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About Oregon City enterprise. (Oregon City, Or.) 1871-188? | View Entire Issue (Dec. 6, 1872)
4" . OREGON CITY ENTERPRISE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE. To Lhe Savxlc and House of Representa tives: In transmitting to you my fourth annual message, it is with thankfulness to the Giver of all good to the Nation. Wo have been blessed for the past year with peace at home and abroad, and a general prosperity has been vouchsated to us. With the exception of the recent devas tating lire which swept from the earth with a breath, as it were, millions of accumu lated wealth in the city of Boston, there have been no overshadowing calamities within the year to record. It is gratifying to note how, like their fellow-citizens in the city of Chicago, under similar circum stances, a year earlier, the citizens of Bos ton are rallying under their misfortune, and the prospect is that thoir energy and perseverance will overcome all obstacles, and show the same prosperity that they would have attained had nodisast6r be fallen them; otherwise we have been free from pestilence, war, and those calamities which often overtake nations, and as far as human judgment can penetrate the future no cause seems to exist to threaten our present peace. When Congress adjourned in June a question had been raised by Great Britain, and was then pending, which for a time seriously imperiled the settlement by friendly arbitration of the differences ex isting between this Government and that of Her Britannic Majesty. The Treaty of Washington had been referred to the Tri bunal of Arbitration which met at Geneva, in Switzerland. The arbitrators, however, disposed of the question which had jeopar dized the whole of the treaty, and threat ened to involve the two nations in unhap py relations towards each other, in a man ner entirely satisfactory to this Govern ment, and in accordance with the views and policy which it has maintained. The Tribunal, which convened in December, concluded its laborious session on the 14th of September last; on that day, having availed itself of the discretionary power given to it by the Treaty to award a sum in gross, it made its decision, whereby it awarded the sum of 15,500,000 in gold as the indemnity to be paid by Great Britain to the United States for satisfaction of all claims referred to its consideration. This decision, happily, disposes of a long stand ing difference between the two Govern ments, and, in connection with another award made by tho German Emperor under reference to him by the same Treaty, leaves the two Governments without a shadow on their friendly relations, which it is my sin cere hope may forever remain equally un clouded. The report of the agent of the United States appointed to attend tho Ge neva Tribunal, accompanied by protocols of the proceedings of tho arbitrators, ar guments of counsel of both Governments of counsel of both Governments, award of the Tribunal and opinions given by tho several arbitrators, is transmitted here with. I have caused to bo commuuicated to tlie head3 of the three friendly Powors, who complied with the joint request made to them under tho Treaty, the thanks of this Government for the appointment of arbitrators made by them respecting it, and also my thanks to the eminent per sonages named by them, and my appre ciation of the diarnitv. patience, impartial ity, and great ability with which they dis charged tneir arduous ana niga i unctions Her Majesty's Government has communi cated to me its appreciation by Her Majesty of the ability and indefatigable industry disulaved bv Mr. Adams, the arbitrator named on the part of this Government, during; the protracted inquiries and dis cussions of tho Tribunal. I cordially unite with Iler Maiestym this appreciation, It is due to the agent of the United States before tut. Tribunal to record my apprecia tion of the marked ability, unwearied pa tience and the prudence and discretion with which he has conducted the very re sponsible and delicate duties committed to iiim. as It is also uuo to wio loaruou ami eminent counsel who attended the Tribu nal on the part of this Government, to ex press my sense of tho Lalmit and wisdom which they brought to bear in the argu ment and upon the result so happily reached. It will be tho province of Con gress to provide for the distribution among those who may be entitled to it, of their respective shares ol the money to he paid AlMii.ticrh it is not pavabie, until a year from the date of the award, it is deemed Advisable that no time be lost in making the nroner examination ol the several raspis in which indemnification may be due. I consequently recommend the cre ation of a Board of Commissioners for that in rposo. liv the thirty -fourth article of the Treaty or Washington, the rosjective claims of tho United States and of Great Britain in their construction of tho Treaty of the loth of June, 1517, denning their boundary line hfttwftmi their respective territories, were suhmitted to the arbitration of His Majes tv. the Emnoror of Germany, to decide h of the claims was most in accord ance with the true interpretation of the 'front v of 1810. Ills Majesty having been plaasod to undertake the arbitration, has tho earnest thanks ot this Government and of tho United States for the la iior. mins and care which he has devoted tf t.liA consideration of this Ions pending difference. I have caused an expression of t v thinks to bo transmitted to Ills JHa iesty. Mr. Bancroft, tho representative of this Government at Berlin, conductod the -;isn and prepared tho statement on the part of tho United States with the ability that his oast services justified tho public in expecting at his hands. As a member of :hrt Cabinet at the date of the treaty which ha given rise to the discussion between the Governments, as the Minister to Great Britain, when tho obstruction now pro nounced unfounded was first advanced, and as tho agent and representative of the Government to preseut the case and to re ceive the award, ho has been associated with tho question in all its phases, and in every stage has manifested a patriotic zeal and earnestness in the maintenance of the claim of the United States. He is entitled to much credit for the success which has attouded the commission, after a pa tient investigation of the caso aud of the statement of each party. His Majesty the Emperor of Germany, on the 21st day of October last, signed hts award in writing decreeing that the claim of the Government of the United States that the boundary line between the terri tories of Her Britannic Majesty and the United States could bo drawn through the Dellaro channel is most in accordance with the true interpretation of the treaty con cluded on the 5th of June, 1843? between the agents of Her Britannic MajGsty and the United States. Copies of this caso, pre sented in behalf of the Government, and of the statement in reply to each, and a trans lation of the award, are transmitted here with. This award confirms tho United States iuth6ir claim to tho important archi pelago of islands lying between the conti nent and Vancouver island, which for twentv-six years ever since the ratifica tion of tho treaty Great Britain has held, and leaves us, for the first time iu the his tory of tho United States as a nation, with out a question of disputed boundary be tween our territory aud the possessions of Great Britain oa this continent. It is my ratification to acknowledge the prompt aud spontaneous action of Her Majesty's Government in giving effect to the award in anticipation of any request from this Government; and before tho reception of the award, signed by the Emperor, Her Majesty bad given instructions for