Ithe independent
IS ISSUED
Saturday Mornings,
' ' BV .
KELLY & WELLS. Publishers.
THE INDEPENDENT
HAS THE
EPMDEfl
nn
FINEST JOD OFFICE
fS DOUGLAS COOTY. V
CARDS, BILLHEADS & LEGAL BLANKS
And other PRINTING, includ ng
Ijmrt and Heavy Pesters avnd Sooirjr
Hmad-BIIIk,
7 NEATLY AND EXPEDITIOUSLY EXECUTE!
JLT PORTLAND PIIICES I
4
(TEBMS IS ADVANCE J
Ons ysar..L. ......... 12 BO
Six months. .... 1 60
11m mouth - 1 00
Then are the term for thoe paying in advance.
The Ihoipsxds.vt ottm fin inducement to sUvcrtisers;
term reasonable.
"Independent in all Things; Neutral in JVotliing-.
VOL. 3.
ROSEBURG, OREGON, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1878.
NO. 34.
DO
LND
' IV. E. Willis,
ATTORNEY & COUNSELOR AT LAW,
ROSEBURG, OREGON. '
COSMOPOLITAN RESTAURANT
I ROSEBCRG, OREGOX.
A. E. CHAHPAOSE, Proprietor.
The orilyllrst-clas boos H Koser.org. Kept on "the
European plan.
DEPOT HOTEL.
OAKLAND, OREGON,
Richard Thomas, Proprietor."
THIS HOTEL HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR A
number of roars, awl ha bacoma very popular
with tb travails- public. First-tlas .
SLEEPING ACCOMMODATIONS
And th table supplied with the best the market afford
Hota! at the depot of the Railroad. . . .
i . ' ": : : I : .
SUGAR PINE MILLS.
LOCATED AT SUGAR PINE MOUNTAIN,
Poet Offlo addrsss, LOOKING GLASS, OREGON.
Th Company owing thee mill would aay they ar
prsparsd te furnish tb
BEST OF LUMBER
At th most rMJonabl rate.
SUGAR PINE, FIR AND CEDAR
Lumbar alway on hand, and all peraon wishing to
purchase Lamber will do well to gl ui an opportunity
of fllliiig their order bfor going elwhre.
J. 0. CALLIGHAN, President.
W. B. CLARKE, Secretary and Treasurer.
Metropolitan Hotel,
BOSEBERO, OREUOSr,
Button & Perkins, Proprietors,
. ";: i . ,' ' THE ONLY '
FIRST-CLASS HOUSE IN THE CITY
.'. I: .. . AND ..
Dopot of the C. t 4. Btatre o.
"TTTKLL FURNISHED SLEEPING APARTMENTS,
TT tb bl of bed, and th moat attentive of
HouaekMper, and a table supplied with th beet of
Terrthinf. "
TAQCS POA RECDINC
Lear th hous erery day on the arrival of th earr
from Portland.
Th traveling public, and all who favor us with their
patronage, can rest assured that they will be entertained
La th best possible manner. O. L. BUTTON,
C. PERKINS.
T. R. SHERIDAN.
J. P. SHERIDAN.
Sheridan Bros.,
Jackson Street, Ronburg, Oregon, near th Post Offle,
DEALERS IN
S T O "V" &
AND .
GENERAL HARDWARE,
And Hanufactanr of
Tin, Copper and Sheet Iron Wares,
. Ar prepared t
GIVE SATISFACTION TO ALL.
STAGE LINE!
THROUGH TO SAN FRANCISCO
The Quickest, Safest and Easiest Route.
STAQES LEAVE ROSCBURO
Iriry Day tt 7 P. M.,
aUklng quick connection at Reading with th car of
the C. 0. R. R.
for full particular and passage apply to
BUTTON PERKINS, Agent.
NOTICE.
VJ OTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY
J.1 oonosrn that ths undersigned has been awarded
th contract for keeping th Douglas county pauper for
a period of two years. All persons in need of aasistano
from aid county must first procure a esrtificat to that
fleet from any member of th County Beard and pre
sent it t en of the following named persons, who ar
authorised to and will car for those presentinc such
osrtinoats: Button A Perkins, Roseburg; L. L. Kellogg,
. Oakland; Mrs. Brown, Looking Glass. Dr. Woodruff is
authorised to furnish medical aid to all persons in need
f the same and who have "been declared paupers of
Dougia eounty. W. B. CLARKE.
Ts D. MARKS,
. REPRESENTING
-
J. 1L PIKE & CO.,
Importen and rVhoIeeale Dealer in
, TOIIACCO AM) TEAS,
MANUFACTURERS OP CIGARS,
' And sol proprietors of th nun -equalled
TINK Or PERFECTION AND 80UTH CIGARS,
Sn. lot sail 103 California Street,
SAN FRANCISCO.
SCnrLTZ & YON BARGEN,
Importers and Dealer in
FOREIGN a DOMESTIC WINES
LIQUORS AND BRANDIES.
Ao Sol AgenU tor
'CELEBRATED OLD BOURBON WHISKY
B.K.Mr. Front adCUfraIm
SAX rRAHCISCO, CAL.
Represented br Chis. Cohen.
The , President's C Message.
Fellow Citizen of the Senate, and Houtt of
Jtepretentativfn:
Our heartfelt gratitude is due to the Divine
Being who holds in His hands the destinies of
nations for the contiuned ; bestowal during
the last year of countless blessings upon our
country.
OCR NATIONAL PROSPERITY.
"' We are at peace with all other nations.
Our public credit has greatly improved, and
is perhaps now stronger than ever . before.
Abundant harvests have rewarded the labors
of those who till the soil. Our manufactur
ing' industries a-e reviving, and it is believed
that the general prosperity which has been so
long anxiously looked for is at last within our
reach.
THE FEVER PLAOITE.
The enjoyment of health by our people gen
erally has, however, been interrupted during
the past' season by the prevalence of the fatal
pestilence of yellow fever in some por
tions ot the Southern States, creating an
emergency which called for prompt and extra
ordinary measures of relief. The disease ap
peared as an epidemic at New Orleans and
other places in the. lower. Mississippi" soon
after midsummer It was rapidly spread by
fugitives from infected cities and towns, and
did not disappear until early in November.
Tue States of Louisiana, Mississippi and Ten
uesBee have suflered severely. About 100,000
cases are believed to have occurred, of which
about 20,000, according to intelligent esti
mates, proved fatal. It is impossible to esti
mate with any approach to accuracy the loss
to the country occasioned by this epidemic.
