Ik THE OREGON SCOUT. JONES A: CUANCKV, l'uulUlier UNION, OREGON. Tlio Anniuil Document or tlio Chief E cculiro ns Kcnd Hoforc Conm css. "VVasuixcton, Dec. C The following is hc annual message of the President, as read before Congress to-tlny: Tolho Congress of the Fulled States: In tho discharge of n constitutional duly, mid following n well established precedent In the execu tivo olllcc, I herewith transmit to Con gress nt IU reassembling certain information concerning tho state of ttie Union, together with such recommendations Tor U-kIhImUvo consideration ns nppcur necessary and expe dient. Our Government lius conslstently; maintained Its relations or friendship toward nil other powers, und of neighborly Interest townrd thoso whoso possessions nre coiillgu. our to our own. Few question have arisen during tho past year with other Govern ments, nnd none or those nro beyond the roach or settlement In frlpndly council. AV e nro yet without provision for tlio sett lenient of claims of citizens ofthe United States against Chill for Injuries during tho Into wur with Peru nnd Jlollvia. The mixed commissions organized under claims conventions, concluded by tho Chilian Government with certain F.uropenn Htiitos, have developed nn umount of friction which we trust can bo avoided In tho convention which our represcnt Htive nt Santiago is authorized to ne gotiate. Tho cruel treatment of Inoflenslve Chinese has, I regret to hay, been repeated In Fomo or tho far Western Htates and 'Jerrl torlcs, and ucts ol violence against. theso people, beyond the power of the Us ui consti tuted authorities to prevent, and dlliloult to punish, nro reported even In dlstnnt Alaska. Much of this violence can bo traced to race prcjudlco and competition or labor, which cannot, however, Justiry tho oppression or strangers whoso sorely Is guaranteed by our treaty with China equally with the most favored nations. In opening our vast domain to these, elements tho purpose of our lawgiv ers was to Invito usslmllallon nnd not to pro vldo an arena for endless antagonisms. I he paramount duty or maintaining public order and defending the Interests ot our own people mnyroqulro tho adoption or measures of re striction, but they should not tolerate the ojh preaslonor Individuals of a special race. I ni not without assurance that the government of China, whoho friendly dls tiosltlon toward us I am most happy to recognize, will meet us half way In devis ing a comprehensible remedy, by which an effective limitation or Chinese subjects who remain In this country may bo secured. Leg islation Is needed to execute tho pro Islons of our Chinese, convention of IN), touching the opium trallle, and while the good will of tho Columbian (lovernmeut toward our Govern ment is manifest, tho situation of American Interests on tho Isthmus of Panama has at time excited concern and Invited friendly action looking to the performance of the en gagements ol tho twonullon concerning tho territory embraced In tho Intor-occunlo transit. With tho subsidence or tho Isthmus disturbances and the erection of tho Stutoor I'anamalnto a Federal district, under tho direct government of tho constitutional ad ministration at Ilogota, a new order of things lias been Inaugurated which, although as yet somewhat experimental and ull'nritlng scope for arbitrary exercises or power by tho dele Kates or tho National authority, promises much Improvement. The sympathy between tho people ofthe Culled Htates ami I ranee, horn during our colonial strugglo for Inde pendence, and continuing to-day, has receiv ed n fresh Impulse. In tho successful comple tion and do ietitlon of tho colossnl statue of "Liberty F.nllghtoiilng tho World" In cw York harbor, tho gilt or Frenchmen to .Americans. T1IK TltKlSntV. Fads Taken Prom llir Hi'port or Ntrrf larv Man ning. The report ofthe Secretary of tho Treasury exhibits In detail tho condition or the public II nance nnd of the several branches of the Government related to this department. 1 especially direct the attention of Congress to tho recommendation contained In this nnd tho hist preceding- .report or the Secretary touching the simplification and amendment of tho laws relating to tho collection of our revenues; and, in the Interest of economy and Justice, to the (lovernmeut,! hope they may lie adopted by appropriate legislation. Tho ordinary receipts of the Government lor tho fiscal year ended June ;t0. I881I wore iUil.l.B), 77.(W. or this amount sqiU.iHtt.rtti, 11 was ro relved from custiMis and SlId.Sttt.ll.M.ls from Internal revenue, while the total receipts as lie.ro staled were ti:i,7l!',020.f.S greater than for Iho previous vear. Hut the Increase from customs was Sll.fll.OSI.lO and from Internal revenue $1,707,210.01, making u gain In these Items for tho last year of $15,sI,2!i.'i.0l, a tilling oil' In other lesouri-es icduclng tho total lucronso to the smaller amount men tioned. The expense at the dlllerenl custom houses or collecting this Increased customs revenue was less than the expense attending tho collection or such revenuo for the preced ing year, by IU0,iXM and the I net eased re corptK of internal revenuo collected at a cost to tho Internal revenue hureat of $15,501, IWl less than tho expense of such collection for tho previous year. Tho total ordinary expen ded of tho government fortho fiscal year year ended Juno :, 188(1, wore $212, 18.1, l.ts.50, being less by $17,788,707, than such expenditure for tho year preceding, and leaving a surplus In Iho treasury at the close of the last fiscal of tlU,n"xl,M..ril,im against $41,1111,771.27 at the close or tho previous your, showing an Increase In ticli surplus of tJn,Ki,KI7.'.'!). The expenditures nro compared with those of the preceding lis cnl year and cliisblllod as follows: 1SS0. J8SS. Civil oxppnspsyeur ending June,).... $21,055,001.01 S Sl.R2l.OI2.il For foreign Intcr cntirso l,CT.V120.Fa JMH,flH0.1l For Indians H.onti.lM.n 0,552, ll2.iil For pensions (U,I0I,80I.0J 60,102.207.18 Kor the military, In cluding river ami harbor Improve ments mid arse- ' nuls . SIA'I.IMJt 12,070,578.10 for the nuvy, Includ ing vessels, ma chinery and Im provements of nu vy yards - 13,007,837.71 10,021,070.(53 J'or Interest on pub lic debt W,fjSO,IB,07. 61 ,:5SJ,iV, 17 For District or Col-umbl- 2,Stt,132I.K) 3,110,130.95 For inlsecllum-ous expenses. Includ ing public build ings, light houses nnd collecting tho revenues 7,fts0,rK1.0l rl,7,nVI.!!t For tho current year, to end June M, 1RS7, tho ascertained receipt up to October 1, IKSt) with such receipts estimated tor the re mainder or the year umount to Sfti.ixnyXM. The expenditures ascertained and estimated for the same period are r.W.OiM.OiiO, indicating nn untliiputod surplus at tho closo or tho yenrof rAMHH),(U. Tho total value of the ox isirts from tho L ulled States to foil Ign coun tries during tho llscal year Is stated and com pared with the preceding year as follows: For Iho yeur ending Juno W, ISM, JunefO.ISS.'i Tomestle mdo....itt,0'',t,,'ii'U () iT2ii,tiS2.iii li Foreign mdse - 1S,.sio,:u) txi l.vma.sut ti cjolrt M .. 