tho re moval of her troops stationed there, and for the cassation of all exercise or claim of jurisdiction, so as to leave the United States in exclusive possession of the lately dis puted territory. I am gratified to bo able i announce that the orders for the removal of the troops have been executed, and the military joint occupation of San Juan has ceased. Tho islands aro now in the exclusive possession of tho United States. It now becomes necessary to complete the survey ami determination of that portion t the boundary line through Dellaro channel, upon which the commission which determined the remaining part of tho iiue were unable to .agree. I recom mend tho appointment of a commission to act jointly with one which may be named bv Her M.iiesty for that purpose. Tho ex iK;rieme of tho difficulties attending the determination of our admitted line of boundary after the occupation of territory md its settlement by those owing aue- riauce to the respective Government Eoints to the importance of establishing, ! y natural objects or other measurements, me actual line oeiween ido territory ac quired by purchase from Russia and the adjoining possessions of Her Britannic Majesty. Tho rogion is now so sparsely occupied that no conflicting interests of in dividuals or of jurisdiction are likely to in terfere to the delay or embarrassment' of the actual location of tho lino. If deferred until population shall enter and occunv the territory, some trivial contests of neighbors may again array the two Governments in antagonism; I, therefore, recommend the appointment of a commission, to act jointly wuu one mat may uo appointed on the Eart of Great Britain, to determine the line etwoeji our territory of Alaska and the adjoining posseasions of Great Britain. in my last annual messaere I recom mended the legislation necessary on the part of the United States, to bring into op eration the articles of the Treaty of Wash ington, of May, 1871, relating to the fish eries, and to other matters touching the re lations of the United States towards the British North American possessions, to be come operative so soon as the proper legis lation suouiu ue naa on tne part of Great Britain and her possessions. That legisla tion, on the part of Great Britain and her possessions, had not then been had, and during the session of Congress a question was raised, which, for a time, raised a doubt whether any action by Congress in the direction indicated would become im portant, a question which has since been disposed of, and I havo received notice that the imperial Parhament and the Eeaisla- ture of the provincial Government have passed laws to carry the provisions of the Treaty on tho matters referred to into op eration. I, therefore, recommend your early adoption of legislation in the same direction, to carry out the part of this Gov ernment. Tho Joint Commission for determining the boundary line between tho United States and tho British possessions, between tho Bake of tho Woods and the Rocky iMountains, nas neon organized and en tered upon its work. It is desirable that the force be increased, in order that the completion of the survey and tho deter mination oi the boundary of the boundary line may be sooner attended to, and to this end, j recommend that a sufficient appro priation be made, With France, our earliest ally; Russia, the constant and steady friend of the United States; Germany, with whose Government and people we have so many causes of friendship and so many common sympa thies, and the other powers of Europe, our relations are maintained on the most friondly terms. Since my last annual message an exr change has been made of ratifications of the treaty with the Austro-IIungarian Em pire, relating to naturalization; also of a treaty with the German Empire, relating to consuls and trademarks, also of a treaty with Sweden and Norway, relating to nat uralization, all of which treaties have been duly proclaimed. Congress, at its last session, having made an appropriation to defray the expenses of the Commissioners on the part of the United States tq tho International Statisti cal Congress at St. Petersburg, the persons appointed in that character proceeded to their destination and attended the session of the Congress, Their roport shall in due season be laid before you. This Congress moots at intervals of about three years, and has held its sessions in several of the countries of Europe. I submit to your consideration the propriety of extending an invfiatjon to the Congress to hold its next meeting in tho United States. The Cen tennial Celebration, to bo he'd in 1870, would afford an appropriate occasion fo such meeting. Preparations are making for the Inter national Exposition, to be held during next year in Vienna, on a scale of very great magnitude. The tendency of these exposi tions is in the direction of advanced civili zation and the elevation of industry and labor, and the increase of human happi ness, as well as'of greater intercourse and good will between nations. The Exposi tion is to be the first which will have been held in Eastern Europe, and it is believed that American inventors and manufac turers will bo ready to avail themselves of the opportunity for the presentation of their productions, if encouraged by proper aid and protection. At the last session of Congress authority was given for the ap pointment of one or more agents to repre sent this Government at the Exposition. The authority thus given has been exer cised; but in the absence of any appropria tion there is danger mat tne important uen eflts whjch the Imposition offers will in a largo degree be Jost to tho citizens of the United States. J commend the subject strongly to your consideration ana recom mend that an adequate appropriation be made for the purpose. To further aid American exhibitors at tho Vienna Exposi tion, I would recommend, in addition to an appropriation of money, that the Secre tary of tho Navy be authorized to fit up two naval vessels to transport between our Atlantic citiea and Trio, or tha most con venient post for Vienna, the articles of ex hibiticn. Since your last session the President of the Mexican itepuunc, uistinguisueu uy his high character and by his servicos to his countrv. has died. His temporary suc cessor has now been elected with great unanimitv bv the people, a proof of conn deneo on their part in his patriotism.which it is believed will be confirmed by the re sults of his administration. It is particu larly desirablo that nothing should bo left undono by the Governments of the two re publics to strengthen their relations as neighbors and friends. It is much to bo regrettod that many lawless acts continue to disturb the nuiet of the settlements on the border between our territory and that of Mexico, and that complaints or wrong to American citizens in various parts of the country are made. The revolutionary con duct in which the neighboring Republic has so long been involved has in some de gree contributed to this disturbance. It is to be hoped that a more setueu ruio oi or der through that llepublic, which may bo expected for the present government, and fiiat. tli anAst of which iust complaint has been made will cease. The proceedings of tho Commission under the convention witn Mexico on the 4th of July, 180S, on the siihieet of claims, have unfortunately been checked by an obstacle, for tbe removal of which measures have been taKen uy me two Governments, which it is believed win prove successful. The Commissioners, appointed pursuant to a joint resolution of Congress, of 7th of May last, to inquire into deprodations on the Texan frontier, have diligently made investigations on that subject. Their report upon the subject will be communicated to to