St. Joseph County Independent, Volume 15, Number 24, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 7 December 1889 — Page 1

. / sE XV,

HARRISON’S MESSAGE.! THE PRESIDENTS FIRST COMMUTJtCATION TO CONGRESS. Each Department of the Government Treated in Detail—Reduction of the Surplus— Tariff Legislation—Public Land Laws —Pension Legislation— The Civil Service -Other Mutters. The first annual messige of President Harrison, read in the Fifty-first Congress, on the 3d inst., is as fellows: To the Senate and House of Representatives : There are few transactions in the administration of the Government that are even temporarily held in the confidence of those charged ■with the conduct of the public business. Every step taken is under ths observation of an intelligent and watchful people. The state of the Union is known front day to day, and suggestions as to needed legislation find an earlier voice than that which speaks in these annual communications of the President to Congress. Gcod-will and cordiality have characterized our relations and correspondence with other governments, and the year just closed leaves few international questions of importance remaining unadjusted. No obstacle is believed to exist that can long postpone the consideration and adjustment, of the still pending questions upon satisfactory and honorable terms. The dealings of this Government with other states have been and should always be marked by frank- . ness and sincerity, our purposes avowed, and our methods free from intrigue. This course has borne rich fruit in the past, and it is our duty as a nation to preserve the herita .e of good repute which a century of right dealing with foreign governments lias secured to us. The Fan-American Congress. It is a matter of high significance, and no less of congratulation, that the first year of the second century of our constitutional existence finds, as honored guests within our borders, the H representatives of all the independent States of North and South America met together in earnest conference touching the best methods of perpetuating and expanding the relations of mutual interest and friendliness existing among them. That the opportunity thus afforded for promoting closer international relations and the increased prosperity of the States represented will be for the mutual good of all. I can- ( not permit myself to doubt. Our people will await with interest and confidence the results to flow’from so auspicious a meeting of allied and. in large part, identical niterests. The recommendations of this international conference of enlightened statesmen will doubtless have the considerate attention of Congress, and its co-operation in the removal of unnecessary barriers to beneficial intercourse between the nations of America. But while I the commercial results, which it is hoped will follow this conference, are worthy of pursuit and of the great interest they have excited, it is believed that the crowning benefit will be found in the better securities which may be devised for the maintenance of peace among all American nations and the settlement of all contentions by methods that a Christian civilization can approve. While viewing with interest our national resources and products, the delegates will, I am sure, find a higher satisfaction in the evidences of unselfish friendship which everywhere attend their intercourse with our people. I The Maritime Congre s. Another international conference, having great possibilities for good, has lately assembled, and is now in session in this capital. An invitation was extended by the Government, under the aet of Congress of July 9, 1888, to all mari- [ time nations to send delegates to confer touching the revision, and amendment of the rules and regulations governing vessels at sea and to adopt a uniform system of marine signals. The , response to this invitation has been very general ami very cordial. Delegates from twenty- , six nations are present in the conference, and they have entered upon the r usual w ork with great zeal, and with an evident appreciation of its importance. So far as the agreement to be reached may require legislation to give it effect, our co-operation in, confidently relied upon. , It is an interesting, if not indeed an unpre- , cedented. fact that the two international conferences have brought together here the accredited representatives of thirty-three nations. Bolivia, Ecuador, and Honduras are now represented by resident envoys of the plenipotentiary grade. All ihe States of the American system now maintain diplomatic representation at this capital. In this connection it may be noted that all the nations of the Western Hemisphere, with one 1 exception, sent to Washington Envoys Extra- ! ordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary, being the highest grade accredited to this Government, The United States, on the contrary, sends Envoys of the lower grade to some of our sister republics. Our representative in Paraguay and Uraguay is a Minister resident, while to Bolivia we send a Minister resident and Consul General. In view of the importance of our relations with the States of the American system, our diplomatic agents in those countries should be of the uniforn rank of Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary. Certain missions were so elevated by the last Congress w ith happy effect. I recommend the completion of the reform thus begun, with the inclusion also of Hawaii and Hayti, in view of their relations to the American system of States. 1 I als. recommend that timely provision be made for extending Hawaii an invitation to be represerted at the International Conference now sitting at this capital. Our Relations with China. Our relations with China have the attentive consideration which their magnitude and interest demand. The failure of the treaty negotiat.d under the administration of my predecessor for the further and more complete restriction of Chinese labor immigration, and. with it, the legislation of the last session of Congress dependent thereon, leave some questions open which Congress should j now approach in that wise and just spirit which should characterize the relations of two great and friendly powers. While our supreme ; interests demand the exclusion of a laboring element which experience has shown to be incompatible with our social life, all steps ’o compass this imperative need should be accompanied with a recognition of the claim of those strangers now lawfully among us to humane and just treatment. The accession of the young f Emperor of China marks, we may hope, an era of progress and prosperity for the great country over which he is called to rule. i- The present state of affairs in respect to the j Samoan Islands is encouraging. The confer- • snee which was held in this city in the summer of 1887 between the representatives of the ; United States, Germany, and Great Britain hav- < ing been adjourned because of the persistent divergence of views which was developed in its deliberations, the subsequent course of events in the islands gave rise to questions of a serious character. On the 4th of February last, the , German Minister at this capital, in behalf of . his Government, proposed a resumption of the , conference at Berlin. This proposition was ac- ( cepted, as Congress, in February last, was informed, | Pursuant to the understanding thus reached, , commissioners were appointed by me, who pro- ; needed to Berlin, where the conference was re- , newed. The deliberations extended through (several weeks, and resulted in the conclusion , of a treaty which will be submitted to the Senate for its approval. I trust that the efforts which have been made to effect an adjustment I of this question will be productive of the permanent establishment of law and order in Samoa upon the basis of the maintenance of , the rights and interests of the natives, as well , as of the treaty powers. i U The Canadian Fisheries. E The questions which have arisen during the KI past few ye irs between Great Britain and the , Ei United States are in abeyance or ill course of ®:| amicable adjustment. «[ On the part of the Government of the Domin- ®-| ion of Canada, an effort has been apparent dur- , ■ jng the season just ended to administer the k| laws and regulations applicable to the fisheries HI with as lit tie occasion for friction as was possiEl “le, and the temperate rapres intationsj of this , El Government in respect < f cases of undue hardship or of harsh interpretations have been in El most cases met with measures of transitory । relief. It is trusted that the attainment of our , ■f lust rights under exist ing treaties, and in vir- , ■I tue of the ccncurrent legislation of the two conE| tiguous countries, will not be long deferred, and ] EK that all existing causes of difference may be , H Suitably adjusted. j Hi l recommend that provision be made by an , ■I International agreement for visibly marking , the water boundary between the United States j BH »nd Canada in the na; row channels that join , RE the great lakes. The conventional Hue therein j 9H traced by the Northwestern boundary survey, ( years ago. Is not in all cases readily ascertain- j iH able for the settlement of jurisdictional ques- । turns. K A just and acceptable enlargement of the list , HS of offenses for which extradition may be 1 S claimed and granted is 11 0;t desirable between ; KM this country and Great 1 ritaim Tbe territory of neither should become a sure harbor for the ; M evil-doers of the other thro ugh any avoidable M shortcoming In this regard. A new treaty on M this subject between tbe two powers has been SB S*eot)y negotiated, and will soon be lijid befonthe Senate, ■ With Other Powers ^H The Impm-sane.'of tie • ‘f 1 uan i H Forte Rico With the Unit, d Mate-, their ..enrest ^B * D, i principal ii.uik*-'. -■ Itn - 'he ■ 1 iMiK the exist inu relations nay bo beinihiahy MB ^Panded. Tiie i mpt diiiK'iits r.