It is to be reckoned by hundreds of millions
of dollars. The suffering and destitution that
resulted excited the deepest sympathy in all
parts of the union, physicians and nurses has
tening from every quarter to the assistance of
the afflicted communities. Voluntary contri
butions of money and supplies in every needed
form were speeddy and generously furnished.
The government was able to respond in some
measure to the call for help by 'providing
tents, medicine and rations for the sick and
destitute, requisite directions for this purpose
being given in confident expectation that this
action of the executive would receive the
sanction of Congress. About 1,800 tents and
rations of the value of about $2o,000 were
sent to the cities and towns which applied for
them, full details of which will be furnished
to Congress by the proper department. .
SANITARY GOVERNMENT.
The fearful spread of the pestilence has
awakened a very general public sentiment iu
favor of a national sanitary administration,
which shall not only control quarantine, but
have sanitary supervision of internal commerce
in times of epidemics, and hold in advisory re
lation to State and municipal health authori
ties, with power to deal with whatever en
danger the public health, and which the
municipal and State authorities are unable to
regulate. The national quarantine act, ap
proved April 29, 1878, which was passed too
late in the last session of Congress to provide
means for carrying it into practical operation
during the past season, is a step in the direc
tion here indicated. In view ot the necessity
for the most effective measures, by quaran
tine and otherwise for the protection of sea
ports and the country generally from this and
other epidemics, it is recommended that Con
gress give the whole subject early and careful
consideration. '
THE EIGHTS OF CITIZENS.
The permanent pacibcation of the country
by the complete protection of all citizens in
every civil and political right, continues to be
of paramount interest with the great body of
our people. Every step in this direction is
welcoiued with public approval, and every
interruption of steady and uniform progress
to the desired consummation awakens general
uneasiness and widespread condemnation.
Recent Congressional elections have furnished
a direct and trustworthy test of the advance
thus far made in the practical establishment
of the right of suffrage, secured by the con
stitution to the liberated race in the Southern
States. All disturbing influences, real and
imaginary, have been wiped from all these
States. Three constitutional amendments,
which conferred freedom and equality of civil
and political rights upon the colored people of
the South, were adopted by the concurrent
action of the great body of good citizens who
maintained the authorities of the national
government and the integrity and perpetuity
of the onion at such a cost of treasure and
life, as a wise and necessary embodiment in
the organic law of the just results of the war.
The people ot the former slave-holding States
accepted these results, and gave injevery prac
tical form assurances that the 13th, 14th and
15th amendments, and laws passed in pursu
ance thereof, should in good faith be enforced
rigidly and impartially in' letter and spirit,
to the end that the humblest citizen, without
distinction of race or color, should under them
receive full and equal protection in person and
property, and in political rights and privileges.
By these constitutional amendments and in
crease of political power in Congress and the
electoral college, the country justly expected
that elections would proceed as to 'the en
franchised race upon tne same circumstances
of legal and constitutional freedom and pro
tection which obtained in all other States in
the Union. The friends of law and order
looked forward to the conduct of these elec
tions as offtri'jg to the general judgment of
the country au important opportunity to meas
ure the degree in which tne tight ot suiti-age
could be exercised by the colored people, and
would be respected by their fellow citizens.
but more general enjoyment of tne Ireeoom
of suffrage by colored people; and more just
ana generous protection ut that freedom uy
the communities of which they form a part,
were more generally anticipated than the
record of elections discloses.
I THE ELECTION OOTBAOKS.
In some of those States the colored people
have been unable to make their opinions felt
in the elections. This result is mainly due
to influences not easily measured or remedied
by legal protection. But in the States of
Louisiana and South Carolina, at large, and
in some particular congressional districts out
side of those States, the records of election
seem to compel the conclusion that the rights
oi me colored voters have been overridden.
and their participation in elections not per
mitted to be either general or free. It will be
for Congress, for which these elections were
held, to make such examination intojtheir
conduct as may appropriately determine the
validity of the claims of members to their
seats. In the meantime it becomes the duty
of the executive and judicial departments of
the government, each in its province, to in
quire into and punish violations of the laws
of the United btutrs which have occurred. I
can but repeat what I said in this connection
in my List message, that whatever authority
rests with me to this end I shall not hesitate
to put forth, and I am unwilling to forego a
renewed appeal to ineiegisiatures.the courts.
the executive authorities and the people of
tho States where these wrongs have been
perpetrated, to give their assistance toward
bringing to justice the offenders and prevent
ing a repetition of the crimes. No means
within my power will be spared to obtain a
full and fair investigation of alleged crimes,
and to secure conviction and just punish
ment of the guilty.
It is to be observed that the principal ap
propriation made for the department of jus
tice at the last session, contained the follow
ing clause: "And for defrayirtbs expenses
which may be incurred in the enforcement of
the act, approved February 23, 1871, entitled
an act to amend an act approved May 30,
1870, entitled an act to enforce rights of
citizens of the United States to vote in the
several States of the union, and for other
purposes, or any acts amendatory thereof,
or supplementary thereto." It is the opinion
of the Attorney General that the expenses of
these proceedings will largely exceed the
amount which was thus provided, and I rely
confidently upon Congress to make adequate
appropriations to enable the executive de
partment to enforce the laws. I respectfully
urge your attention that congressional elec
tions in every district,- in a very important
sense, are justly a matter of political interest
and concern throughout the whole country.
Each State and every political party is enti
tled to the share of power which is conferred
by legal and constitutional suffrage and it is
the right of every citizen possessing the
qualifications prescribed by btw to cast one
nnintimidated ballot and to have his ballot
honestly counted. So long as the exercise
of this power , and the enjoyment of this
right ' are common and equal practically,
as well as' formally, submission to ' the
results of the suffrage will be accorded loy
ally and cheerfully, and all the departments
of the government will feel the true vigor of
the popular will thus expressed. No tempo
rary or administrative interests of the gov
ernment, however urgent or weighty, will
ever display the zeal of our people in the
defense of the primary rights of citizenship.
They understand that the protection of lib
erty requires the maintenance in full vigor
of the manly methods of free speech, free
press and free suffrage, and will sustain the
full authority of the government to enforce
the laws which are framed to preserve these
inestimable rights. .
