Bloomington Telephone, Volume 7, Number 32, Bloomington, Monroe County, 8 December 1883 — Page 6

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BLOO MINGTON. INPIAKA.

THE .MflTHB. Annual Message of President Arthur to Congress

The Questions of Finance,

Bevenne and Taxation Discussed.

Postal Telegraphy Mfldly Approved

and Polygamy Sharply Condemned.

A Comprehensive Eeview of Our

Foreign and Domestic Belations.

To the Congress of the United States . At the threshold of a year of deliberation I congratulate you upon the favorable aspect of the domestic and foreign affairs of this Government. foreign Belations. Our relations with other nations continue to neon a friendly footing. With the Argentine Republic, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, Hayti, Italy, Santo Domingo and Sweden and Norway no incident has occurred which calls tor special comment. The recent opening of new lines of telegraphic communication with Central America and Brazil permitted the interchange of messages of friendship with the Governments of these countries. During the year there have been perfected and proclaimed consular and commercial treaties with Serviaand consular treaty With Koumania, thus extending our intercourse with the Dannbian countries, while our Eastern relations have been placed upon a wider base by treaties with Corea and Madagascar. The new boundary survey treaties with Jffexico, a tradesmark convention and a supplementary treaty of extradition with Spatn, and a convention extending the duration of the Franco-American Claims Commission, have also been proclaimed. The fisheries Industry. Notice of the confirmation of the fisheries articles of the Treaty of Washington was duly given to the British Government The privileges and exemptions or the Brtrteh Government and the .reciproical privileges and exemptions of the treaty will accordingly close on July 1, 1885. The fisheries industry, pursued by a nramerous class of oar citizens on the Northern coasts, both of the the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, are worthy of the fostering care of Congress. Whenevsr brought into competion with like industries of other countries, our fishermen,, as well as our manufacturers ef fishing appliances and preparers of fish products, hajre maintained a foremost place. I suggest thA Congress create a commission to conr alder the question of our rights in the flshferies and the means of opening to oar citizens, under just and enduring conditions, the richly-stocked fishing waters and sealing grounds of British North

Pauper Immigration.

The question has arisen touching deportation to the United Btates from the British islands by governmental or municipal aid, of persons unable there to gain a living, and equally a burden on the community here. Sach of these persons as will under the pauper class, as denned by the law, have been sent back, in accordance with the provisions of oar statutes. Her Majesty's Government has insisted thatprecautiona have been taken beforeehipment. This has, however, in So many cases proven ineffectual, and especially so in certain recent instances of needy immigrants reaching oar territory through Canada, that a revision of our legislation upon this subject may be deemed advisable. Clayton-Bulwer Treaty Correspondence relative to the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty has been continued, and will be laid befure Congress. The American Hog in Europe. The legislation of France against the importation of prepared swine produced from the United States has jeen repealed. That result lias been due no less to the friendly representations of this Government than to a growing conviction in France that the restriction is not demanded by any real danger to health. Germany still prohibits the introduction of all swine products from America. I extended to the Imperial Government a friendly invitation to send experts to the United States, to inquire whether the use of these products was danger -sus to health. This invitation was declined. I save believed it of such importance, however, that the exact facts should be ascertained and promulgated, that I have appointed a competent commission to make a thorough investigation of the subject. Its members have shown their public spirit by accepting their trust without pledge of compenaktion. bat I trust that Congress will see in the national and international bearings of the matter a sufficient motive of providing at least for reimbursement of such expenses as they may necessarily incur. The Coronation of the Czar, at Mog cow, afforded to this Government an occasion for testifying its continucu friendship bv sending a special envoy and a representative of the navy to attend the ceremony. While there nave arisen daring the year no grave question affecting the status in the Russian empire of American citizens, or ateer faith than that held by the national atm0k. this Government remains firm in its eoMHEons that the. rights of its citizens abro&a should be in no way affected by their religious belief. Our Relations with Cuba. It is understood that measures for the removal of the resarictions which now burden our trade with Cuba and Porto Bico are under consideration by the Spanish Government. The proximity of Cuba, and the peculiar method of administration which there prevail, necessitate constant discussion and appeal on our part from the proceedings of the insular authorities. 1 regret to say that the just protests of this Government have not, as yet, produced satisfactory results. The Commissioner appointed to decide certain claims of our citizens against the Spanish Government, of a Mtisfactoty rote as to the validity and. force of naturalization in the United States, has Anally adjourned. Some of its awards, though made more than two years ago, have not vet been paid. The specie payment is expected. Claims to a large amount, which were held by the late commission to be without their jurisdiction, have been diplomatically presented to the fipanlah Government, toe action oi the Colonial anthurltieg, which has given rlac to those claims, was admitted aa illegal, and full reparation for the tnjiuies sustained by our dozens ahonld be no longer delayed. Arbitration. The Manilla court has found that the proceedings Of Which this Government has complained were unauthorized, and it Is hoped that the Government of Spain will not withhold the speedy reparation which its sense of justice should impel it to offer for the unusual severity and unjust action of its subordinate colonial officers in the case of this vessel. The case of the Masonic has not yet reached a settlement. The Helvetian Confederation has prepared the inauguration of a class of International treaties for the deferment to arbitration of grave questions' between nations. This Government has assented to the proposed negotiation of such a treaty with Switzerland. Rights of Americans Abroad, Under the treaty ef Berfln, liberty of eonscience and civil rights are assured to all strangers in Bulgaria. As the United States nave no distinct conventional relations with that country, and are not a party to the treaty, they should, in my opinion, maintain a diplomatic representation at Sofia for the improvement of intercourse and the proper protection of the many American citizens who resort to that country as missionaries and teachers. I suggest that I be given authority to establish an agency and Consulate General at the Bulgarian capital. Commerce With Turkey. The United States- are ' now par participatin? in a revision of the tariffs of the Ottoman Empire. They have assented to the application of a license tax of foreigners doing business in Turkey, but have opposed the oppressive storage tax upon petroleum catering the ports of that country.