4-.Mft.MIU in) .'i.tn.Ki.' tv Kllver JU.ftl 1,210 (V) n:l.75.l,ti.H 00 Tho value of some of our leading exports during tho last fiscal year us compared with the viiluoof tho sumo nir tho year Imme diately preceding is hero glxen and fur nishes Information both Interesting und sug gestive. Year ending Juno U0, ISSO, J lino W, KKS, Cotton and Cotton Manufacture .... r210,0l.",576.00 KI3.7tH,0l.00 TobaixMi and Us Jdunufacturcs .K.M,0iW.rfl i.767,!i(tt.0ii Itreutlstuils j2o,stu,Y.s.u) iiM.;rn),S2i.to J'rovlslous tHMtlj,2UUO 107,!lt2,I.Vl.(XJ Our ImiKirts during tho last fiscal year, ns compureu tlio urvvluus vcar, weru us follows: 18SJ. 1SS.V MerchundUo. JicH,tni,l.Kt.0il 57tiAxi,uvt.sn Gold a,7H,.1ltUI) ai,l8l.(UM Kllver........... 17,k.VViU7.W HJA.t-7.00 SlTlFl.l'S mkvkm SagfNtlouioB l)Ultlun uf l'unU 'nnoofnirjr Tllon. In my Inttnunuul inesae to Congres nt tentloti was directed to tho met thai tho rev enue of tho government exceed Its actual needs, and It was suggested Ihut legUlutlxo Mctlon tihould bo taken to relieve tho Kmlo fnnn tlio unnoc'ssary burden oftaxutlon thus made unparent. In view or the jircsMlng Int. portancVoftheiubJectl deem ll iny duty iaaiuurceiU eenudcrutlou. Tho lucome of tho Governmint Increased through econo Jules In Us collection Is now moro tbnn ever In excess of public necessities. Tho appli cation of tho surplus to tho payment of such portion or the public debt ns Is now nt our option, subject to extinguishment If eon. tinned nt tho rate which has lately prevailed would retire that class or Indebtedness with in less than one year from this date. Thus a continuation of our present revenuo would result In tho receipt of nn annual Incomo much greater than necessary to meet government expenses with no Indebtedness upon which It could bo applied. Wo should then bo confident with a vast quantity of monev, the clrculntlngmcdlumorthopcoplp. hoarded In tho treasury when It should be In their hands, or we should bo drown Into wnsteful public extravngiinco with all the corrupting nntlonal demoralization which follows In lis train, llutltls not tho simple, exlstenceorthls surplus ami Its threatened nttendant e lis which furnish tho strongest argument against our present scaleof Federal taxation. Its worst plume Is tho exaction of such a surplus through ft pervertlon of tho relations between the people and their Gov ernment n dangerous departure rrom tho rules which limit the rlghtof federal taxation. Good government, of which every American citizen iKjasts, has for its objects tho protec tion of every person within Its borders with tho greatest liberty consistent with tho good of tho country, and his pcrrect security In tho enjoyment of his earnings, with the hast possible diminution for public needs. When moro of tho people's sustenance Is exacted through tho form of taxation than Is necessary to meet the Just obligations of tho Government and the ex pense or Its economical administration, such action becomes ruthless extortion and a vio lation or tho rundamental principles of a free government. The Indirect manner In which theso exactions are maile has a tendency to conceal their true character and their extent, lint we have arrived at a stage or superfluous revenue, which has aroused the people ton realization or the liiet that the amount raised proressedly for the support of the Government Is paid by them as absolutely, If added to tho price ofthe things which supply their dally wants, as If It was paid at fixed periods Into the hands ofthe taxguthorcr. Those who toll fordallv wages are beginning to understand that capital, though somotlmes vaunting Its Importance and clamoring for the protection and fuvorof the government, Is dull and slug gish till, touched by tho magical hand of lnbor, It springs Into activity, furnishing nn occasion for federal taxntlou and gaining the vulno which enables It to bear Its burden, and tho laboring man Is thoughtfully Inquiring whether, In theso cir cumstances anil considering the tribute ho constantly pays Into tho public treasury as he supplies his dally wants, ho receives his fair share in advantages. There Is also a suspicion abroad Ihut thesurplus of our revenues Indi cates abnormal and exceptional business profits, which, under tho system which pro duces such surplus, Increase, without corre sponding benefit to the people at large, the vast accumulations of a row among our citi zens whoso fortunes, rivaling tho wealth or tho most favored In anti-democratic nations, are not the natural growth or a steady, plain and Industrious Uopubllc. Our farmers, too, and those engaged directly and Indirectly In supplying tho products of agriculture, seo that, day by day, and as often as tho dally wants or their households recur, they aro forced to pav needless and excessive taxa tion, whllo their products struggle in foreign markets with Iho competition of nations which, by allowing a freer exchange of pro ductions than wo permit, enable their pcoplo to sell for iirices which distress the American farmer. As every patriotic citizen rejoices In tho constantly Increasing pride of our people In American citizenship and In tho glory or our national achievements and tirOL'rcsH. a sentiment nrevalled that the lead 's tisemi in a uaiion in us miuhh) may well, to a great extent, be discarded In tho present stage or American Ingenuity, eourago and tearless seir-rellance. And lor tho prlvllcgeof Indulglngthls sentiment with title American icuthtislns ur citizens aro quite willing to forego an Idle surplus In tho publla treasury. And all the people know that tho average rate or federal taxation upon Imports Is to-duy, In time or peace, but little less, while upon somo articles or necessary consumption It Is actually more than was Im posed by tho grievous burdens, willingly borne, at a time when the Government needed millions to maintain by war tho safety and Integrity of tho rutted States. It has been the pollcv of the Government to collect tho principal part of lis revenues by a tax upon Imports, and no change In this policy Is de sirable. Hut the present condition of allltlrs constrains our people to demand that by a re vision of our revenue laws the receipts or tho Government shall be reduced to the necessary ex pense of Its economical administration, and this demand should bo recognized and obeyed by the people's representatives In the legislative branch oftho Government. In re adjusting the questions of federal taxation, a sound public policy requires that such of our cltlens as have built nt) large and Important Industries under present conditions, should not hn suddenly, and to their Injury, de prived of advantages to which they have adapted their business, but If the public good requires It they should ho content with such consideration as shall deal fairly andean llouslv with their Inleiesls, while the Just de mand of the people for relief from needless taxation Is honestly answered. A reasonable and llmelv submission to Mich a demand should certainly be possible without illsiis. tious shock to any Interest and a eheei lul concession sometimes averts abrupt and hccd!iss action oitcu the outgrowth of Impa tience and delayed Justice. CAPITA I, AMI I.VIIOK. Ailioi'iilhig the Ailjiistnirat of 111 Iter en rci With out Violence. Due regard should be also bo accorded to anv proposed readjustment of tho Interests ot American labor, so far as they are Involved. Wo