CM OREGON COURIER. VOL. XI. OUEGON CITY. CLACKAMAS COUNTY. OREGON. Fill DAY. DECEMBER 8. lSD.'J. NO. 31. NEEDS OF THE NATION President Cleveland's Annual Message to Congress. DEVOTED MAINLY TO ROUTINE Nothing Definite Submitted on the Hawaiian Question Upholds the New Tariff Bill. Preslden t Ci rover Cleveland's fl rat mes sinre to tlie 63d congress assembled in regular session was presented to the two Jiouses anil read in both. J no ium text of the messago in: The coiiNtitutional duty which requires the president from time to time to give to congress information of the state of the Union and to recommend to their consideration eiicli matters as he shall judge necessary is fittingly entered upon by commending to congress a careful recommendation of the detailed state ments and well-supported recommenda tions contained in the reports of the de partments who are chiefly charged with the executive work of the government. In an effort to abridge this communica tion, as much as is consistent with its pnrpoHe, I shall supplement a brief ref erence with the contents of the depart mental reports by the mention of such executive business and incidents as are not embraced therein and by such rec ommendations ns sppear to be at this particular time uppiwpriate. Our Foreign Kelatlmia. While our foreign relations have not at all times during the past year been entirely free from preplexing.yet no em barrassing situations remaiu that will not yield to the spirit of fairness and love of justice, which, joined with con sistent firmness, characterize a truly American policy. AltOEN'TINE-BII.UIL BOUNDARY DIHI'UTR. My predecessor having accepted the office of arbitrator of the long-standing boundary dispute tendered to the presi dent by the Argentiue Republic and llraxil, it has been my agreeable duty to receive the special envoys commisBionca hy these stales to my oeiore me me evi- deuce and arguments in behalf of their respective governments. Tim BRAZILIAN REVOLUTION. The outbreak of domestic hostilities in the republic of Brazil found the United States alert to watch the in terests of our citizens in that country, with which we carry on important com uierce. Several vessels of our new navy are now, and for some tune nave been, stationed at itio do Janeiro. 1 he strug- glo being between the established gov ernment, which controls tlie machinery of administration, and with which we maintain friendly relations, and certain officers of tlie navy employing the ves sels of their command in an attack upon the national capital and duel seaport, and lin king, as it does, the elements of divided administration, I have failed to see that the insurgents can reasonably claim recognition as belligerents. Thus the position of our government has been that of an attentive, but impartial ob server of the unfortunate conflict. JMn iilinuiziiiir our fixed nolicv of impartial neutrality in such a condition of affairs as now exists, I deemed it necessary to disavow, in a manner not to be hub- understood, the unauthorized action of the late naval commander in those waters in saluting the revolted Brazilian admiral, ueing iiKiisposeu 10 counte nance an act calculated to give gratui tous sanction to the local insurrection. Till! CHILIAN CLAIMS. Tlie convention between our govern ment and Chili, having for its object the settlement and ahjuHtment ot the de mands of the two countries against eai'h other, has been made effective by the organi.uuon 01 mo claims vuiiiuhboiun provided for. The two governments fail ing to agree upon the third member of the commission, me goou omces 01 me president of the Swiss republic were in voked as provided in the treaty, and the selection of the Swiss representative in this country to complete the organiza tion was gratifying to the United States and Chili. Tlie vexatious question of so-called legation asylum for offenders against the state and its laws was presented anew in Chili by the unauthorized action of tlie late United States minister in receiving in his official residence two persons who hud failed in an attempt at revolution and against whom criminal charges were pending, growing out of a former abor tive disturbance. The doctrine of asy lum as applied to this case is sanctioned by the best precedent, and when allowed tends to encourugo sedition and strife. Under no circumstances can the repre sentatives of this government be per mitted, under the ill-detlned fiction of ex tra territorialty.to interrupt the adminis tration of criminal justice in the coun tries to which they are accredited. A temperate demand having been made by the Chilian government for the cor rection of this conduct, in the instance mentioned, the minister was instructed no longer td harbor the offender. THE CHINESE QUESTION. The legislation of last year, known as the Geary law, requiring the registra tion of all Chinese laborers entitled to residence in the United States and the deportation of all not complying with the provision of the act within the time prescribed, met with much opposition from Chinamen in this country. Acting upon the advice of eminent counsel that the law was unconstitutional, the great mass of Chinese laborers, pending judi cial inquiry as to its validity, in good faith declined to apply for the certifi cates required by its provisions. A test upon a proceeding by habeas corpus was brought before the supreme court, and May 15, 1893, a decision was made by that tribunal sustaining the law. It is believed that under the recent amend ment of the act, extending the time for . i . .:. I. U : 1 . L me registration, me viuucsv wwicib mm cunioi me uiree ijowerfl. xms mci thereto entitled who desire to reside in dent and the events leading np to it sig this country will now avail themselves , nally illustrate the impolicy of entang of the renewed privilege thus afforded j ling alliances with foreign powers, by establishing by lawful procedure claims against Venezuela. their right to remam, and that thereby In view of the impaired financial re- me necessity oi cmiwi um may. to a great degree, lie avoided. COSTA RICA'S SURRENDER OF WEEKS. Costa Rica has lately testified its friendliness bv surrendering to the United States, in the absence of a con- vention of extradition, but upon duly submitted evidence of criminality, a noted fugitive from justice. It is trusted that the negotiation of a treaty with that country to meet the recurring cases of, this kind will soon be accomplished. In my opinion treaties for reciprocal rela tions should be concluded with all thee countries with which the United States baa not already a conventional arrange ment of that character. THE COTA 1CA-C0L0MBIA DISPUTE. I have deemed it fitting to express to me governments ui voai xmc aim Colombia the kindly desire of the United State to see their pending boundary du-pnte finally closed by arbitration, in conformity with the spirit of the treaty concluded' between them some years ago. RELATIONS WITH EUROPEAN POWERS, Our relations with the French rciiil lie continue to be intimate and cordial. I sincere v hone that Die extradition treaty will) that