Terre Haute Weekly Gazette, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 9 December 1880 — Page 1

President Hays's Annual Message.

P'f.Ut.m'Cit'Zi'nx of tlkf. iftuitc and If"ti*f of fifiprwentntirc*: I congratulate you on (lit* continued rnd increasing prosperity of our country. By the favor of Divine Providence wc have In-en blessed, during the past year, with health, with abundant harvests,with profitable employment tor all our people, and with contentment at home, and with peace and friendship with other nations.

The occurrence of the twenty-fourth election of Chief Magistrate has aflorded another opportunity to the people of the United Slates to exhibit to the world fa magnificent example of the peaceful and safe transmission ot the power and authority of government from the public M-rvants whose terms of ufiicc are alout to expire, to their newly chosen successors. This example cannot fail to impress jirofoundly, thoughtful people of other countries with the advantages which republican institutions afford. The immediate, general and cheerful acquiescence of all good citizens, in the result of the election, gives gratifying assurance to our couutry and to its friends throughout the world, that a government based on the free consent of urt intelligent and patriotic people! possess elements of strength, stability, and permanency not found in any'otber form of government.

Continued opposition to the full and free enjoyment of the righis of citizenship, conferred upon the eolored people by the recent, amendments the Constitution, still prc\ails in some of the slave holding states. It has, perhaps, not been manifested in the recent election to any large extent in acts of violence or intimidation. It. has, however, by fraudulent practice in connection with the ballots, with the regulations as to the places and manner of voting, and with counting, returning, and canvassing the votes cast, been successful in defeating the right preservative of all rights, the right of suffrage, which ibe Constitution expressly confers upon our enfranchised citizens.

It is the desire of the good people of Ihc whole country that sectionalism as a factor in our polities uUnuia «iisjiDjui» Thwwprefgr that no section of the country should be united in solid opposition to any other section The disposition to refuse a prompt and hearty obedience to the equal-rights amendments to the ConHiiutiou, is all that now stands in the way of a complete obliteration of sectional Hues in c*rr political coutests. As long as either of these amendments is Uagrantly violated or disregarded, it is wife to assume that the people who placed them in the Constitution, as embodying the legitimate results of the war for the Union, and who believe them to be wise and necessary, will continue to act together, and to insist that tliey shall be obeyed. The paramount question still is, as the enjoyment of the right by every American citizen who has the requisite qualifications, to freely cast Ira vote and to have it honestly counted. With this question rightly settled, the country will be relieved of the contentions of the pas bygones will indeed be bygones and political and party issues with respect to economy and elliciency ot administration, internal improvements, the tariff, domestic taxation, education, finance, and other important subjects, will then receive their full-share of attention but resistance to and nullification of the results of the war, will unite together in resolute purpose tor their support all who maintain the authority of the Government and the perpetuity of the Union, and who adequately appreciate the value ot the victory achieved. This determination proceeds from no hostile sentiment or feeling to any part of the people of our country, or to any of their interests. The inviolability of'the amendments rests upon the fundamental principle of our Government. They are the solemn expression of the will of the people of the United States.

The sentiment that .the constitutional rights of all our citizens must be maintained does not grow weaker. It will continue to control the Government of the couutry. Happily, the history of the late election shows that in many parts of the country where opposition to the fifteenth amendment has heretofore prevailed, it is diminishing, and is likely to cease altogether, if firm and well-consid-ered action is taken by Congress. I trust the House of Representatives and the Senate, which have the right to judge: of the elections, returns, and qualifications of their own members, will see to jt that every ease of violation of the letter or spirit of the fifteenth amendment is thoroughly investigated, and that no benefit from such violation shall accruc to any person or party. It will be the duty of the Executive, with sufficient appropriations for the purpose, to prosecute unsparingly all who have been engaged in depriving citizens of the rights guaranteed to them by the Constitution.

