The members of the Forty-sixth Congress have assembled in their first regular session under circumstances calling for mutual congratulation and grateful acknowledgment to the Giver of All Good for the large and unusual measure of national prosperity which we now enjoy. The most interesting events which have occurred in our public affairs since my last annual message to Congress are connected with the financial operations of the Government, directly affecting the business interests of the country. I congratulate Congress on the successful execution of the resumption act. At the time fixed, and in the manner contemplated by law, United States notes began to be redeemed in coin. Since the 1st of January last they have been promptly redeemed on presentation, and in all business transactions, public and private, in all parts of the country, they are received and paid out as the equivalent of coin. The demand upon the Treasury for gold and silver in exchange for United States notes has been comparatively small, and the voluntary deposit of coin and bullion in exchange for notes has been very large. The excess of the precious metals deposited or exchanged for United States notes over the amount of United States notes redeemed is about $40,000,000. The resumption of specie payments has been followed by a very great revival of business. With a currency equivalent in value to the money of the commercial world, we are enabled to enter upon an equal competition with other nations in trade and production. The increasing foreign demand for our manufactures and agricultural products has caused a large balance of trade in our favor, which has been paid in gold, from the 1st of July last to November 15, to the amount of about $59,000,000. Since the resumption of specie payments there has also been a marked and gratifying improvement of the public credit. The bonds of the Government bearing only 4 per cent interest have been sold at or above par, sufficient in amount to pay off all of the national debt which was redeemable under present laws. The amount of interest saved annually by the process of refunding the debt since March 1, 1877, is $14,297,177. The bonds sold were largely in small sums, and the number of our citizens now holding the public securities is much greater than ever before. The amount of the national debt which matures within less than two years is $792,121,700, of which $500,000,000 bear interest at the rate of 5 per cent, and the balance is in bonds bearing 6 per cent interest. It is believed that this part of the public debt can be refunded by the issue of 4 per cent bonds, and, by the reduction of interest which will thus be effected, about $11,000,000 can be annually saved to the Treasury. To secure this important reduction of interest to be paid by the United States further legislation is required, which it is hoped will be provided by Congress during its present session. The coinage of gold by the mints of the United States during the last fiscal year was $40,986,912. The coinage of silver dollars since the passage of the act for that purpose up to November 1, 1879, was $45,000,850, of which $12,700,344 have been issued from the Treasury and are now in circulation, and $32,300,506 are still in the possession of the Government. The pendency of the proposition for unity of action between the United States and the principal commercial nations of Europe to effect a permanent system for the equality of gold and silver in the recognized money of the world leads me to recommend that Congress refrain from new legislation on the general subject. The great revival of trade, internal and foreign, will supply during the coming year its own instructions, which may well be awaited before attempting further experimental measures with the coinage. I would, however, strongly urge upon Congress the importance of authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to suspend the coinage of silver dollars upon the present legal ratio. The market value of the silver dollar being uniformly and largely less than the market value of the gold dollar, it is obviously impracticable to maintain them at par with each other if both are coined without limit. If the cheaper coin is forced into circulation, it will, if coined without limit, soon become the sole standard of value, and thus defeat the desired object, which is a currency of both gold and silver which shall be of equivalent value, dollar for dollar, with the universally recognized money of the world. The retirement from circulation of United States notes with the capacity of legal tender in private contracts is a step to be taken in our progress toward a safe and stable currency which should be accepted as the policy and duty of the Government and the interest and security of the people. It is my firm conviction that the issue of legal-tender paper money based wholly upon the authority and credit of the Government, except in extreme emergency, is without warrant in the Constitution and a violation of sound financial principles. The issue of United States notes during the late civil war with the capacity of legal tender between private individuals was not authorized except as a means of rescuing the country from imminent peril. The circulation of these notes as paper money for any protracted period of time after the accomplishment of this purpose was not contemplated by the framers of the law under which they were issued. They anticipated the redemption and withdrawal of these notes at the earliest practicable period consistent with the attainment of the object for which they were provided. The policy of the United States, steadily adhered to from the adoption of the Constitution, has been to avoid the creation of a national debt; and when, from necessity in time of war, debts have been created, they have been paid off, on the return of peace, as rapidly as possible. With this view, and for this purpose, it is recommended that the existing laws for the accumulation of a sinking fund sufficient to extinguish the public debt within a limited period be maintained. If any change of the objects or rates of taxation is deemed necessary by Congress, it is suggested that experience has shown that a duty can be placed on tea and coffee which will not enhance the price of those articles to the consumer, and which will add several millions of dollars annually to the Treasury. The continued deliberate violation by a large number of the prominent and influential citizens of the Territory of Utah of the laws of the United States for the prosecution and punishment of polygamy demands the attention of every department of the Government. This Territory has a population sufficient to entitle it to admission as a State, and the general interests of the nation, as well as the welfare of the citizens of the Territory, require its advance from the Territorial form of government to the responsibilities and privileges of a State. This important change will not, however, be approved by the country while the citizens of Utah in very considerable number uphold a practice which is condemned as a crime by the laws of all civilized communities throughout the world. The law for the suppression of this offense was enacted with great unanimity by Congress more than seventeen years ago, but has remained until recently a dead letter in the Territory of Utah, because of the peculiar difficulties attending its enforcement. The opinion widely prevailed among the citizens of Utah that the law was in contravention of the constitutional guaranty of religious freedom. This objection is now removed. The Supreme Court of the United States has decided the law to be within the legislative power of Congress and binding as a rule of action for all who reside within the Territories. There is no longer any reason for delay or hesitation in its enforcement. It should be firmly and effectively executed. If not sufficiently stringent in its provisions, it should be amended; and in aid of the purpose in view I recommend that more comprehensive and more searching methods for preventing as well as punishing this crime be provided. If necessary to secure obedience to the law, the enjoyment and exercise of the rights and privileges of citizenship in the Territories of the United States may be withheld or withdrawn from those who violate or oppose the enforcement of the law on this subject. The elections of the past year, though occupied only with State officers, have not failed to elicit in the political discussions which attended them all over the country new and decisive evidence of the deep interest which the great body of citizens take in the progress of the country toward a more general and complete establishment, at whatever cost, of universal security and freedom in the exercise of the elective franchise. While many topics of political concern demand great attention from our people, both in the sphere of national and State authority, I find no reason to qualify the opinion I expressed in my last annual message, that no temporary or administrative interests of government, however urgent or weighty, will ever displace the zeal of our people in defense of the primary rights of citizenship, and that the power of public opinion will override all political prejudices, and all sectional and State attachments in demanding that all over our wide territory the name and character of citizen of the United States shall mean one and the same thing and carry with them unchallenged security and respect. I earnestly appeal to the intelligence and patriotism of all good citizens of every part of the country, however much they maybe divided in opinions on other political subjects, to unite in compelling obedience to existing laws aimed at the protection of the right of suffrage. I respectfully urge upon Congress to supply any defects in these laws which experience has shown and which it is within its power to remedy. I again invoke the cooperation of the executive and legislative authorities of the States in this great purpose. I am fully convinced that if the public mind can be set at rest on this paramount question of popular rights no serious obstacle will thwart or delay the complete pacification of the country or retard the general diffusion of prosperity. In a former message I invited the attention of Congress to the subject of the reformation of the civil service of the Government, and expressed the intention of transmitting to Congress as early as practicable a report upon this subject by the chairman of the Civil Service Commission. In view of the facts that during a considerable period the Government of Great Britain has been dealing with administrative problems and abuses in various particulars analogous to those presented in this country, and that in recent years the measures adopted were understood to have been effective and in every respect highly satisfactory, I thought it desirable to have fuller information upon the subject, and accordingly requested the chairman of the Civil Service Commission to make a thorough investigation for this purpose. The result has been an elaborate and comprehensive report. The report sets forth the history of the partisan spoils system in Great Britain, and of the rise and fall of the parliamentary patronage, and of official interference with the freedom of elections. It shows that after long trials of various kinds of examinations those which are competitive and open on equal terms to all, and which are carried on under the superintendence of a single commission, have, with great advantage, been established as conditions of admission to almost every official place in the subordinate administration of that country and of British India. The completion of the report, owing to the extent of the labor involved in its preparation and the omission of Congress to make any provision either for the compensation or the expenses of the Commission, has been postponed until the present time. It is herewith transmitted to Congress. While the reform measures of another government are of no authority for us, they are entitled to influence to the extent to which their intrinsic wisdom and their adaptation to our institutions and social life may commend them to our consideration. The views I have heretofore expressed concerning the defects and abuses in our civil administration remain unchanged, except in so far as an enlarged experience has deepened my sense of the duty both of officers and of the people themselves to cooperate for their removal. The grave evils and perils of a partisan spoils system of appointment to office and of office tenure are now generally recognized. In the resolutions of the great parties, in the reports of Departments, in the debates and proceedings of Congress, in the messages of Executives, the gravity of these evils has been pointed out and the need of their reform has been admitted. To command the necessary support, every measure of reform must be based on common right and justice, and must be compatible with the healthy existence of great parties, which are inevitable and essential in a free state. When the people have approved a policy at a national election, confidence on the part of the officers they have selected and of the advisers who, in accordance with our political institutions, should be consulted in the policy which it is their duty to carry into effect is indispensable. It is eminently proper that they should explain it before the people, as well as illustrate its spirit in the performance of their official duties. Very different considerations apply to the greater number of those who fill the subordinate places in the civil service. Their responsibility is to their superiors in official position. It is their duty to obey the legal instructions of those upon whom that authority is devolved, and their best public service consists in the discharge of their functions irrespective of partisan politics. Their duties are the same whatever party is in power and whatever policy prevails. As a consequence it follows that their tenure of office should not depend on the prevalence of any policy or the supremacy of any party, but should be determined by their capacity to serve the people most usefully quite irrespective of partisan interests. The same considerations that should govern the tenure should also prevail in the appointment, discipline, and removal of these subordinates. The authority of appointment and removal is not a perquisite, which may be used to aid a friend or reward a partisan, but is a trust, to be exercised in the public interest under all the sanctions which attend the obligation to apply the public funds only for public purposes. Every citizen has an equal right to the honor and profit of entering the public service of his country. The only just ground of discrimination is the measure of character and capacity he has to make that service most useful to the people. Except in cases where, upon just and recognized principles--as upon the theory of pensions--offices and promotions are bestowed as rewards for past services, their bestowal upon any theory which disregards personal merit is an act of injustice to the citizen, as well as a breach of that trust subject to which the appointing power is held. In the light of these principles it becomes of great importance to provide just and adequate means, especially for every Department and large administrative office, where personal discrimination on the part of its head is not practicable, for ascertaining those qualifications to which appointments and removals should have reference. To fail to provide such means is not only to deny the opportunity of ascertaining the facts upon which the most righteous claim to office depends, but of necessity to discourage all worthy aspirants by handing over appointments and removals to mere influence and favoritism. If it is the right of the worthiest claimant to gain the appointment and the interest of the people to bestow it upon him, it would seem clear that a wise and just method of ascertaining personal fitness for office must be an important and permanent function of every just and wise government. It has long since become impossible in the great offices for those having the duty of nomination and appointment to personally examine into the individual qualifications of more than a small proportion of those seeking office, and with the enlargement of the civil service that proportion must continue to become less. In the earlier years of the Government the subordinate offices were so few in number that it was quite easy for those making appointments and promotions to personally ascertain the merits of candidates. Party managers and methods had not then become powerful agencies of coercion, hostile to the free and just exercise of the appointing power. A large and responsible part of the duty of restoring the civil service to the desired purity and efficiency rests upon the President, and it is my purpose to do what is within my power to advance such prudent and gradual measures of reform as will most surely and rapidly bring about that radical change of system essential to make our administrative methods satisfactory to a free and intelligent people. By a proper exercise of authority it is in the power of the Executive to do much to promote such a reform. But it can not be too clearly understood that nothing adequate can be accomplished without cooperation on the part of Congress and considerate and intelligent support among the people. Reforms which challenge the generally accepted theories of parties and demand changes in the methods of Departments are not the work of a day. Their permanent foundations must be laid in sound principles and in an experience which demonstrates their wisdom and exposes the errors of their adversaries. Every worthy officer desires to make his official action a gain and an honor to his country; but the people themselves, far more than their officers in public station, are interested in a pure, economical, and vigorous administration. By laws enacted in 1853 and 1855, and now in substance incorporated in the Revised Statutes, the practice of arbitrary appointments to the several subordinate grades in the great Departments was condemned, and examinations as to capacity, to be conducted by departmental boards of examiners, were provided for and made conditions of admission to the public service. These statutes are a decision by Congress that examinations of some sort as to attainments and capacity are essential to the well-being of the public service. The important questions since the enactment of these laws have been as to the character of these examinations, and whether official favor and partisan influence or common right and merit were to control the access to the examinations. In practice these examinations have not always been open to worthy persons generally who might wish to be examined. Official favoritism and partisan influence, as a rule, appear to have designated those who alone were permitted to go before the examining boards, subjecting even the examiners to a pressure from the friends of the candidates very difficult to resist. As a consequence the standard of admission fell below that which the public interest demanded. It was also almost inevitable that a system which provided for various separate boards of examiners, with no common supervision or uniform method of procedure, should result in confusion, inconsistency, and inadequate tests of capacity, highly detrimental to the public interest. A further and more radical change was obviously required. In the annual message of December, 1870, my predecessor declared that-- 
  There is no duty which so much embarrasses the Executive and heads of Departments as that of appointments, nor is there any such arduous and thankless labor imposed on Senators and Representatives as that of finding places for constituents. The present system does not secure the best men, and often not even fit men, for public place. The elevation and purification of the civil service of the Government will be hailed with approval by the whole people of the United States.
 Congress accordingly passed the act approved March 3, 1871, "to regulate the civil service of the United States and promote the efficiency thereof," giving the necessary authority to the Executive to inaugurate a civil-service reform. Acting under this statute, which was interpreted as intended to secure a system of just and effectual examinations under uniform supervision, a number of eminently competent persons were selected for the purpose, who entered with zeal upon the discharge of their duties, prepared with an intelligent appreciation of the requirements of the service the regulations contemplated, and took charge of the examinations, and who in their capacity as a board have been known as the "Civil Service Commission." Congress for two years appropriated the money needed for the compensation and for the expense of carrying on the work of the Commission. It appears from the report of the Commission submitted to the President in April, 1874, that examinations had been held in various sections of the country, and that an appropriation of about $25,000 would be required to meet the annual expenses, including salaries, involved in discharging the duties of the Commission. The report was transmitted to Congress by special message of April 18, 1874, with the following favorable comment upon the labors of the Commission: 
  If sustained by Congress, I have no doubt the rules can, after the experience gained, be so improved and enforced as to still more materially benefit the public service and relieve the Executive, members of Congress, and the heads of Departments from influences prejudicial to good administration. The rules, as they have hitherto been enforced, have resulted beneficially, as is shown by the opinions of the members of the Cabinet and their subordinates in the Departments, and in that opinion I concur.
 And in the annual message of December of the same year similar views are expressed and an appropriation for continuing the work of the Commission again advised. The appropriation was not made, and as a consequence the active work of the Commission was suspended, leaving the Commission itself still in existence. Without the means, therefore, of causing qualifications to be tested in any systematic manner or of securing for the public service the advantages of competition upon any extensive plan, I recommended in my annual message of December, 1877, the making of an appropriation for the resumption of the work of the Commission. In the meantime, however, competitive examinations, under many embarrassments, have been conducted within limited spheres in the Executive Departments in Washington and in a number of the custom-houses and post-offices of the principal cities of the country, with a view to further test their effects, and in every instance they have been found to be as salutary as they are stated to have been under the Administration of my predecessor. I think the economy, purity, and efficiency of the public service would be greatly promoted by their systematic introduction, wherever practicable, throughout the entire civil service of the Government, together with ample provision for their general supervision in order to secure consistency and uniform justice. Reports from the Secretary of the Interior, from the Postmaster-General, from the postmaster in the city of New York, where such examinations have been some time on trial, and also from the collector of the port, the naval officer, and the surveyor in that city, and from the postmasters and collectors in several of the other large cities, show that the competitive system, where applied, has in various ways contributed to improve the public service. The reports show that the results have been salutary in a marked degree, and that the general application of similar rules can not fail to be of decided benefit to the service. The reports of the Government officers, in the city of New York especially, bear decided testimony to the utility of open competitive examinations in their respective offices, showing that-- 
  These examinations and the excellent qualifications of those admitted to the service through them have had a marked incidental effect upon the persons previously in the service, and particularly upon those aspiring to promotion. There has been on the part of these latter an increased interest in the work and a desire to extend acquaintance with it beyond the particular desk occupied, and thus the morale of the entire force has been raised. The examinations have been attended by many citizens, who have had an opportunity to thoroughly investigate the scope and character of the tests and the method of determining the results, and those visitors have without exception approved the methods employed, and several of them have publicly attested their favorable opinion.
 Upon such considerations I deem it my duty to renew the recommendation contained in my annual message of December, 1877, requesting Congress to make the necessary appropriation for the resumption of the work of the Civil Service Commission. Economy will be promoted by authorizing a moderate compensation to persons in the public service who may perform extra labor upon or under the Commission, as the Executive may direct. I am convinced that if a just and adequate test of merit is enforced for admission to the public service and in making promotions such abuses as removals without good cause and partisan and official interference with the proper exercise of the appointing power will in large measure disappear. There are other administrative abuses to which the attention of Congress should be asked in this connection. Mere partisan appointments and the constant peril of removal without cause very naturally lead to an absorbing and mischievous political activity on the part of those thus appointed, which not only interferes with the due discharge of official duty, but is incompatible with the freedom of elections. Not without warrant in the views of several of my predecessors in the Presidential office, and directly within the law of 1871, already cited, I endeavored, by regulation made on the 22d day of June, 1877, to put some reasonable limits to such abuses. It may not be easy, and it may never perhaps be necessary, to define with precision the proper limit of political action on the part of Federal officers. But while their right to hold and freely express their opinions can not be questioned, it is very plain that they should neither be allowed to devote to other subjects the time needed for the proper discharge of their official duties nor to use the authority of their office to enforce their own opinions or to coerce the political action of those who hold different opinions. Reasons of justice and public policy quite analogous to those which forbid the use of official power for the oppression of the private citizen impose upon the Government the duty of protecting its officers and agents from arbitrary exactions. In whatever aspect considered, the practice of making levies for party purposes upon the salaries of officers is highly demoralizing to the public service and discreditable to the country. Though an officer should be as free as any other citizen to give his own money in aid of his opinions or his party, he should also be as free as any other citizen to refuse to make such gifts. If salaries are but a fair compensation for the time and labor of the officer, it is gross injustice to levy a tax upon them. If they are made excessive in order that they may bear the tax, the excess is an indirect robbery of the public funds. I recommend, therefore, such a revision and extension of present statutes as shall secure to those in every grade of official life or public employment the protection with which a great and enlightened nation should guard those who are faithful in its service. 
