o
O
o
O
O
o
)
)
)
l
l5
orego.v cmr, orecon, dec. 17, 1375.
cablg telographs, or from a combina
tion between several lines. First:
No lino slionlil bo allowed to larnl
on tlio shores of tlio United States
under concession.1 from 'another pow
er, which do not admit the right of
any other line or lines from tho
United States to land and freely con
nect with and opcrato through its
land lines. Second: No lino should
bo allowed to land on the. shores of
tho United States, which is not, by
treaty stipulations with the govern
ment from whoso shores it proceeds,
or by provision in its charter, or
otherwise, to tho satisfaction of this
povernment, prohibited from consol
idating or amalgamating with any
other cable telegraph lino, or com
bining therewith for tho purpose of
elevating and maintaining the cost of
telegraphic communication. Third
Tho lines should bo bound to give
precedenco in tho transmission cf
official messages to tho government
of tho two countries between which
it may be laid. Fourth: A power
should bo reserved to the two gov
ernments, cither conjointly or to each,
as regards tho messages dispatched
from its shores, to fix a limit to tho
chareres to bo maintained for tho
transmission of messages. n
I present thi3 subject for tho ear
nest consideration of Congress in the
meantime, and nnless Congress cth
. erwiso dirocts, I shall not oppose tho
landing of any cablo which com
plies with and assents to tho points
above enumerated, but will feel it
my duty to prevent the? landing of
any which does not conform with
tho first and second points, as stated,
and which will not stipulate to con
cede to tLis government tho prece
denco in transmission of its official
messages, and will not enter into sat
isfactory arrangements as regards its
charges.
FKA VD CIjENT NATURALIZATION.
Among tho pressing and important
subjects to which, in my opinion,
tho attention of Congress should be
directed, are thoso relating to fraud
ulent naturalization and expatriation.
Tho United States, with great liber
ality, oilers its citizenship to all who,
in good faith, comply with the re
quirements of law. These require
ments are as simple, and upon as
favorablo terms to tho emigrant, as
(tho high .privilege to which he is ad
mitted can or should permit.: And I
do not propose any additional re
quirements to those which tho law
now demands, lint tho very sim
plicity and want of necessary formal
ity in our law, have made fraudulent
naturalization not infrequent, to tho
discredit and injnry of all honest
citizens who aro native or naturalized.
Cases of this character aro continu
ally brought to tho notice cf govern
ment by our representatives abroad,
and also thoso of persons resident in
foreign countries. Most frequently
theso, if they had really remained in
this country long enough to entitle
them to becoino naturalized, had
generally not over passed that period,
and have returned to the country of
their origin, where they reside, avoid
ing all duties to the United States
by their absence, and claiming to bo
exempt from all duties to the coun
try of their nativity and of their res
idence by ( reason of their alleged
naturalization. It i3 duo to this
government itself, and to a great
mass of naturalized citizens who havo
entirely, both in name aud act, be
come citizens of tho United States,
that tho high privilcgo of citizenship
of tho United States should not be
held by fraud, or in violation of the
laws, and of tho good name of every
honest citizen. In many cases it has
been brought to the knowledge of
tho government that vertilicatcs of
naturalization aro had,cand protec
tion or interference claimed by par
tics who admit, not only were they
not citizens of tho United States at
the time of their pretended natural
ization, but that they, never resided in
tho United States. In others, the
certificate and record of tho court
show on their faco that the "person
claiming to bo naturalized had not
resided tho required time in the
United States. In others it is ad
mitted upon examination, that the
0 requirements of tho law had not been
complied with. In some cases even
such certificates have been made
matters of purchase. Theso are not
so'jtary cases, arfsing at intervals,
lnif of enmmon occurrence, ami wjucii
aro reported from all quarters of tho
globe. Such occurrences cannot ana
do not fail to reilect upon tho gov
ernment, and lninro all honest citi
zens. o o
Such a fraud being discovered,
however, thcro is no practical ineans
within tho control of tho government
by which tho record of naturalization
can bo vacated, ana snouiu tno cer
titicato bo taken up as it usually is
by tho diplomatic or consular repre
Kentatives of tho government to whom
it may havo been presented, thero is
nothing to prevent tho person claim
ing to havo been naturalized from
obtaining a new certificate in tho
place of that which had been taken
from linn.
Tho evil has becomo so great and
of such frequent occurrence that I
cannot too strongly recommend that
some effectivo measures bo adopted
to provido a proper remedy and that
moans bo provided for vacating anv
record thus fraudulently made, and
"punish tho guilty parties to tho
transactions.
EXPATRIATION AND ELECTION OF NA
TIONA-LITV.
In this connection I refer again to
the question of expatriation and elec
tion of nationality. Tho United
States was foremost in upholding
(tho right of expatriation, and was
principally instrumental in over
throwing the doctrine of perpetual
allegiance. Congress has declared
tho right of expatriation to bo the
natural, inherent right of all people.
