Terre Haute Weekly Gazette, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 6 December 1883 — Page 1

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Spain, and conventions extending the duration of the .Franco—American y'"M claims commission have also been proclaimed. Notice of the termination of the fisheries articles of the treaty of

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THE MESSAGE.

Annual Message of President Arthur p, D*liver$d yhis Afternoon,.. ...

To Both Houses of Congress, Assembled in the Hall of tue House-

Jle Touches on Pretty Much Every Question Under the Sun-

The Text of the Message-

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WASHINGTON, r2C. 4,1683.

The President's message was received

at the House at a quarter after one o'clock

to-day apd was read. It wss as follows: tht Congrttt of the United State#: 'f yp At the threshold of your deliberations .4*1 congratulate you upoa tbe. favorable aspect of domestic and ?m I SI FOKEIGN AFFAIRS^" "IF of this government. Our relations with vt other countries continue to be on a '•fit: friendly footing. With the Argentine

JRepublic, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, ..^•....JsKayti, Italy, Santa Domingo, Sweden and Norway, no incident has occurred -'which calls tor special comment. The As^'jreoent opening of new lines oftelegraphi0 fcomratmication with Central America fe %nd Bra»il permitted the interchange of messages ot friendship with the govern, ^nents of those countries.

S During the year tff^re have been perfected and proclaimed consular and commercial treaties with 6ervia and a consular treaty wiili Rouiuania, thus ex_ tending our intercourse with the Danubean countries, while our eastern relations have been put upon a wider basis ...Jby treaties with Corea and Madagascar.

The boundary survey treaty with Mexico, /•, a trade's marfc convention and a supplejajeniary treaty of extradition with

Washington was only given to the British government. The privileges and and exemptions of the British government and the reciprocal privileges and exemptions ot the treaty will eccordiDgly close on July 1st 188:. ihe fisheries industry pursued by a numerous class of our citizens on the Northern coasts, both ot the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, are worthy of the fostering ot Congress whentver brought into competition with like

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''.i'r'iu dustries of other countries. Our fl«iieimen fe''" as well as our manufacturers of fishing appliauces and preparers of tish products 4 have maintained a loremost place. I sugfjsi %, gest Congress create a commission to consider the gencrsl question of our kswy: rights in the fisheries and meacs ot

I""" opening to our citizen?, under just and •••••-s-v enduring conditions tee richly stocked fishing waters and sealing grounds of

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British North America.*|Pg PAUl'KR IMMIGRANT^. The question has arisen touching the deportation to the United Scales from the

British Islands by governmental or -municipal aid of persons uuable there to gain a living and equally a burden on the com munity here. Such of these persons as wefre under the pauper class as defined by the law have been sent back in accordance with the provisions ot our statutes, fier Majesty's government has insisted that precautions have been taken before shipment, but they have, however, in so many eases proven ineffectual and especially so in certain recent instances of needy emigrants reaching our territory through Canada, that a revision of o&r legislation upon this subject may be deemed advisable.

The correspondence relative to the Clayton-Bui* er treaty has been continue and will be laid before Congress.

The legislation of France Bgainst the importation of prepared swine products from the United States, has been repealed. That result has been due no less to the friendly representations of the government than to a growing conviction in France that the restriction is not demandjaa ed by real danger to health. Germany still prohibits the Introduction of all swine products trom America. I extended to the imperial government a friendly invitation to send experts the United

States to inquire whether Ihe use of these products wts dangeious to health. This invitation was defined. I have believedit of such importance, however, that the exact facts should be ascertained and promulgated that I have appointed a competent commission to make a through investigation of the subject. Its members have shown their public spirit 1 by accepting their tjust without any •m pledfe of compensation, but I trust that 1 Congress will" see in the national and international bearings of the 4 matter, sufiicient motive, of providing at least fer the reimbursement of wch expenses as they may necess&rily accrue. Tfci Coronation of the Cr,ar at Moscow afforded to this government ,an occasion far testifying its oontinued friendship by Nqding a special envoy and a representative erf the saw to attend he ceremony. While there" have arisen

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during the year no grave questions affecting tbe status in tbe Russian Empire of American citizens or other faith than that held by tbe national church, this government remains firm in its conviction that the rights of its citizens abroad should be iu no way affected by their religious belief.