-suiting from IB Joying dues on navigu'i«>n. and from u*.vitiu.H IM treatment । r u—ui a . uii ait rely

COUNTy St Infill JOfe ItihTjenhent

| grounds of complaint, in West India ports, should be removed. The progress toward an adjustment of pending claims between the United States and Spain is Got as rapid as could ba desired, Questions affeefing American interests in connection wi.h railways constructed and operated by our citizens in Peru have claimed the attention of this government. It is urged tliat other governments, ‘ in pressing Peru to th? paying of the claims, have disregarded the property rights of American citizens. The matter will be carefully investigated, with a view to securing a proper and equitable adjustment. A similar issue is now pending with Portugal. The Delagoa Bay Railroad in Africa was constructed under a concession by Portugal to an American ci izen. When nearly completed the road was seized by the agents of the Portuguese Government. Formal protests have been made through our minister at Lisbon agai j st this aet, and no proper effort will be spared to secure proper relief. In pursuance of the charter granted by Congress. and under the terms of its contract with the Government of Nicaragua, the Interoceauic Canal Company has begun the construction of the important water-way between the two oceans which its organization contemplates. This Government has held itself ready to promote in every proper way the adjustment of all questions that might present obstacles to the completion of a work of such transcendent importance to the e uerce of this country, and, indeed, to the commercial interests of the world. The Faris Exposition. The traditional good feeling between this country and the French republic has received additional testimony in the participation of our Government aiid people iu th? International Exposition at Paris during the past Summer. The success of our exhibitors lias been gratifying. The report of the commission will be laid before Congress in due season. This Government has accepted, under proper reserve as to its policy in foreign territories, the invitation of the Government of Belgium to take part in an international congress, which opened at Brussels on the 16th of November, for the purpose of devising measures to promote the abolition of the slave trade in Africa, and to prevent th? shipment of slaves by sea. Our interest in the extinction of this crime against humanity, in the regions where it yet survives, has been increased by the results of emancipation within our own borders. With Germany the most cordial relations continue. The questions arising from the return to the Empire of Germans naturalized in this country are considered and disposed of in a temperate spirit, to the entire satisfaction of both Governments. It is a source of great satisfaction that the internal disturbances of the Republic of Hayti are at last happily ended, and that an apparently staple government bus been constituted. It. has been duly recognized by the United States. Japan. The advancement of tl e Empire of Japan has been evidenced by the recent promulgation of a new Constitution, containing valuabli guarantees of liberty, and providing for a responsible Ministry to conduct the Government. It is earnestly recommended that our judicial rights and processes in Corea be established on a firm basis, by providing the machinery necessary to carry out the treaty stipulations in that regard. Questions continue to arise in our relations with several countries in respect to the rights of naturalized citizens. Especially is this the case with France, Italy, Russia and Turkey,and to a less extent with Switzerland. From time to time earnest efforts have been made to regulate this subject by conventions with those countries. An improper use of naturalization should not be permittea, but it is most important that those who have been duly naturalized should everywhere be accorded recognition of the rights pertaining to the citizenship of the country of th ir adoption. It is advisable that the difficulties which now arise in our relations with other countries on the same subject should be similarly adjusted. The recent revolution in Brazil in favor of the establishment of a republican form of government is an event of gr< at interest to the United States. Our Minister at Rio de Janeiro was at at once instructed to maintain friendly diplomatic relations with the Provisional Govern ment, and the Brazilian representatives at this capital were instructed by the Provincial Government to continue their functions. Our friendly intercourse with Brazil has, therefore, suffered no interruption. Our Minister has been further instructed to extend on the part of this Government a formal and cordial recognition of the new republic as soon as the majority of the people have signified their assent to its establishment and maintenance. Affairs at Home. Within our own borders a general condition of prosperity prevails. The harvests of the last summer were exceptionally abundant, and the trade conditions now prevailing seem to promise a successful season to the merchant and Ihe manufacturer, and general employment to our working people. The report of the Secretary of the Treasury has been prepared and will be presented to Congress, It presents with clearness the fiscal operations of the Government, and I avail myself of it to obtain some facts for use here. The aggregate receipts from all sources for the year were $387,050,058.84, derived us follows : From customs, $223,832,741.69; from internal revenue, $130,881,513.92; from miscellaneous sources, $32 335.803.23. The ordinary expenditures for the same period were $281,996,615,60, and the total expenditures, including the sinking fund, were $329,579,929.25, The excess of receipts over expenditures was, after providing for the sinking fund. $57,470,129.59. For the current fiscal year the total revenues, actual and estimated, are $835,000,000, and the ordinary expenditure s, actual and estimated, are $293,000,000, making, with the sinking fund, a total expenditure of $341,321,116.99, leaving an estimated surplus of $183,678,883.01. The revenues for the fiscal year ending June 39, 1891, are estimated l>v the Treasury Department at $385,000,000. ai d the expenditures for the same period, including the sinking fund, at 8341,430,477.70, This shows an estimated surplus for that year of $13,569,522.36, which is more likely to lie increased than reduced when the actual transactions are written up. The existence of so large an actual and anticipated surplus should have the immediate attention of Congress, with a view to reducing the receipts of the treasury to the needs of the Government. The collection of moneys not needed for public uses imposes an unnecessary burden upon our people, and the presence of sb large a surplus iu the public vaults is a disturbing element in the conduct of private business. We should not collect revenue for the purpose of anticipating our bonds, beyond the requirements of the sinking fund, but any unappropriated surplus in the treasury should be so used, as there is no other lawful way of returning the money to circulation, and the profit realized by the Government offers a substantial advantage. The loaning of public funds to the banks without interest, upon the security of Government bonds, I regard ai an