Y'hilo many other nations havo laws
O providing what formalities shall bo
necessary to work a change in allegi-
' ' ancej tho United StatC3 has enacted
the provisions of no law, and has in
no respect marked out how and when
expatriation may be accomplished
: ' by its citizens. Instances are brought
to tho attention of the government
. whero citizens of the United States,
natural izod, or native born, have
- formerly become citizens, or subjects
O f foreign powers, but who, never
theless, in the absence of any provis-
v ions of legislation on this question,
when involved in diiuenlties, or when
u
it seems to bo their interest, claim
to bo citizens of tho United States,
and demand tho intervention of a
government' which' they havo long
since abandoned, and to which for
3'ears they havo rendered no service,
or placed themselves in any way
amenable In other cases naturaliz
ed citizens at once, after naturaliza
tion, havo returned to their native
country; havo become engaged in
business; havo accepted offices or
pursuits inconsistent with American
citizenship, and evince no intent to
return to tho United States, until
called upon to discharge some duty
to the country where they'aro resid
ing, when at once they assert their
citizenship ':and call upon tho repre
sentatives of the Government to aid
their unjust pretensions. It is but
justice, that on all such occasions no
doubt should exist on such questions
aud that Congress should determine
ly tho enactment of law, how expa
triation shall be accomplished, and
change of citizenship be established.
MARRIAGE OF AMERICAN WOMEN TO
FOREIGNERS. "
I also invito your attention to the
necessity of regulating by law the
status of American women who mar
ry foreigners, and of defining more
fully that of children born in foreign
countries of American parents, who
may reside abroad: and also, of some
further provision regulating or giv
ing legal effect to marriages of Amer-
ican citizens coniraciea in ioreign
countries. Tho correspondence sub
mitted herewith, shows a few of the
constantly occurring questions on
these points, submitted to the con
sideration of the Government. There
are few subjects to engage the atten
tion of Congress on which more
delicate relations aro depending.
ARCHIVES SAFELY DEPOSITED.
In tho month of July last, tho
building erected for the Department
of State was taken possession of, and
occupied by that department. I am
happy to say that archives and val
uable property of tho Government
in custody of that department aro
now safely and carefully deposited.
REPORT OF SECRETARY OF TREASURY.
The report of the Secretary of the
Treasury shows the receipts from
customs for the iiscal year ending
June 30, 137-1, to havo been 103,-
103,S:J3 GO, and for the fiscal year
ending Juno 30 1875, to havo been (
$157,167,722 35; a decrease for the
last fiscal year of $5,930,111 31., Re
ceipts from internal revenue for tho
year ending June 30, 187-1, were
Sll)2,4.0'J,7Sl VO, and for tho year
ending 30th June, 1875, were 110,-
007,-193 5S; increase, $7,597,708 G8.
The report also presents a complete
showing of the working of tho depart
ment for the last year, and contains
recommendations for reform aud
islation which I concur in but
cannot comment on so fully as I
should like to do if spaco would rer-
mit, but I will conhno myself to a
few suggestions upon a subject
which I look upon as more vital to
tho best interest of the whole people
than any coming within tho purview
of tho treasury. I moan
SPECIE RESUMPTION.
Too much stress cannot bo laid on
this question, and I hope Congress
may be induced, at tho earliest day
practicable, : to insuro the consum
mation of the act of tho last Congress
at its last session to bring about
specie resumption on and after tho
1st day of January, 18 9, at the
farthest. It would bo a great bless
ing it this could be consummated
even at an earlier day. Nothing
seems to bo moro certain than that a
full and permanent change cannot
tako placo in favor of the industries
and financial welfare of the country
until wo return to a measuro of
values recognized throughout the
civilized world. While we have cur
rency not equivalent to this world
recognized standard, specie becomes
a" commodity, like tho products of
tho soil, the surplus secking'a market
wherever there is a demand for it.
Under our present system we should
want none, nor would we havo any,
were it not that customs dues must
be paid in coin, and because of tho
pledge to pay tho interest of tho
public debt in coin. Iho. yield of
precious metals would flow out for
the purchase' of foreign product, and
leayo the United States hewers of
wood anil drawers of water, because
of wiser legislation on the subject of
hnanco by tlio nations with whom
we havo dealings.
I am not prepared to say that I can
suggest tho best legislation to secure
tho end most heartily commended
It-will bo a sourco of great gratifica
tion to me to bo able to approve any
measuro of Congress looking effec
tively toward early resumption.
Unlimi ted inflation would probably
bring about specie payments more
speedily than any legislation looking
to the redemption ol securities in
coin; but it would be at tho expense
of honor, and legal tenders would
havo no value beyond settling present
liabilities, or, properly speaking, re
pudiating them. They would buy
nothing after tho debts wero all
settled.'
OTHER IMPORTANT FINANCIAL MEAS
URES.