It is understood that a measure for the removal of the restrictions which DOW burden our trade wi'h Cuba and Porto Rico are under consideration by the Spanish government. The proximity ot Cuba and the peculiar method of administration which prevails necessitate constant discussion and appeal on our part from the proceedings of the insular.authorities.

I regret to say the just protests of this government have not as yet produced a satisfactory result. The commission appointed to decide certain claims of our citizens against the SpatriBh government, after recognition of a satisfactory rule as to the validity and force of naturalization in the Unitea States, has finally adjourned. Some of its awards, though made more than two years ago, have no£ been paid. The specific payment is expected of claims to large amounts which wtre held by the late commission without its jurisdiction and this has been diplomatically presented to the Spanish government. As the action of the colonial authorities which has given rise to those claims was admittedly illegal, full reparation for the injuries sustained by our citizens should be no longer delayed.

The case ot the Masonic has not yet reached a settlement. The Manilla court has kund that tbe proceedings of wUich this government has complained were unauthorized, and it is hoped that the government oi Spain will not withho!d 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 thi9 vessel.

The Helvetian confedeia'ion has proposed the inauguration of acts as of international treaties for the leferment to arbitration of grave questions between nations. This government has assented to the" proposed negotiation of such a treaty with Switzerland. Under the Treaty ot Beilin liberty ©f conscience and civil riehts are assured to all strangers in Bulgaria. As the United States have no distinct conventional relations with that country and are not a party to the treaty, they |should maintain a diplomatic representation St Sofia fcr the improvement of intercourse and the proper protection ot the many American citizens who go to that country as missionaries and teachers. I suggest I be given authority to establish an agency and consu-lar-general at the Bulgarian capital.

The United States are now participating in a revisioa of the tariffs of the Otto, man empire. They havQ^isaented to the application of a license tax of foreigners doing business in Turkey, but have opposed the oppressive storage tax upon petroleum entering the parts of that country. The government of the Khe dive h«s proposed that the authority of the mixed judicial tribunals in Egypt be extended so as to cover citizens of the United States accused cf crime, who are now tried before the consular courts. This government is not indisposed to accept the change, but believes that its terms should be submitted for criticism to the commission appointed to revise the whole subject.

At no time in our national history has there been more manifest need ot close and lastiug relations with a neighboring state than now exists with respect to

MEXICO.

The rapid influx of our capital and enterprise into that country shows what bas already been accomplished by the vast reciprocal advantages which mu9t attend the progress of its internal developments. The treaty of commerce and navigation ot 1848 hos been terminated by the Mexican covernment and in the absence of conventional engagements, the rigiits of our citizens in Mexico now depend upon the domestic statutes of that Republic. There have been instances of the harsh enforcement of the laws against our vessels aud citizens in Mexico and of tne denial of the diplomatic resort for their protection. The initial step toward abetter understanding has been taken in the negotiations by the commission authorized by Congress of a treety which is still before tbe Senate awaiting its approval. Tue provisions for the rjciprooal crossing of the frontier by the troops ia pursuit of hostile Indians have been prolonged for another year. The operations of the forces of both governments against, the savages have been succes.«fu^ and several ot their most dangerous bauds have been captured or dispersed by the skill «nd vaior of United States and Mexican soldiers, fighting in a common cause. The convention for tbe re-survey ot' the boundary from the Rio Grande to tbe Pacific having been ratified and exchanged, the preliminary. reconnoiss nee therein stipulated has been effected. It now rests with Congress to make provision for competing the survey and restoriug the boundary monument*. A convention signed with Mexico on July U'h, 1*82, providing lor the retKarin^ of the casts Benjamin Weil and 'ht

