Albany Register.
(- IT L l 1 1 :t I Z XT
President's Message,
To the Senate and Uovbe ov Ukpkeskntativks :
Since the convening of Congress, Ipae year ago, the
nation has undergone a prostration in business and
industries such as ha not Men witnessed with us
for many years. Speculation as to causes for this
prostration might be indulged in without profit,
because as many theories wiuid be advanced as
there would be independent writers those who
expressed their own views without borrowing uon
the subject. Without indulging in theories as to
the cause ofjlhls prostration. I therefore will call
your attention Duly to the tact, and to some ques
tions as to which it would seem there should be no
disagreement.
r.OTIl I A COB AMU CACITAI. UjceMPI.OYF.D.
Dnring this prostration Swo essential elements of
prosperity have been most abundant labor and
capital. Both have been largely unemployed.
Where security- has been undoubted, capital has
been obtaiuable at very moderate rates. Where
labor has been"S,anted, it has been found in abun
dance, at cheap rates compared with those at which
the necessaries and comforts of life could be pur
chased with the wages demanded. Two great ele
ments of prosperity, therefore, have not been de
nied us. A third might be added :
AN StXMEKT THAT ISN'T IDLE.
Our soil and climate are unequalled within the
limits trf" any contiguous territory under one na
tionality, for" its vuriety of products to food and
clothe a people, and hi the amount of surplus to
spare to teed less favored people; therefore with
these facts in iev. it seems to me wise statesman
ship that this session of Congress would dictate
ignoring the past and distributing in the proper
channels these great elements of prosperity to any
people.
THE 1TUI.U DEBT.
The debt abroad is flit- only element thut can,
with always a sound currency, enter into our affairs
to cause any continued depression in the industries
or prosperity. A great conflict for national exist
ence made necessary for temporary purposes the
raising a lanrc stun of money from whatever source
attainable. It was made necessary in the wisdom
of Congress, and I do not doubt their wisdom in the
S remises regarding the necessities of the times, to
cvise a system of national currency which it
proved to be impossible to keep on a par with the
recognized currency ol the civilized world. This
begot a spirit of speculation involving an extrava
gance and luxuries not required for the happiness
or prosperity of n people, and involving, both di
rectly ami indirectly, foreign indebtedness. The
currency being of fluctuating value, proved to be
unsafe to holdfbr legitimate transactions requiring
money, and became a subject of speculation in it
self. "These two causes, however, have involved us
in a foreign indebtedness contracted in good faith
by borrower trnd lender which should be paid in
coin and according to the bond agreed upon when
the debt was contracted gold or its equivalent.
The good faith of the Government cannot be vio
lated towards its creditors without national dis
grace. Our commerce should be encouraged,
American ship building and carrying capacity in
creased, foreign market- sought for products of the
soil and manufactures, to the end that we may be
able to pay these debts. Where a market is created
for the sale of the products, either of the .soil, mine
or tlie manufactory, a new means is discovered of
utilizing our idle capital and labor to die advan
tage of the w hole people.
Til E ClItP.KNCV.
But. in my judgment, the first step toward ac
complishing this object, is to secure a currency
good wherever civilization reigns, one which if
it tiecomes superabundant with one people will
find a market with some other ; a currency which
has as its basis the labor necessary to produce it.
which will give us value. Gold and silver are now
the recognized mediums of exchange the civilized
world over, and to this we should return with the
least practicable delay, in view of the pledges of the
American Congress when our present legal tender
system was adopted and our debt contracted.
There should be no delay, certainly no unnecessary
delay, in fixing by legislation a method by which
we will return to specie.
To the accomplishment of this end I invite your
especial attention. I believe firmly that there can
be no prosperous and permanent revival of business
and industries until a policy is adopted, with legis
lation to carry it out. looking to a return to a specie
basis. It is easy to conceive that the debtor and
speculative classes may think it of value to make a
so-called money abundant until they can throw a
portion of their burdens upon others; but even
these. I believe, would be disappointed in the re
sult, if a course should be pursued which will keep
in doubt the value of legal tender medium of ex
change and prevent a revival of productive indus
tries needed by all classes, by none more than the
holders of property, of whatever sort, with debts to
liquidate from realization upon its sale. But ad
mitting that the two classes of citizens are to be
benefited, by expansion, would it be honest to give
it? Would nut the general loss be too great to jus
tify such relief." Would it not be more just and
honest and prudent to authorize each debtor to
issue his own legal tenders to extent of his liabili
ties than to do this? Would it not lie safer for fear
of over issues by unscrupulous creditors to say that
all debt obligations are obliterated in the lnited
States and now we commence anew, each possess
ing all lie has at the time free from all encum
brance'.' Tlie propositions are too absurd to be en
tertained for a moment by thinking people. Every
delay in preparation for rinfU resumption partakes
of this dishonesty. A season will at last arrive for
the good work of redeeming our pledges, to com
mence. The time will never come, in my opinion,
except by positive action by Congress, and national
disasters which will destroy for a time, at least, the
credit of individuals and' the state at large. A
sound currency must be reached by total liankrupt
cy and credit of nation and of individuals ? I be
lieve it is in the power of Congress, at this session,
to devise such legislation as will renew confidence,
revive all industries, send us on a career of pros
perity to last for many years, and to save'the credit
of the nation and of "the people. Steps toward the
return to a specie bai are the great requisites to
this end, devoutly to be sought for, and others
which I may touch upon hereafter. A nation deal
ing in a currency below that of specie in value,
labors under two great disadvantages : first, having
no use for the world's acknowledged medium of
exchange, gold and silver, these are driven out of
the country because there is no demand for their
use. Second, the mediums of exchange iu use be
ing of a fluctuating value, (for, after all, it is only
worth just what it will purchase of gold and liver,
metals having an intrinsic value, just in proportion
to the honest labor it takes to produce them,; a large
margin must be allowed for prolit by the manufac
turers and producers. It is months from the date
of production to date of realization ; interest ujxjii
capital must be charged, and risk of fluctuation in
the value of getting that which is to be received in
payment added. Hence, high prices acting as a
protection to the foreign producer who receives
nothing in exchange for the product of his skill
and labor except a currency, good at a suible value,
the world over, it seems to me that nothing is
clearer than that the greater part of the burden of
existing prostration tor tlie want ot a sounti ninui
cial system, falls upon the workingman, who must,
after all, produce the w ealth, and the salaried man
who superintends and conducts business. The bur
den falls on them in two ways: by the deprivation
of employment and by the decreased purchasing
power of their salary-.
It is the duty of Congress, not mine, to devise the
method of correcting the evils which are acknow
ledged to exist; but I will venture to suggest twoor
three things which seem to me as absolutely neces
sary to a return to specie payment. As a first great
requisite in a return to prosperity, the legal tender
cl, wise to the law authorizing the issue ol currencv
by the national Government should be repealed, to
take effect as to all contracts entered into after a
day fixed in the repealing act, not to apply, how
ever, to payments of salaries by the Government, or
for other expenses now provided by law to be paid
in currency. In the interval pondinjfc between re
peal and final resumption, provision should be
made by which the Secretary of the Treasury can
obtain gold as it becomes necessary from time to
time from tlie date when specie resumption may
commence. To this might and should be added a
revenue sufficiently in excess of expenses to insure
an accumulation of gold in the Treasury to sustain
redemption. I recommend this subject to your
careful consideration, believing a favorable solution
is attainable, and that if reached by this Congress,
the present and future generations will ever grate
fully remember it as their delivery from a thraldom
of evil and disgraer-. With resumption, free hank
ing may be authorized with safety, giving full pro
tection to bill-holders which, they have under ex
isting laws. Indeed I would regard free banking as
essential. It woiUd give proper elasticity to the
currency, as more currency should be required for
the transaction of legitimate business. New banks
would be started in turn. Banks would wind up
their business when it was found there yvas a super
abundance of currency. Theexpcrience and judg
ment of the people can best decide just how much
currency is required for the transaction of the
business of this country. It is unsafe to leave the
settlement of this question to Congress, the Sec
retary of the Treasury, or the Kxeeunve. Congress
should make tlie regulation under which banks
may exist, but should not make banking a monop
oly by limiting the amount of redeemable paper
currency that shall be authorized. Such import
ance 1 attach to this subject, and so earnestly do I
commend it to your at' entiou I give it prominence
by introducing it at the beginning of this message.
OCR FOREIGN RELATION'S.