" The material progress and welfare of the
States depend on the protection afforded to
their citizens. There can be no peace with
out such protection, no prosperity without
peace, and the whole country is deeply inter
ested in the growth and prosperity of all its
partB. While the country has not yet reached
complete unity of feeling and reciprocal con
fidence between the communities so lately
and so seriously estranged, I feel an absolute
assurance that the tendencies are in that
direction, and with increasing force the pow
er of public opinion will override all politi
cal prejudice and all sectional or State at
tachments in demanding that all over our
wide territory the name and character of a
citizen of the United States shall mean one
and the same thing, and carry with them un
challenged security and respect.
Our relations with other countries continue
peaceful. Our neutrality in contests between
foreign powers has been maintained and re
spected. TH1C PARIS EXPOSITION.
The universal exposition held at Paris dur
ing the past summer has been attended by
large numbers of our citizens. The brief
period allowed for the preparation and ar
rangement of the contributions of our citi
zens to this great exposition was well em
ployed in energetic and judicious efforts to
overcome this disadvantage. These efforts,
led and directed by the commissioners gen
eral, were remarkably successful, and the
exhibition of products of American industry
was creditable -and gratifying in scope and
character. The reports of the U. 8. com
missioners, giving its results in detail, will
be duly laid before you. Our participation
in this international competition for the fa
vor and the trade of the world may be ex
pected to produce useful and important re
sults in promoting intercourse, friendship
and commerce with other nations. '
THK XNTEBNATXONAXi CONFERENCE. "
In accordance with the provisions of the
act of Febrnaay 28, 1878, three commission
ers were appointed to the international con
ference on the subject of the adoption of a
common ratio between gold and silver, for
the purpose of establishing internationally
the use of bi-metallio money, and securing a
fixity of the relative value between those
metals. Invitations were addressed to the
various governments which had expressed
willingness to participate in its deliberations.
The conference held its meeting in Paris in
August last'. The report of the commission
ers herewith submitted will show its results.
No common ratio between - gold and silver
could be agreed upon by the conference. A
general conclusion was reached that it is
necessary to maintain in the world the mon
etary functions of silver as well as of gold,
leaving the selection of the use of one or the
other of these two metals, or of both, to be
made by each State.
THK HALIFAX AWARD.
Congress appropriated at its last session the
sum of $5,500,000 to pay the award of the
joint commission at Halifax, if after corres
pondence with the British government on
the subject of conformity of the award to the
requirements of the treaty and to the terms
of the question thereby submitted to the
commission, the President shall tleeni it his
duty to make payment. Communications
upon these points were addressed to the Brit
ish government through the legation of the
United States at London. Failing to ob
tain the concurrence of the. British govern
ment in the views of the government respect
ing this award, I have deemed it my duty to
tender the Bum named within the year fixed
by the treaty, accompanied by a notice of the
grounds of payment and a protest sguinst
any other construction of the same. Corres
pondence upon this . subject will be laid be
fore you. . , y .
CUBA AND TUB WAS CLAIMS OF AMERICANS.
The Spanish government has officially an
nounced the termination of the insurrection
in Cuba and the restoration of peace through
out that island. Confident expectations are
expressed of the revival of trade and pros
perity, which, it is earnestly hoped may
prove well founded. Numerous claims of
American citizens for relief for injuries or
restoration of property have been among the
incidents-of the long continued hostilities.
Some of thse claims are in process of ad
justment by Spain and the others are prom
ised onarly consideration.
TBI TBIATT WITH IT ALT.
Tb -treaty made with Italy in regard to
reciprocal treaty consular privileges has
been duly ratified laid proclaimed. No ques
tions of grave importance have arisen with
any of the other European powers.
RELATIONS WITH JAPAN. '5
The Japanese government has been de
sirous of the revision of such parts of its
treaties with foreign powers as relate to
commerce, and it is understood, has address
ed to each of the treaty powers a request to
open negotiations with that view. The Uni
ted States government has beea inclined to
regard the matter favorably. Whatever re
strictions upon trade with Japan, are found
injurious to that people cannot but affect in
juriously nations holding commercial inter
course with them. Japan, after "a long
period of seclusion, has within the past few
years made rapid strides in the pithoi en-
lightment and progress, and is not unreason
ably looking forward to the time when her
relations with the nations of Europe ana
America shall be assimilated to those which
they hold with each other. A treaty looking
to this end has been made which will be
submitted for the consderation of the Sen
ate. i- V :.".
THE CH1HESB LKOAilOX.
, After an interval of several years the Chi
nese government has again sjnt envoys to
the United States,' They have been received
and a permanent legation is now established
here by that government. It is not doubted
that this step will be of advantage to both
nations, in promoting friendly relations and
removing causes I differences.
THE BAMOAN ISLANDS.
The treaty with the Samoan Islands has
been duly ratified and accepted on the part
of both governments, and is now in opera
tion, and a survey and soundings of the har
bor of Pago Pago has been made by a naval
vessel of the United States, with the view of
its occupation as a naval station, if found
desirable to the service.
GELATIONS WITH MEXICO.
Since the resumption of diplomatic rela
tions with Mexico, correspondence has been
opened and still continues between the two
which at one .time seemed to endanger their
relations. While no formal agreement has
been reached as to the troubles on the border,
much has been done to repress and diminish
them.' The effective force of U. S. troops on
the Bio Grade, by strict aud faithful com
pliance with instructions, has done much to
remove sources of dispute,. and it is now un
derstood that a like force of Mexican troops
on the other side of the river is also making
an energetic movement against marauding
Indian tribes. This government looks with
greatest satisfaction upon every evidence of
strength in the national authority of Mex
ico, and upon every effort put forth to pre
vent or punish incursions, upon our territory
and it is reluctant to assume any action or
attitude in the control of these incursions
by military movements across the border not
imperatively demanded for the protection of
the lives and property of our citizens. I
shall take the earliest opportunity consistent
with the proper discbarge of this plain duty
to recognize the ability of the Mexican gov
ernment to restrain effectively all violations
of our territory. It is proposed to hold next
year an international exhibition in Mexico,
and it is believed that the display of agricul
tural and manufacturing products of the two
nations will tend to a better understanding
and increased commercial intercourse between
their people.
SOUTH AMEBIC A.