It is not, however, to be forgotten that the best and surest guarantee of the primary rights of citizenship is to be found in that .capacity for aelf-prctection which can belong only to a "people whose right to universal suffrage is supported by universal education. "The means at the command of the local and State auhorities are, in many cases, wholly inadquatc to furnish free instruction to all who need it. This is especially true where, before emancipation, the education of the ieople was neglected or prevented, in the interest of slavery. Firmly convinced that the subject of popular e'ducation deserves the earnest attention of the people of the whole country, with a view to wise and comprehensive action by the Government of the United States, 1 respectfully recommend thai Congress, by suitable legislation and with proper safeguards, supplement the local cdaca tional fuuds in the several States where the urave duties and responsibilities of,

In my former annual messages, I have asked the attention of Congress to the urgent necessity of a reformation of the civil-service system of the Government. My views concerning the dan gets of patronage or appointments for personal or partisan considerations. have leen strengthened by my observar.ion ami experience in the Executive office, Mid I believe these dangers threatened tfw stability of the' Government. Abuses so serious their nature cannot be pcrmanent-

CoinjK'titive examination*, in aid of impartial appointments and promotions, have been conducted for some years past in several of the Executive Departments, and by my direction this system has been adopted in the custom-houses and and post offices of the larger cities of the country. In the city of New York over two thousand positions in the civil service have been subject, in their appointments and tenure of place, to the operation of published rules for this purpose, during the past vo years. The results of these prac tical trials have been very satisfactory, and have confirmed my opinion in favor of this system of ^election. All are subjected to the same tests, and the result is tree from prejudice by personrl favor or partisan influence. It secures lor the position applied for, the best qualifications attainable anion the competing applicants. It i-* an effectual protection from the pressure of importunity which, under any other course pursued, largely exacts the time and attention of appointing officers, to their great detriment in me discharge or men wrtiei r»n.-it« uUlics, preventing' tlio"abuse of the service for the furtherance of private or party purposes, and leaving the employe of the Government, freed from the obligations imposed by patronage, to depend solely upon meri't for retention and advance, .'iient, and with this constant incentive to exertion and improvement.

These invaluable results have been attained in a high degree in the offices where the rules for appointment be competitive examination have been applied.

A method which basso approved itself by experimental tests at points where such tests may be fairly considered conclusive, should he extended to all subordinate positions under tho Government. I believe that a strong and growing public sentiment demands immediate measures for securing and enforcing the highest possible efficiency in the civil service, and its protection from recognized abuses, and that the experience referred to has demonstrated the feasibility of such measures.

The examinations in the custom-houses and post offices have been held und er many cmbarassment.s and without provision for compensation for extra labor performed by the ofiieers who have conducted them, and whose commendable interest in the improvement of the public service has induced this devotion of time anu labor without pecuniary rewa.-d. A continuance of these labors gratuitously ought not to be expected, and without au appropriation by Congress for compensation, it is not practicable to extend the system|of examinations generally throughout the civil service. It is also highly important that all such examinations should be conducted upon a uniform system and under general supervision^. Section 1753 of the Revised Statutes auhorizes the President to prescribe th? regv.latious for admission to the civil service of the United States, and for this purpose toemploy suitable persons to conduct the requisite inquiries with reference to "the fitness of each ci&didate, in respect to age, health, character,knowledge,aud ability, for the branch of service into which lie seeks to enterbut the law is practically inoperative for waut of the requisite appropriation.

I therefore recommend an appropriation of $25,000 per annum to meet the expenses of a commission, to be appointed by the President in accordance with the termsof this section, -whose duty it shall be to devise a just, uniform, and efficient system of competitive examina-l tions, and to supervise the application of the same throughout the entire civil service of the Government. I am persuaded that the facilities which such a commission will afford for testing the fitness of those who apply for oflice will not only be as welcome a relief to members of Congress as it will be to the President and heads of Departments, but that it will also greatly tend to remove the causes of embarrassment which now |nevitabiy aad constantly attend the conflicting claims of patronage between the Legislative and and Executive Departments. The most effectual check upon the pernicious competition of influence and official favoritism, in the bestowal of office, will be the substitution of an open competition of merit between the applicants, in which every one can make his own record with the assurance that his success will depend upon this alone.