unauthorized and dangerous expedient. It results in a temporary and unnatural increase of the banking capital of favored localities, and compels a cautious and gradual recall of the deposits to avoid injury to the commercial interests. No further use should be made of this method of getting the surplus into circulation, and the deposits now outstanding should be gradually withdrawn and applied to the purchase of bonds. Such legislation should be promptly, but very considerately, enacted. Tariff" Revision Recommended. I recommend a revision of our tariff law, both in its administrative features 11 nd in the schedules. The need of the former is generally conceded, and an agreement upon the evils and inconveniences to be remedied, and the best methods for their correction, will probably not be difficult. Uniformity of valuation at all our polls is essential, and effective measures should be taken to secur? it, It is equallj’ desirable that questions affecting sales and "classifications should be promptly decided. The preparation of a new schedule of customs duties is a matter of great delicacy, because of its direct effect upon the business of the country. Some disturbances of businessmay perhaps result from the consideration of this subject by Congress, but this temporary illeffect will be reduced to the minimum by prompt action and by the assurance which the country already enjoys that any necessary changes will be so made as not to impair the just and reasonable protection of our home industries. The inequalities of the lew should be adjusted, but the protective principle should be maintained and fairly applied to the products of our farms as well as of our shops. These duties necessarily have relations to other things besides the public revenues, We cannot limit their effects by fixing our eyes on the public treasury alone. They have a direct relation to home production, to w ork, to wages, and to the commercial independence of this country, and the wise and patriotic legislator should enlarge the field of his vision to include all of these. The necessary reduction in our public revenues can, lam sure, be made without making the smaller burden more onerous than the larger by reason of the disabilities and limitations winch the reduction puts upon both capital and labor. The free list can very safely be extended by placing thereon articles’that do not offer injurious competition to such domestic products as our home labor can supply. The Tobaero ami Liquor Tax. The removal of the internal tax upon tobacco would relieve an important agricultural product from a burden w hich was imposed only because our revenue from customs duties was insufficient for public needs. If safe provision against fraud can be devised the removal of the tax upon spirits used in the arts and in manufactures

WALKERTON, ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, INDIANA, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7,1889.

, | would also offer sin unobjectionable method of । reducing the surplus. ■ ' A table presented by the Secretary of the Treasury, showing the amount of money of all kinds in circulation each year from 1878 to the 1 present time, is of interest. 17. appears that ■ the amount of national-bank notes in circulaI tion has decreased during that period $114,109,- । 729, of which $37,799,229 is chargeable to the last ! year. But while this withdrawal of banknotes I has been going on, there has been a large increase I in the amount of gold and silver coin in circula- ■ i tion and in the issues Os gold and silver certificates. The total amount of money of all kinds in circulation on March 1, 1878, was $805,793,807,whi1e on Oct. 1, 1889, the total was $1,405,018,01X1. Thore was an increase of $283,417,552 in gold coin, of $57,554,100 in standard silver dollars, of $72,311,249 in gold certificates, of 8276.619,715 in silver certificates and of $14,073,787 in United States notes, making a total of $713,976,403. | There’was during the same period a decrease of 1 $114,209,729 iu bank circulation, and of $642,481 in subsidiary silver. The net incrcasj was $529.224,193. The circulation pier capita has increased about $5 during the time covered by the table referred to. The Coinage of Silver. The total coinage of silver dollars wbb, 011 November 1, 1889, $343,638,001, of which $283,539.521 were in the Treasury vaults, $60,098,180 were iu circulation. Os the amount in the vaults, 8277,319,944 were represented by out standing silver certificates, leaving $6,219,577 not in circulation and not represented by certificates. The law reuniting the purchase, by the treasury, of $2,000,000 worth of silver bullion each month, to be coined into silyjr dollars, has been observed by the department; but neither the present Sucretrirj’ or any of his predecessors has deemed it safe to exercise the discretion given by law to increase the monthly purchases to $4,000,000. The evil anticipations which have accompanied the coinage and use of the silver dollar have not been realized. As a coin it has not had general use, and the public treasury bus been compelled to store it. But this is manifestly owing to the fact that its pai>er representative is more convenient. The general acceptance and use of the silver certificate shows that silver has not Iteen otherwise discredited. I think it is dear that if we should make the coinage of silver at the present ratio free, we must expect that the difference in the bullion values of the gold and silver dollars will be taken account of in commercial transactions, and I fear the same result would follow any considerable increase of the present rate of coinage. Such a result would be discreditable to our financial management and disastrous to all business interests, \ny safe legislation upon this subject must secure the equality of the two coins in their commer--cial uses. I have always L?en an advocate of the use of silver in our currency. We are large producers of that metal, and should not discredit it. The details of a perfect law require careful consideration, but the general plan suggested by the Secretary of the Treasury seems to satisfy the purpose To continue the use of silver in connection with our currency, and at the same time to obviate the danger of which I haie spoken. At a later day I may communicate further with Congress upon this subject. Exclusion of the Chinese. The enforcement of the Chinese exclusion act has been found to be very difficult on the Northwestern frontier. The’ Secretary of the Treasury has authorized Une employment of additional soldi rs. who will l>e assigned to this duty, and every effort w ill be made to enforce the law. Tile Dominion exacts a head tax of $X> for each Chinaman, and when these persons, in fraud of our law. cross into our territory an<l are apprehended, our officers do not know what to do with them, as the D aniuion authorities will not suffer them to be sent back without u second payment of the tax. An effort will be made to reach an understanding that will remove this difficulty. Our Coast Defenses. Judged by modern standards we are practically witnout coast defenses. Manvof the structures w. have would enhance rather than diminish the perils of their garrisons if subjected to the fire of improved guns. Tue security of our coast ci ties lignin st t'reign attack should not rest altogether in the friendly disposition of other nations. There should b? a w eond line wholly iu our own keeping. I very urgently recommend an appropriation at this session for the construction of such works in our most expose.l harbors. I approve the suggestion of the Secretary of War that provision oe made for encamping companies ot the National Guard in our c ast , o k? fur a specified tim ■ eaeli year and for their training in th? use of heavy guns. His suggestion that an increase of the artillery force of the army is desirable is also in this connection commended to the consideration of Congress. River and Harbor Improvement. The improvement < f our important rivers and harbors should be promoted by the necessary appropriations. Care should be taken that the Government is not committed to the prosecution of works not of public and general advantage, and that the relative usefulness of works ot that class is not overlooked. So fur us this work can ever be said to be completed. I de not doubt that the end would be sooner and more economically reached if fewer separate works were under.aken at the same time, and those selected for their greater general interest were more rapidly pushed to completion. A work once considerably begun should not be subjected to the risks and deterioration which interrupted