Our relations with foreign countries have continued peaceful. With Great Britain there are still unsettled questions, growing out of the local laws of the maritime provinces and the action of provincial authorities deemed to be in derogation of rights secured by treaty to American fishermen. The United States minister in London has been instructed to present a demand for $105,305.02 in view of the damages received by American citizens at Fortune Bay on the 6th day of January, 1878. The subject has been taken into consideration by the British Government, and an early reply is anticipated. Upon the completion of the necessary preliminary examinations the subject of our participation in the provincial fisheries, as regulated by treaty, will at once be brought to the attention of the British Government, with a view to an early and permanent settlement of the whole question, which was only temporarily adjusted by the treaty of Washington. Efforts have been made to obtain the removal of restrictions found injurious to the exportation of cattle to the United Kingdom. Some correspondence has also occurred with regard to the rescue and saving of life and property upon the Lakes, which has resulted in important modifications of the previous regulations of the Dominion government on the subject in the interest of humanity and commerce. In accordance with the joint resolution of the last session of Congress, commissioners were appointed to represent the United States at the two international exhibitions in Australia, one of which is now in progress at Sydney, and the other to be held next year at Melbourne. A desire has been expressed by our merchants and manufacturers interested in the important and growing trade with Australia that an increased provision should be made by Congress for the representation of our industries at the Melbourne exhibition of next year, and the subject is respectfully submitted to your favorable consideration. The assent of the Government has been given to the landing on the coast of Massachusetts of a new and independent transatlantic cable between France, by way of the French island of St. Pierre, and this country, subject to any future legislation of Congress on the subject. The conditions imposed before allowing this connection with our shores to be established are such as to secure its competition with any existing or future lines of marine cable and preclude amalgamation therewith, to provide for entire equality of rights to our Government and people with those of France in the use of the cable, and prevent any exclusive possession of the privilege as accorded by France to the disadvantage of any future cable communication between France and the United States which may be projected and accomplished by our citizens. An important reduction of the present rates of cable communication with Europe, felt to be too burdensome to the interests of our commerce, must necessarily flow from the establishment of this competing line. The attention of Congress was drawn to the propriety of some general regulation by Congress of the whole subject of transmarine cables by my predecessor in his message of December 7, 1875, and I respectfully submit to your consideration the importance of Congressional action in the matter. The questions of grave importance with Spain growing out of the incidents of the Cuban insurrection have been for the most part happily and honorably settled. It may reasonably be anticipated that the commission now sitting in Washington for the decision of private cases in this connection will soon be able to bring its labors to a conclusion. The long-standing question of East Florida claims has lately been renewed as a subject of correspondence, and may possibly require Congressional action for its final disposition. A treaty with the Netherlands with respect to consular rights and privileges similar to those with other powers has been signed and ratified, and the ratifications were exchanged on the 31st of July last. Negotiations for extradition treaties with the Netherlands and with Denmark are now in progress. Some questions with Switzerland in regard to pauper and convict emigrants have arisen, but it is not doubted that they will be arranged upon a just and satisfactory basis. A question has also occurred with respect to an asserted claim by Swiss municipal authorities to exercise tutelage over persons and property of Swiss citizens naturalized in this country. It is possible this may require adjustment by treaty. With the German Empire frequent questions arise in connection with the Subjects of naturalization and expatriation, but the Imperial Government has constantly manifested a desire to strictly maintain and comply with all treaty stipulations in regard to them. In consequence of the omission of Congress to provide for a diplomatic representative at Athens, the legation to Greece has been withdrawn. There is now no channel of diplomatic communication between the two countries, and the expediency of providing for one in some form is submitted to Congress. Relations with Austria, Russia, Italy, Portugal, Turkey, and Belgium continue amicable, and marked by no incident of especial importance. A change of the personal head of the Government of Egypt has taken place. No change, however, has occurred in the relations between Egypt and the United States. The action of the Egyptian Government in presenting to the city of New York one of the ancient obelisks, which possess such historic interest, is highly appreciated as a generous mark of international regard. If prosperity should attend the enterprise of its transportation across the Atlantic, its erection in a conspicuous position in the chief commercial city of the nation will soon be accomplished. The treaty recently made between Japan and the United States in regard to the revision of former commercial treaties it is now believed will be followed by similar action on the part of other treaty powers. The attention of Congress is again invited to the subject of the indemnity funds received some years since from Japan and China, which, with their accumulated interest, now amount to considerable sums. If any part of these funds is justly due to American citizens, they should receive it promptly; and whatever may have been received by this Government in excess of strictly just demands should in some form be returned to the nations to whom it equitably belongs. The Government of China has signified its willingness to consider the question of the emigration of its subjects to the United States with a dispassionate fairness and to cooperate in such measures as may tend to prevent injurious consequences to the United States. The negotiations are still proceeding, and will be pressed with diligence. A question having arisen between China and Japan about the Lew Chew Islands, the United States Government has taken measures to inform those powers of its readiness to extend its good offices for the maintenance of peace if they shall mutually deem it desirable and find it practicable to avail themselves of the proffer. It is a gratification to be able to announce that, through the judicious and energetic action of the military commanders of the two nations on each side of the Rio Grande, under the instructions of their respective Governments, raids and depredations have greatly decreased, and in the localities where formerly most destructive have now almost wholly ceased. In view of this result, I entertain a confident expectation that the prevalence of quiet on the border will soon become so assured as to justify a modification of the present orders to our military commanders as to crossing the border, without encouraging such disturbances as would endanger the peace of the two countries. The third installment of the award against Mexico under the claims commission of July 4, 1868, was duly paid, and has been put in course of distribution in pursuance of the act of Congress providing for the same. This satisfactory situation between the two countries leads me to anticipate an expansion of our trade with Mexico and an increased contribution of capital and industry by our people to the development of the great resources of that country. I earnestly commend to the wisdom of Congress the provision of suitable legislation looking to this result. Diplomatic intercourse with Colombia is again fully restored by the arrival of a minister from that country to the United States. This is especially fortunate in view of the fact that the question of an inter-oceanic canal has recently assumed a new and important aspect and is now under discussion with the Central American countries through whose territory the canal, by the Nicaragua route, would have to pass. It is trusted that enlightened statesmanship on their part will see that the early prosecution of such a work will largely inure to the benefit, not only of their own citizens and those of the United States, but of the commerce of the civilized world. It is not doubted that should the work be undertaken under the protective auspices of the United States, and upon satisfactory concessions for the right of way and its security by the Central American Governments, the capital for its completion would be readily furnished from this country and Europe, which might, failing such guaranties, prove inaccessible. Diplomatic relations with Chile have also been strengthened by the reception of a minister from that country. The war between Peru, Bolivia, and Chile still continues. The United States have not deemed it proper to interpose in the matter further than to convey to all the Governments concerned the assurance that the friendly offices of the Government of the United States for the restoration of peace upon an honorable basis will be extended in case the belligerents shall exhibit a readiness to accept them. Cordial relations continue with Brazil and the Argentine Republic, and trade with those countries is improving. A provision for regular and more frequent mail communication, in our own ships, between the ports of this country and the nations of South America seems to me to deserve the attention of Congress as an essential precursor of an enlargement of our commerce with them and an extension of our carrying trade. A recent revolution in Venezuela has been followed by the establishment of a provisional government. This government has not yet been formally recognized, and it is deemed desirable to await the proposed action of the people which is expected to give it the sanction of constitutional forms. A naval vessel has been sent to the Samoan Islands to make surveys and take possession of the privileges ceded to the United States by Samoa in the harbor of Pago-Pago. A coaling station is to be established there, which will be convenient and useful to United States vessels. The subject of opening diplomatic relations with Roumania and Servia, now become independent sovereignties, is at present under consideration, and is the subject of diplomatic correspondence. There is a gratifying increase of trade with nearly all European and American countries, and it is believed that with judicious action in regard to its development it can and will be still more enhanced and that American products and manufactures will find new and expanding markets. The reports of diplomatic and consular officers upon this subject, under the system now adopted, have resulted in obtaining much valuable information, which has been and will continue to be laid before Congress and the public from time to time. The third article of the treaty with Russia of March 30, 1867, by which Alaska was ceded to the United States, provides that the inhabitants of the ceded territory, with the exception of the uncivilized native tribes, shall be admitted to the enjoyment of all the rights of citizens of the United States and shall be maintained and protected in the free enjoyment of their liberty, property, and religion. The uncivilized tribes are subject to such laws and regulations as the United States may from time to time adopt in regard to the aboriginal tribes of that country. Both the obligations of this treaty and the necessities of the people require that some organized form of government over the Territory of Alaska be adopted. There appears to be no law for the arrest of persons charged with common-law offenses, such as assault, robbery, and murder, and no magistrate authorized to issue or execute process in such cases. Serious difficulties have already arisen from offenses of this character, not only among the original inhabitants, but among citizens of the United States and other countries who have engaged in mining, fishing, and other business operations within the territory. A bill authorizing the appointment of justices of the peace and constables and the arrest and detention of persons charged with criminal offenses, and providing for an appeal to United States courts for the district of Oregon in suitable cases, will at a proper time be submitted to Congress. The attention of Congress is called to the annual report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the condition of the public finances. The ordinary revenues from all sources for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1879, were $273,827,184.46; the ordinary expenditures for the same period were $266,947,883.53, leaving a surplus revenue for the year of $6,879,300.93. The receipts for the present fiscal year, ending June 30, 1880, actual and estimated, are as follows: Actual receipts for the first quarter, commencing July 1, 1879, $79,843,663.61; estimated receipts for the remaining three quarters of the year, $208,156,336.39; total receipts for the current fiscal year, actual and estimated, $288,000,000. The expenditures for the same period will be, actual and estimated, as follows: For the quarter commencing July 1, 1879, actual expenditures, $91,683,385.10; and for the remaining three quarters of the year the expenditures are estimated at $172,316,614.90, making the total expenditures $264,000,000, and leaving an estimated surplus revenue for the year ending June 30, 1880, of $24,000,000. The total receipts during the next fiscal year, ending June 30, 1881, estimated according to existing laws, will be $288,000,000, and the estimated ordinary expenditures for the same period will be $278,097,364.39, leaving a surplus of $9,902,635.61 for that year. The large amount expended for arrears of pensions during the last and the present fiscal year, amounting to $21,747,249.60, has prevented the application of the full amount required by law to the sinking fund for the current year; but these arrears having been substantially paid, it is believed that the sinking fund can hereafter be maintained without any change of existing law. The Secretary of War reports that the War Department estimates for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1881, are $40,380,428.93, the same being for a less sum of money than any annual estimate rendered to Congress from that Department during a period of at least twelve years. He concurs with the General of the Army in recommending such legislation as will authorize the enlistment of the full number of 25,000 men for the line of the Army, exclusive of the 3,463 men required for detached duty, and therefore not available for service in the field. He also recommends that Congress be asked to provide by law for the disposition of a large number of abandoned military posts and reservations, which, though very valuable in themselves, have been rendered useless for military purposes by the advance of civilization and settlement. He unites with the Quartermaster-General in recommending that an appropriation be made for the construction of a cheap and perfectly fireproof building for the safe storage of a vast amount of money accounts, vouchers, claims, and other valuable records now in the Quartermaster-General's Office, and exposed to great risk of total destruction by fire. He also recommends, in conformity with the views of the Judge-Advocate-General, some declaratory legislation in reference to the military statute of limitations as applied to the crime of desertion. In these several recommendations I concur. The Secretary of War further reports that the work for the improvement of the South Pass of the Mississippi River, under contract with Mr. James B. Eads, made in pursuance of an act of Congress, has been prosecuted during the past year with a greater measure of success in the attainment of results than during any previous year. The channel through the South Pass, which at the beginning of operations in June, 1875, had a depth of only 7 1/2 feet of water, had on the 8th of July, 1879, a minimum depth of 26 feet, having a width of not less than 200 feet and a central depth of 30 feet. Payments have been made in accordance with the statute, as the work progressed, amounting in the aggregate to $4,250,000; and further payments will become due, as provided by the statute, in the event of success in maintaining the channel now secured. The reports of the General of the Army and of his subordinates present a full and detailed account of the military operations for the suppression of hostilities among the Indians of the Ute and Apache tribes, and praise is justly awarded to the officers and troops engaged for promptness, skill, and courage displayed. The past year has been one of almost unbroken peace and quiet on the Mexican frontier, and there is reason to believe that the efforts of this Government and of Mexico to maintain order in that region will prove permanently successful. This Department was enabled during the past year to find temporary, though crowded, accommodations and a safe depository for a portion of its records in the completed east wing of the building designed for the State, War, and Navy Departments. The construction of the north wing of the building, a part of the structure intended for the use of the War Department, is being carried forward with all possible dispatch, and the work should receive from Congress such liberal appropriations as will secure its speedy completion. The report of the Secretary of the Navy shows continued improvement in that branch of the service during the last fiscal year. Extensive repairs have been made upon vessels, and two new ships have been completed and made ready for sea. The total expenditures of the year ended June 30, 1879, including specific appropriations not estimated for by the Department, were $13,555,710.09. The expenses chargeable to the year, after deducting the amount of these specific appropriations, were $13,343,317.79; but this is subject to a reduction of $283,725.99, that amount having been drawn upon warrants, but not paid out during the year. The amount of appropriations applicable to the last fiscal year was $14,538,646.17. There was, therefore, a balance of $1,479,054.37 remaining unexpended and to the credit of the Department on June 30, 1879. The estimates for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1881, are $14,864,147.95, which exceeds the appropriations for the present fiscal year $361,897.28. The reason for this increase is explained in the Secretary's report. The appropriations available for the present fiscal year are $14,502,250.67, which will, in the opinion of the Secretary, answer all the ordinary demands of the service. The amount drawn from the Treasury from July 1 to November 1, 1879 was $5,770,404.12, of which $1,095,440.33 has been refunded, leaving as the expenditure for that period $4,674,963.79. If the expenditures of the remaining two-thirds of the year do not exceed the proportion for these four months, there will remain unexpended at the end of the year $477,359.30 of the current appropriations. The report of the Secretary shows the gratifying fact that among all the disbursing officers of the Pay Corps of the Navy there is not one who is a defaulter to the extent of a single dollar. I unite with him in recommending the removal of the observatory to a more healthful location. That institution reflects credit upon the nation, and has obtained the approbation of scientific men in all parts of the world. Its removal from its present location would not only be conducive to the health of its officers and professors, but would greatly increase its usefulness. The appropriation for judicial expenses, which has heretofore been made for the Department of Justice in gross, was subdivided at the last session of Congress, and no appropriation whatever was made for the payment of the fees of marshals and their deputies, either in the service of process or for the discharge of other duties; and since June 30 these officers have continued the performance of their duties without compensation from the Government, taking upon themselves the necessary incidental outlays, as well as rendering their own services. In only a few unavoidable instances has the proper execution of the process of the United States failed by reason of the absence of the requisite appropriation. This course of official conduct on the part of these officers, highly creditable to their fidelity, was advised by the Attorney-General, who informed them, however, that they would necessarily have to rely for their compensation upon the prospect of future legislation by Congress. I therefore especially recommend that immediate appropriation be made by Congress for this purpose. The act making the principal appropriation for the Department of Justice at previous sessions has uniformly contained the following clause: 
  And for defraying the expenses which my be incurred in the enforcement of the act approved February 28, 1871, entitled "An act to amend an act approved May 31, 1870, entitled 'An act to enforce the rights of citizens of the United States to vote in the several States of this Union, and for other purposes,'" or any acts amendatory thereof or supplementary thereto.
