St. Joseph County Independent, Volume 16, Number 9, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 3 December 1890 — Page 6

THE MESSAGE, President Harrison Discusses National [Affairs. In His Annual Communication to Congress He Urges the Passage of the Lodge Election Bill And Says the McKinley Tariff Law Must Be Given a Fair Trial. Our Foreign Relations in a Satisfactory Condition.

The Stale of the Nation’s Finances Discussed —Reciprocity Indorsed. lOREIttN RELATIONS. They Are Friendly. To the Senate and House of Representatives: The reports of the several executive departments. which, will be laid before Congress fry. the usual tyurse. will exhibit iu de.»H operas" > the Govcrnumut "f w*. “MW ■ - cJnly the more imj>‘J £ uwiueaTSr result*' n„i chirtfi. ( ay b” ! foundation Ite H"' r*'*' ns 1 Bhalu submit, will be ret> neu tiMn this annual message. f The vast and incr, asiU)il>usii)eß9 of the Gov- ■ ernmmt has been t, uusußted by the several de- j partments during the yl nr with faithfulness, | energy and success. Th*revenues, amounting to above four hundred an\l fifty million dollars, have been collected and Disbursed without revealing, so far as I can ijscertniu, a single case of defalcation or embezzlement. An earnest effort has been made to s timulate a sinse of responsibility and public ifuty in all officers and employes of every grade} and the work done by ' them has almost wholly escaped unfavorable ! criticism. I speak of these matters with freedom. because the credit of this good work is not ' mine, but is shared bv the heads of the several departments with tho great body of faithful officers and employes who servo under them. The closest scrutiny of Congress is invited to all methods of administration and to every item of expenditure. The friendly relations of ourcountry with the nations of Europe ana the East have been undisturbed, while the ties of good-.till and com- | mon interest that bind us to tho States of tho ■western hemisphere have been notably strength- ‘ oned by the e. nferenee hold in this capital to consider measures for the general welfare, l ur- I suant to the invitation authoiized by Congress, ‘ the representative of every indepehdant rtate , of the American Continent and of Hayti met in conference in this <a t :uiiu October 1 sd. mid continued in session until the 19th of last April. I This important convoeati u marks a most in- । teres tirg and intlueuiiul epi ch in the history of the western hemisphere. It is noteworthy tl.at Brazil, invited while under an imperial form of government, shared us a Republic in the deliberations and results of the conference. The recommendations of this conference were nil trausm.tteJ to Congress at ! h < lust session. * Divers Foreign Matters. The communicate ns of the Chiin s • Minister have brought into view tho w Hole sub.ect of our conventional relations with his country, and at the same time this Government, through its legation at Pekin, bus sought to arrange various matters and complaints touching the interosts and protection of our citizens in China. In pursuance of the concurrent resolution of Oct. 1. 1890. I have proposed to the Governments of Mexico and Great Britain to consider , a conventional regulation of the passage of aud On the 22d day of August last Sir Edmund Monson, the arbitrator, selected under the treat j- of December, 1888, rendered on award to the effect that no compensation was due from the Danisn Governm nt to the United States on ■account, of what is commonly known as the Carlos Butterfield claim. Our relations, with the French republic continue to be entirely cordial. Our representative at that court- has very diligently urged the removal of the restrictions placed iijam our meat products, and it is believed that substantial progress has been mode toward a just settlement. The Samoan treaty, signed last year at Berlin by the representatives of the United States, Germany and Great Britain, after due ratification and exchange, has begun to produce salutary effects. The formation of the government agreed' upon will soon replace the disorder of the past by a stable administration, alike just to the natives and equitable to tho three powers most concerned in trade and intercourse with the Samoan Islands. The Chief Justice has been chosen by the King of Sweden and Norway on the invitation of the three powers, and will soon be installed. The Land Commission and the Municipal Council are in process of organization. A rational and evenly distributed scheme of taxation, both municipal and upon imports, is in operation. Malietoa is respected as king. The new treaty of extradilion with Gnat Britain, after due ratification, was proclaimed on the 25th of last March. Its beneficent working is already apparent. The Seal Question.

me seat Muesuon. The difference between the two governments touching the fur seal question in the Behring Sea is not yet adjusted, as will Lie seen by the correspondence which will soon be laid before Congress. The offer to submit the question to arbitration, as proposed by her Majesty’s Government, has not been accepted, for the reason that the form of submission proposed is not thought to bo calculated to assure a conclusion satisfactory to either party. It is sincerely hoped that before the opening of another sealing season some arrangement mav be effected which will assure to the United States a property right, derived from llussia, which was nut dir __ fed by any nation for more than eighty ai s p. ceding the outbreak of the existing .rouble. In the tariff act a wrong was done to the Kingwhich I am bound to presume i I 't. : till li idT— TC~ I be r< v- ■ Vvmtv now existinglietween the | 1 ’ ' m of Hawaii, with- I mdicatirg ney ■ -ar, exception in favor of that Kingdom. I hope 'or. r . m ropau wba’ might otherwise soein to be a brenclii.r fuith on | the pa of this Government. An award in favor ot the I'm'.td States m the matter of the claim of Mr. Vai: Bokkeli u against Hayti was rendered on the 4th of December, isss, but owing to disorders then and afterward prevailing in Hayti, the terms of ] ayment were not observed. A new agreement as to the time of payment has been approved and is now in Torce. Other just claims of citizens of the United States for redress of wrongs suffered during the late political conflict in Hayti will, it is hoped, speedily yield to friendly tr< ament. Propositions for the amendment of the treaty of extradition between tho United States and Itair are now under consideration. You w ill be asked to provide tho means of a- ‘ cepting the invitation of the Italian Government to take part in an approaching conference to consider the adoption of a universal prime meridian from which to reckon longitude and time. As this prop isal follow sin the track of the reform sought to be initiated by the meridian conference at Washington, held on the invitation of this Government, the United States should manifest a friendly interest in tho Italian proposal. In this connection I may refer with approval to the suggestion of my predecessors that standing provision be made for accepting, whenever deemed advisable, the frequent invitations of foreign governments to share in conferences p„ king to the advancement of international i>j,i m- in regard to -cienco, sanitation, com-m-re.: a i law, and procedure, and other matters f . p . cling the intercourse and progress of modern communities.

