and from miscellaneous sources. The receipts were deposited as follows: In independent treasury 0ff10e5..5413,353,508.43 In national bank depositories,.. 653,571,319.03 These transactions have been conducted without loss, and It may be stated that all officers engaged la the collection aad Rafe-keeping of the revenues of the government have collected and held the moneys without lose until properly transferred or paid out, and that, as fur as accounts have been adjusted, there appears to be no loss by defaults in disbursements, the trifling balances not adjusted being suspended mainly for information or investigation. In this connection attention is invited to the suggestions of the First Comptroller of the Treasury, as sot forth in bis report, in regard to the importance of prescribing by law tne frequency and manner In which the current accounts of the disbursing officers of the departments should be subjected to investigation; the danger to the treasury of Issuing duplicate bonds in lieu of coupon bonds alleged to have been destroyed; and fbe importance of defining the word “claim" as used In section 3,477 revised statutes of (lie United States, and to other suggestions of that officer. RRVBNTTE FROM CUSTOMS. The disburse meats for collecting the revenue from customs, for expenses incurred within the following decal years, have been as follows: Jo 1877 $6,304,279.57 In 1878 5,525,787.32 In 1879 5,485,779.03 This shows a redaction for 1878 oyer 1877 of $778,492.25, and a redaction Tor 1879 over 1878 of $40,008.29. making a total saving Tor the two years of $818,500.54. A marked Improvement has also occurred during the past year to the coUeotton of the revenue from customs. The revenue under the ad valorem system has fallen short of the amount which should have been collected upon a proper assessment of the real foreign market value. This was due to a system of undervaluations la the entries at the custom houses, especially upon goods consigned by foreign manufacturers to agmita in the United States. Evidence of such undervaluations has been obtained in many cases, and upon this evidence the Invoice prices have been advanced by the local appraisers, and from these advance# appeals for reappralsement nave been taken in a large number of omcs. The number of such reappraise ments had at the P® rt ®IJ th ® years ending June 30, from 1875 to 1878, is as follows: 1875 167 | 1«78 278 1876 262 1879 . 556 The duties collected on passengers’ baggage at the port of New York during the three years ending the 30Ui of June last were as follow*: 1877 j$ 6.303.511 1878 8,676,064 1879 . 17.185,791 The taw does net define any limit or quality or value hi regard to either household or personal* effects of persons arriving in the United States which may be admitted free of duty, and it la recommended that a limitation governing tits * t Uahod-by Congress. INTKKMAL REVENUE. The receipts from the several sources of taxation ander the Internal revenue laws for the fisosJ year ending June 30,18T9i were as follow* From spirits. .*.......7$ 52,570,284.69 From tobacco 40,135,002 65 From fermented liquors rr. 10,129.320.0* Pram banks and bankers 3,1Ph,c88.0» Pram penalties, etc. 279,697.80

peak* laws Total. .sll3 J»18,466.87 The tessM at rotleethms shown by the tareftang table includes commissions Mi sates of ■tamps paid tn kind, ns weU ns the amount wdtectedln 1878. bat not depmited fill thetas* fiscal year. There thus arises aa apparent variation between the amounts of teHeetkms given in the table and tbme shown by the covering wmtssMs at the treasury. The Increase of tae revenue far spirits daring 18T9 was *2.149.40890. The increase from tobacco tor tae same year was but *62,247.98. The chief soarece of internal revenue an spirits, tobacco and fermented ttqoora, which yield this year an income of *103.434,007.42, oat at a total internal revenue at *113.919,406 87. The very large proportion of the revenue derived from these sources is of itself an argument for the stability of the rates of taxation upon them. If the proportion were small, fiuetuat ions in the rates of taxation would be of less roaeeaoenee. The simple agitation of the question of the redaction or tlie tobacco tax caused a temporary suspension of operations in the various manufactories of tobaooo, and is estimated by tae Commissioner of Intern si Revenue te have caused a diminution in tbs receipts from tax on that article during the first half-year of 1878 of nearly *2,000.000. OOMMKRCB AND NAVIGATION. The total ton tinge of