or insufficient appropriations necessarily occasion. The Law Department. In view of the assault made by David S. Terry upon the person of Justice Field, of the SuI r m i Court of the United States, at I.athrop, Cal., in August last, and the killing of the assailant by a Deputy United States Marshal I recommend that more definite provision be made by law, not only for the protection of Federal officers, but for a full trial of such cases in the United States courts. Events which have been brought to my attention, happening in other parts of the country, have also suggested the propriety of extending, by legislation, fuller protection to those who may be called as witnesses in the courts of the United States, The investigations of criminal offenses are often rendered futile by the intimidation of witnesses. The necessity of providing some more speed}* method for disposing of the cases which now come for final adjudication to the Supreme Court becomes every year more apparent and 1 urgent. The plan of providing intermediate courts, having final appellate jurisdiction of certain classes of questions and cases, has, I think, reci ived a more general approval from the bench and bar of the country than any other. I recommend that provision be made for the establishment of such courts. The salaries of tho Judges of the District Courts in many of the districts are, iu my judgment, inadequate. I recommend that ail such salaries now below $5,000 be increased to that amount. Regarding Trusts. Earnest attention should be given by Congress to a considers, ion of the question how far the restraint of those combinations of capital commonly called “trusts” is a matter of federal jurisdiction. When organized, as they often are, to crush out all healthy competition and to monopolize the production or sale of an article of commerce and general necessity, they are dangerous conspiracies against the public good, and should be made the subject of prohibitory and even penal legislation, t The subject of an interuatk nal copyright lias been frequently commended to the attention of Congress by my predecessors. The enactment, of such a law would bo eminently wise and just. Our naturalization laws should be so revised as to make the inquiry into the moral character and good disposition toward our Government of the persons applying for citizenship more thorough. 'ihis can only be done by taking fuller control of the examination, by fixing the times for hearing such applications, and by requiring the presence of some ono who shall represent the Government in the inquiry. Those who are the avowed enemies of social orce *, or who come to । our shores to swell the injurious influence and to exten ’ the evil practices of any association that defies our laws, should not only be denied citizenship, but a domicile. The enactment of a national bankrupt law of a character to be a permanent part of our general legislation is desirable. It should be simple in its methods and inexpensive in its administration. The Postoffice Department. The report of the Postmaster General not only exhibits tne operations of the department for the last fisc..l year, but contains many valuable suggestions for the improvement and extension of the service, which are commended to your attention. The plan suggested of a supervision of the postoffices in separate districts that shall involve instruction and suggestion, and a rating of the efficiency of tho Postmasters, would, I have no doubt, greatly improve the service. The unsatisfactory condition of the law relating to the transmission through the mails of lottery advertisements and remittances is clearly stated by the Postmaster-General, and his suggestion as to amendments should have your favorable consideration. The Navy. The report of the Secretary of the Navy show’s a reorganization of the bureaus of the department that will, I do not doubt, promote tho efficiency of each. In general, satisfactory progress lias be m made in the construction of tbe new ships of war authorized by Congress. The report of tho Secretary shows that w’hils the effective force of tho navy is rapidly increasing, by reason of the improved build and armament of the new ships, the number of our ships fit for sea duty grows very slowly. The old wooden ships are disappearing al-

most as fust as the new vessels are added. These facts carry their own argument. One of tho new ships may, in fighting strength, bo equal to two of the old, but it can not do the cruising duty of two. It is important, therefore, that we should have a more rapid increase in the number of serviceable ships. I concur in the recommendation of the Secretary that the construction of eight armored ships, three gunboats, and five torpedo boats, be authorized. The Indian Question. The report of tho Secretary of the Interior exhibits the transactions of the Government with the Indian tribes. Substantial progress has been made in the education of the children of school ago, anil in the allotment of lands to adult Indians, Our treaty stipulations should be observed with fidelity, and our legislation ehould lie highly considerate of the best interests of tvn ignorant and helpless people. The reservations are now generally surrounded by white settlemints. We can no longer push the Indian back into tho w ilderness, and it renuiins only, by every suitable agency, to push him upward jinto the state of a self-sup-porting and w sponsible citizen. For the adult, the first step is to locate him upon a farm; and for the child, to place him in u school. School attenddance should be promoted by every agency. The national schools for Indians have been very successful, and should b? multiplied. The last Congress enacted two distiuct laws relating to negotiations wi.h th? Sioux li Jians of Dakota for a relinquishment of a portion of their lands to the United States and for dividing the remainder into separate reservations. The one submitted to the Indians a specific proposition; .the < ther aitthorizGl the President to negotiate with these Indians for tbe accomplishment ot the same general purpose, and required that any a .Tvements should be submitted to Congress for ratification. On the Sth day of April last I appointed Hou. Charles Foster, of Ohio; Hon. William Warner, of Missouri; and Maj, Gen. George Crook, of the United States army. Commissioners under the last-named a t.’ These were, However, authorized and directed, first, to submit to the Indians the definite ] reposition ma le to them by the act first mentioned, and only in the event of a failure to secure the as-ent of the requisite number to that proposition, to open negotiations for modified terms under the other act. The work of the Commission was prolonged and arduous, but the assent of the requisit ■ number was fmallv obtaine I to the proposition made by Congress, though the report of the Commission lias rot yet been submitted. In view of these facts. I shall not, at present, deem it necessary to submit the agreement to Congress for ratification, but it w ill in due course be submitted for information. This agreement releases to the United States alxiut 9,000,600 acres of land. The Cherokee Strip. The Commission provided for by section 14 of the Indian appropriation bill to negotiate w ith the Cheroke? Indians and nil other Indians owning or claiming lauds lying west, of the ninety-sixth degree of longitude for the cession to the United States of »<’l sinh lands, was constituted by the afn dntment of Hom Lucius I'alrdiild, of Wisconsin; lion. John F. Hartr&nit, of Fenns} Ivnnia: and Hon. Alfred M. Wilson, of Arkansas; and organized on June 2> last. Their first conference with the representatives of the Cherokees was In 1 I at TahbxjuaU July 2.1, w ith no definite results. \ second conference between the Commission and tbe Cherokees was begun Nov. 6. but 110 results have vei been obtained, nor is It la lieved that iv conclusion can be immediately expcetiit. The large liodv of imrieul tural lauds constituting what is known a- the “Cherokee outlet” ought not to be. and indeed cannot long be. held tor grazing, and for the al vantage of a fe v against the public interests and the best advantage of the Indians themselves. Tho Unitvil Stato? has now under tbe treaties certain right - in these lands. These w ill not lie used oppressiv-ly. but it cannot be allowed that those who by sufferance occupy these lands will interpose to defeat tho wise am! ben fici'ntpuriKiaes of the government. 