Tlie Portuguese Incident. In he summer of 1889 an incident occurred ..hi h .r some timothreuteiicd to interrupt the cordiality of our n bilious with the Government of Portugal. 1 bat Government seized t lio Delage:; Bay Ku-Iway. whic h was constructed under a ••on. ■ s?:on grant*d t; ten American citizen, iu:.< at the same time an culled the < • ar- Tita concessionary, who had eml arl.ed his fortune in the enterprise, hiving exhausted other means of redress, . r:-coir.; <I; 1 to invoke the protection of nis Government. Gur rcpresmtaticns, made c incidt ntly wi'h those ot tl.o Brussels Governinei.t, whose subjects were also largely int-r---■esisd, happily resulted in the recognition by Pvrtug'J ni the propriety of submitting the claim

for indemnity growing out of its notion to arid tration. This plan of settlement having biei agreed upon, the interested powers readily con curred in the proposal to submit the case to tin judgment of three eminent jurists, to be designated by the President of the Swiss Republic, who, upon the joint imitation of the Governments of the United States, Groat Britain, and Portugal, has selected persons well qualified tor tho task I store them. The revision of our treaty relations with the Empire of Japan has continued to be the subject of consideration and of correspondence. The questions involved are both grave and delicate; and, while it will be my duty to see that the inter, sts of the United States uro not by any changes exposed to undue discrimination, I sincerely hope tha' such revision as will satisfy tho legitimate expectations of the Japanese Government, and maintain the present and long existing friendly relations between Japan, and the United States, will be effected. The friendship between cur country and Mexico, born of close neighborhood and strengthened by many considoreuio is of imimaie intercourse and reciprocal interest, has never been more conspicuous than now, nor more hopeful of increa ed benefit to both nations, 'the intercourse of the two countries by rail, already great, is making constant growth. The established lines and those recently projected add to the intimacy of traffic and open now channels of access to fresh areas of demand and supply. The importance of the Mexican railway system will be further en-k-uced to a degree almost impossible to fore cast, if it should become a link in tho projected intercontinental railway. 1 recommend that our mission in the City of Mexico be raised to tho first class.

Good Friends with Spain. Tho cordial chai actor of our relations w ith Spain warrants tho hope that by the contiumince of methods of friendly negotiation much may be accomplished in tho direction of an adjustment of pending questions and of tho increase of our trade. The extent- and do- . velopment of our trade with tho Island of 1 Cuba invest tho commercial relations of the United States and Spain with a peculiar imp< rLance. It is not developed that a special arrangement in regard to commerce, based upon the reciprocity provision of tho recent tariff act, would of erate most beneficially e^WCTTrTfuvcrnmoutß. ’lol* *" "i jMsaVlio Wstornfßdt of thomualus of John Erivsto Sweden afforded a gratifying occasion io >HBor the memory of tho great inventor to whose genius our country owes so much, and to bear wlAhose to the unbroken friendship which ; has existed between the bind which boro him j and our own. which claimed him us a citizen. Our Consular Service. On the s condos September last tho com- i mission up pointed to revise the proceedings | of tho commission under tho claims couven- I tion between the United States and Venezuela, of 18*6, brought its labors to ii close within the period fixed for that purpose. The proceed tugs of tho late commission wire charuoter- ' ized by a spirit of impartiality and a high sense of justice, and an incident which was for many । years the subject oi discussion bet ween the two Governments has been disposed of in a manner alike honorable and satigtactory to both parties. For tho settlement of the claim of tho Venezuela Steam Transportation Con-puny, which was the subject of a joint resolution adopted nt tho : last session of Congress, uunotiatious are still - in progress, aud their early conclusion is anticipated Tiie legislation of the past low years has evinced on the part of Congress a growing realization of the importance of the consular service in fostering our commercial relations abroad and in protecting tho domestic revenues. As the scope of ofierauons expands, increa ed provision must be made to keep up the essential standard of efficiency. The necessity of some adequate measure of supervision aud inspection bus been so often presented that I need only commend tie subject to your attention. The Country'sFinai oes Receipts ami Expenditures. The revenues of the Goverumert from all sources for the fiscal year ending Juno Jo, ' 1890, noio §1t>3,963,080.5j, and the total expenditures for the same period wore ifW.MH. I 584.52. The jamial receipts have not- here- | tofore been included in tho statement of these aggro. -nt es, and for tin- purpose of comparison tho sum of should be deducted from both sides of the a count. Iho surplus for the y« ar. including the amount applied io tho sinking fund, was ?lu>,344,‘1‘M03. Tiie receipts for 189t> were olti.iXtO.. 923.79, and the expenditures -1 '>.739,871 in ex<«>ss of those of 1889. The customs receipts increa ed c? 5 sJS.M2.sS. and the receipts t> -m ini temal revenue si 1,721.1'd.5.i. while, on the s de ' lof expenditures, that for pensions wa- sl9 075 96 in excess of the jinoixliug year. Hie Tr usury Bthtens-Ut for the cittr nt fi ■ a? year, partly actual and | artly estimate.!, i» ns follows: Receipts trom all sources, #4o..iuMt.ism , total expenditure-,, *351,0 > i.(.nt). 1 umig a surplus of Sn.o I'J.OX) — not taking the posml j ceipta into account cti either side The J. -of ' revenue from customs for the last quarter is es- । i timated at 825.0 O,tM). btr irom this is dedu< t 4 : a gain of about SI6.UX),t)OO, real! tid during the first four months of the your. For the year 1892, the loe:>i estimated receipts are #373,000,1 OJ, and the estimated < xpendituri « #357 552.2U0.42, leaving an estimated surpln* of 815,147,760.58, which, with a ea h I ala nee of #52,0 0,000 at the beginning of the year, will give #67.147.790.58 as tho sum available for tho redemption of outstanding bonds or other u»< s. Tho estimates of receipts and expenditure-, for the Post t.ffico Department being <^;unl. are not included in this Htat -me: t on euher *.do. 1 notice with grout pl asuro the statemv t of tho Secretary that the receipts from iuU>rui.. n venues have inert used during tho last tbeal year nearly 812,000,01>0, aud that tho cost of . lecting this larger revenue was less by # • ?>l7 than for thO same purpose in the preceding year. The percentage of cost of collwtiii;: the customs revenue was less for the last fiscal year than ever before. Tiie Silver Question. The act “directing the purchase of silver bullion and issue of Treasury notes thereon,-ap-proved July, 14, 1890, has been administer d by the Secretary of the Treasury with an earnest purpose to get into circulation at the earliest possible dati a the full monthly amount of notes contemplated by its provisions and at the same time to give to the market for