Durine the nast year nothing has occurred to dis
turb the general friendly and cordial relations of
the Cuitea states witn otner powers, rue corrc
snondciice submitted herewith, between the Gov
ernment and Its diplomatic representatives in other
countries, shows a satisfactory condition of all ques
tions between the l nited States and most of those
countries, and with few exceptions to which refer
ence is hereafter made the absence of any points
of difference to be adjusted. The notice directed
by the resolution of Congress of Jnne 17, 1874. to be
Kren to terminate me convention oi juiy n, jaw,
tween the United States and Belgium, has been
riven, and the treaty will accoi dincly terminate on
the first dav of July. 1S7.1. This convention secured
to certain Belgian vessels, entering the ports of the
United States, exceptional privileges, which are not
accorded to our own vessels, inner part oi tne
convention have proved satisfactory, and have tend
ed to the cultivation of mutually beneficial com
mercial intercourse anti lrienuiy relations uetween
the two countries. I hope that negotiation, which
has been invited, will result in another treaty which
may tend to the interest oi ootn countries, our re
lations continue friendly.
narinr th past year the fear of hostilities be
. twneu China and Japau. growing out of the landing
of armed forces upon the Island of Formosa by the
latter, has occasioned uneasiness It is earnestly
hoped, however, that the difficulties arising from
this cause will be adjusted, and that the advancing
civilization in the Empires may not be retarded by
. Mate of war. In consequence of the part taken by
mmn.nfih iTnltad States in this expedi
tion, our representatives in those countries have
been instructed to impress upon the Governir -n U
o China and Japan the firm intention of this coun
try to maintain strict neutrality in the event of hos
tilities, and carefully prevent any infraction of law
ob tne part oi our citizens.
In connection with this subject I call the atten
tion of Congress to the generally conceded fact that
the greater portion of the Chinese immigrants who
come to our shores do not come ostensibly to make
their homes with us, and their labor productive of
general prosperity, but come under contract with
head men, who own the men almost absolutely. Iu
worse form does it apply to Chinese women;
hardly a perceptible per centage of them perform
honorable labor; they are brought for shameful
purposes, to the disgrace of the community where
they are settled, ana to the great demoralization of
tlie youth of thote localities. If this evil practice
can be legislated against, it will be my pleasure as
well as duty to enforce any regulation to insure so
desirable an end.
It Is hoped that negotiations between the Govern
ment of Japan and treaty powers, looking to the
further opening of the Empire, and to the removal
of various restrictions upon trade and travel, may
soon produce the result desired, which cannot fail
to inure to the benefit of all parties. Having on
previous occasions submitted to the consideration
of Congress the policy of the release of the Japan
ese Government from the further payment of in
demnity under the convention of Oct. 'A!, 11, and
as no action has been taken thereon, it became my
duty to regard the obligations of the convention as
in force : and as the other powers interested have
received their portion of the Indemnity in full, tlie
Minister of the United States in Japan has. in be
half of this Government, received the remainder of
the amount due to the United States under the con
vention of Simonoseki. I submit the propriety of
applying the Income of a part if not the whole ot
this fund to the education, in the Japanese lan
guage, of a number of voung men to be under ob
ligations to serve the Government for a specified
time, as interpreters, at the Legation and the Con
liiIaiau in isnsn A limited number of Japanese
youths might, at the same time, be educated in our
vernacular and mutual benefit would result to both
Governments. The importance of having our own
citizens competent and familiar with the language
of Japan, lb act as interpreters and in other capaci
ties connected with the Legation and Consulates in
that country, cannot readily be over estimated.
The amount awarded tne Government of Great
Britain by the Mixed Commission, organized under
the provisions of the treaty of Washington, in
settlement of claims of British subjects arising
from acts committed between April 18, 1811, and
April !), 1B6.V became payable under the terms of
the treaty within the past year and was paid upon
the 21st day of September, 187, In this connection
I renew my recommendation at the opening of last
session of Congress, that a special court be created
to hear and determine all claims of aliens against
the United States arising from acts committed
against their persons or property during the insur
rection, it appears equitable that an opportunity
should be offered to citizens ot other states to prove
their claims as well as to those of British subjects
whose claims were not aduiissable udder the late
Commission, to the early decision of some compe
tent tril unal. To this end I recommend the neces
sary legislation to organize a court to dispose of
these claims of aliens referred to in an equitable
and satisfactory manner and relieve Congress and
the departments from the consideration of these
questions.
The legislation accessary to extend to the colony
of Newfoundland certain articles of the treaty of
Washington of the 8U1 day of May, 1S71. having
been passed, a protocal to that effect was signed iu
behalf of the I'nited States and Great Britain on the
2Sth day of May last, and was duly proclaimed 011
the following day. A copy of the proclamation is
submitted herewith.
A copy of the report of the Commission appointed
under the act of March 19, 1872, for surveying and
making tlie boundaries between the United States
and the British Possessions from the Lake of the
Woods to the summit of the Rocky mountains, is
herewith transmitted. I am happy to an
nounce the field work of the Commission
has been completed, and the entire line
from the northwest corner of the Lake of the Woods
to the summit of the Rocky mountains has been
run and marked upon the surface of the earth. It
is believed Uiat the amount remaining unexpended
of the appropriation made at the fast session of
Congress will be sufficient to complete the office
wort. I recommend that authority of Congress
be given to the use of the unexpended balance of
the appropriation in completion of the work of the
Commission iu making the report and printing the
necessary map.
The court known as the Court of Commissioners
cf the AUmauta claims, created by an act of Con
gress at the last session, has organized and com
menced its work, and it is to be hoped that the
claims admissible under the provisions of the act
may be speedily ascertained and paid.
It has been deemed advisable to exercise the
discretion conferred upon the Execuuvc at the last
session, by accepting the conditions required by
tlie Government of Turkey for tlie privilege of
allowing citizens of the United States to hold real
estate iu the former country, and by assenting to a
certain change in the jurisdiction of the Courts in
the latter. A copy of the proclamation upau these
subjects is herewith communicated.
There has been 110 material change in our rela
tions with the independent States of this hem
isphere. which were formerly under the dominion
of Spain.
Marauding on the borders between Mexico and
Texas still frequently takes place, despite the
vigilance of civil and military authorities in that
quarter. The difficulty of checking such trespass
along the course of a river of such length as the
Itio Grande, and so often fordable, is okvious. It is
hoped the efforts of thin Government will lie
seconded by those of Mexico to tlie effectual sup
pression of acts of wrong.
From the report upon the condition of business
before the American and Mexican Joint Claims
Commission, made by the ageut on the part of the
United States, and dated October '28. 1874, it appears
that of the 1.017 claims riled on the part of citi
zens of the United States, 4.s.i had been finally de
cided, and 73 were iu the hands of the umpire;
leaving 4ti2 to be disposed of : and of U98 claims
tiled against the United States, 720 had been finally
decided on. Oue was before the umpire, and 271
remained to be disposed of, reducing somewhat the
number still landing ; others have been passed up
on by the arbitrators. It has become apparent, 111
view of these figures, and of the fact that the work
devolvinn on the umpire is particularly laborious.
that the Commission would be unable to dispose of
the entire number or claims penuiug, prior to reu
ruarv 1 , 1S7:, the date fixed ior expiration. Nego
tiations are pending looking to the securing of the
results of tlio decisions which have been reached
and to a further extension of the Commission for a
limited time, which it is confidently hoped will
suffice to bring all the business now before it to a
liual close.
The strife in the Argentine Republic is to be de
plored, both on aceount of the parties thereto and
from the probable effects on the interests of those
engaged in trade in that quarter, of whom the
United States are among the principal. As yet, so
far as I am aware, there has been no violation of
our neutrality rights, which, as well as our duties
in that respect, It shall be my endeavor to maintain
and observe.
it is with regret I announce that no further pay
ment has been received from the Government of
Venezuela on account of the awards in favor of
citizens of the United States. Hopes have been en
tertained that if the Republic could escape both
foreign and civil war for a few years its great natur
al resources would enable it to honor its obligations.
Though it is now understood to be at peace with
other countries, a serious insurrection is reported iu
progress 111 an important region 01 mat itepuonc.
5'hLs may be taken advantage of as another reason
for delay in the payment of the dues of our citizens.
The deplorable strife In Cuba continues without
any marked change in the relative advantages of
the contending forces. The insurrection continues,
but Spain has gained no superiority. Six years of
strife give the insurrection a significance which can
not be ignored. Its duration and the tenacity of its
adherents, together with the absence of manifested
power iu suppression on the part of Spain cannot
be controverted, and may make some positive
steps on the part of other powers a matter ol self-
necessity.
I had confidently hoped at this time to be en
abled to announce the arrangement of the impor
tant questions between this tvovemmant ami tnatoi
Mnain. but thi? neeotiadons have been protracted.
The unhappy iutenial dissensions of Spain com
mand our profound sympathy and must be ac
cepted as, pet lisps, a cause of this delay. An early
settlement, in part, at least, of tlie questions be
tween the uovernments is nopen. in tne mean
time, awaltitur the results of immediately pending
negotiations, I defer a further and fuller communi
cation on the subject of the relations of this country
and Spain.
EXPATRIATION AND NATURALIZATION.
