Rensselaer Union, Volume 7, Number 52, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 September 1875 — President's Message. [ARTICLE]

President's Message.

so the Senate anfl House ot Reprcsehtatlvas: THE BUSINESS rnOf-TEATION Since the convening bf Con cress one rear ago the nation ha* undergone a prostration In business and the industries such aa has not been witnessed with u* for many years. Speculation as to the cause* for this prostration might he indulged tn without profit, because as many theories would be advanced a* there would bcindcpendent writers who should express their own views upon the subject. Without indulging in theories as to the cause of this prostration, therefore, I will call vow attention only to the fact and to some questions a* to which it would seem there should be no disagreement, Daring this prostration two essential elements of prosperity have been most abundant —labor and capital, Both have been largely unemployed. Where security has been undoubted capital has been attainable at very moderate rates. Where labor has been wanten it has been found in abundance, at cheap rates compared with what of the necessaries and comforts of lilc could be purchased with the wages demanded. Two great elements of prosperity, therefore, have uot been denied us; a third might be added. Our soil and climate are uneqnaled within the limits of any contiguous territory under one nationality for its varieties of products to feed and Clothe a people and In the amount of surplus to spare to feed less favored people. Therefore, with these facts In view, it seems to me that wise statesmanship at this session of Congress would dictate—ignoring the past—distributing in proper channels these great elements of prosperity to any people. Debt abroad is the oniv element that can, with always • sound currency', enter into our affairs to cause any continued depression in the industries and prosperity of our people. Tug CCRRWCT. A great conflict tor national existence made necessary tor temporary purposes the raising of large stuns of money from whatever source attainable. It was made necessary In the wisdom of Congress, and I do not doubt their wisdom in toe premises, regarding the necessity of the times, to devise a system of national currency, which it is proved to oe impossible to keep on a par with the recognised currency of the civilised world. This begot a spirit of speculation, Involving an extravagance and luxury not required tor the happiness or prosperity of a people, and involving, both directly and indirectly, foreign indebtedness. The currency, being of a fluctuating value and unsafe to hold for legitimate transactions requiring money, became a subject of speculation in itself. These two causes, however, have involved us in a foreign indebtedness contracted in good faith by the borrower and toe lender, which should be paid in coin and according to the bond agreed upon when toe debt was contracted—gold or it* equivalent. The good faith* of the Government cannot be violated toward its creditors at the national disgrace. Our commerce should be enoohraged; American shipbuilding and carrying capacity increased; foreign markets sought Tor products of the soil and manufactories, to the end that we may be able to pay these debts. Whore s market can be created for the sale of onr products, either of toe soil, the mine or the manufactory, a new means is discovered of utilizing onr idle capital and labor to the advantage of the whole people; bnt in my judgment the first step toward accomplishing this object is to secure s currency good wherever civilization reigns—one which, if it becomes superabundant with one people, will find a market with some other—a currency which has as its basis the labor necessary to produce it, which Will give it value. Gold and silver are now the recognized medium of exchange the civilized world over, and to this we should return with the laast practicable delay. In view of the pledges of the American Congress when onr present legal-tender system was adopted and the debt contracted, there should be no delay, certainly no unnecessary delay, iu fixing by legislation a method by which we will return to specie. To the accomplishment of this end I invite yoar special attention. I believe firmly that there can be no pro" roua and permanent revival of business and the industries until a policy is adopted, with legislation to carry it out- looking to a return to a specie basis, it is easy to conceive that the debtor and speculative classes may think it df value to make a socalled monev abundant until they can throw a portion of their burdens upon others; but even these, I believe, would be disappointed by the result if a course should be pursued which will kedp-in doubt the value of the legal-tender medium of exchange. A revival of the productive industries n needed by all classes, and by none more than the holdera of property, of whatever sort, with debts to liquidate from the realization upon its sales. Bat, admitting that toe two classes of citizens referred to are to be benefited by expansion, would it be honest to give It? Would not toe general loss be too great to justify such relief? Would it not be just .as honest and prudent to authorize each •debtor to issne his own legal-tenders to toe extent of his liabilities aa to do this? Would it not he safer, for fear of over-issues by unscrupulous creditors, .to say that all debts and obligations are obliterated in the , United States, and now we commence anew, each possessing all he has at the time free from incumbrsnce? These propositions are too absurd to be entertained for a moment by thinking people. Everv delay in the preparation tor final resumption ‘partakes of this dishonesty, and is only lees in degree as the hope is held ont that a convenient season will at last arrive for the good work of redeeming onr pledges to commence. It will never come, in my opinion, except bv the positive action of Congress or by national disasters which will destroy for a time at least the credit of individuals and toe State at large. I believe it is in the power of Congress at this session to devise such legislation a* will renew confidence, revive all the industries, start us on a career of prosperity to last tor many years, and to save the credit of the nation and of the people. Steps toward the return to a specie basis are the great requisites to this dbvoutly-to-be-sought-for end. There are other points 1 may touch upon hereafter. A nation dealing in a currency betojr that of specie in value labors uuder two great disadvantages: First, having no use tor the world’s acknowledged medium of exchange, gold and silver. these are driven ont of the country because there is no demand for their use; second, toe medium of exchange in use being of a fluctuating valne, for, after ail, it is only worth lust what it will purchase of gold and stiver, metals having an intrinsic value just in proportion to the honest labor it takes to produce them, a large margin must be allowed for prosit by the manufactnrer and producer. It is months from toe date of production to the date of realization. Interest upon capital must be charged and risk of fluctuation in the value of that which is to be received in payment added; hence high prices act as a protection to the foreign producer, who receives nothing in exchange for the product of his skill and labor except a currency good « a stable