The Government of the' Khedive has proposed that the authority 'of the- raised jWdicial tribunals in Egypt be extended so as to cover citizens of the United States accused of crime, who are now tried before Consular courts. This Government is not indisposed to accept the change, but believes that its terms should be submitted for criticism to a conimiflsion 1 appointed to revise the whole subject. Our Mexican Boundary. At no time in our national history has there been more manifest need of close and lasting relations with a neighboring state than now exists with respect to Mexico. The rapid influx of our capital and enterprise into that country shows by what has already been accomplished the vast reciprocal advantages which must attend the progress of its internal' development. The treaty of commerce and navigation of 1818 has been terminated by the Mexican 'Government and by the absence of conventional engagements. The rights of our citizens in Mexico now depend upon the domestic statutes of the republic. There have been instances of harsh enforcement of the laws against our vessels and citizens in Mexico, and of denial of diplomatic resort for their protection. The Initial step toward a better understanding has been taken in the negotiations by the commission authorized by Congress of a treaty, which is still before the Senate, awaiting its approval. The provisions for the reciprocal crossing of the troops in pursuit of hostile Indians have been prolonged for another year. The operations of the forces of both Governments against the savages have been successful; and several of their most dangerous bands have been captured or dispersed by the skill and valor of United States and Mexican soldiers fighting in a common cause. The convention for the resnrvey of the boundary from the Bio Grande to the Pacific, having been ratified and exchanged; the preliminary reconnoissenoe therein stipulated has been effected. It now rests with Congress to make provision for completing the survey and resetting the boundary monuments. The Old Case of Benj. Well. A convention was signed with Mexico on July 13, 1882, providing for the rehearing of the cases of Benj. Weil and the Abra Silver Mining Company, in whose favor awards were made by the late American and Mexican Claims Commission. That convention still awaits the consent of the Senate. Meanwhile, because of the charges of fraudulent awards, which have made a new commission necessary, the Executive has directed the suspension of payments of the distributive quota received from Mexico. Central America. Our geographical proximity to Central America and our political and commercial relations with the States of that country justify, in my judgment, such a material increase of our Consular corps as will place at each capital a Consul General.

South. America. The contest between Bolivia and Chili and Peru' has passed from the stage of strategetic hostilities to that of negotiation, in which the Consuls of this Government has been exercised. The demands of Chili for absolute cession of territory have been maintained and accepted by the party of General Iglesias, to the extent of concluding a treaty of peace with Chili in general conf ormitv with the terms of

the protocol signed in my last between the Chilian commander, and Gen. Iglesias. As a result

of the conclusion of this treaty, uen.

Iglesias has been formally recognized by Chili as President of Peru, and his government installed at Lima, which has been evacuated by the Chilians. A call has

been issued bv uen.Uclesias lor a representa

tive assembly to be elected on the 13th of

January, and to meet at Lima on the 1st of

jnarcn next. jeanwnue, tne provisional government of Gen. Iglesias has applied for recognition to the principal powers of America and Europe. When the will of the Peruvian people shall be

manifested, I shall not hesitate to recognize the

government approved by them. Diplomatic and naval representatives of this Government attended at Caraccas

the centennial celebration of the birth of the illustrious Bolivar. At the same time the inauguration of the statue of Washington in the Venezuelan capital testified to the veneration in which his memory is held there. Congress, at its last session, authorized the Executive to propose to the Venezuelan Government a reopening of the awards of the mixed commission of Caraccas. The departure from this country of the Venezuelan Minister has delayed the opening of negotiations for revising the commission. This Government , holds that until the re -establishment of a treaty on this subject the Venezuelan Government must continue to make the payments provided for in the convention of 1866.

There is ground for believing that the dispute

growing out of the unpaid obligations due from Venezuela to France will be satisfactorily adjusted. The French cabinet has proposed a basis of settlement which meets my approval: but as it involves a recasting of the annual quotas of the foreign debt, It has been deemed advisable to submit the proposal to the judgment of the cabinets of Berlin, Copenhagen, the Hague, London and Madrid.

Sandwich Islands. At the recent coronation of His Maiestv King

Kalateana this Government was represented, both dinlomaticaUv and bv the formal visit of a

vessel of war.

The Question of terminating or modifying the

existing reciprocity treaty with Hawaii is now before Congress. I am convinced that the

charges of abuse and frauds under that treaty

nave been exaggerated, and I renew the sug

gestion of last year's message that the treaty be modified wherever its provisions have proved onerous to legitimate trade between the two countries. I am not disposed to favor the entire cessation of treaty relations which have fostered good will between the two 'countries and contributed toward the equality of Hawaii in the family of nations.