you. Their researches were necessarily incomplete, partly on account of the limit ed appropriation made by Congress. Mex ico, on the part of that Government, aj pointsd a similar commission to investi gate thasa outrages. It is not announced officially, but the press of that country states that the fullest investigation is de sired, and that tho co-oporation of all par ties concerned is invited to secure that end. I, therefore, recommend that a spe cial appropriation be made at the earliest day practicable, to enable the Commission ers on the part ot the United States to re turn to thoir labors without delay. It is with regret that I have again to an nounce tho continuance of the disturbed condition of the island ol" Cuba, and that no advance toward the pacification of the discontented portion of tho population ha3 been made. While tha insurrection has gained no advantages, and exhibits no more of the elements of power or of a prospect of ultimate success than wore exhibited a year ago, Spain, on the other hand, has not succeeded in its repression, and the parties stand apparently in the saina relative atti tude which they have occupied for a long time past. This contest has lasted now for more than four years. Were it seen at a distance from oar neighborhood, we might be indifferent to its result, although hu manity could not bo unmoved by many of its incidents wherever they might occur. It is, however, at our door. I cannot doubt but that the continued maintenance of slavery in Cuba is among the strongest inducements to a continuation of this strife. A terrible wrong is the natural re sult of a terrible evil. The abolition of slavery and the introduction of other re forms in the administration of the Govern ment in Cuba could not possibly fail to advance the restoration of order. It is es pecially to bo hoped that the present lib eral Government of Spain will voluntarily adopt this view. The law of emancipation, which was passed more than two years since, has remained unexecuted. In the , absence of regulations for enforcement it was but a foeblo step toward emanation! w?- i TV reSM of tho right, ami was hailed as such and exhibited Spain in lri?2",y XVh the ntimeius of human" LtnLJUStice. anJ in empathy with other powers of the Christian and civil- 1 "r . wrVul ouc lhe laws of oui.ut.iuai.iuu navo oeen;announcod, eiv- ireJf1!?nC0Of tho sin"ty of the inten tion of tho present Government to carrv rn-i wreCt lh1 law of 1870 I have not failed Uy urge tho considerations of tho wis dom, the policy, and tho justice of a more effective system for the abolition of tho great evil which oppresses a race and con tinues tho bloody and destructive contli'-t close to our border, as well as the expe diency and justice of conceding other re forms of which tho propriety iH not ques tioned. Deeply impressed with the con viction that tho countenancing of slavery is the most active cause of the continuance of the unhappy condition of Cuba, I regret to belie vo that citizens of the United States, pr those claiming to bo such, aro larire holders in Cuba of what is there claimed as proporty, but which is forbidden and denounced by the laws of the United States. They are thus contributing to the continuance of this distressing and sicken ing contest. In my last annual message I referred to this subject, and I again recom mend such legislation as may bo proper to denounce, if not to prevent and discourage American citizens from dealing in slaves. It is gratifying to announce that tho rati ification of the Convention, concluded un der the auspecies of this Government, be tween Spain on one part and the allied Re publics of tho Pacific on the other, pro viding for an armistice have been ex changed. A copy of the Instrument is herewith transmitted. It is hoped that this may bo followed by a permanent peace between the same parties. The dif ferences, which at one time threatened the maintenance of peace between Brazil and tho Argentine Republic, it is hoped are in a way of satisfactory adjustment. With these States, as with the Itepublics of Cen tral and of South America, we intend to maintain the most Iriendly relations. It is with regret, however, that I an nounce that the Government of Venezuela has made no further payment on account of the awards under the Convention of 25th April, 18W. That Republic is understood to,be nqw almost, if pot quite, tranquillized. It is hoped thprel'Qro, that Jt will lose no time in providing for the unpaid balance of its debt to tho United States, which hav ing originated in injuries to its citizens by the Venezuela authorities, and having been acknowleged pursuant to a troaty in the most solemn form known among nations, would seem to derive preference over debts of a different origin and contract. In a dif ferent manner this subject is again recom mended to the attention of Congress for such action as may be deemed proper. Our treaty relations with Japan remain unchanged. An Embassy from that inter esting and progressive nation visited this country during the year that is passing, but being unprovided with powers for the signing of a convention in this country, no conclusion in that direction was roachod. It is hopod, however, that tho interchange of opinion, which took plaeo during their stay in this country, lias led tq' a mutual appreciation of the interests which may Ijo exocted when tho revision of the troaty shall be undertaken. In this connection I renew my recommendation of a year ago, that to give importance and add to tho effi ciency of our diplomatic relations with Japan aud China, and to further aid in maintainining the good opinion of these people and secure to us our sharo of the fommeree destined follow betweoiP thoso nations and tho balance of trade of tho commercial world, an appropriation should le made to support at loast four American youths in oach of these countries,' to servo as part of the official family of our Mini's0 ters. Our ltepresentatives would tnen pe placed upon an equality with 'the repre sentatives of Great Britain and some other powers. As now, our representatives in japan a::d China have to depend for the in terpretations and translations upon natives of those countries, who know our language imperfectly, or procure for the'occasion the services of emploj'-eos of foreign business houses, or tho interpreters to other foreign Ministers, I renew the recommendation made on a previous occasion for the transfer tod$e Department of the Interior, to which they seem more appropriately to belong, of all the powers and duties in relation to terri tory with which the Iopartmont of State is now charged by law or b' custom. Congress, from the beginning of the Gov ernment, has wisely made provision for tho relief of distressed seamen in foreign countries. No similar provision, however, has hitherto been made for the relief ol cit izens in distress abroad pther than seamen. It is understood to be customary with other Governments to authorize their Consuls to extend such relief to their citizens or sub jects iu extreme cases. A similar authority, and an appropriation to carry it into effect, are recommended in the cg,se of citizens of the United States destitute or sick under such circumstances. It is well known that our citizens rewort to foreign countries in great numbers. Though most of them are able to bear the expenses incident to the lo cation, there are some who, through acci dent or otherwise, become penniless, and have not friends at home able to succor them. Persons in this situation must either perish, cast themselves upon the charity of foreigners, or bo relieved at the private charge of our own officers, who usually, oven with the most benevolent disposi tions, have nothing to spare for such pur