vessels of the United States as shown by the records of the register’s bureau at the clone es the fiscal year ending June 30, 1879, was 4,169,600 tens. Of this tonnage 1,491,533 tons represented 2,717 vessels registered for the foreign trade, and 2.678,067 tons represented 22,494 vessetoenroUed and licensed and engaged In the coasting and domestic trade. There has been an Increase of tone employed in domestic trade and a decrease of 137,514 tons employed In the foreign trade by sea. as compared with the tonnage of last year. The Teasels built daring the year are classed as foliO*K No. TonnageSail vessels 468 66.867 Steam vessels 335 80.381 Canal-boats enrolled 36 4,069 Barges 293 35,733 Total 1,133 193,030 The vessels built in 1878 comprised 235,504 tons, tfeing slightly in excess of the number built during the past year. The total tonnage of vessels entered at the seaboard ports from foreign countries was 11,530,527 tons during the year ending June 30,1878, and 13.768,137 tons during the last fiscal year, showing an increase of 2.237,610 tons, or about 19 per cent. The American tonnage entered exhibited an Increase of only 40,306 tons, or 1 per cent., while the foreign showed an increase of 2,197,304 tons, or nearly 26 per cent The tonnage In these cases is computed on the basis of the number of entries of vessels, and on the number of vessels, and is restricted to seaboard ports. Of the total amount of merchandise brought in at seaboard, lake, and river ports during the last flcsal year, an amount of the value of *143,590.353 was imported in American vessels and $310,499,599 in foreign. Of the exports a valne of $128,425, 389 was shipped in American and $600,769,633in foreign vessels. Of the combined imports and exports 23 per eont. only of the total value was conveyed in American vessels. In 1857 over 75 per cent, of the merchandise imported and exportrd was carried in vessels of the United States. At present but 23 per cent, as stated, Is carried in such vessels, though the total volume of the trade has risen from a valne of nearly seven hundred to nearly twelve hundred millions of dollars. It is neither to the advantage nor to the honor of the country that so immense a proportion of its foreign carrying trade lias passed to other nations. The great decline in our tonnage, as is well known, was dne to the war, and, soon after its close, it was proposed to facilitate the restoration to ctur merchant marine of vessels that had been transferred to foreign flags. But the effort at restoration failed, and a special prohibition against the return of suoh vessels was embodied In the statutes. It may be jrell questioned whether the severity of the existing statute might not properly be relaxed, after the lapse or so long a time, during which the privilege of registry has been dented to this class of Vessels, and since the grounds for denial have in a measure lost their original toroe. It has always been the policy of the law to restrict the privileges of American registry to vessels built in this ooiintry. The object was to further the shipbuilding and naval interests of the country, and this policy was so successful as to advance the •United States to the second rank among nations as respects tonnage and the number of its ships. While wood was the article mainly used in the construction of ships, we had the advantage over foreign nations in the cost of material. Our ship-builders could not only supply vessels for domestic ooremerce, but could successfully compete In the carrying trade of the world. The use of iron in ship btillding in place of wood Is, however, steadily increasing, and in the oust of iron ana in the price of labor other commercial nations have tne advantage.. It is a grave question of public policy whether the period has not arrived when the unlimited right or purchase under the English statutes should be extended to vessels as well as to other commodities, and when admission to American registry upon the payment of duties should be allowed them upon importation. The recovery of our old position hi the carrying trade will more than counterbalance any disadvantage likely to ensue from a modification, of restriction upon the right to purchase, while a moderate duty on ships imported will enable onr ship builders to compete successfully in the construction of iron vessels of the largest class. The proper policy to be pursued is difficult to determine, but the great Importance of considering the subject is respectfully submitted to the attention of Congress.