AIUIA Ml.ION '"'"S

ESTABLISHED 1869.. TERRE HAUTE, IND.—THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6,1883.

to that of negotiation in which the counsels of this government has been exercised. The demands of Chili for the absolute cession of territory have been maintained and accepted By the party of Gen. Iglesias to the extent of concluding a treaty of peace with the gov* ernment of Chili in general conformity with the terms ot the pro'.ocal sisrned in May last between the Chilian commander and Gen. Iglesias. As a result of the conclusion of this treaty General Iglesias has been formally recognized by Chili as president oi Peru, ana this government installed at Lima, which has been evacuated by the Chilians. A call has been issued by Gen. Iglesias for a representative assembly to be elected on the 13th of January and to meet at Lima on the first of March next Aleanwhile the provisional government of 0en Iglesias has applied for recognition, to the principal powers of America ftod Europe when the wills ot the Peruyjan people shall be manifested. I shall hot hesitate to recognize the government ap. proved by them.

Diplomatio and oaval representatives in this government attended at Cavacas the centennial celebration ot the birth of the illustrious Balivar, at the sAme tirae'the inauguration of a statue of Washington in the Venezulean capital testified to the veneration in which his memory is held there. Congress at its last session authorized the Executive to propose to the Venezulean government a reopefiing of the awards of the mixed commission of Carcsras. The departure from this country of the Venezulean minister has delayed the opening of negotiations for revising the coin mission. This government holds that until the establishment of a treaty on this subject the Venezulean government must make the payments provided for in the convention of 1866. There is ground for believing that the dispute growing oat of the unpaid obligations due from Venezulea to France will be satisfactorily adjusted. The French Cabinet has prepared a ba&is of settlement which meets my approval, but as it involves a recasting of the annual qnotas 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.

At the recent coronation of His Majesty King Kalakaua. this government was repicsented both diplomatically and by the formal visit ol a vessel of war. The question of modify-r ing the existiBg reciprocacy treaty with Hawaiia is now before Congress. I am convinced the charges ot abuse and frauds under that, treaty have been ex. aggerated and I renew the suggestion 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 tavor the entire cessation'of treaty relations which have produced good will between the countries and contributed to the equality of H&waiia in the family of nations.

In pursuance of the polioy declared by this government ot extending our intercourse with the eastern nations, legations have during the past year been established in Persia, Siam and Cerea. It is probable that permanent missions of these 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 oy the exchange at Seoul on the 19th of May last, of the ratifications of the lately concluded convention and envoys from the King have visited this country and received a cordial welcome. Corea is as yet unacquainted with the methods ot western civilization, now invites the attentien of those interested in the advancement of our foreign trade, as it needs the implements and products, which the United States are ready to supply. We seek no monopoly ofitscommercc 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 aDy encroachment on their rights. 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.

CHINA AND AMERICA.

Questions have arisen touching the rights of American and other foreign manulacturers in China under the provisions of the treaties which permit aliens to exercrse their industries in that country. On this specific point our own treaty is sileiit, but under the operation of the most favored nation clause, we have like privileges with those of other powers. While it is the duty ol the government lo isee that our ciiizans have the full enjoyment of jjvery benefit secured by it I doubt the expediency of leading in a movement to constiain China to admit an interpretation which we have only an indiiect treaty right to exact. The transference to China ol American capital for the employment thereof ot Chinese labor would in effect luauguruse a competition for the control ofimukets now supplied by our home industries There is good rra«on to believe thai ihe law restrict ng the immigration Cuioeie has been viuUNd iut« utii'na'ly or otherwise, by the nfikials ot Cfciu upon whom is nvolvcd tuednty ot cerMhiog .t -v-fc that the

Alining Co., whose f»vor awards were immigrants belong the eqcepted classmade by the ly# American and Mexican es. Measures have been taKer to ascertain the facts incident to this supposed

claims commission. That convention still awaits tbe 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 the payments of the distributive quota received from Mexico. Our geographical proximity to Central America and our political and commercial relations with the states of that country justify, in my judgment, such a natural increase ot onr consular corps as will place at each capital a Consul General.