Eastern Nations. Jn pursuance of the policy declared

by this Government of extending our intercourse with the Eastern nations, legations have, during the past year, been established in .Persia, Slam and Corea. It is probable that permanent missions of those countries will, ere long, be maintained in the United States. A special embassy from Siam is now on its way hither. Treaty relations with Corea were perfected by the exchange at Seoul, on the 19th of May last, of the ratifications of the lately-con

cluded convention, and envoys from the King

of Talchosan have visited this country and received a cordial welcome.

Corea, as yet unacquainted with the

methods of Western civilization, now invites the attention of those interested in foreign trade, as it needs the implements and products which the United States are ready to supply. We sselc no monopoly of its commerce and no advantages over other nations; but, as the Chinese, in reaching for a higher civilization, have confided in this republic, we cannot regard with indifference any encroachment on their rights. Chinese Indemnity. China, by the payment of a money indemnity, has settled certain of the long-pending claims of our citizens, and I have strong hopes that the remainder will soon be adjusted. Questions have arisen touching the rights of American and other , foreign manufacturers in China under the provisions of treaties which permit aliens to exercise their industries in that country. On this specific point our own treaty is silent; but. under tho operation of the most favored nations clause, we have like privileges with those of other powers. While It is the duty ot the Government to eoo that our citizens have the full enjoyment of every benefit secured by treaty, I doubt the expediency of leading In a movement to constrain China to admit an interpretation which we have only our Indirnct treaty right to exact. The transference to China of American capital foe employment there of Chinese labor, would in effect inaugurate a competition far the control of markets now supplied by Our home Industries. Chinese Immigration. There is good reason to believe that trie law restricting the immiaration ot Chinese has baen violated, intentionally or otherwise, bv tho officials of China upon whom is devolved the duty of certifying that the immigrants belong to the excepted classes. Measures have been taken to ascertain the facts incident to this supposed infraction, and it is believed that the Government Ot China will co-operate with the United States in securing the faithful observance of the law. Tho some considerations which prompted Congress at its last session to return to Japan the Simonesld indemnity, seem to me to require at its hands like action in respect to the Canton indemnity fund, now amounting to $300,000. Japan. The question of the general revision of the foreign treaties of Japan has been considered in an International conference held at Xoklu, but without definite result as yet This Government is disposed to concede the requests of Japan to determine its own tariff duties and provide such proper judicial tribunals as may commend themselves to the Western powers for the trial -of causes to which foreigners are parties, and to assimilate tho terms and duration of its treaties to those of other civilized states, through our Ministers at London and at Monrovia. Liberia. This Government has endeavored to aid 13beria in its differences with Great Britain touching the northwestern boundaries of that republic. There is a prospect of adjustment of tho dispute by the adoption of the Mannah river as the line. This arrangement is a compromise of the conflicting territorial claims, and takes from Liberia no territory over which it has maintained effective jurisdiction.

Interior Africa,

The rich populous valley of the Congo is being opened to .commerce by a society called the International African Association, of which tho King of the Belgians la President, and a citizen of the United -States the chief executive officer. Large tracts of territory have been ceded to the

association wy native oniere. Boads have been opened and steamboats placed on the river, and the nuclei of states established

at twenty-two stations under one flag, which Offers freedom to commerce and prohibits the

stave trade. Tne objects oi tne society are philanthropic. It does not aim at permanent political control, but seeks the neutrality of the valleys. The United States cannot be indifferent to this work, nor to the interests of their citizens involved in it It may become advisable for us toco-operate with other commercial powers in promoting the rights of trade and residence in the Congo valley, free from the interference or political control of any one nation. Social and Scientific. In view of the frequency of invitations from foreign governments to participate in social and' scientific congresses tor the discussion of important matters of general concern, I repeat the suggestions ot my last; message, that provision be made for the exercise of discretionary power by the Executive in appointing delegates to such conventions. Specialists axe ready to serve the National interests in snoh capacity without personal profit or other compensation than the defrayment of expenses actually incurred, and this a comparatively small annual appropriation would euffioe to meet. Restrictions of Commerce. I have alluded in my previous message to the injurious and vexatious restrictions suffered by our trade in the Spanish West Indies. Brazil, whose National outlet for its great National staple, coffee, is through the United States, imposes a heavy export duty upon that product, Our petroleum exports are hampered in Turkey and In other Eastern ports by restrictions us to storage and by onerous taxation. For these mischiefs adequate relief is not always provided by reciprocity treaties like that with Hawaii, or that lately negotiated with Mexico and now awaiting the action of the Senate. Is it not advisable to provide some measure of equitable retaliation in our relations with Governments which discriminate against our own? If, for example, the Executive were empowered to apply to Spanish vessels and cargoes from Cuba and Porto Bico the same rules of treatment and scale of penalties for technical faults which are applied to our vessels and cargoes in the Antilles, a resort to that course might not be barren of good results. 11081100 and Revenue, The report of the Secretary of the Treasury gives a full and interesting exhibit of the financial condition of the country. It shows that the ordinary revenues from all sources, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1883, amounted to Sa 98.287.581.95. whereof there was received