value the worid over. It seems to me that nothing is clearer than that toe greater pan of the burden of existing prostration for the want of a sound financial system falls upon the workingman, who must alter all produce the wealth, and toe salaried man who superintends and conducts business. The burden toll* upon them two ways: by the deprivation of employment and by toe decreased purchasing power of their salaries. It is the duty of Congress to devise toe method of correcting the eviis which are acknowledged to exist, and uot mine; bnt I will venture to suggest two or three things which seem to me a* absolutely necessary to a return to specie payments—the first great requisite in a return, to prosperity. The legal-tender clause to the law authorizing the issue of currency by the National Government should he repealed, to take effect as to all contracts entered into alter a day fixed in toe repealing act, not to apply, kowever, to payments of salaries by the Government or for other expenses now provided by law to be paid m currency. In the interval pending between the repeal and final resumption, provision should be made by which toe Secretary of the Treasury can obtain gold as it may become necessary from time to time, from the date when specie resumption conimeuces. To this might ana should be added a revenue sufficiently in excess of expenses to insure an accumulation of gold in the Treasury to sustain redemption. I recommend this subject to your careful consideration, believing that a favorable solution is attainable and that if reached by this Congress the present and future generations will ever I gratefullyTemember it as tocir deliverer from a toralldom of evil and disgrace. With resumption free banking may be authorized with safety, giving toll protection to bill-holders, which they bjtvje not under the existing laws. Indeed, I wools' regard free banking as essential. It would give a proper elasticity to the currency. As more currency should be required for toe transaction of legitimate business, new banks would ha started, ' and in turn banks would wind up their business when and judgment of toe people can beat decide just how much currency is required tor the transaction of toe business of the country. It is unsafe to leave the settlement

of this question to Congress, the Secretary of the Treasury or the Executive. Congress" should ! make the regulations under whicßoanSaTnay exist., bnt should not make booking a monopoly, by limiting the amount of redeemable pa pc- r ctirreney that shall be authorized. Such importance do f attach to this subject, and so earnestly do 1“ commend ittoyour attention, that l give ft prominency by introducing It at the beginning or this message.. foreign Rinanoxs. During the past year nothing has occurred to disturb the genial, friendly aud cordial relations T* The I'niti-d State* with other powers. The correspondence submitted herewith betwee,n this Government and it* diplomatic representative* in other countries shows a satisfactory condition of all Question* between the United States and the most of those countries, and with few exceptions. to which reference is hereafter made, the absence of any points of difference to be adjusted. Ths notice directed by the resolution of Congress of dune 17,1 4, lo lie given to terminate the convention of ,1 uly 17,1658, between the United Stales and Belgium hue been given, and the treaty will accordingly terminate on the Ist day of July, 1875. This convention secured to certain Belgium vessels entering the port* of the United States exceptional privileges which arc not accorded to onr own vessels. The other features of the convention have proved satisfactory and have tended to the cultivation of beneficial commercial intercourse and friendly relations between the two countries. I hone that the negotiations which have been invited will rcsnlt iu the celebration of another treaty which may tend to the interests ol both countries. Our relations with China continue to he friendly. During the past yehr the fear o f hostilities between China and Japan, growing out of the landing of an armed force upon the island of Koimosa by the latter, has occasioned nneasi-' ness. It is earnestly hoped, however, that the difficulties arising from this cause will be adjusted. and that the advance of civilization iu these Empire* may fiot lie retarded by a state of war. In consequence of the part taken bjt certain citizens of the United Slates in this expedition onr representatives in those countries have been instructed to impress upon the' Governments of China and Japan the firm intention of this country to maintain a strict neutrality in the event ol hostilities, and carefully prevent any Infraction of law on the part of our citizens. In connection with this subject I call the attention of Congress to a generally conceded fact that the great proportion of Chinese Immigrants who come to our shores do not come voluntarily to make their homes with us and their labor productive of general prosperity, hut they come under contract with head men", who own them almost absolutely. In a worse form does this apply to the Chinese women. Hardly a perceptible percentage of them perform any honorable labor. They are bronght for shameful purposes, to the disgrace of the communities where they have settled, aud to the great demoralization of the youths of those localities. If thi s evil practice can bo legislated against It will be my pleasure as well as duty to enforce any regulation to secure so desirable an end. It Is hoped that negotiations between the Govvernment of Japan and the treaty powers, looking to the further opening of the Empire and to the removal of various restrictions upon trade and travel, may soon produce the result desired, which cannot fail to laure to the benefit es all the parties. Having on previous occasions submitted to the consideration of Congress the propriety of the release of the Japanese Government from the forther payment of indemnity under the convention of October 24, 1864, and as no action has been taken therein, it becomes my duty to regard the obligations of the convention as In force, and, as the other powers interested have obtained their portion of the indemnity in full, the Minister of the United States in Japan has, in behalf of this Government, received the remainder of the amount due to the United States under the Convention of Slmouseky. I submit the propriety of applying the income of a part, if not the whole, of this fund to the education in the Japanese language of a number of young men. to be under obligations to serve the Government tor a specifi -1 time as interpreters at the legation and' ; ulates in Japan. A limited number of Japanese youths_might at, the same time be educated iu our own Vernacular, and mutual benefit would result to both Governments. The importance of having our own citizens competent and familiar with the language of Japan to act as interpreters and in other capacities connected with the legation and consulates in that country cannot readily be over-estimated. The amount awarded to the Government of Great Britain by the commission organized under the provisions of the Treaty es Washington, in settlement of.the claims or British subjects arising from acts committed between April 18, 1861, and April 8, 1865, became payable under terms of the treaty within the past year, and was paid upon the Slat day of September, 1874.