country as amended by the senate will be consummated. While occasional questions affecting our naturalized citizens returning to the and of their birth have arisen In our In tercourse with Germany, our relations with that country continue satisluclory, The Questions affecting our relations with Great Britain have been treated in a spirit of friendliness. Negotiations are in progress between the two governments with a view to such concurrent action as will make the award and regulations agreed tiion by the Behrlng-sea tribunal of arbitration practically elieclive, and it is not doubted that Great Britain will co-operate freely with this country for the accomplishment oi thai purHJse, The dispute growing out of the discrimi nation of tolls imposed in the Welland canal, upon cargoes of cereals bound to and from the lake liorts of the United Stall's, was adjusted bv the substitution of a more equitable schedule of charges, and my predecessor thereupon suspended his proclamation imposing discriminat ing tolls upon British transit through our canal. A request for additions to the list of extraditable oltenses, covered bv the existing treaty between the two countries, is unuur coiiniuormion. POINTS AT ISSUE WITH I1AVTI. During tho past year an American citizen employed in a subordinate com mercial position in Hay ti, after suffering protracted imprisonment on an un founded charge of smuggling, was finally liberated upon a justice's examination. Upon urgent representation to the Hay- tian government, a suitable indemnity was paid to the sutterer. 13V a law oi liayli a sailing vessel hav ing discharged her cargo is refused clearance until the duties on such cargo have been paid. Tlie hardship of this measure upon American ship-owners, who conduct the bulk of the carrying trado of that country, has been insisted on with a view of preventing a recur rence of this cause of complaint. OUR NEAREST SOUTHERN NKIOIIIIOKS. Our relations with Mexico continue to be of that close and friendly nature which should always characterize the in tercoure of two neighboring republics. The work of relocating the monuments, marking the boundary between tlie countries from I'aso Del Norte to the I'acitlc, is now clearly completed. The commission recently Organized under the conventions of 1884 and 1881), it is ex pected, will speedlv settle disputes grow ing out of the shifting currents of the Kio Grande river east of El I'aso. AMERICAN INTERESTS IN NICARAGUA. Nicaragua has recently passed through two revolutions, the party at first suc cessful having in turn been displaced by another. Our newly appointed minis ter, by his timely good efforts, aided in a peaceful adjustment of the contro versy involved in the first conflict. The large A merican interests established in that country in connection with the Nicaragua canal were not molested. The canal company has' unfortunately become financially seriously embar rassed, but a generous treatment has been extended to it by the government of Nicaragua. The United States is especially interested in the successful achievement of the vast undertaking this company has in charge. That it should be accomplished under distinct ively American auspices and its enjoy ment assured not only to the vessels of this country, as a channel of commercial communication between our Atlantic ami Pacific seaboards, but the ships of the world in the interests of civilization, is a proposition which, in my judgment, does not admit of question. DICTATOR, BUT NO REVOLT. Guatemala lias also been visited by the political vicissitudes which have attlictcd her Central American neigh bora, but the dissolution of its legisla ture and the proclamation of dictator ship have been unattended by civil war. NEW EXTRADITION TREATIES. An extradition treaty with Norway has recently been exchanged and pro claimed. The extradition treaty with Russia, signed in March, 1887, and amended and confirmed bv the senate in Febru ary last, was duly proclaimed last June. AFFAIRS IN SAMOA. Led by a desire to compose differences and contribute to the restoration of order in Samoa, which for some years previous had been the scene ol compet ing foreign pretentions and native strife, the United States, departing from its policy consecrated by a century of ob servance, entered four years ago into ttie treaty ot Berlin, thereby becoming jointly bound with England and Ger many to esiuousn aim maintain iviuuctua Launena as king of Samoa. The treaty nrovided for a foreign court of justice and a municipal council for the district of Apia, with a foreign president thereof authorized to advise the king; a tri bunal lor the settlement ol native and foreign land titles, and a revenue system for the kingdom. It entailed upon the three powers that part of the cost of the new government not met by the rev enue of the inlands. Early in the life of this triple protectorate the native dis sensions it was designed to quell were revived. The rivals defied the author ity of the new king, refusing to pay tuxes and demanding the election of a ruler by native suffrage. Mataafa, an aspirant to the throne, and a large number ol his native adherents were in open rebellion on one of tlie islands. Quite lately, at the request of the other powers and in fulfillment of its treaty obligations, this government agreed to unite in a joint military gov ernment of such dimensions as would probably secure the surrender of the in surgents without bloodshed. The war ship Philadelphia was accordingly put under orders for Samoa, and before she arrived the threatened conflict was pre cipitated by Chief Mataafa's attack upon the insurgents' camp. Alataafa was de feated and a number of men killed. The British and German vessels present sub sequently secured the surrender of Ma taafa and his adherents. The defeated chief and 10 of his principal supporfers were deported to a German island of the Marshal group, where they are held as prisoners, under the joint responsibility i . . . I. . ! rr-i ' sources ol Venezuela, consequent upon the recent revolution there, a modified arrangement for the satisfaction of the awards of the late advisory claims com mission in progressive installments has w jne regularly made thereunder, The bonn'dary dispute between Vene- an(j British Guiana is yet nnad jUBted. restoration of diplomatic intercourse between that republic and Great Brit ain and reference of the question to im partial arbitration will be a most grati fying consummation. " The ratification by Venezuela of the convention for the arbitration of the lone-deferred claim of the Venezuela " Transportation Company is awaited. The BbwkIIm Affair. It is scarcely necessary for me to state that tbe questions arising from oar rela- j tions with Hawaii have caused serious embarrassment. Just prior to the in- stallation of the present administration the existing government of Hawaii had been suddenly overthrown, and a treaty of annexation had been negotiated be twoen the provisional government of the islands and the United States, and sub mitted to the senate for ratification. This treaty I withdrew for examination