With Brazil and the republics of Central
and South America, some steps have been
taken toward the development of closer com
mercial intercourse. Diplomatic relations
have been resumed with Columbia and with
Bolivia. The boundary question between
the Argentine Kepublic and Paraguay has
been submitted by those governments for
arbitration to the President of the United
States, and I have, after careful examina
tion, given a decision upon it. A naval ex
pedition up the Amazon and Maderia rivers
has brought back information valuable for
scientific and commercial purposes. A like
expedition is visiting the coast of Africa and
the Indian ocean. 1
FOIIEIGN COMMEECK. '
The reports of diplomatic and consular of
ficers in relation the development of our for
eign commerce have furnished many facts
that have proved of public interest, and have
stimulated to practical exertion the enterprise
of our people.
THE CONDITION OF THE TBEASTJBT.
The report of the secretary of the treasury
furnishes a detailed statement of operations
of that department of the government, and
of the condition of the public finance. The
ordinary revenues from all sources for the
fiscal year ending June 30, 1878, were $257,
763,878 70. The ordinary expenditures for
the same period were $23C,9G4,32C 80.
Leaving a surplus revenue for the year of
$20,799,551 90. The receipts for the present
fiscal year ending June 30, 1879, actual aud
estimated, are as follows: Actual receipts
for the first quarter, commencing July 1, 1878,
Actual expenditures, 73,344,573 27, and
for the remaining three quarters of the year
the expenditures are estimated Bt $160,755,
426 73, making the total expenditures $240,
100.0U0; and leaving the estimated surplus
revenue for the year ending June 30, 1879, of
$24,400,000. The total receipts during the
next fiscal year ending June 30, 1880, esti
mated according to existing laws, will be
9-!b4, 500,000; and the estimated ordinary ex
penditures for the same period will be $236,
320,912 68, leaving a surplus of 28,279,577 32
for that year. In the foregoing statements
of expenditures, actual and estimated, no
amount is allowed for the sinking fund pro
vided for by act approved February 25.
18G2, which requires that one per cent, of
the entire debt of the United States shall be
purchased or paid within each fiscal year,
to be set apart as a sinking fund. There
has been, however, substantial compliance
with the conditions of the law. By its
terms the public debt should have been
reduced between 1862 and the close of the
lust fiscal year, $518,361,806 28. The actual
reduction of the ascertained debt in that
period has been $720,644,730 61, being in
excess of the reduction required bv the sink
ing fund act of $20,228,292 43. . The
amount of the public debt less cash in the
treasury Nov. 1, 1878, was $2,024,200,083 1,
a reduction since the same date of last year of
$23,150,617 30. The progress made during
the last year in refunding the public debt at
lower rates of interest is very gratifying. The
amount of four per cent, bonds sold duringa
. J . X V OOJ II... 1
uie preseuiyear prior luuvemwriou, aoo,
is $100,270,900, and six per cent bonds,
commonly known as "five twenties" to equal
amount have been or will be redeemed as
calls mature. It has been the policy of the
department to place the four per cent, bonds
within easy reach of , every citizen who de
sires to invest his savings, whether small or
great, in these securities. The secretary of
the treasury recommends that the law be so
modified that small sums may be invested
through the post offices or other agents of
the government. The freest opportunity
should be tiven In all parts of the country
for such investments. The best mode sug
gested is that the department be authorized
to issue certificates of denomiaations of $10
bearing interest at the rate of 3.5 per cent
per annum, and contrivertible at any time
within one year after issue, into 4 per cent,
bonds authorized by the refunded act, and
to be issued only in exchange for U. S. notes
Bent to the treasury by mail. Or, otherwise
such provisions of law supported by suita
ble regulations wonld enable any person
readily, without cost or risk, to convert his
money into interest bearing securities of the
United States, and money so received could
be applied to the redemption of 6 per cent,
bonds. The coinage of gold during the fis
cal year was $52,798,980. .
THE SILVER DOLLAR AND EESCMPTIOX.
The coinage of silver dollars under the act
passed February 28, 1878, amounted on the
23d of November, 1878. to $19,314,550. of
which amount $4,984,947 are in circulation,
and the balance, $14,829,603, is still in the
possession of the government. With views
unchanged with regard to the act under
which the coinage of Bilver proceeds, it has
been the purpose ot the secretary faithfully
to execute the law and to afford a new trial to
the measure. In the present financial condi
tion of the country, I am persuaded that
the welfare of legitimate business and indus
try of every description will be best promoted
by abstaining trom all attempts to make radi
cal changes in existing financial legislation.
Let it be understood that during the coming
year the business of the country will be undis
turbed by governmental interference with the
laws affecting it, and we may confidentially
expect that the resumption of specie payments
Which will take place at the appointed time
will be successfully and easily maintained, and
that it will be followed by a healthy and en
durinz revival of business prosperity.- Let
the healing influence of time, the inherent
energies of our people and the boundless re
sources of our country have a fair opportunity
and relief from present difficulties will rarely
iousir.
ARMY MATTERS.
The report of the secretary of war shows
that the army has been well and economi
cally supplied; that our small force has been
actively employed and have faithfully per
formed all the service required of it The
morals of the army has improved and the
number of deserters has materially .decreased
during the year. The secretary recommends,
First That a pension be granted to the
widow of the late Lieutenant Henry H. Ben
ner, of the 18th infantry, who lost his life by
yellow fever while in command of the steamer
J. M. Chambers, sent with supplies for the
relief of sufferers in the South from that
disease.
Second For the establishment of the an
nuity scheme for the benefit of the heirs of
deceased officers, as suggested by the pay
master general. - "
Third The adoption by Congress f a plan
for the publication of the records of the war
of the rebellion now being prepared for that
purpose.
Fourth The increase of the extra per diem
of soldiers teachers employed in post schools,
and liberal appropriations for the erection of
buildings for schools and libraries at the dif
ferent posts.
Fifth The repeal or amendment of the
act of June 18tb, 1878, forbidding the use of
the army as a jtotuw eomilalm or otherwise for
the purpose of executing the laws, except in
such cases and under such circumstances as
may be expressly authorized by the constitu
tion or by act of Congress.
Sixth The passage of a joint resolution of
Congress, legalizing the issues of rations, tents
and mediciuea which were made for the relief
of sufferers from yellow fever.
Seventh That provision be made for the
erection of a fire proof building for the pres
ervation of certain valuable records now con
stantly exposed to destruction by tire.
These recommendations are all commended
to your favorable consideration, t
NAVAL AFFAIRS. j
The report of the secretary of the navy
shows that the navy has improved during
the last fiscal year.- Work has been done on
7.) vessela, 10 of which have been thoroughly
repaired and made ready foi sea. Two others
are in rapid progress toward com pletion. The
total expenditures of the year, including the
amount appropriated for the deficiencies of
th'e previous " year, were $17,468,392 65.