poses. Should tho authority and appropri ation asked for bo granted, care will be taken to caary the munificence of Con gress into effect, and that it will not "bo un necessarily or unworthily bostowod. The moneys received and carried into tho Treasury during the fiscal year ending January t), lS72,were: From oustoms,$21r, 370,2 77; from sales of public lands, $2,575,714 19; from internal revenue, $130, 612,177 73; from tax on National Banks, etc., 0,523,390 39; from tho Pacific Railroad Companies, 349,801 -S7; from . customs, fines, etc., 1,130,442 31; from fees of Consuls, patents, lands, etc., 2,284,095 92; from miscellaneous sources, 1,412,354 71; total of ordinary receipts, 301,094,229 91; from premiums on salos of coin, 9,412, 037 05; total net receipts, $374,010,837 50; balance in Treasury Juno 3Qth, 1871, 10, 935,705 79, including $1,822,835 received from unavailable assets; total available cash, 584,042,573 15. Tho not expenditures by warrants drawn during the same period wore: For civil expenses, 10,1S9,079 70; for loroign interests, $18,109,309 14; Indians, 7,054,720 K8; pensions, 28,533,402 70; mili tary establishment, including fortifications, riverand harbor improvements and arsen als, 31,537,215 72; for naval establishments, including vessels and machinery and im provements at the Navy-yards, 21,249, 809 9.); for miscellaneous civil expendi tures, including public buildings, light houses and collecting tho revenue, 42, 958,329 08; interest on public debt, 118, 358,8.10 72; tctal, exclusive of principal and nrAinimn on public debt, $20,059,095 91; for premium on bonds purchased, 4,958,- 700 GO; lor redemption oi m jmunu ucut, 909,153 40; total, 100,918,520 30; total not disbursements, .377,478,210 21; balance in treasury, June 30, 1872, $108,501,350 94. Total, 184,012,573 15. From the foregoing statomont it appears that tho net reduction of the principal of the debtdnring the fiscal voar ending June 30, 1802, was $99,900 253 51. The source of rod action is as fol lows: Net ordinary receipts during the year,3H,091,229 91; net ordinary expendi tures, including interest on public debt, 270,559,095 91; total, 94,134,535; add the amount of receipts from premiums on sales of gold in eseos of premuims paid on bonds purchased, 2,4.1,4,0 Wi; add amount of reduction of the cash balance at the closo of the year, accompanies sale at the commencement oi iuo jw,i, J7,3 H 00; total, 5!iy,9B0,253 54. This state- ment treats soieiy oi tun imiwj.. ..ii ,ii.t hvthe monthly statement of public debt, which adds together the prin cipal and interest due anu uupaiu uu in terest accrued to date and deduct the cash in the Treasury. As recorded on the day of publication, the reduction was 100,o44, 4)1 The source of this reduction is as follows: Reduction on principal account, ii9 800 003 51; reduction on unpaid inter 1st aSount, 330,9:7 50; total, Q3gJ0 50 50- reduction in cash on hand,5274,b4t,5-2, total, 10,541,491 28; on the basis of the last totals, the statements show a reduction of the public debt from tho first of March, is?! to tne preseut uiuo, wiv. w... ii-tW? i i&9. to March 1. 1870, 3,734,782 ai; from March 1, 1870, to March 1, 1871, j 117,819,630 25; from March 1, 1871, to ? l. 1872,,845,318 91; from March I'm n'3,No7embor ' 1S72 oKht months), V4,047,237 84: total. S3J3.090 S7. wit V, tho great rod action of taxation by acts of Congress at its last session the expendi tures of tho Govern ninnt in rrJ iru.i;... ti. - - - - 1 1 in Bevenuo will be much reduced for tho ,mi "scai yoar. it is very doubtful, how over, WllOther an V further rlnnlir..! c leavy a burthen npon the people will bo practicable for tho present. At all events, as a mcasuro of justice to holders of the nation's certificates of indebtedness, I would recommend that no mom lecriulai be had upon this subject unless it be to cor rect the errors of omission or commission m the present laws until snin.-imih t imn h.o elapsed to prove that it can le done and still leave sufficient revenue to meet the curront exponsos ot the Government and pay the interest on the public debt am? provide for tho sinking fund established by law. I'rescrvation of our national credit is of the highest importance. Next in im portance to this comes the solemn duty to provide a national currency of fixed and unvarying value, as compared with gold, as soon a practicable, having due regard for the interests of the debt or class and the viscissitudes of trade and commerce, and convcrtibly into gold at par. The reirt of the Secretary of War shows the expenditures of the War Department for tho fiscal year ending June 30, 1871, to bo $35,7J9,99I 82, and for tho fiscal year ending June 30, 1872, to bo 35,302,157 20, showing a reduction in favor of tho lat fiscal year of 427,831 02. The estimatos for military appropriations for tho next fiscal year, ending June 30, 1873, are 33,- 81)1,303 78. The estimates of the Chief of Engineers are submitted separately, for fortifications, for riverand harbor improve ments, for public buildings aud grounds, and for the Washington aqueduct. The affairs of the Freedraeu's Bureau havo all been transferred to the War Bepartmont, and regulations will be put into execution for the speedy payment of bounty and pay due to colored soldiers, properly com ing under that Bureau. All warrants for money and proporty issued prior to 1071 have been examined and transmitted to the Treasury for final settlement. During the fiscal year there has been paid for trans portation on railroads, 1,300,000, of which 800,857 was over the Pacific Railroad; for transportation by water, 020,373, 52, and by stage, 18,975 84, and for the purchase of transportation, arfimals and wagons, h'ire'of teamsters, etc., $921,050 01. About $3,705 have been collected from Southern railroads during the year, leaving about $4,000,000 still due. The Quartermaster has examined and transmitted to the act ing officers for settlement, 307,172 72 of latinci hw lAtrol r t i 7ntia ir i "I na rtttrtin ti cf ia stores during the war. Subsistence sup plies to the amount of 809,412 have been issued to the Indians. The annual aver age mean strength of the army was 29,210 white and 2,191 colored soldiers. The total doath.s for the year aro reported at 307 white and fifty-four colored. Tho distri bution of mcdibal and surgical instruments has yot to bo ordered by Congress. There exists an absolute necessity for a medical corps of tho full number established by the act of Congress of July 28,1800, there being now fifty-nine vacancies, and the imnibfir.'of successful candidates, rarely nxcocds eight or ten in any ono year. II ve been carried on with energy and economy, though many aro only partially completed. Tho results hve saved com merce many times the amount expended. The increase of commerce, with the greater depth of channels and greater security in navigation, and the saving of time, adds much to tho wealth of the country and in creases tho resources of the Government. The bridge across the Mississippi river at Rock island has been completed, and a proper s.jtp has beon determined ujon for a bridge at La Crosse. Tho able and exhaustive report made by the Commission appointed to investigate tho Sutro tunnel has beon transmitted to Congress... Tho observations and reports of tho Sig nal once havo beon continued. Stations have been maintained at each of the prin cipal lakes and ports and cities. Ton ad ditional stations have been established in the United States, and arrangements havo boon made for the exchange of reports with Caqada. and similar exchange of observa tions is contemplated with the West India islands. The favorable attention of Con gress is invitod to the following recom mendations of the .Secretary of War: A discontinuance