silver bullion such support as the law contemplates. The recent depreciation in tho price of silver has been observed with regret. Tho rapid rise in price which anticipate! and followed the passage of tho act was influenced in some degree by speculation, and the re ent reaction is iu part the result, of the same cause and in part of the recent monetary disturbances. Some months of further trial will be necessary to determine the permanent effect of the recent legislation upon silver values, but it is gratifying to know that the increased ciiculatii n secured by the act has exerted and will continue to exert a most beneficial influence upon business and upon general values. While it has uot been thought best to renew formally the suggestion of nn international conference looking to an agreement touching the full use of silver for coinage at a uniform care has lx>en taken to observe closely —in _jiiz_aj.fi""'3'u "3r."ul. am! m> favom.!,m opportunity will bv teal to m >r n a result which it is confidently lielieved would > confer very large benefits upou the commerce of I tbe world. The recent monetary dirturbuncos in England | ; are not unlikely t > suggcHt u rc-examination of I opinion* up-'U this subject. Our very large I supply of gold will, it not lost by impulsive legislation in tbe supposed interest of silver, give us a position of advantage m promoting a permanent and safe international agreement for the free use of silver as a coin metal. About Circulation. The efforts of the Secretary to increase the volume of money in circula ion by keeping down the Treasury surplus to the lowest practicable limit have been unremitting and in a very high de-rec successful. The tables prei rented by him, showing the increase during ' the nineteen mouths he has administered the . affairs of the dejiartment, are interesting j and instructive. The increase of money in circulation during tho nineteen months I has been in the aggregate §33.866,813, or about $1.50 per capita, and of this increase only *?7,100,01.0 was due to the recent silver legislation. That this substantial and needed aid given to commerce resulted in an enormous reduction of the public debt and of the annual . interest charge is matter of increased satisfaction. There have been purchased and redeemed since March 4. 1890, -I and 4 ... ]>er cent bonds to . the amount of §211,832,450, at a cost of §.46.620,j 711, resulting in the reduction of the annual ini forest charge of $8 967,669, and. a total saving of ‘ interest of §51,576,706. Tiie < ustoms *ervice. Tno Customs Administration Board provided

for by the act of June 10,18‘JO, was selected with great care and is composed in part of men whoso previous experience in the administration ot the old customs regmlations had made 1 them familiar with the evils to be remedied, and in part of men whose legal and judicial acquirements and exp: rienco seemed to fit them for the work of interpreting and applying the new sta'ute. The chief aim of the law is to secure honest valuations of all dutiable merchandise, and to make these valuations Uniterm at all our ports of entry. It has been made manifest by a congressional investigation that a system of under \al ■ ation had been long in use by certain classes of importers, resulting not only in a great loss of revenue butinamost intolerable discrimination against honesty. It is not seen how this legislation, when It is understood, can

i- | ba regarded by tho citizens of any country n having commercial dealings with us us mjmeutli- ly. If any duty is supposed to beexoensivSlet tho io complaint bo lodged there. It will snrelyiliot be ;- , claimed by any wcll-disi osed people that a । remedy may bo sought anil allowed in a system i- 1 of quasi smuggling. r ! THE IVAR DEPARTMENT. . . I o । desertions decrcasinij. • i Tho report of the Secretary of War exhibits '• ' several gratifying results attained during tho y, ar by w iso and unostentatious methods. The t percentage of desertions from tho army <ivn evil < I lor which both Uongress and the department - have long been seeking u remedy) has Icon re- >’ duced during the past year 24 per cent, and for s the mouths of August and September, during I which time the favorable effects of the act of I June 15 were felt, 33 per cent, as compurod with i the same mouths of 1889. *~ j ■ I Tiie results at tained by a reorganization and ■ । consolidation of tho divisi ins having charge of the hospital Bsrvice coords of the va] u iitoer ‘ service are very remaikable. This change was | - effected in July, 1889, and at that time there । wore 40,6 -4 eases awaiting attention, nun-o than ; half of these being calls trom tho Pension Os- ' tlcu for information necessary to the aiiudlca- । ; tion of pension claims. On tho 30th day»of Juno ! lust, though ov.r 300,000 now calls liad come in, there was not a single ease that hud not, boon : examined and answered. Const Defenses. I concur in the recommendations of tho Sec- I rotary that adequate and regula]^m,r,,priatioiiH be com imied for eoaat-de^^L^W*^^ and i ordnance. Plans have lieen '• i upon, and there can be no goo>i , 'wj nii’m •*! ing the execut <>n of them ; •* *’ ’ n | t I less Htate of our great BUUPO rt * KBI UP -x gent reason for w ise expe.JiG'’’'; ! OJUI c The MihUu. . I The ' ncouragemem that has been '•*- ® i the militia of tho Stwtos, gmeiull’ 15-Bf - appropriately designated tho “Nati^.o.,, j should bo contimmd und t<nM '’| I ’'-** s J<l military organizations constitute, it. p-e „ - sense, the army of Ihe United Wfit 6 ‘'J • . about five-sixths of the annual , un4 _I « defjHA * jin: national laws. 0 * Sai is fa ct or Uy Administered. 1 The report of the Attorney General it Muder | tho low Hiibmlttod ilinctly to t'ongnei I. bat , ns tho Department of Justice is one j if tho.t i executive departmiiits emo reference' to the , j work done I . appropriate hero. , A vigorous and in th,-i -tin an efTcs tP. effort ■ has be, n made to bring to trial and punish , uiont nil violators of the law; but, it the : Hamo time, care Ine be. u taki-n^^TAiat : frivolous and technical hlloum h stiould not be I i used to swell the fees of officers or to knra-s welldiapoKd citizens. Es]»Mdnl at tent! Il is called to tin. facts connect,-.! * ith the pro--xu-tion of violations of tin. election laws an I of • offenses against United States officers. The ' number of convict inis mon.i'l verv '.Any of 1 them upon pl as of guilty, will, it'is h.q>ed, j have a salutary n-atraining Uitlueiico. There : h^ve Imuu bov nd cases where Postmasters appointed by me have Ihou oubga led to I Violent inurfereuce in tho discharge j of their official duties, un i to perse-i.ti. ns ! and parsonnl violence of tho most ox- j trenio character. tlome of thos,, cases have been dealt vntb through the Deportment | of Justice, and in mono eases the pontefficee j have be -ti ai>'lishtsl or snspen I. '. I'iiavo directed the 1 os’master General to pursue this course in all ca os wh»r«> other effort* bavo I failed to secure ■ i ativ 1' ..tnnster, n..t t>im«el:' iu fault, an opp< rt unity p. a "fully h> .