ALIEN CLAIMS AO AIN ST THB UNITED BTATBS. In this connection I renew my recommendation, made at the opening ot the last session of Congress, that a special court he created to hear and report all claims of aliens against the United States arising from acts committed against their persons br property during the insurrection. It appears equitable that .opportunity should be offered to citizens of other SUtes to present their claims, as well as those British subject* whose claims were not admissible under the late commission, to the early decision of some competent tribunal. To this end I recommend the necessary legislation to organize a court to dispose of those claims of aliens of the nature referred to in un equitable and satisfactory manner, and to relieve Congress aud the departments from toe consideration of these questions. THB COLONY OT NEWFOUNDLAND. The legislation necessary to extend to the colony of Newfoundland certain articles of the Treaty of Washington of the Bth of May, 1871, having been had, a protocol to that efl'ect was signed iu behalf of the United States and of Great Britain on the 28th day of May last, and was duly proclaimed on toe following day. A copy of the proclamation is submitted herewith. THE NORTHWESTERN BOUNDABY. A copy of the report of the Commission appointed under the act of March 19, 1872, for surveying and marking the boundary between the United Slates and the British Possessions, from the Lake of the Woods to the summit of the Rocky Mountains, is herewith transmitted. lam happy to announce that the field work of the Commission has been completed, and the entire line, from the northwest corner of the Lake or the Woods to the summit of the Rocky Mountains, has been run aud marked upon the surface of the earth. It is believed that the amount remaining unexpended of the appropriation made at the last session of Congress will be sufficient to complete the office work. I rccornmcud'that the authority of Congress be given to use the unexpended balance of the appropriation in the completion ot the work of the Commission in making toe report and printing the necessary map. THE ALABAMA CLAIMS. The court known as the Court of Commissioners Of Alabama Claims, created by au act of Congress the last session, has organized aud commenced the work, and it is to be hoped that the claims admissible under the provisions of the act may be speedilv-aseertained and paid. UNITED STATES CITIZENS AND REAL ESTATE IN TURKEY. If lias been deemed advisable to exercise the discretion conferred upon the Executive at the last session by accepting the conditions required bv the Government of Turkey for the privilege of allowing citizens of the United States to hold real estate iu the former country by assenting to a certain change in the jurisdiction of the courts iu the latter. A copy of the proclamation upon these subjects is herewith communicated. MEXICO AND SOUTH AMERICA. There has been no material change in our relations with the independent States of this hemisphere which were formerly under the dominion of Spain. Marauding ou the frontiers between Mexico and Texas still frequently takes place, despite the vigilance of the civil and military authorities in that quarter. The difficulty of checking such trespasses along the course of a river of such length as the Rio Grande, and so often fordable, is' obvious. It is hoped that the efforts of this Government will be seconded by those of Mexico to toe effectual suppression of acts of wrong. From a report upon the condition of the business before the American aud Mexican Joint Claims Commission, made by the agent on the part of the United States, and dated Oct. 28. 1874, it appears that of the 1,017 claims filed on the part of citizens or the United States 483 had been finally decided, and 75 were in the hands of the umpire, leaving 462 to be disposed of; and of the 998 claims filed against the United States 726 had been finally decided on. one was before the umpire aud 271 remained to be disposed of. Since the date of such report other ciaims have been disposed of, reducing somewhat the number still pending, and others have been passed upon by the arbitrators. It has become apparent, in view of these figures and of the fact that the work devolving on the umpire is particularly laborious, that the Commission would be unable to dispose of the entire number of claims pending prior to the Ist day of February, 1875, toe date fixed for its expiration. Negotiations are pending looking to the securing of the results of the decisions which have been reached and ton further extension of the Commission for a limited time, which, it is confidently hoped, will suffice to bring all the business now before It to a final close. The strife in the Argentine Republic is to be deplored, both on account of the parties thereto and from the probable effects of the interests of those engaged in toe trade to that quarter, of whom the United States are among the principal. As ret, so tor as I am aware, there has been no violation of our neutrality rights, which, as weH as onr duties in that respect, it shall bo ay endeavor to maintain and observe.

It is with regret I announce that no further payment ha* been received from the Government br Venezuela on act mut of awards in favor of cltlzcnsof the United States. Hopes have been entertained that if the Republic could escape both foreign and civil war for a tow years its great natural resources would enable it to honor its obligations. Though it is now understood to be at peace with other countries, a serious insurrection is reported to he in progress in an important region of that Republic. This may be taken advantage of as another reason to delay the payment of the dues or our citizens. CUBA AND SFAIX. The deplorable strife in Cuba continues without any marked change in the relative advantages of the contending forces. The insurrection continues, but Spain has gained no superiority. Six years of strife give the insurrection a significance which cannot be ignored. Its duration and the tenacity of its adherents, together with the absence .Of manifested power of suppresssion on. the part of Spain, cannot be controverted, and' may make some positive step* on the part of other powers a matter of sclf-necei-sity.y-I had confidently hoped at this time to be able to announce an arrangement of some of the important questions between this Government and that of Spain, but the negotiations have been protracted! The unhappy intestine dissensions of Spain command our profound sympathy, aud must be accepted as, perhaps, a cause for some delay. An early settlement, in part at least, of- tht- rfuestions between the Governments is hoped for. Iu the meantime, awaiting the results of immediately-pendiug negotiations, I defer a further and fuller communication on the subject of the relations of this country and Spain. EXPATRIATION AND NATURALIZATION. I have again to call the attention of Congress to the unsatisfactory condition of the existing laws with reference to expatriation and the election of nationality. Formerly, amid conflicting opinions and decisions, it was difficult to exactly determine how lar the doctrine of perpetual allegiance was applicable to, the United States. Congress, by the act of the 27th of July, 1868, asserted the abstract right of expatriation as a fundamental principle of this Government. Notwithstanding such assertion aud the necessity of the frequent application of the principle no legislation has been had defining what acts or formalities shall work expatriation, or when a citizen shall be deemed to have removed or to have lost his citizenship. The importance of such a definition is obvious. The representatives of the United States in foreign countries ore continually called upon to lend their aid and the protection of the United States to persons concerning the good faith or the reality of whose citizenship there is at least great question. In some cases the provisions of the treaties furnish some guide; in others it seems left te the persons claiming the benefit of citizenship while living in a foreign country, contributing in no manner to the performance of the duties of a citizen of the United States, and without the intention at any time to return and undertake those duties, to use- the claim of citizenship of the Unitfed States simply as a shield from the performance of the obligations of a citizen elsewhere.