The actual expenses chargeable to the year,
exclusive of these deficiencies, were $13,300,
914 09, or $767,199 18 less than thoe of the
previous year, aud $4,928,677 74 less than the
expenses including the deficiencies. '! The es
timates for the fiscal year ending June 30,
18S0, are $l4,562.3Sl 45, exceeding the ap
propriations of the present year only $33,949,
75, which excess' is. accounted for by the de
mands of the iiaval academy and marine corjw,
as explained in the secretary's report. The
appropriations for the present fiscal year are
$1,452,843 "0 which, in the opinion of the
secretary, will be ample for all the current ex
penses of the department during the year.
The amount drawn from the treasury from
July 1st to November 1st, 1S78, is $4,740,544
14, of which $70,9SO 75 tias been refunded,
leaving as the expenditure for that period,
$4,669,563 39, or $520,899 24 less than the
corresponding period of the last fiscal year.
THE POSTAL SERVICE.
The report ot the postmaster general em
braces a detailed statemeut of the operations
of the post office department. The expendi
tures of the department for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 1S73, were $34, 165,084 49-100.
Receipts, including the sale of stamps, money
order business and olncial stamps, were $29,
277,519 95. The sum of $290,438 93, in
cluded iu the foregoing statement of expendi
tures, is chargeable to the preceding years, so
that the actual expenditures for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 187S, are $33,874,647 50. The
amount drawn from the treasury ou appro
priation, in addition to the revenues of the de
partment, was $5,307,652 82. The expendi
tures tor tne tiscal year ending June 30, loiv,
are estimated at $36,571,900, and the receipts
from all sources at $30, 664,023 90, leaving a
deficiency to be appropriated out of the
treasury ot $j,904,86 10. lhe report calls
attention to the fact that the compensation
of postmasters of railroads for carrying the
mail is regulated by law, and that the failure
of Congress to appropriate the amounts re
quired tor these purposes does not relieve
the government of the responsibility, but
necessarily increases the deficiency bills,
which Congress will be called upon to pass in
providing for postal service. The following
questious are presented : Should Congress
finally appropriate a sum for its expenses
largely in excess of its revenues, or should
such rates of josta;.e be established as will
make the department self-sustaining? Should
the postal i-ervice be reduced by excluding
from the mails matter which does not pay its
way ? Should the number of p;st routes be
diminished ? Should ; other methods be
adopted which will imrease the revenues or
diminish the expenses of postal service ?
UNIVERSAL POSTAL SERVICE.
The international postal congress, which
met at Paris, May 1, 1878, and continued in
session until June 4th of the same year, was
composed of delegates from nearly all civil
ized countries of the world. It adopted a
new convention to take the place of a treaty
concluded at Berne, October 9, 1864. Such
convention goes into effect on the 1st of
April, 1379, between the countries whose dele
gates have signed. : It was ratified aud ap
proved by aud with the consent of the presi
dent,, August 13, 1878. A synopsis of this uni
versal postal convention will be found in the
report of the postmaster general and the full
text in the appendix thereto. In its origin
the postal union comprised 23 countries, hav
ing a populatiou of 350,000,000 of people.
On the 1st of April next it will comprise 43
countries aud colonies, with a population Of
more than 650,000,000 of people, and will
soon, by the accession of the tew remaining
countries and colonics which maiutaiu organ
ized postal services, constitute in fact as well
as in name, as its new title indicates, a uni
versal union regulating, upon a uniform basis
of cheap postage rates, the postal intercourse
between civilized nations. Some embarrass
ment has arisen out of the conflict between the
customs laws of this country and the postal
convention in regard to the transmission of
foreign books and newspapers to this country
by mail. It is hoped congress will be able to
devise some means remedying the difficulties
which have thus been created so as to do jus
tice to all involved. -
THE tT. S. COURTS.
The business of the supreme court, aud of
the circuit courts in many of the circuits, has
increased to such au extent . during the past
year that additional legislation is imperative
to relieve and prevent the delay of justice,
aud the possible opposition to suitors which
is thus occasioned. The annual report of the
attorney geueral and the remedy suggested i
earnestly urged for congressional action. The
creation of additional circuit judges as pro
posed would afford a complete remedy aud
would involve au expense at the present rate
of salaries of not more than $60,000. a year.
v THE INDIAN TROUBLES.
The annual reports of the secretary of the
interior and ot the commissioner of Indian
attain, presents an elaborate account of the
present condition of the Indian tribes, and of
that branch of the public service which min
isters to their interests. While the conduct
of the Indians generally has been orderly and
their relations with their neighbors friendly
and peaceful, two local disturb aces have oc
curred which were deplorable in their charac
ter ; : but remained, happily, confined to a
comparatively small number of Indians. The
discontent among the Bannock which led
first to some act of violence on the part of
omo members of tribes, and finally to tbt
outbreak, appears to have ; been caused by an
insufficiency of food on their reservation, and
this insufficiency to have been owing to the
inadequacy of the appropriations made by
congress to the wants of the Indians at a time
when the Indians were preventc4 from sup
plying the deficiency by. hunting. After an
arduous pursuit by tins troops of the Uuited
States aud several engagements, the hostile
Indians were reduced to subjeetiou, and the
larger part of them surrendered themselves as
prisoners. .
In this connection I desire to call tttention
to the recommendation by the secretary of the
interior that a sufficient tund be placed at the
disposal of the executive, to be used with
proper accountability, at discretion, iu sudden
emergencies of the Indian service. The other
case of disturbance was that of a baud of
Northern Cheyeunee, who suddenly left their
reservation in Indian Territory and marched
rapidly through the States of Kansas and Ne
braska in the direction of their old hunting
grounds, committing murders and other crimes
on their way. From documents accompany
ing the report of the secretary of the interior
it appears that this disorderly band was as
fully supplied with the necessaries of life as
4,700 other Indians who remained quietly on
the reservation, and that the disturbance was
caused by men of a reckless aud mischievous
disposition among the Indians themselves.
Almost the whole of this band have surren
dered to the military authorities, and it is a
gratifying fact that when some had taken ref
uge in the camp of the Bed Cloud Sioux, with
whom they had been in friendly relations, the
Sioux held them as prisoners and readily gave
them up to the officers of the Uuited States,
thus giving new proof of their loyal spirit.