J. here aro a lew otlior measures
which seem to mo important in this
connection, and which I commend
to your earnest consideration:
1 irst Tho repeal of so much of
tho legal tender acts as to make theso
notes receivable for debts con
tracted after a date to bo fixet
m tho act itself, say "not later
than the 1st of January, 1S79. Wo
should then have quotations at rea
values, not factitious. Then gold
would not only bo at a premium
but curreucy at a discount. A
healthy reaction would set m at once,
and with it a desire to make the
currency equal to what it purports
to ue. Alio merchants, manufactur
ers and tradesmen, and evcrv calling
could do business on a fair margin
at a profit. The money to bo re
served having an unvarying value
laborers, and all classes, who work
for stipulated pay, or salary, would
receivo moro lor their income, be
causo extra, proiits would no longer
bo charged by tho merchant to com
pensate for the risk of a downward
actuation in tho valuo of tho cur
renov. Second That the Secretary
iA tho Treasury be instructed to re
deem, say, not exceeding $2,000,000
monthly" of legal tender notes, by
issuing instead a long bond bearing
interest at 3.G5-100 per cent, per an
num, of denominations ranging from
P5 to Sl.OoU- each. This would re
duce lecal tenders to a volume thati
could be kept ailoat without demand
ing redemption in large sums sud
denly. Third That additional power :
be given to tho Secretary of tho
Treasury to accumulate gold for
final redemption, either by increas
ing the revenue, curtailing expenses,
or both. It is preferablo to do both,
and I recommend that reduction of
expenditure bo made wherever it can
without impairing government obli
gations or crippling tho duo execu
tion thereof.
TEA AND COFFEE.
Ono measure for increasing the
revenue, and tho only one I can
think of, is tho restoration of tho
duty on tea and colTee. These duties
would add probably $1S,000,000 to
tho present amount received for
imports, and would in no way in
crease tho prices paid for theso
articles by tho consumers. Theso
articles aro tho products of coun
tries collecting revenue fromoxports,
and as wo, the, last consumers, do
' crease the duties, we proportionally
increase the consumption.
DUTIES ON ARTICLES USED IN MANU
FACTU KES.
With this addition to tho revenue,
many duties now collected and which
give'but an insignificant return for col
lecting, might be remitted to tlio direct
advantage of consumers at home. I
would mention those articles which
enter into manufactures of all sorts.
All duties paid upon such articles go
directly to the cost of tho articles when
manufactured here, and must bo paid
by consumers. The duties not only
come, from consumers at homo, but act
as a protection to foreign manufactur
ers of tho samo or competing articles
in our own and distant markets.
PROTECTION AGAINST FRAUDULENT
CLAIMS.
I suggest or mention another subject
bearing upon the question of how to
enable tho Secretary of the Treasury to
accumulato balances. It is to devise
some better method ofverifyingclaims
against the government than at present
exists. Of claims growing out of the
late war, nothing is moro certain than
that a large jercentage of the amounts
passed and paid are partly or wholly
fradulent, or are far in excess of tho
real losses sustained. The large amount
of losses proven on good testimony ac
cording to existing laws, but by affida
vits of lictitious or unscrupulous per
sons, to havo been sustained on small
farms and plantations, are not onl y far
beyond the possible yield of those
places for any one year, but as every
one knows who lias experience in till
ing tho soil, and who has visited tho
scenes of these spoliations, are in many
cases more than the persons were ever
worth, including their personal and
real estate. Tlio report of the Attorney
General, which will besubmittcd to Con
gress at an early day, will contain a de
tailed history of the awards made of
claims pending ef the class hero re
ported. REPORT OF SECRETARY OF WAR.
The report of the Secretary of War
accompanying this message gives a de
tailed account of army operations for
tho year just passed, the expenso of
maintenance, etc., with recommenda
tions for legislations, to which I respect
fully invite your attention. To some of
these and of the first importance, is the
'necessity of making an appropriation
of SIKH) ,000 for the .Subsistence Depart
ment, available beforo tho beginning
of tho next fiscal year. Without this
provision troops at points distant from
supply points must either go without
ioou or me existing law must ho vio
lated. This is not attended with cost to
the Treasury. Second: J I is recommen
dation for the enactment of a system of
, ' . . i :i" f l " , . -
iimuiLios ior lamuies oi iieceasea oiu-
cers by voluntary deductions lrom the
monthly pay of o Ulcers. This again is
lot attended with burden unon tlio
Treasury, and vould for the future ro-
icve much distress, which every old
army officer has witnessed in the past
n cases ot othcers dvinir suddenly or
being killed, leavimr their families
without even tho means of readmit
tl
eir friends, if fortunate enomrh to
lavo friends to aid them. Third : The
encai of the law abolishinix mileacre.
md a return to the old system. Fourth :
The trial with torpedoes under the corps
ui ciimour.N aim an appropriation ior
the same. Should war ever occur be
tween the United .States and any mari
time pow-er, torpedoes will be among,
if not the most ellecliye, cheapest mix-
niary ior tieienso oi naroors ami aiso
for aggressive operations that we can
have. Hence it i.s advisable to learn by
experiments their best construction and
application as well as thtir etlect.
! ifth : Permanent organization of tlio
signal service corps. This service has
now become a necessity of peace as
well as war, under advancement made
by present able management. Sixth:
ltenewal of the appropriation for com
pleting the official records of the war.etc.