The status of children born of American parents residing in a foreign country, of American women who have married aliens, or American citizens residing abroad, where such question is not regulated by treaty, are all sources of frequeut difficulty aud discussion. Legislation on these and similar questions, and particularly defining when and under what circumstances expatriation can be accomplished, or is to be presumed, is especially needed. In this connection i earnestly call the attention of Congress to the difficulties arising from fraudulent naturalization. The United States wisely, freely and liberally offers its citizenship to alt who may come in good faith to reside within its limits, on their complying with certain prescribed reasonable and simple formalities and conditions. Among the highest duties of the Government is that to afford a firm, efficient and effectual protection to all its citizens, whether native born or naturalized. Care should be taken that a right, carrying with tt such support from the Government, should not be fraudulently obtained, and should be bestowed only upon full proof of a compliance with the law, as frequent instances of illegal and fraudulent naturalization and of unauthorized use of certificates thus improperly obtained come to light. In some cases the fraudulent character of the naturalization has appeared upon the face of the certificate itself; in others examination discloses that the holder had not complied with the law, and' in others certificates have been obtained where the persons holding them not only were not entitled to be naturalized, but had not even been within the United States at the time of the pretended naturalization. Instances of these classes of fraud are discovered at our legations, where the certificates of naturaliza tion are presented either for the purpose of ob-‘ taining passports or demanding the protection of the legation. When the fraud is obvious on the face at such certificates they are taken up by the representatives of the Government and forwarded to the Department of State. But even the record of . the court in which the fraudulent naturalization occurred remains, and duplicate certificates are readily obtainable. Upon toe presentation of these for the issue of passports or demanding protection of the Government the fraud sometimes escapes notice, and such certificates are not infrequently used in transactions of business, to the deception and injury of innocent parties. Without placing any additional obstacle in the way of the obtainment of citizenship by the worthy and well-intentioned foreigner who comes in good faith to cast his lot with ours, I earnestly recommend further legislation to punish fraudulent naturalization and to secure the ready cancellation of the record of every naturalization made in fraud. TREATIES OF EXTRADITION. Since m.v last annual message the exchange has been made of the ratification of treaties of extradition with Belgium, Equador, Peru aud Salvador; also of a treaty of commerce and navigation with Pern, and one of commerce and consular privileges with Salvador; all of which have been duly proclaimed, as has also a declaration with Russia with reference to trade-marks. REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY. i’he report of the Secretary of the Treasury, which by law is made directly to Congress and forms no part of this message, will show the receipts and expenditures "of the Government for the last fiscal year, the amount received from each source of revenue, and the amount paid out for each of the depart ments of the Government. It will be observed from this report that the amount of receipts over expenditures has been but $2,344,882.30 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1874. aud that for the current fiscal year the estimated receipts over expenditures will not much exceed 39,000,000. In view of the largo national debt existing, and the obligation to add 1 per cent, per annum to the sinkiug fund, a sum amounting now to over $34,000,000 per annum, I submit whether the revenues should not be increased or the expenditures diminished. To reach this amount of surplus and not to provide for the sinking fund is a partial failure to comply with the contracts and obligations of the Government. At the last session of Congress a very considerable reduction was made iu the rates of taxation and the number of articles submitted to taxation—the question may well be asked whether or not in some instances unwisely. In connection with this subject, too, I ventnre the opinion that the means of collecting the revenue, especially from imports, have been embarrassed by such legislation as to make it questionable whether or not large amounts are not lost by a failure to collect, to the direct loss of the Treasury and to the prejudice of the interests of honest importers and taxpayers. The Secretary of the Treasury in his report favors legislation looking to specie payments, thus supporting the views previously expressed in this message. He also recommends economy in appropriation; calls attention to the loss es revenue from repealing the tax on tea or coffee, without benefit to the consumer; recommends anuucrease of ten cents a gallon ou whisky, aud, further, that no modification be made in the Banking and Currency bill passed at the last session of Congress, unless a modification should become necessary by reason of the adoption of measures for returning to specie payments. In these recommendations I cordially join. THE TARIFF. I would suggest 40 Congress the propriety of readjusting the tariff so as to increase the revenue aud at the same time 'decrease the number of articles upon which duties are levied. Those, articles which enter into our manufactures and are not produced at home, it seems to me, should he entered free. Those articles of manufacture which we produce a constituent part of, but do not produce the whole, that part which we do not produce should enter free also. I will instance fine wool, dyes, etc. These articles must be imported to form a part of the manufacture of the higher grades of woolen goods. Chemicals used as dyes, compounded in medicines and used in various ways in manufactures come under this class. The introduction, free of duties, of such wools as we do not produce should stimulate the manufacture Of good# requiring these. There are many articles entering into home manuiactares which we do not produce ourselves, the tariff upon which increases the cost of producing the manufactured article. All corrections in this regard are in the direction of bringing labor and capital into harmony with each other and of supplying one |of toe elements of prosperity so much needed. THE ARMY AND NAVY. The report of the Secretary of War, herewith attached, and forming a part of this message, rives all toe information concerning the operations, wants and necessities of the armv, and contains many suggestions and recommendations which I commend to your special attention. There it no class of Government employes who are harder worked than the army officers and men; none who perform their tasks