1 have again to call the attention of Congress to
the unsatisfactory condition of the state of the laws
with reference to expatriation and election of na
tionality. Formerly, amid conflicting opinions and
decisions, it was uimcuu 10 exacoy uetermiiie now
far the doctrine of perpetual allegiance was appli
cable to citizens of the United States. Congress, by
the act of '27th July, 1868. asserted the abstract right
of expatriation as a fundamental principle of this
Government. Notwithstanding such assertion and
the necessity of the format application ot the prin
ciple, no legislation has been had defining what
acts or formalities shall work expatriation, or when
a citizen shall lie decided to have renounced or
have lost bis citizenship. The importance of such
a.deeision is obviout. The representatives of Ihc
United States in foreign countries are continually
called upon to lend their aid and the protection of
the United Suites to persons concerning tlie good
faith or the reality 01 wnose citizensnip mere is at
least great question. In some cases the provisions
of the treaties furnish some guide; in others itseems
left to the persons claiming tlie benefit of citizen
ship while living in a foreign country, contributing
ill no manner to uie ouuiuuuie 01 mi, uuum 01 u
citizen of the United States, and without the inten
tion at any time to assume and undertake these du
ties, ami to use the claims of citizenship of the
United states simply as a shield from the perform
ance of the obligations of a citizenelsewhere. The
status of citizens born of American parents resid
ing in foreign countries, 01 American women wno
have married aliens, of American citizens residing
abroad, whete such question la not regulated by
treaty, is a source of frequent difficulty and discus
sion. Legislation on these and similar questions,
and particularly aenning wnen ana unaer wnat
circumstances expatriation can be accomplished,
or Is to be presumed, is especially needed.
In this connection I earnestly call the attention
of Congress to the difficulties arising from fraudu
lent naturalization. The United States wisely.
wno
n
ble and simple formalities and conditions. Among
the first duties oi tne uo vernment is to anoru nrra
oftieif-nt and effectual protection to all its citizens
whether native or naturalised. Care should be
iibm that u. rteht. carrvinir with It such support
from the Government, should not be fraudulently
obtained and should be bestowed only upon full
proof of a compliance with the law. But there are
frequent instances or illegal and fraudulent natu
ralization, and of the unauthorised use of certifi
cates thus improperly obtained. In some cases tlie
fraudulent character of the naturalization ha ap
nottred noon the face of the certificate itself -. in
others, examination discloses mat the holder bad
not complied with the law : and In others still, cer
tificates have been obtained where tne persons hold
inn- d.n nut onlv vera not entitled to be natural
Ized. but had not even been within the. United
States at the time of the pretended naturalization
Instances of each of these classes of fraud are dls-
freel noe ran y oners us citizensnip to an
may come in good faith to reside within its limits
on ihflr nom'plvine with certain prescribed rcasona
covered at our Legations, where certificates of natu
ralization are presented either for the purpose
of obtaining passports, or in claiming the protec
tion of the legation. When the fraud is on the face
of such certificates they are taken up by the repre
sentatives of the Government and forwarded to the
Depaitment of State ; but then the record of the
Court in which they, the fraudulent naturalizations,
are secured, remains, and duplicates are readily
obtainable. Upon the presentations of these for die
issue of the passports, or on demanding the protec
of the Government, Hie fraud sometimes escapes
notice. Such certificates are not infrequently used
in transactions of buiuess to the deception and in -jurv
of innocent parties. Without placing any ad
ditional obstacle in the way of the obtainment of
citizenship by the worthy and well-intentioned for
e gner who comes in good faith to cast his lot with
us. I earnestly recommend further legislation to
punish fraudulent naturalization, and to secure the
remedy call the attention of record of every nat
uralization made iu fraud. ?j
NEW TREATIES.
Since mv last annual message the exchange has
been made of the ratification of treaties of extra
dition with Belgium, Ecuador, Peru and Salvador;
also of treaty of commerce and navigation with
Pern, and one of commerce and consular privileges
with Salvador; all ol which have been duly pro
claimed, as bus also a declaration with Russia with
reference to trade marks. -' ..
RECEIPTS AM) EXPEN DITTOES REVENUES SINKING
Ft'NP.
The report of the Secretary of the Treasury,
which bv law is made directly to Congress, and
forms no part of this message, will show the re
ceipts and expenditures of the Government for the
last fiscal year; the amount received from each source
of revenue, and the amount paid out for each of
the Ueoartmenis of the Government. It will be ob
served from this report that the amount of receipts
over expenditures has been but 82,314.882 '30 for the
fiscal year ending Jnne 30, 1874, and that for the
current fiscal year the estimated receipts over ex
penditures wiil not much exceed nine millions of
dollars. In view of the large national debt exist
ing, and the obligations to add one per cent, per
annum to the Sinking Fund, a sum amounting now
to over fcH.Ooo.OOO per annum, I submit whether the
revenues should not bo increased or the expendi
tures diminished to reach this amount of surplus.
Not to provide for the Sinking Fund is a partial
failure to comply with the contracts and obligations
of the Government. At the last session of Con
gress a very considerable reduction was made
111 rates of taxation, and the number of artiules
submitted to taxation The question may well
be asked whethar wisely or not in some in
stances. In connection with this subject, too, I
venture opinion that the means of collection
of the revenues especially from Imports have been
so embarrassed bv legislation as to make it question
able whether or' not large amounts are not lost by
failure to collect, to the loss of the Treasury and to
the prejudice of the interests of honest importers
and taxpayers. The Secretary of the Treasury, in
his report." favors legislation looking to these pay
ments, thus supjiorticg the views previously ex
pressed in this message. He also recommends
economy in appropriations : calls attention to the
loss of revenue from repealing the tax on tea and
coffee.witlmut benefit to the consumer: recommends
an increase of lo cents a gallon on whiskey ; and
further, that no modification be made iu the bank
ing and currency bill passed at the last session of
Congress unless modification should become neces
sary by reason of the adoption of measures for re
turning to specie payment. In these recommends
tions I cordially join.
THE JUDICIOUS TARIFF.
I would suggest to Congress the propriety of ad
justing the tariff so as to increase the revenue and
at the same time decrease the number of articles
upon which duties are levied. Those articles which
enter into our manufactures and are not produced
at home, it seenis to me. should be entered free ;
those articles of manufacture of which we produce
a constituent part but not produce the whole, that
part which we do not produce should enter free.
Also. I will instance fine wools, dyes, etc. These
articles must be imported to form a part of the
manufacture of the higher grades of woolen goods.
Chemicals, such as dyes, compounded medicines,
and used in (various ways in manufactures, come
under this class. The introduction, free of duties,
of such wools as we do not produce would stimulate
the manufacture of wools requiring the use of those
we do produce, and therefore would be a benefit to
home production. There arc many articles enter
ing into home manufactures which we do not pro
duce ourselves, the tariff ujioii which increases the
cost of producing the manufactured atticle. Mil
corrections in this regard are iu the directiorWof
bringing labor and capital in harmony with each
other and ol supplying one of the elements properly
so much needed.
THE ARMY.
The report of the Secretary of Wir, herewith at
tached and forming a part of this message, gives all
the information concerning the operations, wants
and necessities of the army, and contains many
suggestions and recommendations which I com
mend to your siccial attention. There is no class
of Government employes who are harder worked
than the army officers and men, and none who per
form their tasks more cheerfully and efficiently and
under circumstances of greater privations and
hardships. Legislation is desirable to render more
efficient this branch of the public service. All the
recommendations of the Secretary of War, I regard
as judicious, and I especially commend to your at
tention the following: The consolidation of the
Government arsenals ; the restoration of mileage to
officers traveling under orders; the exemption of
money from the sale of subsistence stores from be
ing "covered'' into the Treasury ; the use of appro
priations for the purchase of subsistence stores
without waiting for the beginning of the fiscal
year for w hich the appropriatien is made: for addi
tional appropriations for the collection of torpedo
material; for increased appropriations for the man
ufacture of anus: for relieving the various States
from indebtedness for arms.charged to them during
the rebellion : tor dropping officers from the rolls of
the army without trial for the offense of draw ing
pay more than once for the same period: for the
discouragement of the plan to pay soldiers by
checks: and for the establishment of a professorship
of Rhetoric and English Literature at West Point
The reasons for the recommendations are obvious,
and set forth sufficiently iu the report attached.
I also recommend that the status of the staff corps
of the army be fixed, where this has not already been
done, so that promotions may oe made and vacan
cies tilled as they occur in each grade when re
duced below the number to be fixed by Haw I. The
necessity for such legislation is specially felt in trm
department is below the number adequate to per-
lorm the unties reqjiirea oy law.
THE SAW.
The
nxv
creased during last year under the impulse of the
foreign complications which threatened us at the
commencement of the last session of Congress.
Most of our efficient wooden ships were put in con
dition for immediate service, and the repairs of our
iron-clads w-ere pushed with the utmost vigor. The
result is that most of these are effective and need
only to be manned and set in commission to go at
once into "Service. Some of the new sloops author
ized by Corrgres are already in commission, and
most or the remainder are launched and wait only
the completion of their machinery to enable them
to take their places as part of our effective force.
I wo iron torpedo snips nave occu couipieico itur
inar the last vear. and four of our lareo double tur
reted iron-cfads arc now undergoing repairs. When
these are finished, evervthine that Is needful of our
navy, as now authorized, will be iu condition for
service, and with the advance in the science of tor
nedo warfare, the American navv. comparatively
small as it is, will be found at any lime powerful for
the purposes of a peacerui nation.