1 cannot but believe that the advantageous offer ma le by Ihe United States to the Cherokee Nation, fora full teleii e of these lands, as compared with other suggestions now mid- to them, will yet obtain for it a favorable consideration. Oklahoma. It is es'minted that there are now in Oklahoma Territory about 60.0.0 pciple and several considerable towns have sprung up. for which temporarv niuuieipal governuunts have bun organized. In order to seem e tho y< ;u-e of this new community, in the absence of civil government. 1 directed General Merritt, commanding the Department of the Missouri, to act i:i eon junction with the Marshals of the United ' States to preserve tbe jaiiee, and upon their rtsiiiisition to use the troops to ail them in executing warrants and ' in quilting any riots or brem-he; of th ■ peace that might occur. He was furth 1 diluted to ' use his influence to protect good order and to avoid any conflicts between or with the settlers. The presence ot troops has given 11 sense of security to the well-dispi sed citizens, and has tended to restrain the lawless. I very urgently ' recommend that Congress at once provide a Territorial Government for these p ople. Sei i- ' ous questions, which may a' any time lul lt > ' violent outbreaks, are awaiting the institution , of courts forth ir peaceful a ijustment. The American genius for self-government has been well illustrated in Oklahoma, but it is neither safe nor wise to leave these people longer to the expedients which have temporarily served them. ’ । A tlliirs in Alaska. Provisions shculd be made for the acquisi- 1 tion of title to tow 11 lots in the towns now established in Alaska, for locating town sites and for the establishment of municipal governments. Only the mining laws have been extended to that territory, and no other form of title to lands can now be obtained. We have fortunately not extended to Alaska the mistaken policy of establishment of reserva- 1 tious for the Indian tribes, and can 1 deal with them from the beginning as individu- ; ills, with, I am sure, better results. But any j disposition of the public lauds and my regulations relating to timber and to the fisheries 1 should have a kindly regard to their interests. 1 Having no power to levy taxes, the people of 1 Alaska are wholly d?p?ndent upon the General 1 Government, to w hose revenues the seal fish- I eries make a large annual contribution. Au 1 appropriation for education should neither be ' overlooked nor stinted. The smallness of the population and the great distances between the settlements offer serious 1 obstacles to the establishment of the usual Ter- ] ritorial form of government. Perhaps the or- 1 gauization of several sub-districts, with a small 1 municipal council of limited powers for each, । would be safe and useful. The Public Lunds. , In the administration of the land laws the policy of facilitating, in every prepsr way, the adjustment of the honest claims of individual settlers upon the public lands has been pursued. The number of pending cases had. during the J preceding administration, been greatly inert used under the operation of orders for a time sus- J pending final action in a large part of the cases originating in the West and Northwest, and by । the subsequent use of unusual methods of ex- , amination. Only those who are familiar with । the conditions inWler which our agricultural , lands have been settled can appreciate the serf- ( ous and often fatal consequences to the settler ( of a policy that puts his title under suspicion, or , delays trie issuance of his patent. While care is ; taken to prevent and to expose fraud, it should j not be imputed without reason. , Tho manifest purpose of the homestead and , pre-emption laws was to promote the settle- ; ment of the public domain by persons having ( a bona fide intent to make a home upon the se- j lected lands. Where this intent is well estab- j lished and the requirements of the law have j beer, substantially complied with, the claimant ( is entitled to a prompt and friendly considera- , tion of his case. But where there is reason to , believe that the claimant is a mere agent of another, who is seeking to evade the law and to ( secure by fraudulent methods large tracts of ( timber and other lauds, both principal and , agent should be made to feel the full penalty of our criminal statutes. The law should be so ( administered as not to confcund these two ; classes, and to visit penalties only upon the ( latter. । The unsettled state of the tides to largo ( bodies of binds in the Territories of New Mex- j ico and Arizona has greatly retarded the development of those Territories. Provision should ( be made by law for the prompt trial and final , adjustment before a judicial tribunal or com- 1 mission, of all claims based upon Mexican ■ grants. , I*ensions. ( The law now’ provides a pension for every , soldier and sailor who was mustered into the service of the United States during the civil war, , and is now suffering from wounds or disease , having an origin in the service and in the line , of duty. Two of the three necessary facts, viz. : ! muster and disability, are usually suceptible of easy proof; but the third, origin in the service, , is often difficult, and in many deserving cases, impossible to establish. That very many of j t hose who endured the hardships of our most , bloody and arduous campaigns are now dis- , abled from diseases that had n real but not traceable origin in the service, I do not doubt. Besides these there is another class composed of men many of whom served an en- < listment of three full years, and of re-enlisted 1 veterans who added a fourtn year of service, w ho escaped the casualties of buttle and the assaults 1 of disease, who w ere always ready for any detail, । who were in every battle line of their commanib < and were mustered out in sound health, and 1 have since the close of the war, while fighting 1 with the same indomitable and independent < spirit the contests of civil life, been overcome by < disease or casualty. A Dopendent Fension Bill Urged. < I am not unaware that the pension roll al- 1 ready involves a very large annual expendi-

ture, neither am I deterred by that fact from recommending that Congress grant a pension to such honorably discharged soldiers and sailors of tho civil war as, having rendered substantial service during the war, are now dependent upon their own labor for a maintenance, and through disease or casualty are incapacitated from ea rning it. Many of the men who would be included in this form of relief are now dependent upon public aid, and it doos not, in my opinion, consist with the national honor that they shall continue to subsist upon the local relief given indiscriminately to paupers instead of upon the special and generous provision of the nation they served so gallantly and unselfishly. Our people will, I am sure, very generally approve such legislation. And I am equally sure that the survivors of the Union army and navy will feel a grateful sense of relief when this worthy and suffering class of their comrades is fairly cared for. There are some manifest inequalities in the existing law’ that should be remedied. To some of these the Secretary of the Interior has called attention. It is gratifying to be able to state that by the adoption of new and better methods in the War Department, the calls of the Pension Office for information as to the military and hospital records of pension claimants are now promptly answered, and the injurious and vexatious delays that have heretofore occurred are entirely avoided. This will greatly facilitate the adjustment of all pending claims. The New States. The advent of four now States. South Dakota. North Dakota, Montana, and Washington into the Union under the Constitution, the same month, and the admission of their duly chosen representatives to our National Congress at th? same session, Is an event as unexampled as it is interesting. The certification of the votes cast and of tho constitutions adopted in each of the States was filed with me, as required by the eigh h section of the act of February 22, 1889, by the Governors of said Territories, respectively. Having, after a careful examination, found that the several constitutions and governments were republican in form, and not repugnant to the Constitution of the United States, that all the provisions of the net of Congress had been complied with, and that a majority of the votes cast in each of said proposed States was in favor of the adoption ot the Constitution submitted therein. 