I also recommend such legislation as, while leaving every officer as free as anyother citizen to express his political opinions and to use his means for their advancement, shall also enable him to feel as safe as any private citizen in refusing all demands upon his salary for political purposes. A law which should thui

VII.~NO.54. TERltE HAUTE, INI).—THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9,1880.

citizenship have been devolved on uned-! guarantee true liberty and justice to all

ucated people by devoting to the pnrjtow grants of the public lands, and, if necessary, by appropriations from the Treasury oi" th". United Slates. "Whatever G.wernmen ran fairly do to promote free popular education ought to be done. Wherever general education is found, peace, virtue, and social order picvail, and civil and religious liberty are secure.

7

i»nv fjsaEMsti

who are engaged in the public service, and likewise contain stringent provision! agairnt the use of official authority to coerce the political action of private citizens or of official subordinates, is greatly to be desired

The most serious obstacle, however, to an improvement of the civii service, aud especially to a reform in the method of appointment and removal, has l»een found to be the practice, under what is known as the spoils system by which the appointing power has been so largely encroached upon by members of Congress. The first step in the reform of the civil service must be a complete divorce between Congress and the Execu tive in the matter of appointments. The corrupting doctrine that "to the victors belong the spoils," is inseparable from Congressional patronage as the establish.

ly tolerated. They tend to become more rule and practice of parties in power alarming with the enlargement of admin-! Jt comes to be understood by applicants istrntive service, as the growth of Hie for office, and by the people generally, country in population increases th* num-1 hat Rrprcsfntaiives and Senators are enber of officers and placemen employed.

1

The reasons are imperative for the adoption of fixed rules for the regulation of appointments, promotions, and removals, establishing a uniform method, haviug exclusively in view, in every instance, the attainment of the best qualifications for the position in question. Such a method alone is consistant with the equal rights of nil citizens, and the most economical and efficient administration of the public business.

titled to disburse the patronage* of their respective districts and States.- It is not necessary to recite at length the evils resulting from this invasion of the Executive functions. The true principles of government on the subject of appointments to office, as stated in the National Conventions of the leading parties of lhe country have again and again been proved by the American people, and have not been called in question in any quarter. These authentic expressions of public opinion upon this all-important subject, are the, statement of principles that belong to the constitutional structure ot the Government. "Under the Constitution, the President and Heads Departments are to make nominations for office. The Senate is to advise and consent to appointments, and the House of Representatives, is to accuse and prosecute, faithless ofiieers. The best interest of the public service demands that these distinctions be respected that Senators and Representatives' who may be judges and accusers, should not dictate appointments to office." To this end the co-operation of Legislative Department of the Government is required. alike by.the necessities of the case acd by public opinions. Members of Congress will not be relieved from the demands made upon them with reference to appointments to office unt5l, by legislative enactment, the pernicious gpractiee is condemned and forbidden.

It is therefore recommended that an act be passed defining the relations of mem-

also recommend that the provisions of section 1767, and ofthe section following of the Revised Statutes, comprising the tenqre of oflice act, of March 2, 1807, be repealed

Believing that to reform the syttem and methods of the civil scrvicc in our country is one of the highest and most imperative duties of statesmanship, and that it can be permanently done only by the co-optration of the Legislative, and Executive Departments of the Government, I again commend the whole subject to your considerate attention.