SCIENTIFIC AND COMMERCIAL EXPLORATIONS AND OB
SERVATIONS. Much has also been accomplished during the year
in aid of science and to inoreasethesumof general
knowledge and further the interests of commerce
and civilization. Extensive and much needed
soundings have been made for hydrographlc pur
poses and to fix the proper routes ol ocean tele
graphs. Further surveys of the great Isthmus have
been undertaken and completed, and two vessels of
. i. .. . , i i ; ..J.,,. r .1. v.
tile llfiVJ nif IIOY CUI(I1UJCU 111 l.llljUIIOIUH,i , IUI
those of Einrland. France. Germany and Russia, in
observations connected with the transit of Venus,
useful and interesting to the scientific world. The
estimates for this branch of the public service do
not differ materially from those ol last year the
general support of the service being somewhat loss,
and those for improvement at the various stations,
rather larger thau the corresponding estimate made
a year ago. Tbc regular maintenance and steady
increase in the ofllcerinir of this most important
arm, and in proportion to the growth of our mari
time intercourse and interest, is recommenuea to
the attention of Congress. The use of the navy
during peace might be further utilized by a direct
authorization of the employment of naval vessels
in surveys of the supposed navigable waters of
other nationalities in this Continent, especially the
tributaries of the two great rivers of South America,
tne Orinoco ana tne Amazon. iNoining prevents,
under exlstina laws, such exploration, except that
expenditures must be made in such expeditions be-
yonu tnose usually pruviueu lor in uie appropria
tions. The field designated is unquestionably one
of interest and one capable of a large development
of commercial interests advantageous to the people
reaciicu aim tuosc wno may csiannsji relations w uu
them.
EPl'CATIOX THE POSTOFFII'E.
The education of the people entitled to exercise
the right or franchise, 1 regard essential to general
prosperity everywhere, and especially so tn a Re
public where both education and previous condi
tion uo not enter into account in giving suurngp.
Next to the Public School, the Postofnce is the great
agent of education over our vast territory. The
rapidity witn wnicn new sections are oeing sottiea,
thus increasing the carrying of the malls In a more
rapid ratio than the increase of receipts, is not
alarming, ine report oi tne rosimaster uenerai
herewith attached, snows that there was an in
crease of revenue in this department in 1873 over
the previous year1, of 81,074,411, and an increase of
cost of carrying tlie mails and paying employes, ot
3,Otl,4Ci7 91. The report or the Postmaster General
gives interesting statistics ot ins department, ana
comparing them with the corresponding statistics
or a year ago, show a growth in every branch or the
department.
A postal convention has been concluded with
New South Wales, an exchange or postal cards ex
changed with Switzerland, and the negotiations
penuiug ior severui years pasi wiiu r rauce nave
terminated in a convention with that country,
which went into effect last August. An interna
tlonal postal congress was convened iu Berne,
Switzerland, in September last, at which the United
States was represented by an officer or the Post
Office Department of much experience and of qual
ification for the position. A convention ror the es
tablishment of an international postal union was
agreed upon by the delegates of the countries rep
resented . subject to the approval of tlio proper au
thorities or those countries.
I respectfully direct your attention to the report
of tho Postmaster General, to his suggestion in re
gard to an equitable adjustment of the question of
compensation to railroads for carrying the mails.
THE LOUISIANA CASK.
Your attention will be drawn to the unsettled
condition of affairs In some of tho Southern States.
On the 14th of September last the Governor of
Louisiana called upon me. as provided by the Con
stitution and laws of the United States, to aid in the
suppression or domestic violence in that State.
This call was made in view of a proclamation issued
on thst day by D. B. Penn stating that he was
elected ucut governor in ib.j, ana calling upon
the militia of the State to arm, assemble and drive
from power the usurpers, as he designated ' tlie offi
cers of the State Government. On the next day I
Issued my proclamation commanding the insurgents
to disperse within five days from the dste thereof,
and subsequently learned that on that day they had
taken forcible possession othe State House, steps
were taken by me to support the existing and rec
ognized State Government, but before the expira
tion ot the Ave days tho insurrectionary movement
was practically abandoned and the officers of the
State Government, with some minor exceptions, re
sumed their powers and duties. Considering that
the present State Administration of Louisiana has
been the only Government tn that State for nearly
twoyears, that it has been tscitly acknowledged and
acquiesced in as such by Congress, anil more than
once expressly recognized by me, I regarded it as
my clear duty, when legally called upon for that
purpose, to prevent its overthrow by nn armed mob.
under the pretense of fraud and irregularit v in tiie
election of 1872. I have heretofore called" the at
tention of Congress to this subject, stating that on
account of the frauds and forgeries committed at
said election, and because it appears that the re
turns thereof wore never legally canvassed. It was
impossible to tell thereby who were chosen ; but
from the most reliable sources of information at
my command, I have always believed the present
State officers received a majority of tlie legal votes
actually cast at that election. I repeat what I said
In my special message of February 18, 1X73. that in
the event or no action by Congress I must continue
to recognize the Government heretofore recognized
by me.
SOUTHERN TROUBLES GENERALLY.
I regret to say that with the preparations for the
late election, decided indications appeared in some
localities in Southern States of a determination bv
actsof violence and intimidation to deprive citi
zens of the freedmen clas of the ballot , because of
their political opinion. Bands of men, masked and
armed, made their appearance ; White Leaguers and
other Societies were formed; largo quantities of
arms and ammunition were Imported and distri
buted to these organizations: military drills with in
creasing demonstrations were held.and with all these
murders enough were committed to spread terror
among those whose political action was to be sup
pressed, if possible, by these intolerant and criminal
proceedings. In some places colored laborers were
compelled to vote according to the wishes of their
employers under threats of discharge if they voted
otherwise, and there are too many instances in
which when these threats were disregarded thuy
were remorselessly executed by those by whom
made. I understand that the Fifteenth Amend
ment to the Constitution was made to prevent this
and like state of things, and the act ot May 31,
1870, with amendments, was passed to enforce its
provision, the object of this being to guarantee to
all citizens tlie right to vote, and to protect them in
. J IV. 1111. CJVSJIUVMI VF ,,,ZJ.,,11, J ,11C
Constitution to take care that the laws be faithfully i
executed, and convinced by undoubted evidence !
tnat violations oi saiu act nau oeeu committed, and
that a widespread and flagrant disregard of it w as ;
contemplated, the proper officers were instructed
to prosecute the offenders, and troops were stationed
at convenient points to aid these officers, if neevs-
sury, in the performance of their duties. I nuplaints
arejjaade of this interference by Federal authority. I
buJW said amendment and act do not provide for
such Interference under the circumstances as above
uwreu, mwi nicjr ic iivtioot memo lit; oi t-neci,
ilia irlwiln ttv.lum of ,i,,1,ifui1 mi O-o ,1 I o la
.,... jj . . -y , o..i...nonoii i- r i.u..6 , lu. i Njimu; uc icimeu private en
worse than mockery, and little better than a crime, i terpnse. I would not sugaest as a remedy direct
Possibly Congress may find it due to Justic e to ascer- ! subsidy to American steamship Hues but I would
tain by means of a committee whether the alleged , suggest the direct offer of ample compensation for
wrongs to colored citizens lor political purposes are !
real, or the repirts thereof were manufactured for 1
the occasion. The whole number of hoods in the !
State of Louisiana, Alabama,' Georgia, Florida,1
South Carolina, North Carolina. Kenttu kv. Teiines
see. Arkansas, Mississippi, Maryland and Virginia
at the time of the election was4,0S2. This embraces
the garrisons of all the forts, from the Delaware to
the Gulf of Mexico.
ARKANSAS,
Another trouble has arisen in Arkansas. Article
13 of the Constitution of the State, which was
adopted in 1SGS, and upon the approval of which
by Congress the State was restored to representa
tion as one of the States of the Union, provides In
effect that before any amendments proposed to this
Constitution shall become part thereof, they shall
be passed oy two successive assemblies, and then
submitted and ratified by a majority of the electors
of the State voting thereon. On the 11th of Mav.
lsi. tne liovernor conveneu an extra session of
the General Assembly of tho State, which on the
18th of the same month passed an act
providing for a convention to frame a new- Con
stitution. Pursuant to this act, and at an election
held on the 30th June, 1S71, the convention was ap
proved and delegates were chosen thereto, wh:eh
assembled on the 11th ol" July, and formed a new
Constitution, which provided for the election of an
entire new set of State officers iu a manner contra
ry to the then existing election laws of the State. On
the 13th of October, 1874, this Constitution, as there
in provided, was submitted to the People for their
approval or rejection, and, according to tlie election
returns, was approved oy a large majouty of those
qualified to vote thereon, and at the . same election
persons were chosen to fill all the State, county and
township offices. The Governor elected in ;87' for
the term of four years turned over his office to the
Governor chosen under the new Constitution;
whereupon the Lieutenant-Governor, also elected
in 1S7J. for a term of four years, claiming to act as
Governor, and alleging that said proceedings bv
which the new Constitution was made and a new
setof oftluaK lected. were unconstitutional and
illegal, i Jffj upon me. as provided in section I,
article 4 'tine Constitution, to pretect the slate
against dftn.estic violence. As Congress are now in
vestigating the political affairs of Arkansas. I have
declined to interfere. The whole subject of Execu
tive interference with the affairs of a State is re
pugnanto public opinion, to the feelings of those
from wh-yH their official capacity must be used in
such Interposition and to him or those who most
desire it. Unless most clearly on the side of law,
such interference becomes a crime : with the law
to support it, as condemned without u bearing '.