BOLIVIA, CHZXit AND PERU I The contest between Chili and Peru has passed from the strategic hostilities^

infraction, and it is beHeved that the government of China will oo-operate wi'h the United States in securing the faithful observance of the law.

JAPAN. I. JfHn

The same considerations which prompted Congress at its last session to return to Japan the Simcaeski indemnity, seems to me require at its hands like action in respect to the Canton indemnity fund, now amoonting to $300, 000. The question of the generai revision of the foreign treaties of Japan has been considered in an international conference held at Tokio, but without definite result as yet. This government is

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disposed to concede the requests of Japan to determine it* own tariff duties to pro vide such propar judicial tribunals as may commend themselvra to the western powers for the trial of causes to which foreigners are parties and to assimilate the terms and duration of its treaties to these of other civilised states. Through our ministers at London and at Monrovia this government has endeavared to aid Liberia in its differences with Great Britain, touching the northwestern boundaries ot that Republic. There is a prospect of adjustment of tho dispute by tbe adoption of the Mannah river as the line. The arrangement is a compromise of the conflicting territorial claims and takes trom Liberis no country over which it has maintained effective jurisdiction. The rich and populous valley of the Congo i? being opened to commerce by a society called tne International African Association of which the King of the Belgians is president and a citizen of the United States the chief executive officer. Large tracts of territory have been added to the association by native chiefs, roads hive been opened, 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 slave trade. The object of the society are philantropbie. It does not aim at permanent political controls but seeks the neutrality of the val.'eys. The United States cannot be indifferent to this work nor the interests of their citizens involved in it. It may become advisable for ns to cooperate with ether commercial powers in promoting the right-9 ot trade and residence in tbe Congo valley free from the interference or political control of any one nation.

SCIENTIFIC CONGRESS. H-

In view of the frequency of invitations from foreign governments to participate in asocial and scientific congress for the discussion of important matters of concern. I repeat the suggestion of my last message that provision be made few the exercise of discretionary power by tbe Executive in appointing delegates to such convention?. Specialists are ready to serve the national interest in such capacity without personal profit or other compensation than the defrayment of expenses actually incurred and thus a comparatively small annual appropriation would suffice to meet.

SPAIN AND BRAZIL.

1 have alluded in my previous message to the injurious and vexatious restrictions so ill red by our trade in the Spanish West Indies. Brazil, whose natural outlet for its great national staple, coffee, is in and through the United States imposes a heavy export duty upon that product. Alike narrow policy is pursued in other Anglican countries. Our petroleum.exports are hampered in Turkey and other Eastern ports by restrictions as to storage and by onerous taxaation and the free outward movement of our great food products is in some quarters clogged with like impediments. For these mischiefs adequate relief is not al ways afforded by reciprocity treaties like that with Hawaii or that lately negotiated with Mexico and now awaiting the action of the Senate. Is it not ad visabie to provide some measure of equitable retaliation in relations with governments which discriminate againBt our own If, for example, the Executive were empowered to apply to Spanish vessels and cargoes from Cuba and Porto Rico, tbe 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. '1 •,!•

The report of tne SECRETARY OK THE TREASURY gives a full and interesting exhibit of tbe financial condition of the government. It shows that the ordinary revenues from all sources for tbe tlsca'l year ended June 30th 1883, amounted to $398,287,581.95, whereof there was received: From customs.: #214,706,496 93 From internal revenue 144,720,368 98 From sales of public lands 7,95o,804 42 From tax on tbe circulation and deposits of National banks From profits on coinage, bullion deposits and as says From other sources .mi

Total

Consols of 1867 Consuls of 1868. Oregon war debt Uefunding'certificates Old demand compound interest and other notes.