<icrris« i the duties of Ids .-Hi,*- tint such actfos will . not supplant the efforts of the luq-arUnent of ' Justire to bring the purlii alar offetolers tc pun- ■ ishuioiiL Frauilulent Naturallmtlon. The va nit in by judicial d>s’r«» » of fraudulent : certificates of natural! ati. n. t> -n !>!!> in j equity filed by the Att >tm»y Genera] in th"। j Circuit l ourt of the Unit, d states. Is s now nj.i'lt. ation of a familiar equity jurisdiction. I Nearly one hundred decrrM * biw,> been taken ; during tho year, the evi.irn o -il» I ,dug that a v v inik'o i. .’i,lst <».' fra .441.0.1 ■ ‘ cei(tficatos ' tmiurah- 'tion have n i .m d. ‘ Ami in th s> i < :i>,« <‘GmlU i: to renew li.yro-otm meiidntion that the laws le> so amotme-las to j require a more full and amri hiug inquiry into all tho facta necessary to naturnit alien before , i any eert4fi,»t . are granted. It certainly not too much to require that aa apj lication for i American dtl;» uship -t all i«n m&r ! »!th as much care and rwonie.l with as much formality I ae are given to case« involving tho pettiest | yro]>eriy right. V IOS! AL PITt Rt?l IN Motliod* Gtei('.l) hnprore.l. Th« report of the Pos'mH. rr t«.<ncral shovr the most gratifying ].r s-rv** in the important work committed to ti re. ttoa The butim « I method* have Ih«cu greatly irupwro!. A lore’ i eeon my in <-xp. nditur. auu an n. mu«» pf four mill thr. < ua, tor* inUll<>ns in j>- j ceipts Imrelwiins The d.ffici. ncy '.Ji* I year is .<■ * .-O • u- against *. GO.iix. ]*,• I y< nr, notwitbstandm : the greet <mlargomer it of I the service. Mail have oeeu cvteuib d | ' ami quickened. i ; i.-ivt, . a. , . an • patch in distribu'i->n ar.4 .! lio-iul av- tw-«< ..t- , tainod. The report will l»e found to b« full f j interest .ami suig> »tiou, not only to Cot:grvM>i but to those though:f i! ci; ouis who may In.'' tereat.sl t - know »h«t ;»im « tm ti o.l* oan <P> I for 'hat department <f public n fminjstratimi , whii h most nearly toudu-s all our . e q.Ja Ihe Antl-I oltory Act. The yns-nge of tlw net to amend vertaln sec tious of the luvis. -l Statute* n luting t.i lotteries, approved M'ptemlwr M. |s< bn* isvn received witli gr< st and ileerrvi*! |K>nular fnvt The Post ffice 1 'opartmem aud the Ibq artn ”t t i of Justice at once entered upon the osforve. 1 ment of the law with sympathetic tig.r, and • ulrcadv tiie public mm a ijavc 1, vn largely fns.l from the fraudulent aud deinoraliting ai jwals and literature emana.rig trom the lottery oompouk 3. nu. x n v. Splendid Now Ae**c!s. The c'nstruction and cqui; ment of tie new ships for the navy have ma Ie very ssti-ketory proc enis. Since March 4. K*>, nine ves- i m'i isve been putin < ommi.. ,:ou, ami jiurii g this winter four mor<‘ includi: g one monitor will be mldod. The construction of tht other ; vessels authorized is being jiushed, both in the Government aud private yards, with suvrgy 1 and watched with most scrupulous care. Aalua!»!e I xpeiinient*. The experiment s con i t 4 during tUe year I to test the relative YesG'.i: g ] .wer o' armor j plates have been st va.ua de as Io at- j tract great attention in Europe. The only ■ j.art of the work u]>on the new ships jba‘ is threatened by unusual delay is the anmir t ing, mid every effort is being made tol that to the minimum. It is a source & con- ! gratulatiou that the anticipated inflmwce of these modern vessels upon the esprit i]gc Os the officers and - am. u has been ' nli '•>•!. Confidence ami nriile in the shfy® 1 * 011 ^ Us. ■ ..." M. s-_ bl>". ft'*' 1 ?'- : Your favorable consideration IBTwa^MF* ' 1 :-vi-mi. -ml.i'i "la *.. ” 'ary. i x. 1 : i. 1 < >;: t> 1 r \ i: i vi i > is-Uism. tors Itesults Attain *• The report of tho Secretary of t i interior j exhibits, witli great fullness ar.d^^ptf neK!i . j the vast work of that great departnit ad tho satisfactory results attained. The ‘ W'Btions j madobyl-im are .-, m -• iv cop. n-z Ijp the coneidi rut i nos < . r r, -h "’nuot all be given ] :i; i -.il irzi '“IA Reduction ol Indian Reserv^H^jis. Tiie several Acts of i u gross lookim to the I reduction of the larger Indian reservatpns, to the more rapid settlement of tho India] s upon individual nllotmen's. and the restorlion to the public domain of lands in excess K their needs, have been largely carried intfeffect, so far as the work was confided to tl.SExecutive. Agreements have bei-n eoncludj] since i March 4, UN), involving the cession to the I United States of about 14.726,60; a rejof land. These contracts have, as required Sy law, : been submitted to Congress for raDjcation 1 and for the appropriations necossaryto carry । | them into effect.- those with the Sisseton and 1 I Wahpeton, Sac and Fo.x, lowa, Potta»at®mies ' . and Absentee Shawnees and Occur d’Alene i ■ tribes have not- yet received the santtiou of ' ; Congress. Attention is also called to the fact I > the* the appropriations made in the case of the ' Sioux Indians have not covered all th^tipula- 1 ’ ted payments. This should be promptly cor- | 1 ; rected. It an agri enient is confirmed, in of i’ 3 । 5 1 । terms should bo 10.q.n-d wilh withont de> G I 1

j and full appropriations should be inode. ] AlTairs in Utah. Tim incr< using numbers an d influence cl tbe non-Monnon population in Utah are o | )B *ved with satisfaction. 'I he recent IqUr of \V’J ford Woodruff ITesidentof the Mormon Chur#. iu vhn hhe advis-d his people “to refrain pohi 1 contractin- any marriage f. T bidden by ; heUws ' ot the laud has attracted wide attention' ,ind . it is hoped that its influerce will be high ly-lone- 1 < fl. al in restraining in:ra,ctiou; ot the W" of ! the I nite States. Um th,. r , u . t should J 1 bt ! overlooked Unit the doctrine or ' LiW 1 ot beeh reh hat polvnmous marriaif ari ' f it htful and tupforted by divine n.fft' 011 *, remains unHn-m ed. p n sidt lit 1 duos not n im'iin.c the doctiiuo. but JBxdiißS J

H ’ ftnd advlß(n gainst tho Cw it h , . L b ! VM n tho I,lw is <Wimst it. attempt ti.V A lat the Jaw should not ne bur i • 1 " ltU tho faitb or belief of “"y v’HaMtf “ qUI ? ftn< ’t b <’r thing, and tho of Utidf n t ? , r l i g ’. f "<\ to donl wlth tb ” Territory to bo riemf i * ft i who believe polygamy H lawful t,UI bh ‘‘ l uot h,ivo Uw l ,owor lo wukl > Fanils lor Settlers. 1,1 ln y h lßl annual rnos- i seFriLi at t 0 tho Patenting of lands to । ri Li , Vht ‘ I’rtblic domain has been cur- ‘ m.‘. ’m 1 111 tb " adminislration of tho Land or- ! fTH i, i general suspicion or imputation of ! »1" lH V" al l';«'.d .to delay the hearing >i,«vw dini ,W ll individual cases upon their ♦ill I', 1,10 purpose lias boon to perfect tho ii bo ><est settlors with sinh promptness । ! that the valmi of the.entry might not bo swal- - 1 !ii I 1 > U V by V ,e expenses aud extortions to which ueliv subjected th . claimant. Th. average nionthly issue of agricultural patents has | , been increased about- i.x thousand. The I’eiiHion OtlJce. Tho disability p nsion act, which was apI proved on the 27th of June last, has bo.