1 did so dediiro by a separate proclamation as to each ; as to North Dakota and South Dakota on Saturday. November 2, as to Montana Friday, November s, and as to Washington, on Monday, November Protect ion to Railway Employes, The attention of the Interstate Commerce Commission has been called to the urgent need of Congressional legislation for the better protection of the lives and limbs of those engaged in operating the freight Hues of the country, and especially of the yardmen and brakemen. A petition, signed by nearly ten thousand tailwav brakemen, was presented to the commission', asking that - teps might bo taken to bring about the use of automatic brakes and couplers on freight ears. During the year ending June 30, I s '/'- over two thousand railri a I employes were killed iu service, and more than twentv thousand injund. It is competent. I think, for Congress to require uniformity in the construction of cars used in interstate commerce and the use of improved safety appliances upon such trains. Time will be necessary to make the needed changes, but n’t earnest and intelHtent beginning should b< made at once. Itisareproaehloourciviliz.iltio.i that any class of Amerlca’i workmen should, in the pursuit of a m essary and useful vo< a:i< n. I"' subjected to 11 peril of life a: d limb us great as tliat of n soldii r in time ot war. Department ot Agriculture. The creation of an executive department, to be know:: a ■ tile Department of Agriculture, by th<'act of February 9 last, was awiseandtimelv resjKrnse ton request which ba I long been respi'ctfullv urged by the farmers of the country. But much remains to be done to lauform tfie organization of the depurtment so that it mav fairli realize the vxpcctitions which Its creation exciUsl. In this connection attention is called to t lie suggestions containid in the report of the Secretary. w Inch is herewith submitted. "Ihe need of a law officer for the department, such as is provided for the other executive depart meats, is nun ifest. The failure ot the last Congr.ss to make the usual provision for the pub lieation of t ho annual report should be promptly remedied The public interest tn the report, andi.s value to the farming comm unity. 1 am sure, will not be diminished under the new organizaUon of the <iepartm«:it. I recommend that the Weather Service be set united from the War Department and estaiiItshed ns 11 bureau in the Department of Agriculture. This will involve an entire reori'iiui--alb 11. both of the Wi ather Bureau and of the Hignal Uorps, making of the first u purely civil oigauizntion and of the other a purely militnrv stuff corps The report of the Chief Signal Otficor show s that the work of the corps on its military side bus been deteriorating. Tire W ill-Ill's l air. The proposition toobservethe four hundredth anniiersiuy of tbe discovery of America by the opening of u World s Fair or Exposition in some one of our great cities will be presented for the consideration of Congress. "Ilie value and interest of such an exposition may well claim the promotion of the General Government. Civil Seri ice Law. On the fourth of March last the Civil Service Commission bud but 11 single member. The vacancies were filled on the snventh day of May, an i since then the Commissioners have b.en industri uisly, though with an inadequate force, engaged in executing the law. Heretofore the book of eligibles has been closed to everyone, except as certifications were made upon the requisition of the appointing officers. This secrecy was the source of much suspicion, and of many charges of favoritism in the administration of the law. The commission has now opened the list of eligibles to the public. The eligible lists for the classified postoffices and custom houses are now publicly posted in the respective offices, as are also the certifications for appointments. The purpose of the civil service law was absolutely to exclude any other consideration in connection with appointments under it than that of merit as tested by the examinations. It is not too much to say that some recent COll- - ions nave somew hat shaken public confidence m the impartiality of the selections for appointment. The reform of the civil service will make no safe or satisfactory advance until the present law and its equal administration are well established in the confidence of the people. It will be my pleasure, as it is my duty, to see that the law is executed with firmness and imparpartiality. As a result of the revision of the rules of the new classification, and of the inclusion of the railway mail service, the work of the commission Inis been greatly Increased, and the present clerical force is found to bo inadequate. I recommend that the additional clerks asked by the commission be appropriated for. Freventing Wholesale Changes in Office. The duty of appointment is devolved by the Constitution or by the law, and the appointing officers are properly held to a high responsibility in its exercise. The growth of the country and the consequent increase of the civil list have magnified ’his function of the Executive disproportioao-lly. It cannot be denied, however, that the labor connected with this necessary work is increased, often to the point of actual distress, by the sudden and excessive demands that are made upon an incoming administration for removals and appointments. But, on the other hand, it is not true that incumbency is a conclusive argument for a continuance in office. Impartiality, moderation, fidelity to public duty and a good attainment in the discharge of it must be added before the argument is complete. When those holding administrative offices so conduct themselves as to convince just political opponents that no party consideration or bias affects in any way the discharge of their public duties, we can more easily stay the demand for removals. I am satisfied that both in and out of the classified service great benefit would accrue from the adoption of some system by which the officer would receive the distinction and benefit that, in all private employment, conies from exceptional faithfulness and efficiency in the performance of duty. I have suggested to the heads of the executive departments that they consider whether a record might not be kept in each bureau of all those elements that ar? covered by the terms “faithfulness” and “efficiency.” and a rating made showing the relative merits of the clerks of each class, this rating to be regarded as a test of merit in making promotions. I have also suggested to the Postmaster General that he apopt some plan by which he can, upon the basis of the reports to the department and of frequent inspections, indicate the relative merit of postmasters of each class. They will be appropriately indicated in the official register and in the report of the department. That a great stimulus would thus be given to the whole service, Ido not doubt, and such a record would be the best defense against inconsiderate removals from office. Education. The interest of the General Government in the education of the people found an early expression, not only in the thoughtful and sometimes warning utterances of our ablest statesmen, but in liberal appropriations from the common resources for the support of education in the new States. National aid to education lias heretofore taken the form of land grants, and in that form the constitutional power of Congress to promote the j education of the people is not seriously questioned. I do not think it can be successlully I questioned when the form is changed to that of a direct grant of money from tbe Treasury. Such aid. should be, us it always has been,