 No appropriation was made for this purpose for the current year. As no general election for Members of Congress occurred, the omission was a matter of little practical importance. Such election will, however, take place during the ensuing year, and the appropriation made for the pay of marshals and deputies should be sufficient to embrace compensation for the services they may be required to perform at such elections. The business of the Supreme Court is at present largely in arrears. It can not be expected that more causes can be decided than are now disposed of in its annual session, or that by any assiduity the distinguished magistrates who compose the court can accomplish more than is now done. In the courts of many of the circuits also the business has increased to such an extent that the delay of justice will call the attention of Congress to an appropriate remedy. It is believed that all is done in each circuit which can fairly be expected from its judicial force. The evils arising from delay are less heavily felt by the United States than by private suitors, as its causes are advanced by the courts when it is seen that they involve the discussion of questions of a public character. The remedy suggested by the Attorney-General is the appointment of additional circuit judges and the creation of an intermediate court of errors and appeals, which shall relieve the Supreme Court of a part of its jurisdiction, while a larger force is also obtained for the performance of circuit duties. I commend this suggestion to the consideration of Congress. It would seem to afford a complete remedy, and would involve, if ten additional circuit judges are appointed, an expenditure, at the present rate of salaries, of not more than $60,000 a year, which would certainly be small in comparison with the objects to be attained. The report of the Postmaster-General bears testimony to the general revival of business throughout the country. The receipts of the Post-Office Department for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1879, were $30,041,982.86, being $764,465.91 more than the revenues of the preceding year. The amount realized from the sale of postage stamps, stamped envelopes, and postal cards was $764,465.91 more than in the preceding year, and $2,387,559.23 more than in 1877. The expenditures of the Department were $33,449,899.45, of which the sum of $376,461.63 was paid on liabilities incurred in preceding years. The expenditures during the year were $801,209.77 less than in the preceding year. This reduction is to be attributed mainly to the operation of the law passed June 17, 1878, changing the compensation of postmasters from a commission on the value of stamps sold to a commission on stamps canceled. The amount drawn from the Treasury on appropriations, in addition to the revenues of the Department, was $3,031,454.96, being $2,276,197.86 less than in the preceding year. The expenditures for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1881, are estimated at $39,920,900 and the receipts from all sources at $32,210,000, leaving a deficiency to be appropriated for out of the Treasury of $7,710,900. The relations of the Department with railroad companies have been harmonized, notwithstanding the general reduction by Congress of their compensation by the appropriation for special facilities, and the railway post-office lines have been greatly extended, especially in the Southern States. The interests of the Railway Mail Service and of the public would be greatly promoted and the expenditures could be more readily controlled by the classification of the employees of the Railway Mail Service as recommended by the Postmaster-General, the appropriation for salaries, with respect to which the maximum limit is already fixed by law, to be made in gross. The Postmaster-General recommends an amendment of the law regulating the increase of compensation for increased service and increased speed on star routes, so as to enable him to advertise for proposals for such increased service and speed. He also suggests the advantages to accrue to the commerce of the country from the enactment of a general law authorizing contracts with American-built steamers, carrying the American flag, for transporting the mail between ports of the United States and ports of the West Indies and South America, at a fixed maximum price per mile, the amount to be expended being regulated by annual appropriations, in like manner with the amount paid for the domestic star service. The arrangement made by the Postmaster-General and the Secretary of the Treasury for the collection of duty upon books received in the mail from foreign countries has proved so satisfactory in its practical operation that the recommendation is now made that Congress shall extend the provisions of the act of March 3, 1879, under which this arrangement was made, so as to apply to all other dutiable articles received in the mails from foreign countries. The reports of the Secretary of the Interior and of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, setting forth the present state of our relations with the Indian tribes on our territory, the measures taken to advance their civilization and prosperity, and the progress already achieved by them, will be found of more than ordinary interest. The general conduct of our Indian population has been so satisfactory that the occurrence of two disturbances, which resulted in bloodshed and destruction of property, is all the more to be lamented. The history of the outbreak on the White River Ute Reservation, in western Colorado, has become so familiar by elaborate reports in the public press that its remarkable incidents need not be stated here in detail. It is expected that the settlement of this difficulty will lead to such arrangements as will prevent further hostile contact between the Indians and the border settlements in western Colorado. The other disturbance occurred at the Mescalero Agency, in New Mexico, where Victoria, at the head of a small band of marauders, after committing many atrocities, being vigorously chased by a military force, made his way across the Mexican border and is now on foreign soil. While these occurrences, in which a comparatively small number of Indians were engaged, are most deplorable, a vast majority of our Indian population have fully justified the expectations of those who believe that by humane and peaceful influences the Indian can be led to abandon the habits of savage life and to develop a capacity for useful and civilized occupations. What they have already accomplished in the pursuit of agricultural and mechanical work, the remarkable success which has attended the experiment of employing as freighters a class of Indians hitherto counted among the wildest and most intractable, and the general and urgent desire expressed by them for the education of their children may be taken as sufficient proof that they will be found capable of accomplishing much more if they continue to be wisely and fairly guided. The "Indian policy" sketched in the report of the Secretary of the Interior, the object of which is to make liberal provision for the education of Indian youth, to settle the Indians upon farm lots in severalty, to give them title in fee to their farms, inalienable for a certain number of years, and when their wants are thus provided for to dispose by sale of the lands on their reservations not occupied and used by them, a fund to be formed out of the proceeds for the benefit of the Indians, which will gradually relieve the Government of the expenses now provided for by annual appropriations, must commend itself as just and beneficial to the Indians, and as also calculated to remove those obstructions which the existence of large reservations presents to the settlement and development of the country. I therefore earnestly recommend the enactment of a law enabling the Government to give Indians a title in fee, inalienable for twenty-five years, to the farm lands assigned to them by allotment. I also repeat the recommendation made in my first annual message, that a law be passed admitting Indians who can give satisfactory proof of having by their own labor supported their families for a number of years, and who are willing to detach themselves from their tribal relations, to the benefit of the homestead act, and to grant them patents containing the same provision of inalienability for a certain period. The experiment of sending a number of Indian children of both sexes to the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, in Virginia, to receive an elementary English education and practical instruction in farming and other useful industries, has led to results so promising that it was thought expedient to turn over the cavalry barracks at Carlisle, in Pennsylvania, to the Interior Department for the establishment of an Indian school on a larger scale. This school has now 158 pupils, selected from various tribes, and is in full operation. Arrangements are also made for the education of a number of Indian boys and girls belonging to tribes on the Pacific Slope in a similar manner, at Forest Grove, in Oregon. These institutions will commend themselves to the liberality of Congress and to the philanthropic munificence of the American people. Last spring information was received of the organization of an extensive movement in the Western States, the object of which was the occupation by unauthorized persons of certain lands in the Indian Territory ceded by the Cherokees to the Government for the purpose of settlement by other Indian tribes. On the 26th of April I issued a proclamation warning all persons against participation in such an attempt, and by the cooperation of a military force the invasion was promptly checked. It is my purpose to protect the rights of the Indian inhabitants of that Territory to the full extent of the executive power; but it would be unwise to ignore the fact that a territory so large and so 'fertile, with a population so sparse and with so great a wealth of unused resources, will be found more exposed to the repetition of such attempts as happened this year when the surrounding States are more densely settled and the westward movement of our population looks still more eagerly for fresh lands to occupy. Under such circumstances the difficulty of maintaining the Indian Territory in its present state will greatly increase, and the Indian tribes inhabiting it would do well to prepare for such a contingency. I therefore fully approve of the advice given to them by the Secretary of the Interior on a recent occasion, to divide among themselves in severalty as large a quantity of their lands as they can cultivate; to acquire individual title in fee instead of their present tribal ownership in common, and to consider in what manner the balance of their lands may be disposed of by the Government for their benefit. By adopting such a policy they would more certainly secure for themselves the value of their possessions, and at the same time promote their progress in civilization and prosperity, than by endeavoring to perpetuate the present state of things in the Territory. The question whether a change in the control of the Indian service should be made was in the Forty-fifth Congress referred to a joint committee of both Houses for inquiry and report. In my last annual message I expressed the hope that the decision of that question, then in prospect, would "arrest further agitation of this subject, such agitation being apt to produce a disturbing effect upon the service as well as on the Indians themselves." Since then, the committee having reported, the question has been decided in the negative by a vote in the House of Representatives. For the reasons here stated, and in view of the fact that further uncertainty on this point will be calculated to obstruct other much-needed legislation, to weaken the discipline of the service, and to unsettle salutary measures now in progress for the government and improvement of the Indians, I respectfully recommend that the decision arrived at by Congress at its last session be permitted to stand. The efforts made by the Department of the Interior to arrest the depredations on the timber lands of the United States have been continued, and have met with considerable success. A large number of cases of trespass have been prosecuted in the courts of the United States; others have been settled, the trespassers offering to make payment to the Government for the value of the timber taken by them. The proceeds of these prosecutions and settlements turned into the Treasury far exceed in amount the sums appropriated by Congress for this purpose. A more important result, however, consists in the fact that the destruction of our public forests by depredation, although such cases still occur, has been greatly reduced in extent, and it is probable that if the present policy is vigorously pursued and sufficient provision to that end is made by Congress such trespasses, at least those on a large scale, can be entirely suppressed, except in the Territories, where timber for the daily requirements of the population can not, under the present state of the law, be otherwise obtained. I therefore earnestly invite the attention of Congress to the recommendation made by the Secretary of the Interior, that a law be enacted enabling the Government to sell timber from the public lands without conveying the fee, where such lands are principally valuable for the timber thereon, such sales to be so regulated as to conform to domestic wants and business requirements, while at the same time guarding against a sweeping destruction of the forests. The enactment of such a law appears to become a more pressing necessity every day. My recommendations in former messages are renewed in favor of enlarging the facilities of the Department of Agriculture. Agriculture is the leading interest and the permanent industry of our people. It is to the abundance of agricultural production, as compared with our home consumption, and the largely increased and highly profitable market abroad which we have enjoyed in recent years, that we are mainly indebted for our present prosperity as a people. We must look for its continued maintenance to the same substantial resource. There is no branch of industry in which labor, directed by scientific knowledge, yields such increased production in comparison with unskilled labor, and no branch of the public service to which the encouragement of liberal appropriations can be more appropriately extended. The omission to render such aid is not a wise economy, but, on the contrary, undoubtedly results in losses of immense sums annually that might be saved through well-directed efforts by the Government to promote this vital interest. The results already accomplished with the very limited means heretofore placed at the command of the Department of Agriculture is an earnest of what may be expected with increased appropriations for the several purposes indicated in the report of the Commissioner, with a view to placing the Department upon a footing which will enable it to prosecute more effectively the objects for which it is established. Appropriations are needed for a more complete laboratory, for the establishment of a veterinary division and a division of forestry, and for an increase of force. The requirements for these and other purposes, indicated in the report of the Commissioner under the head of the immediate necessities of the Department, will not involve any expenditure of money that the country can not with propriety now undertake in the interests of agriculture. It is gratifying to learn from the Bureau of Education the extent to which educational privileges throughout the United States have been advanced during the year. No more fundamental responsibility rests upon Congress than that of devising appropriate measures of financial aid to education, supplemental to local action in the States and Territories and in the District of Columbia. The wise forethought of the founders of our Government has not only furnished the basis for the support of the common-school systems of the newer States, but laid the foundations for the maintenance of their universities and colleges of agriculture and the mechanic arts. Measures in accordance with this traditional policy, for the further benefit of all these interests and the extension of the same advantages to every portion of the country, it is hoped will receive your favorable consideration. To preserve and perpetuate the national literature should be among the foremost cares of the National Legislature. The library gathered at the Capitol still remains unprovided with any suitable accommodations for its rapidly increasing stores. The magnitude and importance of the collection, increased as it is by the deposits made under the law of copyright, by domestic and foreign exchanges, and by the scientific library of the Smithsonian Institution, call for building accommodations which shall be at once adequate and fireproof. The location of such a public building, which should provide for the pressing necessities of the present and for the vast increase of the nation's books in the future, is a matter which addresses itself to the discretion of Congress. It is earnestly recommended as a measure which should unite all suffrages and which should no longer be delayed. The joint commission created by the act of Congress of August 2, 1876, for the purpose of supervising and directing the completion of the Washington National Monument, of which commission the President is a member, has given careful attention to this subject, and already the strengthening of the foundation has so far progressed as to insure the entire success of this part of the work. A massive layer of masonry has been introduced below the original foundation, widening the base, increasing the stability of the structure, and rendering it possible to carry the shaft to completion. It is earnestly recommended that such further appropriations be made for the continued prosecution of the work as may be necessary for the completion of this national monument at an early day. In former messages, impressed with the importance of the subject, I have taken occasion to commend to Congress the adoption of a generous policy toward the District of Columbia. The report of the Commissioners of the District, herewith transmitted, contains suggestions and recommendations, to all of which I earnestly invite your careful attention. I ask your early and favorable consideration of the views which they express as to the urgent need of legislation for the reclamation of the marshes of the Potomac and its Eastern Branch within the limits of the city, and for the repair of the streets of the capital, heretofore laid with wooden blocks and now by decay rendered almost impassable and a source of imminent danger to the health of its citizens. The means at the disposal of the Commissioners are wholly inadequate for the accomplishment of these important works, and should be supplemented by timely appropriations from the Federal Treasury. The filling of the flats in front of the city will add to the adjacent lands and parks now owned by the United States a large and valuable domain, sufficient, it is thought, to reimburse its entire cost, and will also, as an incidental result, secure the permanent improvement of the river for the purposes of navigation. The Constitution having invested Congress with supreme and exclusive jurisdiction over the District of Columbia, its citizens must of necessity look to Congress alone for all needful legislation affecting their interests; and as the territory of this District is the common property of the people of the United States, who equally with its resident citizens are interested in the prosperity of their capital, I can not doubt that you will be amply sustained by the general voice of the country in any measures you may adopt for this purpose. I also invite the favorable consideration of Congress to the wants of the public schools of this District, as exhibited in the report of the Commissioners. While the number of pupils is rapidly increasing, no adequate provision exists for a corresponding increase of school accommodation, and the Commissioners are without the means to meet this urgent need. A number of the buildings now used for school purposes are rented, and are in important particulars unsuited for the purpose. The cause of popular education in the District of Columbia is surely entitled to the same consideration at the hands of the National Government as in the several States and Territories, to which munificent grants of the public lands have been made for the endowment of schools and universities.
The members of the Forty-sixth Congress have assembled in their first regular session under circumstances calling for mutual congratulation and grateful acknowledgment to the Giver of All Good for the large and unusual measure of national prosperity which we now enjoy. The most interesting events which have occurred in our public affairs since my last annual message to Congress are connected with the financial operations of the Government, directly affecting the business interests of the country. I congratulate Congress on the successful execution of the resumption act. At the time fixed, and in the manner contemplated by law, United States notes began to be redeemed in coin. Since the 1st of January last they have been promptly redeemed on presentation, and in all business transactions, public and private, in all parts of the country, they are received and paid out as the equivalent of coin. The demand upon the Treasury for gold and silver in exchange for United States notes has been comparatively small, and the voluntary deposit of coin and bullion in exchange for notes has been very large. The excess of the precious metals deposited or exchanged for United States notes over the amount of United States notes redeemed is about $40,000,000. The resumption of specie payments has been followed by a very great revival of business. With a currency equivalent in value to the money of the commercial world, we are enabled to enter upon an equal competition with other nations in trade and production. The increasing foreign demand for our manufactures and agricultural products has caused a large balance of trade in our favor, which has been paid in gold, from the 1st of July last to November 15, to the amount of about $59,000,000. Since the resumption of specie payments there has also been a marked and gratifying improvement of the public credit. The bonds of the Government bearing only 4 per cent interest have been sold at or above par, sufficient in amount to pay off all of the national debt which was redeemable under present laws. The amount of interest saved annually by the process of refunding the debt since March 1, 1877, is $14,297,177. The bonds sold were largely in small sums, and the number of our citizens now holding the public securities is much greater than ever before. The amount of the national debt which matures within less than two years is $792,121,700, of which $500,000,000 bear interest at the rate of 5 per cent, and the balance is in bonds bearing 6 per cent interest. It is believed that this part of the public debt can be refunded by the issue of 4 per cent bonds, and, by the reduction of interest which will thus be effected, about $11,000,000 can be annually saved to the Treasury. To secure this important reduction of interest to be paid by the United States further legislation is required, which it is hoped will be provided by Congress during its present session. The coinage of gold by the mints of the United States during the last fiscal year was $40,986,912. The coinage of silver dollars since the passage of the act for that purpose up to November 1, 1879, was $45,000,850, of which $12,700,344 have been issued from the Treasury and are now in circulation, and $32,300,506 are still in the possession of the Government. The pendency of the proposition for unity of action between the United States and the principal commercial nations of Europe to effect a permanent system for the equality of gold and silver in the recognized money of the world leads me to recommend that Congress refrain from new legislation on the general subject. The great revival of trade, internal and foreign, will supply during the coming year its own instructions, which may well be awaited before attempting further experimental measures with the coinage. I would, however, strongly urge upon Congress the importance of authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to suspend the coinage of silver dollars upon the present legal ratio. The market value of the silver dollar being uniformly and largely less than the market value of the gold dollar, it is obviously impracticable to maintain them at par with each other if both are coined without limit. If the cheaper coin is forced into circulation, it will, if coined without limit, soon become the sole standard of value, and thus defeat the desired object, which is a currency of both gold and silver which shall be of equivalent value, dollar for dollar, with the universally recognized money of the world. The retirement from circulation of United States notes with the capacity of legal tender in private contracts is a step to be taken in our progress toward a safe and stable currency which should be accepted as the policy and duty of the Government and the interest and security of the people. It is my firm conviction that the issue of legal-tender paper money based wholly upon the authority and credit of the Government, except in extreme emergency, is without warrant in the Constitution and a violation of sound financial principles. The issue of United States notes during the late civil war with the capacity of legal tender between private individuals was not authorized except as a means of rescuing the country from imminent peril. The circulation of these notes as paper money for any protracted period of time after the accomplishment of this purpose was not contemplated by the framers of the law under which they were issued. They anticipated the redemption and withdrawal of these notes at the earliest practicable period consistent with the attainment of the object for which they were provided. The policy of the United States, steadily adhered to from the adoption of the Constitution, has been to avoid the creation of a national debt; and when, from necessity in time of war, debts have been created, they have been paid off, on the return of peace, as rapidly as possible. With this view, and for this purpose, it is recommended that the existing laws for the accumulation of a sinking fund sufficient to extinguish the public debt within a limited period be maintained. If any change of the objects or rates of taxation is deemed necessary by Congress, it is suggested that experience has shown that a duty can be placed on tea and coffee which will not enhance the price of those articles to the consumer, and which will add several millions of dollars annually to the Treasury. The continued deliberate violation by a large number of the prominent and influential citizens of the Territory of Utah of the laws of the United States for the prosecution and punishment of polygamy demands the attention of every department of the Government. This Territory has a population sufficient to entitle it to admission as a State, and the general interests of the nation, as well as the welfare of the citizens of the Territory, require its advance from the Territorial form of government to the responsibilities and privileges of a State. This important change will not, however, be approved by the country while the citizens of Utah in very considerable number uphold a practice which is condemned as a crime by the laws of all civilized communities throughout the world. The law for the suppression of this offense was enacted with great unanimity by Congress more than seventeen years ago, but has remained until recently a dead letter in the Territory of Utah, because of the peculiar difficulties attending its enforcement. The opinion widely prevailed among the citizens of Utah that the law was in contravention of the constitutional guaranty of religious freedom. This objection is now removed. The Supreme Court of the United States has decided the law to be within the legislative power of Congress and binding as a rule of action for all who reside within the Territories. There is no longer any reason for delay or hesitation in its enforcement. It should be firmly and effectively executed. If not sufficiently stringent in its provisions, it should be amended; and in aid of the purpose in view I recommend that more comprehensive and more searching methods for preventing as well as punishing this crime be provided. If necessary to secure obedience to the law, the enjoyment and exercise of the rights and privileges of citizenship in the Territories of the United States may be withheld or withdrawn from those who violate or oppose the enforcement of the law on this subject. The elections of the past year, though occupied only with State officers, have not failed to elicit in the political discussions which attended them all over the country new and decisive evidence of the deep interest which the great body of citizens take in the progress of the country toward a more general and complete establishment, at whatever cost, of universal security and freedom in the exercise of the elective franchise. While many topics of political concern demand great attention from our people, both in the sphere of national and State authority, I find no reason to qualify the opinion I expressed in my last annual message, that no temporary or administrative interests of government, however urgent or weighty, will ever displace the zeal of our people in defense of the primary rights of citizenship, and that the power of public opinion will override all political prejudices, and all sectional and State attachments in demanding that all over our wide territory the name and character of citizen of the United States shall mean one and the same thing and carry with them unchallenged security and respect. I earnestly appeal to the intelligence and patriotism of all good citizens of every part of the country, however much they maybe divided in opinions on other political subjects, to unite in compelling