Total

Columbia Miscellaneous sources

111.008 85 'jfi

4.460.200 17 *7,33-1,637 60

$398,287,58 95

For the same period the ordinary expenditures were: For civil expenses $ 22,343,285 76 Foreign Intercourse jr 2.419,275 24 In an 7 3 6 2 5 9 0 3 4 Pensions 66,012,5755 64 .Military establishments and arsenals Naval establishments, including vessels and improvements at the navy yards Miscellaneous expenditures, including public buildings, light houses and collecting revenues. Expenditures on account of the District of Columbia 3,817,028 48 Interest on the public debt 59,160,131 25

48,911,382 93 •-:vv

15,283,437 17

40,1!W,432 73

a $ 2 6 5 4 0 8 1 3 7 5 4 Leaving a surplus of revenue of $132,879,444 41

This, with an amount drawn from the cash balance in tbe Treasury of $1,299,312 55, making $134,178,756 96, was applied to the redemption of bonda For the sinking Tund 11.850-700 Of fractional currency for tbe sinking fuad 46, 56 96 Funded loan of 1881, continued at 3X per cent 65,380,250 Loan July and August 1861 continued at 'S]4 per cent of 1907.

Funded loan Funded loan of 1881 Loan oi February 1861 Loan of July and August 1861 Loan of March 1863. Loan of July, 1882 Five twenties of 1862 Five twenties of 1864 Five twenties of 1845 Ten forties of 1865, Consols of 1865

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20,594,600 1,418,850 719,180 18,000 ViS 266,600 116,850 00 4,765,000 1,030,000 705,000 960,000 13,355,000 4,080,000

23,070.900 ).,465,000 545.000 10,915,000

Columbia. Miscellaneous sources..

13,800

$134,«S,7.j6 96

THE ACTUAL REVENUE

for the present fiscal year—the Quarter ending Sept. 30, 1883—is as follows: From customs $57,402,975 07 Internal revenue *9,062,078 60 Sales of public lands Tax on circulation and deposits of National hanks. Repayment of interest and sinking fund Pacific RR Custom fees, fines, etc Fees, consular, letters patent and lands Proceads of sales of government property Profits on coinage, etc Deposit for surveying public lands Revenues ot the District of

2,932 685 17

1.557,800 88

521,059 51 2^,696 78

863,209 80

112,562 23 050,229 46

172,461 31

-256,017 99 1,237,189 63

Total receipts ...i,- 195,966,917 03 THE ESTIMATED REVENUE for the remaining three-quarters of the year: From customs $137,597,024 33 Internal revenue 90,337,721 40 Sales«f public lands 5,067,364 83 Tal on circulation and do poits of National banks Repayment of interest and sinking fund Pacific RR Custom fees, fines, etc Fees, consular, letters pat-" ent and lands Proceeds of sales of government propertyProfit on coinage, etc Deposit ior surveying pub* lie lands... Revenues of the District of

"1,542,199 12

1,478,940 49 901.303 22

2.430,790 20

167,437 77 1,149,780 54

327,538 68

1,648,982 01 2,382,810 37

Total receipts $247,203,082 97 THE EXPENDITURES. The actual aud estimated expenses for the same period are: For civil and miscellaneous, including public buildings, light" bouses, and collecting revenue $ Indians y., Pensions Military establishment, including fortifications. river and harbor improvements and arsenals Naval establishment, including vessel and machinery and improvement at navy yards Expenditure account District of Columbia Interest on public debt...

l5,3JS5,79fl 42 2,623,390 54 16,285,261 98

Total ordinary tures $ 67,942,090 33 Total receipts, actual and estimated: .. 84-,80tf,fl00 00 Total expenditures, actual and estimated .. .258,000,000 00