suggefced by »ome exceptional conditions. The sudde? emancipation ol" the slaves of the South, the bestowal of the suffrage, which soon followed, and tho impairment of the ability c’ tho States where these new citizens were chiefly found to adequately provide educational facilities. presented not only exceptional but unexampled conditions. That the situation has been much ameliorated, there is 110 doubt. Tho ability of the States has been greatly increased. Much work remains to be done, and I think the general Government should lend its aid by legislation of a national grant in aid of education. As this demand for aid grows chiefly out of tbe condition and needs of the emancipated slaves and their descendants, the reli -f should, as near as possible, while necessarily proceeding upon some general lines, be apj lied to the need that suggested it. It is essential, if much good is to be accomplished, that the sympathy and active interest of the people ot tho States should be enlisted and that the methods adopted should lie such as to stimulate a id not to supplant local taxation for school purposes. As one Congress cannot bind a succeeding one in such a case, and as the effort must be in some degree experimental. I recommend that any appropriation made for this purpose oe so limited in annual amount and as to the time over which it is to extend as will, on the one hand, give tho local school authorities opportunity to make the best use of the first year's allowance, and on the other deliver them from the temptation t > unduly postpone the assumption of the w hole burden themselves. The Colored Race. The colored people did not intrude themselves upon us ; they were brought here in chains and held in the communities where they are now chiefly found by a cruel slave code.’ Happily for both races, t hey are now free. They have, from a standpoint of ignorance and poverty, which was our shame, not theirs, mad? remarkable advances in education, and in the acquisition of property. They have, as a people, shown themselves to bo friendly and faithful toward the white race under temptations of tremendous strength. They have their representatives in the niitionnl cemeii lies, where n grateful government lias gathered the ashes of those who died in its u -'use. They have furnished to our regular armw 'ments that have won high praise from their commanding officers for courage and soldierly qualities, and for fidelity to the enlistment < nth. In civil life they are now th > toilers of their communities, making their full contribution to the widening streams of prosperity which these communities are rec iving. Their sudden withdrawal would stop production and bring disorder into the household ns w ell as the shop. G; nerally they do not desire .to quit their homes, and their employers reseat the interference of the emigration agents who seek to stimulate such a desire. Hut, notwithstanding all this, in many parts of our oountry, w here the colored population is large, the peopl ■ of that race are, by various devices, deprived of any effective exercise of thiir political rights and of many of their civil rights. The wrong does not expend itself upon those whose votes are suppressed. Every constituency iu the Union is wronged. It has been the hope of every patriot that a sense of justice and respect for the law w ould work a gradual cure for these flagrant evils. Surely, no one supposes that the present can be accepted as a permanent condition. If it is s lid that these communities must workout this problem for themselves, we have a right to ask whether they are at work upon it. Do they suggest any solution? When and under what conditions is tbe black man to h ea free ballot? When is he, in fact, to have those full civil rights which have so long been his in law ? When is that equality of influence which our form of government has intended to secure to tho electors to be restored ? This generation should courageoiislv face these grave questions, and not 1< ave them as n heritage of woe to the next. I'he consul :it ion should proved with candor, calmness, and great patience, upon the lines of justice and humanity, not of prejudice and cruelty. No question in our country can be at rest except upon the firm basis of justice and of the law. I earnestly invoke tho attention of Congress to the eomideration of such measures within its well defined constitutional powers as will secure to all our pe. pie 11 free exercise of the right of suffrage an 1 every other civil right i.n ler the Constitution and laws of the United Suites. Supervision of National Elections. Evil, however deplorable, can not justify the a- ei Hoii either 011 ihe part of the Executive or of Congress of powers not granted; but both will be highly blamable if till the powers grnnted tire (not wisely but firmly used to c 'ircct thee evils. I'he power to take the w hole direction and control of the election of members of the House of Representatives is eh u ly shown by the General Government. A partial and qualified supervision of these elections is now provided for by law, an I in my opinion this law may be so strengthened and extended as to secure on tho whole better results than can be attained by a law taking all the processes of such election into Federal control. The colored man should be protected in all of his relations to tho Federal Government, whether a litigant, juror, or witness in our courts, as an elector for members of Congress, or us 11 peaceful traveler upon our interstate railways. Our Merchant Marine. There is nothing more justly humiliating to the national pride and nothing more hurtful to the national prosperity than the inferiority of our merchant marine compared with that of other nations. It was not alwavs so, and our people are agreed, 1 think, that it shall not continue to be so. That the great steamship lines sailing under the flags of England, France, Germany, Spain anil Italy, and engaged in foreign connnerce, were’ promoted, and have since been and now are liberally aided, by grants of public money, in one form or another, is generally known. That the American lines of steamships have been abandoned by us to an unequal contest with the aided lines of other nations until they have been withdrawn, < r, in the few cases where they are still maintained, are subject to serious disadvantages, is a matter of common knowledge. The present situation is such that travelers and merchandise find Liverpool often a necessary intermediate pert between New York and some of the South American capitals. The fact that soihe of tne delegates from South American states to the conference of American nations now in session at Washington reached our shores by reversing that line of travel, is very conclusive of the need of such a conference and very suggestive as to the first and most necessary step in the direction < f fuller and more beneficial intercourse with nations that are now our neighbors upon the lines of latitude, but not upon the lines of established commercial intercourse. Subsidies for Ocean Mail Lines. I recommend that such appropriations be ! made for ocean mail service in American steamships between our ports and those of Central and South America, China, Japan, and the important islands in both of the great oceans, i as will be liberally remunerative for the service rendered, and as will encourage the establishment, and in some fair degree equalize the chances of American I steamship lines in the competitions which they j must meet. That the American States lying ' south of us will cordially co-operate iu establishing and maintaining such lines of steam- I ships to their principal ports I do not doubt. We should also make provision for a naval re- i serve to consist of such, merchants’ ships, of ! American construction and of a specified tonnage aud speed, as the owners will consent ■ to place at the use of the Govern- ! ment, in case of need, as armed cruisers. England has adopted this policy, and as a result can now, upon necessity, at once pla e upon her naval list some of tho fastest steamships in the world. A proper supervision of >he construction of such vessels would make their conversion into effective ships of war very easy. Our Foreign Commerce. I am an advocate of economy in our national expenditures, but it is ami?us’e of terms to make this word describe a policy that w ithholds an expenditure for the purpose of extending our foreign commerce. The enlargement aud improvement of our merchant marine, tho development of a sufficient body of trained American seamen, the promotion of rapid and regular mail communication between the ports of other countries and our own and the adoption of large and swift American merchant steamships to naval uses, in time of war, are public purposes of the highest concern. The enlarged participation of our people in the carrying trade, the new and increased markets that will be opened for the products of our farms and factories and the fuller and better employment of our mechanics, which will result from’ a liberal promotion of 1 our foreign commerce, insure the w idest possible diffusion of benefit to all the States and to : our people. Everything is most propitious for the present inauguration of a liberal and pro- ■ gressive policy upon this subject, and we should J enter upon it with promptness anil decision. ■ The legislation which I have suggested, it is sincerely believed, will promote the peace and honor of our country and th? prosperity and security of the people. 1 invoke the diligent and serious attention of Congress to the consideration of these and such other measures as may be presented, having the same great end in view. Benjamin Habbison. Executive Mansion, Washington, D. C., Decern- i her 3, 1889. The latest society fad is said to be the “lemon party.” Probably 'he chief attraction will be the squeezing, and we predict a great popularity for it.-— American Commercial Traveller.