obedience to existing laws aimed at the protection of the right of suffrage. I respectfully urge upon Congress to supply any defects in these laws which experience has shown and which it is within its power to remedy. I again invoke the cooperation of the executive and legislative authorities of the States in this great purpose. I am fully convinced that if the public mind can be set at rest on this paramount question of popular rights no serious obstacle will thwart or delay the complete pacification of the country or retard the general diffusion of prosperity. In a former message I invited the attention of Congress to the subject of the reformation of the civil service of the Government, and expressed the intention of transmitting to Congress as early as practicable a report upon this subject by the chairman of the Civil Service Commission. In view of the facts that during a considerable period the Government of Great Britain has been dealing with administrative problems and abuses in various particulars analogous to those presented in this country, and that in recent years the measures adopted were understood to have been effective and in every respect highly satisfactory, I thought it desirable to have fuller information upon the subject, and accordingly requested the chairman of the Civil Service Commission to make a thorough investigation for this purpose. The result has been an elaborate and comprehensive report. The report sets forth the history of the partisan spoils system in Great Britain, and of the rise and fall of the parliamentary patronage, and of official interference with the freedom of elections. It shows that after long trials of various kinds of examinations those which are competitive and open on equal terms to all, and which are carried on under the superintendence of a single commission, have, with great advantage, been established as conditions of admission to almost every official place in the subordinate administration of that country and of British India. The completion of the report, owing to the extent of the labor involved in its preparation and the omission of Congress to make any provision either for the compensation or the expenses of the Commission, has been postponed until the present time. It is herewith transmitted to Congress. While the reform measures of another government are of no authority for us, they are entitled to influence to the extent to which their intrinsic wisdom and their adaptation to our institutions and social life may commend them to our consideration. The views I have heretofore expressed concerning the defects and abuses in our civil administration remain unchanged, except in so far as an enlarged experience has deepened my sense of the duty both of officers and of the people themselves to cooperate for their removal. The grave evils and perils of a partisan spoils system of appointment to office and of office tenure are now generally recognized. In the resolutions of the great parties, in the reports of Departments, in the debates and proceedings of Congress, in the messages of Executives, the gravity of these evils has been pointed out and the need of their reform has been admitted. To command the necessary support, every measure of reform must be based on common right and justice, and must be compatible with the healthy existence of great parties, which are inevitable and essential in a free state. When the people have approved a policy at a national election, confidence on the part of the officers they have selected and of the advisers who, in accordance with our political institutions, should be consulted in the policy which it is their duty to carry into effect is indispensable. It is eminently proper that they should explain it before the people, as well as illustrate its spirit in the performance of their official duties. Very different considerations apply to the greater number of those who fill the subordinate places in the civil service. Their responsibility is to their superiors in official position. It is their duty to obey the legal instructions of those upon whom that authority is devolved, and their best public service consists in the discharge of their functions irrespective of partisan politics. Their duties are the same whatever party is in power and whatever policy prevails. As a consequence it follows that their tenure of office should not depend on the prevalence of any policy or the supremacy of any party, but should be determined by their capacity to serve the people most usefully quite irrespective of partisan interests. The same considerations that should govern the tenure should also prevail in the appointment, discipline, and removal of these subordinates. The authority of appointment and removal is not a perquisite, which may be used to aid a friend or reward a partisan, but is a trust, to be exercised in the public interest under all the sanctions which attend the obligation to apply the public funds only for public purposes. Every citizen has an equal right to the honor and profit of entering the public service of his country. The only just ground of discrimination is the measure of character and capacity he has to make that service most useful to the people. Except in cases where, upon just and recognized principles--as upon the theory of pensions--offices and promotions are bestowed as rewards for past services, their bestowal upon any theory which disregards personal merit is an act of injustice to the citizen, as well as a breach of that trust subject to which the appointing power is held. In the light of these principles it becomes of great importance to provide just and adequate means, especially for every Department and large administrative office, where personal discrimination on the part of its head is not practicable, for ascertaining those qualifications to which appointments and removals should have reference. To fail to provide such means is not only to deny the opportunity of ascertaining the facts upon which the most righteous claim to office depends, but of necessity to discourage all worthy aspirants by handing over appointments and removals to mere influence and favoritism. If it is the right of the worthiest claimant to gain the appointment and the interest of the people to bestow it upon him, it would seem clear that a wise and just method of ascertaining personal fitness for office must be an important and permanent function of every just and wise government. It has long since become impossible in the great offices for those having the duty of nomination and appointment to personally examine into the individual qualifications of more than a small proportion of those seeking office, and with the enlargement of the civil service that proportion must continue to become less. In the earlier years of the Government the subordinate offices were so few in number that it was quite easy for those making appointments and promotions to personally ascertain the merits of candidates. Party managers and methods had not then become powerful agencies of coercion, hostile to the free and just exercise of the appointing power. A large and responsible part of the duty of restoring the civil service to the desired purity and efficiency rests upon the President, and it is my purpose to do what is within my power to advance such prudent and gradual measures of reform as will most surely and rapidly bring about that radical change of system essential to make our administrative methods satisfactory to a free and intelligent people. By a proper exercise of authority it is in the power of the Executive to do much to promote such a reform. But it can not be too clearly understood that nothing adequate can be accomplished without cooperation on the part of Congress and considerate and intelligent support among the people. Reforms which challenge the generally accepted theories of parties and demand changes in the methods of Departments are not the work of a day. Their permanent foundations must be laid in sound principles and in an experience which demonstrates their wisdom and exposes the errors of their adversaries. Every worthy officer desires to make his official action a gain and an honor to his country; but the people themselves, far more than their officers in public station, are interested in a pure, economical, and vigorous administration. By laws enacted in 1853 and 1855, and now in substance incorporated in the Revised Statutes, the practice of arbitrary appointments to the several subordinate grades in the great Departments was condemned, and examinations as to capacity, to be conducted by departmental boards of examiners, were provided for and made conditions of admission to the public service. These statutes are a decision by Congress that examinations of some sort as to attainments and capacity are essential to the well-being of the public service. The important questions since the enactment of these laws have been as to the character of these examinations, and whether official favor and partisan influence or common right and merit were to control the access to the examinations. In practice these examinations have not always been open to worthy persons generally who might wish to be examined. Official favoritism and partisan influence, as a rule, appear to have designated those who alone were permitted to go before the examining boards, subjecting even the examiners to a pressure from the friends of the candidates very difficult to resist. As a consequence the standard of admission fell below that which the public interest demanded. It was also almost inevitable that a system which provided for various separate boards of examiners, with no common supervision or uniform method of procedure, should result in confusion, inconsistency, and inadequate tests of capacity, highly detrimental to the public interest. A further and more radical change was obviously required. In the annual message of December, 1870, my predecessor declared that-- There is no duty which so much embarrasses the Executive and heads of Departments as that of appointments, nor is there any such arduous and thankless labor imposed on Senators and Representatives as that of finding places for constituents. The present system does not secure the best men, and often not even fit men, for public place. The elevation and purification of the civil service of the Government will be hailed with approval by the whole people of the United States. Congress accordingly passed the act approved March 3, 1871, "to regulate the civil service of the United States and promote the efficiency thereof," giving the necessary authority to the Executive to inaugurate a civil-service reform. Acting under this statute, which was interpreted as intended to secure a system of just and effectual examinations under uniform supervision, a number of eminently competent persons were selected for the purpose, who entered with zeal upon the discharge of their duties, prepared with an intelligent appreciation of the requirements of the service the regulations contemplated, and took charge of the examinations, and who in their capacity as a board have been known as the "Civil Service Commission." Congress for two years appropriated the money needed for the compensation and for the expense of carrying on the work of the Commission. It appears from the report of the Commission submitted to the President in April, 1874, that examinations had been held in various sections of the country, and that an appropriation of about $25,000 would be required to meet the annual expenses, including salaries, involved in discharging the duties of the Commission. The report was transmitted to Congress by special message of April 18, 1874, with the following favorable comment upon the labors of the Commission: If sustained by Congress, I have no doubt the rules can, after the experience gained, be so improved and enforced as to still more materially benefit the public service and relieve the Executive, members of Congress, and the heads of Departments from influences prejudicial to good administration. The rules, as they have hitherto been enforced, have resulted beneficially, as is shown by the opinions of the members of the Cabinet and their subordinates in the Departments, and in that opinion I concur. And in the annual message of December of the same year similar views are expressed and an appropriation for continuing the work of the Commission again advised. The appropriation was not made, and as a consequence the active work of the Commission was suspended, leaving the Commission itself still in existence. Without the means, therefore, of causing qualifications to be tested in any systematic manner or of securing for the public service the advantages of competition upon any extensive plan, I recommended in my annual message of December, 1877, the making of an appropriation for the resumption of the work of the Commission. In the meantime, however, competitive examinations, under many embarrassments, have been conducted within limited spheres in the Executive Departments in Washington and in a number of the custom-houses and post-offices of the principal cities of the country, with a view to further test their effects, and in every instance they have been found to be as salutary as they are stated to have been under the Administration of my predecessor. I think the economy, purity, and efficiency of the public service would be greatly promoted by their systematic introduction, wherever practicable, throughout the entire civil service of the Government, together with ample provision for their general supervision in order to secure consistency and uniform justice. Reports from the Secretary of the Interior, from the Postmaster-General, from the postmaster in the city of New York, where such examinations have been some time on trial, and also from the collector of the port, the naval officer, and the surveyor in that city, and from the postmasters and collectors in several of the other large cities, show that the competitive system, where applied, has in various ways contributed to improve the public service. The reports show that the results have been salutary in a marked degree, and that the general application of similar rules can not fail to be of decided benefit to the service. The reports of the Government officers, in the city of New York especially, bear decided testimony to the utility of open competitive examinations in their respective offices, showing that-- These examinations and the excellent qualifications of those admitted to the service through them have had a marked incidental effect upon the persons previously in the service, and particularly upon those aspiring to promotion. There has been on the part of these latter an increased interest in the work and a desire to extend acquaintance with it beyond the particular desk occupied, and thus the morale of the entire force has been raised. The examinations have been attended by many citizens, who have had an opportunity to thoroughly investigate the scope and character of the tests and the method of determining the results, and those visitors have without exception approved the methods employed, and several of them have publicly attested their favorable opinion. Upon such considerations I deem it my duty to renew the recommendation contained in my annual message of December, 1877, requesting Congress to make the necessary appropriation for the resumption of the work of the Civil Service Commission. Economy will be promoted by authorizing a moderate compensation to persons in the public service who may perform extra labor upon or under the Commission, as the Executive may direct. I am convinced that if a just and adequate test of merit is enforced for admission to the public service and in making promotions such abuses as removals without good because and partisan and official interference with the proper exercise of the appointing power will in large measure disappear. There are other administrative abuses to which the attention of Congress should be asked in this connection. Mere partisan appointments and the constant peril of removal without because very naturally lead to an absorbing and mischievous political activity on the part of those thus appointed, which not only interferes with the due discharge of official duty, but is incompatible with the freedom of elections. Not without warrant in the views of several of my predecessors in the Presidential office, and directly within the law of 1871, already cited, I endeavored, by regulation made on the 22d day of June, 1877, to put some reasonable limits to such abuses. It may not be easy, and it may never perhaps be necessary, to define with precision the proper limit of political action on the part of Federal officers. But while their right to hold and freely express their opinions can not be questioned, it is very plain that they should neither be allowed to devote to other subjects the time needed for the proper discharge of their official duties nor to use the authority of their office to enforce their own opinions or to coerce the political action of those who hold different opinions. Reasons of justice and public policy quite analogous to those which forbid the use of official power for the oppression of the private citizen impose upon the Government the duty of protecting its officers and agents from arbitrary exactions. In whatever aspect considered, the practice of making levies for party purposes upon the salaries of officers is highly demoralizing to the public service and discreditable to the country. Though an officer should be as free as any other citizen to give his own money in aid of his opinions or his party, he should also be as free as any other citizen to refuse to make such gifts. If salaries are but a fair compensation for the time and labor of the officer, it is gross injustice to levy a tax upon them. If they are made excessive in order that they may bear the tax, the excess is an indirect robbery of the public funds. I recommend, therefore, such a revision and extension of present statutes as shall secure to those in every grade of official life or public employment the protection with which a great and enlightened nation should guard those who are faithful in its service. Our relations with foreign countries have continued peaceful. With Great Britain there are still unsettled questions, growing out of the local laws of the maritime provinces and the action of provincial authorities deemed to be in derogation of rights secured by treaty to American fishermen. The United States minister in London has been instructed to present a demand for $105,305.02 in view of the damages received by American citizens at Fortune Bay on the 6th day of January, 1878. The subject has been taken into consideration by the British Government, and an early reply is anticipated. Upon the completion of the necessary preliminary examinations the subject of our participation in the provincial fisheries, as regulated by treaty, will at once be brought to the attention of the British Government, with a view to an early and permanent settlement of the whole question, which was only temporarily adjusted by the treaty of Washington. Efforts have been made to obtain the removal of restrictions found injurious to the exportation of cattle to the United Kingdom. Some correspondence has also occurred with regard to the rescue and saving of life and property upon the Lakes, which has resulted in important modifications of the previous regulations of the Dominion government on the subject in the interest of humanity and commerce. In accordance with the joint resolution of the last session of Congress, commissioners were appointed to represent the United States at the two international exhibitions in Australia, one of which is now in progress at Sydney, and the other to be held next year at Melbourne. A desire has been expressed by our merchants and manufacturers interested in the important and growing trade with Australia that an increased provision should be made by Congress for the representation of our industries at the Melbourne exhibition of next year, and the subject is respectfully submitted to your favorable consideration. The assent of the Government has been given to the landing on the coast of Massachusetts of a new and independent transatlantic cable between France, by way of the French island of St. Pierre, and this country, subject to any future legislation of Congress on the subject. The conditions imposed before allowing this connection with our shores to be established are such as to secure its competition with any existing or future lines of marine cable and preclude amalgamation therewith, to provide for entire equality of rights to our Government and people with those of France in the use of the cable, and prevent any exclusive possession of the privilege as accorded by France to the disadvantage of any future cable communication between France and the United States which may be projected and accomplished by our citizens. An important reduction of the present rates of cable communication with Europe, felt to be too burdensome to the interests of our commerce, must necessarily flow from the establishment of this competing line. The attention of Congress was drawn to the propriety of some general regulation by Congress of the whole subject of transmarine cables by my predecessor in his message of December 7, 1875, and I respectfully submit to your consideration the importance of Congressional action in the matter. The questions of grave importance with Spain growing out of the incidents of the Cuban insurrection have been for the most part happily and honorably settled. It may reasonably be anticipated that the commission now sitting in Washington for the decision of private cases in this connection will soon be able to bring its labors to a conclusion. The long-standing question of East Florida claims has lately been renewed as a subject of correspondence, and may possibly require Congressional action for its final disposition. A treaty with the Netherlands with respect to consular rights and privileges similar to those with other powers has been signed and ratified, and the ratifications were exchanged on the 31st of July last. Negotiations for extradition treaties with the Netherlands and with Denmark are now in progress. Some questions with Switzerland in regard to pauper and convict emigrants have arisen, but it is not doubted that they will be arranged upon a just and satisfactory basis. A question has also occurred with respect to an asserted claim by Swiss municipal authorities to exercise tutelage over persons and property of Swiss citizens naturalized in this country. It is possible this may require adjustment by treaty. With the German Empire frequent questions arise in connection with the Subjects of naturalization and expatriation, but the Imperial Government has constantly manifested a desire to strictly maintain and comply with all treaty stipulations in regard to them. In consequence of the omission of Congress to provide for a diplomatic representative at Athens, the legation to Greece has been withdrawn. There is now no channel of diplomatic communication between the two countries, and the expediency of providing for one in some form is submitted to Congress. Relations with Austria, Russia, Italy, Portugal, Turkey, and Belgium continue amicable, and marked by no incident of especial importance. A change of the personal head of the Government of Egypt has taken place. No change, however, has occurred in the relations between Egypt and the United States. The action of the Egyptian Government in presenting to the city of New York one of the ancient obelisks, which possess such historic interest, is highly appreciated as a generous mark of international regard. If prosperity should attend the enterprise of its transportation across the Atlantic, its erection in a conspicuous position in the chief commercial city of the nation will soon be accomplished. The treaty recently made between Japan and the United States in regard to the revision of former commercial treaties it is now believed will be followed by similar action on the part of other treaty powers. The attention of Congress is again invited to the subject of the indemnity funds received some years since from Japan and China, which, with their accumulated interest, now amount to considerable sums. If any part of these funds is justly due to American citizens, they should receive it promptly; and whatever may have been received by this Government in excess of strictly just demands should in some form be returned to the nations to whom it equitably belongs. The Government of China has signified its willingness to consider the question of the emigration of its subjects to the United States with a dispassionate fairness and to cooperate in such measures as may tend to prevent injurious consequences to the United States. The negotiations are still proceeding, and will be pressed with diligence. A question having arisen between China and Japan about the Lew Chew Islands, the United States Government has taken measures to inform those powers of its readiness to extend its good offices for the maintenance of peace if they shall mutually deem it desirable and find it practicable to avail themselves of the proffer. It is a gratification to be able to announce that, through the judicious and energetic action of the military commanders of the two nations on each side of the Rio Grande, under the instructions of their respective Governments, raids and depredations have greatly decreased, and in the localities where formerly most destructive have now almost wholly ceased. In view of this result, I entertain a confident expectation that the prevalence of quiet on the border will soon become so assured as to justify a modification of the present orders to our military commanders as to crossing the border, without encouraging such disturbances as would endanger the peace of the two countries. The third installment of the award against Mexico under the claims commission of July 4, 1868, was duly paid, and has been put in course of distribution in pursuance of the act of Congress providing for the same. This satisfactory situation between the two countries leads me to anticipate an expansion of our trade with Mexico and an increased contribution of capital and industry by our people to the development of the great resources of that country. I earnestly commend to the wisdom of Congress the provision of suitable legislation looking to this result. Diplomatic intercourse with Colombia is again fully restored by the arrival of a minister from that country to the United States. This is especially fortunate in view of the fact that the question of an inter-oceanic canal has recently assumed a new and important aspect and is now under discussion with the Central American countries through whose territory the canal, by the Nicaragua route, would have to pass. It is trusted that enlightened statesmanship on their part will see that the early prosecution of such a work will largely inure to the benefit, not only of their own citizens and those of the United States, but of the commerce of the civilized world. It is not doubted that should the work be undertaken under the protective auspices of the United States, and upon satisfactory concessions for the right of way and its security by the Central American Governments, the capital for its completion would be readily furnished from this country and Europe, which might, failing such guaranties, prove inaccessible. Diplomatic relations with Chile have also been strengthened by the reception of a minister from that country. The war between Peru, Bolivia, and Chile still continues. The United States have not deemed it proper to interpose in the matter further than to convey to all the Governments concerned the assurance that the friendly offices of the Government of the United States for the restoration of peace upon an honorable basis will be extended in case the belligerents shall exhibit a readiness to accept them. Cordial relations continue with Brazil and the Argentine Republic, and trade with those countries is improving. A provision for regular and more frequent mail communication, in our own ships, between the ports of this country and the nations of South America seems to me to deserve the attention of Congress as an essential precursor of an enlargement of our commerce with them and an extension of our carrying trade. A recent revolution in Venezuela has been followed by the establishment of a provisional government. This government has not yet been formally recognized, and it is deemed desirable to await the proposed action of the people which is expected to give it the sanction of constitutional forms. A naval vessel has been sent to the Samoan Islands to make surveys and take possession of the privileges ceded to the United States by Samoa in the harbor of Pago-Pago. A coaling station is to be established there, which will be convenient and useful to United States vessels. The subject of opening diplomatic relations with Roumania and Servia, now become independent sovereignties, is at present under consideration, and is the subject of diplomatic correspondence. There is a gratifying increase of trade with nearly all European and American countries, and it is believed that with judicious action in regard to its development it can and will be still more enhanced and that American products and manufactures will find new and expanding markets. The reports of diplomatic and consular officers upon this subject, under the system now adopted, have resulted in obtaining much valuable information, which has been and will continue to be laid before Congress and the public from time to time. The third article of the treaty with Russia of March 30, 1867, by which Alaska was ceded to the United States, provides that the inhabitants of the ceded territory, with the exception of the uncivilized native tribes, shall be admitted to the enjoyment of all the rights of citizens of the United States and shall be maintained and protected in the free enjoyment of their liberty, property, and religion. The uncivilized tribes are subject to such laws and regulations as the United States may from time to time adopt in regard to the aboriginal tribes of that country. Both the obligations of this treaty and the necessities of the people require that some organized form of