of the appointment of extra men to serve as Adjutants and Quar termasters; tho adoption of a code provid ing a specific penalty for well defined of fenses, that the inequality of sentences ad judged by Courts-martial may bo adjusted; tbe consolidation of the accounts under which expenditures aro made, as a meas ure of economy; a reappropriation of the money for tho construction of a depot at San Antonio, the title to tho site now boing perfected; a special act placing the ceme tery at the City of Mexico on the samo basis as other National cemotories; au thority to purchaso sites for military io.sts in Texas; the appointment of Commissary Sergeants from non-commissioned officers, as a measure for securing better care and protection of supplies; an appropriation for catalogues and table of the auotomical section arirjs and medical museum; an ap propriation of a sufficient amount for tho manufacture of breech-loading arms, should the selection bo so formod by the Board of officers a to have the former; the appropriations to bo expended at tho close of the fiscal year; the salo of such arsenals east of the Mississippi as can be spared, and the proceeds to bo applied to the establishment of one largo arsenal of construction and repair upon the Atlantic coast., an c tho purchase of a suitable site for approving and experimental ground for heavy ordnance; the abrogation of laws which deprive inventors in tho United States service from deriving any bonefitS: from their inventions; the repeal of the law prohibiting promotions m the staff corps; a continuance of tho work upon the coast defences; tho repeal of the seventh section of the act of.July 13, 1800, taking from the ongiuoer Soldiers tho per diem gran tod other troops; a limitation of time for tho preservation of subsistenco sup plies, under tho act of July 4, 1804, and a modification in tho modo of the selection of cadets for tho Military Acadomy, in or der toeuhanco the usefulness of tho Acad emy, which is impaired by reason of tho largo amount of time necessarily expend ed in giving new cadets a thorough knowl edge of the more elementary branches of learning, which they should acquire before entering the academy; also, an appropria tion for philosophical apparatus, and an increase inlhe number and pay of teach ers at the Military Academy. Tho attention of Congress will bo called during its present session to the various enterprises for the more certain and cheap er transportation of the constantly increas ing supplies of Western and Southern pro ducts to tho Atlantic seaboard. The sub ject is ono that will force itself upon the legislative branch of Government sooner or later, and I suggest, therefore, that im mediate step3 bo taken to gain available information to secure equitable and just legislation for lines to connect the Missis sippi valley with tho Atlantic at Charleston, South Carolina, and at Savannah, Georgia, by way of the Ohio and Tennessee rivors; by canals and slack -water navigation. The Savannah and Ocmulgee rivers have been surveyed and a report made by an accom plished engineer and officer of the army. A "second and a third now route will bo proposed for tho consideration of Con gress, namely: by an extension of the Kanawha and James-river Canal to the Ohio, and by the extension of the Chesa peake and Ohio Canal. I am not prepared to recommend Government aid to those or other enterprises until it is clearly shown that thoy aro not only of national interest, but that, when completed, they will be of a value commensurate with thoir cost. That production increases more rapidly than the means of transportation in our country, has been demonstrated by past experience; that the unpre!edcnted growth in population and products of the whole country will require additional facilities and cheaper means for the more bulky ar ticles of commerce to reach tide water, and that a market will be demanded in the near future, is equally demonstrated. I would therefore suggest either a. committee or a commission to be organized to consider this whole question and to report to Con gress at some future day for its better guid ance in legislating on this important sub- ect. The railroads of the country navo V .... . i- I 1 A AT been rapidly extended aurmg tne iasi iew years to meet the growing demands of pro ducers, and they reflect much credit upon the capitalists aud" managers engaged in their const ruction. In addition to these, a i'i-jr-, Wj mcnuaio commerce by tho build ing of a ship canal around Niagara falls, on the United States' side, which has hoii ar. itaUl for many years, will no doubt be itnuu to your attention this session. Look- ug to me great future of the countrv. and tne increasing demands of commerce, it mig.it bo well, while on the subject, not only to havo oxamined tho reports upon tl o various practicable routos for connoct ,"tno. Mississippi with tido-wator on the Atlantic, but tho feasibility of almost con tinued land-iot-ked navigation from Maine 1011,0 Gull of Mexico. Such a routo along our coast would bo of great value at all iimos, and of inestimable value in caso of a foreign war. Nature has provided the greater part of this route, and tho obstacles t ucovercomoare easily within tho skill of the engineer. I havo not alluded to this subject with tho view of having any fur ther expenditure of the public money at this time than may be necessary to procure and placo all necessary infoi malion before Congress in an authentic form, to enable it heroafler.if deemed practicable arid worthy, to logislato on the subject without dolay. The report of the Secretary of the Navj', herewith accompanying, explains fully tho condition of that branch of the public ser vice, its wants and deficiencias, the ex penses incurred during the iast year, and tho necessary appropriations for tho same. It also gives a comploto history of the ser vices of the navy for the past year. It is evident that, unless steps are taken to pre serve oi;r navy, in a very few years tho United States will bo the weakest nation upon the ocean of all the great powers. With an energetic, progressive business people liko ours, penetrating and forming business relations with every part of the known world, a navy strong enough to command tho respect of our Hag abroad is necessary for tho full protection of their rights. I recommend the careful consideration by Congress of the recommendations made by the Secretary in the accompanying ro port of tho Postmaster-General. It fur nishes a full and satisfactory exhibit of the operations of the Post-office Dopartment during tho year. The ordinary revenues oftho Department for the fiscal yoar end ing Juno 30, 1872, amounted to 21,915, 420 37, and the expenditures to 20,058, 192 . Compared with the previous fiscal 3Tear, tho increase of revenue was I,S7G, 380 95, and the incroaso of expenditures $2,2(S,08 23. Adding to the ordinary rev enues of tho annual appropriation of 700, 000 for free matter, aud tho amounts paid as subsidies on mail steamship lines from special appropriations, tho dohcioncy paid out of tho general treasury was 3,317, 705 91 an excess ot 389,701 28 over the deficiency for the year 1871. Other inter esting statistics relating to rapidly extend ing postal services aro furnished in this re port. Tho total length of railroad mail routes on the 30th of June, 1872, was 57, 911 miles, 8,007 additional miles of such services having been put into operation. During the yoar eight now lines of railway post-offices havo been established, with an aggregate length of 2,909 miles. Tha num ber of letters exchanged by tho mails with foreign countries was 24,302,500 an increase of 4,000,502, or 20 per cent, over tho number in 1871. Tho postage thoroon amounted to 1,871,257 