EXPORTS AND IMPORTS. The exports and Imports of the United States during the last fiscal year are as follows: Exports of domestic merchandise.7s69B,34o,7oo Experts of foreign merchandise.... 12,098,651 Total .$710,439,441 Imports of merchandise 445,777,775 Excess of exports over Imports. .$264,661,666 Compared with the previous year, the lmSorts are greater by $8,726,243, and the exports y $15,573,675. The annual average or the excess of such imports over exports for the ten years ending June 30, 1873, is $104,706,922, but during the last four years there has been an excess of exports over Imports, as follows: In 1876 $ 79,643,481 In 1877... 151,152.094 In 1878 257,814,234 In 1879 . 264,661,666 The total gold value of exports of domestic merchandise from tbe United States has increased from $275,166,567 in 1H69 to $698,340,790Tn 1879, an increase of 154 per cent. With one or two unimportant exceptions, the United States stands alone among the commercial nations tn having an excess of exports over imports of merchandise. _ The increase In the values of our exports is derived mainly from breadstuff*, preserved meats, copper, live animals, agricultural implements, furs and for skins, distilled spirits and refined sugar. Many other articles exhibit a large increase in the quantity exported, but a decrease in value, owingto their low prices. The articles which show the greatest increase In the quantities exported are wheat, flour, oats, corn, rye, copper, ootton, petroleum and other oils, provisions (excepting beef and lardi, quicksilver, distilled spirits, starch, sugar, molasses, tallow, find leaf tobacco. Tbe value of the exports of breadstuff* from the United States during the fiscal year amounted to $210,355,628. and constituted 30 per cent, of tbe total value of our exports of domestic merchandise. The value qf breadstuffs exported daring the year 1873 amounted to only $96,743,151. The almost unlimited capacity of the Western and Northwestern States for the production of oereels, tn connection with the faculties for cheap transportation, has brought them Into sharp competition with the older States and with foreign countries. Many products of American manufacture, previously exported in small guantlties or not at all, now find profitable mareta in foreign oountries; and some of these products are now exported to countries front which a few years ago they werelargely imported into the United States. The Importation of merchandise Into the United States amounted to $642;i32,210 during tbe flseal year ending June 30,1873. ft foil to $437,051.023 In 1878, aad increased to •145,777,775 in 1879—an increase of $8,726,952, or of two per cent, as oompared with the preceding year. The importation of railroad ban declined from 531,537 in 1872, to 2,611 tons in 1879. The production of railroad bars in the United States during the year 1878 amounted to 788,112 tons. , PUBLIC SERVICE. The Secretary acknowledges his obligations to the several officers of bureaus and divisions of the department for tbe ability, skill and industry manifested by them in tbe discharge of their imrtant and complicated duties. In this report refers only to the leading operations of tbe department, and those only in general terms, bnt refers for details to the statements and reports herewith transmitted. The organisation of the several bureaus is such, and the system of accounting so perfect, that the financial transactions of the government during the past two years, aggregating $3,354,345,049.53, have been adjusted without question, with the exception of a Tew small balances now in the process of collection, of which the government will eventually lose less than $13,000, or less than four mills oa each SI,OOO of the amount involved. JOHN Sherman, Secretary. ToJjjMMHonorable, the Speaker of the Hones of

THE JOURNAL, The Inclianapolis Daily Journal i ——AND THB Weekly Indiana Slate Journal," THE GREAT LEADING DAILY AND WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS OF INDIANA. New features and new inducements to readers are being constantly added. The popularity an* circulation of both the DAILY and WEEKLY are steadily Increasing from year to year As a newapaper THE JOURNAL has few rivals in the country. Congress to now la session, and tta proeeefifngs will he watched with unnsttal interest. THE JOURNAL has placed a competent member es its editorial corps at Washington, ami by a liberal use of the telegraph will keep its readers fully pasted upoß the Washington new*. The country isjnst entering open one of the greatest politic** contests In its history. The newspaper is a necessity tn qualifying the people tor tae Intelligent as* Otthe