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.