-n put , into operation an rapidly us practicable. Tho i increased clerical force provided was selected and ÜB-igned to work, and a considerable part of the torce enraged in »xaiuimitious in the ; field was recalled amt added to the working । । force of the office. The examination ami u.l- I judication of claims have, by reason of i ! improved methods, been more rapid than ever before. There is no economy to the Government iu delay, while there is much hardship and Injustice to the soldiers. The unticquited i expenditure, while very large, will not, it is be- I Iteved, 1., iu excess of tho eatimateß made bo- ! ror,. the eum-tuumt ot the law. This liberal geuof 1 *! in"» 8 1 11 mm.-< ai ,'ful scrutiny of bills for special i .-iu f, both as to th.i cases ► •where relief is grunted und us to the amount ►•ihwnl, •j Usi'io s Pub i • RuHillnff Rills. AS. I hml o. ca>ion to return \ 'T I: |5 ,'7..n --Y mV A’ b,B .u,iak.ini; - rro. " tlm rea- >ii Unit t!i ■ ov). n lit in os eou ompuu.’i were lu nil ' lUui n, : r itlv tn .-m-c--. of any public notsi. No ci-vss of 1. gislution is mote liable to UOU ■>'. ot ' - .nt„ „u- , seemly Bcrauible u out tlo> public ti.im ry. than thia. Th ro should !<■ exercisixl iu thia mutter u wise tcoUGiny based upon gome reavdusible ami lm|nirtini examination un i rejairt rA to each case, under tv general law. IHI j r r 11: ivti. > i <»l AGRI! I LTI RE. Farmers I’rosperltiK. The nJ-,r! of th, >< .aivo! Agricul! uro deserves . -i . i-.i nutetiljon In view of the fact I that tbo yar Uta I»«b mark.*! in a very unusual degre. by t^im ton and organization I among the farmers looking to nn incr aao in i tho proiHa of ihoir mmii.esa It will lie found that tho < fforts of the Depart ineut have Iws-u intelhgeu:b ami x* nlouslv d.-v-tUsl to the promotion of (he int»rots imruau-1 to its care. A very stiostantial improv- ment in tho market prices < f the o i ling farm । r -lueta during the year is ii. tu . | ihe price of wheat advanced from *1 oentii in ik-tober, lw>, to sLislri in Peoter, I"’**; corn from 31 cents to .W, cents, oats from l-'L cents to 13 c.-nts aud barley fro tn t>3 cent* t ■ .s oeuta M a's sh-<«ol a I substantial bn. rot so j IW g,. an ii cron - -. The ox- i port trad ' in live animals and fowls Allows a verv large Inercn-e. th 't 'al Value iu such ex- ! ports for the jw ending Juno !. p-'J. was fj i.<¥Mi,'iuJ, and the im rewso over j tiie preceding usr «n< over cm,.MO.- i ox) Nearly Aki.or- more cattle and ov, r 4o.i<Ji more boss were exjswt 4 than in tho I pre cling year. Ihooxp,.| ! trade in Issd ami j jrork pnoductA ami in dairy f r eluct« was very j largely ium-s«. 1 tbei • cas •p- the art i es of ' bniter alone trelng fr in U.&.H 976 pound* to 29,. I 74h,iM2 i ounds. end tb> total inereaao | in the value of meat ami dairy prod- 1 mts ex] it«l bring - in. ibis! trade. »o dim tlv helpful to ;h farmer, it i-I o- I hevrd will Is l vet fu' mir ami verv largely in ! crew*.! Win n t!,e *v -tern of I *p., i-n ami ! »amts' supv. r»> >n now provul I by law is i brought tally into o]MmUon. Pride cling American Alesis. Thsrf! rtxvf llwSoK-'sri to establish toe ! hsaithftihv «s of our m< a’. sg ii ist thedisparngiug imputattons that have l>e«n put upon i thrni abn *4 have resulted in substantiai pmgr- s A‘i trriuarv rg ms sent- out' or the iwpsnmrnt sr.- now all >w,-t to j ar- I t/riparo |» the r-i-s'e.,. „f , t - !n „ .- R - { ~ ■ from thtsipuntry landed nt the L ; li*h dos'ks, and .hiring the ><>ral months they have 1 bsmt: on duty n>- rns- of mntagi.m* pleuro-pm un.oma ho Iwon repiirto-1. This lUApectlon al t. al w I the doo.o. c tnsm-ction Os live animal* ami p>rk pr , ot- pm-Jind for I lo lie a,-t"f August -O. I*o wdi a i.l as per- ! fc?. a guaranty tor the whole .«om<>ti..»s f our j meals off ere-f for foreign nmwhipUm *a is an vw lien given to food product, am I Its nonayeptan o will quite < l >nrb reveal the real motive of any cm Untied restriction forth. dr i ’•» amt that has:' g l-oelt moJei le v:, the duty | 111 Ue FtemitHe will I .. verv plain. licet Sugar Interests. The informal:- n rivrm t>v tlm 8- letary of the i pmaress anil prosiwsts of the bent *u ar in- I oustev s full - r Int"r«*!. It has already passel the wpertmental s'*-;, ami is a commoreial I smses-. Tile ac-a over which t!i> AUg« beet I can lw> sm'»'es*!:ii!y c'Httvat.oi is wry b g-r and I anotlier field cr p of gr at value is offered to lb* choice - f tlm fam t*. The mvretary of Un i r.nviryr -mmrs in tho | wswtitw i dati.m ■» . r.vr. tnry . f Agric ■!It- ’ ure that ‘he ol’aisl * i» rvlst n provi iod by i t la'lari If law f r .ar I d mi. *.n- production shall la> tran*!, rred t ■ the I'« ।a: immt of Agri- ) culture. rhe law relating to tho civil scrVm.» has, so I far a* I can 1 urn, l*e>i executed by those hnv- I ing th" pow. r'•! apiomtmetit m tlm via*ski d । Bervicc with fidelity sml impiutHlitv and the I mu«. has been increasingly >,a'isfact.»ry. The I rejarrt ot the commission shows a lar.y amount ; of good work done during the year with very । limited appropriations. THE lAIUI 1 AND ITS El 1 IK IS. fimjr.o Congratulate 1. I congratulate ti e <’• ngress of the country | up.ui the passage nt the first session of the ITfty-tirst I'oimn-** tan unusual n muter of laws of very high importance, that the ro-s-ults »f this L'. isl itioii will be the quickening and enlargement of our manufacturing iudustrieß. larger and la»tter markets for our lireailstutls ami provision- both at l:-> ::e and abroad, more constant em;loyment and bitt, r wages for our working p.sqrn , and an increased supply of safe currency r the transaction of business, Ido not doubl Some of thes-' measures were enacted at so late a period that the beneficial effects upon commerce which wore iu the contemplation of Congress liaie as yet but partially manifested themselves. — *omo Statistic*. The z'm.-rul •ra u i.I Indus rial conditions throughout th.- c-mmr. .luring the year have shown a marked improvement. lor many years prior to I*** the merchandise balances of foreign trade had been largely in our favor, but during that yea.- ami tho year f.. Rowing they turned agui :st us. It is very gratifying to know that the ia>n- t>seal year again • n l-n Ta - '' : - - ■ I »■-.«. ,- 111, t bank clearings which furnish a good test of the volume of business transacted, for the first ten months of the year 1890 show, as compared with The »nin< montijs Os JWW, ten increase fbr the whole cdunlrvsff about 8 4 per cent., while tho increase outside th city of New York was ■ over J 3 percent. Duriim th-- month ot October T ci.,.nn«- of t’le whole country showed an increase of 3.1 ]>er cent, over October, 1889, while outside of New York the increase -was lljo jier cent. These figures show that the increase in the volume of business was very general throughout the country. That this larger business was being conducted upon a safe and profitable basis is shown by the fact that there were 1'0) less failures reported in October, 1890, than in the same month of the preceding year, witli liabilities diminished by about 85,000,000. Increase in Exports. The value of our exports of domestic merchandise during the last year was over $115,000.000 greater than the preceding year, and i was only exceeded once in our history. About ■ SIOJ.OJO.