It is the recognized duty and purpose of the people of the United States to suppress polygmy where it now exists in our Territories, and to prevent its extension. Faithful and zealous efforts have been made by the United States authorities in Utah to"enforce the laws against it. Ex perience has shown that the legislation on this subject, to be ellctive, requires extensive modification- and amendment. The longer action is delayed, the more difficult it will be to accomplish what is desired. Prompt and decided measures arc neccssary. The Mormon sectarian organization which upholds polygamy has the whole power of making andjexecut ing the local legislation of the Territory. By itscontrol ofthe grand and petit juries, i^ possesses large influence over the administration of justice. Exercising, as the heads of this sect do, the local political power of the Territory, they arc able to make effective their hostility to the law cf Congress ou the suhjcct of polygamy, and, in fact, do prevent its enforcement. Polygamy will not be abolished if the enforcement of the law depends on those who practice and uphold the crime. It can only bo suppressed by taking away the political power of the sect which encourages and sustains it. The power of Congress to enact suitable laws to protect the Territories is ample. It is not a case of half-way measures. The political jower of the Mormon sect is increasing it controls now one of our wealthiest and most populous Territories. It is extending steadily into other Territories. Wherever it goes it establishes polygamy and sectarian political jwwer. The sanctity of marriage and family relation sre the corner-ftone of our American society and civilization. Religious liberty and the separation of Church and State are among the element ary ideas of free institutions. To reestablish the interests and principals which jolygamy and Mormonism have imperilled, and to fully reopen to intelligent and virtuous immigrants of all creeds that part of our domain which has been, in a great degree, closed to general immigration by intolerant and and immoral institutions, it is recommended that the government of the Territory of Utah be reorganized. 1 recommend that Congress provide for the government of Utah by a governor and judges or commissioners, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate—a government analogous to the provisional government established for the territory northwest of the Ohio, by the ordinance of 1787. If, however, it is best to continue the existing form of local government, I recommend that the right to rote, hold office and sit on ijuries in the Territory of Utah, be confined to those who neither practice nor uphold polygamy. If thorough measures be adopted, it is believed that within a few yeara the evils which now afflict Utah will be eradicated, and that this territory will in good time become one of the most prosperous and attractive of the new states of the Union.

Our relations with all foreign countries have been those of undisturbed peace, and have presented no occasion for conccrn as to their continued maintenance

*vmrrJ

-\'*V 7

pointed. This "answer was received only in the latter part of April in the present year, and, when received, exhibited a failurc'of accord between the two governments, as to the measure of the inshore fishing privilege secured to our fisher men by the Treaty of Wiishington, of so serious a character that I. made it the subject of a communication to Congress, in which I recommend the adojrtion of the measures which seemed to me proper to be taken by this Government in maintenance of the rights accorded to our fishermen under the treaty, and to wards securing an indemnity for the.in jury these interests had suffered. A bill to carry out these recommendations was under consideration by the House of Representatives at the time of the adjournment of Congress in June last.

Within a few weeks I have recieved a communication from Her Majesty's Government, renewing the consideration of the subject, both of the indemnity for the injuries at] Eortune Bay, and of the interpretation of the treaty which the previous correspondence had shown the two Governments to be at variance. Upon both these topics the disposition to wards a friendly agreement is manifest ed by a recognition of our right to an indemnity for the transaction at Fortune Bay, leaving the measure of such indemnity to further conference, und by an assent to the view of this Government, presented in the previous corrcsDondencc, that the regulation of conflicting interests of the shore fishery of the Provincial sea coast, and the vessel fishery of our fishermen, should be made the subject of conference and concurrent arrangement between the two Government.

I sincerity hope that the basis may be found for a speedy adjustment of "the very gerions divergence of views in the interpretation of the fishery clauses of the Treaty of Washington, which, a? the correspondence between the two Govern mcnts stood at the close of the last session of Congrfws seemed to be irreconcilable.

In the important exhibition of arts and industries, which was held last year at Sydney, Now South Wales, as well" as in that now in progress at Melbourne, the United States have been efficiently and honorably^represented The exhibitors fefWfcu'a largu number of awards'in some ofthe most considerable departments, and the participation of the United States was recognized by a special mark of distinction. In the exhibition at Melbourne, the .share taken by our country is no less notable, and an equal degree of success is confidently expected.