from the customs, $211,706,496.93; from Internal revenue, $144,720368.98: from sales of public lands, $7,955,864.4'.!; frdm tax on circulation and deposits of National banks, $9,111,008.85; from profits on the coinage of bullion, deposits and assays. $4,460,-205.17; from other sources. $17,333,637.60. Total, $398,287,581.9$. For the same period the ordinary expenditures were, for civil expenses, $22,343,285.76; for foreign intercourse, $2,419,275.24; for Indians, $7,!t62,5!K.34; for pensions, $66,012,573.64; for the military establishments and arsenals, $48,911,387.93; for tho naval establishment, including vessels and improvements at navy yard, $15,233,432.17; for miscellaneous expenditures, including public buildings, lighthouses and collecting the revenues,$40,098,432.73; for expenditures on account of District of Columbia, $3,317,028.48; for interest on the public debt, $59,160,131.35; total, $265,408,137.54. Leaving a surplus revenue of $132,879,444.41, which, with an amount drawn from the cash balance in the treasury of $1,299,312.55 $134,178,756.96 was applied to the redemption of the sinking fund, and $44,850,700 of fractional currency. For the sinking fund, $46,556.96 of the funded loan of 1881 were continued at 3 per cent. ; $65,380,250 of the loan of July and August, 1861, were continued at 33 per cent.; and $20,694,600 of the funded loan ot 1907. $1,418,859 of the funded loan ; of 1881, $719,150,of the loan of February 1861, $18,000 of theloan of July and August 1861, $266,600 of loan of March, 1863, $116,850; of loan of July, 1882, $47,650; Of 6-208 Of 1862, $10,300; Of 6-208 of 1864, $7,060; Of 6-208 of 1866, $9,600; of 10-408 Of 1865, $133,550; Of consols Of 1865, $40,800; of consols of 1867, $235,700; of consols of 1868, ' $164,650; of Oregon war debt, $5,450: of refunding certificate. $109,100; of old demand compound interest and other notes, $13,300. Total, $184,178,756.96. Internal Taxation. There are cogent reasons, however, why the national indebtedness should not be thus rapidly extinguished. Chief among them is the fact that only by excessive taxation is such rapidity attainable. In a communication to the 1 Congress, at its last session, I recommended that all excessive taxe be abolished, except those relating to distilled spirits, and that substantial reductions be also made in the revenues from customs. A Btatute has since been enacted by which the annual tax and tariff receipts of the Government have been cut down to the extent of at least $50,000,000 or $60,000,000. While I have no doubt that still further reductions may be wisely made, I do not advise the adoption at this session of any measure for a large duninution of the national revenues. The results of the i legislation of the last session of Congress have not as yet become sufficiently apparent to justi- j fy any radical revision or sweeping modifications of the existing law. , In the interval which must elapse before the ; effects ot the act of March 3, 1883, can be definitely aacertained.a portion at least of the surplus revenues may be wisely applied to the long ' neglected duty of rehabilitating our nation and providing defenses for the protection of i our harbors. This is a matter to which I shall : again advert. i Consolidation of Revenue Districts. The Secretary of the Treasury advises a con- ! solidation of certain of the customs districts of the country, and suggests that the President be vested with such power in relation thereto as is now given him by Section 3,141 of the Revised Statutes. The statistics on this subject which are contained in his report furnish of themselves a strong argument in defense of his views. At the adjournment of Congress the number of internal revenue collection districts was 128. By executive orders, dated June 25, 1883, I directed thatiCei tain of the districts be consolidated. The result has been a reduction of onethird their number, which at present Is but eighty-three. Indian Affairs. From the report of the Secretary of War it will be seen that in only a single instance has there been any disturbance of the quiet condition of our Indian tribes a raid from Mexico into Arizona by a small party of Indians, which was pursued by Gen. Crook into the mountain regions from which it had come. It is confidently hoped that serious outbreaks will not again occur, and that the Indian tribes, which have for so many years disturbed the West, will hereafter remain in peaceable submission. Coast Defenses. I again call your attention to the present condition of our extended sea coast, upon which are so many largo cities whose wealth and importance to the country would in time of war invite attack from modern armored ships, against which our existing defensive works could give no adequate protection. Those works were built before the introduction of modem heavy rifled $uns into maritime warfare, and if they are not put in an efficient condition we may easily be subjected to humiliation by a hostile power greatly Inferior to ourselves. Torpedo Defenses. As germane to this subject, I W 70wf attention to the imporiauea or perfecting our submn rino torpedo defenses. The board authorized by thj last Congress to report on tne method which should be adapted for the manufacture of heavy ordnance adopted to modern warfare has visited the principal iron and steel works in this country aid in Europe. It is hoped that its report will be so made and that Congress will therefore bo disposed to provide sal bible facilities and places for the manufacture) of audi guns as are now imperatively needed. Tho Army. On several occasions during the past year officers of the army have, at the request of the State authorities, visited their military encampments for the inspection of the troops. From the reports of those officers, I am induced to believe that the encouragement of tho State militia organization by the national Government would bo followed by very gratifying results and would afford. In sudden emergencies, the aid or a large body of volunteers educated in the performance of military duties. Navul Allah's. The Secretary of the Navy reports that, under the authority of the acts of Aug. 5, 1882, and March 3, 1883, the work of strengthening our navy by the construction of modern vessels has been auspiciously begun. Three cruisers are in progress of construction- tho Chicago, of 4,500 tons displacement, and the Boston and Atlanta, each of 2,r00 tons. They are to be built of steel, with the tensile strength and ductility prescribed by law, and, in combination of speed, endurance and armament, arc expected to compare favorably with tho best nuarmored war vessels of other nations. A fourth vessel, the Dolphin, is to foe constructed of . similar material, and is intended to serve as a fleet dispatch boat. The double turroted monitors, Puritan, Amplerite and Terror, have been tour ched on the Delaware river, and a contract has b ;en made for the sup-