If tbe revenue lor tbe fiscal year, which will end June 30cb, 1S85, be estimated on the basis of the existing laws, the Secretary is of the opinion tbat for that year tbe receipts will exceed by $60,. 000,000 the ordinary expenditures, including the amount devoted to '.be sinking fund. Hitherto, the surplus, as rapidly as it bas accumulated, has been devoted to tbe reduction of tbe national debt.. As a result, tbe only bonds now outstanding wbich are redeemable at tbe pleasure of the government are 3 per cent, amounting to three hundred and live million dollars: the per cent, amounting to 250 millions, aud tbe 737 millions* 4 pe" cents, are not payable until 1801 and 1907 respectively. If the eurplus 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 auy of the 4J4 per cents, can be called in. The latter, at the same rate of accumulation of surplus, can be paid at maturity and the monies requisite for tne redemption of tbe 4 per cents, will be in tbe Treasury many years before these obligations pa a re a cogentreasons," However, wby

THE INDEBTEDNESS

should not be two rapidly extinguished. Chief among them is the fact tbat only by excessive taxation is such rapidity attainable. In a communication to congress at its last session, 1 recommended that all excise taxes be abolished, excepting those relating to distilled spirits and that substantial reductions also be made in the revenues from customs. A statute has since been enacted by which tbe annual tax and tariff receipts of the government have been cut down to the extent ot at least fifty or sixty millions of dollars. While I have no doubt that still further reductions may be wisely made, 1 do not advise the adoption, this session, of any measure for the large diminution of the national revenue. The result of the legislation of the last session of Congress have not as yet become' sufficiently apparent to justify any radical revision or sweeping modifications of the existing law.. In tbe interval which must elapse before the effects of the act of Marcfrttrd, 1888, can be definitely ascertained, a portion, at least, of the surplus revenues may be wisely applied te the ong neglected duty of rehabiltating our nation and providing tbe coast defense or the protection of our harbors. Tbis a matter to which 1 shall again advert

ABOUT THE CURRENCY.

Immediately associated wtth tbe financial subject just discussed is tbe important question, What legislation is needed regarding the national currenoyi The aggregate amount of bonda now on deposit in the Treasury to support the National bank circulation is about three hundred and fifty millions. Nearly two hundred millions of this amount consists of three per cents which, as already stated, are payable at the pleasure of the g'overnmen and are likely to be called on within less than four years, unless, in the meantime, the surplus revenues shall be diminished. The probable effect of snob an extensive retirement of the securities, which are tbe basis of the National -bank circulation, would be such a contraction of the volume of the currenoy as to produce

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ave commercial embarrassments, can the damage be obviated Tbe most effectual plan and the one whose adoption at the earliest practicable opportunity I shall heartily ^approve, has already keen indicated. If the revt

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nues of tbe next Tour years shall kept substantially oommensurate wi tbe expenses, the .r

VOLUME OF CIRCULATION

will not bd likely suffer any material disturbance, bat if, on th« other hand, there aha]' be great «l*la.v in reducing taxation it will becomu necessary to either substitute some otber form of currency ia place of tbe National bank notes or make important cnanges in th« laws, by wbioh tbeir circulation is now controlled. In my judgment, tbe latter conrse is far preferable. I command to your attcutlon the very interesting and tbouirbttul suggestion'upon this subject which appears in the Secretary's report.

QUOTING KOI/?SR.