FROM ARKANSAS BACK TO THE GENERAL QUESTION,
I desire that all necessity for Executive decision
in local affairs may become unnecessary and obso
lete. 1 Invite the attention, not of Congress, but of
the people of the United States, to tlie causes and
effects ol these unhappy questions. Is there
t a
disposition on one side to magnify the wroinrs and
outrages, and on the other side to belittle them or
justify them? If public opinion could be directed
J-to a correct survey of what is and to rebuking
I wrong and aiding the proper authorities in punish-
ing ii, l eiLei state ui jren ug w uuiu oe nicilicateu,
and the sooner we would have that peace which
would leave the States free indeed to regulate their
own domestic affairs. I believe, on the part of our
citizens of the Southern States, the better part
them, there is a disposition to be law abiding, and
to do no violence either to individuals or the laws
existing. But do they do right in ignoring the ex
istence of violence in resistance to constituted au
thority ? I sympathise with theirjprostratecondition
and would do all in my power to reliove them, ac
knowledging that In some instances they have had
most trying Governments to live under", and very
oppressive ones in the way of taxation for nominal
improvements, not giving benefits equal to the
hardship imposed, but can they proclaim them
selves entirely Irresponsible for this condition.
They cannot. Violence has been rampant in some
localities and has further been Justified or denied by
those who could have prevented it The theory is
raised that there is to be no further interference on
the part of the General Government to protect citi
zens within a State where the State authorities fail
to give protection. Th is is a great mistake. While
I remain Executive all the laws of Congress and tlie
provisions of the Constitution, including the amend
ments added thereto, will be enforced with rigor ;
but 1 regret that they should have added one jot or
tittle to Executive duties and powers.
let there be
fairness In the discussion of Southern Questions
the advocates or both or all political parlies giving
honest, truthful reports of occurrences, coudi inning
the wrong and approving tho right. Then all will
be well. Under existing conditions the negro
votes the Republican ticket, because he knows his
friends are or that party. Many a good citizen votes
the opposite, not because he is at variance with the
great principles or State which separate parties, but
because, generally, he Is opposed to negro rule.
This is a most delusive cry. Treat the negro as a
citizen and voter, as he is and must remain, and
soon parties will be conducted not on tho color Hue
but on principle. Then we shall have no complaint
or sectional interference.
DEI'ARTMKNT OF JUSTK F.
The report of the Attorney-General contains valu
able recommendations relating to trie administra
tion of justice in the Courts of the United States, to
which I invite your attention. I respectfully sug
gest to Congress the propriety of increasing the
number of Judicial Districts In the United States to
eleven (tho present number being nine) and the
creation of two additional judgeships. The territo
ry to be traversed by the Circuit Judges is o great,
and the business or the courts so greatly increasing,
that it Is growing more and more impossible for
them to keep up with the business requiring their
attention. Whether this would involve the neces
sltyof adding two more Justices of the supreme
Court to the present number, I submit to the judg
ment or Congress.
INTERIOR DEPARTMENT.
The attention or Congress 1 invited to the report
of the Secretary ol the Interior and to the legisla
tion asked for by him. The domestic interests of
the people are more intimately connected with this
Department thau with either or the other two De
partments or the Government. Its duties have been
added to from time to time, until they have become
so enormous that without the most perfect system
and order it will be impossible for any Secretary of
the Interior to keep trace or all official transactions
having his sanction and done in his name, and for
which he is held personally responsible.
THE PEACE POLICY.
The policy adopted for the management of Indian
affairs, known as the Peace Policy, has been ad
hered to with most benctujial results. It is confi
dently hoped that a few years more will save our
frontier from Indian depredations. I commend
the recommendation of the Secretary for the exten
sion or tile homestead laws to Indians, and for some
sort of Territorial government for the Indian Terri
tory. A great majority or the Indians occupying
this Territory aro believed to be Incapable of main
taining their rights against the more civilized and
and enlightened man. Any lerritorlal form of gov
ernment given them, therefore, should protect them
tn their homes and property for a period of at least
twenty yean; and before its final adoption, should
be ratified by a majority of those affected.
The report of tlie Secretary of the Interior, here
with attached, gives much interesting statistical in
formation, which I abstain from giving an abstract
of, bnt refenyou to the report itself.
PEMSIOKS OP 181'J
The act of Congress, providing die oath which
pensioners must subscribe befom ilmuinn thui.
pension, cuts off from tius bounty a few survivors of
tne war oi iovi, residing m too southern States. I
recommend the restoration of this lmnm to ti
such. Tne number of pensons whose names would
be restored to the Mat of pensioners is not large.
They are all old persons, who could have taken ho
part In the rebellion, and the services for which
they were awarded pensions were In defense of the
whole country.
AaWCTLTUBAL THE CENTENARY.
The report of the Commissioner or Agriculture,
herew ith, 06ntains.iugges.tions of much interest to
the general public and refers to the approaching
Centennial anniversary and the part his Department
is reauy to take 111 it. 1 leel tnat tne nation at large
is interested in having this exhibition a success, and
commend ta Congress such action as will secure a
greater general interest 111 it- Already many for
eign nations have signified their intention to oe
represented at It. It may be expected that every
civilized nation will be represented.
CIVIL SERVIC E REFORM.
Tlie rules adopted to improve the Civil Service of
tue uuvurumeut nave oeeu acme red to as closely as
has been practicable, with the opposition with which
they meet. The effect ot it has been essent ial benefi
cial 7J on the whole, and has tended to the eleva
tion of the service: but It is Impracticable to main
piin them without direct and positive support
of Congress. Geneially the support which this re
form receives is from those who give it their sup
port only to find fault when the rules are appar
ently departed from. Removals from office without
preferring charges against parties removed, are
frequently cited as departures from the rules
adopted and thefretentlon of those against whom
charges are made by irresponsible persons and
without good grounds, is also olten condemned as
a violation ot them. Under these circumstances,
therefore, I announce that if Congress adjourns
without positive legislation on the subject of Civil
Service Reform, I will regard such action as a dis
approval of the system, and will abandon It except
so far as to require examinations for certain ap
pointees to determine their fitness. Competitive
examinations will be abandoned. The gentlemen
who have given their services without compensa
tion, as members of the Board, to devise rules and
regulations for the government of the Civil Service
of the country, have shown much zeal and earnest
ness in their work, and to them as well as to myself
it will be a source of mortification if it is to be
thrown away. But I repeat that it is impossible to
carry this system to a successful issue without
general approval and assistance and positive law to
support it.
TOE LABOR AND CAPITAL PROBLEM VARIOUS ELE
MENTS OF THE QUESTION.
I have stated that the elements of the prosperity
to the Nation, capital, labor skilled and unskilled,
and products of the soil still remain with us. To
direct the employment of these Is a problem de
serving the most serious attention of Congress. If
employment can be given to all labor offering it
selr, prosperity necessarily follows. I have ex
pressed the opinion, and repeat it, that the first res
olution to the accomplishment of this end is the
substitution of a sound currency in place of one of
a lluetuating value. This secured, there are many
interests that might be fostered to the great profit of
both labor and capital. How to induce capital to
employ labor is tlie question.
The subject of cheap transportation has occupied
Bnvimuu o, wuicoa. i'o ugm uu mis qties
tion will, without doubt.be given by the commit
tee appointed by the last Congress to investigate
1,11.1 IVJIU1V UJAflJ 11111, QUUiCVH,
A revival of shin builrlincr and narftini,,!.,
iron steamship building, is of vast importance to
our national prosperity. 1 ne L lilted States is now
paying over 41,000.000 per annum for freights and
passage on foreign shins, to be carried abroad and
expends in tho employment and support of other
ports, beyond a fair percentage of what should go
to foreign vessels, estimating on the tonnage and
travel of each re.-iectively. It Is to be regretted
that this disparity in the carrying trade exists anil
to correct it 1 would be willing to see a treat denar
I u i c 110111 loe usual course OI UOVemCICIlt in SUO
mivr,,... il-I.i imll- t .. . . .
carrvimr the mails between Mlnmio ,.-.i
and the Continent, in American owned snri Arner-
ican built steamers, and would miunii iku ikiu.
to vessels carrvimr the mails to Smith iniim
I states and to Central America and Mexico and
j would pursue the same policy from onr Pacific sea
ports to foreign seaports on the Pacific. It might be
demanded that vessels built for this service should
conform to a standard fixed by logislution in ton
nage and all other qualities, looking to the possi
bility of the Government requiring them at some
: lime for war purposes. The right also of taking
i possession of them In such emergency should be
I guarded. 1 otter these suggestions, believing them
i worthy of consideration In all seriousness affecting
all sections and all interests alike. If anything
better can be done to direit the country Into a
course of general prosperity none will be more
ready than I to second the plan.
the district of coli mbia.