ballot. The better the paper read the mere intelligent willbe the result of tae ballot. THE JOURNAL to STANDARD AUTHORITY on pobtical questions with tae Republicans throughout tae whole eoontry. Its EDITORIALS are always good, discussing the questions commanding public attention from a moral and economical standpoint with ability. Its NEWB U always fresh, reuniting from a liberal use of the wires, the superior canaoity of Us correspondents, and a close discrimination tn dippings from exchanges. Its MARKETS are revised daily, and made thoroughly reliable, and may be depended upon by the oomßterdal sod business men of the oountry as correct ' Its RAILROAD COLUMN defies competition among all the leading newspapers of the country, sai to more quoted from by the press East sod West than any like column published anywhere. Tbs CITY and LOCAL columns of THE JOURNAL contain twice the amount of reading sod doable the* information contained in any paper published ta the city. The LAW REPORTS of TOE JOURNAL are now universally acknowledged by the bar es tae State to be the best ever made of the proceedings of our reports of tae deetoionsM the Supreme Court being equal te tae syllabus es In entering new business year with “PhE WEEKLY INDIANA STATE JOURNAL wsT are prepared to offer unusual Inducements to secure subscriptions. We have issued a “JOURNAL ATLAB aud POLITICAL HAND-BOOK,” which we believe will be demanded bv every leading Republican In the State. We confidently assert that it is the most valuable and expensive premium - ever offered to a single yearly subscriber by any newspaper In the country. THE JOURNAL ATLAS A Complete Political Hand-Book of Indiana tor 1880. It contains: FIRST—A perfect map of Indiana, giving the legislative apportionment tor Senators and Rea resentatives in colors. SECOND— I Thirteen maps, being one each of the thirteen Congressional districts of the Btate. townships In colors, and names of townships, towns, railroads and rivers distinctly given. THTOD-Tbe vote of townships and precincts of each county in the State for Governor aa* tor 1876, and BeoroUry of Btate and members of Congress for 1878. yi i Presidents of the United State!! and their cabinet ministers from the organism uon of the government down to 1879. . FIFTH-The electoral vote east tor all the Presidents from Washington to Hayes, and tae vote to whioh each State is now entitled In the election of President. * SIXTH—The salaries of all the government officials from the President down to the clerks in Urn various departments, including the diplomatic and oonsular service. *• SEVENTH—The public debt, the receipts and disbursements, the exports and imports of the ea* of each fiscal year from the organisation of the government up to 1879, aud the indebtedness' ol each State in the Union at this time. EIGHTH—The Chief Jnstioes and the Associate Justices of the United States Court from tae organization of the government down to 1879. NINTH—The names and dates of all the battles fought In the war of the rebellion. TENTH—The namb< . r of in the standing armies of all principal nations in the world. ELEVENTH—The Governor*. Lieutenant-governors and State officials of Indiana from the or ganimation of the government up to date. TWELFTH—The judges, clerks and reporters of the Bupreine Court of Indiana, from the organization of oourt and the time of holding the several courts of the Btate now fixed by law THIRTEENTH—The Senators ana Representatives in Congress, from Indiana, from the Organization of thegovernment to date. FOURTEENTH—The name, poetofflee address and politics of each Judge, prosecuting-attornog and county officer in the Btato-or Indiana. FIFTEENTH—The name and poetofflee address of the chairman and secretary of the Central Committee of each oounty in the Btate. H SIXTEENTH—The apportionment of the State for legislative purposes, and the vote «nst to each political party in each Senatorial and Representative district in 1878. SEVENTEENTH—A statistical table showing facts in each county in the State, so-wit: Preseat population, number of acres of land, assessed valne of land, assessed value of improvemeuts, assessed value of personal property, rate of taxation, amount paid into school fund, amount received from school fund, number of hogs, horses, cattle, sheep 'mules, bushels of wheat, bushels of porto"” and bushels of oats produced annually, with the estimated value of all the products or each ceiiutr fortheyoar 1879. EIGHTEENTH—A large amount of other political and business information which cannot ba here enumerated. ,

What the Press of the State Has to Say About the Journal Atla* and Political Handbook for 1880.