THE CONDITION OF OUR NAVY
At this time is a subject of satisfaction.
It does not contain, it is true, any of
the powerful cruising ironclads which
lake so much ot the maritime strength
of some other nations, but neither our
continental situation nor our foreign
policy require wo should have a largo
number of .ships of thi;i character, while
this situation and the nature of our
ports continues to make those of other
nations ot but little danger to the Unit
ed States under such "circumstances.
Our navy does contain, however, a con
siderable number of ironclads of the
monitor class, which, though not prop
erly cruisers, are powerful and effectivo
for harbor defense and for operations
near our own shores. Of these, all tho
single turreted, fifteen in number, have
been substantially rebuilt, their wood
en lioams replaced with iron, hulls
strengthened, and their engines and
machinery thoroughly re placed,. so that
they are now in a most efficient condi
tion, and ready for sea as soon as they
can bo manned and put in commission.
The fivo double turreted ironclads bo
longing to our navy, by far tho most
powerful of our ships for fighting pur
poses, aro also in hand undergoing
complete repairs, and could bo ready
for sea in periods varying from four to
six months. With theso completed
according to tho present design, ami
our two iron torpedo boats, now ready,
our ironclad fleet will bo, for tho pur
poses of defense at home, equal to any
forco that can Ixj readily brought
against it. Our wooden navy, also,
cruisers of various sizes to tho number
of about forty, including thoso now in
commission, are on tho Atlantic and
could 1x3 ready for duty as fast as men
could 1x3 enlisted. Of those not already
in commission ono third are, in elFect,
new ships, and although of tho remain
der considerable repairs to their boilers
and machinery are necessary, they aro
or can readily be made effective. 'This
constitutes a lleet of moro than fifty
war ships, of which fifteen areironclads
now on hand. On tho Atlantic coast
the navy has been brought to this con
dition by a judicious and practical ap
plication of what could bo spared from
the current appropriations of tfio last
few years, and from that made to meet
a possible emergency two years ago.
It has been done quietly, without proc
lamation or display, and though it has
necessarily straightened the depart
ment in its ordinary expenditure, and
as far as ironclads aro concerned, has
added nothing to the cruising force of
me nay, me result is not less satisfac
tory, because it is to be found a great
increase of real rather than apparent
force. The expenses incurred in tho
maintenance ot a naval force in all its
branches are necessarily large, but such
a force is essential to our population,
relations and character, and all'ecis ser
iouly the weight of our principles and
Ihuh v throughout the whole sphere of
iiaai rcspousibilHies. Tho estimates
ior the support of this branch of the
serTsco tor the next year, amount to
a lutle 1-jss in tho aggregate than those
made, for the current, but some addi
tional appropriations are asked for
objects not included in the orrlinarv
maintenance of the navy, but believed
io uo oi pressing iniortance at this
time. It would, in my opinion, bo
well at once to afford sufficient means
for tho immediate completion of tho
double turreted monitors now under
going repairs, wlrich must otherwise
advance slowly and only as money can
be spared from current expenses. Sup
plemented by these, our navy, armed
with these destructive weapons of war
fare, manned by our seamen and in
charge of our instructed officers, will
present a force powerful enough for
tho homo purposes of a responsible
though peaceful nation.
THE REPORT OF THE POSTMASTER GEN
ERAL, Herewith transmitted, gives a full his
tory of the workings of tho department
for tho year just passed. It will bo
observed" that the deficiency to bo sup
plied from the general treasury is in
creased over the amount refunded for
the preceding year. In a country so
vast in area as the United Slates, with
a largo 'population, sparcely settled, it
must be expecto I that this important
service will be more oi less a burden
upon tho Treasury for many j-ears;
but there is no branch of tho public
service which interests tho whole ieo
plo more than that of cheap and trans
mission of mails to every inhabited part
of our territory. Next to the free
schools the postoflice is the great edu
cator of our people, and it may well
receive the support of the general gov
ernment. Tho subsidy of 150,000 per
annum, given to vessels of tho United
States for carrying tho mails lietween
New York and" Kio Do Janeiro, having
ceased on the 30th of Septemlx;r last,
wo aro without direct mail facilities
with South America. This is greatly
to be regretted, and I do not hesitate to
recommend the authorization of a re
newal of that contract, and also that
tho service may bo increased from
monthly to semi-monthly trips. The
commercial advantages to be gained
by a direct lino ot American steamships
to the South American States will far
outweigh the expense of the service.
15y act of Congress approved March 3d,
1S75, almost all matter, whether prop
erly mail matter or not, may be sent
any distance through tho mails, in
packages not exceeding four pounds in
weight, for tho sum of 1(1 cents per
pound. So far as transmission of real
mail matter goes this would seem en
tirely proper, but I suggest tho law bo
so amended as to exclude from the mails
merchandise of all descriptions, and
limit this means of transjxn-tation to
all articles enumerated and which may
bo classed as mail matter proper.
THE BLACK HILLS.