I Forwarded herewith will be found tho report of
the Commissioners appointed under an act of Cou
grcss approved June ao, 1874, to wind up the affairs
of the District Govornmcnt. It will be seen from
. the reixirt that the total debt of tho District of Co-
lumbia. less securities on hand and available, is a
I Isondeddebtissued priorto July lst,1874,$8,s83,040 43;
j olio bonds, under the act of Congress, June 20th 1S74
j 2,0.ss,168 73 ; certificates of the Board or Audit,
iv.onij iu . tutai, jij.ni.uoi -ji ; less special im
provement assessments, chargeable to private prop
erty in excess of any demand agatnst such assess
ment, f 1,614 0M 37: less Chesapeake and Ohio
Canal bonds, S750U0, and Washington and
Alexandria railroad bunds, Soy.uOO; in the hands
of the Commissioners of the sinking fund, SI -74S.054
37: leaving the actual debt, less said
assets, 813,1191,013 'J4. In addition to this there
aro claims preferred against the government of the
District, amounting in the ncKreirate. reported bv
thc Board of Audit, to 83,147 ,7ss7 48. Juf which the
yieitiei iiiui iu pioouuiy ue rejected, tins sum
can with uo more propriety be included in the debt
of the District government, than can the thousands
oi nanus against the General Government be in
eluded us a portion of the national debt Itni tb.
aggregate sum thus stated includes something more
than the funded debt chargeable exclusively to the
insirui oi i oi vi in pin. ine act ot tunsress. of Nov
If73, cot At'iu plates uu apportionment between
the I uited .-tutcs Government and the District of
i oiumoia in respect to tlie pavment ot the principal
and interest of the 3B5 bonds. Therefore, In com
puting with precision the bonded debt ot the Dis
trict of the aggregate sums above .-tatod in respect
to the 3G5 bonds now issued, the outstanding certifi
cates of the Board of Audits, and the unadjusted
claims pending before that Board, should be reduced
to the extent of the atnountto be apportioned to the
C. S. Government iu the manner Indicated in act of
( on less r June 20, 18.3. 1 especially Invite your at
teution to the recommendation of the Commissioners
oi me .-inning r una relative to the auihiguity of
the act of June 20. ls.:t, the interest on the Uisirict
I 'onds and the District. I feel much Indebted to
! gentlemen who consented to leave their private
I anairs ana come trom a distance to attend to the
I business or this District and for the able and caus
.' .. .,v . ow orrcn eoiiuueteu. i
ni sure their services w ill be equally appreciated
"X entire public.
' T,1(' accompanying full report of the Board of
of.;11'111" s tnat tne sanitary condition of the District
is wry satisfactory. Iu my opinion the District of
i i c-Junioia -tiouid be regarded ns the grounds of the
National Capital in which the entire people are iu
' terestedi I do not allude to this to urge a generous
appropriation to die District, but to draw the atten
i tion of Congress to taut a law for the government
I of the District to the magnificent scale on which
i the city was planned by the founders of the Govern
j ment. the manner in w hich for ornamental pur-
roses the reservations, streets and avenues w ere laid
out. and the proportion of the property actually
i possessed by the General Government. 1 think the
'. proportion of the expenses of the government and
improvements to lie borne by the General Govern
ment, tne cities ot Y ashlngton and Georgetow n,
and the county, should be carefully aud couitablv
defined.
IMPROVEMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI.
In accordance with section 3 of the Act approved
June 23. 1873, appointing a Board to make a survey
oi tne luoutti oi tlie .Mrssissipni river, with a view
to determining the best method of obtaining and
maiuuiining u iieptn oi water sumoieut lor tho pur
poses of commerce; and in accordance with an Act
entitled ' An Act to provide for the appointment
or a Commission or Engineers to investigate and
report a plan for the excavation of the alluvial
basin of the Mississippi river subject to inunda
tion." I appointed a Commission of Engineers.
Neither Board has yet completed its labors. When
their reports are received, they will be forwarded to
Congress without delay.
(Signed) U. 8. GRANT.
Executive Mansion, Dec. 7, 1S74.
The Difference. The Boston and Phila
delphia papers have been indulging in a little
friendly controversy regarding the merits of
Ben Franklin as a financier. It seenis that
Franklin left 1,000 to tlie city of Boston and
the same sum to the city of Philadelphia, to
be loaned to married mechanics in small stuns,
to assist them in starting business, and the in
terest to be compounded from year to year for
a hundred years. According to liis calculation
each legacy woulc". amount to 131,000 in a
hundred vears. r.c the expiration of which lie
desired that the money should be appropriated
to certain pnoiic improvements m the respec
tive cities. Philadelphia's " talent " has only
increased, at the end of 8C years, to fciS,135,
and tho Bulletin concludes from this that
Franklin was no " business king," and that be
had a very poor understanding of what monov
can do and what it cannot do. But the Bos
ton Advertiser says it was not Franklin's fault.
but the management of the Pliilailelohiustew
ards, that the sum is not nearer the philoso
pher s calculations to-day. in isoston the
legacy amounted, Jan. 1, 1874, to $182,278,
nearly four times as much as the Philadelphia
fund. During the next fourteen years, if the
monev is compounded' at six per cent., the
sum will reach 108,300; We shall certainly
leave our money to Boston.
It is hard work, says the Chicago Tribtuie, to
get ahead of a determined Western man on a
matter in winch principle and pennies are in
volved together; especially difficult for the
railroads to fight the masses. The great bore
nowadays is legal fare. Passengers were in the
habit or getting aboard trains and paying
"legal fare." To prevent this, the Chicago,
Burlington and Quiney Railroad devised a
means of forcing passengers to mv full fare.
It was to make them show tickets before get
ting a hoam. At tiuriington, tlie other day,
a passenger bought a ticket and took his seat.
He then passed the ticket out of the window
to a friend, who also took bis seat, repeuting
the operation until the car was tilled up:
When the conductor came round there was
but one ticket, and legal fares enough to keep
the Supreme Court ia continuous sassion lor a
century. But the vaine the Burlington busi
ness men set upon time is not revealed to us.
While Captain Drew, agent of the James
river Hue of steamers, was sitting in bis chair
at City Point a day or two ago in a state of
profonnd sleep, some rascal stole out of bis
mouth a set ol artificial teeth.
EASTERN NEWS.
Scientific K-ipi oral ions.
Cheyennk. Dec. 3. Professor O. C. Marsh and
scientific party arrived here last even jug from Baal
lands, south or the Black Hills. The expedition
was very successful. Hostile Indians stopped the
party twice when on the way to Badlands, attempt
ed a night attack on tbc camp, and otherwise mo
lested them. .Explorations were made under difii
cullies, but resulted in important discoveries.
About two tons of remains or extinct animals were
collected, among them many new to science. This
collection will go to Yale College, and will soon be
described by Prof. Marsh.
llavf mnyer'l Iast Official Act A C'ommis
sloucr Driven from Office.
New York. Dec. ?.. The last official communica
tion with the late Mayor Haveoiayer was a letter to
Jas. Bowcn, President of the Commissioners of
Charities and Corrections, stating he was Informed
that unusnal and scandalous privileges had been
allowed Win. M. Tweed at Black well's Island and
calling for a report on the matter. Mayor S auce to
uay seconded tne request ana added that it these
reports were true they were sutUcient grounds to
warrant the Commissioner's removal from office.
This was followed bv the resitrnarlon of Rowen this
afternoon.
Longshoremen's Strike Ended.
The 'longshoremen have had an understanding
with the Walsh Brothers, leading stevedores of
North river, and a modification of rates of cnmnmi-
sation has been agreed to. It Is expected the men
w in go io worK to-morrow.
The Companies Stand Finn.
The longshoremen of Iloboken endeavored to
effect a compromise with the Bremen, Hamburg
oo i ng,c onruuisnip companies, nut the agents in
ployed.
.1 111! Ill ,1 UIII'JII
on men would hereafter be em-
Paclfic Malt.
Russell hage to day resigned as President and
VtiecjOr of the Pacific Mail steamship Company.
Win. II. Guion. Vice President, assumed the XZSim
pro tern. IRufns Hatch. Managing Director, an
nounces tnat a full report or the condition of tlie
company will be ready for the stockholders within
ten days.
Particulars or Sage's Retirement.
New York, Dec. 4. A morning paper says the
dissension of the Pacific Mail directors which cul
minated yesterday in Sage's resignation, is said to
have been brought about by the discovery that he
was selling calls on the company's stock. It is stated
that James I-ow, of Uw, Harrison !: Co., has been
tendered the Presidency of the Pacific Mail Co. It
is also stated that Kussell Sage will retire from the
Presidency of the Panama Railroad Company.
Relief or the Poor.
A meeting was held this evening at the Church of
the Holy Trinity for the purpose of discussing
measures for the alleviation of the aonditlon of the
poor during the winter.
A Minister In Trouble.
PlIII.ADEI.I'IIIA. Dec. 5. Rev. Thos fVwvnor nKni-
ot the Free Congregational Church of frank fort,
to day answered to the eapia Issued by the Sheriff.
He is now under bonds in the sum or $5,000 to
answer a charge of felonious assault and battery'
upon f lora .May Peters, aged 18, also of Frankfort.