and dispatched Hon. James II. Blount, of Georgia, to Honolulu as a special commissioner to make an impartial in vestigation of the circumstances attend ing the change .f government and of all conditions bearing upon the subject of the treaty. After a thorough and ex haustive examination, Mr. Blount sub mitted to me his report, showing beyond all question that the constitutional gov ernment of Hawaii had been subverted with the active aid of our representative to that government and through the in timidation caused by the presence of an armed naval force of the United States, which was landed for that purpose at the instance of our minister. INSTRUCTIONS TO WILLIS. Upon the facts developed it seemed to me that the only honorable course for our government to pursue was to undo the wrong that had been done by those representing us, and to restore, as far as practicable, the status existing at the the time of our forcible intervention. With a view of accomplishing this re sult, within the constitutional limits of our executive power, and recognizing all our obligations and responsibilities crowing out of anv changes in the con ditions brought about by our unjustifi able interference, our present minister at Honolulu has received appropriate instructions to that end. Thus far no information of the accomplishment of any definite results has been received from him. Additional advices are soon expected. When received, they will be promptly sent to congress, together wiin all other information at hand, accom panied by a special executive message detailing the acts necessary to a com plete understanding ol the case, and presenting a history of all the material events leading up to the present siiua- tion. PEACEFUL ARBITRATION. Bv a concurrent resolution passed by the senate February 14, 181)0, and by the house ol representatives the 3d ol April following, the president was requested: "To invite from time to time, as the fit occasion may arise, negotiations with any government with which the United States has or may have diplomatic rela tions, to the end that anv difference or dispute arising between the two govern ments, which cannot be adjusted by diplomatic agencv, may be referred to arbitration and be peaceably adjusted by such means." April 18. 181)0, the International American conference of Washington by resolution expressed the wish that all controversies between the republics of America and the nations of hurope might be settled bv arbitration, and recommended that the government of each nation represented in that confer ence should communicate this wish to all friendly powers. A favorable re sponse has been received from Great Britain in the shape of a resolution minuted bv parliament Julv 13 last, cor diullv sympathizing with the purpose in view and expressing the nope that her maiestv's government will lend ready co-operation to the government of the United States upon the basis ot the con current resolution above quoted. It affords me signal pleasure to lay this preliminary resolution beiore congress and to express mv gratification that the sentiment ot two great and kindred na tions is thus authoritatively manifested in favor of tlie rational and peacelul set tlement of international quarrels by honorable resort to arbitration. OUR REPRESENTATIVES ABROAD. Siti' e the passage of the act of March 3, 181)3, authorizing the president to raise the grade of our envoys to corres pond with the rank with which foreign countries accredit their agents here, Great Britain, France, Italy and Ger many have conferred upon their repre sentatives at this capital the title of em bassador, and I have responded by ac crediting the agents of the United States in those countries with the same title. A like elevation of mission is announced by Russia and when made will be simi larly met. This step ntting y comports with the position the United States holds in the family of nations. THE CONSULAR SERVICE. During my former administration I took occasion to recommend a recast of the laws relating to consular service in order that it might become a more effi cient agency in the promotion of the in terests it was intended to subserve. The duties and powers of consuls have been expanded with the growing require ments of our foreign trade. Discharging important duties affecting our com merce and American citizens abroad, and in certain countries exercising judicial functions, these officers should be men of character, intelligence and ability. EXTENSION OF TUB COPYRIGHT. Upon proof that the legislation of Denmark secures copyright to American citizens on equal footing with its own, the privileges of our copyright laws have be n extended by proclamation ti the subjects of that country. Our Flnnneea. The secretary of the treasury reports that the receipts of the government from all sources during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1893, amounted to $401,710, 501 04, and its expenditures to $450,374, 074 20. There was collected from cus toms $206,355,010 75, and from internal revenues $101,027,023 93. Our dutiable imports amounted to $421,250,511, an increase of $52,453,907 over the preced ing years, and the importations free of duty amounted to $444,544,211, a de crease from the preceding year of $15, 455,447. Our internal revenue receipts exceeded those of the precediag year by $7,147,445 33. The total tax collected On didtlllcd fplrln f-M,72r,2rO 55 On manufactured tnhaccj 81,s9.1ll 04 On fermented llquora - 3,.r4s,Us3 07 We exported merchandise during the year amounting to $847,505,104, a de crease of $182,613,249 54 from the preced ing year. The amount of gold exported was larger than any previous year in the history of the government, amounting to $108,080,844, and exceeding the amount exported during the preceding year by $58,485,517. The sum paid from the treasury for sugar bounty was 10,375, 130 81, an increase over the preceding year of $2,033,053 09. 'EXT YEAR'S ESTIMATES, It is estimated upon the basis of the present revenue laws that the receipts of the government for the year ending June 30. 1894, will be $4.10,121.306 38. and its expenditures $458,121,.35 38. re sulting in a deficiency of $28,000,000. On the first day of November, 1893, the amount of money of all kinds in circula tion or not included in the treasury holdings was $1,718,644,082, an increase for the year of $112,404,945. Estimating our population at 67,426,000 at the time mentioned, the per capita circulation was $26 49. On the same date there was in the treasury gold bullion amount ing to $96,657,273, and silver ball ion which was purchased at a cost of $126,-. 201,553. THE SILVER PURCHASES. The purchases of silver under the law of July 14. 1890, during the I an fiaral year aggregated 64008.162.50 ounces, which cost 145.631,374 63. fine The total amount of silver purchased from the time that law became operative on- til tlie rejwal of its purchasing clause, November 1, 181)3, was 108,074,590.40 fine ounces, which cost $155,1130.040 84. Between March 1, 1873, and November 1, 181)3, the government purchased mi- derail laws 503,001,717 fine ounces of silver, at a cost of f5I0,022,04(). The ail- ver dollars that have been coined under the act of July 14, 181K), number 30,087,- 285. Tlie seigniorage arising from such coinaun was fll.977.095 30. leaving on hand in the mints 140,01111.700 fine ounces of silver, which cost f 120,578,218. Our total coinage of all metals during the last fiscal year consisted of: Piicei .. 