Alarming rumors to the contraray notwith
standing, they have uniformly shown ever
siuce the wishes they expressed at the couucil
of September, 1S77, had been complied with
Both the secretary of the interior and the sec.
retary of war unite in the recommendations
that provision be made by Cougress for the or
ganization of a corps of Indian auxiliaries, to
be under the control of the army and to be
used for the purpose of keeping Indians on
their reservations and preventing or repress
ing disturbances on their part. I earnestly
concur in this recommendation. It is believed
that the organization of such a body of Iudiau
cavalry, receiving a moderate pay from the
government, would considerably weaken the
restless element among the Indians by with
drawing from it a number of youna men and
giving them congenial employment under the
government. It being a matter of experience
that the Indians in our service, almost with
out exception, are faithful in the performance
of duties assigned to them, such uu organiza
tion wonld materially aid the army in the ac
complishment of a task for which! its numer
ical strength is sometimes found insufficient.
But while the employment of a force for the
prevention or repression of Indian troubles is
of occasional necessity, and thut wise prepar
ations should be made to that end, ! greater re
liance must be placed ou humane aud civiliz
ing agencies for the ultimate solution of what
is called - ,
THE "INDIAN PROBLEM." V
It may be very difficult, and require much
patient efiort, to curb the unruly spirit of the
savage Indian to the restraints of civilized life;
but experience shows that it is not impossible.
Many of the tribes who are now quiet and or
derly and self-supporting were ouce as savage
as any that at present roam the plains or ou
the mountains of the far west, ami were then
considered inaccessible to civilizing influences.
It may be impossible to raise them fully up 'to
the level of the white populatiou of the United
States, but we should not forget that they are
the aborigines of the country, aud called the
soil their own which on our people
have grown rich, powerful and happy. . We
owe is to them as a moral duty to help them
in attaining at least that degree of civilization
which they may be able to reach. It is not
only our duty but it is also our interest to do
so. Inniau8 who have become agriculturalists
or herdsmen, aud feel an iuterest in property,
will henceforth cease to be a warlike and dis
turbing ilement. It is also a well authenti-'
cated tact that Indians are apt to be peaceable
and quiet when their childreu are at school,
and 1 am gratified to know from expressions
of Indians themselves, and from many concur
ring reports, that there is a steadily increas
ing desire even among Indians belonging to
comparatively wild tribes, to have their chil
dren educated. I invite attention to the re
ports of the secretary ot the interior and the
commissioner of Indian affairs touching the
experiment recently inaugurated in taking 50
Indian children, boys and girls, from differ
ent tribes to the Hampton Normal Agricul
tural Institute in Virginia, where they are to
receive an elementary English education and
training in agricultural and other useful work,
to be return wl to their tribes after the com
pleted course, as interpreters, instructors and
examples. It is reported that the officer
charged with the selection of those children
might have had thousands of youngludians sent
with him had it been possible to make pro
vision for them. I agree with the secretary of
the interior in saying that the result; of this
interesting experiment, if favorable, may be
destined to become an important factor in
the advancement of civilization among the
Indians. j
THE CHANGE IN THE INDIAN SERVfiTE.
The question whether a change in coiitml of
the Indian service should be made was at iast
session of Congress referred to a committee for
inquiry and report Without desiring to an
ticipate that report I venture to express a
hope that in the decision of bo important a
question, the views expressed above may not
be lost sig.ht of, and that the decision,! what
ever it may be will arrest the further; agita
tion of this subject,' such agitation being apt
to produce a disturbing effect upon the ser
vice as well as on the Indians themselves.
THE HOT 8PRIHG3 COMMISSION. -
Iu the enrollment of the bill making appro
priations for sundry civil expenses at the , last
session of Congress, that , portion which 'pro
vided for the continuation of trie Hot Springs
commission was omitted. As the commission
had completed the work of taking testi
mony on many conflicting claims, the sus
pension of their labors before determining the
rights of claimants threatened for a time to
embarrass the interest not only -of the gov
ernment but also of a large number of citi
zens of Hot Springs, who were waiting for
final action on their claims before beginning
contemplated improvements. In order! to
prevent serious difficulties which were appre
hended, at solicitation of many leading citi
zens of Hot Springs and others interested in
the welfare of the town, the secretary of the
interior was authorized to request the commis
sion to take charge of the records of their pro
ceedings and to perform such work as could
properly be done by them under such circum
stance to facilitate the future adjudication
of claims at an early date, aud to preserve
the status of claimants until their rights
should be finally determined. Tho late com
missioners complied with that request and
report that the testimouy in all the cases has
been written out and so arranged as to facili
tate an'early settlement when authorized by
law. It is recommended that requisite au
thority be given at as early, a day in the ses
sion as possible,' and that fair compenxion
be allowed the late commissioners for expense
incurred and the labor performed by them
since the 20th of Juue last i
TB? PBESEBVATION Or TIMHER OJC ' PCBLIO
I Invite the attention of congress to the re
commendation made fey the Secretary oi the
Interior witn regard to the preservation of tim
ber on public lands of the United Slates. Tae
protection of publie property is one of the first
duties of government. The Department of the
Interior should therefore be enabled by suffi
cient appropriations to enforce tbe laws iu that
respect; but this matter appears still more Im
portant as a question of public economy. Rapid
reduction of our forests Is an evil fraught wiut
the gravexl consequences, especially In moun
tuioous districts, where tbe rocky (-lopes once
denuded of their trees, will remain so for
ever. The injury once dona cannot be re
paired. I fully concur with the eecreary of
sue inienur iu me opinion rnat tor mis rea
son legisliition touching tbe public ifuobr in
tbe mountainous States aod Territories of the
West should be especially well considered, and
that existing laws iu which the destruction ot
forests is not femoiently guarded against
should be speedily modified. A general law
concerning this important iubj-ct appears to
me to be matter of ujgeni, public necessity.
AGRICULTURAL INTERESTS.