- 00 of tliis excess was in agricultural products. The production of pig iron—always a good gauge of general prosperity—is shown by a recent census bulletin to have been 153 per cent, greater in 189 > than in 1880, and the production of steel 290 per cent, greater. Mining in coal has had no limitation except that resulting from deficient transportation. The general testimony is that labor is everywhere fully employed, and the reports for the last year show a smaller number of employes affected by strikes and lockouts than in any year since 1884. The depression in the prices of agricultural products bad been greatly relieved, aud a Louyant and hopeful tone was beginning to be felt by all our people. England’s Financial Panic. These promising influences have been in some | degree checked by the surprising and very un- I favorable monetary events which have recently I lakc-n place in Lnglnnd. It is gratifying to | know that these did not grow in any degree out | of the financial relations of Lonuon with our I people, or uuy discredit attached to our securi- I ties held in that market. 'lhe return of our j bonds and stocks was caused by a money strin- | gency in England, not by any loss of value or i credit in the s, entities thems<dves. We could not, ; however, wholly < scape he ill effects of a foreign . monetary agitation accompanied by such ex- |

I—, .1, । । ~ t»»MI traordinary incidents as characterized this. It I bl not behoyed, hom.yer, that these evil inci. , dents, which have for the time unfavorably us- I Lm,?aM alu ? tb ' B - can long vvithstand the strong, safe, and wholesome influ- I ‘ m which uro <q>erating to give to our people 1 । ] rohlubk. leturns in all branche i of legitimate I ”“'.‘o mid industry. The apprehension that our | tann may u-nin and at onco be subjected to important general elm uges wouhl undoubtedly add I I a <h>prub«ing influence of the most serious cbar- | actor. Tlio Late Tarid* A< t. i '1 ho general TarilT act has only partially gone i into operation, some of its important provisions being limited to takeelhct at dates yet in the future. The general provisions of the- law have । been in force less tban sixty days. Its penna- : I pent effect upon tra le and jirices still | largely stand in conjecture. It is curi- ■ ous to note that the advance in the pncuH of aitb leH wholly unattected by th j I tariff aet was by many Lustily ascribed to that I act. Notice was not taken of the fact that the general tendency of the markets was upward, I from influences wholly apart from the recent : tariil legislation. The < nlargemcut of our cur- , rency by the Silver Bill undoubtedly gave an 1 । upward tendency to trade and had a marked effe< t on prices ; but this mitural and desired effect of the silver legislation was by many erj roneously attributed to the Tariff act. Must Have a l air Trial. I hero ig neither wisdow nor justice in the euggeHtion that the Hubject of tariff revision Bhall bo opened before thiH law han bad n fair trial It is quite true that every tariff schedule |is subject to objections. No bill was ever frnmeil, 1 suppose, that in it 11 of its rates ami classiflcatiuns bad the full approval even of a paity caucus, since legislation is always and 1 necessarily the product ot compromise as to details, and the jiresent law is no e.xcep- ? n ^ tß B'eneial scope and effect 1 think it will justify the support of those who believe that American legislation should con- - .Serve American trade ami the wages of workingmen, The lifisiufoiillation ns to the terms the net which Luis o-** n na» s ideiv dissemi- >'<’ e'TH '-re.! l,y-l , »tll- e. iiMimJ.-.t by tie. uvj.V t , r’-ris -G,,: * i ssdiu- l ank*, im. i i at trade i.nl»n.-i- mid the . g-imiui .pXijMuj ;t.v of .-,.r p'-op e Mr-11 li I"-. :i to x.-n, r—oe Kll .-io m ul Loia our custom hotis.s that the j.roI liibitorv effect upon imporiations imputol to the aet is Hot justified. The imjiorts at tho j'ort of New York for the fir*" three weeks of Novtniber were nearly 8 percent, greater than for the same jsTiod iu lewJ. an I 29 jht cent, greater than in same peri 4of 18*s. Alni s.> far i r -m being an net to limit < xportH. I confidently believe that under it we »1 all wuru j a larger and more profitable j'articipatiou in foreign tHide than wo have ever en.oyed. and i that we shall recox-er a pro; ortionate purticipa- , tiou in the ocean .ar.ymg tra e of the world. Foreign Celt <-i«n>* of the Bill. Tho criticisms of the bill that have come to ns from foreign sources mav well Ih> reaa-ted tor repugnancy. If these critics reallv believe that the adoption by us ot a free-trade policy, or of tariff rates fiaxin't reference solely to revenue, would diminish tlx* participation > f their own countries in tho com- , morn> of Um world, their advocacy and the ■ promotion bv speech un 1 other forms of j organized effort of this movement among our - I’ople Un race exhibition of umieUlshm *s in j trade. Ami ou ti e other ham!, if they *im-relv । lielieve Unit the ad a : ion of a protective tariff l policy bv this ountry inures t »th- ir profit ami j our hurt, it is not' <a Iv strange that they ' slionkl Uni tile out< ry against the authors ot a j jhiHcv so helpful to their- ountrymeti and crown i with their favor : hose who would snatch from j I them a Stib*tan:ial -hare of n trade witli oilier i j lands, alrvadv inmloquate to their necesaitieß. Th'-re is no dispoHit i n amoiig any of our peo- ■ pi- to promote । r ddbtiory legislation. Our )* li. i"H nr.- ndot toil no to the hurt of others, . b't to b< ire tor o-tr ' Ives those udvs itages ti.-i' fairly grow- out of o-.r favor' 4 position as n i mi t >p. Oui form of government, with its incident ' nroviTial • itfru:n ukes i imperative ! fits: ■ Hlmll *m »< ip work ng people trom th" , us .-lii4 distre* -'■* wim-'i scant w< rk ami ' ««. «:hnt lenvo no margin tor comfort iilmvys I" ~"'. Lu’ nf' -r all thi* is done it- will be found tlin' ur market* am oi» n to friendly commer-i-il < v. iui.s o, imormous value to other great j lK>wir*. XX ago. us Working People. From th" tin e of m v induction into office, : h" t 'i .tv ”f using ev< rv power and Influence given bv law to the Executive Dipaitment for the ! d o 'lepmetit of larger inm ketß for our piisl- .<• , < -q>» 'tally our farm products, has l»en i sq i i-< m-:iu:tty in mimi, ami no effort I Lin Ist n. or will b . .pared to promote that ’ I XVo are I: J r no ranjvantaite in j win h let.;:: ;..m kit - 0.-pt that wo yay our | w-rhingmen ami woikingwomon better v.ages I than nr pud •I* whei" i t r abstractly, bet- ' t«-r relatively to the cost of tiie noces.