97 2so,s7.l Value i,m,im wj snverC?ill ""'SS'lin ! Siiiwldlnrv Mvn'imLZ'Z T.mltMW Minor colui I,osi,io2 w Diirinff the calender vear 1802 the nro- duction of precious metals in the United elates was estimated to ue Plus ouncci gold 1,MS,37 Commercial ami coliiaKe value... rine ounce inver rw.miu ti . . . - - Bullion or market value yijf,u haustive examination in accordance coiuaxe value 7i,,ii0 with the requirements of the law, the It is estimated that on July 1, 1803. board appointed to select a magazine the metallic stock of money in the United' -rltle of modern type to replace the obso' States, consisting of coin and bullion, lete Springfield rille of the infantry ser amounted to $1, 213,56,101), of which viie completed its labors during the last $507,807 685 was gold and $015,801,484 year, and the work of manufacturing is silver. I now in progress at the national armory the national banks. at Springfield. It is confidently ex- One hundred and nineteen national pected that by the end of the current banks were organized during the year j year our infantry will be supplied with ended October31, 1803, with a capital of a weapon equal to that of the most pro- fll,Z.iU,UW, eorty-8lX went into voiun- tarv liuuidation and 168 suspended. Of the suspended banks 05 were insolvent, 80 resumed business, and 7 remained in the hands of bank examiners with pros pects of speedy resumption. Of the new banks organized, 44 were located in the Kastern states, 41 west of the Mississippi river and 34 in tlie Central and Southern states. The total number of national banks in existence October 31. 1893. was 3796, having an aggregate capital of $095,558,120. The net increase in the circulation of these banks during the year was $30,880,973. EFFECT OF REPEAL. The recent repeal of the provision of the law requiring the purchase of silver bullion by the government, as a mature of our monetary scheme, makes a change in the complexion ot our currency aiiuirs, l do not doubt mat tne uui mate result of this act will be most fa In tarv and far-reaching. In the nature of things, however, it is impossible to know at this time what conditions will be brought about by the change, or what, if any, supplementary legislation may. in the light ol such conditions appear to be essential or expedient. Of course, after the recent financial pertur bation, time is necessary for the re-es tablishment of business confidence When, however, through this restored confidence, the money which has been frightened into hiding places is returns to trade and enterprise, a survey of tlie situation will probably disclose a safe path leading to a permanently sound currency abundantly sufficient to meet every requirement of our increasing population and business. In the pursuit ot this object we should resolutely turn away from alluring and temporary ex pedients, determined to be content with nothing less than a lusting and compre hensive financial plan. In these circuin stances I am confident that a reasonable delav in dealing with this subject, in' stead of- being mjurirusf -will- increase the probability of wise action. THE BRUSSELS CONFERENCE, The monetary conference, which as sembled at Brussels upon our invita tion, was adiourned to November 30, in the present year. The considerations lust stated, and the iact that a definite propositon from the United States seemed to be expected on the reassem bling of the conference, led me to ex press a willingness to have the meeting still further postponed. It seems to me that it would be wise to give general authority to the president to invite other nations to such a conference at any time when there should be a fair prospect of accomplishing an interna tional agreement on the subject of coin age. ISSUE OF BONUS. I desire also to earnestly suggest the wisdom ol amending the existing stat utes in regard to the issuance of govern ment bonds, me authority now vested in the secretary of the treasury to issue bonds is not as clear as it should be, and the bonds authorized are disadvan tageous, both as to their maturity and rate ol interest, The War Department. The secretary of war reports that the strength of the army on the 30th day of September last was Z&.778 enlisted men and 2144 oliicers. The total expenses of this department for the year ended June 30, 1893, amounted to $51,000,074 80. Of this sum, $1,992,081 95 was for salaries and contingent expenses, $23,377,828 35 for the support of the military establish ment. $0,077,033 28 for miscellaneous objects. $420,158,031 41 for public works. This latter sum includes $15,290,870 40 for river and harbor improvements, and $3,200,141 20 for fortifications and other works of defense. The total enrollment of the militia of the several states was on the 31st of October of the present year 112,697 officers and enlisted men. Tlie officers of the army detailed for the inspection and instruction of this reserve of our military force report that in creased interest and progress are appar ent in the discipline and efficiency of the organization, iseither Indian out breaks nor domestic violence has called the army into service during the year. and the only active military duty re quired of it has been in the department of Texas, where violations of the neu trality laws of the United States and Mexico were promptly and efficiently dealt with by the troops, eliciting the warm approval of the civil and military authorities of both countries. A YEAR OF PEACE. The operation of wise laws and the in fluences of civilization constantly tend ing to relieve the country from the dan gers of Indian hostilities, together with the increasing ability of the states, through the efficiency of the National Guard organizations, to protect their citizens from domestic violence, lead to the suggestion that ttie time is fast ap proaching when there should be a reor- ganizat on of our army on the lines of the present necessities of the country. This change contemplates neither an in crease in number nor added expense, but a redistribution of the force and an encouragement of measures tending to arualoT pffieioncv Amnriflr tlif men ami the improvement of the service. The 1 adoption of battalion formations for in- ! fantry regiments, the strengthening ot i the artillery force, tbe abandonment of , certain unimportant positions and the massing of the troops at important and accessible stitmn, ad promise to pro- an ion wc, ure ,..,,., mote the usefulness of the army. In tbe of 13.5J3, and their value was judgment of arm v officers, with but few $,-J,375 70. an increase of $04,094 83. exceptions, the operation of the law for- row the foregoing statement it appears bidding the re-enlistment of men after that the tola issue of money orders and 10 years' service has not proven its wis- PJT1"1 J?".1? '"J tbe J6' -""nn'ed to dom, and, while the arguments that led , $1-A821,348 24. to its adoption were not without merit, f The number of letters and packages the experience of the year constrains me mailed dnnng the year for special de to join in the recommendation for its I"rCT7 ? 