Tho discovery of gold in tho Iilack
Hills, a portion of Sioux Reservation,
has had tho effect to induce a largo
emigration of minors to that point.
Thus far tho effort to protect the treaty
rights of the Indians of that section has
been successful, but the next year will
certainly witness a largo increase of
such emigration. The treaties for tho
relinquishment of the gold fields, hay
ing failed, it will bo necessary for Con
gress to adopt some measures to relieve
the embarrassment growing out of tho
causes named. The Secretary of Iho
Interior suggests that the supplies now
appropriated for the subsistence of that
people, being no longer obligatory by
the treaty of February 8, but simply a
gratuity, may bo issued or withheld at
his discretion.
INDIAN TERRITORY.
The conditions of the Indian Terri
tory to which I have referred in several
of my former annual messages remain
practically unchanged. The Secretary
of the Interior lias taken measures to
obtain a full report of tho condition of
that territory, and will make it the
subject of a specal report at an early
day. It may then bo necessary to
make a further recommendation in re
gard to legislation for the government
of that territory.
THE PATENT OFFICE.
Tho steady growth and increase of
the business of tho Patent Oflico in
dicates in some measuro the growth of
the industrial prosperity of tho coun
try. The receipts of tho oflico aro in
excess of its exixmditures, and the
oflico generally in a prosX3rous aud
satisfactory condition.
THE rURLIC LANDS.
Tho report of tho General Uand
Oflico shows that there wero 2,4ott,fRJl
acres less disposed this than last year.
More than half of this decrease was in
land disposed of under the homestead
and limber-cutting laws. Tho causes
of the decrease aro supposed to be
found in grasshoppers and the drouths
which prevailed so extensively in some
of the frontier States and Territories in
that time as to discourage entries by
actual settlers. The cash'receipts wero
less by i?ii'J,o;52,22:j than during the pre
ceding year. The entire surveyed area
of the public domain is Gsi,3,(Vj, acres,
of which 2fi.073.531 acres were surveyed
during the past year, leaving 554,7 17,12
acres still unsurvc3'ed. rlh'e report of
the commissioner presents many inter
esting suggestions in regard to tho dis
position of tho public domain and the
modification of existing laws, the a
parent importance of which should
insure tho careful consideration of
Congress.
THE PENSION BUREAU.
Tho number of pensioners still contin
ues to decrease, tho highest number
having been reached during tho year
ending Juno 30, 1S72. During last year
415,(K)7 names wero added to the rolls,
and 12,777 wero dropjxjd, showing a
net decreaso of 1,120. Jut while tho
number of pensioners decreased, the
annual amount duo on tho pension
rolls has increased 54,173,313. Phis
i.s caused hy the greatly increased av
erage rate of pensions which by the
liberal legislation of Congress has in
creased from S'JO 2 in 1S72, to $103 Jl in
175, to each invalid ixmsioner, an in
crease on an average rate of ono hun
dred per cent, in the three years. Dur
ing the year ending Juno do, 1875, three
was paid on account pensions including
the expenses of disbursements ?2J,US3,
110, being $010,G32 less than was paid
tho preceding year. This reduction in
amount of expenditures was produced
by a decrease in the amount of arrear
ages duo on allowed claims and on
pensions, tho rate of which was in
creased by tho legislation of tho pre
ceding session of Congress. At tho
close of the last fiscal year thero wero
on tho pension rolls 234,821. persons, of
wuom ziu.joj were army pensioners,
105,475 being invalids andl4,8S5 widows
and dependent relatives; 4,420 were
navy pensioners, of whom 2,(iG wero
invalids and 1.7S4 widows and depen
dent relatives ; 21,038 were pensioners
of the war of 1812,15,875 of whom wero
survivors and 5,103 were widows. It
is estimated that $2l.525.000 will be
required tor the payment of tho pen
sions ior me next, nscai year.an amount
$'J05,000 less than tho estimate for tho
present year.
GEOLOGICAL EXPLORATIONS.
The geological explorations have been
prosecuted with enercv during the
year, covering an area of about 40,000
square miles, in the lerritories of Col
orado, Utah and New Mexico, develop
ing tho agricultural and mineral
resources and furnishing interestinir
scientific and topographical details of
mat region.
THE INDIAN POLICY.
The method for the treatment of tho
Indians adopted at tho Ixgiuning of
mv first term has beensteauiiy pursued.
and with satisfactory and encouraging
results. It has been productive of evi
dent improvement in the condition of
mat race, anu win uo coiumuea witli
only such modifications asturtherex
ixjrlenco may indicate to bo nocossary
THE CENTENNIAL.
Tho board herctotoro appointed to
tako charge of articles and matters
pertaining to tho war. tho treasurv.
the interior and tho postollico depart
ments, and the departments of agricul
ture, the Smithsonian institution and
tho commissioners of food, and the
llsh commissioners, to bo contributed
under the legislation of last session
to the international exhibition to bo
held at Philadelphia during tho Cen
tennial year 1870, has been diligent in
tho discharge of the duties which havo
devolved upon it and tho proportions
so far, with the means at command,
give assurance that the Government's
contribution will be made one of the
marked characteristics of tho exhibi
tion. The board has observed consid
erable economy in the matter of tho
... ..: ... . t? I..,il.linnn . .1 - I .