NUMBER 24.

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. SERIOUS SUBJECTS CAREFULLY AND ABLY CONSIDERED. A Scholarly Exposition of the Lesson -Thoughts Worthy of Calm Rellec-tion-Half an Hour's Study of the Scriptures—Time Well Spent. Tho lesson for Sunday, Dee. 8, may be found in 1 Kings 10:1-13. 1 0 introductory. We are granted here a picture of the relations be.ween Israel and the neuhborinnations in tho halcyon .lays of Solomon. A famed queen comes f rom the far th from Araby the blest,” to acknowled e the greater eminence of tho king and to pay him homagd, on Mount Zion. This is the kin : it he superiority of God's kin om to all other kmgdoms. The kings ami mens of earth bring tribute to it. Chnst is the expectation of the world. So sa>s the i_d I salm. “The kings ot Tarshwh and ot the Isles shall bring presents; the kings of Sheba and t eba shall offer gifts. Yea. all kings shall fall d owa before b m.” Are you acknowledging him, serving lim? WHAT THE LESSON TEACHES. Ihe fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord. The fame of Solomon and tho name of tho Lord are here closely associated. Io hear of tho king’s lame was to honor God’s name. Solomon’s greatness was all for the Lord as it w..s all irom the Lord, and the wisdom he displayed and the majesty that was his did never else than magnily the God who gave it. Is it not thus that we are to stand before the world .- Our fame, our blessedness is all to the honor of Jehovah who has redeemed us. You are to “let your light so shine before men that they may sec your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Christians ought not, th"n, to be satisfied with present attainments. Ihe more grace in us the more glory for God. Be goo 1, be great, for Jesus’ sake! To prove him with hard questions. Thus they came to Jesus, but not so ingenuously. Always were they seeking to prove him, tempt him. It was to “catch him in his words” that the Pharisees and Herodians approached him that day in the temple. And they proved him, and at the same timo. since base was their motive, entangled themselves in their talk. Notice the p actical and searching wisdom of our Lord’s reply: ‘ Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny. ’ And then with this simple objectlesson before their eyes, lie showed them with the penetration ot a philosopher and the aptness of a sagacious man of affairs how their questions might answer th mselves. At every point where the enemies of ( hrist approached him he met them and allowed them to prove him. And that proof was not simply for them but for us. to silence all cavil and to in tisputably declare to all generations that “a greater than Solomon is here.” There was not anything hid from the King which he told her not. It suggests the divine communicativeness. It facts could convert the world then the world would long ago have been eonver ed. If logic would persuade men then the work of tbe kingdom were soon done. But truth is more than fact an I more than logic. It has a subjective aspect; it implie? personal acceptance. Paul says, “The invisible things of him from the creation of the worl I ar dearly seen.” and from this Bishop Fallows has jiptlv enforc d “the difficulties of un elief.” How fatuous and yet how familiar sounds that query of the Jews when J sus walked “iu Solomon s porch,” “How lo ig dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.” As if God were responsible for men’s doubts; as if God had not told plainly in his word aud works. Well does Christ answer: “I told vou and ye believed not; the works that I do iu my Father’s name, they bear witi ess of me.” And then, as putting the finger upon the secret of all unfaith: “But ye believe not because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.” . Tho attendance of his ministers. It is well, once in a while, to get right back to the derivation of words. It is the standing of God’s ministers that is spoken of here, and the fact that the word occurs right after this expression: “the s.tting of his servants,” does not withdraw in any degree from the pertinence ot the message. Everyone in his place before God. Perhaps there are too many sitting around who ougnt to be standing and doing. There are those who are to sit and await the Kin ’s call, and there are those who, being summoned and assigned to prescribed duties, are to stand ready instantly to do his bidding. How beautiful the odor of that King’s court, that church of Christ, where all eyes are on the King and everyone is a minute-man to do his .Master’s pleasure! I believed not the words until I came. Such is the Christian’s experience. There are a great many believers and doubters in the land. They have heard Jesus say, "Learn of roe,” and perhaps, in something of sincerity they have tried to do so. But they have kept at too great a distance. They have not heard that earlier call, “Come unto me.” To tell the truth, wo none of us "believe” until we “come." It is first obedience, then confidence; first the faith of submission, then the faith of assurance. No man is going to seo his doubts put away so long as he remains apart from the great doubt-dispeller. He might as well thrust his head into a sack and ask for light. Let him come where light. When the light comes in. "the dark” goes out. It is not by the solving of difficulties that wo find our way to Christ. We first find Christ and then the doubts vanish. “He that received Lis testimony,” said John the Bap- ; list, "hath set to his seal that God is true." Mark you, he first receives, then seals. . Restful conviction follows trustful acqui-e-e mce. This is why John is saying j ol ' mediately afterward, so confidently, “He that believeth ou the Son hath everlasting 1 life." Because the Lord loved Israel forever, therefore made he thee king. M hat greater ' commendation of a leader of God s people. Not that the Lord loved this servant above all oth r men and hence he elevated him. That is tho way we moitals look at it sometimes. Rather is it that God loved the people an I hence in kindness to them aud in furtherance of their interests lie save them a worthy leader. It was thus with David, thus indeed with John the Baptist, Luther, Wesley. Carey. What happier epitaph for a good pastor or teachei. Th® Lord loved Israel forever, thereto!e made _ he thee king. All her desire, whatsoever sho asked. We ali have desires, but all do not ,ake the pains to go and express them, let it 15 onlv those who come asking that nave tS Jeslr.s lullllled. S iournev for the Queen of Sheba to make, and doubtless as TIS strode along over blat intervened there were many days of heat and we iriness. But think ot the return journey What recompense, what joy. KheT. friend, you have^a^desi^ ,hL Vweie , U i ro-ssen^or’sent to summon ” "Kid Rshall bo given you: seek and ye shaH find;‘kX aid it shall b^ opened unto you, lor exm >0“ ^ fi a a e th; and be opened." Next lesson: “Solomon’s FalL" 1 Kings 11: 4-13. Mr. Smart (as the church goers pass)—l’m surprised that Miss Sweet permits Boduorth to accompany her lie’s about the freshest young fellow I know. Mrs Smart— Perhaps that s the reason why she lets him cany her Psalter. It may be remarked, for the comfort of honest poverty, that avarice reigns most in those who have but few good qualities to recommend them. This is a weed that will grow only in a barren soil.