3,35,0J. an increase over repeal. l''e preceding year of nearly 32 per cent. nr. r-n.m-r The special delivery stamps used upon It is gratifying to note that' we have b gun to attain completed results in the ,mr,h.iu .l,...,. ,.i -..-..,t A, fense and fortifications entered 'a Don eight years ago. A Urge sura has been already expended, but the cost of main taining will be inconsiderable as com pared with the expense of conduction and ordnance. At the end of the cur- rent calendar year the war department will have nine 12 Inch guiiH, 2010-Inch and 84 8-inch guns read v to he mounted on gun-lilts and carriages, and 76 12-inch mortars, m addition to the product of the army gun factory now completed at Wateivlict, the government lias con- traded with private parties for the purchase of 100 guns of these calibers, the first of which should be delivered to tho department for test before July 1, 1804 The manufacture of heavv ord - nance keeps paco with current needs, but to render these guns available for the purposes they are designed to meet, emplacements must be prepared for them. Progress has lieen made in this direction, and it is desirable that con- grass, bv adequate appropriations should provide for the uninterrupted prosecution of this necessary work. THE NEW RIFLE SELECTED. i After much nreliminarv work and ex- grenaive armies oi wie worm . NATIONAL MILITARY 1'AHKS. The work on the projected Chicka manga and Chattanooga military park has been prosecuU-d with zeal aim judg ment, and its opening will be celebrated during the coining year. Over nine square miles of the Chickanmuga battle field have been acquired, 25 miles of road have been constructed, and per manent tablets have been placed at many historical points, while the invi tation to the states to mark the position of their troops participating in the bat tle has been very generally accepted. The work of locating and preserving the lines oi battles at Gettysburg battle field is making satisfactory progress in tlie plans directed by the last congress. MILITARY ACADEMIES. The reports of the military academy at West l'oint and the several schools for special instructions of oliicers show marked advance in the education of the army and commendable ambition among its officers to excel in the mili tary profession and to fit themselves for the highest service to the country. Under the supervision of Adjutant-General Robert Williams, lately retired, the bureau of military information has be come well established and is perform ing a service that will put in possession of the government in time of war most valuable information, and at all times serve a purpose of great utility in keep ing the army advised of the world's progress in all matters pertaining to tlie art of war. P.iRtmaator-General The report of the postmaster-general contains a detailed statement of the op erations of the postotlice department during the last fiscal year and much In teresting information touching this im portant branch of the public service. The business of the mails indicates with absolute certainty the condition of the . . - -, . i . ....... .. ,i - ,1 n wi-i neft) ui me iuuiiwj', aim uumi-b- sion in financial affairs inevitably and nuickly reduces the postal revenues, Therefore, a larger discrepancy than usii.il between the postotlice receipts and expenditures is the expected and unavoidable result of the distressing stringency which has prevailed through out the country during much of the time covered by the postmaster-general s re port. At a date when better times were an ticipated, it was estimated by his pre decessor that the deficiency on the 30th day of June. 1893. would be a little over $1,600,000. It amounted, however, to more than $5,000,000; at the same time and under the influence of like anticipa tions, estimates were made for the cur rent fiscal year ending June 30, 1894, which exhibited a surplus of revenue over expenditures of $872,245 71. But now, in view of the actual receipts and expenditures during that part of the current fiscal year already expired, the report of the postmaster-general esti mates that at its close, instead oi a sur plus, there will be a deficiency of nearly $8,000,000. RECEIPTS FOR THE YEAR. The postofiice receipts for the last fiscal year amounted to $75,890,9.13 15, and its expenditures to $81,074,100 90. This postotlice deficiency would disap pear, or be immensely decreased, if less mutter was carried fiee through the mails, an item of which is upward ol 300 tons of seeds and grain from the agricul tural department. The total number ol poKtoftices in the United States on the 30th day of June, 1893, was 08,403, an increase of 1284 over the preceding year. Of these 3300 were presidential, an in crease in that class of 204 over the pre ceding year Forty-two free-delivery ollices were added during the year to those already existing, making a total ol 010 cities and towns provided with free deliveries on June 30. 181)3. Ninety-three other cities and towns are now entitled to this service under the law, but it has not been accorded them on account of insufficient funds to meet the expense of its establishment. I am decidedly of the opinion that the provisions of the present law permit as general an intro duction of this feature of mail service as is necessary or justifiable, and that it ought not to be extended to smaller communities than now designated. The expense of free delivery for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1893, will be more than $11,000,000, and under legislation now existing there must be a constant increase in this item of expenditure. MONEY-ORDER OFFICES. There were 0101 additions to the do mestic money-order offices during the lust fiscal year, being the largest in- ciease in any year since the inaugura tion of the system, the total number of these offices at the close of the year was 18,434. There were 12,309,736 money orders issued from these offices, being' an increase over the preceding year of 1,240,290, and the value of these orders amounted to $127,570,433 05, an increase of $7,602,632 68. There were also issued during the year postal notes amounting U $12,909,076 73. During the year 195 international money-order ollices were added to those already provided. making a total of 2497 in operation June 3. 18ya Tt' nunber of international "1" or,i"r """J1 d:lrinK tl,B yr "".""'.-'"' """ ""f ceding year of 2.525, and their value wM 0,3)l,8-.7 80, an in- reaof ll.JZZ,- 1 j w f" .jr1? "j P, k amounted to '. (0. and the messenger fees paid : tor their delivery amonntea to io,.'K 1-V'"T P11 t the government of . kAiLWAT mail servics. 