congratulate ourselves that thorn Is among us no laboiliig class llxed with uivvlelillng bounds and doomed under all conditions to the Inexorable fate oi dullv toll. We recognize In labora chief fac tor 'in the wealth of the republic, and we treat those who have It In their keeping as citizens entitled to the most careful r, guril and thoughtful attention. This regard and attention should bo awarded them not only because labor Is the capital of our working men, Justly entitled lo Its share of govern ment favor, but for tho further and not. less Important i-cumui that the laboring man, surrounded by his family In his humble home, as a consumer Is vitally Interested In all that, cheapens Iho cost of living, and cnu bleshlin to bring within his domestic circle additional coinlorts and advantages. Thl relation of the workliigiuau to the revenue laws of tho country, and the manner In which It palpably Influences the que. tlou of wages, should not bo forgotten In tho Justlllablo prominence given ti the proper maintenance or the supply nnd protection of well paid labor, and theso eon. slderatlous suggest such an arrangement ol government revenue, as shall reduce the ex pense or living while It does not curtail tin opportunity for work nor reduce the com. pcueatlou of American labor and Injuriously atU'ct Its condition and the ilignltled pluco It holds In tho estimation i f our people. Hut our farmers ami agriculturalists, those who, from tho soil produce the thlui: consumed by all, are perhaps more directly and plainly con cerned than any olhcrof our cUIeiis, In a Just and earellil syntein of Federal taxation, Those actively engaged in, and mm e remotely connected with this kind of work, number nearly one-half of our population. None la bor harder or more continuously than they. Noenactments limit their hours of toll, and no luterHsltlon of tho Government enlorccs to any great extent the value of their pro ducts; and M t for many of the neeesstirli-s and comforts of lite, which the most scrupulous economy enables them to bring Into their homes and lot their Implements of husbandry, they are obliged to pay u price largely Increased by an unnatural protlt which, by the action ot the GtiNcrumcut, Is given to the more favored manufacturers. 1 recommend that, kccplU).' In lcw all these considerations, tho Incrcat lug and unnecessary surplus of national In eouie.aunualy aceuinulatlng.released to the bo jieoplo by an amendment to our revenue laws which shall cIiciiihmi the price of the ntrossa rles of life and give freer entrance to such Im ported materials as by American labor may be inauufuetureil Into marketable commodi ties. Nothing can ho accomplished, however, in the direction of this much-nccdcd reform unless tho subject Is approached In u patriotic spirit or devotion to the Interests ofthe entire country and w It li a w lllluguess to yield smuts thing for tho puollc chu1. The sum uild upon tho public debt, during tho fiscal yeat ending June 80, isxi, was SII..VM10l !.:W. JUir lug the twelve months, ended October;!!, ISSu, three per cent. Ind weie called for redemp tion, amounting to 127.vl,UHi, of which .so, ti.1,20U wuHMi called to answer the requliv. incuts of the law relating tc the sinking fund, and JI'l.ctiMVO for tho pur Hie or reducing the public debt ty applica tion of u part of the surplus in tho ilea, ury to thatoldect. Of Iho bonds thus called, flu2.2iii,r0lHvameuigivt, under such culls, to redemption pi Inr to Nov. , issa. The ro milliliter, amounting to ?,0t:l,ii,V, matured under thoeulls after Unit date. In addition to the amount subject to payment nnd can iiilutlou prior lo Nov. 1, there were uUo pnhl lieforo ttiut duy certain or these bonds, with luterttt thereon, amounting to tA,or2.;Vxl which were anticipated us tu the maturity, o, w hich f-J.KilX-O hud nut been culled: thin f I07,SII,NU hud been urtuully applied prior U tUcUt of November, lsl, to tbu cxtluguUU msnl. nf nur hondcil nnd lnterpt-bpftrlng debt, lenvlng on that day still outstanding tho sum of 51.115,413,112. or this amount IW,SIS,700, werestlll represented by 3 per cent bonds. They, however, hnve becn.slnceNov. It, or will nt once be, further reduced by 22. OOiJ.ltt), being bonds which have been called, asnlreadv stated, but not redeemed and can celled before tho latter date. Tin; sii-VKit noi.i; tit. Suptnlon of Compulsory '.'nhiairn Again Urged for Staled Kraions. During tho fiscal yenr ended Juno .TO. 1S80, there were coined under the Compulsory Sliver Coinage act of 187,20 S3,K t kllver dol lars, and tho rost or tho silver used In such colungo was S2.!,tlS,!H!0.0l. There had been coined up to the close of the previous fiscal year under the provisions of the law 2Jl,fiS2,.Vl silver dollars, and on the first day of Decem ber, issfl, t he total amount or such coinage wasS2l7,i:tl,r,l9. The Director or tho Mlpt re ports that, nt the time of the passage of tho tu-t of 1S7-, directing this coinage, tho Intrinsic value or tho dol lars thus coined was ninety-four and one-fourth cents each, and thut on tho Hist day of July, 1HSH, the price of silver reached tho lowest stage ever known, so that the Intrinsic or bullion price or our standard silver dollar ut this ditto was less than 72 cunts. The price or silver on the -th or No vember last was such as to make the dollars Intrinsically worth 78 cents each. These dir rercnciis In valuo or Iho coins represent tho fluctuations In tho price or silver, and they certainly do not Indicate that compulsory coinage by tho Government enhanced tho price of that commodity or secures uniformi ty In Jts value. I-.very fair and legal effort has been made by the Treasury Department to distribute this currency among the people. Tho withdrawal of I'nfted States treasury notes ofsmall denominations and tho Issuing ofsmall sliver certificates have been resorted to In the endeavor to accomplish this result In obedience to the will nnd sentiments or tho representatives or tho peoplo In the Congress, on the 27th day or No vember, PWI, tho pcoplo held of theso coins or certificates representing the nominal sum )f $lim,S7:t,0fl, and wo still have i7,4(il,:ni In the treasury, an ngalnst about SI 12,W)t.ft" In the hands of tho pcoplo nnd J72,l,:(7U remaining In the treasury one year ago. The Director or the Mint again urges the necessity of iliore vault room fortho purpose or storing these silver dollars which are not needed for circulation by the people. I have seen no reason to chimgo tho views ex pressed In my last annual message on tho subject of this compulsory coinage, and I again urge lis suspension on all the grounds contained In my runner recommendation, reinforced by the slgnlllcant Increase of our gold cxportatlons during the last year, as n peurs bv the comparative statement herewith presented, and for the further reasons that tho more this currency Is distributed among the people, tho greater becomes our duty to protect It from disaster; that wo have now ubundnnee ror all our needs, and that there seems but little propriety in building vaults to store such currency when the only pretenso ror Its coinage Is the necessity or Its uso by tho pcoplo as a circulating medium. C CSTO JI S- It K V K.N l" KS S I ITS. The Appointment of Aaollier 