ply ot their machinery. A similar monitor, the Monadnook, has been launched in California. The Naval Advisory Board -and the Secretary recommend the completion of the monitors, the construction of four gunboats, and also of three additional steel vessels, like the Chicago, Boston and Dolphin, as an important measure of material defense, t National Currency. Immediately associated- with the flnancla subject just discussed is the important question, What legislation is needed regarding the national currency? The aggregate of bonds now on deposit in the treasury to support the national bank cironlatiori ia about $350,000,000. Nearly $200,000,000 of this amounts consists of 3 per ceuts.,whioh, as before stated, are payable at the pleasure of the Government, and aro likely to be' called in within less than four years, unless.

meantime, the surplus revenues shall be diminished. The probable effect of such an extensive retirement of the securities, which are the basis of the National bank circulation,would be such a contraction of the volume of the currency as to produce grave commercial embarrassments. How can the danger be obviated ? The most effectual plan, and one whose adoption at the earliest practical opportunity I shall heartily approve, has already been Indicated. If the revenues of the next four years shall be kept substantially commensurate with the expenses, the volume of circulation will not be likelysto suffer any material disturbance. But if, on the other hand, there shall be great delay in reducing taxation, it will become necessary either to substitute some other form of currency in place of the National bank notes or to make Important changes in the laws by which their circulation is controlled. In my judgment the latter course is far preferable. I commend to your attention the very interesting and thoughtful suggestions on this subject which' appear in the Secretary's report. The objections which he urges against the acceptance of any other securities than the obligations of the Government itself as a foundation for national bank circulation seem to me insuperable. For averting the threatened contraction two courses haveTaeen suggested, cither of which is probably feasible. One is the issuance of new bonds having many years to run, bearing a low rate of interest, and exchangeable upon the specified terms of those now outstanding. The other course, which commends itself to my own judgment las the better, is the enactment of a law repealing the tax on circulation, and permitting the banks to issue notes for an amount equal to 90 per cent, of the market value, instead of, as now, the face value ot the deposited bonds. I agree with the Secretary in the belief that the adoption of this plan will afford the necessary relief. Receipts and Disbursements. The revenue for the present fiscal year, actual and estimated, is as follows:

SOURCE.

From customs.... From internal rev

enue

From sales of pub

lic lands

From tax en circu

lation and depos

it in national

banks

From repayment

of interest and

sinking fund on;

racmc railroad. . i

From customs,

fees, fines, etc...

From fees consu

lar, letters patent and lands

From proceeds of

sales ot Government property..

From profits on

coinage, etc

From deposits for

surveying lands.

From revenues of

District of Columbia. i

From miscellan

eous

Actual for

the quarter ending Sept. 30, '83

i 57,402,975.67 29,662,078.60 2,932,635.17

1,667.800.88

521,059.51

298,696.781

863,209.80 112,562.23 950,229.46

t! 172,461.31 I

256,017.99 1,237,189.63

Total receipts.. j$ 95,966,917.031 $2 47,023,082.97

Estimated for the remaining three quarters of year.

$ 137,597,024.33 90,937,721.40 5,067,364.83 1,542,199.12 1,473,940.49 901,303.22 2,438,790.20 167,437.77 3,149,780.54 327,538.69 1,643,982.01 2,382,810.37

The nntn&1 and estimated mwnsM for the

same peripd are:

OBJECT

Fiscal and miscella

neons, including

Suduc buildings, ghtbouses and

collecting the rev enue ,

For Indians For pensions For military estab

lishment, includ

ing fortincations.

river and harbor improvements and

arsenals

For naval establish

ment. Including

vessels and machinery and improvement ot navy

yards For expenditures ac

count of District of

Columbia.

For interest on pub-!

lie debt

Total ordinary expenditures

Total receipts, actual and estimated. Total expenditures, actual and esti

mated

Total

Estimated amount

due sinking fund.

Leaving a balance of

For quarter

ended Sept.

30, 1883, act

ual.

$ 15,985.799.42

2,623,390.54! 16,285,261.98

13,512,204.33

4,199,299.69 1,138,836.41 14,797,297.96'

$ 67,942,090.33

343,000.000.00 258,000,000.00

$ 85,000,000.001

46,810,741.07

39,183,258.93

For remain

ing threefourths ot year, estimated.