government over the Territory of Alaska be adopted. There appears to be no law for the arrest of persons charged with common-law offenses, such as assault, robbery, and murder, and no magistrate authorized to issue or execute process in such cases. Serious difficulties have already arisen from offenses of this character, not only among the original inhabitants, but among citizens of the United States and other countries who have engaged in mining, fishing, and other business operations within the territory. A bill authorizing the appointment of justices of the peace and constables and the arrest and detention of persons charged with criminal offenses, and providing for an appeal to United States courts for the district of Oregon in suitable cases, will at a proper time be submitted to Congress. The attention of Congress is called to the annual report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the condition of the public finances. The ordinary revenues from all sources for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1879, were $273,827,184.46; the ordinary expenditures for the same period were $266,947,883.53, leaving a surplus revenue for the year of $6,879,300.93. The receipts for the present fiscal year, ending June 30, 1880, actual and estimated, are as follows: Actual receipts for the first quarter, commencing July 1, 1879, $79,843,663.61; estimated receipts for the remaining three quarters of the year, $208,156,336.39; total receipts for the current fiscal year, actual and estimated, $288,000,000. The expenditures for the same period will be, actual and estimated, as follows: For the quarter commencing July 1, 1879, actual expenditures, $91,683,385.10; and for the remaining three quarters of the year the expenditures are estimated at $172,316,614.90, making the total expenditures $264,000,000, and leaving an estimated surplus revenue for the year ending June 30, 1880, of $24,000,000. The total receipts during the next fiscal year, ending June 30, 1881, estimated according to existing laws, will be $288,000,000, and the estimated ordinary expenditures for the same period will be $278,097,364.39, leaving a surplus of $9,902,635.61 for that year. The large amount expended for arrears of pensions during the last and the present fiscal year, amounting to $21,747,249.60, has prevented the application of the full amount required by law to the sinking fund for the current year; but these arrears having been substantially paid, it is believed that the sinking fund can hereafter be maintained without any change of existing law. The Secretary of War reports that the War Department estimates for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1881, are $40,380,428.93, the same being for a less sum of money than any annual estimate rendered to Congress from that Department during a period of at least twelve years. He concurs with the General of the Army in recommending such legislation as will authorize the enlistment of the full number of 25,000 men for the line of the Army, exclusive of the 3,463 men required for detached duty, and therefore not available for service in the field. He also recommends that Congress be asked to provide by law for the disposition of a large number of abandoned military posts and reservations, which, though very valuable in themselves, have been rendered useless for military purposes by the advance of civilization and settlement. He unites with the Quartermaster-General in recommending that an appropriation be made for the construction of a cheap and perfectly fireproof building for the safe storage of a vast amount of money accounts, vouchers, claims, and other valuable records now in the Quartermaster-General's Office, and exposed to great risk of total destruction by fire. He also recommends, in conformity with the views of the Judge-Advocate-General, some declaratory legislation in reference to the military statute of limitations as applied to the crime of desertion. In these several recommendations I concur. The Secretary of War further reports that the work for the improvement of the South Pass of the Mississippi River, under contract with Mr. James B. Eads, made in pursuance of an act of Congress, has been prosecuted during the past year with a greater measure of success in the attainment of results than during any previous year. The channel through the South Pass, which at the beginning of operations in June, 1875, had a depth of only 7 1/2 feet of water, had on the 8th of July, 1879, a minimum depth of 26 feet, having a width of not less than 200 feet and a central depth of 30 feet. Payments have been made in accordance with the statute, as the work progressed, amounting in the aggregate to $4,250,000; and further payments will become due, as provided by the statute, in the event of success in maintaining the channel now secured. The reports of the General of the Army and of his subordinates present a full and detailed account of the military operations for the suppression of hostilities among the Indians of the Ute and Apache tribes, and praise is justly awarded to the officers and troops engaged for promptness, skill, and courage displayed. The past year has been one of almost unbroken peace and quiet on the Mexican frontier, and there is reason to believe that the efforts of this Government and of Mexico to maintain order in that region will prove permanently successful. This Department was enabled during the past year to find temporary, though crowded, accommodations and a safe depository for a portion of its records in the completed east wing of the building designed for the State, War, and Navy Departments. The construction of the north wing of the building, a part of the structure intended for the use of the War Department, is being carried forward with all possible dispatch, and the work should receive from Congress such liberal appropriations as will secure its speedy completion. The report of the Secretary of the Navy shows continued improvement in that branch of the service during the last fiscal year. Extensive repairs have been made upon vessels, and two new ships have been completed and made ready for sea. The total expenditures of the year ended June 30, 1879, including specific appropriations not estimated for by the Department, were $13,555,710.09. The expenses chargeable to the year, after deducting the amount of these specific appropriations, were $13,343,317.79; but this is subject to a reduction of $283,725.99, that amount having been drawn upon warrants, but not paid out during the year. The amount of appropriations applicable to the last fiscal year was $14,538,646.17. There was, therefore, a balance of $1,479,054.37 remaining unexpended and to the credit of the Department on June 30, 1879. The estimates for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1881, are $14,864,147.95, which exceeds the appropriations for the present fiscal year $361,897.28. The reason for this increase is explained in the Secretary's report. The appropriations available for the present fiscal year are $14,502,250.67, which will, in the opinion of the Secretary, answer all the ordinary demands of the service. The amount drawn from the Treasury from July 1 to November 1, 1879 was $5,770,404.12, of which $1,095,440.33 has been refunded, leaving as the expenditure for that period $4,674,963.79. If the expenditures of the remaining two-thirds of the year do not exceed the proportion for these four months, there will remain unexpended at the end of the year $477,359.30 of the current appropriations. The report of the Secretary shows the gratifying fact that among all the disbursing officers of the Pay Corps of the Navy there is not one who is a defaulter to the extent of a single dollar. I unite with him in recommending the removal of the observatory to a more healthful location. That institution reflects credit upon the nation, and has obtained the approbation of scientific men in all parts of the world. Its removal from its present location would not only be conducive to the health of its officers and professors, but would greatly increase its usefulness. The appropriation for judicial expenses, which has heretofore been made for the Department of Justice in gross, was subdivided at the last session of Congress, and no appropriation whatever was made for the payment of the fees of marshals and their deputies, either in the service of process or for the discharge of other duties; and since June 30 these officers have continued the performance of their duties without compensation from the Government, taking upon themselves the necessary incidental outlays, as well as rendering their own services. In only a few unavoidable instances has the proper execution of the process of the United States failed by reason of the absence of the requisite appropriation. This course of official conduct on the part of these officers, highly creditable to their fidelity, was advised by the Attorney-General, who informed them, however, that they would necessarily have to rely for their compensation upon the prospect of future legislation by Congress. I therefore especially recommend that immediate appropriation be made by Congress for this purpose. The act making the principal appropriation for the Department of Justice at previous sessions has uniformly contained the following clause: And for defraying the expenses which my be incurred in the enforcement of the act approved February 28, 1871, entitled "An act to amend an act approved May 31, 1870, entitled 'An act to enforce the rights of citizens of the United States to vote in the several States of this Union, and for other purposes,'" or any acts amendatory thereof or supplementary thereto. No appropriation was made for this purpose for the current year. As no general election for Members of Congress occurred, the omission was a matter of little practical importance. Such election will, however, take place during the ensuing year, and the appropriation made for the pay of marshals and deputies should be sufficient to embrace compensation for the services they may be required to perform at such elections. The business of the Supreme Court is at present largely in arrears. It can not be expected that more causes can be decided than are now disposed of in its annual session, or that by any assiduity the distinguished magistrates who compose the court can accomplish more than is now done. In the courts of many of the circuits also the business has increased to such an extent that the delay of justice will call the attention of Congress to an appropriate remedy. It is believed that all is done in each circuit which can fairly be expected from its judicial force. The evils arising from delay are less heavily felt by the United States than by private suitors, as its causes are advanced by the courts when it is seen that they involve the discussion of questions of a public character. The remedy suggested by the Attorney-General is the appointment of additional circuit judges and the creation of an intermediate court of errors and appeals, which shall relieve the Supreme Court of a part of its jurisdiction, while a larger force is also obtained for the performance of circuit duties. I commend this suggestion to the consideration of Congress. It would seem to afford a complete remedy, and would involve, if ten additional circuit judges are appointed, an expenditure, at the present rate of salaries, of not more than $60,000 a year, which would certainly be small in comparison with the objects to be attained. The report of the Postmaster-General bears testimony to the general revival of business throughout the country. The receipts of the Post-Office Department for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1879, were $30,041,982.86, being $764,465.91 more than the revenues of the preceding year. The amount realized from the sale of postage stamps, stamped envelopes, and postal cards was $764,465.91 more than in the preceding year, and $2,387,559.23 more than in 1877. The expenditures of the Department were $33,449,899.45, of which the sum of $376,461.63 was paid on liabilities incurred in preceding years. The expenditures during the year were $801,209.77 less than in the preceding year. This reduction is to be attributed mainly to the operation of the law passed June 17, 1878, changing the compensation of postmasters from a commission on the value of stamps sold to a commission on stamps canceled. The amount drawn from the Treasury on appropriations, in addition to the revenues of the Department, was $3,031,454.96, being $2,276,197.86 less than in the preceding year. The expenditures for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1881, are estimated at $39,920,900 and the receipts from all sources at $32,210,000, leaving a deficiency to be appropriated for out of the Treasury of $7,710,900. The relations of the Department with railroad companies have been harmonized, notwithstanding the general reduction by Congress of their compensation by the appropriation for special facilities, and the railway post-office lines have been greatly extended, especially in the Southern States. The interests of the Railway Mail Service and of the public would be greatly promoted and the expenditures could be more readily controlled by the classification of the employees of the Railway Mail Service as recommended by the Postmaster-General, the appropriation for salaries, with respect to which the maximum limit is already fixed by law, to be made in gross. The Postmaster-General recommends an amendment of the law regulating the increase of compensation for increased service and increased speed on star routes, so as to enable him to advertise for proposals for such increased service and speed. He also suggests the advantages to accrue to the commerce of the country from the enactment of a general law authorizing contracts with American-built steamers, carrying the American flag, for transporting the mail between ports of the United States and ports of the West Indies and South America, at a fixed maximum price per mile, the amount to be expended being regulated by annual appropriations, in like manner with the amount paid for the domestic star service. The arrangement made by the Postmaster-General and the Secretary of the Treasury for the collection of duty upon books received in the mail from foreign countries has proved so satisfactory in its practical operation that the recommendation is now made that Congress shall extend the provisions of the act of March 3, 1879, under which this arrangement was made, so as to apply to all other dutiable articles received in the mails from foreign countries. The reports of the Secretary of the Interior and of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, setting forth the present state of our relations with the Indian tribes on our territory, the measures taken to advance their civilization and prosperity, and the progress already achieved by them, will be found of more than ordinary interest. The general conduct of our Indian population has been so satisfactory that the occurrence of two disturbances, which resulted in bloodshed and destruction of property, is all the more to be lamented. The history of the outbreak on the White River Ute Reservation, in western Colorado, has become so familiar by elaborate reports in the public press that its remarkable incidents need not be stated here in detail. It is expected that the settlement of this difficulty will lead to such arrangements as will prevent further hostile contact between the Indians and the border settlements in western Colorado. The other disturbance occurred at the Mescalero Agency, in New Mexico, where Victoria, at the head of a small band of marauders, after committing many atrocities, being vigorously chased by a military force, made his way across the Mexican border and is now on foreign soil. While these occurrences, in which a comparatively small number of Indians were engaged, are most deplorable, a vast majority of our Indian population have fully justified the expectations of those who believe that by humane and peaceful influences the Indian can be led to abandon the habits of savage life and to develop a capacity for useful and civilized occupations. What they have already accomplished in the pursuit of agricultural and mechanical work, the remarkable success which has attended the experiment of employing as freighters a class of Indians hitherto counted among the wildest and most intractable, and the general and urgent desire expressed by them for the education of their children may be taken as sufficient proof that they will be found capable of accomplishing much more if they continue to be wisely and fairly guided. The "Indian policy" sketched in the report of the Secretary of the Interior, the object of which is to make liberal provision for the education of Indian youth, to settle the Indians upon farm lots in severalty, to give them title in fee to their farms, inalienable for a certain number of years, and when their wants are thus provided for to dispose by sale of the lands on their reservations not occupied and used by them, a fund to be formed out of the proceeds for the benefit of the Indians, which will gradually relieve the Government of the expenses now provided for by annual appropriations, must commend itself as just and beneficial to the Indians, and as also calculated to remove those obstructions which the existence of large reservations presents to the settlement and development of the country. I therefore earnestly recommend the enactment of a law enabling the Government to give Indians a title in fee, inalienable for twenty-five years, to the farm lands assigned to them by allotment. I also repeat the recommendation made in my first annual message, that a law be passed admitting Indians who can give satisfactory proof of having by their own labor supported their families for a number of years, and who are willing to detach themselves from their tribal relations, to the benefit of the homestead act, and to grant them patents containing the same provision of inalienability for a certain period. The experiment of sending a number of Indian children of both sexes to the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, in Virginia, to receive an elementary English education and practical instruction in farming and other useful industries, has led to results so promising that it was thought expedient to turn over the cavalry barracks at Carlisle, in Pennsylvania, to the Interior Department for the establishment of an Indian school on a larger scale. This school has now 158 pupils, selected from various tribes, and is in full operation. Arrangements are also made for the education of a number of Indian boys and girls belonging to tribes on the Pacific Slope in a similar manner, at Forest Grove, in Oregon. These institutions will commend themselves to the liberality of Congress and to the philanthropic munificence of the American people. Last spring information was received of the organization of an extensive movement in the Western States, the object of which was the occupation by unauthorized persons of certain lands in the Indian Territory ceded by the Cherokees to the Government for the purpose of settlement by other Indian tribes. On the 26th of April I issued a proclamation warning all persons against participation in such an attempt, and by the cooperation of a military force the invasion was promptly checked. It is my purpose to protect the rights of the Indian inhabitants of that Territory to the full extent of the executive power; but it would be unwise to ignore the fact that a territory so large and so 'fertile, with a population so sparse and with so great a wealth of unused resources, will be found more exposed to the repetition of such attempts as happened this year when the surrounding States are more densely settled and the westward movement of our population looks still more eagerly for fresh lands to occupy. Under such circumstances the difficulty of maintaining the Indian Territory in its present state will greatly increase, and the Indian tribes inhabiting it would do well to prepare for such a contingency. I therefore fully approve of the advice given to them by the Secretary of the Interior on a recent occasion, to divide among themselves in severalty as large a quantity of their lands as they can cultivate; to acquire individual title in fee instead of their present tribal ownership in common, and to consider in what manner the balance of their lands may be disposed of by the Government for their benefit. By adopting such a policy they would more certainly secure for themselves the value of their possessions, and at the same time promote their progress in civilization and prosperity, than by endeavoring to perpetuate the present state of things in the Territory. The question whether a change in the control of the Indian service should be made was in the Forty-fifth Congress referred to a joint committee of both Houses for inquiry and report. In my last annual message I expressed the hope that the decision of that question, then in prospect, would "arrest further agitation of this subject, such agitation being apt to produce a disturbing effect upon the service as well as on the Indians themselves." Since then, the committee having reported, the question has been decided in the negative by a vote in the House of Representatives. For the reasons here stated, and in view of the fact that further uncertainty on this point will be calculated to obstruct other much-needed legislation, to weaken the discipline of the service, and to unsettle salutary measures now in progress for the government and improvement of the Indians, I respectfully recommend that the decision arrived at by Congress at its last session be permitted to stand. The efforts made by the Department of the Interior to arrest the depredations on the timber lands of the United States have been continued, and have met with considerable success. A large number of cases of trespass have been prosecuted in the courts of the United States; others have been settled, the trespassers offering to make payment to the Government for the value of the timber taken by them. The proceeds of these prosecutions and settlements turned into the Treasury far exceed in amount the sums appropriated by Congress for this purpose. A more important result, however, consists in the fact that the destruction of our public forests by depredation, although such cases still occur, has been greatly reduced in extent, and it is probable that if the present policy is vigorously pursued and sufficient provision to that end is made by Congress such trespasses, at least those on a large scale, can be entirely suppressed, except in the Territories, where timber for the daily requirements of the population can not, under the present state of the law, be otherwise obtained. I therefore earnestly invite the attention of Congress to the recommendation made by the Secretary of the Interior, that a law be enacted enabling the Government to sell timber from the public lands without conveying the fee, where such lands are principally valuable for the timber thereon, such sales to be so regulated as to conform to domestic wants and business requirements, while at the same time guarding against a sweeping destruction of the forests. The enactment of such a law appears to become a more pressing necessity every day. My recommendations in former messages are renewed in favor of enlarging the facilities of the Department of Agriculture. Agriculture is the leading interest and the permanent industry of our people. It is to the abundance of agricultural production, as compared with our home consumption, and the largely increased and highly profitable market abroad which we have enjoyed in recent years, that we are mainly indebted for our present prosperity as a people. We must look for its continued maintenance to the same substantial resource. There is no branch of industry in which labor, directed by scientific knowledge, yields such increased production in comparison with unskilled labor, and no branch of the public service to which the encouragement of liberal appropriations can be more appropriately extended. The omission to render such aid is not a wise economy, but, on the contrary, undoubtedly results in losses of immense sums annually that might be saved through well-directed efforts by the Government to promote this vital interest. The results already accomplished with the very limited means heretofore placed at the command of the Department of Agriculture is an earnest of what may be expected with increased appropriations for the several purposes indicated in the report of the Commissioner, with a view to placing the Department upon a footing which will enable it to prosecute more effectively the objects for which it is established. Appropriations are needed for a more complete laboratory, for the establishment of a veterinary division and a division of forestry, and for an increase of force. The requirements for these and other purposes, indicated in the report of the Commissioner under the head of the immediate necessities of the Department, will not involve any expenditure of money that the country can not with propriety now undertake in the interests of agriculture. It is gratifying to learn from the Bureau of Education the extent to which educational privileges throughout the United States have been advanced during the year. No more fundamental responsibility rests upon Congress than that of devising appropriate measures of financial aid to education, supplemental to local action in the States and Territories and in the District of Columbia. The wise forethought of the founders of our Government has not only furnished the basis for the support of the common-school systems of the newer States, but laid the foundations for the maintenance of their universities and colleges of agriculture and the mechanic arts. Measures in accordance with this traditional policy, for the further benefit of all these interests and the extension of the same advantages to every portion of the country, it is hoped will receive your favorable consideration. To preserve and perpetuate the national literature should be among the foremost cares of the National Legislature. The library gathered at the Capitol still remains unprovided with any suitable accommodations for its rapidly increasing stores. The magnitude and importance of the collection, increased as it is by the deposits made under the law of copyright, by domestic and foreign exchanges, and by the scientific library of the Smithsonian Institution, call for building accommodations which shall be at once adequate and fireproof. The location of such a public building, which should provide for the pressing necessities of the present and for the vast increase of the nation's books in the future, is a matter which addresses itself to the discretion of Congress. It is earnestly recommended as a measure which should unite all suffrages and which should no longer be delayed. The joint commission created by the act of Congress of August 2, 1876, for the purpose of supervising and directing the completion of the Washington National Monument, of which commission the President is a member, has given careful attention to this subject, and already the strengthening of the foundation has so far progressed as to insure the entire success of this part of the work. A massive layer of masonry has been introduced below the original foundation, widening the base, increasing the stability of the structure, and rendering it possible to carry the shaft to completion. It is earnestly recommended that such further appropriations be made for the continued prosecution of the work as may be necessary for the completion of this national monument at an early day. In former messages, impressed with the importance of the subject, I have taken occasion to commend to Congress the adoption of a generous policy toward the District of Columbia. The report of the Commissioners of the District, herewith transmitted, contains suggestions and recommendations, to all of which I earnestly invite your careful attention. I ask your early and favorable consideration of the views which they express as to the urgent need of legislation for the reclamation of the marshes of the Potomac and its Eastern Branch within the limits of the city, and for the repair of the streets of the capital, heretofore laid with wooden blocks and now by decay rendered almost impassable and a source of imminent danger to the health of its citizens. The means at the disposal of the Commissioners are wholly inadequate for the accomplishment of these important works, and should be supplemented by timely appropriations from the Federal Treasury. The filling of the flats in front of the city will add to the adjacent lands and parks now owned by the United States a large and valuable domain, sufficient, it is thought, to reimburse its entire cost, and will also, as an incidental result, secure the permanent improvement of the river for the purposes of navigation. The Constitution having invested Congress with supreme and exclusive jurisdiction over the District of Columbia, its citizens must of necessity look to Congress alone for all needful legislation affecting their interests; and as the territory of this District is the common property of the people of the United States, who equally with its resident citizens are interested in the prosperity of their capital, I can not doubt that you will be amply sustained by the general voice of the country in any measures you may adopt for this purpose. I also invite the favorable consideration of Congress to the wants of the public schools of this District, as exhibited in the report of the Commissioners. While the number of pupils is rapidly increasing, no adequate provision exists for a corresponding increase of school accommodation, and the Commissioners are without the means to meet this urgent need. A number of the buildings now used for school purposes are rented, and are in important particulars unsuited for the purpose. The because of popular education in the District of Columbia is surely entitled to the same consideration at the hands of the National Government as in the several States and Territories, to which munificent grants of the public lands have been made for the endowment of schools and universities.