more cheerfully and efficiently, and under circumstances ofgreaterprivation and hardship. Legislation is desirable to render mbre efficient this branch of the public service. All thu recommendations of the Secretary of War 1 regard as judicious. and I especially commend to your attention the following: The consolidation of Government arsenals; the restoration of mileage to officers traveling under orders; the exemption of money received from the sale of subsistence stores from being covered into the Treasury; the use of appropriations for the purchase of subsistence stores without waiting for the beginning of the fiscal year ’for which the appropriation is made; for additional appropriations for the collection of torpedo material; for incteased appropriations for the manufacture of arms; for relieving the various States from indebtedness for arms charged to them during the rebellion; for dropping officers from the rolls of the army without trial for the offense of drawing pay more than once for the same period; for the discouragement of the plan to pay soldiers by checks, aud for the establishment of a professorship of rhetoric and English literature at West Point. The reasons for the recommendations are obvious, and are’set forth sufficiently in the report attached. I also recommend that the status of the staff corps of the army be fixed, where this has not already been done, so that promotions may he made and vacancies filled as they occur in each grade when reduced below the number to be fixed by law. The necessity for such legislation is specially felt -now in the Pay Department, The efficiency of th<*navy has been largely increased during the last year, under the impulse of the 'foreign complica'tions which threatened us at the commencement of the last session of Congress. Most of our efficient wooden ships were put in condition for immediate service, and the repairs of our iron-clad afleet were pushed with the utmost rigor. The result’’is that most of these are in effective condition, and need only to be manned and set in commission to go at once into service. Some of the new sloops authorized by Congress are already id commission, aud most of the remainder, are launched and wait only the completion or their machinery to enable them to take their places as part of our effective force. Two iron torpedo-ships have been completed oaring the last year; and four of our large turreted iron-clads are now undergoing repairs. When they are finished, everything that is needful ot our navy, now authorized, will be in condition for service, and with the advance in the science of torpedo warfare the American navy, comparatively small as it is, will be found at any time powerful for the purposes of a peaceful nation. Mach has also been accomplished during the year in aid of science and to increase the sum of general knowledge and further the interests of commerce and civilization. Extensive and much-needed soundings have been made for hydrographic purposes and to fix the proper routes of ocean telegraphs. Further surveys of the great isthmus have been undertaken and completed, and two vessels of the navy are now employed, in conjunction with those of England, France, Germany and Russia, in observations connected with the transit of Venus, useful and interesting to the scientific world.

The estimates for this branch of the public service do not differ materially from those of last year, the general support of the service being somewhat less and those for improvements at various stations rather larger than the corresponding estimate made a year ago. The regular maintenance and a steady increase in the efficiency of this most important arm, in proportion to the growth of our maritime intercourse and interests, is recommended to the attention of Congress. The use of the navy during peace might be farther utilized by a direct authorization of the employment of naval vessels in surveys of the supposed navigable waters of other nationalities on this continent, especially the tributaries of the two great rivers of South America, the Oronoco and the Amazon. Nothing prevents, under existing laws, such explorations, except that expenditures must be made in such expeditions beyond those usually provided for by the appropriations. The field designated is unquestionably one of interest, and one capable of a large development of commercial interests, advantageous to the people reached and to those who shay establish relations with them. EDUCATION AND THE POSTOFFICE. The education of the people entitled to exercise the right of franchise I regard essential to general prosperity everywhere, and especially so in republics, where neither education nor previousoo million enters into account in giving suffrage. Next to the public school, the Postoffice is the great agent of education over our vast territory. The rapidity with which new sections are being settled increases the cost of carrying the mails in a more rapid ratio than the increase of receipts. The report of the Postmaster-General, herewith attached, avows that there was an increase of revenue iL this department in 1873 over the previous year of §1,674,411, and an increase of the cost of carrying the mails and paying employes of $3,041,467.91. The report of the Post-master-General gives interesting statistics of his department, and, comparing them with the corresponding statistics of a year ago, shows a growth in every branch of the department. A postal convention has been concluded with New South Wales, an exchange of postalcards established with Switzerland, and the negotiations pending for several years past with France have terminated in a convention with that country, which went into effect last August. An International Postal Congress was convened in Berne, Switzerland, in September last, at which the United States was represented by an officer of the Postoffice Department of much experience and of qualification for the position. A convention for the establishment of an international postal union was agreed upon by the delegates of the countries represented, subject to tho approval of the proper authorities of those countries. I respectfully direct your attention to the report of the Postmaster-General aud to his suggestions in regard to an equitable adjustment of the question of compensation to railroads for carrying the mails. THS SOUTHERN STATES. Your attention will be drawn to the unsettled condition of affairs in some of the Southern States. On the 14th of September last the Governor of Louisiana called upon me. as provided by the Constitution and laws of the United States, to aid in suppressing domestic violence in that State. This call was made in view of a proclamation issued on that day by D. B. Penn, stating .that he was elected Lieutenant-Governor in i 872 and calling upon the militia of the State to arm, assemble and drive from power the usurpers, as he designated the officers of the State Government. On the next day I issued my proclamation, commanded the insurgents to disperse within five dmvs from the date thereof, and