$ 51,114,200.58

4,126,609.46 93,714,738.02

26,487,795.67

12,300,700.31 2,611,163.50 39,702,702,04

$190,037,909.67

If the revenue for the fiscal year which will end on June 30, 1385, be estimated upon the basis of existing laws the Secretary is of the opinion that for that year the receipts will exceed by $00,000,000 the ordinary expenditures, including the amount devoted to the sinking fund. Hitherto the surplus, as rapidly as it has accumulated, has been devoted to the reduction of the national debt. As a result, the only bonds now outstanding which are redeemable at the pleasure of the Government are the 3 per cents., amounting to about $305,000,000. The 4 per cents., amounting to $250,000,000, and the $787,000,000 of 4 per cents, are not payable until 1891 and 1907, respectively. If the surplus shall hereafter be as large as the Treasury estimates now indicate, the 3 per cent, bonds may all be redeemed at least four years before any of the 4 per cents, can be called in. The latter, at the same rate of accumulation of surplus, can be paid at maturity, and the moneys requisite for the redemption of the 4 per cents, will be in the treasury many years before those obligations become payable. The Trade Dollar. The trade dollar was coined for the purpose of traffic in countries where silver passed at its value, ascertained by its weight and fineness. It never had a legal tender quality. Largo numttff of these coins entered, however, into the volume of our currency by common consent. Their circulation in domestic trade has now ceased, and they have In the United Btates become a disturbing; element. They should not be longer permitted to embarrass our currency eyetcm. I recommend that provision for their reception by the treasury and minta as bullion at a small percentage above tile Current matiCet price of stiver of like finencRB bo mode. The Secretary tttgest, also, the immediate creation of an internal i'aafc line of waterways' across the peninsula of Florida, along the coast from Florida to Hampton roads, between the Chesapeake bay and Delaware river, and through Capo Cod. I feel bound to impress upon the attention of Congress the necossity of continued progress in the reconstruction oi the navy. The condition of tho public treasury, as 1 have already intimated, makes the present an auspicious time for putting this branch of the service in a state of efficiency. It is no part of our policy to create and maintain a navy able to cope with that of tho other great powers of the world. We have no wish for foreign conquest, and the peace which we have long enjoyed ibin no seeming danger of interruption. Bnt that our naval strength should be made adequate for tho defense of our harbors, the protection of our commovcial intoresta and the maintenance of our national honor, it a proposition from whieh no patriotic citizen can withhold his assent. Postal Matters. The report of the Postmaster General contains a gratifying exhibit ot the condition and prospects of the interesting branch of the public service committed to his care. It appears that on June 30, 1883, tho whole number of postoftices was 47,863, of which 1,932 were established during tho previous fiscal year. Tho number of offices operating under the system of free delivery, was 151. At these latter offices tho postage on local matter amounted to $4,195,2110.02, a sum exceeding by $1,021,891.01 the entire cost of the carrier service of the country. Tho rato of postage on drop letors passing through these offices is now fixed by law at two cents pes: half-ounce or fraction thereof. In offices whoie the carrier system has not been es

tablished the rate is one-half as large. It will be remembered that in 1863, when free-deHvery was first established by law, the uniform Single rate postage upon local letters was onfr cent, and so it remained until 1R72, when in those cities where canier service was established- it was increased, to defray the expense of sudh servloe. It seems to me that the old rate may now with propriety be restored, and that, too, even at the risk of diminishing, for a time at leasts the receipts from postage upon local letters, i can see no reason why that particular claw of mall matter should bo held accountable for the entire cost of not only its own collection and delivery, but the collection and delivery oi' all other classes, and I am confident, after full consideration of the subject, that the reduction of the rate would be followed by such a growing ao--cession of business as to occasion but slight and temporary loss to the revenues of the post-

omce. Postal Telegraphy. The Postmaster General devotes much of his report to the consideration, in its various aspects, of the relations of the Government to the telegraph. Such reflection as I have been able to give to this subject since my last annual message has not led me to change the view which I there expressed, in dissenting from the recommendation of the Postmaster General, that the Government assume the same control over the telegraph which it has always exorcised over the m .11. Admitting that its authority in the premises in as ample as has ever been claimed for it, it would not, in my judgment, be a wise use of that authority to purchase or assume the control of existing telegraph lines, or to construct others with a view of entering into general competition with private enterprise. The objections which may be justly urged against either of these projects, and, indeed, against any system which would require an enormous increase in the civil service list, do not, however, apply to some of tho pians which have lately provoked