-aries of life. 1 4o ; ' deni » ilia' u very larg’ lv iui ereasi-.l ton . i I m mtcesMblo to vs with' lit ' b -th ring for < v r o r h"in-> market for such j j r *lmts of the firm ami shop as ourowujx'oj pie run supply or the wages of our workingpeople. I'll ■ Ke< iproi itv Feature. In many of the products of wood and iron, ami in meatH ami br«'a.lstuffs, we have nd vnu- | tagrs ti nt only m- 4 i«.'".er faciUties ot inter, r rjr«' amt trauaportiit ion to secure for them Inn." son t'.'ti mur .ets. I tie reciprocity clause of the tariff aet wio'ly ami effectively opens ' the way t<> m"ir > a large reciprocal trade iu ex- , change for the fne n imissiou to our I port, of certain prolucts. The right of , iml"p<-mlent mitvoM to make special reciprocal ’ trade c.mo s-ioi.H is wi ll established, and does j not impair i iilier the । 'inif v due to other pow- | ers or w ha' is kno ■■■ n as the “favored nation clause' so gem rally fiuud in commercial treatI les. What is given the one for au adequate i agreed cousideration < u not Ie claimed by anI other freely. Ihe st i . ■ f the revenues was su b i that we could 4is}>eu*e with any import duties ! uj>on tea, hides, ami the lower grades of i su.ur and molasses. I’hat the large advantage I resulting to the eounlne* j r dueing aud exI porting then articles by placing them on the free list entitled us to e\j >ct a fair return in a way of customs com essions u]>on articles exported by ua to them.was*o obvious that to have gratuitously ahum lone i th s opportunity to enlarge our trade would have been au unpardonu le error. There were but two methods of maintaining control of this question open to Congress: To place all of these articles upon tho dutiable list, subject to such treaty agreements as could be secured, or to place them all presently upou the free list, but subject to the reimpoaition of specified duties if the countries from which wo received them uhould refu*" to give t" us suitable reciprocal benefits. This latter method, 1 think, possesses great advantages. It expr sses in advance tho consent of Congress to reciprocity arrangements affecting these products, w’hich must otherwise have bi en di laved ami unascerlained until each treaty was ratified by the Senate and the necessary legislation enacted by Congress. Experience lias-hown that some treaties looking to reciprocal triple have failed to secure a two-thirds vote in the S< mite for ratifleati m, and others having passed that stage have for v ar* awaited the concurrence of the wio,’’iieccasiiry to gi >e effect to their provisions. We now have the concurrence of both Houses iu advance iu a distinct and definite offer of free entry to our ports of specific articles. - The Executive is not required tQ deal in conjecture as to ^hnt Congress will accept. Indeed, this nyiptocity' provision is more than an offer. Our part of the bargain is complete: delivery has been made, and when the countries from which we receive our sugar, coffee, tea and hides have placed on their free lists such of our produ-ts as shall be agreed upon, as au equivalent for our concession, a proclamation of that fact completes the transaction, and in the meantime our own people have free sugar, tea, coffee and hides. Looking Forward. The indications thus far given are very hopeful of early and favorable action by the countries from which we receive our large imports of coffee ami sugar, and it is confidently believed that if steam communication with iheso | countries < an be promptly improved and enI larged, the next year will show a most gratifying increase in our exports of breadstuffs and provisions, as well as of some important lines ot manufactured goods. < 051 ING LEGISLATION. Work that Remains to Bo Done. In addition to the important bills that became laws before tho adjournment of the last session, some other bills of the highest importance were well advanced toward a final vote, and now stand uj on the calendars of the two houses in favored positions. The present session has a fixed limit, and if those measures are not now bronght to a final vote all the work that has been done upon them by this Congress is lost. Tlio proper consideration of these, of an apportionment bill, and of the annual appropriation bills, will require not only that no working day of the session shall be lost, but that measures of minor and local interest shall net be allowed to interrupt or r< turd the progress of those that are of universal interest. In view of those conditions I refrain from bringing before you al this time some suggestions that would otherwise be made, and most earnestly invoke your attention to the duty of perfecting the important, legislation now well advanced. To some ot those measures which

I seem me Important I now briefly call your attention. To Develop American Steamship Lines. I desiie to repeat with added urgency the recommendations contained in my last annual message in relation to the development of ! American steamship lines. Tho reciprocity . clause of tho tariff bill will be largely lim--1 ited, and its benefits retarded aud dimin--1 ished, if provision is not contemporaneously | made to encourage the establishment of firstclass steam communication between our ports and tho ports of such nations an may meet our overtures for enlarged commercial exchanges. Tho steamship carrying the mails statedly und frequently, and offering to passengers a comfortable, I safe, and speedy transit, is the first con- ' dition of foreign trade. It carries the order of the buyer, but not all that is ordered ; or bought. It gives to the sailing vessels such I cargoes as are not urgent or perishable, and, mi directly at least, promotes that important ad--1 junct of commerce. There is now both in this I country ami iu the nations of Central and South : America a state of expectation and confidence | as to increased trade that will give a double ■ value to your prompt action upon this qp.estion. Water for Arid Regions. The subject of the conservation and equal distribution of the water supply of the arid regions hiiH had much attention from Congress, but has not as yet been put upon a permanent aud satisfactory basis. The urgency of the subject does not grow out of any large present demand for the uso of these lands for agriculture, but out of the danger that tho water supply and tlio sites for the necessary catch-basins may fall into tho hands of individuals or private corjiorations and be used to render subservient Hie largo areas dependent upon such supply. The owner of tho water is the owner of the lauds, however tl.e titles may run. All unappropriated natural water sources and oil necessary reservoir sites should be held by the (government for the equal use, at fair rates,' of tho homestead Sattlers who will evcinuallv take up these lands. The I.* : - . sliotild not, in my opinion. underUi , - tA-e>- -m -M../ V- ..-I.'.n’ I ", '»-o'« -'VS::4eJis' ' " '■ -• -m — <’t "vi <xu..“''*bterranean, the ij and Hi.