subsequently learned that on that day they had taken forcible possession of the State House. Troops were sent by me to support the existing and recognized State Government, but before the expiration of the five days the insurrectionary movement was practically abandoned, and the officers of the State Government, with some minor exceptions, resumed their powers and duties. Considering that the present State administration of Louisiana had been the only government in that State, for nearly two years that it had been tacitly acknowledged and a’cqui esced in as such by Congress, and more than once expressly recognized by me, I regarded it as my clear duty, when legally called upon for that purpose, to prevent its overthrow by an armed mob under pretense of fraud and irregularity in the election of 1872. I have heretofore called the attention of Congress to this subject, stating that on account of the frauds and forgeries committed at said election, and because it appeared that the returns thereofwere never legally canvassed, it was impossible to tell thereby who were chosen, but front the best sources of information at my command I have always believed the present State officers received a majority of the legal votes actually cast at that election. I repeat what I said in my special message of Feb. 13, 1873, that in the event of no action Dy Congress I must continue to recognize the government heretofore recognized by me, I regret to say that with the preparations for the late election a decided indication appeared in some localities in the Southern States of a determination, by acts of violence and intimidation, to deprive citizens of the freedom of the ballot because of their political opinions; bands of men masked and armed made theft appearance; White Leagues and other societies were formed; large quantities of armsiaud ammunition were imported and distributed to these organizations: military drills, with menacing demonstration's, were held, and, with all these, murders enough were committed to spread terror among those whose political action was to be suppressed if possible by these intolerant and criminal proceedings. In some places colored laborers were compelled to vote according to toe wishes of their employers, under threats of a discharge if they acted otherwise, sad there are too many instances in which, when these threats were disregarded, they were, remorselessly executed by those by whom they were made.. I understand that the Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution wax made to prevent this and the like state of things, and the act of May 31,1870, with the amendments, was passed to enforce Us provisions, the object of this being to guarantee to all citizens the right to vote and to protect them in the free enjoyment of that right. Enjoined by the Constitution to take care that the Jaws be faithfully executed, and convinced bv undoubted evidence that violations of said ac t had been committed, mid that a widespread and flagrant disregard of it was contemplated, the proper officers were instructed to prosecute the offenders, and troops were stationed at convenient points to aid these officers, if necessary, in the performance of their official duties. Complaint* are made of this interference by Federal authority, but if toe said

amendment and act dv not provide for such interference Under the circumstances as above stilted then they are without meaning, kforce or effect, and the whole "scheme of colored enfranchisement is worse than mockery and littje better than a crime. Possibly Congress may find it dne to troth and jitstice to ascertain, by means of a committee, whether the alleged wrongs to col--ored citizens for pelltical purposes are real, or the reports thereof wete manufactured tor the occasion. The whole number of troops in the States of Louisiana. Alabama. Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas. Mississippi, Maryland, and Virginia at the time of the elections was 4,082. This embraces the garrisons of all the forte from the Delaware to the Gulf of Mexico. Another trouble has arisen in Arkansas. Article thirteen of the Ctonsutution of the State, which was fa 1868, and upon the approval of which by Congress the State was restored to representation as one of the States of the Union, provides, in effect, that “ before any amendments proposed to this Constitution shall become a part thereof they shall he passed by two successive Assemblies and then submitted to and ratified by a majority of the electors of the State voting’thereon.” On May 11, 1874, the Governor convened an extra .session of the General Assembly of the State, which, on the 18th of the same month, passed, an act pro.yiding for a convention to frame a uew constitution pursuant to this act, and at an election held ou the 30th of June, 1874. the convention was approved and delegates were chosen thereto, who assembled on the 14th of last July and formed a new constitution, the schedule of W hich provided for the election of an entire new set of State officers in a manner contrary to the existing election laws of the State. Ou the 13th of October, 1874, this Constitution, as therein provided, was submitted to the people for their approval or rejection, and according to the election returns was ap-, proved by a large majority of those qualified to vote thereon, and at the same election persons were chosen to fill all the State.' county and township offices. The Governor elected in 1872 for the term of four years tnrned over his office to the Governor chosen under the new Constitution, whereupon the Lieutenant-Governor, also elected in 1872 for a term of four years, claiming to act as Governor, alleging that said proceed-, ings by which the new Constitution was made and a new set of officers elected were unconstitutional and illegal and void, called upon me, as provided in Section 4, Article 4, of the Constitution, to protect the State against domestic violence. As Congress is now investigating the political affairs of Arkansas I have declined to interfere. The whole subject of Executive interference with the affairs of a State is repugnant to public opinion, to the feeling of those who from their official capacity must be used in such interposition, and to him or those who must direct. Unless most clearly on the side of law such interference becomes a crime: with the law to support it, it is condemned without a hearing. I desire, therefore, that all necessity for Executive direction in local affairs may become unnecessary and obsolete. I invite the attention, not of Congress, but of the people of the United States, to the causes and effects of these unhappy questions. Is there not a disposition on the one side to magnify wrongs and outrages, and on the other side to belittle and justify them? If public opinion could be directed to a correct survey of what exists, and to rebuking wrong and aiding the proper authorities In punishing it, a better state es feeling would be inculcated, and the sooner we would have that peace which would leave the States free indeed to regulate their own domestic affairs.