1'nleral Juilgcltre onimrnilnl. The great number of suits now pending In the I'nited States courts for the southern dis trict of New York, growing out or the collec tion or tho eustoms-rcveiiuo at tho port of New York, and tho number or such suits that aro almost dully Instituted, aro certainly worthy the attention of tho Congress. Theso legal controversies, based upon conflicting views by Importers and the collector as to tho Interpretation of our present complex and In definite rovonuc laws, might bo largely obvi ated by an amendment of those laws. Hut pending such amendment, the present condi tion of this litigation should bo relieved. There aro now pending about twenty-live hundred of these suits. Moro than eleven hundred have been coiiimenueil within tho past eighteen months, and many of the others Imvo been at Is-me for more than twenty-llvo years. These delays subject tho Government to lossol evldenco.antr.prcveiit the preparation iieccssarv to den-at unjust and fictitious claims, while constantly accruing Interest threatens to double the demands Involved. In tho present condition or tho dockets of tho courts, well filled with private suits, and of the force allowed tho district attorney no greater than Is necessary tor the ordinary and current, business of his olllce.tlic.so revenues lltlgntlonseannot be considered. In default of the adoption by the Congress or a plan for the general icorganlzatlon of the Federal courts, as has heretofore been recommended, I urgo the propriety of passing u law permit ting theiippolntmontiorun additional Federal ludge In thedlstrlet where Ihese Government suits have accumulated, so that, by continued sessions oftho courts devoted to the trial of these eases, they may bo determined. It Is entirely plain that a great saving to the Gov ernment would bo accomplished by such n lemcdv and tho suitors who have honest claims would not bo denied Justlco through delay. IttV. 1VAI! lli:i'AltT3li:.T. Coast Dcfciisps MiiHihl be Enlarged Tho Hostile Apiuiics. The report of the Noci clary or War gives a detailed account of the administration of his department and contains sundry recommen dations for tho Improvement ofthe service, which I In 1 1 v approve. The army consisted at the date of the last consolidated return ol 2,10;lolllccrs and2l,0lii enlisted men. The ex penses of the department lor the last fiscal vear were SiiWHV11., Including $(l,Jill,.!ltt,t:i ior public works and river and harbor Im provements. I especially direct the attention of Congress to the rccommeiidutlon that of ficer bo required to submit -in an examina tion as a preliminary to their promotion. I seo no objection but ninny advantages In adopting this feature, which has operated so beneficially In our navy department us well us in Mime brunches of the urniy. The subject ' or coast defenses and rortltlcations has been fully and carelullv treated by tho Hoard on l-ortlllca-tlous, vvliose icporl was submitted at the lust session of Congress; but no construction work oftho kind recommended by the board has been possible during the lost year from the lack of appropriations for such purpose. The defenceless condition of our sea coast and lake Irontler Is perfectly palpable. Tho ex aminations iniulo must convince us all that certain or our cities named In tho report of the board should bofortllled and that work on tho most Important or these rortltlcations should be commenced at once. The work hits been thoroughly considered and laid out, the Secrctarv or War reports, but all Is delayed tu default en Congressional action. Tho abso lute necessity, Judged by all standards or pru dence and foresight, of preparation for an ef foctuul resistance against the armored ships and steel guns of modern construction which innv threaten tlio cities on our coasts is so ai parentthat I hope etl'octlvo steps will lie taken In that direction Immediately. The valuable and suggestive treatment of this subject by the Secretary of War Is earnestly commended to the consid eration of the Congress. In September and October last the hostile Apaches who, under the leadership of Geronlnio, had for eighteen mouths been on tho warpath, and during that time had committed many murders and been the cause or constant terrors to the set tlers of Arizona, surrendered to General Miles, the military commander who suc ceeded General Crook In tho management and direction of their purmul. Cnder the terms or their surrender as then reported, and In lew or tho understanding which this murderous savage seemed to entertain or tho assurances given them, It wus thought best to Imprison them In such manner a to pre vent them ever engaging in such outrages again. Instead of trying them for murder. Fort Pickens having been selected as a safe place of oonllucmeiit, all the adult liuvles were sent thither and will bo closely guarded as prisoners. In the meantime the residue ot the band who, though still lemulnlng upon the reservation, were regarded as unsafe and suspected of Airnlshlng aid to those on tho warpath, had been removed to Fort Marlon, Tho women and largerehlldren of the host 11m were also taken there and nrranifoiuontM have been made ror putting tlio children uf proper ago In Indian school. NAY mil'AllTMr.NT. The ltrromuiriuUtloiis of Si-crt-tary Whltnejr Kn i l Dried. Tlio report of the Secretary oftho Navy con. tains a detailed rexirt of the condition of hi department, with such a statement of the ni tlou needed to Improve the same as should challenge tho earnest attention of Congress. Tho preijcnt navy or tho I'nited States, usldo from tho ships In course of construction, con blst of: First Fourteen sluKte-turroted monitor, nouo of which urv In commission nor at the present time serviceable. The batteries ol lhct.0 ships ure obsolete, and they can only be rolled umiu us auxiliary ships In harbor de fence, und then utter such an expenditure tu might not lie deeim-d UiMllluble, Second Five lourtn-rato veel of sniull tonnage, only one of v hlch wus designed as u war vcmoI, und all of which ure auxiliary merely. Third Twenty-cven cruising ships, three of which ure built of Iron, of small tonnage, and twenty-four of vvtHid. Of theo wooden vt-kkcU II U udlmutcd by the Nuvy Depart. mcnt that only three will be serviceable be yond n period of six years, nt which time It may lieeal that of tho preSPnt navnl force nothing worthy the name will remain. All liie vessels heretofore authorized nre under contractor In course or construction, except the nrmorcfl ships, tho torpedo and dynamite boats, nnd one cruiser. As to the lastofthcsc, the bids were In excess or the limit llxed by Congress. The production In the t'nlted State or armor and gun-steel Isn question which It seems necessary to settlo at an early day, ir tho armored war-vessels arc to be completed with those materials or home manurncturc. This has been the subject or Investigation by two boards and by two spe cial committees or Congress within the last three years. Tho report or the gun-roundry board In IKsi, or tho board on rortlllcatlons, made in January last, and the reports ofthe select committees of tho two houses made at the last session of Congress, hnvo entirely ex hausted the subject so ror as preliminary In vestigation