Lebanon Patriot: It is a valuable work, and is even of greater merit than its publishers .claim for it. Columbas Republican: It is toll of valuable political and historical matter, and should be In every house in the State. Greeneburg Saturday Review: This work contains information that every citizen should have at hand; that every intelligent voter will have. It also contains statistics for reference that are of much value to the man who desires to be informed. Evansville Journal: Its maps and statistics bear evidenoe of bavtng been carefully prepa red, and politicians as well as the people will find it valuable m a book of reference. Martinsville Republican: It contains an immense amount of useful and valuable information in convenient form, and is really worth the price asked for the paper and l>ook together. Warsaw Inaianian: It to all that could be expected of it, replete with important informa' tion, facts and figures, and it should be in the bands of even- person In the Btate. Frankfort Banner: It contains Inst such information as every voter, especially every intelligent Republican voter, ougnt to have In order to act ana vote intelligently, just such as ought to he Imparted to every school-boy in order to' fit him for the responsible trusts and duties of a citizen of Indiana Rockville Herald: It contains an immense amount of the most valuable information, and tae manner in which it ta compiled and printed enables one to find the information desired without any loss of time whatever. Clay County Enterprise: The worlds one of great value, being aoompleteandcomprehensive political history of the State. As a text book, hi the hands of politicians and all wbo wish to be posted in onr State affaire, in a political sense, we have seen nothing better than the Atlas. Winchester Herald: It is neatly gotten up aud substantially bound, aud to a comprehensive hand-book.. * * * But the many invaluable items Included are too numerous te mention; only enough are selected to show that the Atlas should beln the possession of every Intelligent person in the State or out of it. Bluffton Chronicle: This band-book is worth tbe whole snbscrintion to the Journal, and is a valuable compendium of knowledge, aud should be in the bands of every man. It would require a whole column to do justice to its merits. - Shelby Republican: It contains more informaation than we have seen in one book—a map of the State, separate maps of each congressional district. In the way or statistics it is a pettect encyclopedia. * * * As a book of reference it to almost invaluable. Plymouth Republican: It contains an amonnt of useful information worth the price asked for it and the Journal combined, and is worth' dozen chromos.Just as the Journal in worth a dozen sensational papers to every family in the land. Cambridge City Tribune: It to not only the handsomest work of the kind, hut it contains more information than we have seen elsewhere tn the same space; and soiqe that we have seen nowhere else. Crown Piont * Cosmos: The Indianapolis Journal has Just published the most valuable political Atlas, or hand-book, for men who take any interest in politics, ever issued from the press. Vernon Banner It Is tbe most complete book of the Idud we have ever seen. It eon tains a vast amount of most exoclient information that oannot be had in any other work. North Vernon Flaindealer It to full to tbe last page with information, and no one wbo takes an interest in politics should be without one of the books. Tipton Advocate: Knowing toll well tbe ability of the Journal to do well what it under-

In the great presidential content of 1880, the Weekly Journal and the Jonrnal Atlas will be the most valuable aid to the Intelligent voter. All subscription* made after this date at $1.50, the * ul»scriber will receive by mail, postage prepaid, and the Journal Atlas. It can only be obtained tor the subscribers to the Weekly Journal, and will be given as a premium to every annual subscribe# to thd Weekly who pays $1.50. Postage prepaid on both Journal and Atlas. All subscribers to the Weekly Journal at $1.50 may elect to take any one of the following vatu* ble premiums, to-wit: The Map of Indiana, published by the Journal in 1870; the-Map of th§ United States, published by tire Jonrnal In 1877: the Life Of Oliver P. Morton, publish*! by the Journal In 1878; thaalournal Atlas and Political Hand-book of Indiana, pnbllshedby the Journal!* 1879; or any one of the following line lithograph-crayon pictures, being copies of paintings, 20x26 in alee, and equal In appearance to the best steel engravings, to-wit: Ho. 823: **Tbe Monarch of the Glen," by Landseer; stag Ip the mountains. Ho. 835—“ A Distinguished Member of the Humane Bociety,” by Landseer: Newfoundland dog. Ho. 830—“ The Challenge." by t-~*-seer, stags preparing for a contest Ho. 828—•'The Stag at Bay.” by Landseer, stag pursnedbr hounds. No. OT4—•'Welsh Peasants Crossing a Btream;“ beautiful rural scene. No! 842—“CanH - You Talkt’ child, dog and cat Ho. 833—“ The Last Kiss;” maiden burying her pet bird. Ho; 807"The Shepherdess;” child carrytng lamb. Ho. 832—“ Pharaoh’s Horses;” three horses’ heads. Ha. 836—“ Full Practice;’’ dogs chasing rata. - ” - i TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION. Dally, 25 cent* by the week, or by the year ” gio 06 