The state of peace and tranquillity now enjoyed by all the nations of the continent of Europe has its favorable influence upon our diplomatic and commercial relations with them. We have concludcd and ratified a convention with the French Republic for the settlement of claims of the citizens of either country against the other. Under this convention a commission, presided over by a sdistinguished publicist, appointed, in pursuance of the tho request of both nations, by His Majesty the Emperor of Brazil, has been organized and has bogun its sessions in this city. A congress to consider means for the protection of industrial property has recently bcon in session in Parias, to which I have appointed the Miristers of the United States in France and in Belgium as delegates. Tnc International Commission upon Weights and Measures also continues its work in Paris. 1 invite your attention to the necessity of an appropriation to lie made in time to enable this Government to comply with its obligations under the Metrical Convention.

Our friendly relations with the German Empire continue without interruption. At the recent International Exhibition of Fish and Fisheries at Berlin, the participation of the United States, not withstanding the haste with which the commission was forced to make its preparations, was extremely succcssful and meritorious, winning for private exhibitors numerous awards of a high class, and for the country at large the principal prize of honor offered by His Mafesty the Emperor. The result of this great success^cannot but be advantageous to this important and growing industry There have been some questions raised between the two Governments as to the proper effect and interpretation of our treaties of naturalization, but reccnt despatches from our Minister at Berlin show that favorable progress is making toward an understanding in accordance with the views ot this Government, which makes and admits no distinction whatever, between the rights of a native and a naturalized citizen of the United States. In practice the complaints ot molestation suffered by naturalized citizcns abroad have never been fewer than at present.

There is nothing of importance to note in our unbroken friendly relations with the governments of Austria-Hungary, Rur*ia, Portugal, Sweden and Norway Switzerland, Turkty, and Greece.

During tbe last summer several vessels belonging the merchant marine of this country, sailing in nentral waters of the West Indies, were fired at, boarded, and searched by an armed crniaer|of the Span* ish government. The circumstances, as reported, involve not only a private injury to the persons concerned, but also seemed too little observant of the friendly relations existing for a century between this ceuntry and Spain. The wrong was brought to the attention of the Spanish government in a serious protest and remonstrance, and the matter is undergoing investigation by the royal authorities, with a view to such explanation or reparation as mav be called for by the facts.

The commission sitting in this city for the adjudication of claims of our citizens against the government of Spain, is^ I hope, approaching the termination of its labors.

The claims against the United States under the Florida Treaty with Spain ^ere submitted to Congrefs for its action

1

*.

My anticipation of an early reply from at the late session, and I again invite the British government to the demand of your attention to this long-standing queeindemnity to our fishermen for the injur- tion, with a view to a final disposition of ies suffered by that industiy at Fortune {the matter. Bay, in January, 1808, which I expressed jje iaviuiioo of the Spanish governin last annual message, was disap-

ment) a

$ •. ~vT*-* t«~

1 5

The attempt to negotiate a treaty of extradition with Denmark failed on account of the objection of the Danish govurnment to the usual clause providing that each nation should pay the expense of the arrest of the person whose extradition it a*k*.

The provision made by Congress, at its last session, for the expense of the commission which had been appointed to enter upon negotiation* with the Imperial Government of China, on subjects of great interest to the relations of the two countries, enabled the commissioners to proceed at once upon their mission. The Imperial Government wa» prepared to give prompt and re'pectful attention to the matter* brought under negotiation, and the conferences proceeded with such rapidity and success that, ou the 17th of November last, two treaties were signed at Pekin, one relating to the introduction of Chinese into this country and one relating to commerce. Mr. Trescot, on of the commissioners, is now on his way home bringing the treaties, and it is expected that they will be reoeived in season to be laid before tbe Senate .early in January.

Our minister in Japan has negotiated a shipwrecked Seamen. '&SRS'e cecasISTi UT urge once more upon Congress the propriety of makiDg provision for the erection of suitable fire proof buildings at the Japanese capital for the use of tho American legation, and the eourt house and jail conncctcd with it. The Japanese government, with great generosity and courtesy, has offerep for this purpose an eligible piece of land

In my last annual message I invited the Congress to the eubjcct of the indemnity funds received some years ago from China and Japan. I renew the rccom mendation then made, that whatever porions of these funds are due to American citizens should be promply paid, and the residue leturned to the nations, respectively to which they justly and equitably belong.