" From tbe organization of the kovernment,
the importance of encouraging, by all possi
ole mean, the lncrea of our agricultural pro
ductions, has been nc)tnowlPda-ed and urged
upon the attention of eongreva aid the people
hm tiie surest aud eastettt means of increasing
our NUbstKUtial and enduring prosperity. The
words of Washington ar as applicable Uvdy
as when In bis eighth annual message be said:
"It Is not to tie doubled, tha. with refereute
either to individual or nto.1 nal welfare, agrl
, culture is of pnmry Importance.. In propor
tion as nations advance in population and
oilier circumstances j maturity, that truth
becomes more apparent and renders tbe cult i
vation of the soil more and more un object of
puoiie pa louuge. insumuous ior promoting
It grow up supported by the put. lie. purse,
and to wLat object can 11. be dedicated with
greater propriety. Among the means whico
nave been , employed to 'his end none have
been attended with 'greater success ihan the
establishment of boards, composed of proper
characters, charged with collecting and diffu
sing information, aud enabled by premiums
and small pecuniary ids. to encourage and as
sist a spirit of discovery afad Improvement
This spec es of establishment is contributing
doubly to the inciease and improvement by
t-liniuialing u enterprise and experiment, and
by iirawn g to a common center the resuim,
everywhere, cf Individual skill and observa
tion, aud tpreadimr luern theue over the whole
nation. Experience accordingly hath tihown
that they are very cheap lnliunieiiuof tin
niense national beuehl." . The gwat preponder
ance of tbe agricultural over any other interest
in tbe United .stu es entitles it to all tbe con
sideration claimed for it by Washington.
About oiie-hulf of the population of tbe United
states are engaged in agriculture. The value
of the agricultural products of the United
Htates for tbe year ls?8 is estimated at three
thousand millions of d liars. The expense of
agiicuitural products for tbe year li77, as ap
pear from the report of the bureau of statis
tics, are $o'2t,0 0,000. Tbe great extent ot our
country, with Its divetsity of soil snd climate
enables a to produce within our borders and
by ourow u labor not only the necessaries, but
iuiM-t of the luxuries, that are consumed in
civilized countries. Yet notwithstanding our
advantages of soil, ciimute aud Intercommuni
cation, it appears ironi the statistical state
ments in the report of tbe Commissioner of Ag
riculture that we import annually front for
eign luiidM many millions of dollars' worth of
agricultural products which could be raised in
our own country. Numerous questions arise
in the prtctice of advanced agriculture which
can ouiy be answered by experiments, olten
costly und sometimes fruit ess, which are be
yond the means oi private individuals, and are
a just ana oroper charge oi tbe wnoie nation,
r or the tx netit of the nation it is goud policy,
espeelallj , in times of depression and uncer
tainty iu other business pun-nits, with a vast
area of uncultivated and hence unproductive
territory, to wL-ely open homestead settle
ments uu l to encourage, in eveiy proper and
legitimate means, tbe occupation and tillage of
the soil. The eilurtsof the dt par.meut of ag
riculture to stimulate, and introduce uew agri
cultural industries; to improve the quality
Mild lncre ise tbe quantity of our products; to
determine tne value of old, or establish the
importance of new modes of culture, are worthy
of your ct ret u I and favorable consideration,
and Assistance by such appropriations of
money aid enlargement of facilities as may
seem to be demanded by lhe present favorauie
condition for tiie growth and rapid develop
ment of this iuiDOfiant interest
THE TREATMENT OF ANIMALS.
The abuse of animats In transit is widely -attracting
public attention. A national conven
t ou of societies specially interested in the sub
ject has recently met at Baltimore, and the
facts developed bo-h in regard lo cruelties to
animals, and the effect of such cruelties upon
Hie public health, now set ill to demand the
careful consideration of congress, and the en
act meat of more efficient laws lor the prevent
tion of these abuses,
POPULAR EDUCATION.
The report of the Commissioner of the Bnr
eaaof Kducation shows h very gratifying pro
gress of tne won try in all laierest committed
to the care of ibis important office. The re
port is especially encouraging with respect to
the extension of advantages of the common
school system in tbe seclnms of tbe country
where ttie general enjoyment of the privi
leges Is not yet attained. T education more
than to all o- her agencies are we to look as a
source for advancement of tbe people iu I be
requisite knowledge and appreciation of their
riunut and respontdbiiiues as citizens, aod I
desire to repeat tue suggestion contained tu
my former message in behalf of tue enact
meDl of t appropriate measures by congress for
tlin purpose of suppiemt nilng with national
and local systems of education in tbe several
states, and for adequate accommodation of the
gieat I Unary whicu is overgrowing the capa
city of the rooms now occupied. Rooms at
the carl tol should be provided without fur
ther deiay. This invaluable collection of
books, mtnUFcripts and illustrative art has
grown to such proporiionx in connection with
the copyrigiit system of tne country as to de
mand (he prompt and careful attention of
congress to save it from injury in lis present
crowded and Insufficient quarters. As this
library is national in its character, ana must
from the natute ot the cas increase even
more rapidly iu the future ihan in the past
It cannot be doubleu that tbe people will
sanction any wise expenditure to preserve and
enlarge iisuseiullness.
THK SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE.
Tbe appeal of the agents of the Hmithsonian
institute lor means to organize, exhibit and
make available for public beueht lhe articles
now stored away belonging to tbe national
museum. I heartily recommend It to your
consideration. ,
THE DISTRICT OF CO UHBIA.
The attention ol congress is again invited
to the condition of tne river front of the city
of Washington. It Is a matter of vital Impor
tance to tbH health of the residents of (he
national capltoi, both temporary and peima
nent, that the low lands in front ot tne city,
now subject to tidal oveiflow, should he re
claimed. In their present condition these
flats obstruct the drainage of the city, and
are a dangerous source of malarial poison.
The reclamation will improve tbe navigation
of ihe river by restricting and consequently
deepening its channel, ami 1 also of impor
tance' when considered in connection with
tbe extension ol the public ground and the
enlargement ot the park west and sou h of
the Wa-hicgton monument. Tue report ol
the board of survey heretofore ordered by act
of congress on lmprovem ntof tbeharbor of
Washington and Georgetown, is respectfully
commended to consideration. The report of
tne commissioners oi me uistricioi uoiuraoia
presents a detailed statement of the affairs of
the district, relative to expenditures by the
United Mate and the dtstrlct ror local pur
poses, as contrasted, showing that Ihe expen
ditures by the people of Ihe olslriet greatly
exceed tnose of the general government. The
exhibit is made in connection with estimates
for requisite repairs of detective pavements
&ad sewers of tbe city, which 1 work of im
media'e necessity. And Iu tbe same connec
tion a ptan 1 presented for permanent land
ing of iheou islanding securities of the dlsirlcf
Tiie ten.-volent, reiorin and penal institutions
of tue district are all entitled to the favorable
attention of congress. The reiorin school
needs aodiilonal buildings aod teachers. Ap
propriations which will place all these Insti
tutions in a condition to become models of
useluilness and beneficieoce will be legarded
ai lioertllty wisely bestowed. The commis
sioners, with evident Justice, request attention
to the discrimination made by congress against
the district in the donation of land for tbe
suppoit of tbe public ssuooli. I ask that the
same liberality that has been shown to the
inhabitant ot tbe various stales Jd terri
tories of ihe United Stales be extended to the
Llitrtct of Columbia.