COURTESY OF BANCROFT LIBRARY,
tion, the expense of which it is esti
mated will not exceed say $8,000. This
amount has been withdrawn under the
law from the appropriations of three of
the departments, which -leaves six of
these departments without sufficient
funds to render their respective practi
cal exhibits complete and satisfactory.
The exhibition being an international
one and tho Government being a vol-
lintarv rrrf rilintM- it mitiirm
that its construetio'n should lo of a
character in quality ami extent to sus
tain tho dignity and credit of so distin
guished a contributor. Tho advan
tages to the country of a creditable dis
play in an international point of view
is of first importance, while indifferent
or uncreuitauie participation ov me
Government would be humiliating to
tho patriotic feelings of our jieople
themselves. I recommend tho esti
mates of the Ixiard for tho necessary
additional appropriations, to the favor
ablo consideration of Congress. Tho
lxnvers of Eurone. with few executions
and many of the South American
States, and even the more distant east
ern powers, havo manifested their
friendly sentiments toward the United
States and the interest of tho world in
our progress, by joining with us in tho
celebration of the Centennial of tho na
tion, and I strongly urge that impetus
be given to this exhibition by such leg
islation and appropriations as will in
sure its success. Its value in bringing
to our shores innumerable works of
art and skill, tho commingling of citi
izens of foreign countries and our own,
tho intermingling of ideas and manu
factures, will far exceed any outlay wo
may mako prudently.
AGRICULTURAL, EDUCATIONAL AND
OTHER REPORTS.
I transmit herewith tho report of tho
Commissioner of Agriculture, together
with tho reixrts of iho commissioners
of the Board of Audit and the Hoard of
Health of the District of Columbia, to
all of which I call attention. The Bu
reau of Agriculture has accomplished
much in the dissemination of useful
knowledge to the agricultural interest
and in introducing now and useful pro
ductions adapted to our soil anil cli
mate, and is worthy of tho continued
encouragement of the Government.
Tho report of tho Commissioner of
Eduisition, which accompanies the re
port of tho Secretary ot tho Interior,
shows a gratifying progress in educa
tional matters.
THE MORMON QUESTION.
In nearly every annual message I
havo had tlio honor of transmitting to
Congress, I havo called attention to
the anomalous if not to say scandalous
conouion oi anairs existing m mo l er
ritory of Utah, and have asked for
inite letrislation to correct, it. Tha
def-
t po-
lygamy should exist in a free, enlignt
ed and Christian country, without tho
nowor to numsii so iisurranr. a. crim
against decency anil morality, seems
preposterous, iruo. mere is no law to
sustain this unnatural vice, but what is
needed, is a law to punish it as a crimo
and at the same time to fix the status
of tho innocent children, the offspring
of this system, and of the possibly in
nocent plural wives ; but as tin institu
tion, polygamy should be abolished
from the land.
IMPORTATION OF CHINESE WOMEN.
While this i.s Ixang done I invite tho
attention of Congress to another,
though perhaps to no less an evil, the
importation of Chinese women, but
few of whom are brought to our shores
to pursue honorable or useful occupa
tions. PUBLIC LAN PS IN THE TERRITOR1 ES.
Observations while visiting tho Ter
ritories of Wyoming, Utah Colorado
during the past autuinn, convinced me
that existing laws regulating the dispo
sition of public lands, timber, tc, and
probably the mining laws themselves
aro very defective, and should bo care
fully a'mended, and at an early day.
A 'lerritory where cultivation of the
soil can only be followed by such irri
gation as is practicable, where the
lands ean only le used as pasturage,
and this only where stock can reach
water to quench thirst, cannot Ikj gov
erned by tho same laws as to every
acre of which i.s an independent state
by itself. Band must Ixj sold in largo
quantities to justify the excuse of con
ducting water upon it to make it fruit
ful, or to justify utilizing it as pastur
age. TIMBER AND MINING LANDS.
Tho timber in most of the Territories
is principally confined to the moun
tain regions, which are held for entry
in small quantities only, and as min
eral lands. The timber is the property
of tho United States, in tho disposal of
which thcro is now no adequate law.
The settler must become a consumer of
this timber whether lie lives upon the
plains or engages in working the
mines. Hence every man becomes ei
ther a trespasser hiinsel for knowing
ly a patron of the trespasser. My op
portunities for observation were not
sufficient to justify mo in recommend
ing specific legislation on those sub
jects, but I do recommend that a joint
committee of the two Houses of t 'on
gress," sufficiently large to be divided
into sub-committees be formed, au
thorized to visit all the mining States
and Territories during the coming
summer, and that the committee shall
report to Congress at its next session
such laws or amendment to laws as
may deem necessary to insure the Ixist
interests of the government and the
leoplo of theso Territories who are
doing so much for their development.
I am sure the citizens occupying tho
Territories described do not wish to 1x3
trespassers, nor will they be if the laws
are provided for them to become own
ers of these actual necessities of their
position.