25. Tno total weight of mails exchanged with European CQtintriou exceeded 820 tons. The cost of the United States transatlantic mail steamship service is 220,201 70. Tho total cost of tho United States ocean steam ship service, including the amounts paid to subsidized lines of mail steamers, was 1,027,020 97. Tho following aro tho enly steamship lines now receiving subsidies for mail service under special acts of Con gress: Tho Pacific Mail Steamship Com pany receive 500,000 per annum lor carry ing a monthly mail between San Francis co, Japan anl China, which will be increas ed to 1,000,000 per annum for a semi monthly mail on and after October 1, 1S3; the United States and Brazil Steamship Company receivo 150,000 per annum for carrying a monthly mail between New York and Rio do Janeiro, and the Califor nia and Oregon and Mexico Steamship Company receivo 75,000 per annum for carrying a monthly mail between San Francisco and Honolulu, making tho total amount of mail steamship subsidies, at present, 725,000 per annum. Our postal communications wifch all parts of the civ ilized world have been placed upon tho most advantageous footing by improvod postal conventions. Aud arrangements re cently concluded with the loading commer cial countries iu Europe and America, and the gratifying statement is inad.o that, with the conclusion of a satisfactory convention with Frahern the details of which havo been definitely agreed upon by the French Postal Department, subject to tho approv al of the Minister of Finance, little re mains to bo accomplished by treaty for some timo to come. In respect to the re duction of the rate for the improved facil ities of the poKtal service, your favorable consideration is respectfully invitod to the recommendation-sot tho Postmaster-General for an increase of the service Irom a monthly to a semi-monthly trip on the mail steamships to Brazil; for a subsidy in aid of the establishment of an American line of mail steamers between San Francis co, New Zealand and Australia; for the es tablishment of post-ofiice savings banks, and for the increaso of tho salaries of tho heads of bureaus. I have heretofore re commended the abolition of the franking privilege, and see no reason now for chang ing my views on that subject. R not hav ing been favorably regarded by Congress, however, I now sugges"; a modification of the privilege to correct the glaring and costly abuses. I would suggest, also, tho appointment of a committee or commission to take into consideration the best method equitable to private corporations who havo iii vested their time and capital in the establishment of telegraph lines, of acquir ing title to all telegraph lines now in oper ation, and of connecting this service with tho postal service of he nation. It is not probable that this subject could receive proper consideration during the limit of tho noxt session of Congress, but it may be initiated, so that further action may bo fair to the Government and to tho private par ties concerned. There are but three lines of ocean steamers, namely the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, between San Franoisco, China and Japan, with provi sion made for a semi-monthly service after October 1, 1873, the United States and Brazil line, monthly, and the California and New Zealand and Australian lino, monthly plying between the United States and for eign ports, owned and operated under our fiag. I earnestly recommend that such liberal contracts for carrying tho mails be authorized with those linos as will insure their continuanoe, If the expediency of ox tending the aid of the Government to linos of steamers which hitherto havo not re ceived it should bo deemed worthy of con sideration of Congress. Political and com mercial objects make it advisable to bestow such aid on the line under our fiag between Panama and the South American ports. By tins moans much trade now turned to other countries might be brought to us, to tho mutual advantage of this country and those lying in that quarter of the continent of America. Tho report of the Secretary of the Treasury will show an alarming falling off of our carrying trade for the last ten or twelve years, and even for the past year, I do not Imlieve that the public treasure can be bettor expended in the interests of the whole people than in trying to recover this trade. An expenditure of a few million dollars annually for tho next five years, if it would restore to us our proportion of the carrying trado of tho world, would be profitably expended. I he price of labor in Europe has so much enhanced within tho last few years, that the cost of building and operating ocean steamers iu the United States is not so much greater than in En- rope, and I believe the time lias arrived for Congress to take this subject into serious consideration. A detailed statement of the disbursements through the Department of Justice will bo furnished by tho reort of the Attorney General, and though these have been somewhat increased by the recent Acts of Congress to enforce the rights of citizens of the United states to vote in the several States of the Union, and to enforce tho pro visions of the ', Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, and other amendments thereto, I cannot ques tion the necessity and salutary effect of the enactments. Reckless and lawless men, I regret to say, have associated themselves together in some localities to deprive othors of the rights guaranteed them by the Con stitution of the United States, and to that end have committed deeds of violence; but ; the detection and punishment ol" many of these iwrsous has tended greatly to tho re- pression oi such disorder, l do not doubt that a gi t at inwjoiityof the people in all parts of tho country, howovor, are in favor oi tno lull enjoyment uy all classes of per sons of those rights to which they aro en titled under the Constitution and laws, I invoke tho aid and influence of all good citizens to prevent org-mizations whose ob jects aro by unlawful' means to interfere with thoso rights. I look with confidence to tho time not far distant when the obvious advantages of good trdcr and peaeo will induct tho fihandontnant of all combina tions prohibited by the acts referred to; when it will be unnecessary to carry on prosecutions or inflict punishments to pro tticl citizens from tho lawless doings of .such combinations. Applications have been made to me to pardon persons convicted of violations of said acts, upon tho ground that clemency in such cases would tend to tranquilize the public and aid to test the virtue of that policy. I am disposed, so far as my seuse of justico will permit, to give to theso applications favorable considera tion, but my .action thereon is not to be xnsiderod as indicating any cessation of my determination to enforce with vigor such acts so long as the conspiracies and combinations therein named disturb the peace of tho country. It is much to bo re gretted, and is regretted by no one more than myself, that the necessity has ever existod to execute the Enforcement act. No ono can desire more than I that the necessity for applying it may never again lie demanded. The Secretary of the Interior reports as satisfactory the improvement and progres sion in oach of tho several bureaus under tho control of the Interior Department. They aro all in excellent condition. All the current business has beon promptly dispatched. The policy which was adopted at tho loginning of this Administration with regard to the management of tho Indians has been as successful as its most ardent friends anticipated within so short a time. It has reduced tho expenses of their management, decreased their forays upon the white set tlements, tendod to give tho largest