1 The railway mail service not only adds to the promptness of mail delivery at all ollices, but it is the secial Instru- mentality which puts smaller and way places in the service on an equality in that regard with the larger ami terminal ollices. fliis branch of the postal oer- vice lias meroiore received more atten- tion from the postmaster-general, and though it is gratifying to know that it is in a condition of high efficiency and great usefulness, I am led to agree with the postmaster-general that there is room for its further improvement, ; There are now connected with the post- ! office establishment 28,324 employes ; who are in the classified service, 'lhe ! head of this great department gives conclusive evidence of the value of civil service reform when, after an experience i that renders his judgment on the sill)- jec aosouiioiy rename, no epn wio opinion that without the beneilt ot this system it would De impossible to con duct the vast business intrusted to him. I desire to commend as especially worthy of prompt attention tho sugges- tions of the postmaster-general in rela- Hon to a more sensible and business- line organization aim a -"elver uiamuu- tion of responsibility in thisdepartment. Department of Justice. The report ol the attorney-general contains the usual summary of the affairs and proceedings of the depart ment of justice for tlie past year, to gether with certain recommendations as to needed legislation on variouB sub jects. I cannot too heartily Indorse the proposition that the fee system, as applicable to the compensation of United States attorneys, marshals, clerks of federal courts and United States commissioners, should be abol ished with as little delay as possible. It is clearly in the interest of tlie com munity that the business of the courts, both civil and criminal,-be as smalt ana as Inexpensively transacted as the ends of justice will" allow. The system is therefore thoroughly vicious which makes the compensation of court offi cials depend upon the volume of such business and thus creates a conflict be tween the proper execution of the law and private gain, which cannot fail to be dangerous to the rights anil freedom of citizens, and irresistible temptation to the unjustifiable expenditure of pub lic funds. DISPOSITION Or PETTY OFFEMHIB. If, in addition to this reform, another was inaugurated which would give to United States commissioners the final disposition of petty offenses within the grade of the misdemeanor, especially those coming under the internal revenue laws, a great advance would be made to ward a more decent administration of the criminal law. In my first message to congress, dated December 8, 1885, I strongly recommended these changes and referred somewhat at length to the evils of the present system. Since that time the criminal business of the federal courts and the expense attending it have enormously increased. The num ber of criminal prosecutions pending in the circuit and district courts on the 1st day of Julv, 1885, was 3808, of which 1884 were for violations of the internal revenue laws, while the number of such prosecutions pending on the 1st day ol July, 1893, was 9500, of which 4200 were for violation of the the internal revenue laws. The expense of ttie United States courts, exclusive of judges' salaries, foiV the yearending July 1, 1886, was $2,874,-' 733 11, and tor the year ending July 1, 1803, f 4,0000 87. It is thcrclore ap parent that the reasons given in 1886 for a change in the manner of enloreing the federal criminal laws have gained cogni zance and strength by lapse ot time, DIOR EES OF MURDER. I also heartily join the attorney-gen eral in recommending legislation fixing degrees of the crime of murder within federal jurisdiction, as has been done in many of the states: authorizing writs ol error on behalf of the government, in cases where final judgment is rendered against tbe sufficiency of an indictment, or against the government, or upon any other question arising before actual trial: limiting the right of review in cases of felony punishable only by fine and imprisonment to the circuit court of appeals, and making speedy provision lor the construction oi sucn prisons ami reformatories as may lie necessary for the confinement of United States con victs. The Nary Department. The renort of the secretary of the navy contains a history of the operations of his department during the past year and exhibits a most gratifying condition of the personnel of our navy. He presents a satisfactory account of the progress which has been made in the construc tion of vessels and makes a number of recommendations, to which attention is especially invited. During the past six months tne aeinanns ior cruising vessels have been many and urgent. There have been revolutions calling for vessels to nrotect American interests in Nicaragua, Guatemala, CoBta Kica, Honduras, Ar gentina and Brazil, while the condition of affairs in Honolulu has required the constant presence of one or more ships. Witli all these calls upon our navy it be came necessary, in order to make up a sufficient fleet to patrol the Behring sea under tlie modus Vivendi agreed upon with Great Britain, to detail to that ser vice one vessel from the fish commission and three from the revenue marine. Piogress in the construction of npw vessels has not been as rapid as was an ticipated. Ihere have been delays in the completion of nnarinored vessels, but for the most part t ney nave Deen sucn as are constantly occuring even in countries having the largest experience : i .u:i...Ti.i;.. on... ;., Ill liaVal CIIIJIUUIKIUIK. Alio IllWJliTClluuo delays, however, have been in the work upon armored ships. The trouble has lieen the failure of contractors to deliver the armor as agreed. The difficulties sei-iii now. however, to have lieen all overcome, and armor is being delivered with satisfactory promptness. As a result of the experience acquired by shipbuilders and designers and ma terial men, it is believed that the dates when vessels will be completed can now lie estimated with reasonable accuracy. Great guns, rapid-firing gnns, torpedoes and powder are being promptly supplied. HEW VESSELS COMPLETED. The following vessels of the new navy have been completed and are now ready for service: The double-turreted coast-defense monitor Miantonomah, the double-tur reted coast-defense monitor Monterey, the armored cruiser New York, the pro tected cruisers Baltimore, Chicago, Philadelphia, ewark, t-an rrancim-o, CharlesUin. Atlanta and Boston, the cruiser Detroit, the gunboats Yorktown. Concord, Bennington, Maehiaa tasnne and 1'etrel. tne aispaw n vessel uomnin, the practice vessel nam-ruii, anil we; dynamite gunboat esuvios. Of these the Bancroft, Martins. Detroit and Castine have Ijeen placed in commission , during the current calendar year. Th fn nwinir vpmcIs are in mwress .... of construction: The first-class battle- ships Maine and Texas, the cruisers Montgomery ana jiarDieneaa, ina tne coast-defense monitors Terror, Puritan, Am phi trite and Monadnock, all of which ill be completed within a year tne harbor defense ram Katahdin, the pro- tected cruisers txiiumbia, Minneapolis, oivmpiav. CincHnnavti and Raleigh, all of wbit h will be completed