LEADING QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERA
TION. As this will bo tho last annual mes
sago which I shall have the honor of
transmitting to Congress before my
successor is chosen, I will repeat or
recapitulate tho questions which 1
deem of vital importance to be legislat
ed upon and settled at this session :
First That the States shall 1x3 re
quired to afford the opportunity of a
good common school education to
every child within their limits.
Second No sectarian tenets shall
ever be taught in any school supported
in whole or in part by the State, nation,
or by t he proceeds of any tax levied on
any community; mako education com
pulsory so far as to deprive all persons
who cannot read and write from be
coming voters after tho year 18K0, dis
franchising none, however, on grounds
of illiteracy who may bo voters at tho
time this amendment takes elfect.
Third Declaro Church and State for
ever seperate and distinct, but each
free within their proper spheres, and
that all church property shall bear its
own proportion of taxation.
Fourth Drive out licensed immo
rality, such as polygamy and the im
portation of women for illegitimate
purposes.
To recur again to the Centennial, it
would seem as though now, as we were
about to bogin tho second century of
our national existence, would lib a
most fitting timo for these reforms.
Fifth Enact such laws as will insuro
a speedy return to a sound currency,
such as will command tho respect of
the world.
Believing that these views will com
mend themselves to a great majority
of the right thinking and patriotic citi
zens of tho United States, I submit tho
rest to Congress.
(Signed) U. S. GRANT.
Executive Mansion, Dec. 7, 1875.
"IJTOULD INFORM THE CITIZENS OF
Oregon City and vicinity that ho is
prepared to furnish
FIR, SPRUCE AND CEDAR LUMBER,
Of every description, at low rates.
also,
Dry Flooring, Ceiling, Rustic,
Spruce, (for shelving), Lattice,
Pickets, and Fence-Posts, Cedar,
Constantly on hand.
Street and Sidewalk lumber furnished
on the shortest notice, at as low a rates as
it can be purchased in the State.
Give me a call at the
OliliGON CITY 8 A W MILLS
Oregon City, June 10, 1S75 ;tf
'dealer IN
DRY-GOODS, . . c
.
FANCY GOODS
GKROCEItlES,
Crockorj', &c, &c
CORNER OF SEVENTH AND MAIN STREETS, OREGON CITY.
ALSO,
A LARGE LOT OF
s
DRESSED CEDAR AND FINISHING LUMIJEIl,
Of various kind?, for sale in quantifies td suit, at reasonable rates.
M li K C II A. JVZ I SB.
JOHN MYEES,
OREGON CITY.
DEALER IN
DRY GOODS,
GROCERIES,
ROOTS and
SHOES,
HARDWARE,
CROCKERY,
AKD
GENERAL MERCHANDISE,
Books and Stationery.
I will pay tho highest prices for
and all kindsof
GOOD COUNTRY PRODUCF
I will sell as low as any house In Oregon for
CASH OR ITS HQ VIVA Lit NT
n Qood Merchantable rroduoa.
I am selling very low for
CASH m IIAKI.
CASn PAID FOR COCXTT ORDERS.
GiTO ro a call and satisfy yourselves.
' JOHN MYERS.
Orepon City, March 21, 1873.
A UCTION AND COMMISSION.
A. B. RICHARDSON,
Auctioneer,
Corrner of Front ft Oak atg., Portland
Auction Sales
Of Real Estate, Groceries, General Mer
chandise and Horses.
SALE DAYS Wednesday and Saturdav
A. B. RICHARDSON,
Auctioneer.
J. I DA VIES. JOSHUA DAVJJES.
J. P- DAYIES & CO.,
AUCTIONEERS
AND
00MHI8SI0N MERCHANTS,
FIRE-PROOF STONE BUILDING,
WHARF STREET, VICTORIA. B. C.
Liberal Advances Made on Consignments.
July 21, 1871 :ly
A. C. WALLINC'S
PIONEER BOOK BINDERY.
Fittoek's Building Corner or Stark
unit front Streets.
PORTLAND,
OREGON.
BLANK BOOKS RULED AND BOUND
to any desired pattern. Music books.
Magazines, Newspapers, etc., bound in ev
ery variety of style known to the trrade.
Orders from tho country promptly at
tended to.
PC 10 lif) A Per Day at home. Terms
Ve S?J free. Address
Ifebly G. STINSON & Co., Portland, Me
o
o
JUST SSSUED,
2000 EDITION.
AN HOOD,
REVISED AND CORRECTED BY THE ACTIIOE,
K. do F. CURTIS, M. 1., &c,
A Medical Essay on the causes and euro
of premature decline of man, showing how
health is lost, and how regained. It gives
a clear synopsis of the impediments to
marriape, the treatment of nervous and
physical debility, exhausted vitality, anj
all other (lipases apjiertainiii; thereto
tho results of twenty years successful prac
tlce.
OPINIONS OF THE TRESS.