I believe that on the part of the citizens of the Southern States, the better part of them, there is a disposition to be law-abiding audio do no violence either to individuals or the laws existing; but do they do right in ignoring the existence of violence and bloodshed—in resistance to constituted authority? I sympathize with their prostrate condition, and would do all in my power to relieve them, acknowledging that in some instances they have had most trying governments to live under,and very oppressive one m the way of taxation for nominal improvements, not giving benefits equal to the hardships imposed; but can they proclaim themselves entirely blamable for this condition? They cannot. Violence has been rampant in some localities, and has further been justified or denied by those who could have prevented it. The theory is raised that there is to be no further interference on the part of the General Government to protect citizens.within a State where the State authorities fail to give protection. This is a great mistake. While I remain the Executive all the laws of Congress and the provisions of the Constitution, including the amendments added thereto, will be enforced with rigor, with but a regret that they should have added one jot of tittle to the Executive duties and powers. List there be fairness in the discussion or Southern questions, the advocates of both or all political parties giving honest and truthful reports of occurrences, condemning the wrong and upholding the right, and soon all will be well. Under existing Circumstances the negro votes the Republican ticket because he knows his friends are of that party. Many a good citizen votes the opposite, not because he agrees with the great principles ot states which separate the parties, but because, generally, he is opposed to negro rule. Tins is a most delusive cry. Treat the negro as a citizen and a voter, as he is and must remain, and soon parties will be divided, not ou the color line, but on principle. Then we shall have no complaint of sectional interferences. JUDICIAL AFFAIRS. The report of the Attorney-General contains valuable recommendations relating to the administration of justice in the courts of the United States, to which I invite your attention. I respectfully suggest to Congress the propriety of increasing the number of the judicial districts in the United States to eleven, the present number being nine, and the creation of two additional Judgeships. The territory to be traversed by the Circuit Judges is so great and the business of the courts so steadily increasing that it is growing more and more Impossible for them to keep up with the business requiring their attention. Whether this would involve the necessity of adding two more Justices of the Supreme Court to the .present number I submit to the judgment of Congress. THE INTERIOR. The attention of Congress is invited to the report of the Secretary of the Interior and to the legislation asked for by him. The domestic interests of the people are more intimately connected with this department than with either of the other t departments of the Government. Its duties bave been added to from time to time until they have become so onerous that, without the most perfect system and order, it will be impossible for any Secretary of the Interior to keep trace of all official transactions having his sanction and done in his name, and for which he is held personally responsible. < The policy adopted for the management of Indian affairs known as the “peace policy” has been adhered to with the most beneficial results. It is confidently hoped that a few years more will save our frontier from Indian depredations. 1 commend the recommendation of the Secretary for the extension of the Homestead laws to the Indians, and for some sort of territorial government for the Indian Territory. A great majority of the Indians occupying this Territory are believed to be incapable of maintaining their rights against the more* civilized and enlightened men. Any territorial form of government riven them, therefore, should protect them in their homes and property for a period of at least twenty years, and before its final adoption should be ratified by a majority of those affected. The report of the Secretary of the Interior, herewith attached, gives much interesting statistical information, which I abstain from giving an abstract of, but refer you to the report itself. PENSIONS OF THE WAR OF 1812. The act of Congress providing the oath which pensioners must subscribe before drawing their pensions ' cuts off from this bounty a few survivors of the war of 1812 residing in the Southern States. I recommend the restoration of this bounty to all such. The number of persons whose names would be restored to the list of pensioners is not large. They are all old persons who could have taken no part in the rebellion, and the services tor which they were awarded pensions were in defense of the whole country. THE CENTENNIAL EXPOSITION. The report of the Commissioner of Agriculture, herewith attached, contains suggestions of much interest to the general public and refers to the approaching Centennial and the part his department is ready to take in it. I feel that the nation at large is interested in having this Exposition a success, and commend to Congress such action as will secure £ greater general interest in it. Already many foreigp nations have signified their intention to be represented at it. It may be expected that every civilized nation will be represented. TMB CIVIL SERVICE. ~ The rules adopted to improve the civil service of the- Government have been adhered to as closely as has been practicable with the opposition with which they meet. The effect of it has been beneficial on the whole and has tended to the elevation of the service; hut it is impracticable to maintain them without the direct and positive support of Congress. Generally, the support which this reform receives is from those who give it their support only to find fault when toe rules are apparently departed from. Removals from office without preferring charges against parties removed are frequently cited as departures from the rules adopted, ana toe retention ot those against whom charges are made hy irresponsible persons and without good grounds is also often condemned as a violation of them. Under these circumstances, therefore, I announce that, if Congress adjourns without positive legislation on the subject of

“civil* service reform,” I wiU regard-such action as a disapproval of the system, and will abandon it. Except so far as to require examinations tor certain appointees to determine their fitness, competitive examinations Will J>e abandoned. ,-/ The gentlemen who have given their Services without compensation ae members of the Board to devise rules and regulations for the government of the country’s civil service have shown mnch zeal and earnestness in their work, and to them, as well as to myself, it will be a sonree of mortification if it is to be thrown away. But I repeat that it is impossible to carry this system to a successful issue without general approval and assistance, and positive law to support its THB EMPLOYMENT OP LABOR. I have stated that the elements of prosperity to the nation’s capital—labor, skilled and unskilled, and products of the soil—still remain with us. To direct the employment of these is a problem deserving the most serious attention of Congress. If employment ran be given to all labor offering itself, prosperity necessarily follows. I have expressed the opinion, and repeat it here, that the first requisite to the accomplishment of this end is the substitution of a sound currency in place of one of a fluctuating value. This secured, there are many interests that might be fostered, to the great profit of both labor and capital. How to induce capital to employ labor is the question. 