prior lo July 1, 1- tint firat-rlajd battle-shiDS Iowa, Indiana, Massachusetts and Oregon, which will be completed February 1, 181H1; and the armored cruiser Brooklyn, which will he completed by August of that year. It is also expected that the three gunboats authorized by the last congress will be completed in less than three years. demand roa Mom vbhsels. Since 1880 congress has at each son- sion authorized the building of one or more vessels, and the secretary of the navy presents an earnest plea for the continuance of this plan. He recoup- mends the authorization of at least one battle-Bhip and six torpedo-boats. While I am distinctly in favor of con- sistcntly pursuing the policy we have inaugurated of building up a thorough ami efficient navv. I cannot refrain j ftom t,e auggestion that congress should caretullv take Into account the number o( unfinished vessels on our hands and j the depleted condition of our treasury in considering the propriety of an ap propriation at this time to begin new ' 't. B Tie motltod of employing mechanical aDor at navvvarda through boards 0f lauor BKin ellldcncy tllB SOle test by which laborers are employed and con tinued, is producing the best results, I and the secretary is earnestly devoting I himself to its development. Attention is invited to tlie statements of his report ! in regard to the workings ol the system. Secretary of the Interior. The secretary of the interior has the supervision of so many important sub jects that his report is of especial value and interest. On the 30th day of June, 1893, there were on the pension rolls 900,012 names, an increase of 89,944 over the number on the rolls June 30. 1892. Of these there were 17 widows and daughters of Revolutionary soldiers. survivors of the war of 1812, 6425 widows of soldiers of that war, 21,618 survivors and widows of the Mexican war, 3882 survivors and widows of Indian wars, 284 army nurses, and 475.645 survivors. widows and children of deceased soldiers and sailors of the war of the Rebellion. The latter number represents those pen sioned on account of disabilities ol death resulting from army and navy service. The number of persons remaining on the rolls June 30, 1893, who were pen sioned under act of June 27, 1890, which allows pensions on account of death and disability not chargeable to army Bervice, was 469.165. The number added to the rolls during the year was 123,034, and the number dropped was 33.690. The first payments on pensions allowed dur ing the year amounted to 133,670,540 98. This includes arrears or the accumula tion lietween the time from which the allowance of pension dates and the time of actually granting the certificate. Al together the law ol 181H) permits pen sions for disabilities now related to military service, yet as a requisite to its benefits a disability must exist incapaci tating applicants "from the performance of manual lalior to such a degree as to render them unable to earn a support." DISCOVERY or FRAUD. The execution of this law in its early stages does not seem to have been in ac cord with its true intention, but toward the close of the laBt administration an authoritative construction was given to the Btatute, and since that time this construction has been followed. This has had the effict of limiting the opera tion nf the law to its Intended purpose. The discovery having Iv-en made that many names hud been put upon the pension roll ny means of wholesale and givant'c irauds, the commn-sioner sus pended payments upon a number of pensions which seem to lie fraudulent or unauthorized pending a complete exami nation, giving notice to the pensioners in order that they might have an opisir tunity to establish, if possible, the jus tice of their claims, notwithstanding ap parent invalidity This, I understand, is the practice which has for a long time prevailed In tlie pension bureau, but al ter entering upon these recent investiga tions the commissioner modified this rule so as not to allow, until after com plete examination, interference with the payment of a pension apparently not al together void, but which merely had been fixed at a rate higher than that au thorized by law. FRAUDS SHOULD BB EXPOSED. I am unable to understand why frauds n the pension rolls should not be ex posed and corrected with throiigbness and vigor. Every name fraudulently put upon inese rous is a wicaeu imposition upon the kindly Bentiment in which pensions have their origin. Every fraudulent pensioner has become a bad citizen ; every false oath in support of a pension has made perjury more com mon: and false and undeserving pen sioners rob tlie people not only of their money, but of their patriotic Bentiment which thesurvivorBof a war fought for the preservation of the un ion ought to inspirit Ihonsandsof neighborhoods have their well-ltnown fraudulent pensioners, and recent developments by the bureau es tablish appalling conspiracies to accom- filish pension frauds. By no m ans the east wrong done is to brave and deserv ing pensioners, who certainly ought not to be condemned to such association. Those who attempt in the line of duty to rectify these wrongs should not be ac cused of enmity or indifference to the claims of honest veterans. The sum expended on account of pen sions for the year ended June 30, 1893, was $160,740,407 14. The commissioner estimates that 4165.000 000 will be re quired to pav pensions during the year ending June' 30, 1894. THE IIOMESEEKERB. The vast area of land which but a short time ago constituted the public domain is rapidly falling into private hands. It Is certain that in the trans fer the beneficent intention of the gov ernment to supply from its domain homes to the industrious and worthy homeseekers is often frustrated through the speculator, who stands with extor tionate purpose between the land office and those who with their families are invited by the government to settle on the public lands, lie is a despicable character who ought not to be tolerated, yet it is difficult lo thwart his schemes. The recent opening to settlement of the lands in the Cherokee outlet, embracing an area of 6,600,000 acres, notwithstand ing the utmost care in training tne regu lations governing the selection of loca tions, and notwithstanding the pres ence of United Slates troops, furiiit-hed an exhibition, though perhaps in a mollified degree, of the mad scramble and tbe violence and the fraudulent occupation which have accompanied previous openings of public lands. I concur with the secretary in the lielief that these outragous incidents cannot be emireiv nrnveiitH.! without a change in ttie , on (he subject, and I hope this recommendation in that dnectioii will be fttVorabiy considered. to PHERV OUR forests. t especially commend to the attention f ,. the statements contained in the gei-ratary's report concerning fores- try The time has come when efficient .....,!.! U lan Inr the nrp- iMrru,c. - . , ervation of our forests fiom indiscrmil- Date and remediless destruction Ag-rlealtarai BiaorU. The exports of agricultural products from the United Plates lor the ncal year ramu uid, in.,..,..!. ,, mous figure of IHOO j,iju,ow in Tuunu per rent ol our total numbers, being 8 7 exports. In the last Ducal year this ag- gregate was greatly reduced, but never- theless reached (660,000,000, being 75.1 per rent of all American ominodilies exported. A review of our agricultural exports, with special reft rence to their demination. will show thai in almost every line the United kingdom ol Gieat llri am and Ire and aWorhs by fur the mrucst piuortiiii. i he tola I at i It- ex- pons a.gregsted in value lor (he fiscal ear ended June 30. 