CURTIS ON "MANHOOD." There Is no
member of society by whom this book will
not be found usefvl, whether he l parent
preceptor or clergyman. Lomlim Touts
CURTIS ON MANHOOD." This IxV.k
should le read by the younti for instruc
tion, and by the nlMictcd for relief; it will
injure no one. McdUftl Times nl O'lzttlc.
l'rie; One Dollar, by mail or express
Address the author, DR. CURTIS, oil Sut
ter st reet, or 1. O. ISox 337, San Kntticiseo,
Cal. auj;. :J7:lyisd:im '
i w u u i:juxA.a
Who are stiflVrinr from th c-flecf of
youthful follies or indiscretion, win 1d
well to avail themselves of this, the
greatest. 1moii laid nt t he altnrof sulTerm
humanity. IK. KPIXXKV will guar
antee to forfeit ifU ior every case of se
minal weakness, or private disease of
any kind or character which he under
takes and tails to cure. He would, there
fore, say tothe unfortunate MilFerer who
may road this notice, that you aretreail
ingujxm dangerous ground when vui
longer delay in seeking the proper ri:m
edy for your complaint. You may he ni
the lirst stage ; rememlM-r you are
proaching t lie last. If you are liordcrin!;
upon the last, and are suffering sonu-or
all of its ill i lFects, n-nieni ber t hat if you
lTsist in procrastin.it ion, the time must
'come when the most skillful physician
can render you iio assistance ; when the
door of hope will le closed against vmi .
when no angel of" mercy can bring yen
relief. In no ease lias t he 1 od or failed
of success. Then let not despair work
ilium your imaglnal ion, but avail your
self of t he iM-neJieial results of his treat
ment before your case is beyond the
reach of medical skill, or lefore grim
nlntli lmrrii.c y-.vii 4s. o t.rmi.i turn rrvi
Knll eonrse of trentmeiit. (H Send
monev by I'ostofTice order or Kx press
with full description of case. fall or
address, 1 A, II. Sl'IXXEY,
No. II Kearny street, San Francisco
septlti :ly
JOHN SCHRAfcl,
Slain St., Oregon City.
MAHFAGTIRER AND IMPORTER flF
SriIiUps, Harnrss,
SadMler y-IIartl-waro,
etc., etc.
w
IIICII HE OFFERS AS CHEAP A3
can bo had in the State, at
WHOLESALE OR RETAIL.
71 warrant my goods as represented.
g JOHN SCHRAM,
Saddle and Harness Maker.
Oregon City, Oregon, July 11, 18"3-ni3.
ThpcTflnd!ir.lrAi.w.ili. fVY r'nnirhB. Ill
tltie ii ,Voi-? Thront, MlujOfiiio ii'uah.
Croup, Liver Complaint, llnmchitix, Illrfl
itui of the Lunos, and every affection of tho
Throat, Lungs and Chest," including Con
sumption. Wlstur't, Balsam of Wild Cherry does
not dry up a cough, but loosens it, cleanses
the Lungs, aud allavs irritation, thus re
motHnrj the cause of the complaint.
genuine unless signed I. Brrrs. ITeparea
by Sftti W. Fowler & Sons, Host on. sp'a
by REnniNQTON, Hostetter A Co., San
Francisco, and by dealers generally.
2ofehlv
BETHESDA SPRINGS!
On the McKinzie River. Lane Co., Oregon.
A CHARMING SDIMER RESORT.
rTlIIESE SPRINGS ARE LOCATED
JL about flftv-nve miles east. 01
)regon . I )eer and el k are very pient .j . i -
these Springs, having len thc resort for
ages of these animals. Tho n"a.
most pict uresque scenery of the he
cine, a nave me uesi iunu"t." -- - ,
best accommodations of any bpnM
this part of the St ate. My bath house is
new, and. is constructed with refen nee i
the wants of those visiting nie ir0'";"'
valley. I also have an excel lent 'r
hath rnnm onnst riiet.cd near the heauoi
t he S.iriiiir. and in all things, I projV..."
for an institu-
Keep with die ueraanu
tion of this kind.
iiii ui bins Mini. .. iinrO
Ar experienced physician altenuaiic
at all times. Doard and Lodging ' -"-"
style for those who prefer it. Anim
be pastured foe small cost, and l";"1"
ly safe. A. . t OLK i . c
mayC-tf g lYopnetor
- Town Lots for Sale.
-VTOTICE IS GIVEN TO ALL PERSONS
1 desirous of purchasing Town Iots m
tho County addition to Oregon tity, i i""
amas county Oregon, that are r "
bv Clackamas county, that application ior
the purchase will lie received by the i jci
In vacat ion of t he County Court, ",,1't1?,
upon by the. Court in term time, and vai"
placed on the lots to be sold.
J. M. FRAZER.
Jan. 12 1S75. County ClcfK
A. N OL TST E 1
NOTARY PUBLIC.
ENTERPRISE OFFICE.
OREGON CITY. o
City, and within four miles of the -u'""
ed Rig Prairie of the McKinzie. 1 ho jy
within a few hundred yards of I lorse t ret k
vi.c front, streams in