the members of the congress have assembled in their first regular session under circumstances calling for mutual congratulation and grateful acknowledgment to the giver of all good for the large and unusual measure of national prosperity which we now enjoy the most interesting events which have occurred in our public affairs since my last annual message to congress are connected with the financial operations of the government directly affecting the business interests of the country i congratulate congress on the successful execution of the resumption act at the time fixed and in the manner contemplated by law united states notes began to be redeemed in coin since the 1st of january last they have been promptly redeemed on presentation and in all business transactions public and private in all parts of the country they are received and paid out as the equivalent of coin the demand upon the treasury for gold and silver in exchange for united states notes has been comparatively small and the voluntary deposit of coin and bullion in exchange for notes has been very large the excess of the precious metals deposited or exchanged for united states notes over the amount of united states notes redeemed is about the resumption of specie payments has been followed by a very great revival of business with a currency equivalent in value to the money of the commercial world we are enabled to enter upon an equal competition with other nations in trade and production the increasing foreign demand for our manufactures and agricultural products has caused a large balance of trade in our favor which has been paid in gold from the 1st of july last to november 15 to the amount of about since the resumption of specie payments there has also been a marked and gratifying improvement of the public credit the bonds of the government bearing only 4 per cent interest have been sold at or above par sufficient in amount to pay off all of the national debt which was redeemable under present laws the amount of interest saved annually by the process of refunding the debt since march 1 1877 is the bonds sold were largely in small sums and the number of our citizens now holding the public securities is much greater than ever before the amount of the national debt which matures within less than two years is of which bear interest at the rate of 5 per cent and the balance is in bonds bearing 6 per cent interest it is believed that this part of the public debt can be refunded by the issue of 4 per cent bonds and by the reduction of interest which will thus be effected about can be annually saved to the treasury to secure this important reduction of interest to be paid by the united states further legislation is required which it is hoped will be provided by congress during its present session the coinage of gold by the mints of the united states during the last fiscal year was the coinage of silver dollars since the passage of the act for that purpose up to november 1 1879 was of which have been issued from the treasury and are now in circulation and are still in the possession of the government the pendency of the proposition for unity of action between the united states and the principal commercial nations of europe to effect a permanent system for the equality of gold and silver in the recognized money of the world leads me to recommend that congress refrain from new legislation on the general subject the great revival of trade internal and foreign will supply during the coming year its own instructions which may well be awaited before attempting further experimental measures with the coinage i would however strongly urge upon congress the importance of authorizing the secretary of the treasury to suspend the coinage of silver dollars upon the present legal ratio the market value of the silver dollar being uniformly and largely less than the market value of the gold dollar it is obviously impracticable to maintain them at par with each other if both are coined without limit if the cheaper coin is forced into circulation it will if coined without limit soon become the sole standard of value and thus defeat the desired object which is a currency of both gold and silver which shall be of equivalent value dollar for dollar with the universally recognized money of the world the retirement from circulation of united states notes with the capacity of legal tender in private contracts is a step to be taken in our progress toward a safe and stable currency which should be accepted as the policy and duty of the government and the interest and security of the people it is my firm conviction that the issue of paper money based wholly upon the authority and credit of the government except in extreme emergency is without warrant in the constitution and a violation of sound financial principles the issue of united states notes during the late civil war with the capacity of legal tender between private individuals was not authorized except as a means of rescuing the country from imminent peril the circulation of these notes as paper money for any protracted period of time after the accomplishment of this purpose was not contemplated by the framers of the law under which they were issued they anticipated the redemption and withdrawal of these notes at the earliest practicable period consistent with the attainment of the object for which they were provided the policy of the united states steadily adhered to from the adoption of the constitution has been to avoid the creation of a national debt and when from necessity in time of war debts have been created they have been paid off on the return of peace as rapidly as possible with this view and for this purpose it is recommended that the existing laws for the accumulation of a sinking fund sufficient to extinguish the public debt within a limited period be maintained if any change of the objects or rates of taxation is deemed necessary by congress it is suggested that experience has shown that a duty can be placed on tea and coffee which will not enhance the price of those articles to the consumer and which will add several millions of dollars annually to the treasury the continued deliberate violation by a large number of the prominent and influential citizens of the territory of utah of the laws of the united states for the prosecution and punishment of polygamy demands the attention of every department of the government this territory has a population sufficient to entitle it to admission as a state and the general interests of the nation as well as the welfare of the citizens of the territory require its advance from the territorial form of government to the responsibilities and privileges of a state this important change will not however be approved by the country while the citizens of utah in very considerable number uphold a practice which is condemned as a crime by the laws of all civilized communities throughout the world the law for the suppression of this offense was enacted with great unanimity by congress more than seventeen years ago but has remained until recently a dead letter in the territory of utah because of the peculiar difficulties attending its enforcement the opinion widely prevailed among the citizens of utah that the law was in contravention of the constitutional guaranty of religious freedom this objection is now removed the supreme court of the united states has decided the law to be within the legislative power of congress and binding as a rule of action for all who reside within the territories there is no longer any reason for delay or hesitation in its enforcement it should be firmly and effectively executed if not sufficiently stringent in its provisions it should be amended and in aid of the purpose in view i recommend that more comprehensive and more searching methods for preventing as well as punishing this crime be provided if necessary to secure obedience to the law the enjoyment and exercise of the rights and privileges of citizenship in the territories of the united states may be withheld or withdrawn from those who violate or oppose the enforcement of the law on this subject the elections of the past year though occupied only with state officers have not failed to elicit in the political discussions which attended them all over the country new and decisive evidence of the deep interest which the great body of citizens take in the progress of the country toward a more general and complete establishment at whatever cost of universal security and freedom in the exercise of the elective franchise while many topics of political concern demand great attention from our people both in the sphere of national and state authority i find no reason to qualify the opinion i expressed in my last annual message that no temporary or administrative interests of government however urgent or weighty will ever displace the zeal of our people in defense of the primary rights of citizenship and that the power of public opinion will override all political prejudices and all sectional and state attachments in demanding that all over our wide territory the name and character of citizen of the united states shall mean one and the same thing and carry with them unchallenged security and respect i earnestly appeal to the intelligence and patriotism of all good citizens of every part of the country however much they maybe divided in opinions on other political subjects to unite in compelling obedience to existing laws aimed at the protection of the right of suffrage i respectfully urge upon congress to supply any defects in these laws which experience has shown and which it is within its power to remedy i again invoke the cooperation of the executive and legislative authorities of the states in this great purpose i am fully convinced that if the public mind can be set at rest on this paramount question of popular rights no serious obstacle will thwart or delay the complete pacification of the country or retard the general diffusion of prosperity in a former message i invited the attention of congress to the subject of the reformation of the civil service of the government and expressed the intention of transmitting to congress as early as practicable a report upon this subject by the chairman of the civil service commission in view of the facts that during a considerable period the government of great britain has been dealing with administrative problems and abuses in various particulars analogous to those presented in this country and that in recent years the measures adopted were understood to have been effective and in every respect highly satisfactory i thought it desirable to have fuller information upon the subject and accordingly requested the chairman of the civil service commission to make a thorough investigation for this purpose the result has been an elaborate and comprehensive report the report sets forth the history of the partisan spoils system in great britain and of the rise and fall of the parliamentary patronage and of official interference with the freedom of elections it shows that after long trials of various kinds of examinations those which are competitive and open on equal terms to all and which are carried on under the superintendence of a single commission have with great advantage been established as conditions of admission to almost every official place in the subordinate administration of that country and of british india the completion of the report owing to the extent of the labor involved in its preparation and the omission of congress to make any provision either for the compensation or the expenses of the commission has been postponed until the present time it is herewith transmitted to congress while the reform measures of another government are of no authority for us they are entitled to influence to the extent to which their intrinsic wisdom and their adaptation to our institutions and social life may commend them to our consideration the views i have heretofore expressed concerning the defects and abuses in our civil administration remain unchanged except in so far as an enlarged experience has deepened my sense of the duty both of officers and of the people themselves to cooperate for their removal the grave evils and perils of a partisan spoils system of appointment to office and of office tenure are now generally recognized in the resolutions of the great parties in the reports of departments in the debates and proceedings of congress in the messages of executives the gravity of these evils has been pointed out and the need of their reform has been admitted to command the necessary support every measure of reform must be based on common right and justice and must be compatible with the healthy existence of great parties which are inevitable and essential in a free state when the people have approved a policy at a national election confidence on the part of the officers they have selected and of the advisers who in accordance with our political institutions should be consulted in the policy which it is their duty to carry into effect is indispensable it is eminently proper that they should explain it before the people as well as illustrate its spirit in the performance of their official duties very different considerations apply to the greater number of those who fill the subordinate places in the civil service their responsibility is to their superiors in official position it is their duty to obey the legal instructions of those upon whom that authority is devolved and their best public service consists in the discharge of their functions irrespective of partisan politics their duties are the same whatever party is in power and whatever policy prevails as a consequence it follows that their tenure of office should not depend on the prevalence of any policy or the supremacy of any party but should be determined by their capacity to serve the people most usefully quite irrespective of partisan interests the same considerations that should govern the tenure should also prevail in the appointment discipline and removal of these subordinates the authority of appointment and removal is not a perquisite which may be used to aid a friend or reward a partisan but is a trust to be exercised in the public interest under all the sanctions which attend the obligation to apply the public funds only for public purposes every citizen has an equal right to the honor and profit of entering the public service of his country the only just ground of discrimination is the measure of character and capacity he has to make that service most useful to the people except in cases where upon just and recognized principles as upon the theory of pensions offices and promotions are bestowed as rewards for past services their bestowal upon any theory which disregards personal merit is an act of injustice to the citizen as well as a breach of that trust subject to which the appointing power is held in the light of these principles it becomes of great importance to provide just and adequate means especially for every department and large administrative office where personal discrimination on the part of its head is not practicable for ascertaining those qualifications to which appointments and removals should have reference to fail to provide such means is not only to deny the opportunity of ascertaining the facts upon which the most righteous claim to office depends but of necessity to discourage all worthy aspirants by handing over appointments and removals to mere influence and favoritism if it is the right of the worthiest claimant to gain the appointment and the interest of the people to bestow it upon him it would seem clear that a wise and just method of ascertaining personal fitness for office must be an important and permanent function of every just and wise government it has long since become impossible in the great offices for those having the duty of nomination and appointment to personally examine into the individual qualifications of more than a small proportion of those seeking office and with the enlargement of the civil service that proportion must continue to become less in the earlier years of the government the subordinate offices were so few in number that it was quite easy for those making appointments and promotions to personally ascertain the merits of candidates party managers and methods had not then become powerful agencies of coercion hostile to the free and just exercise of the appointing power a large and responsible part of the duty of restoring the civil service to the desired purity and efficiency rests upon the president and it is my purpose to do what is within my power to advance such prudent and gradual measures of reform as will most surely and rapidly bring about that radical change of system essential to make our administrative methods satisfactory to a free and intelligent people by a proper exercise of authority it is in the power of the executive to do much to promote such a reform but it can not be too clearly understood that nothing adequate can be accomplished without cooperation on the part of congress and considerate and intelligent support among the people reforms which challenge the generally accepted theories of parties and demand changes in the methods of departments are not the work of a day their permanent foundations must be laid in sound principles and in an experience which demonstrates their wisdom and exposes the errors of their adversaries every worthy officer desires to make his official action a gain and an honor to his country but the people themselves far more than their officers in public station are interested in a pure economical and vigorous administration by laws enacted in 1853 and 1855 and now in substance incorporated in the revised statutes the practice of arbitrary appointments to the several subordinate grades in the great departments was condemned and examinations as to capacity to be conducted by departmental boards of examiners were provided for and made conditions of admission to the public service these statutes are a decision by congress that examinations of some sort as to attainments and capacity are essential to the of the public service the important questions since the enactment of these laws have been as to the character of these examinations and whether official favor and partisan influence or common right and merit were to control the access to the examinations in practice these examinations have not always been open to worthy persons generally who might wish to be examined official favoritism and partisan influence as a rule appear to have designated those who alone were permitted to go before the examining boards subjecting even the examiners to a pressure from the friends of the candidates very difficult to resist as a consequence the standard of admission fell below that which the public interest demanded it was also almost inevitable that a system which provided for various separate boards of examiners with no common supervision or uniform method of procedure should result in confusion inconsistency and inadequate tests of capacity highly detrimental to the public interest a further and more radical change was obviously required in the annual message of december 1870 my predecessor declared that there is no duty which so much embarrasses the executive and heads of departments as that of appointments nor is there any such arduous and thankless labor imposed on senators and representatives as that of finding places for constituents the present system does not secure the best men and often not even fit men for public place the elevation and purification of the civil service of the government will be hailed with approval by the whole people of the united states congress accordingly passed the act approved march 3 1871 to regulate the civil service of the united states and promote the efficiency thereof giving the necessary authority to the executive to inaugurate a reform acting under this statute which was interpreted as intended to secure a system of just and effectual examinations under uniform supervision a number of eminently competent persons were selected for the purpose who entered with zeal upon the discharge of their duties prepared with an intelligent appreciation of the requirements of the service the regulations contemplated and took charge of the examinations and who in their capacity as a board have been known as the civil service commission congress for two years appropriated the money needed for the compensation and for the expense of carrying on the work of the commission it appears from the report of the commission submitted to the president in april 1874 that examinations had been held in various sections of the country and that an appropriation of about would be required to meet the annual expenses including salaries involved in discharging the duties of the commission the report was transmitted to congress by special message of april 18 1874 with the following favorable comment upon the labors of the commission if sustained by congress i have no doubt the rules can after the experience gained be so improved and enforced as to still more materially benefit the public service and relieve the executive members of congress and the heads of departments from influences prejudicial to good administration the rules as they have hitherto been enforced have resulted beneficially as is shown by the opinions of the members of the cabinet and their subordinates in the departments and in that opinion i concur and in the annual message of december of the same year similar views are expressed and an appropriation for continuing the work of the commission again advised the appropriation was not made and as a consequence the active work of the commission was suspended leaving the commission itself still in existence without the means therefore of causing qualifications to be tested in any systematic manner or of securing for the public service the advantages of competition upon any extensive plan i recommended in my annual message of december 1877 the making of an appropriation for the resumption of the work of the commission in the meantime however competitive examinations under many embarrassments have been conducted within limited spheres in the executive departments in washington and in a number of the and of the principal cities of the country with a view to further test their effects and in every instance they have been found to be as salutary as they are stated to have been under the administration of my predecessor i think the economy purity and efficiency of the public service would be greatly promoted by their systematic introduction wherever practicable throughout the entire civil service of the government together with ample provision for their general supervision in order to secure consistency and uniform justice reports from the secretary of the interior from the from the postmaster in the city of new york where such examinations have been some time on trial and also from the collector of the port the naval officer and the surveyor in that city and from the postmasters and collectors in several of the other large cities show that the competitive system where applied has in various ways contributed to improve the public service the reports show that the results have been salutary in a marked degree and that the general application of similar rules can not fail to be of decided benefit to the service the reports of the government officers in the city of new york especially bear decided testimony to the utility of open competitive examinations in their respective offices showing that these examinations and the excellent qualifications of those admitted to the service through them have had a marked incidental effect upon the persons previously in the service and particularly upon those aspiring to promotion there has been on the part of these latter an increased interest in the work and a desire to extend acquaintance with it beyond the particular desk occupied and thus the morale of the entire force has been raised the examinations have been attended by many citizens who have had an opportunity to thoroughly investigate the scope and character of the tests and the method of determining the results and those visitors have without exception approved the methods employed and several of them have publicly attested their favorable opinion upon such considerations i deem it my duty to renew the recommendation contained in my annual message of december 1877 requesting congress to make the necessary appropriation for the resumption of the work of the civil service commission economy will be promoted by authorizing a moderate compensation to persons in the public service who may perform extra labor upon or under the commission as the executive may direct i am convinced that if a just and adequate test of merit is enforced for admission to the public service and in making promotions such abuses as removals without good because and partisan and official interference with the proper exercise of the appointing power will in large measure disappear there are other administrative abuses to which the attention of congress should be asked in this connection mere partisan appointments and the constant peril of removal without because very naturally lead to an absorbing and mischievous political activity on the part of those thus appointed which not only interferes with the due discharge of official duty but is incompatible with the freedom of elections not without warrant in the views of several of my predecessors in the presidential office and directly within the law of 1871 already cited i endeavored by regulation made on the 22d day of june 1877 to put some reasonable limits to such abuses it may not be easy and it may never perhaps be necessary to define with precision the proper limit of political action on the part of federal officers but while their right to hold and freely express their opinions can not be questioned it is very plain that they should neither be allowed to devote to other subjects the time needed for the proper discharge of their official duties nor to use the authority of their office to enforce their own opinions or to coerce the political action of those who hold different opinions reasons of justice and public policy quite analogous to those which forbid the use of official power for the oppression of the private citizen impose upon the government the duty of protecting its officers and agents from arbitrary exactions in whatever aspect considered the practice of making levies for party purposes upon the salaries of officers is highly demoralizing to the public service and discreditable to the country though an officer should be as free as any other citizen to give his own money in aid of his opinions or his party he should also be as free as any other citizen to refuse to make such gifts if salaries are but a fair compensation for the time and labor of the officer it is gross injustice to levy a tax upon them if they are made excessive in order that they may bear the tax the excess is an indirect robbery of the public funds i recommend therefore such a revision and extension of present statutes as shall secure to those in every grade of official life or public employment the protection with which a great and enlightened nation should guard those who are faithful in its service our relations with foreign countries have continued peaceful with great britain there are still unsettled questions growing out of the local laws of the maritime provinces and the action of provincial authorities deemed to be in derogation of rights secured by treaty to american fishermen the united states minister in london has been instructed to present a demand for in view of the damages received by american citizens at fortune bay on the 6th day of january 1878 the subject has been taken into consideration by the british government and an early reply is anticipated upon the completion of the necessary preliminary examinations the subject of our participation in the provincial fisheries as regulated by treaty will at once be brought to the attention of the british government with a view to an early and permanent settlement of the whole question which was only temporarily adjusted by the treaty of washington efforts have been made to obtain the removal of restrictions found injurious to the exportation of cattle to the united kingdom some correspondence has also occurred with regard to the rescue and saving of life and property upon the lakes which has resulted in important modifications of the previous regulations of the dominion government on the subject in the interest of humanity and commerce in accordance with the joint resolution of the last session of congress commissioners were appointed to represent the united states at the two international exhibitions in australia one of which is now in progress at sydney and the other to be held next year at melbourne a desire has been expressed by our merchants and manufacturers interested in the important and growing trade with australia that an increased provision should be made by congress for the representation of our industries at the melbourne exhibition of next year and the subject is respectfully submitted to your favorable consideration the assent of the government has been given to the landing on the coast of massachusetts of a new and independent transatlantic cable between france by way of the french island of pierre and this country subject to any future legislation of congress on the subject the conditions imposed before allowing this connection with our shores to be established are such as to secure its competition with any existing or future lines of marine cable and preclude amalgamation therewith to provide for entire equality of rights to our government and people with those of france in the use of the cable and prevent any exclusive possession of the privilege as accorded by france to the disadvantage of any future cable communication between france and the united states which may be projected and accomplished by our citizens an important reduction of the present rates of cable communication with europe felt to be too burdensome to the interests of our commerce must necessarily flow from the establishment of this competing line the attention of congress was drawn to the propriety of some general regulation by congress of the whole subject of transmarine cables by my predecessor in his message of december 7 1875 and i respectfully submit to your consideration the importance of congressional action in the matter the questions of grave importance with spain growing out of the incidents of the cuban insurrection have been for the most part happily and honorably settled it may reasonably be anticipated that the commission now sitting in washington for the decision of private cases in this connection will soon be able to bring its labors to a conclusion the question of east florida claims has lately been renewed as a subject of correspondence and may possibly require congressional action for its final disposition a treaty with the netherlands with respect to consular rights and privileges similar to those with other powers has been signed and ratified and the ratifications were exchanged on the 31st of july last negotiations for extradition treaties with the netherlands and with denmark are now in progress some questions with switzerland in regard to pauper and convict emigrants have arisen but it is not doubted that they will be arranged upon a just and satisfactory basis a question has also occurred with respect to an asserted claim by swiss municipal authorities to exercise tutelage over persons and property of swiss citizens naturalized in this country it is possible this may require adjustment by treaty with the german empire frequent questions arise in connection with the subjects of naturalization and expatriation but the imperial government has constantly manifested a desire to strictly maintain and comply with all treaty stipulations in regard to them in consequence of the omission of congress to provide for a diplomatic representative at athens the legation to greece has been withdrawn there is now no channel of diplomatic communication between the two countries and the expediency of providing for one in some form is submitted to congress relations with austria russia italy portugal turkey and belgium continue amicable and marked by no incident of especial importance a change of the personal head of the government of egypt has taken place no change however has occurred in the relations between egypt and the united states the action of the egyptian government in presenting to the city of new york one of the ancient obelisks which possess such historic interest is highly appreciated as a generous mark of international regard if prosperity should attend the enterprise of its transportation across the atlantic its erection in a conspicuous position in the chief commercial city of the nation will soon be accomplished the treaty recently made between japan and the united states in regard to the revision