abe commissioner also invite attention to
the damage Inflicted upon public and private
iulerests uy the present location ot the de
pots and switching Itacks ol the several rail
loads entering ihe city, and ask for legislation
looking to their removal. Tue recommenda
tions and suggestlona contained la the-rLort
1 trust will receive the careful consideration of
congress. -
i-uincieut time has perhaps not elapsed slnre
the reorganisation of the government of the
district under tbe recent legislation of congress
for t he expresAiuu of a eourideut oplulon a to
its sui cc.ssiut occupation. Tue practical result
already attained sue so satisfactory that the
friendsof the new government may well urge
upon co -g i ess the wi-doiu of its continuaBoe
with essential modi ncatlon, oulii by aciual
experience its advantages and defects may be
more fuiiy ascertained. R. B, HAVE
EXECtTIv Mansion, Dec 2, 187s.
"Shsdl I help you to alight? " asked a
city exquisite of a muscular country girl
who was about to get out' of a wagon
that had just come up to the porch of a
rural tavern. Sher jumped from the
wagop,; ; and . indignantly A exclaimed:
"What do you mean! You don't think
I smoke, do youl "
" Unless Education.
There is a great 'deal of school and
college education that is aimless, dispro
portionate and cumbersome. There are
too - many mediocre professional men,
lawyers, doctors, ministers, school-teachers,
writers; too few skilled artisans,
farmers, - gardeners, intelligent laborers f
technically educated for various spheres
I that ara fundamental to well-ordered
society. Society is top-heavy, with too
little bottom. Agriculture, the great
producing interest, out of which all
other professions and employments must
live, is despise JL There is a bad ten
dency to crowd the cities and larger
towns, and by a jostling competition to
join l in a mutual pull-down, and in
race in which ' everybody gets out of
breath. Our boys and girls deem it the
right thing to live genteelly and by
one's wit rather than one's hands.
There are altogether too many students
who drift into college aimlessly, because
they don't know what else to do, and
because their parents don't know what
else to have them do. With no earnest
or definite aims, they float along through
successive years of school and college,
and then what ? The learned profes
sions are overfull, they are educated be
yond any drudgery of common business,
thev cannot think of soiling their hands
or their clothes; they are unfitted to be
come producers where production is
available, in their i own way, and every
body else's. An ' aimless and dispropor
tionate education has cost altogether
more than it ever comes to.
There is too much high-school dab
bling that is not thorough enough for
mental gymnastics, nor practical enough
for the utilitarian necessities of those
who must graduate into the hard work
for the common and laborious pursuits
which ballast society. The great law
will assert itself, and all true education
must, lay its accounts with it, that by
the Bweat of the brow we must eat our
bread. That is not good American edu
cation which would spoil a farmer's boy
for the old homestead cr the farmers
girl for the housekeeping. There is too
large a crowd of unfit female school
teachers. There are too many useless,
third-rate lawyers hankering after oflice; .
too many scribblers. There are too
many meat-men, milk-men, fish-men,
dry-goods and grocery-men. The rush
is for the easiest employment that can
be set up without skilled labor, technical
education, or any apprenticeship of pa
tient industry, on borrowed capital, with,
a bankrupt law for refuge. Meanwhile
there is a large range of handicrafts,
finer manufactures, decorative arts, de
msnding skillful labor, which our Amer
ican methods of education have hardly
thought of or laid any plans for. Hence
there are multitudes of our boys and
girls who are over-educated, in the sense
they are unfitted by an aimless and
merely bookish education for any patient
and earnest life-work which, will utilize
them as producers, and develop their
individuality into the manly or womanly
consummation of a stifunch character and
a robust and useful life. f
Dying" at 119.
,Kcw York Sun.
Mrs. Mary Prado-Sanchez, who wan
born in Malaga, Spain, in June, 1768,
died , on Wednesday morning in the
home of her daughter, Mrs. Meases, at
83 Middagh street, Brooklyn, aged 110
years, 5 months and 16 days. She was
one of a family of thirty children, and
she survived all the others, and all of
her own eleven children except her
daughters with whom she lived. She
was twice married, but both of her -husbands
, died so long ago that th
daughter could not tell the dates. Sho
kept a tailor store in her native city
almost up to the time that she emigrated
to this country; which, was. fourteen
years 'ago. She was then ,96 years of
age.- She retained her faculties up to
within a few weeks of her death, and t
had wonderful eyesight. Her daughter
says that when she was about 97 years
of age her eyesight failed, and she be
came almost wholly blind; but in a short
time the blindness passed away, and
her eyes became bright and strong
again,' so that she could see to" thread a
needle as well as a young person. She
conversed in Spanish , altogether, and
when she spoke her eyes dillated, and
brightened as she become animated, so
that those wrho saw hor were prone to
comment on her beautiful eyes,
i At .96 yea is of ago she stood the
voyage to this country -well, but for
some years she had been confined to her
room owing to a weakness of her
limbs. She had rare turns of childish
ness, and then she was accustomed to
speak of every one sha met as having
worked for her in her tailor ; shop in.
Malaga. She had not been sick for
many years, and had not seen a physi
cian since she was 100 yeajs of age.
On Wednesday she seemed to be lulled
into a state of' unusual drowsiness, and
could not speak. Dr. Griffin, of Sands
street, came, and said that he could not
arrest the progress of old age. There
was a gradual suspension of all the
vital functions. Father Keegan admin
tered the last sacrament which was in
telligible to her, Then she died.
vHeb Wit Wos.-"What's the woman
charged with f said the court ; "She's a
dead beat and vagrant, your Honor,"
said the officer who arrested her. Then
l. a unman BToke ud and said: "If T
can prove I'm all right will youi Honor .
let roe got' "Of course,'' said the
court. Then," said lhe prisoner,
"here's the family Bible, ty which youll
see I'm Moll Wright " Saw my .
leg off," shouted the officer who saw the
point, "if she hasn't beat the court too."
And the court rubbed its hose with its. "
forefinger and gently murmured, "Dis
charge the prisoner." Mobile .Register,-