-itiZ" ..j nod th" M ■ I r • 4* | -it. * might bo gra: ;.d to ti e o-pc^ve * w «i | or lirriioriis, or to individuate or associations, । upon tiie condition that the neeessarv works j should be constructed and the water furnished nt fair rates, without discrimination, the nites to be subject to mipervision by the Lugislu.uris or by boards of wat.r commissioners duly constituted. The essential ttnng to lie secured is the common and equal use at fair rate* of the accumulated water supply. It W"re almost lietter that these lauds *!;oiild remain arid than ttiaf those who occupy them should become the slaves of unrestiaineU monop< lies, controlling tlio < sseutial element of land values and crop results. Better Election Laws. If any intelligent and loyal company of \ ericaii citi ens wire required to catalogue the essential human conditions of life, I do nut doubt that with absolute unanimity it would b. gin with “tree ami honest electlone.” And it is gratifying to know that generally there is a growing and non-partisan demand for lietter . lection laws. But against this sign of hope a : I progress must be set the depressing aud undeniable ’act that election laws and methods are sometimes cunningly contrived to see ire minority control, while violence com- ] leteß the shortcomings of fraud. Fass tiie Election Law. In my last annual message I suggested that the dev> lopmect of tlio existing law providing n Federal supervision of Congressional elections offered nu effective method of reforming these abuses. The need of such a la v has manifestul itself in many par s ot the country, and its wholesome restraints and penalties will bo useful in all. The constitutionality of such legislation has been affirmed by the Siq.reme Court. Its probable effectiveness is evidenced by the character of tho opposition that is mode to it. It has been denounced us it it were a new exercise of Federal power and an invasion of the rights <>f the States. Nothing could be further from the truth. Congress has already fixed the time for the election of members of Congress. It has declared that votes for members of Congress must be by w ritten or printed ballots ; it has provided for the appointment by the Circuit. Courts in certain cases, and upon tho petition of :i certain number of citizens, of election supervisors, und made it their duty to supervise the registration ot voters conducted by the Stat' oflieeiß; to challenge persons offering t- register; to jxirsonally inspect and sc rut- , miz" the r. aistry lists, and to affix their 8 names to th.- lists tor the purpose of i ' ntiticaw tiou ami tiie preven’iou . ! frauds ;to a ' l-jg. elections and remain with the boxes t:l: ; '.' ’ votes areall cast and counted ; to attach to the registry list und election returns any statement touching the accuracy and tairnees of the registry lis: and election ; and to take and transmit to the Clerk of the House of Representatives any evidence of the fraudulent, practices which maybe presented to them. The same law provides for the appointment of Deputy United States Marshals to attend at the polls, support the supervisors in the discharge of their duties and to arrest persons violating the election law. The provisions of this familiar title in the Revised Statutes have been put to exercise by both the political parties, and in the North as well us in the South, by the filing with the court of the petitions required by law. It is not, therefore, a question whether we shall have u federal election law, for we now have one. and have had for nearly twenty years, but whether we shall have an effective law. The present law stops just short ot effectiveness, for it surrenders to the local authorities all control over the certification which establishes the prima facie right to a seat in the House of Representatives. This defect should be cured Equality of representation and the j arity of the electors must be maintained, or everything that is valuable iu our system of government is lost. The qualifications of an elector must be sought in the law, not in the opinions, prejudices, or fears of any class, however powerful. The path of the elector to the baUo: ox must be free from the ambush of fear and the enticements of fraud; the count so true and open that none shall gainsay it. Such a law should be absolutely non partisan and impartial. It should give the advantage to honesty and the control to majorities. Surely there is nothing sectional about this creed, aud if it shall happen that the penalties of laws intended to enforce these rights fall here and not there, it is not because the Jaw is sectional, but because, happily, crime is local and not universal. * Nor should it be forgotten that every law, whether relating to elections or to any other subject, whether enacted by the state or by the nation, has force behind it. * The courts, tho marshal or cons-able, the posse comitatns. ’he prison, are all and always behind the law. One can not justly lie charged with unfriendliness to any section or class who seeks only to restrain violation of law and of personal right. No community will find la.vlesaness profitab lA . > :•: it v LL-. fJ me oiliMis -■ ’ PT 1 :-d 1 3" re-’ r; UDUB criminal classes are themselves the jjMajiMF fraud or violence. The magistrate is QUJI out respect uno the law- without floods of lawlessnes*eann"t 1» leveed I to run in one channel. Th" StaAea a w?iC»iir arres? fa* ’ ... I - ■' ‘ 1 tjon ft^men who art'pui Hip’-.f b'y w '.'my ..laitaai for a ciime against life and property. But it is said that this legislation will revive race animosities, and some have even suggested that when the peaceful methods of fraud are made impossible they may be supplemented Ijy intimidation and violence. If the pro posed law gives to any qualified elector, by u hair's weight, more than his equal influence, or detracts by so much from any other qualified elector, it is fatally impeached. Bi.t it tho law is equal and the animosities it is t > evoke grow out of the fact that some electors have been accustomed to exercise the franchise for others as well as for themselves, then these animosities ought not to be confessed without shame and cannot be given any weight in the discussion without dishonor. No choice is left to me but to enforce with vigor all laws intended to secure to the citizen his constitutional rights, and to recommend that the inadequacies of such law s be promptly remedied. If to promote with zeal and ready interest every project for ihe development of its material interests, its rivers, harbors, mines and factories, and the intelligence and peace and securitv under the law of its communities and its homes, is not accepted as sufficient evidence of friendliness to any State or section, I can net add connivance at election practices that not only disturb local results but rob the electors of other States and sections of their most priceless political rights. Appropriation Bills. The preparation of the general appropriation bills thould be conducted with the greatest care ami closi *’ scrutiny of expenditures. Appropriations should be adequate to the needs of tho public service, but they should be absolutely free from prodigality. I venture again to remind you that the brief time remaining for the consideration of tho important legislation now awaiting your attention offers no margin for waste. If tho pi ; sent duty is discharged with diligence, fidelity and courage, the work of the Fifty-first Congress may be confidently submitted to the considerate judgment- of the people. Benjamin Habrison. Executive Mansion, Dec. 1,1890; 1