1 CHEAP TRANSPORTATION. The subject of cheap transportation has occupied the attention of Congress. New lighten this question will, without doubt, be given Dy the committee appointed by the last Congress to investigate and report upon this subject. THE (OCEAN CARRYINO TRADE. A revival ot ship-building, aud' particularly of iron steamship building, is of vast importance to our national prosperity. Tho United States is now paying over $1,600,000 per annum for freights and passage on foreign ships, to be carried abroad and expended in the employment and support of other people, beyond a fair percentage ol’ what should go to foreign vessels, estimating on the tonnage and travel of each respectively. It is to be regretted that this disparity in the carrying trade exists, and to correct it I would be willing to see a great departure from th# usual course of the Government in supporting what might usually be termed private enterprise. I would not suggest as a remedy direct subsidy, to the American steamship lines, but I would suggest the direct offer of ample compensation for carrying the mails between the Atlantic seaboard cities and the Continent, on American-owned and Ameri-can-built steamers, and would extend this liberality to vessels carrying the mails to the South American States and to Central America and Mexico, and would pursue the same policy from our Pacific seaports to foreign seaports on the Pacific. It might ba demanded that vessels built for this service should come up to a standard fixed by legislation in tonnage, speed and all other qualities, looking to the possibility of the Government requiring them at some time for war purposes; the right also of taking possession of them in such an emergency should be guarded. I offer these suggestions, believing them worthy of consideration, in all seriousness, affecting all sections and ail interests alike. If anything better can be done to direct the country into a course of general prosperity, no one will be more ready than I to second the plan.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. Forwarded herewith will be found the report of the Commissioners appointed under an act of Congress, approved June 20, 1874, to wind up the affairs of the District Government, It will be seen from the report that the total debt of the District of Columbia, less securities on band and available, is : The bonded debt issued prior to July 1, 1874, $8,883,940.43; 3.65 bonds, by act of Congress June 20, 1874, $2,088,16-1.73; certificates of the Board of Audit, $4,77U,558.45; total, $15,742,667.61; less special improvement assessments chargeable to private property in excess of any demand against such assessment, $1,614,054.37'; less Chesapeake & Ohio Canal bonds, $75,000, and Washington & Alexandria Railroad bonds, $59,000; in the hands of the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, $1,748,05437; leaving the actual debt, less said assets, $13,994,613,24. In addition to this there are claims preferred attaints the Government of the District amounting in the aggregate, reparted by the Board of Audit, to $3,147,<87.48, of which the greater part will probably be rejected. This sum can with no more propriety be included in the debt of the District Government than can the thousands of claims against the General Government be included as a portion of the national debt; hut the aggregate sum thus stated includes something more than the funded debt chargeable exclusively to the District of Columbia. The act of Congress of June 20,1874, contemplates an apportionment between the United States Government and the District of Columbia in respect to the payment of the principal and interest of the 3.65 bondsf therefore, in computing with precision the bonded debt of the District, the aggregate sums above stated, as respects the 3.65 bonds now issued, the certificates of the Board of Audit, and the unadjusted claims pending before that Board, should be reduced to the extent of the amount to be apportioned to the United States Government in the manner indicated in the act of Congress of June 20, 1874. I especially invite your attention to the recommendation of the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund relative to the ambiguity of the act of June4lo, 1874, the interest on the District bonds, and the consolidation ofThe indebtedness of the District. I feel much indebted to the gentlemen who consented to leave their private affairs and come from a distance to atteua to the business of this District, ana for the able and satisfactory manner in which It has been conducted. lam sure their services will be equally appreciated by the entire country. It will be seen from the accompanying Cull report of the Board of Health that the sanitary condition of the District is very satisfactory. In my opinion the District of Columbia should be regarded as the grounds of the National Capital, in which the entire people are interested. I do not allude to this to urge generous appropriations to the District, but to draw the attention of Congress, in framing a law for the government of the District, to the magnificent scale on which the city was planned by tbe founders of the Government; the manner in which, for ornamental purposes, tbe streets and avenues were laid out, and what was the proportion of the property actually possessed by tbe General Government. I think the proportion of the expenses of the Government and improvements to be borne by the General Government and the cities ofWashington and Georgetown and the country should be carefully and equitably defined. i THB MISSISSIPPI VALLEY. In accordance with Sec. 3 of the act approved June 23, 1874, I appointed a board to make a survey of the mouth of the Mississippi River, with a view to determine the best method of obtaining and maintaining a depth of water sufficient for the purposes of commerce, etc., and in accordance with an act entitled “An act to provide for tbe appointment of a Commission of Engineers te investigate and report a plan for the excavation of tbe alluvial basin of the Mississippi River subject to inundation,” I appointed a Commission of Engineers. Neither board has yet completed Its labors. - When their reports are received they will be forwarded to Congress without delay. (Signed) U. 8. Grant. Executive Mansion, Dec. 7, 1874. —Ou the last day of the Hartford meeting of the American Association, President Barnard, of Columbia College, delivered an address on the “Metric System.” He predicted that the metric system will become the sole system of weights and measures in use throughout civilized nations before the year 1900. In France, Holland, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, the German Empire, in fact, all Europe, except Scandinavian countries and England, and in all America, except the United States, the metric system has been adopted. Even in the Indian empire of Great Britain the metric system has been adopted, and that system has been legalized, though not yet adopted, in Great Britain and here. At the Vienna Metrological Congress every delegate, though representing nearly every country on the civilized globe, voted for the metric system. —The New York Journal of Commerce has the following: We desire to call the attention of underwriters to a new material used for martingale rings, knife handles, combs, etc., which we are informed bears the name of Celluloid." It is to all appearances as hard as iron, and when cold possesses great strength and tenacity ; but it is as inflammable as tinder, and it barns more readily than pitch. A flash of a match will set off a box of this material, made up in any form, and produce a conflagration so utterly at variance with the apparent solidity of the article that it seems like magic. Anew class of “extra-hazard-ous” most be made by all oar fire companies if this is to pass into Common use. We do not know how many fires may already be traceable to this preparation, which evidently vaporizes at ft comparatively low temperature.