of former commercial treaties it is now believed will be followed by similar action on the part of other treaty powers the attention of congress is again invited to the subject of the indemnity funds received some years since from japan and china which with their accumulated interest now amount to considerable sums if any part of these funds is justly due to american citizens they should receive it promptly and whatever may have been received by this government in excess of strictly just demands should in some form be returned to the nations to whom it equitably belongs the government of china has signified its willingness to consider the question of the emigration of its subjects to the united states with a dispassionate fairness and to cooperate in such measures as may tend to prevent injurious consequences to the united states the negotiations are still proceeding and will be pressed with diligence a question having arisen between china and japan about the lew chew islands the united states government has taken measures to inform those powers of its readiness to extend its good offices for the maintenance of peace if they shall mutually deem it desirable and find it practicable to avail themselves of the proffer it is a gratification to be able to announce that through the judicious and energetic action of the military commanders of the two nations on each side of the rio grande under the instructions of their respective governments raids and depredations have greatly decreased and in the localities where formerly most destructive have now almost wholly ceased in view of this result i entertain a confident expectation that the prevalence of quiet on the border will soon become so assured as to justify a modification of the present orders to our military commanders as to crossing the border without encouraging such disturbances as would endanger the peace of the two countries the third installment of the award against mexico under the claims commission of july 4 1868 was duly paid and has been put in course of distribution in pursuance of the act of congress providing for the same this satisfactory situation between the two countries leads me to anticipate an expansion of our trade with mexico and an increased contribution of capital and industry by our people to the development of the great resources of that country i earnestly commend to the wisdom of congress the provision of suitable legislation looking to this result diplomatic intercourse with colombia is again fully restored by the arrival of a minister from that country to the united states this is especially fortunate in view of the fact that the question of an canal has recently assumed a new and important aspect and is now under discussion with the central american countries through whose territory the canal by the nicaragua route would have to pass it is trusted that enlightened statesmanship on their part will see that the early prosecution of such a work will largely inure to the benefit not only of their own citizens and those of the united states but of the commerce of the civilized world it is not doubted that should the work be undertaken under the protective auspices of the united states and upon satisfactory concessions for the right of way and its security by the central american governments the capital for its completion would be readily furnished from this country and europe which might failing such guaranties prove inaccessible diplomatic relations with chile have also been strengthened by the reception of a minister from that country the war between peru bolivia and chile still continues the united states have not deemed it proper to interpose in the matter further than to convey to all the governments concerned the assurance that the friendly offices of the government of the united states for the restoration of peace upon an honorable basis will be extended in case the belligerents shall exhibit a readiness to accept them cordial relations continue with brazil and the argentine republic and trade with those countries is improving a provision for regular and more frequent mail communication in our own ships between the ports of this country and the nations of south america seems to me to deserve the attention of congress as an essential precursor of an enlargement of our commerce with them and an extension of our carrying trade a recent revolution in venezuela has been followed by the establishment of a provisional government this government has not yet been formally recognized and it is deemed desirable to await the proposed action of the people which is expected to give it the sanction of constitutional forms a naval vessel has been sent to the samoan islands to make surveys and take possession of the privileges ceded to the united states by samoa in the harbor of a coaling station is to be established there which will be convenient and useful to united states vessels the subject of opening diplomatic relations with roumania and servia now become independent sovereignties is at present under consideration and is the subject of diplomatic correspondence there is a gratifying increase of trade with nearly all european and american countries and it is believed that with judicious action in regard to its development it can and will be still more enhanced and that american products and manufactures will find new and expanding markets the reports of diplomatic and consular officers upon this subject under the system now adopted have resulted in obtaining much valuable information which has been and will continue to be laid before congress and the public from time to time the third article of the treaty with russia of march 30 1867 by which alaska was ceded to the united states provides that the inhabitants of the ceded territory with the exception of the uncivilized native tribes shall be admitted to the enjoyment of all the rights of citizens of the united states and shall be maintained and protected in the free enjoyment of their liberty property and religion the uncivilized tribes are subject to such laws and regulations as the united states may from time to time adopt in regard to the aboriginal tribes of that country both the obligations of this treaty and the necessities of the people require that some organized form of government over the territory of alaska be adopted there appears to be no law for the arrest of persons charged with offenses such as assault robbery and murder and no magistrate authorized to issue or execute process in such cases serious difficulties have already arisen from offenses of this character not only among the original inhabitants but among citizens of the united states and other countries who have engaged in mining fishing and other business operations within the territory a bill authorizing the appointment of justices of the peace and constables and the arrest and detention of persons charged with criminal offenses and providing for an appeal to united states courts for the district of oregon in suitable cases will at a proper time be submitted to congress the attention of congress is called to the annual report of the secretary of the treasury on the condition of the public finances the ordinary revenues from all sources for the fiscal year ended june 30 1879 were the ordinary expenditures for the same period were leaving a surplus revenue for the year of the receipts for the present fiscal year ending june 30 1880 actual and estimated are as follows actual receipts for the first quarter commencing july 1 1879 estimated receipts for the remaining three quarters of the year total receipts for the current fiscal year actual and estimated the expenditures for the same period will be actual and estimated as follows for the quarter commencing july 1 1879 actual expenditures and for the remaining three quarters of the year the expenditures are estimated at making the total expenditures and leaving an estimated surplus revenue for the year ending june 30 1880 of the total receipts during the next fiscal year ending june 30 1881 estimated according to existing laws will be and the estimated ordinary expenditures for the same period will be leaving a surplus of for that year the large amount expended for arrears of pensions during the last and the present fiscal year amounting to has prevented the application of the full amount required by law to the sinking fund for the current year but these arrears having been substantially paid it is believed that the sinking fund can hereafter be maintained without any change of existing law the secretary of war reports that the war department estimates for the fiscal year ending june 30 1881 are the same being for a less sum of money than any annual estimate rendered to congress from that department during a period of at least twelve years he concurs with the general of the army in recommending such legislation as will authorize the enlistment of the full number of men for the line of the army exclusive of the men required for detached duty and therefore not available for service in the field he also recommends that congress be asked to provide by law for the disposition of a large number of abandoned military posts and reservations which though very valuable in themselves have been rendered useless for military purposes by the advance of civilization and settlement he unites with the in recommending that an appropriation be made for the construction of a cheap and perfectly fireproof building for the safe storage of a vast amount of money accounts vouchers claims and other valuable records now in the office and exposed to great risk of total destruction by fire he also recommends in conformity with the views of the some declaratory legislation in reference to the military statute of limitations as applied to the crime of desertion in these several recommendations i concur the secretary of war further reports that the work for the improvement of the south pass of the mississippi river under contract with james eads made in pursuance of an act of congress has been prosecuted during the past year with a greater measure of success in the attainment of results than during any previous year the channel through the south pass which at the beginning of operations in june 1875 had a depth of only 7 feet of water had on the 8th of july 1879 a minimum depth of 26 feet having a width of not less than 200 feet and a central depth of 30 feet payments have been made in accordance with the statute as the work progressed amounting in the aggregate to and further payments will become due as provided by the statute in the event of success in maintaining the channel now secured the reports of the general of the army and of his subordinates present a full and detailed account of the military operations for the suppression of hostilities among the indians of the ute and apache tribes and praise is justly awarded to the officers and troops engaged for promptness skill and courage displayed the past year has been one of almost unbroken peace and quiet on the mexican frontier and there is reason to believe that the efforts of this government and of mexico to maintain order in that region will prove permanently successful this department was enabled during the past year to find temporary though crowded accommodations and a safe depository for a portion of its records in the completed east wing of the building designed for the state war and navy departments the construction of the north wing of the building a part of the structure intended for the use of the war department is being carried forward with all possible dispatch and the work should receive from congress such liberal appropriations as will secure its speedy completion the report of the secretary of the navy shows continued improvement in that branch of the service during the last fiscal year extensive repairs have been made upon vessels and two new ships have been completed and made ready for sea the total expenditures of the year ended june 30 1879 including specific appropriations not estimated for by the department were the expenses chargeable to the year after deducting the amount of these specific appropriations were but this is subject to a reduction of that amount having been drawn upon warrants but not paid out during the year the amount of appropriations applicable to the last fiscal year was there was therefore a balance of remaining unexpended and to the credit of the department on june 30 1879 the estimates for the fiscal year ending june 30 1881 are which exceeds the appropriations for the present fiscal year the reason for this increase is explained in the secretary report the appropriations available for the present fiscal year are which will in the opinion of the secretary answer all the ordinary demands of the service the amount drawn from the treasury from july 1 to november 1 1879 was of which has been refunded leaving as the expenditure for that period if the expenditures of the remaining of the year do not exceed the proportion for these four months there will remain unexpended at the end of the year of the current appropriations the report of the secretary shows the gratifying fact that among all the disbursing officers of the pay corps of the navy there is not one who is a defaulter to the extent of a single dollar i unite with him in recommending the removal of the observatory to a more healthful location that institution reflects credit upon the nation and has obtained the approbation of scientific men in all parts of the world its removal from its present location would not only be conducive to the health of its officers and professors but would greatly increase its usefulness the appropriation for judicial expenses which has heretofore been made for the department of justice in gross was subdivided at the last session of congress and no appropriation whatever was made for the payment of the fees of marshals and their deputies either in the service of process or for the discharge of other duties and since june 30 these officers have continued the performance of their duties without compensation from the government taking upon themselves the necessary incidental outlays as well as rendering their own services in only a few unavoidable instances has the proper execution of the process of the united states failed by reason of the absence of the requisite appropriation this course of official conduct on the part of these officers highly creditable to their fidelity was advised by the who informed them however that they would necessarily have to rely for their compensation upon the prospect of future legislation by congress i therefore especially recommend that immediate appropriation be made by congress for this purpose the act making the principal appropriation for the department of justice at previous sessions has uniformly contained the following clause and for defraying the expenses which my be incurred in the enforcement of the act approved february 28 1871 entitled an act to amend an act approved may 31 1870 entitled act to enforce the rights of citizens of the united states to vote in the several states of this union and for other purposes or any acts amendatory thereof or supplementary thereto no appropriation was made for this purpose for the current year as no general election for members of congress occurred the omission was a matter of little practical importance such election will however take place during the ensuing year and the appropriation made for the pay of marshals and deputies should be sufficient to embrace compensation for the services they may be required to perform at such elections the business of the supreme court is at present largely in arrears it can not be expected that more causes can be decided than are now disposed of in its annual session or that by any assiduity the distinguished magistrates who compose the court can accomplish more than is now done in the courts of many of the circuits also the business has increased to such an extent that the delay of justice will call the attention of congress to an appropriate remedy it is believed that all is done in each circuit which can fairly be expected from its judicial force the evils arising from delay are less heavily felt by the united states than by private suitors as its causes are advanced by the courts when it is seen that they involve the discussion of questions of a public character the remedy suggested by the is the appointment of additional circuit judges and the creation of an intermediate court of errors and appeals which shall relieve the supreme court of a part of its jurisdiction while a larger force is also obtained for the performance of circuit duties i commend this suggestion to the consideration of congress it would seem to afford a complete remedy and would involve if ten additional circuit judges are appointed an expenditure at the present rate of salaries of not more than a year which would certainly be small in comparison with the objects to be attained the report of the bears testimony to the general revival of business throughout the country the receipts of the department for the fiscal year ended june 30 1879 were being more than the revenues of the preceding year the amount realized from the sale of postage stamps stamped envelopes and postal cards was more than in the preceding year and more than in 1877 the expenditures of the department were of which the sum of was paid on liabilities incurred in preceding years the expenditures during the year were less than in the preceding year this reduction is to be attributed mainly to the operation of the law passed june 17 1878 changing the compensation of postmasters from a commission on the value of stamps sold to a commission on stamps canceled the amount drawn from the treasury on appropriations in addition to the revenues of the department was being less than in the preceding year the expenditures for the fiscal year ending june 30 1881 are estimated at and the receipts from all sources at leaving a deficiency to be appropriated for out of the treasury of the relations of the department with railroad companies have been harmonized notwithstanding the general reduction by congress of their compensation by the appropriation for special facilities and the railway lines have been greatly extended especially in the southern states the interests of the railway mail service and of the public would be greatly promoted and the expenditures could be more readily controlled by the classification of the employees of the railway mail service as recommended by the the appropriation for salaries with respect to which the maximum limit is already fixed by law to be made in gross the recommends an amendment of the law regulating the increase of compensation for increased service and increased speed on star routes so as to enable him to advertise for proposals for such increased service and speed he also suggests the advantages to accrue to the commerce of the country from the enactment of a general law authorizing contracts with steamers carrying the american flag for transporting the mail between ports of the united states and ports of the west indies and south america at a fixed maximum price per mile the amount to be expended being regulated by annual appropriations in like manner with the amount paid for the domestic star service the arrangement made by the and the secretary of the treasury for the collection of duty upon books received in the mail from foreign countries has proved so satisfactory in its practical operation that the recommendation is now made that congress shall extend the provisions of the act of march 3 1879 under which this arrangement was made so as to apply to all other dutiable articles received in the mails from foreign countries the reports of the secretary of the interior and of the commissioner of indian affairs setting forth the present state of our relations with the indian tribes on our territory the measures taken to advance their civilization and prosperity and the progress already achieved by them will be found of more than ordinary interest the general conduct of our indian population has been so satisfactory that the occurrence of two disturbances which resulted in bloodshed and destruction of property is all the more to be lamented the history of the outbreak on the white river ute reservation in western colorado has become so familiar by elaborate reports in the public press that its remarkable incidents need not be stated here in detail it is expected that the settlement of this difficulty will lead to such arrangements as will prevent further hostile contact between the indians and the border settlements in western colorado the other disturbance occurred at the mescalero agency in new mexico where victoria at the head of a small band of marauders after committing many atrocities being vigorously chased by a military force made his way across the mexican border and is now on foreign soil while these occurrences in which a comparatively small number of indians were engaged are most deplorable a vast majority of our indian population have fully justified the expectations of those who believe that by humane and peaceful influences the indian can be led to abandon the habits of savage life and to develop a capacity for useful and civilized occupations what they have already accomplished in the pursuit of agricultural and mechanical work the remarkable success which has attended the experiment of employing as freighters a class of indians hitherto counted among the wildest and most intractable and the general and urgent desire expressed by them for the education of their children may be taken as sufficient proof that they will be found capable of accomplishing much more if they continue to be wisely and fairly guided the indian policy sketched in the report of the secretary of the interior the object of which is to make liberal provision for the education of indian youth to settle the indians upon farm lots in severalty to give them title in fee to their farms inalienable for a certain number of years and when their wants are thus provided for to dispose by sale of the lands on their reservations not occupied and used by them a fund to be formed out of the proceeds for the benefit of the indians which will gradually relieve the government of the expenses now provided for by annual appropriations must commend itself as just and beneficial to the indians and as also calculated to remove those obstructions which the existence of large reservations presents to the settlement and development of the country i therefore earnestly recommend the enactment of a law enabling the government to give indians a title in fee inalienable for years to the farm lands assigned to them by allotment i also repeat the recommendation made in my first annual message that a law be passed admitting indians who can give satisfactory proof of having by their own labor supported their families for a number of years and who are willing to detach themselves from their tribal relations to the benefit of the homestead act and to grant them patents containing the same provision of inalienability for a certain period the experiment of sending a number of indian children of both sexes to the hampton normal and agricultural institute in virginia to receive an elementary english education and practical instruction in farming and other useful industries has led to results so promising that it was thought expedient to turn over the cavalry barracks at carlisle in pennsylvania to the interior department for the establishment of an indian school on a larger scale this school has now 158 pupils selected from various tribes and is in full operation arrangements are also made for the education of a number of indian boys and girls belonging to tribes on the pacific slope in a similar manner at forest grove in oregon these institutions will commend themselves to the liberality of congress and to the philanthropic munificence of the american people last spring information was received of the organization of an extensive movement in the western states the object of which was the occupation by unauthorized persons of certain lands in the indian territory ceded by the cherokees to the government for the purpose of settlement by other indian tribes on the 26th of april i issued a proclamation warning all persons against participation in such an attempt and by the cooperation of a military force the invasion was promptly checked it is my purpose to protect the rights of the indian inhabitants of that territory to the full extent of the executive power but it would be unwise to ignore the fact that a territory so large and so with a population so sparse and with so great a wealth of unused resources will be found more exposed to the repetition of such attempts as happened this year when the surrounding states are more densely settled and the westward movement of our population looks still more eagerly for fresh lands to occupy under such circumstances the difficulty of maintaining the indian territory in its present state will greatly increase and the indian tribes inhabiting it would do well to prepare for such a contingency i therefore fully approve of the advice given to them by the secretary of the interior on a recent occasion to divide among themselves in severalty as large a quantity of their lands as they can cultivate to acquire individual title in fee instead of their present tribal ownership in common and to consider in what manner the balance of their lands may be disposed of by the government for their benefit by adopting such a policy they would more certainly secure for themselves the value of their possessions and at the same time promote their progress in civilization and prosperity than by endeavoring to perpetuate the present state of things in the territory the question whether a change in the control of the indian service should be made was in the congress referred to a joint committee of both houses for inquiry and report in my last annual message i expressed the hope that the decision of that question then in prospect would arrest further agitation of this subject such agitation being apt to produce a disturbing effect upon the service as well as on the indians themselves since then the committee having reported the question has been decided in the negative by a vote in the house of representatives for the reasons here stated and in view of the fact that further uncertainty on this point will be calculated to obstruct other legislation to weaken the discipline of the service and to unsettle salutary measures now in progress for the government and improvement of the indians i respectfully recommend that the decision arrived at by congress at its last session be permitted to stand the efforts made by the department of the interior to arrest the depredations on the timber lands of the united states have been continued and have met with considerable success a large number of cases of trespass have been prosecuted in the courts of the united states others have been settled the trespassers offering to make payment to the government for the value of the timber taken by them the proceeds of these prosecutions and settlements turned into the treasury far exceed in amount the sums appropriated by congress for this purpose a more important result however consists in the fact that the destruction of our public forests by depredation although such cases still occur has been greatly reduced in extent and it is probable that if the present policy is vigorously pursued and sufficient provision to that end is made by congress such trespasses at least those on a large scale can be entirely suppressed except in the territories where timber for the daily requirements of the population can not under the present state of the law be otherwise obtained i therefore earnestly invite the attention of congress to the recommendation made by the secretary of the interior that a law be enacted enabling the government to sell timber from the public lands without conveying the fee where such lands are principally valuable for the timber thereon such sales to be so regulated as to conform to domestic wants and business requirements while at the same time guarding against a sweeping destruction of the forests the enactment of such a law appears to become a more pressing necessity every day my recommendations in former messages are renewed in favor of enlarging the facilities of the department of agriculture agriculture is the leading interest and the permanent industry of our people it is to the abundance of agricultural production as compared with our home consumption and the largely increased and highly profitable market abroad which we have enjoyed in recent years that we are mainly indebted for our present prosperity as a people we must look for its continued maintenance to the same substantial resource there is no branch of industry in which labor directed by scientific knowledge yields such increased production in comparison with unskilled labor and no branch of the public service to which the encouragement of liberal appropriations can be more appropriately extended the omission to render such aid is not a wise economy but on the contrary undoubtedly results in losses of immense sums annually that might be saved through efforts by the government to promote this vital interest the results already accomplished with the very limited means heretofore placed at the command of the department of agriculture is an earnest of what may be expected with increased appropriations for the several purposes indicated in the report of the commissioner with a view to placing the department upon a footing which will enable it to prosecute more effectively the objects for which it is established appropriations are needed for a more complete laboratory for the establishment of a veterinary division and a division of forestry and for an increase of force the requirements for these and other purposes indicated in the report of the commissioner under the head of the immediate necessities of the department will not involve any expenditure of money that the country can not with propriety now undertake in the interests of agriculture it is gratifying to learn from the bureau of education the extent to which educational privileges throughout the united states have been advanced during the year no more fundamental responsibility rests upon congress than that of devising appropriate measures of financial aid to education supplemental to local action in the states and territories and in the district of columbia the wise forethought of the founders of our government has not only furnished the basis for the support of the systems of the newer states but laid the foundations for the maintenance of their universities and colleges of agriculture and the mechanic arts measures in accordance with this traditional policy for the further benefit of all these interests and the extension of the same advantages to every portion of the country it is hoped will receive your favorable consideration to preserve and perpetuate the national literature should be among the foremost cares of the national legislature the library gathered at the capitol still remains unprovided with any suitable accommodations for its rapidly increasing stores the magnitude and importance of the collection increased as it is by the deposits made under the law of copyright by domestic and foreign exchanges and by the scientific library of the smithsonian institution call for building accommodations which shall be at once adequate and fireproof the location of such a public building which should provide for the pressing necessities of the present and for the vast increase of the nation books in the future is a matter which addresses itself to the discretion of congress it is earnestly recommended as a measure which should unite all suffrages and which should no longer be delayed the joint commission created by the act of congress of august 2 1876 for the purpose of supervising and directing the completion of the washington national monument of which commission the president is a member has given careful attention to this subject and already the strengthening of the foundation has so far progressed as to insure the entire success of this part of the work a massive layer of masonry has been introduced below the original foundation widening the base increasing the stability of the structure and rendering it possible to carry the shaft to completion it is earnestly recommended that such further appropriations be made for the continued prosecution of the work as may be necessary for the completion of this national monument at an early day in former messages impressed with the importance of the subject i have taken occasion to commend to congress the adoption of a generous policy toward the district of columbia the report of the commissioners of the district herewith transmitted contains suggestions and recommendations to all of which i earnestly invite your careful attention i ask your early and favorable consideration of the views which they express as to the urgent need of legislation for the reclamation of the marshes of the potomac and its eastern branch within the limits of the city and for the repair of the streets of the capital heretofore laid with wooden blocks and now by decay rendered almost impassable and a source of imminent danger to the health of its citizens the means at the disposal of the commissioners are wholly inadequate for the accomplishment of these important works and should be supplemented by timely appropriations from the federal treasury the filling of the flats in front of the city will add to the adjacent lands and parks now owned by the united states a large and valuable domain sufficient it is thought to reimburse its entire cost and will also as an incidental result secure the permanent improvement of the river for the purposes of navigation the constitution having invested congress with supreme and exclusive jurisdiction over the district of columbia its citizens must of necessity look to congress alone for all needful legislation affecting their interests and as the territory of this district is the common property of the people of the united states who equally with its resident citizens are interested in the prosperity of their capital i can not doubt that you will be amply sustained by the general voice of the country in any measures you may adopt for this purpose i also invite the favorable consideration of congress to the wants of the public schools of this district as exhibited in the report of the commissioners while the number of pupils is rapidly increasing no adequate provision exists for a corresponding increase of school accommodation and the commissioners are without the means to meet this urgent need a number of the buildings now used for school purposes are rented and are in important particulars unsuited for the purpose the because of popular education in the district of columbia is surely entitled to the same consideration at the hands of the national government as in the several states and territories to which munificent grants of the public lands have been made for the endowment of schools and universities