public comment ana discussion, it has oeen claimed, for example, that Congress might wisely authorize the Postmaster General to contract with some private person or corporation for the transmission of messages at specified rates and under Government supervision. Various such schemes of the same general nature, but widely differing in their special characteristics, have been suggested in the public prints, and the arguments by which they have been supported and opposed have doubtlass attracted your attention. It is likely that the whole subject will be considered by you at the present session. In the nature of things, it involves so many questions of detail that your deliberations would probably be aided slightly, if at all, by any particular suggestions which I might now submit. I avow my belief, however, that the Government should be authorized by law to exercise some sort of supervision over inter-State telegraph communication, and I express the hope that for attaining that end some measure may be devised which will receive your approbation. Jurors and Witnesses in Federal Courts. The Attorney General criticizes, in his report, the provisions of the existing law fixing the fees of jurors and witnesse in the Federal courts. The provisions are chiefly contained in the act of Feb. 26, 1853, though some of them were introduced into that action from statutes which had been passed many years previous. It is manifest that such compensation as might, when these laws were enacted, have been just and reasonable, would in many instances be justly regarded at the present day as inadequate, I concur with the Attorney General in the belief that the statutes should be revised by which these fees are regulated. So, too, should the laws which regulate the condensation of District Attorneys and Marshals. They should be paid wholly by salaries, instead of impart by fees, as is now the case. The change would prove to be a measure of economy, and would discourage the institution of needless and oppressive legal proceedings, which, it is to be feared, have, in some instances, been conducted for the mere sake of personal gain. Interior Department. Muoh interesting and varied information is contained in the report of the Secretary of the Interior. I particularly call your attention to his presentation of certain phrases of the Indian question; to his recommendations for the repeal of the Pre-emption and Timber-Culture act--, and for more stringent legislation to prevent frauds under the Pension laws. The statutes which prescribe the definitions and punishments of crimes relating to pensions could doubtless be made more effective by certain amendments and additions which are pointed out in the Secretary's report. Primary Education. I have previously referred to the alarming state of illiteracy in certain portions of the country, and again submit for the consideration of Congress, whether some Federal aid should not be extended to public primary education wherever adequate provision therefor has not already been made. The Mormons. The Utah Commission has submitted to the Secretary of the Interior its second annual report as a result of its labors in supervising the recent, election in that Territory, pursuant to the act of March 22, 1882. It appears that the persons by that act disqualified, to the number of about 12,000, were excluded from the polls. This fact, however, affords little cause for congratulation, and I fear that it is far from indicating any real and substantial progress toward the extirpation of polygamy. Allot the members of the Legislature are Mormons. There is grave reason to believe that they are in sympathy with the practices that this Government is seeking to suppress, and that its efforts in that regard will be more likely to encounter their opposition than receive their encouragement and support. Even if this view should happily be erroneous, the law under which the commission have been acting, should be made more effective by the incorporation of some such stringent measures as they recommend, as were included in bill No. 2238 on the Calendar of the Senate, at its last session. I am convinced, however, that polygamy has become so strongly intrenched in the Territory of Utah, that It is profitless to attack it with any but the strongest weapons which constitutional legislation can fashion. I favor, therefore, the repeal ot the act upon which the existing Government depends, the assumption by the National legislation of the entire political control of the territory and the establishment of a commission, with such powers and duties as shall be delegated to it by law. Agricultural Development. The Department of Agriculture is accomplishing much in the direction of the agricultural development of the country, and the report of the Commissioner, giving the results of his investigations and experiments, will be found interesting and valuable. At his instance, a convention of those interested in the cattle industry of the country was lately held at Chicago. The prevalence of pleuro-pneumonia and other contagious diseases of animals was one of the chief topics of discussion, and a committee of the Convention will invite your co-operation in investigating the causes of these diseases, and providing methods for their prevention and cure. Alaska. I trust that Congress will not fail, at its present session, to put Alaska under the protection of law. Its people have repeatedly remonstrated against our neglect to afford them the maintenance and protection expressly guaranteed by the terms of tho treaty, whereby that Territory was ceded to the United States. For 16 years they have pleaded in vain for that which they should have received without the asking. They have no law for collection of debts, the support of education, the conveyance of property, the administration of estates, or the entorcement of contracts, nor. Indeed, for the punishment ot criminals, except such as is afforded against obtain customs, commerce and navigation acta. The resources of Alaska, especially in fur, mines and lumber, are considerable in extant and capable Of laige development, while in ita geographical situation it is one of political and commercial Important Th promptings rf interest, thereforei as well as considerations of honor ana erooa faith, demand tu immediate establishment of civil government in that country. Inter-State Commerce. Complaints have lately been numerous and urgent that certain corporations controlling, m whole or in part, the facilities tor the interstate carriage ot persons and merchandize over the great railroads ot the country, have resorted, iu their dealings with the public, to divers measures unjust ana opprec sivc In their character. In some instances the State Governments have attacked aud suppressed those evils, !.ut in others they have been unable to afford adequate relief, becauso of the jurisdictional limitations which are imposed upon them by the Federal constitution. The question how far the National Government miy lawfully interfere to the premises, and what, it any, supervision ov control it ought to exercise, as one which merits your careful consideration. Yhilo we cannot fail to recognize the importance of the vast railway system of the conntry. and their great and benqficinl influence upon the development of our material wealth, we should, on the other hand, remember that no individual and no corporation ought to be invested with absolute power over the interest of any other citizen or class of citizens. The right of these railway corporations to award any profitable return upon their Investments, and to reasonable freedom in their regulations, must be recognized. But it seems only just that, so far as its constitutional author.ty will permit, Congress should protect the people at large, in their interstate traffic again -t acts of injustice, which the State Governments arc powerless to prevent, TUo Nation's Forests. In my last annual message I called attention to the necessity ot protecting by suitable legis

lation the forests situated upon the pnblie domain. In many, portions of s:? West the pursuit of general agriculture lsonjy made practicable W resort to imgttpu -ftafle successful irrigation would :be lnpositblo without the aid. afforded by forests 1 1 contributing to the regu- , laxity and constancy or the -supply of water. During the past year lever filtering and great lose of property have been occasioned by profuse floods, followed by periods ot unusually low water In many of the great - riversof the country. These irregularities were n great measure caused by the removal from ibout the sources of the streams in question of the timber by which the water snppy had been nourished and protected. The preservation of such portions of tho forests on the national domain as essentially contribute to the equable flow of important water courses is of ttie highest consequence. Important tributaries of the Missouri, the Columbia and the Saskatchewan, rise in the mountains of Montana, neat the northern boundary of the United States between the Blaokfeet and Flat Head Indian reservations. This region is unsuitable for settlement, but upon the rivers which flow from it depends the future agricultural development of a vast tract of country. The attention of Congress is called to the necessity of withdrawing from public sale this oart of the public; domain, and establishing there a forest preserve. - Industrial Exhibitions. The. industrial exhibitions which have bee. held in the United States during thepte&entyesr attracted attention in many foreign countries, where the announcement of those enterprises have been made public through the foreign agencies of this Government. The Industrial Exhibition at Boston and the Southern Exposition at Louisville were largely attended by the exhibitors of foreign countries; notwithstanding tho absence of any professional character in those undertakings. The Centennial Exposition to be held next year at New Orleans, in commemoration ot the-, centenary of the first shipment of cotton from a port of the United States, bids fair to meet with like gratifying success. Under tho act of Congress of the loth of February, 1883, declaring that exposition to be national and international in its character, foreign Governments with which theUnited States maintain relations have been invited to participate. The promoters ot this important undertaking have already received assurances of the lively interest which it excited abroad.