For Weekly, single subscription one year, without premium , ' tS £«*}>'• clubs of ten and upwards, one year, per copy, without premiumtM Weekly. fbiffle subscription, one year, with any one orthe premiums... j'aJ For Weekiy, in clubs of ten and upwards, one copy one year, with premium s an Postage prepaid on all papers and premiums. The above prioea are invariable. to our agents 10 rents lor every name setit in at the above rates. The agent will taka subscriptions at the prices named above, and retain 10 cents on each one, sending ST sl.2swhJ£a the premium Uto be furnished, and 90 cents where it to not. To seoure these priccatbere mnjSkl a club of ten subscribers. ™ In addition to the foregoing cash premiums to agents, we will furnish each agent for the Weefely the Indianapolis Daily Journal one month for every ten subscribers sent In; six months tor evta# elub of fifty; and one year to every club of one hundred to the Weekly; the Daily to be gent to tS agent by mail and postage prepaid. Agents will-please remember that commissions mast in *2 * cases be deducted from remittances, otherwise they cannot be allowed. It to Impossible tomhas* over our books for months, as is sometimes requested, and ascertain the amountof commissions paper with reference to subscribing or raising clubs. Circulars and posters furnished asent* *2 getters-up of clubs. Additions to clubs may be made at any time, at club rates after th?ninh tS been raised, provided, only, that a full year’# subscript ionTs taken. Single subscribers in $1.25 In advance. The money must accompany all orders. The time at which the suWrfnrtwaS girestogriiitod on each wrapper, and to avoid missing a number renewals reaoh thto ofS to drafts or postoffioemoney ©Mere if possible, and where of procured, send the money In a registered letter. All postmasters are obliged to - °i E. B. MARTINDALE & Co., Indianapolis,

takes, we hoped for a pretty fair sort of book, but our brightest hopes were more than realized whefi we had the pleasure of receiving It. Rockport Journal: It is full of political ta formation of a general character, which will make tt a valuable addition to every library. South Bend Tribune: It is the most complete political hand-book of this State ever issued, au* should find a place with every voter. Conneraville Times: A ueat little book, toll of interest to Indianhtns in the matter of valufible State and national statistics. South Bend Register It is elegantly gottett up. and is the most valuable thing of tbe sort we have ever seen. Washington Gazette: It is a work that lavs in the shade anything in the way of a political hand-book ever before published. It gives much valuable information that a first-class library might be searched in vain to find. Its statistics are complete, and their accuracy can ba relied upon. Rockport Journal: It Is a valuable work, and our room will not allow us to notice It ?hU week as it deserves. It is full of politics] informatiofi of a general character, which will make It 4 - valuable addition to every library. New Castle Courier Examination proves it t* be a valuable publication, abounding with information of value to everybody. In condense*, convenient form it contains fuu political statistics. Spieeland Reporter It is one of tbe most valuable books ever published ta the State. As a book of reference it alone is certainly worth tbs price asked for it and the Weekly Journal. Rockville Tribune: Its maps and statisttoS bear evidenoe of having been carefully prepared, and politicians, as well as the people, will find tt. valuable as a book of reference. Monti cello Herald: Having reviewed its Inieat estlng pages, we do not hesitate to pronounce ft the most valuable premium ever offered to the public bv anv DowanAiier Steuben Republican: Tt to replete with vwluta ble information, and should be in the hands of every voter in.tbe State. Waterloo* Press: It contains an Immense amount of useful and valuable information in convenient form, and is really worth the pria* askedfor tae paper and book together. Tbs Journal is by far the leading paper in the StatoL • and no citizen of tbe State who desires to fas jj afford to do without the Journal aa* DeKalb County Republican: Tt is by all odd* the most complete and comprehensive statistical production ever published in tae State, or in fas*, any State in the Union. \ Republican Banner: It, to a valnable docotaent to any man. It is sent out with ths Weekly Journal for *1.50, and to worth tbs money without tbe paper. Peru Republican: It contains in tbe roost cotnr £act and convenient form, a vast deal of interestigand valuable information. Warsaw News: By acareful examination ws find it to be a very valuable book of referenuS in political matters. Lagrange Standard: It to of roneh value ts every one interested in tbe historic and political statistics of tbe State. Richmond Telegram: We take pleasure ta recommending it as a very convenient «ui nsoful political hand-book. Winchester Herald: It is neatly gotten np substantially bound, and is a comprehensive hand-book. Rising Sun Recorder: Tt Is a valnable work for reference. It contains a large amount at information. Crawfortlsvllle Journal: Tt is chuck full off valuable information and is handy to hare around. ! Fainnount News: Itshould be in tae hgndq of every person in the State.