Is Involved and In their recom mendations they arc substantially ngreod. In the event that tho present Invitation ortho department Tor bids to furnish such or this material ns is now authorized shall fall to In duce domestic manufacturers to undcrtnke the large expenditures required to prepare for this new manufacture, no other steps aro taken by Congress nt its coming session, the Secretary contemplates, with disaffection, the necessity of obtaining abroad the armor and the gun-steel for tho autliorlzed ships. It would seem desirable that the wants of the army and the navy in this regard should bo reasonably met and that by uniting tho con tracts, such Inducement might be offered as would result In securing tho domestication of theso important Interests. POSTAL A1TAII1S. Present Kates of lleiennp Will Sustain the Sort Ice. Tho affairs oT tho Postal service show mucked and gratifying Improvement during tho past year. A particular account of Us transactions and conditions is given in there port oftho Postmaster General, which will be laid before you. Tho reduction of the rate of letter postage In Lis.'!, rendering the postal revenues inadequate to sustain tho expend itures, und business depression nlso eontrlli uting, resulted In an excess of cost, Tor the IU cnl year ended June SO, I8h5, of eight nnd one third million dollars. An additional check ujkii receipts by doubling tho measure of weight In rating sealed correspondence and diminishing ouc-hnir the charge for newspa per's carriage, was imposed by legislation, which took effect with the beginning of the past fiscal year, whllo tho constant demand of our Territorial development and growing population, Tor tho extension and lncreao of mall facilities and machinery necessitates a steady annual advance. In outlay; and the carerul cstlmato of a year ago, upon tho rntlo or expenditure then existing contemplated the unavoidable augmcntrtton or tho deficiency in the Inst llscal year by nenrly F2,K),om The anti cipated revenuo ror Iho last year railed or real ization by about $01,000, but proper measures of economy have so satisfactorily limited tho growth of expenditure that the total defi ciency, in fact, fell below that oflSsV), and at this time the lncreascor revenue Is in gaining ratio over tho increase or cost, demonstrating the sulllcleney of the present rales of postage ultimately to sustain the service. This Is tho more pleasing because our people enjoy now both cheaper postage, proportionately to dis tances, and a vaster and more costly service, than any other on tho globe, ltctrcnchinent hus been effected In the cost of supplies, some expenditures unwarranted by law have ceased, and theoutlaysfor mall carriage have been sublected to bcncliciul scrutiny. At the close of tlio last fiscal year tho expense of transportation on st-ir routes stood at an annual rate of cost less by over S'kjO.OOO than at the close or the previous year, und steamboat and mall messenger service at nearly $200,000 less. Tho service has been In tho meantime enlarged and extended by tho establishment of lie wolllccs, Increase of routes ofcarrlage.expanslon ofcarrlers.delivery con veniences, and additions to the railway mall facilities, In accordance with the growing exi gencies ofthe country und the long establish ed police of tho Government. The Postmaster-General culls attention to tho exist ing law forcompensatiiig railroads and ex presses the opinion that a method may bo devised which will prove moro Just to car riers and beneficial to the Government, and the .subject appears worthy of your early con sideration. The differences which arose dur ing the vear with certain of the steamship companies have terminated with the ac quiescence of all In tho policy ofthe Govern ment approved by Congress In tho postal ap propriation at Its last session; and tho de partment now enjoys the utmost service af forded by all vessels which sail from our ports upon either ocean, a scrvico generally adequate to tho needs or our Intercourse. Petitions have, however, been presented to the depart ment by numerous merchants and manurac turers for tho establishment ora direct service to tho Argentine Itepublle, and ror semi monthly dispatches to tlio empire of Hrazll, and thuoblect is commended to your consid eration. It Is an obvious duty to provide the means of postal communication which our commerce requires, and with prudent fore cast of result, tho wise extension of It may lead to stimulating Intercourse and become the harbinger of n profitable trallle, which will open new revenue for the disposal of the products of our Industry. The circum stances of tho country at the far south of our continent aro such as to Invito our en terprlsonud att'ord tho promise of .sullicient advantages to Justify an unusual effort to bring about the closer relations which greater freedom of communication would establish. I suggest that as distinguished from a grant or subsidy for the nicro benefit ot any llne.of t ratio or travel, whatover outlay may be re quired to secure additional postal service necessary nnd proper, and not otherwise ob tainable, should be regarded as within tho limit of legitimate compensation forsueh serv ice. Tho extension of tlio free delivery serv ice is suggested by tho Postmaster-General, has heretofore received my sanction, and it 1 to bo hoped n suitable enactment may soon bo agreed upon. The request for nn appro priation fcu;llclent to enable tho general in spection offourlli class otllccs has my appro bation. 1 renew my approval of the recom mendation of the Postiniister-Geiieral, that ,,,, nwiUtniit in, nrovldcd for the Post- olllco Departmcnt.and I invitoyourattentlou to tun several oincr rccomiuciiiiiiuuoa " report. DOMAIN OK Jl'STICK. Cotrrumcnt Prisons fur Federal Prlsoncrs-Con- Tlct Labor. The conduct of tlio Department, or Justlco ior tno nisi iisciii jnu i it r.,..r,.. report of thu Attorney-General, and I inv ito tho earnest nttentlon of tho Congress to tho sainoand duo consideration of the rwwm mcndatlons therein contained. In tho report .i , -.,,-.. 11.. ilntilUPO 111 Lilt! humniuctt oy tins ouic-i i --. tlio Congress ho strongly recommended tho ..'..".. ...i.. ....i..,.,. rr lu i-oiitlnement of prisoners convicted and sentenced In tho United (states courts, am m-n i" . .-v- oinmentiuiiou in iu iiui This matter Is of very great importance and should atonco receive Congressional i action. United sillies prisoners aru nun " . . ...i-!... t ........... . Uinln tirLftiiu nml moro inan tiiirty innen-ni. .,,.. penitentiaries situated In every part or tho country. They aro subjected to nearly as many different modes of treatment and discipline, and aro far too much re moved from tho control and regulation tleu to huuuu.o iri'iiuurui u i,rvij V" . . - t I wnl'AHtlltltlAII lllll I !l1V. ror iiHitnivi.'iiu'iii mil iviwwiiHiun,uv x.w, crnmontUrcsMiiihUlott Uumu ami nooloiy I. . t .il.l.u nr.. tYirllivmilnr UtlL till duty can scarcely be discharged without moro absolute control and dlsciftlon than Is possi ble under the present system. Many ot nur good citizens Imvo Interested themselves with tho most beneficial results on the question ot prison reform. The general government should lie In a situation, since there must bo l ultotl rtaictt pi isuui-ib, i.i ui idf.il inij-.i ....... . . ... .1.1 . ..............,, ..,,t wliniitit In, illili, tit am in tins mui vwv,, ,.n. ...... .