oppor tunity for the extension of tho great rail ways through the public domain and tho pushing of settlements into many districts of country, and at the same time to improve the condition of the Indians. This jolicy will be maintained without chango, except ing such as farther experience may show to be necessary to render it more eiiicient. The subject ot converting the so-called In dian Territory south of Kansas into a home for the Indians, and erecting thereon a ter ritorial form of Government, is one of very great importance as a compliment to the existing Indian policy. Tho question of thoir removal of tho territory has, within the past year been presented to many tribes resident upon other and less desirable por tions of the public domain, and has gener ally beon received by them with favor. As a preliminary stop to the organization of such a territory, it will be necessary to con fine the Indians now resident thereon to farms of proper size, which should be se cured to them in fee, the residue to be used for tho settlement of other friendly Indians. Efforts will be made in tho immediate fu ture to induce the removal of as many of the peaceably disposed Indians only to the Indian Territory as can be settled xrop erly without disturbing tho harmony of thoso already there. A propor location, now available, where a pooplo who aro en deavoring to acquire a knowlodgo of pas toral and agricultural pursuits can le as well accommodated as upon tho Unoccupied lands of the Indian Territory. A Territor ial Government should, however, protect tho Indians from the inroads of tho whites for a torm of years, until they become suf ficiently advanced in the arts of civilization to guard their own rights. Tor tho same period, during the last fiscafycar, there wore disposed of out of the public lands, 11,801,075 acres a quantity greater by 1, 009,270 acres than was disposed of the pre vious 3roar. Of this amount, 1,370,320 acres were sold for cash; 389,400 acras locatod with military warrants ; 4,071,332 acres taken for homesteads; 093,013 acres located with college scrip; 3,551,887 acres granted to railroads; 45(;,347 acres granted to wagon roaus; tn,z;io acres given to states as swamp land, and 5,700 acres located by In dian scrip. 'I he cash receipts from all sources in the Band Office amounted to 3,218,100 during tho same period; 22,010, 008 acras of public lands were surveyed, which, added to tho quantity before sur veyed, amounts to 5N3,304,7?S0 acres, leav ing 1, 257 ,033,028 acres of public lands still unsurveyed. Reports froni;;the subordi nates of the Land Office contain interesting information in regard to their respective districts. They uniformly mention the fruitful uess of the yield during fho past season, arfd the increased yield of all kinds of produce evinces that in those States and Territories whore mining is the principal business, the agricultural products have exceeded the local demand, and liberal shipments have, been made to distant points. During tho year onding Sept. 30, 1872, there were issued from tho Patent Office 11,0-30 patents, 23 extensions and 550 certifi cates and registers of trade-maks. During the samo timo 19,587 applications for patents, including reissues and designs havo been received, and 3,100 caveats tiled. Tho fees received during tho same period amounted to 700,959 80 and tho total ex penditures 023,553 90, making tho net re ceipts over expenditures 77,400 50. Since 1830 2,000,000 applications for patents have been filed, and about 134,000 patents have beon issued. The office being conductod under the same laws and general organiza tion as adopted at its origin, when only from ono to five hundred applications were made per annum, the Commissioner shows that the office has outgrown the original plan ami that a new organization has be come necessary. This subject was pre sented to Congress in a special communi cation in February last, with mv approval and the approval of the Secretary of tho In terior, and tbe suggestions contained in said communication were embraced in a bill that was reported to tho Houso by tho Committooon I'atents at the last session. The subject of the reorganization of tho tatent Ofhco, as contemplated by the bill referred to, is of such importanco to th in dustrial interests of the country that I com mend it to the country that I commend it to the attention of Congress. Tho Com missioner also treats of the subicct of the separation of the Patent Office from tho iJcpartuient of tho Interior. Tho snbiei-t is also embraced in the bill heretofore re ferred to. Tho Commissioner complains of lhe want of room for a model mdlerv. and for a working force and necessary files for the office. It is impossble to transact the business of the otlico properly without more room in which to arrange articles and drawings that mnst bo consulted hour ly in the transaction of business. The whole of the Patent Office building will soon bo needed, if it is not already, for tho accommodation of the business of the Patent Office. The amount paid for pensions in tho last fiscal year was $30,409,3 10, an amount larger by $3,708,438 than was paid the pro ceeding yoar. Of this amount 2,315,409 was paid, under act ot Congress, to surviv ors of tho war of 1812, The increase of pensions by legislation of Congress has more than kept pace with the' natural yearly losses from the rolls. Tho act of Congress of June 8, 1872, has added an es timated amount of $750,000 per annum to tho rolls, without increasing the number of pensioners. Wo cannot, therefore, look for any substantial decrease in tho expen ditures of this bureau for some time to come, or as long as Congress continues to chango the dates of pensions. The whole number of soldiers enlisted in the war of the rebellion was 2,088,523. The total num ber of olaims for invalid pensins is 170,500 enlisted men. The total number of claims on hand at the beginning of the year was 91,701). Tho number received during the year was 20,574; the number disjosed of, 35,178 making a net gain of 1,201. Tho number of claims now on Iffe is 79,085. On the 30th of June, 1872, there were on the rolls the .names of s),545 in valid military pensioners, 113,518 widows, orphans and dependent relatives, making an aggregate of 208,923 army pensioners. At the same time there were on the rolls the names of 1,449 navy pensioners and 1,730 widows, orphans and dependent rela tives, making the whole number of naval pensioners 3,179. There have been receiv ed, since tho passage of the act to provide pensions fsr survivors of the war of 1812, 30,551 applications prior to June 30, 1872. Of these there were allowed, during the last fiscal year, 20,126 claims; 4,815 were remand during the year, leaving ll.WO -claims ponding at that date. The number of pensions of all claims granted during the last fiscal year was 3,338. During that period there were dropped from rolls, for varions causes. 