1893, 20,1,00.1)00. of ''ich liri"M Britain took eoin-idorably over ,000,000. Of beef product of " kinds our total exports were (28.00U,- ' which Great Britain took 2t,- 000,000. Of pork products, the total ex- Portl' were 134,000,000, of which Great Britain took $33,000,000. In breadstuffs, cotton and minor products, a like pro- portion sent to the same destination if shown. TUE STATISTICAL DIVISION. The work of the statistical division of " ?h " Tnl . l 8u' . 'J , "f1 "'' elf " aranomfM of I farming, lhe main purpose of its n?n'ly reports is to keep the farmers '" " '"y m pi'ssiuie oi au mai- tera having any influence upon the world's market in which their products find sale. Its publication relates spec ially to the commercial side of farming. It is therefore of profound importance and vital concern to the farmers of the United States, who represent nearly half of our population, and also of direct interest to the whole country, that the work of this division be efficiently per formed, and that the information it has gathered be promptly diffused. It is a matter of congratulation to know that the secretary will not spare any effort to make this part of his work thoroughly useful. The Tariff. After a hard struggle, tariff reform Is directly before us. Nothing so impor tant claims our attention and nothing so clearly presents itself as both an oppor tunity and a duty an opportunity to deserve the gratitude of our fellow citi zens; a duty imposed upon ns by oar oft-repeateu professions and by the em phatic mandate of the people. After full discussion, our countrymen have spoken in lavor ol this relorm. and they nave confided the work of its accomplishment to the hands of those who are solemnly pledged to it. If there is anythii.g r . the theory of a representation in p ibl.'s places of the people and their 'i sires, if political officers are really ' the servants of the people, and if political promises and professions iiave any binding force, our failure to give the relief so long awaited will be sheer recreancy. Nothing should inter vene to distract our attenti n or disturb our etl'ort until this reform is accom plished by wiBe and careful legislation. While we should stanchly adhere to the principle that only the necessity of reve nue justifies the imposition of tariff du ties and other federal taxation, and that they should be limited by strict economy, we cannot close our eyes to the fact that conditions have grown up among us which in justice and fairness call (or dis criminating care in the distribution of such duties and taxation as the emer gency of our government actually de mands. A REDUCTION IN NECESSARIES. Manifestly, if we are to aid the people directly through tariff reform; one uf Its ,J ' obvious lealuies fhouid be a reduction in the present tariff charges upon tbe neceshaiies of life. The benefits of such a red uci ion would be palpable, and sub stantially i-eeu and telt by thousands who would lie lietter fed, better clothed and betti r sheltered. These gifts should be tlie willing benefactions of a govern ment whose highest function is tne pro motion of the welfare of the people. Not less closely related to our people's proi-perity and well-being is the re-. uioval of restrictions upon the importa tion of raw material necessary to our manufacturers. The world should be open to our national Ingenuity and en terprise. This cannot be while federal legislation through the imposition of high tariff forbids to American nianu lacturers as cheap materials as those used by their competitors. It is quite. obvious that the enhancement of the price of our manufactured products re sulting from this policy not only con nnes tne market lor these products within our own borders, to the direct dii-advantage of bur manufacturers, but also increases their cost to our citizens. Tni INTERESTS OF LABOR. The lntresets of labor are certainly though indirectly involved in this fea ture ol our tana system. The sharp competition and active struggle among our manufacturers to supply the united demand for their goods soon fills the narrow market to which they are con lined. Then follows a suspension of the working of mills and factories, a dis charge of employes and distress in the homes of our workingmen. Even if the often disproved assertion could be made good that a lower rate of wages would result from free raw material and low tariff duties, the intelligence of our work ingmen leads them quickly to discover that their steady employment, if per mitted by free materials, is the most im portant factor in their relation to tariff legislation. THE WILSON BILL COMMENDED. A measure baa been prepared by the appropriate congress committee em- i bodying tariff reform on the lines herein suggested which will be promptly sub mitted for legislative action. It is the result of much patriotic and unselfish work, and I believe it deals with its sub ject as consistently and thoroughly as the existing conditions permit. I am satisfied that the reduced tariff duties provided for in the proposed legislation, added to existing internal revenue taxa tion, within the near future, though perhaps not immediately, will produce sufficient revenue to meet the needs of the government. TUB INCOMB TAX. The committee, after full considera- tion and to provide against a temporary deficiency which may exist before the hui-ines-of the country adjusts itself to the new schedules, nave wisely em braced in their plan a few additional in ternal revenue taxes, including a small tax upon incomei derived from certain corporations. These new assessments nre not only absolutely just and easily borne, but they have the further merit ont UI1faV0rable business disturbances of being such as can be remitted with- whenever the necer-sily of their imposi tion no longer exists. In my great desire for the success of this niea-ure. I cannot resirein the sug gestion that its sui-cem can only he at- ujnMl m,.,nB of uniris, nnK on tlt) PMrt 0f the friends of tariff reform ,n, H a reM,(t o( their willingnes to .nl.mlinate nersom.1 iieire and ambi- ,, ,0 thp p.rra fo0A. Tne local in- WreBta hVted by tbe proposed reform .re ao numerous and so varied that. If all ingil,t npon legislation embodying .. .1 1 .... : 'i uiem, uie reioriu wubv ineviuioiT lau. Coaelaaloa. In conclusion my intense feeling of responsibility impels me to invoke for the manifold interests ol a generous ana w..,- ...c care, ami 10 pieogo my wnnng ruppui to every legislative effort for the ad- vancement ot the greatness ana prw perity of our beloved country.