The extradition treaty with the kingdom of the Netherlands, which has been for sometime in course of negotiation, has, during the past year, been concluded and duly ratified.

Relation* of friendship and amity have been established between the Government of the United States and that of Roumania. We have *ent a diplomatic representative to Bucharest, and have received at this capital tbe special envoy, who has been charged by his Royal Highnts*, Prince Charlee, to announce the independent sovereignty of Roumania. We hope for a speedy development of commercial relations between the two countries.

In my last unnual message I expressed the hope that the prevalence of quiet on the border between this country aud Mexico would soon become so assured as to justify the modification of the orders, then in force, to our military commanders, in regard to crossing the frontier, without encouraging such disturbances as would endanger the pcace of tho two countries. Events moved in accordance with these expectations, and orders were accordingly withdrawn, to the entire satisfaction of our own citizens and the Mexican government. Subsequently the peace of tbe border was again disturbed by a savage foray, under the command of the* Chief Victono, but, by the combined and harmonious action of the military forces of both countries, his band has been broken up and substantially destroyed.

There is reason to believe that the obstacles which have so long prevented rapid and convenient communication between the United States and Mexico by railways, are on thepointof disappearing, and that several important enterprises of this character will soon be set on foot which cannot fail to contribute largely to the prosperity of b*th countries.

New envoys from Guatemala, Colombia, Bolivia, Venezuela, and Nicaragua have recently arrived at this capital, whose distinction and enlightenment afford the best guarantee of the continuance of friendly relations between ourselves and these sister Republics.

The relations between this Government and that of the United States of Columbia have engaged pnblic attention during the past year, mainly by reason of the projoct of an interoceanic canal across the Isthmus of Panama, to be built by privato capital under a concession from the Columbian Government for that purpose. The treaty obligation subsisting between the United 8tates and Columbia, by which we guarantee the neutrality of the transit ana the sovereignty and property of Columbia in the Isthmus, make it necessary that tbe conditions under which so stupendous a change in the region embraced in this guarantee should be affected—transform ing, as it would, this Isthmus, fronr a barrier between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, into a gateway and thoroughfare between them, for the navies and the

.,. ,«»

?j4 -. yr «*W«Ms

La* a

conference has recently been held

I at the city of Madrid to consider the sub ject of protection by foreign Powers of native Moors in the Empire of Morocco. The Minister of the United States, in Spain, was directed to take part in the deliberations of this conference, the result of which is a convention signed on behalf of all the Powers represented. The instrument will be laid before the Senate for its consideration. The government of the United States has alRo lost no opportunity to urge upon that of the Emperor of Mo rocco the n«cessity, in accordance with the humane and enlightened spirit of the nge, of putting an end to the persecutions which have been so prevalent in that country, of persons of a faith other than the Moslem, and especially of the Hebrew residents of Morocco.

The consular treaty concluded with Belgium has not yet been officiallv pro mulgated, owing to tbe alteration of a or in he by S at of United State, which occasioned a delay, during which the time allowed for ratification expired. The Senate will be asked to extend the period for ratification.

*y-.•»'

$1.50 PER YEAR

merebnnt-ships ofthe world—should r& ceive the approval of this Government, as being compatible with the discharge of these obligations on our part, and consistent with our interests as the principal commercial power ,of th* -s Western Hemisphere. The views which I expressed in a special message to Congress in March la«t, is relation to this project, I deem it my duty again to presa upon your attention. Subsequent consideration has but confirmed the opinion "that it is the right and duty of the United States to assert .. and maintain such supervision and authority over any interoceanic canal aero* fsthmus that connects North and

the South America as will protect our national interest.

The war between the Republic of Chili on the one hand, and the allied Republics of Peru and Bolivia on the other, still continues. This Government has not felt called upon to interfere in a contest that is within the belligerent rights of the parties as independent States. We have, however, always held ourselves iu readiness to aid in accommodating their difference. and have at different times reminded both belligerents of our willingness to render such service.