The objections which he urge= against the acceptance of any other securities than the obligations oi tbe government itself as a foundation for National bank, circulation, seem to me insuperable. For verting the threatened contraction, two courses have been suggested, either of which is probably feasible. One is tbe issuance of new bonds, having many yeara to run, bearing a low rate of. interest and exchangable upon the specified teims ot those now outstanding. The otLer course, which commends itself to my own judgment as the better, is the enactment of a law

REPEALING THE TAX ON CIKCULAHOJT and permitting the banks to issue notes for an amount equal to 90 per cent of the market value, instead of as now tho lace value of then deposited bonds. 1 agree with the Secretary in the belief that the adoption of this plan would afford the necessary relief. The trade dollar was coined for the purpose of traffic in countries where silver passed a: its value, as ascertained by its weight and fineness. It never had a legal tender quality. Large numbers of these coins catered, however, into the volume ot our currencj'. By commou consent their circulation in domestic trade has now ceased and they have thus become a disturbing element. They should coi be longer permitted to embarrass our curr-ucy system. I recommend that provision for tueir reception by tbe treasury and the mints aa bullion at small percentage over tbe current market price ot silver of like fineness. Tne Secretary of thf Treasury advises a cinsolida'iou of n-riain ol the customs districts of tbe country aid suggest3 that the Prasideat bs vt-s ed with such power in relation thereto ns is now

1 V» 12,204'&•> 1 given him in respect to the collection of internal revenue by scctiuu 3141 of the revistd statutes. The statistics on this subject which are contained in his report, furnish of themselves a strong argument iu defense of his views. At the adjournment of 0 ingress the number of internal avenue collection districts was 126. By Executive orders dated June 25, 1883* I directed that certain ol these districts be consolidated. The result has been a reduction of one third their number which at present is but 83.

4,199,299 69

.l,138,836 41 14,797,297 96

'^xpendi-

THE WAH OBPARTJIENT.

From tbe report of the Secretary of War it will be seen tbat in only a single has there been any disturbance of the quiet condition of our Indian tribes—a raid from Mexico iu.o Arizona by a small party ot Indians which was pursued by Gen. Crook into the mountain region, from which it had come. It is confidently hoped that serious outbreaks wilt not again occur, and tfeat tbe Indian tribes, which have for so many years disturbed tbe west will hereafter remain in peaceable submission.

I again call your attention to the present coudition of our extended sea coast upon which are so many large cities, whose wealth and importance to tbe couDtry would io time ot war invite attack from ^modern armored ships against which our existing defensive works could give no adequate piotection. These wofrks were built bclore the introduction of modern heavy ritted guns into maritime warfare and if th«»y are not put in an efficient condition we may be easily be subjected to humiliation by a hostile power greatly interior to ourselves. As germane to this subject I call your attention to the importaacc of perfecting our sub-marine torpedo defenses. The board authorized by the last Congress to repoit on the method which should be admitted for the manufacture of heavy ordinance adapted to modern warfare has visited the iron and steel works in this country and Europe. It is hoped its report fcill soon be made and that Congress will thereupon lie disposed to provide suitable facilities and places for the manufacture offuch euns as are now comparitivily Seeded.

On several occasions during the past year officers of the army have, at the request of the state authorities, visited their military encampment lor inspection of troops. From the reports of these officers 1 mi induced to believe the encouragement ot tbe state militia organization tbe government would be followed by gratifying reports and would afford it, in sudden emergencies, tbe aid ot a large body of volunteers, educated ia in the performance of military duties.

THE XAVY DEPARTMENT.

The Secretary ot the Navj reports tbat under the authority of the acts of Aug. 0, 1882, and March 3rd, 1883, tbe work strengthening our navy by the construction of modern vessels ha* been auspiciously beguu. Three cruisers are in process of construction, (he Chicago, of 4,500 tons displacement, and the J&wton and Atlantic, each of 3,400 tons. They are to be built of steel with the tensile strength and ductility prescribed by law, and in combination of speed, endurance and ornament, are expected to compare favorably with the best unarmed war vessels of other nations. A fourth vessel, the Dolphin, is to be constructed of similar material, and is intended to serve as a fleet despatch boat. The double turreted mooitorf^-Puritan, Amphitrite? and Terror have been launched on the Delaware river and a contract bas been made for the supply of their machinery. A sim

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