The charge Is made by the father of the airl. The
suit is a civil one, damares being fixed ut sio.ooo.
Members of Cooper's Church believe him to be in
nocent. Striking among the Potters.
New York, Dec. 4. The long impending strike
in the potteries of Trenton, N. J., began yesterday.
The establishments or Yates. Benedict and Allen J.
Moss were closed. The employers guaranteed work
for the winter at a reduction of 10 per cent ; em
ployes refused, with above result. The movements
by the employes seem only individual, and not part
or a concerted action.
Poisoning or a Whole Family.
Scranton, Pa., Dec. 4. A man named Ludwig,
wife and infant child were found in bed to day,
the parents dying from poison. The wife died with
out returning to consciousness; the husband re
vived long enough to say he had been given some
thing to drink, but refused or was unable to tell by
whoin. The child is still living, suffering.
Destructive Fire.
Dover, Del., Dec. 4. The large canning factory
and jelly works of J. S. Collins fe Co, Lebanon,
Delaware, burned last week. Loss, ilOo.ooj: rally
insured.
The Death Penalty.
New York, Dec. 4. Albert Jackson and Lewis
Jarvis. found guilty of the murder of Samuel Jones,
at South Oyster Bay, Long Island, were yesterday
sentenced to be hanged on the loth of January.
Another Alarm In Louisiana.
Chicago, Dec. 4. A Tribune's Washington special
says: "There are rumors here, credited by persons
well informed as to the condition of affairs in Ixui
siana, that another resort to lorce is contemplated
by McEneryites. The story is, that in January they
intend to seize the State government, impeach the
leading state olHcers, and overthrow Kellogg' s su
premacy. Durcll's Statement of the Case.
Judee Durell is now In this citv and im.r.
viewed by a Tribune reporter. He is represented as
saying that he is the victim of partv exigencies.
The head and front of his offending "is the literal
construction of the euforccmeut act a bad law,
known to him as such, passed bva Republican Con
gress seeking to perpetuate the "Republican party
which he found on the statute books and executed
impartially. He gave in detail his objections to the
law. whie.i were strong as its worst enemies could
desire. He said that when its urjpopnlarlty and in
expediency hud been exposed, he was deserted by
uioe wncj passed it. and accused bytlicmol having
overstepped his authority.
Another N'tpluw,
A dispatch to the fierabt says that Walker Fearn,
appointed as Du red's successor, is a relation by
marriage of the President.
Pacific Mail Magnates Airing their Soiled
1.1 ne ii.
New York. Dec. 5. Rufus Hatch Is not included
among the directors believed to have been engaged
In selling Pacific Mail stock short. The chief sin
ners were Sage & Osborne. The latter sold as broker
tor lay Gould, who has long been a heavily loaded
bear. Hatch denounces Sage bitterly, declaring he
was kicked out of the Presidency. Trenor W. Park,
a Director or the Panama Railroad, thinks Sage
must resign that Presidency also. He says the Isth
mus Railroad Company does not depend on the Pa
cific Mail Company for business, but would put on
their own vessels immediately if the Pacific Mail
Company should withdraw from the route. The
supposition Uiat a combination had been effected
between steamers and overland railroads was er
roneous, and the thing was less probable since the
withdrawal of Sage. Steamers advanced the rates
moderately because they were unreasonably low.
They could command a good business at the ad
vance despite the railroads.
New York, Dec. 5. The Pacific Mall discussion
continues to be the sensation In Wall street. Inter
views with Rufus Hatch and Russell Sage are pub
lished to-day, each accusing the other of willful ly
ing, being concerned In short speculations and u
ing his official position to further speculation plans.
Richard B. Irvin, former agent at San Francisco,
has arrived to answer the ouipauy's suit Kgainst
him tor S7i0,000 which he says he expended at the
instance of the former management to procure; a
Government subsidy, should he tell all he knows
relative to that expenditure a sensation Is promised
rivaling the Credit Mobilicr.
Wool Growers Protest against Reciprocity.
New York, Dec. 5. A protest against the pro
posed reciprocity treaty is about to be issued by the
National wool Growers' Association.
Sometlung H In store " ror South Carolina.
Nbw York, Dec. 6. South Carolina advices ssy
the inaugural of Governor Chamberlain promises
all that the Conservatives could ask. It is believed,
if the Legislature carries out its recommendations,
better days arc in store for that State.
Kail of the Leiigtliartaun's Strike.
New York. Dec. 4. A number of longshoremen
at Iloboken have gone to work, having accepted
the reduction. Others will go to work to-morrow.
Brooklyn longshoremen agreed last night to work
at a reduction for night work, but refused to work
with non-society men. This debars them, and
trouble is apprehended. A large force of police Is
on duty on the river front.
New York. Dec 5. The strike of longshoremen Is
now considered at an end. The companies have
all the men they want. The new hands by practice
have become as expert as the old ones, and under
these circumstances the companies have resolved to
not employ society men under any circumstances.
A Vain Trick Foreshadowed.
New York, Dec. 5. Washington dispatches fore
shadow the early favorable action on the House
bills for the admission or Colorado and New Mexi
co, Willi the object ot adding four Republican Sen
ators and two Congressmen to the present bodies".
A Grange Project.
St. Louis, Dec. 5. The Executive Committee of
the Missouri state Grange, which has been in ses-
u , .1 lwi, f, w cira.dl ,1a . - n t-. n,l!nii.n,l An l.
after transacting considerable business. It adoptcir
a resoiuuon ravonug open traue netween uiissnsip
pl Valley and Brazil by steamship lines, asking
farmers of the Valley to aid in supporting the en
terprise. The resolution says it is the duty and
policy of farmers to induce shipments by river
southward instead of by rail eastward.
Break between Iron Pnddlers and Manu
facturers. Pittsbi'RC, Dec. 5. Owing to a disagreement in
convention between Iron puddlcrs and manufac
turers to-day. all mills except two or three, will
suspend work on Monday. The manufacturers
have decided to reduce the rate from So lo $6 per
ton for puddling, which reduction the workmen re
fuse to accept.
Fast Running,
New Orleans, Dec. 5 In the Louisiana Jockey
Club races, Bilox won the first race, hurdle handi
cap, 2 miles, for a purse of 500. Time, 3:5o. Balen
kol won the second race, 1 miles, for a purse or
f km. Time. 3:10. Lotta Moore won the third race.
tor all ages, purse of $700, mile heats. Time 1:42,
t:t;ji; crown rrince second.
Kxploaion or a Locomotive.
Coi.cxbl's, Dec. 5. A locomotive exploded at
Delaware on the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati
& Indianapolis railroad, to day. injuring the en
gfneer. Win. Hutchlngs, and klUlng his son, who
was acting as nremau.
The Latest "Outrage."
Wostoomkry, Dec. 5. The State Senate ousted
Miner ttep.) ana seated Ma run tixuu j
Mtseellaueous.
Pi rrsBt iM. Dec. 4. A 1 arta. force of men under
the supervision of Superintendent Crelghtun, of the
Pennsylvania Railroad, appeared at Power's Bun
this morning and cut the nine of the. Columbia Con
duit Company where it was laid under the track of
ine west ronnsyivama itauroaa, putting a stop to
prcscui ojcniiioiis on tne pari oi tne pipe company
Philadelphia. Dec. 4. The comrreeatton of Rev
Mr. Cooper have published a card ex Dressing conil
deuce in his Integrity, and a standing committee
acting for and in behalf of the Free Congregational
Church of Frankfort, express unlimited confidence
his virtue, integrity and Christian Hie and char
acter. Fatal CasnaJty.
Fa 1. 1. River, Mass.. Dec. 4. A terrible accident
occurred this afternoon near Blade's Ferry, where
the Old Colony Railroad Company Is constructing
a biidge over Taunton River. While workmen
were engaged sinking a pneumatic cylinder to
form a portion of the pier, the upper flange of the
air lock, to which the lowet was secured, together
with the cover, was blown off by pressure of air
in the cylinder. Eight men were on tlie cylinder.
Three were killed outright, oue fatally Injured, one
seriously hurt. The other three escaped uninjured.
Tt'ASIII WOTOJS CITY.
California Lljrbthonse and Fog Slsraal.
Washington, Pec. U. The Lighthouse Board
made a report to-day recommending that So, 000 be
devoted to a light at Point St. George on the upper
coast of California: that the light at Point FJrmln
be exhibited daring the present
for that purpose being nearly in
Willi e i j luiug
resumes. J ne
sum of 85.000 is asked :
ior
the purpose of establishing
a steam fog signal at Piedras Blancas, one or the
most important points on the coast of California.
The importance or Point Sur. or the California coast,
as a lighthouse site, is very great. The
erection there of a lighthouse, with ac
companying buildings, will be an expensive
operation. As nearly as can be estimated the cost
will be 8100,000. An appropriation of 6O,0O0 Is asked
to begin with. The work of establishing a steam
fog signal at Point Montora will soon be com
menced. Twelve thousand dollars is asked for
erecting a station for keepers at Point Bon I la. Hoon
as plans are prepared the construction of a light
house and fog signal on the eastern extremity of
Verba Buena Island will be taken in hand.
nsr Davit
at Washington.