Our good offices, in this direction, wer* recently accepted by all the belligerents, and it was hoped they would prove efficacious but I regret to announce that the measures, which the Ministers of th® United States at Santiago and Lima wero authorized to take, with the view to bring about a peace, were not successful In the course of the war some questions. have ariscu affecting neutral rights in all of these the Ministers of the United States have, under their instructions, acted witli promptness and energy in protection of American interests.

The relations of tne United States with the Empire of Brazil continue to be mos cordial, and their commercial intercoursa steadily increases, to their mutual advantage.

The internal disorders with which the Argentine Republic has for sometime past been afflicted, and which have moro or less influenced its external trade, are understood to have been been brought to a close. This happy result may be expected to redound to thq benefit of th« foreign commerce of that Republic as well as to the development of its vast interior resources.

In Samoa the government of King Malietoa, under the support and recognition of th? consular representatives of that United States, Great Britain and Gertaa-—nr-tdc-minind. wniie it iioiip not appear desirable to adopt as a whole^^?^^ tbe scheme of tripartite local government,, which has been proposed, the common interests of the three great treaty Powered Tequire harmony in their relations to thy native frame of government, aud this ma» be best secured by a simple diplomaticagreement betwen them. It would bs well if the consular jurisdiction of our representatives at Apia were increased in» extent and importance so as to guard American interests in the surrounding.* and outlying Islands of Oceanica.

The obelisk, generously presented by th« Khedive of Egypt to the city of New* Yoik, hrva t-ifely arrived in this country,, and will soon be erected iu that metropolis. A commission for the liquidation of. tbe Egyptian debt ha9 lateiy concluded its work, and this Government, at the earnest solicitation of the Khedive, hasacceded to the provisions adopted by it, wh'ich will be laid before Congress for its* information. A-commission for the revision of the judicial code of the Reform Tribunal of Egypt is now in session in^ Cairo. Mr. Farmau, consul-general, and J. M. Batchelder, Esq., have been appointed as commissioners to participate*-. in this work. The organization of th* reform tribunals will probably be continued for another period of five years.

In pursuance of the act passed at the last session of Congress, invitationahave been extended to foreign maritime States to join in a sanitary conference io Washington, beginning tbe first of Jan--uary. The acceptance of this invitation. by many prominent Powers gives promise8"_ of success in this important measure, de--signed to establish a system of internation-** al notification by which the spread of in--fectious or epidemic diseases may be mor*effectively checked or prevented. The attention of Congress is invited to the necessary appropriations for carrying into effeot the provisions of the act referred to.

Tbe efforts of the Department of Btat* to enlarge the trade and commerce of the United States, through tbe active agency of consular officers and through the dissemination of information obtained front* them, have been unrelaxed. The interest in these efforts, as developed in onr commercial communities, and the valaeof the^ information secured by this means, to the trade and manufactures of the country,. were recognized by Congress at its last: session, and provision was made for the more frequent publication ot consular and other reports by the Department of State. The first issue of this publication haa. now been prepared, and subsequent issues may regularly be expected. The importance and interest attached to the reports of consular officers, are witnessed by the general demand for them by all classes of merchants and manufacturers engaged in onr foreign trade. It is believe! that the system of ?uch publications is deserving of the approval of Cengress, and the necessary appropriations for its continuance and enlargement will commend itself to your consideration.

The prosperous energies of our domestic industries, and their immense production of the subjects of foreign commerce, invite, and even require, an active development of tbe wishes and interests of onr people in that direction. Especially important is it that our commercial relations with the Atlantic and Pacific coast of Sonth America, with tbe West Indies and the Golf of Mexico should be direct, and not through the circuit of European systems, and should be carried on in onr own bottoms. The foil appreciation of the opportunities which our front on the Pacific ocean gives to commerce with Japan, Cbiaa and the East Indies, with Australia and tbe Island groups wbicb lie alcng

Continued on Fourta Page..

-A

-H

Sail