914. leavinsr the irrand to tal 232,229 pensioners on the roils on the 30th of J une, 1872. It is thought the claims for pensions on account of f he war of 1812 will bo disposed of by the first of May, 1873. It is estimated that 30,480,000 will bo required for tho pension service during tho next j ear. t The ninth census, about completed, is lhe subject or congratulation, inasmuch as the use to be made of the statistics therein con tained depends very greatly on the prompt itude of publication. The Secretary of the Interior recommends that a centenary census be taken in 1875, which recommen dation should receive the ready attention of Congress. The interval at present es tablished between the Federal censuses is so long that the information obtained at the IHjriods of the material condition, wants and resources of the nation is of little valun after the expiration of the first half of that period. It would- probably obviate tfi constitutional provision regarding thecen teunary census, if the con.sa - of ls75 should be divested of all politic-d character and no apportionment of Congressional represen tation 1h made under it. Such a census,' coming as it would iu the last year of tho first century or our National existence, would furnish a general monument oftho progress or tho United Suits during that century. Tho rapidly increasing iuterest in educa tion is tho most encouraging feature in the history of tho cor-itry, audit is no doubt true that this is duo iu a great measure to the efforts of tho Bureau of Education. That oflitjo is continually receiving evi dence, which abundantly prove its eilicien cy, from various institutions of learning andeducatio tof all kinds throughout the country. The report of the Commissionei s contain a vatamountof educational dottiis of great interest. Tho bill now pending in Congress, providing for an appropriation oi part of the proceeds of the sales of public lands for educatioril purposes, to aid the States in the general education of the risingjgcneralion, is of such great import ance to our real progress and so unani mously approved by the leading friends of education, that I commend it to the favor able attontiou of Congress. Affairs in the Territories . aro general satisfactory. The capacity of the pioneers who are settling up the vast domains not yet incorporated into States is keeping pace with internal improvements, aud with the older communities. In but one of them, Utah, is the condition of 'affairs unsatisfac tory, except so far as the 'quiet of citizens may bo disturbed by real or imaginary danger of Indian hostilities. It has seemed to bo the iollcy of the Legislature of Utah to evade all resionsibility to tho Government oftho United Slates, aud even to hold a position of hostility to it. 1 rec ommend a careful revision of the present laws of that Territory by Congress, aud the enactment of such a law as the one ro posed in Congress at its last session, for instance, or something similar to it, as will secure thepeaca and the equality of all cit izens before the law and tho ultimate ex tinguishment of polygamy. Since the establishment of a Territorial Government for the District of Columbia the improvement of tho condition of the city of Washington and surroundings, and tho increased prosperity of tho citizens, is observable to tho most casual visitor. Tho nation, being a largo owner of projerty in this city, should boar with the citizens of the District its just sharo of the expenses of these ' improvements. I recommend, therefore,an approximation to reimburse the citiz3iis or the District for the work done by them along and in front of the public grounds during the past year, and liberal appropriations, in order that the improve ment and embellishment of the public buildings and grounds may keep pace with the improvements made by the territorial authorities. The report of the Commissioner of Ag riculture gives a very full and interesting account of the several divisions of that Department horticultural, agricultural, -statistical, entomological and chemical and the benefits conferred by each on the agricultural interests of the country. - The wuoio rejwrt is a complete liistory of tho workings of that Department in all its branches, showing the manner in which tho farmer, merchant and miner is a farm er, and the extent to which he is aided in his pursuits. Tho Commissioner makes a recommendation that measures be taken oy Congress to protect and induce the planting of forrests, and suggests that no part of tho public lands should be disposed of without the condition that one-tenth of it be reserved in timber where it exists, and where it does not, an iuducemeut should be ofiered for the planting of it. In accordance with the terms of the act of Congress, approved March 3, 1871, pro viding for tho celebration of tho one hundredth anniversary of American In dependence, a Commission has been or ganized consisting of two members from each of tho States and Territories. The Commission has hold two sessions, and has made satisfactory progress in the or ganization and in the iuiatory steps neces sary for carrying out tho propositions of tho act, and for executing the provisions also of tho act cf June first, 1871, cre ating a Centennial lioard of Finance. A preliminary report of progress has been received from the President of the Com mission, and is herewith transmitted. It will be tho duty of the Commission at your coming session to transmit the report of the progress made and to lay before you the deUils relating to the exhibition of American and foreign arts, products and manufactures, which, by the terms of tho act, is to be held under the auspices of tho Government of the United States, iu Phil adelphia, in tho yoar 1870. This celebra tion will be looked forward to by American citizens with great interest as making a century of greater progress and prosperity than is recorded in the history of any other nation, and proviug its further good pur pose in bringing together on our soil the Ieoplo of all commercial nations of tho earth, as a measure calculated to secure in ternational good feeling. The desire has been felt to correct tho abuses which have grown upon the civil service of tho country through the defective method of making appointments to ollices, which have been regarded as the reward of political services. Under the authority of Congress, rules havo been established to regulate tho terms of office and mode of appointments. It cannot be expected that any system or rulo can can be entirely ef- fectivo, and prove a perfect remedy for ex isting evils, till they have been thoroughly tested by actual practice and and amended according to tho requirements of the ser vice. During my term of office it shall be my best endeavor to so apply the rules as to socuro the greatest possible reform in tho civil sorvice oftho Government; but it will require tho direct action of Congress to render the enforcement of the system binding upon my successor, and I hope that tho experience of the past year, to gether with appropriate legislation by Con gress, may roach a satisfactory solution of this question, and secure to the public ser vice for all time a practical method of ob taining faithful and efficient officers and employees. (Signed) U.S. Grant. Executive Mansion, Dec. 2, 1872. 1 1 is freely asserted by friends and 'sup porters of the Administration that the late third-term letter of Senator Brownlow gives great offense to the President, as being wholly foreign to his personal feelings and incompatible with his respect for the great party which has elevated him for tho sec ond and last time to the highest place in the Government. The President was not disposed to attach any consequence to the letter, both in consequence of tho physical infirmities and mental vagaries of the Tennessee Senator, and the too ready abase ment of native Southern politicians of the dominant school. Rut tho manner iu which the matter lias been taken up by many journals and public men of both sides ele vates the lotter to the rank of an annoyance to the subject if not tho author of tho epistle. An English lady of family and fortune, about thirty years of age, has bestowed her heart and hand upon a youth of seventeen, whose occujtation has hitherto been attend ing the " leader " of an omnibus and attaching-drags to tho wheels of carriages. The lady was a district visitor, and happen ing to call upon the lad's mother, who was an invalid, she was so struck with his de votion that she thought it would be a good thing to have in the family.