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