- Illustrate what may be practically done in the direction ot ai nK'iin i" ii v. i - ... ...m. ( .....I I ... It.ilV.tttinill UT fW nio in uiu Hi-mini-in nii.i mi'i, ---prisoners worthy of Imitation, with prisons under Its own control. The Government could deal with the somewhat vexed question of convict labor, so far as its convicts were concerned, awn ding ton plan of Its owij adoption und with due regard to rights and Interest of our lutiorlng citizens, Instead of sometimes aiding In theopenitlonofu system which causes among them Irrita tion and dtM-ontent. Upon consideration . ..... ...1.1..... . ...I..l. 1... tlt.i.lt.llt W'lkl, t. Ol lllis uujn-lii iiiijiiii "'""""'.."V, ' erect more than one of the-e Institutions lOCUlCll III SUCH IHUCVSl US iiwiuvi Hi-, i-iiu-n , v tho purposes of convenience and economy in trUllklHirwtlloit. iite itiiisiui-muio ,v maintaining these cony lets, as at present In plate Institutions, would bo saved by tho ndoptlon or !ho plan proposed und, bv -n-ploying them In tlieinunufiicturoofsurli nrlt clot as were needed for use by the Govern- ....t I....... ...b.iii.lurv- Itrtmittf i-.inlil mum, quiii' u ,uKi- j ... ..... DO reunion m purum mum ii.i I'luiiy i .....a,. nln,ii t tlm t.ilirul lilmi-liil ystem to meet the wants of the people und obviate tho delays necessarily attending the prCM'lll CIIIUIlUI" Ul illlllllt, III will ...141,0. All are ugrcctl thut something should be done und much favor U shown by thnt.o well utile to udvisc. To the plan suggested by tho Attorney-General at tho hut sesston of the Congress und recommended In my last an iiuul inckMigc, the reixuumendutloii U here renewed together with another mude at the stvmo tlmP, touching r!'" ,mi neroi comprrmnunK . V ..f..nrf...t morslials.nnd thelntleraubject Is eommendtel to tho Congress for Its action In tho lntt rt of economy to tho Government, and humonP. ty and fairness and Justlco to our people. IMLBIOP. lNTI'.RKSTS. Lanils In Serprallr Tor Imllans-Srhools and CItII tzatlnn. The report of the Secretary or the Interior presents a comprehensive summary of the work of tho various branches of tho publlo service connected with his department, aim the suggestions and recommendations which It contains for tin-Improvement or the servico should receive your careful consideration. The exhibit made of the condition or our In dian population and the progress ofthe wor-X for their enlightenment, notwUlistanillngtho ninny embarrassment which hinder the bet ter administration of this important branch oftheservix1, Is a gratifying and hopeful one. The funds appropriated for the Indian servico for the fiscal year Just pushed, with the avail able Incomo rrom Indian land and trust moneys, amounting In all to $7,s.V77."i.l2, vyero nmplefor the service under the conditions and restriction of laws regulating their ex penditure. There remained a balance on hand nn Juno .'SO, ls.su, of ?l,.sfl,0il .TO, or which $l,:7,7itl.21 are permanent funds for tho fulfillment of treaties and other like purposes, and the remainder, 5.'t22,2.),OJ. Is subject to be carried to thesurplus fund u required bv law. The estimates presented ror appropriations for the ensuing fiscal year amount to SS.WN,87.UH. or G2,'Ni.20 less than those laid before the Congress last year. Tho present system of agencies, while absolutely necessary and well adapted to the manage ment of our Indian affairs, and for the ends In view when ndopted, Is in the present stage of Indian all'alrs Inadequate, standing nlono for tho accomplishment or an object which ha become pressing in Its Importance tlio more rapid transition rrom tribal organiza tions to citizenship or such portions of the In dian as arc Incapable of civilized life. When tho existing system wus adopted the Indian race was outside of tho limits of organized Slates and Territories, and beyond the Imme diate reach and operation of civiliza tion, nnd all efforts were mainly di rected to the maintenance of friendly relations and tho preservation of peace and quiet on the frontier. All this Is now ehnnged. There Is no such thing as tho Indian frontier. Civilization, with tlte busy hum orindustry and the Influence of Chris tianity, surrounds these people nt every point. "oneot tho tribe arc outside of tlio bounds of organized government and society, except thut tho territorial system has not been extended over that portion of tho coun try known a the Indian Territory. As a rnco the Indians are no longer hostile, but may bo considered as submissive to the con trol of the Government, as few of them only arc troublesome. F.xcept the fragments of sev eral bands, all are now gathered upon reser vations. It Is no longer possible for them to subsist bv tlio chase and tho spontaneous productions of the earth. AVitli nbundance of land, If furnished with tho means and Im plements for profitable husbandry, their llfo of entlro dependence upon govern ment rations from day to day is no longer defensible. Their Inclination, long fosteretl by n defective system of control, Is to cling totlio habltsandcustomsof their ances tors and struggle with persistence against tho change of llfo which their altered circum stances presi upon them. Hut barbarism und civilization cannot live together. It 1 impossible that such Incongruous conditions should co-exist on the same soil. Tliev aro n portion or our peo ple, ure under the authority or our Govern ment, and hnvo a peeullarelalm upon, and are entitled to. tho fostering care and protec tion of the nation. The Government cannot relievo Itself or this responsibility until they aro so far trained and civilized us to be able wholly to manage and care ror themselves. The path in which they should walk must be clearly marked out for them, and they must holed or guided until they aro fanilllar with the way and competent to assume tho duties and responsibilities of our citizenship. Pn gress lu tills great work will continue only nt tho present slow pace and ut great ex pense, unless tho system nnd methods or munagcincnt are improved to meet tlio changed conditions and urgent demands of tho service. The agents having general charge nnd supervision, in many case of moro than live thousand Indians scattered over largo reservations and burdened wit ti tho details of accountability tor funds and supplies, have time to look after tho indus trial training and Improvement of a few-Indians only. Thet-H are many neglected and remain ldlo and dependent conditions not ravoritlile ror progress in civilization. Tlio compensation allowed theso agents and tho condition of the service are not calculated to secure for them workmen who tiro fitted by ability und skill to properly plan and Intel ligently direct the method best adapted to produce tho most speedy result and perma nent benefits. Hence tlio necessity tor u supplemental agency or system, directed to the end of promoting the general and more rapid transition of tribes from habits and customs of barbiiriiinlsin to the way or civilization. WitJi an anxious desire to devNo somo plan or operation by which to secure tho welluie of