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.