District of Colombia.

The report of the Commissioner of thedfcK-

trict of Columbia is herewith transmfflea. - J ask for it yeur careful attention, especially for those portions which relate to assessments of arrears of taxes and water supply. CivU Service, The Commissioners who were appointed under the act of Jan. 16, 1883, entitled "An act to regulate and improve the civil service of tho United States," entered promptly upon the discharge of their duties. A series of rulesframed in accordance with the spirit of the statute was approved and promulgated by the President, but in some particulars, wherein they seemed defective, these rules were subsequently amended. It will boperceived that they discountenance any political or religious tests for admission to the offices of the public service to which the statute relatesThe act is limited in its original application to the classified clerkships in the several executive departments at Washington, numbering" about 5.600, and to Flmilar positions in ctistoms. districts and postoffLies where as many as fiftypersons are employed. A classification of these positions, analagous to that existing in theWashington offices, was duly made before the law went into effect. Eleven customs districts and twenty-three paid offices were thus brought under the immediate operation ot' the statute. The annual report of the CivilService commission, which will soon be submitted to Congress, will doubtless afford the means of a more definite judgment than I am now prepared to express as to the merits of the new system. I am persuaded that its effects havethus far proved beneficial. Its practical methods appear to be adequate for the ends proposed, and there have been no serious difficulties in carrying them into effect. Since the 16th of July slast no person, so far as I am aware, has been appointed to the public service, in the classified portions thereof, a' any of thodepartments, or at any ot the postoftices and customs districts above named, except those certified by the Commission to be the most competent, on the basis of the examination held in, conformity to the rules. Presidential Succession. At the time the present Executive entered upon his office his death, removal, resignation or inability to discharge his duties would have left the Government without a constitutional head. It is possible, of csurse, that a similar contingency may again., arise, unless the wisdom of Congress shall provide against its recurrence. TheSenateat its last session, after full consideration, passed an act relating to this subject, which will now, I trust, commend itself to the approval of both houses of Congress. The clause of the constitution upon which must depend any law regulating the presidential succession, presentsalso for solution other questions ot paramount importance. These questions relate to the proper interpretation of the phrase, "Inability to discharge the powers and duties of the office. Oar organic law, providing that when the President shall Juffer from such Inability the Presidental office shall devolveupon the Vice President, who must himself., under like circumstances, give place to such officer as Congress may by law appoint to act as President. I need not set forth the numerous and interesting inquiries which are suggested by these words of the Constitution. They were fully stated In my first communication to Congress, and havesince been the subject of frequent deliberationsin that body. It is greatly to be hoped that these momentous questions will find speedy solution, lest an emergency may arise when, longer delay will be impossible, and any determination, albeit the wisest, may furnish; cause for anxiety and alarm. The Veto Power. For the reasons fully stated) in my last annual message, I repeat my recommendation that Congress propose an amendment to that, provision of the Constitution which prescribed the formalities for the enactment of laws whereby, in respect to bills for the appropriation of public money, the Executive maybe enabled, while giving his approval to particular items, tointerpose his veto as to such others as do not commend themselves to his judgment. CivU Bights. The Fourteenth amendment to the Constitution confers tho rights of citizenship upon alt persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof. It was the special purpose of this amendment to insure to members of the colored race the full enjoyment of civil and political rights. Certain statutory provisions intended to secure the enforcement of those rights have been recently declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court Any legislation whereby Congress may lawfully supplement the guarantee which the Constitution affords for the equal enjoyment by all the citizens of the United Stases of every right, privilege and immunity ot citizenship, will receive my unhesitating approval. Chester A. Abxbpdx. Washington, D. C, Deo. 3, 1883.

Too Quick for Ben Batten An ex-Congressman of Massachusetts tells a etory about Gov. Busier which illustrates his methods with ft jury and shows that he 8omeidro.es his match. He was once counsel in a case before a Lowell Judge and jury, being on the side which vr&s irredeemably weak and wrong. His only chance lay in misinterpretiug the testimony of a witness who had spoken in a particularly straightforward manner, and it ecnid way hoodwinking Lawyer Train, the opposing attorney. So, when Butler's turn to address the jury came, he began in a plausible and impressive manner to lead his hearers up t'o the point where his last hope lay. Beaching it, he informed the gentlemen of the jury that even the witness admitted snoh and such occurrences. Watching Mr. Train narrowly meantime, and judging by his silence that the course was open; h&rpeated again and again a very damaging assertion. When he had said it oyer half a dozen times Lawyer Train who sat quietly at his deak, little interested, apparently, in the General's argument, turned his head slowly and remarked in the dry way peculiar to him : "If my brother Butler repeats that a few times more, he'll make hirnsalf believe the witness said it J This was too muoh for the gravity of the audience. Judge and jury joined the spectators in a hearty laugh, and Gen. Butler lost his case. , 1

Adams county, Miss., has 1,808 more females than males.

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