tho Indians, to relievo tho Treas ury, so fur ns possible, from tho support or an idle ami dependent population, 1 recommended In iny previous annual mes sage the passage of a law authorizing the ap pointment of a commission as an iustrumen titlltv auxiliary to those already established for the care of the Indians. It wus designed that this committee-commission should bo composed of lx intelligent and capable per sons, three to tie detailed from the army, hav ing practical Ideas upon the subject of treat ment of fudiansand Interested In their wel fare, and that it should be charged, under tho direction of the Secretary of tlte Interior, with tlio management of such matters of de tails as cannot with the present organization tie properly and suceessuilly conducted, and which present ilitl'erent phases, a the Indians themselves tllfler in their progress, disposi tion nnd capacity for Improvement or Iniine dlnto self-support. Hy tho aid ol" such com mission much unwise and useless expendi ture of monev, wuslo of materials, and nn availing efforts might be avoided, and It is hoped that this or somo meas ure which tho wisdom of Congress may better devise, to supply the deficiency or tho pres-'iit system, may receive your considera tion and tho appropriate legislation bo pro vided. The time Is ripe for the work of such un ngencv. There Is less opposition to tho education and training of the Indian youth, as shown by the Increased attenilanco upon the schools, and there Isn yielding tendency ror the Individual holding or lauds. l)cvclos inent and advancement In these directions are essential and should hnvo every encour agement. As the rising generatlonaretaiight the language or civilization nnd trained in habits or industry, they should assume the duties, privileges and responsibilities or citi zenship. Xo obstacles should hinder tho lo cation nnd settlement of any Indian willing to take land In severalty, On the contrary, the Inclination to do so should be stimulated at all times when proper and expedient. Hut these Is no authority of law for making allot ments on some of tho reservation, and on others the allotments provided for are so small that the Indians, though ready und desiring to settlo down aro not willing to accept such small ureas, when their reservations contain ample land to afford them home steads of siillteient size to meet their present ami futuro needs. Theso Inequalities of ex isting special laws and treaties should bo cor rected, and some general legislation on tho subject shotiUl be provided, so that the moro progressive members or tho different tribes mny bo sottled upon homesteads, and by their example teach others to follow, break ing nvvnv from tribal customs nnd substi tuting the love of homo, tho Interest of tho family and the rule ofthe State. Tho Indian characters aro such they aro not easily led while brooding over unadjusted wrongs. Tills Is especially so regarding their lands. Mutter arising from the couitruetlng and operation or railroads ucross somo or tho reservations, and claims or title and right or occupancy set up by whlto persons to somo of the best land within other reservutlons, re quire legislation for their final adjustment. The settlement or these matters will removo many embarrassments tit progress in tho work or leading the Indians to tho adoption of our Institutions uud brluglug them uuder tho operation. prune lands. Krpral of the Prr-riuptlon ami Tlmbf r-Culturo Art Iti-eoiumrtidril. The Influeneonnd Iho protection or tlio uni versal laws or our country, tho reoommenda tlonsoftho Secretary of the Interior and the Commlssloncror the General l.iiudOtllce.lixik lug to the better nrotecllon of public lands and of tho public surveys, the preservation of na tional forests, tho adjudication or grunts to States und corporations, and orprlv uto lund chums, und tho increased efficiency or public land servico are commended to the nttentlon of IVmgress. Toiecuro the widest distribution ot public lands among settlers or residence und cultivation, and thus initko tho greatest number uf individual homes was the prim ury object of the publlo land legislation in the curly days of the Itepublle. This system was a, slinplo one. It begun with on admir able scheme or public survey by which the humblest citizen could Identify tho tract upon which ha wished to establish his home. The price of land wus placed within the reach or all J h; ' tororWnr. In- Onn iiwtor theluwswns perverted under thStSn ?ot cash sales from a distribution of lund n nong the people to nn nccttmulnt Ion of dcapl uiby wealthy and speculative mw To check- tills tendency a prefer ence "right ' i f purchase was given to settlers, on thoTaiid, a plan which ; """" , Fennral nrc-cmptlon act of 1S11. ino louiuia flonTr tnls"tem was actual res den ce ami cultivation. Twenty years later the Home s call law was lVvlse.ito more purely P lacc actunl homes in the possion of tmt u tf vntots of the sol . The land was given w u& mU Price the so e conditions being residence ,Vol"n.ei,t: ami o 1 1 1 v t loo . 0 " 1 "nVu i have followed, each designed to o"?"" the acquirement and use or land n ,n"e' Individual quantities. Hut .VmutratTvo these laws, through vicious nu,"8.t1r""xllr methods and under changed conditions oc communication and trniisnortat on hnv o been so evaded and violated that, their beneficent purpose is threatened with cut r defeat. The methods r such e .vastons anil violations nro set forth In tlctnl In tl ho re ports of the Secretary of tho Interior. 'ommlssioner of tho General I.an 1 Omce The rapid appropriation of our public Iamb without bona tide settlements or rultluitlon nnd not only without intention of residence, but for the purpose or their nsgrepitio tin large holding. In many eases In tho hands or foreigners, Invites the serious and Immediate attention of Congress. The energies ot Iho Land Department have been devoted during the present administration to remedy defects and correct abuses In tho public land service. The results of these cll'ort arc so largely in the nature or reforms lu the process and. methods of our land system ns to prevent adequate estimates, but It appears by a com pilation from the retiorts ofthe Comnilssionot ofthe General Land Olllcc that the Imme diate effect In lending cases, which have come to a final termination, has been the restoration to the mass i of public lands of 2,7.')0,W0 ncres: thatS.JiO.OW acres aro embraced In investigations now pending before tlio department or the courts, and that action of Congress ha been asked tp effect tho restoration of 2,700,000 ncres addi tional, besides which 1,000,000 acres have been withheld rrom reservation und the rights or cntrv theron maintained. I recommend the rcpcnl orthe pre-emption and timber culture nets, and that the homestead laws be sc. amended as to better secure compliance with, and cultivation for, thu period of live years, from date of entry, without commutation or provision for speculative relinquishment. X also recommend the repeal oftho desert land laws, unless It shall bo tho pleasure of t he Congress to so amend those laws as to render them less liable to abuse. A tho chief motive for the ev asion of the laws and the prlnc pal cause of their