WASHINGTON. Dec. 4. The l'rKldlni hu not horn
officially notified yet of the arrival at Ban Francisco
of King Kalakana. No arrangements have been
decided upon as to his reception. It Is probable
that during to-day formal messages will pass be
tween Secretary Fish and the representatives of the
.King at aan Francisco. The Hawaiian Minister,
Mr. Allen, who Sams here to arrange for the recep
tion or the King, has been absent from the city
for some days : conseouentlv the Cnvpmmvnt la
not fully informed as to his wishes in regard to the
King s reception. There is much rivalry between
proprietors of hotels to secure the presence of the
Kinir and his suite at their resnectlve estal.lldi-
uieuls duiing his visit.
Attentions to King David.
ashisotok, Dec. 0. An officer of the
armv or
navy is to be appointed to look after the comfort of
the King of the Hawaiian Islands and suite. Dur
ing their sojourn in Washington they will be located
at a hotel, the Government paying the expenses.
The President will entertain the King at a state din
ner. In addition, courtesies wfllbcexten led to hi m
by the Secretary of state. This will be the first
visit of a king to Washington.
Indictments Against the Safe Burglars
Overturned .
Washtnotoji, Dec ft. A full bench or Judges of
this District to-day decided that the late grand Jury
which indicted the alleged safe buglars was illegal
ly chosen, and therefore all indictments by that
grand jury are null.
Some Correspondent Chips In.
Washington, Dec. 5. Sargent. Houton aud Page
have satisfied your regular correspondent hero that
they opposed sending bricks by rail from Baltimore
to San Iraiu isco. This is their present position.
Originally they favored the scheme. Orders nave
now gone out to advertiso pmpo.-als in California
.or furnishing pressed brick and stone, that the Sec
retary of the Treasury mav determine (which of
the t) two materials (shall be used ?) for the new
Appraisers' building. . .
Ingalla' Chances ror Promotion.
U',eiiTV,:rv Tl,... r. T, ,1 . . .
.. A...... u. nuiuui nttr. hm ueil. 11H 111
McDowell will be appointed ill Ulster to Russia. He
is at an age at which he may go on the retired list, and
it it is decided that he can on his return resume his
place in the army retired list, It is said he will ac
cept. Hie vacancy which his retirement would
cause in the list of Major-Generals on the active list
would, it is said, be filled hy the promotion of Brig.
Gen. Meigs, now Quartermaster-General, aud this
place can then fall to Gen. Rufus Ingulls, whom the
President strongly wishes to put there.
Vice-President Wilson, Matt. Carpenter
and the Presidency of the Senate
Chicago, Dec 5. A Washington special, speaking
of Vice-President Wilson's presence at the Capital,
says he does not intend to preside dui lug the session,
but will retire from the Chair after proceeding a few
days, which will necessitate a new election of a
President pro tem. Carpenter's tenure of office em
pires soon as the Vice-President takes the CTialr. It
Is said there is a determination on the part of the
Senate not to re-elect Carpenter.
Some (Inarrels Brewing.
Chicago. Dec. 5. An Inter-Ocenn special says :
"Senators West and Flanagan and several others of
about their standing lu the Senate, are making
tierce declarations against Postmaster General Jew
ell. Flanagan couimuuicated his deep displeasure
at an early day following the investigations in
Texas and Ihe discharge of some of his postmasters.
West is aggrieved because a man named Stoueaker,
whom West had pensioned on the Department as a
.--peciul agent, was dismissed. Now these gentle
men, with the friends of some other dismissed offi
cers, arc boasting that Jewell will not be confirmed.
A majority of Senators, however, laugh at these
thrcateiiings. They iay Jewell will be confirmed
wuiiom snow ot serious opioMtion.
BV ATIAATIC CAUL.CC.
Quarantine.
London. Dec. 3. About ,T- passengers of the
tcamer Al'hottffortt. who left on that vessel for
Liverpool before It was discovered she had smallpox
m tKiaru, eiuuarkeu on tne steamer juimtix ior
Philadelphia, but a final examination proving un-
atisfactorv, wcicgcHin landed and are now temiKj-
rarily located In trie Liverpool Workhouse.
Loss of the La Plata Explained.
London. Dec. S. Siemens Bros, write to the Times
explaining the loss of the steamer Im. 1'litUi. T hey
say a heavy sea, which carried away two boats and
tore out the davits, made large holes iu the steam
er's sides. The water came through the opening In
large volumes and soon extinguished the fires, when
the machinery ceased to work and the ship was
helpless.
a t an tat imecess.
London, Dec. 3. A telegram from Cariist sources
says tien. des Pujols, commanding a large body cf
Government troops iu Valencia, has been totally de-
ieaieu oy cariisis ana oongeu io retreat io .Morena. i
Loss. Coo killed and wounded ; 450 prisoners. I'
Garibaldi Pensioned.
A dispatch to the Standard from Rome, announces
that the Chamber of Deputies have unanimously
passed a resolution in favor of granting an annuity
to Garibaldi.
Not the Sepoy Butcher,
London, Dec.4. The Times' Calcutta special says
the Government is satisfied that the Groallor pris
pr!
oner l" not Netia balilb
confinement at Ct'-bool.
Vakiah Khan
Is in closu
Pius IX and Fm-inawiiry In Brazil.
Rome. Dec. 4. The Pone has absolutely refused
to recommend Bishops, imprisoned In Brazil to re-
iic.ii aw ib iMcwuit; ui ivvuuciiiauuu oi (in
ferences with the government.
Warm Discussion In the French Assembly.
Paris. Dec. a. The National Assembly has been
engaged in an exciting debate during the past two
nays on a Din supported oy tne clerical deputies,
for freeing the university from tlie control of tho
State. Tne principal speakers were Bishop Dupau-
l.upe, Legitmiatisi, and Chalemel Lacour. Radical
deputy for llonches DuRhone. Dupauloupe, In the
course of his remarks to-day, passionately declared
that danger to society was to be apprehended from
tlie friends of those who favored the shooting of
the Archbishop or Paris. This remark occasioned
great tumult in the l.liambcr. coon the restora-
t . .n ,,r nnlu Cl,.U,.,l 1 - 1. .
.' Ul uiuif, i uiiicuiti i.nuill ITIUIICU UMJU
Bishop Dupanloupe in a speech ol great bitterness.
He sail! he left-srich personalities to the iudcmi-nt
ot honci men those who had some regard left for
the diguity of the French episcopatS Upon the
conclusion of the discussion the bill passed a second
reading by a vote or o,Yi against 133.
The St. Petersburg Congress.
St. Petersburg. Dec. 5. -The Russian govern
ment has sent notes to various powers Inviting them
to participate in a conference to oe neia nere to re
sume the discussion or the Question submitted to
the conference lately held at Brussels.
Miscellaneous Hews.
London, Dec 4. A ship, supposed to be the JVwi-
tiae Sunderland, for Bombay, has burned at sea, and
twenty-six of her crew perished.
rive tresn cases ot asriaiiDox are reported in Liv
erpool workhouse, among the steerage passengers of
tne steamer AUoottntoni.
Sir Arthur Hamilton Gordon, formerly of Trini
dad and Mauritius, has been appointed Governor of
the Fiji Islands.
Tventy nrtes ana bayonets, with ammunition.
have been seized in Cork, and one man has tieen
arrested.
The foreign office has dispatches stating that Dr.
Livingstone's journals have reached Zanzibar.
A telegram to the Standard from Madrid savs 30
arrests have been made In connection with the re
cent mutiny.
SOUTH AHSBICA.
The Argentine Rebellion Ended.
Bahi. Brazil. Dec. 2. Intelligence la nvsivxi
here or tlie conclusion of peace between the Ar
gentine Government and Gen. Mitre who with
oftieens and soldiers, has been granted amnesty.
It is reported that a serious revolution has broken
out iu L'raguay.
en. Ultra Surrenders.
BtKNOS AY EM. Dec. 4 It Is nffiolallv .nnm.nA.,1
that Gun. Mitre has been defeated Finding himself
ciosciy pursueu oy (jiovemment forces, he nmnl
terms of capitulation which were releeted: He
finally surrendered unconditionally with his army.
r-euco nas oeeu restored in tne province of Buenos
Avres.. Government troona are in mirault at Drn.
dondu, whose advance guard has been defeated.
WEST IHD1IDS.
Sinking or a Spanish Steamer.
Havana. Dec. 4. The Soanlsh coauthor steamer
Thomas Brook, from Santiago De Cuba fur Giianta.
liamo. struck yesterday mornin on Morrtlio, near
Guautaname, and sank Immediately. Thirty lives
were him.
The ltev. Witiiain H. Feltoo has hen cdpci-
ed to the next Congress, in Georgia, in a man
ner very-similar to the election of Prof. Julias
n. oeetye, in Massachusetts. Ur. Fetton is an
Independent. Democrat, elected it a Demo
cratic district; and Dr.Beelye is an Independ
ent Republican, eleeted ir a Republican dis
trict. Both were supported at the polls as a
protest against the decrees of ctwatsh So far
as known, these two are the aid v clergymen
in the membership elect.
i