result In land accumulation. Instead of land distribution, Is tho facility with which transfers nro made of tho right Intended to be secured to settlers, it. may bo deemed advisable to provide by legis lation somo guards and checks upon the alienation of vested right and land covered thereby until patents nre Issued. Last year nn Hxecutlve proclamation was Issued, direct ing the removal or fence which enclosed tho public domain. Many of these have been re moved in obedience to such order, but much of the public land still remains within t he lines of these unlawful fences. The Ingenious, method resorted to in order to continue these trespasses, and the hardihood of tho pretences. by which, in some cases, such enclosures arc justified, are fully detailed in the report or the Secretary tif the Interior. Tho removal of the fences still remaining which enclose public land will be enforced with all the au thority and menus with which tho executive brunch unite Government is or shall bo In vested by the Congress Jor that purpose tensions am) PKXSio.Mons. Tender Consideration fur Those U'ho Sorted Thrli-Conntrj-. The report of the Commissioner of Pensions contains n detailed and most satisfactory ex hibit or tlte operation or tlio pension bureau.. During tho last, llscal year tho amount of work done was tho largest in any year sine tho organization of tho bureau, and has been done at least cost In every division. On tho thirtieth day of June, 18), there were !tin,7St pensioners on the rolls or tho bureau. Since ltdll there hnvo been 1,01S,7;V applications for pension tiled, of which 7S,!'1I were based upon servico In the war of 1812. There were 021,758. of these applications allowed. Including 00, 178 to the soldiers of 1812 and their widows. The total amount paid for pensions since 18iil Is S80,021.S11.57. The number of new pensions allowed during the year ended Juno U0, 18sti. Is 10,857, u larger number than has been al lowed In any year, save one, stneo IStil. Tho namesof 2,229 pensioners, which had previous ly been dropped from tho rolls, wero restored, during the year and after deducting those dropped within tho sumo timo for various causes, a net Increase remains for the year ol 20,0.18 names. From January 1, 18til, to Decem ber 1, lhS5, 1,'M.u priv ate pension acts had been, passed since the last mentioned date, ami during the last session of Congress fJOl such acts became law. It seems to mo that no ono can examine our pension establishment ami its operations without being convinced that, through It Instrumentality, Justlco can bo very nearly dono to all who aro entitled tinder present laws to tho pension bounty of the Govcrmcnt. Hut It Is undinlahlo that cases exist well entitled to relief, In which tho pension bureau is powerless to relieve. Thr reallv worthy case of this class arc such as. onlv lack bv misfortune tho kind orqunntlty of proof which tho law and regulations ortho bureau require, or which, though their merit is apparent, for some other reason cannot b ustlv dealt with through general laws. Theso conditions fully Justify application to tlio Congress and special enactments. Hut report to the Congress for a special pension act ti overrule tlio careful determination of the pension bureau of the merits or to secure fa vorablo action when it could not bo ex pected under tho most liberal execution or general laws.it must bo admitted, open tho. door to the allowance of questionable claims., und present to tlio legislative and executive brunches of the Government nppllcution.s conceded not within tho law and plainly de void of merit, but so surrounded by .senti ment und patriotic feeling thut they nro hunt to resist. I suppose it will not bo denied that many claims lor pension aro made without merit, and that many liuve been nllowcd upon fraudulent representations. This ha been declared front the pension bureau, not. only In this, but In prior administrations. The usefulness and the Justice of any system for tlio distribution of pensions depend upon the equality und uniformity of Its operation. It will be seen from the report of thoCominls Mon thut thero are now lnild by tho Govern ment ono hundred and thirty-one different rates of pension estimates front tho best Infor mation he can obtain; that nine thousand of those who have served In tho army and navy of Uto I'nited Statet, aro now supported lu whole or In part by nubile funds or by organ ized charities, exclusive of those In tlio Soldiers' Homes under the direction and con trol of tho Government. Only 1:1 per cent, or them nro pensioners, whllo of tho entlro number of men furnished for the luto war something ltko 20 per cent. Including their widows and relatives, have been or are now In tho receipt of pension. Tho American, people with a patriotic und grateful regard for our cx-soldlers, too broad and too Bacred to bo monopolized by any special advocates, aro not only willing, but noxious, that equal and exact Justlco should bo done to all honest, claimants for pensions. In their sight tho friendless and destltuto soldier, dependent on publlo charity, if otherwise entitled has. precisely tho same right to share in tho pro vision made for those who fought their coun try's battle a thoso better able, through friends and influence, to push their claims. Hvery pension that Is granted under our present plan upon tiny other grounds than actual service Injury or disease incurred In such servlce.and every instance, of tlio ninny in which pensions are Increased on other grounds than the merits of the elnlm, work un Injustice to the brave and crippled, but loor nnd friendless soldier who is enllroly neglected or who must be content with tho smallest sum allowed under general laws, and there are far too many neighborhoods, lu which are found glaringcnsesof Inequality or treatment In tlte matter of lenslons; and they are largely due to u yielding In tho pen sion bureau to importunity on the part of those other than tho penult r, who aro especially interested; or tin nrlso from bpeclul nets passed ror the bene of Individ uals. Tlio men who fought side by sldo should btund side by side when they partici pate In a grateful nation sklndromouibrance. Kvery consideration or fnlruc. and Justice to our ex-soldlers nnd the protection of th patriotic instincts of our citizens from per version und violence point to tho adoption at a pension system broad and eoniprelionslvi enough to cover every contingency, and which shall make unnix-essaiy unobjection able volume of special legislation. As long, us wo adhere to till' principle orgruutlng pen sion for service and disability us tho result of the service, the allowance of pensions should be restricted to cases presenting theo features. Kvery patriotic heart responds to i tender consideration for these who, having served their country long and weiu ure reduced to destitution "ud.-Uf-pendeiuv, not as un , inciaenj. or their service but with ndviinolns age or through .lekness or mUfortuuo. o tempted by tho contemplation of such a eon dltliiu to supply relief. "Yielding "".P.'iSor. the desire to Indulgo thU feellns o", ,,?it niton I cunnot rid myself of ". iViiSvelf that If these ex-soldleru ure o be cHeved, they und their cause are entitled to the beno-