members congress assembled first regular session circumstances calling mutual congratulation grateful acknowledgment giver good large unusual measure national prosperity enjoy interesting events occurred public affairs since last annual message congress connected financial operations government directly affecting business interests country congratulate congress successful execution resumption act time fixed manner contemplated law united states notes began redeemed coin since 1st january last promptly redeemed presentation business transactions public private parts country received paid equivalent coin demand upon treasury gold silver exchange united states notes comparatively small voluntary deposit coin bullion exchange notes large excess precious metals deposited exchanged united states notes amount united states notes redeemed resumption specie payments followed great revival business currency equivalent value money commercial world enabled enter upon equal competition nations trade production increasing foreign demand manufactures agricultural products caused large balance trade favor paid gold 1st july last november 15 amount since resumption specie payments also marked gratifying improvement public credit bonds government bearing 4 per cent interest sold par sufficient amount pay national debt redeemable present laws amount interest saved annually process refunding debt since march 1 1877 bonds sold largely small sums number citizens holding public securities much greater ever amount national debt matures within less two years bear interest rate 5 per cent balance bonds bearing 6 per cent interest believed part public debt refunded issue 4 per cent bonds reduction interest thus effected annually saved treasury secure important reduction interest paid united states legislation required hoped provided congress present session coinage gold mints united states last fiscal year coinage silver dollars since passage act purpose november 1 1879 issued treasury circulation still possession government pendency proposition unity action united states principal commercial nations europe effect permanent system equality gold silver recognized money world leads recommend congress refrain new legislation general subject great revival trade internal foreign supply coming year instructions may well awaited attempting experimental measures coinage would however strongly urge upon congress importance authorizing secretary treasury suspend coinage silver dollars upon present legal ratio market value silver dollar uniformly largely less market value gold dollar obviously impracticable maintain par coined without limit cheaper coin forced circulation coined without limit soon become sole standard value thus defeat desired object currency gold silver shall equivalent value dollar dollar universally recognized money world retirement circulation united states notes capacity legal tender private contracts step taken progress toward safe stable currency accepted policy duty government interest security people firm conviction issue paper money based wholly upon authority credit government except extreme emergency without warrant constitution violation sound financial principles issue united states notes late civil war capacity legal tender private individuals authorized except means rescuing country imminent peril circulation notes paper money protracted period time accomplishment purpose contemplated framers law issued anticipated redemption withdrawal notes earliest practicable period consistent attainment object provided policy united states steadily adhered adoption constitution avoid creation national debt necessity time war debts created paid return peace rapidly possible view purpose recommended existing laws accumulation sinking fund sufficient extinguish public debt within limited period maintained change objects rates taxation deemed necessary congress suggested experience shown duty placed tea coffee enhance price articles consumer add several millions dollars annually treasury continued deliberate violation large number prominent influential citizens territory utah laws united states prosecution punishment polygamy demands attention every department government territory population sufficient entitle admission state general interests nation well welfare citizens territory require advance territorial form government responsibilities privileges state important change however approved country citizens utah considerable number uphold practice condemned crime laws civilized communities throughout world law suppression offense enacted great unanimity congress seventeen years ago remained recently dead letter territory utah peculiar difficulties attending enforcement opinion widely prevailed among citizens utah law contravention constitutional guaranty religious freedom objection removed supreme court united states decided law within legislative power congress binding rule action reside within territories longer reason delay hesitation enforcement firmly effectively executed sufficiently stringent provisions amended aid purpose view recommend comprehensive searching methods preventing well punishing crime provided necessary secure obedience law enjoyment exercise rights privileges citizenship territories united states may withheld withdrawn violate oppose enforcement law subject elections past year though occupied state officers failed elicit political discussions attended country new decisive evidence deep interest great body citizens take progress country toward general complete establishment whatever cost universal security freedom exercise elective franchise many topics political concern demand great attention people sphere national state authority find reason qualify opinion expressed last annual message temporary administrative interests government however urgent weighty ever displace zeal people defense primary rights citizenship power public opinion override political prejudices sectional state attachments demanding wide territory name character citizen united states shall mean one thing carry unchallenged security respect earnestly appeal intelligence patriotism good citizens every part country however much maybe divided opinions political subjects unite compelling obedience existing laws aimed protection right suffrage respectfully urge upon congress supply defects laws experience shown within power remedy invoke cooperation executive legislative authorities states great purpose fully convinced public mind set rest paramount question popular rights serious obstacle thwart delay complete pacification country retard general diffusion prosperity former message invited attention congress subject reformation civil service government expressed intention transmitting congress early practicable report upon subject chairman civil service commission view facts considerable period government great britain dealing administrative problems abuses various particulars analogous presented country recent years measures adopted understood effective every respect highly satisfactory thought desirable fuller information upon subject accordingly requested chairman civil service commission make thorough investigation purpose result elaborate comprehensive report report sets forth history partisan spoils system great britain rise fall parliamentary patronage official interference freedom elections shows long trials various kinds examinations competitive open equal terms carried superintendence single commission great advantage established conditions admission almost every official place subordinate administration country british india completion report owing extent labor involved preparation omission congress make provision either compensation expenses commission postponed present time herewith transmitted congress reform measures another government authority us entitled influence extent intrinsic wisdom adaptation institutions social life may commend consideration views heretofore expressed concerning defects abuses civil administration remain unchanged except far enlarged experience deepened sense duty officers people cooperate removal grave evils perils partisan spoils system appointment office office tenure generally recognized resolutions great parties reports departments debates proceedings congress messages executives gravity evils pointed need reform admitted command necessary support every measure reform must based common right justice must compatible healthy existence great parties inevitable essential free state people approved policy national election confidence part officers selected advisers accordance political institutions consulted policy duty carry effect indispensable eminently proper explain people well illustrate spirit performance official duties different considerations apply greater number fill subordinate places civil service responsibility superiors official position duty obey legal instructions upon authority devolved best public service consists discharge functions irrespective partisan politics duties whatever party power whatever policy prevails consequence follows tenure office depend prevalence policy supremacy party determined capacity serve people usefully quite irrespective partisan interests considerations govern tenure also prevail appointment discipline removal subordinates authority appointment removal perquisite may used aid friend reward partisan trust exercised public interest sanctions attend obligation apply public funds public purposes every citizen equal right honor profit entering public service country ground discrimination measure character capacity make service useful people except cases upon recognized principles upon theory pensions offices promotions bestowed rewards past services bestowal upon theory disregards personal merit act injustice citizen well breach trust subject appointing power held light principles becomes great importance provide adequate means especially every department large administrative office personal discrimination part head practicable ascertaining qualifications appointments removals reference fail provide means deny opportunity ascertaining facts upon righteous claim office depends necessity discourage worthy aspirants handing appointments removals mere influence favoritism right worthiest claimant gain appointment interest people bestow upon would seem clear wise method ascertaining personal fitness office must important permanent function every wise government long since become impossible great offices duty nomination appointment personally examine individual qualifications small proportion seeking office enlargement civil service proportion must continue become less earlier years government subordinate offices number quite easy making appointments promotions personally ascertain merits candidates party managers methods become powerful agencies coercion hostile free exercise appointing power large responsible part duty restoring civil service desired purity efficiency rests upon president purpose within power advance prudent gradual measures reform surely rapidly bring radical change system essential make administrative methods satisfactory free intelligent people proper exercise authority power executive much promote reform clearly understood nothing adequate accomplished without cooperation part congress considerate intelligent support among people reforms challenge generally accepted theories parties demand changes methods departments work day permanent foundations must laid sound principles experience demonstrates wisdom exposes errors adversaries every worthy officer desires make official action gain honor country people far officers public station interested pure economical vigorous administration laws enacted 1853 1855 substance incorporated revised statutes practice arbitrary appointments several subordinate grades great departments condemned examinations capacity conducted departmental boards examiners provided made conditions admission public service statutes decision congress examinations sort attainments capacity essential public service important questions since enactment laws character examinations whether official favor partisan influence common right merit control access examinations practice examinations always open worthy persons generally might wish examined official favoritism partisan influence rule appear designated alone permitted go examining boards subjecting even examiners pressure friends candidates difficult resist consequence standard admission fell public interest demanded also almost inevitable system provided various separate boards examiners common supervision uniform method procedure result confusion inconsistency inadequate tests capacity highly detrimental public interest radical change obviously required annual message december 1870 predecessor declared duty much embarrasses executive heads departments appointments arduous thankless labor imposed senators representatives finding places constituents present system secure best men often even fit men public place elevation purification civil service government hailed approval whole people united states congress accordingly passed act approved march 3 1871 regulate civil service united states promote efficiency thereof giving necessary authority executive inaugurate reform acting statute interpreted intended secure system effectual examinations uniform supervision number eminently competent persons selected purpose entered zeal upon discharge duties prepared intelligent appreciation requirements service regulations contemplated took charge examinations capacity board known civil service commission congress two years appropriated money needed compensation expense carrying work commission appears report commission submitted president april 1874 examinations held various sections country appropriation would required meet annual expenses including salaries involved discharging duties commission report transmitted congress special message april 18 1874 following favorable comment upon labors commission sustained congress doubt rules experience gained improved enforced still materially benefit public service relieve executive members congress heads departments influences prejudicial good administration rules hitherto enforced resulted beneficially shown opinions members cabinet subordinates departments opinion concur annual message december year similar views expressed appropriation continuing work commission advised appropriation made consequence active work commission suspended leaving commission still existence without means therefore causing qualifications tested systematic manner securing public service advantages competition upon extensive plan recommended annual message december 1877 making appropriation resumption work commission meantime however competitive examinations many embarrassments conducted within limited spheres executive departments washington number principal cities country view test effects every instance found salutary stated administration predecessor think economy purity efficiency public service would greatly promoted systematic introduction wherever practicable throughout entire civil service government together ample provision general supervision order secure consistency uniform justice reports secretary interior postmaster city new york examinations time trial also collector port naval officer surveyor city postmasters collectors several large cities show competitive system applied various ways contributed improve public service reports show results salutary marked degree general application similar rules fail decided benefit service reports government officers city new york especially bear decided testimony utility open competitive examinations respective offices showing examinations excellent qualifications admitted service marked incidental effect upon persons previously service particularly upon aspiring promotion part latter increased interest work desire extend acquaintance beyond particular desk occupied thus morale entire force raised examinations attended many citizens opportunity thoroughly investigate scope character tests method determining results visitors without exception approved methods employed several publicly attested favorable opinion upon considerations deem duty renew recommendation contained annual message december 1877 requesting congress make necessary appropriation resumption work civil service commission economy promoted authorizing moderate compensation persons public service may perform extra labor upon commission executive may direct convinced adequate test merit enforced admission public service making promotions abuses removals without good partisan official interference proper exercise appointing power large measure disappear administrative abuses attention congress asked connection mere partisan appointments constant peril removal without naturally lead absorbing mischievous political activity part thus appointed interferes due discharge official duty incompatible freedom elections without warrant views several predecessors presidential office directly within law 1871 already cited endeavored regulation made 22d day june 1877 put reasonable limits abuses may easy may never perhaps necessary define precision proper limit political action part federal officers right hold freely express opinions questioned plain neither allowed devote subjects time needed proper discharge official duties use authority office enforce opinions coerce political action hold different opinions reasons justice public policy quite analogous forbid use official power oppression private citizen impose upon government duty protecting officers agents arbitrary exactions whatever aspect considered practice making levies party purposes upon salaries officers highly demoralizing public service discreditable country though officer free citizen give money aid opinions party also free citizen refuse make gifts salaries fair compensation time labor officer gross injustice levy tax upon made excessive order may bear tax excess indirect robbery public funds recommend therefore revision extension present statutes shall secure every grade official life public employment protection great enlightened nation guard faithful service relations foreign countries continued peaceful great britain still unsettled questions growing local laws maritime provinces action provincial authorities deemed derogation rights secured treaty american fishermen united states minister london instructed present demand view damages received american citizens fortune bay 6th day january 1878 subject taken consideration british government early reply anticipated upon completion necessary preliminary examinations subject participation provincial fisheries regulated treaty brought attention british government view early permanent settlement whole question temporarily adjusted treaty washington efforts made obtain removal restrictions found injurious exportation cattle united kingdom correspondence also occurred regard rescue saving life property upon lakes resulted important modifications previous regulations dominion government subject interest humanity commerce accordance joint resolution last session congress commissioners appointed represent united states two international exhibitions australia one progress sydney held next year melbourne desire expressed merchants manufacturers interested important growing trade australia increased provision made congress representation industries melbourne exhibition next year subject respectfully submitted favorable consideration assent government given landing coast massachusetts new independent transatlantic cable france way french island pierre country subject future legislation congress subject conditions imposed allowing connection shores established secure competition existing future lines marine cable preclude amalgamation therewith provide entire equality rights government people france use cable prevent exclusive possession privilege accorded france disadvantage future cable communication france united states may projected accomplished citizens important reduction present rates cable communication europe felt burdensome interests commerce must necessarily flow establishment competing line attention congress drawn propriety general regulation congress whole subject transmarine cables predecessor message december 7 1875 respectfully submit consideration importance congressional action matter questions grave importance spain growing incidents cuban insurrection part happily honorably settled may reasonably anticipated commission sitting washington decision private cases connection soon able bring labors conclusion question east florida claims lately renewed subject correspondence may possibly require congressional action final disposition treaty netherlands respect consular rights privileges similar powers signed ratified ratifications exchanged 31st july last negotiations extradition treaties netherlands denmark progress questions switzerland regard pauper convict emigrants arisen doubted arranged upon satisfactory basis question also occurred respect asserted claim swiss municipal authorities exercise tutelage persons property swiss citizens naturalized country possible may require adjustment treaty german empire frequent questions arise connection subjects naturalization expatriation imperial government constantly manifested desire strictly maintain comply treaty stipulations regard consequence omission congress provide diplomatic representative athens legation greece withdrawn channel diplomatic communication two countries expediency providing one form submitted congress relations austria russia italy portugal turkey belgium continue amicable marked incident especial importance change personal head government egypt taken place change however occurred relations egypt united states action egyptian government presenting city new york one ancient obelisks possess historic interest highly appreciated generous mark international regard prosperity attend enterprise transportation across atlantic erection conspicuous position chief commercial city nation soon accomplished treaty recently made japan united states regard revision former commercial treaties believed followed similar action part treaty powers attention congress invited subject indemnity funds received years since japan china accumulated interest amount considerable sums part funds justly due american citizens receive promptly whatever may received government excess strictly demands form returned nations equitably belongs government china signified willingness consider question emigration subjects united states dispassionate fairness cooperate measures may tend prevent injurious consequences united states negotiations still proceeding pressed diligence question arisen china japan lew chew islands united states government taken measures inform powers readiness extend good offices maintenance peace shall mutually deem desirable find practicable avail proffer gratification able announce judicious energetic action military commanders two nations side rio grande instructions respective governments raids depredations greatly decreased localities formerly destructive almost wholly ceased view result entertain confident expectation prevalence quiet border soon become assured justify modification present orders military commanders crossing border without encouraging disturbances would endanger peace two countries third installment award mexico claims commission july 4 1868 duly paid put course distribution pursuance act congress providing satisfactory situation two countries leads anticipate expansion trade mexico increased contribution capital industry people development great resources country earnestly commend wisdom congress provision suitable legislation looking result diplomatic intercourse colombia fully restored arrival minister country united states especially fortunate view fact question canal recently assumed new important aspect discussion central american countries whose territory canal nicaragua route would pass trusted enlightened statesmanship part see early prosecution work largely inure benefit citizens united states commerce civilized world doubted work undertaken protective auspices united states upon satisfactory concessions right way security central american governments capital completion would readily furnished country europe might failing guaranties prove inaccessible diplomatic relations chile also strengthened reception minister country war peru bolivia chile still continues united states deemed proper interpose matter convey governments concerned assurance friendly offices government united states restoration peace upon honorable basis extended case belligerents shall exhibit readiness accept cordial relations continue brazil argentine republic trade countries improving provision regular frequent mail communication ships ports country nations south america seems deserve attention congress essential precursor enlargement commerce extension carrying trade recent revolution venezuela followed establishment provisional government government yet formally recognized deemed desirable await proposed action people expected give sanction constitutional forms naval vessel sent samoan islands make surveys take possession privileges ceded united states samoa harbor coaling station established convenient useful united states vessels subject opening diplomatic relations roumania servia become independent sovereignties present consideration subject diplomatic correspondence gratifying increase trade nearly european american countries believed judicious action regard development still enhanced american products manufactures find new expanding markets reports diplomatic consular officers upon subject system adopted resulted obtaining much valuable information continue laid congress public time time third article treaty russia march 30 1867 alaska ceded united states provides inhabitants ceded territory exception uncivilized native tribes shall admitted enjoyment rights citizens united states shall maintained protected free enjoyment liberty property religion uncivilized tribes subject laws regulations united states may time time adopt regard aboriginal tribes country obligations treaty necessities people require organized form government territory alaska adopted appears law arrest persons charged offenses assault robbery murder magistrate authorized issue execute process cases serious difficulties already arisen offenses character among original inhabitants among citizens united states countries engaged mining fishing business operations within territory bill authorizing appointment justices peace constables arrest detention persons charged criminal offenses providing appeal united states courts district oregon suitable cases proper time submitted congress attention congress called annual report secretary treasury condition public finances ordinary revenues sources fiscal year ended june 30 1879 ordinary expenditures period leaving surplus revenue year receipts present fiscal year ending june 30 1880 actual estimated follows actual receipts first quarter commencing july 1 1879 estimated receipts remaining three quarters year total receipts current fiscal year actual estimated expenditures period actual estimated follows quarter commencing july 1 1879 actual expenditures remaining three quarters year expenditures estimated making total expenditures leaving estimated surplus revenue year ending june 30 1880 total receipts next fiscal year ending june 30 1881 estimated according existing laws estimated ordinary expenditures period leaving surplus year large amount expended arrears pensions last present fiscal year amounting prevented application full amount required law sinking fund current year arrears substantially paid believed sinking fund hereafter maintained without change existing law secretary war reports war department estimates fiscal year ending june 30 1881 less sum money annual estimate rendered congress department period least twelve years concurs general army recommending legislation authorize enlistment full number men line army exclusive men required detached duty therefore available service field also recommends congress asked provide law disposition large number abandoned military posts reservations though valuable rendered useless military purposes advance civilization settlement unites recommending appropriation made construction cheap perfectly fireproof building safe storage vast amount money accounts vouchers claims valuable records office exposed great risk total destruction fire also recommends conformity views declaratory legislation reference military statute limitations applied crime desertion several recommendations concur secretary war reports work improvement south pass mississippi river contract james eads made pursuance act congress prosecuted past year greater measure success attainment results previous year channel south pass beginning operations june 1875 depth 7 feet water 8th july 1879 minimum depth 26 feet width less 200 feet central depth 30 feet payments made accordance statute work progressed amounting aggregate payments become due provided statute event success maintaining channel secured reports general army subordinates present full detailed account military operations suppression hostilities among indians ute apache tribes praise justly awarded officers troops engaged promptness skill courage displayed past year one almost unbroken peace quiet mexican frontier reason believe efforts government mexico maintain order region prove permanently successful department enabled past year find temporary though crowded accommodations safe depository portion records completed east wing building designed state war navy departments construction north wing building part structure intended use war department carried forward possible dispatch work receive congress liberal appropriations secure speedy completion report secretary navy shows continued improvement branch service last fiscal year extensive repairs made upon vessels two new ships completed made ready sea total expenditures year ended june 30 1879 including specific appropriations estimated department expenses chargeable year deducting amount specific appropriations subject reduction amount drawn upon warrants paid year amount appropriations applicable last fiscal year therefore balance remaining unexpended credit department june 30 1879 estimates fiscal year ending june 30 1881 exceeds appropriations present fiscal year reason increase explained secretary report appropriations available present fiscal year opinion secretary answer ordinary demands service amount drawn treasury july 1 november 1 1879 refunded leaving expenditure period expenditures remaining year exceed proportion four months remain unexpended end year current appropriations report secretary shows gratifying fact among disbursing officers pay corps navy one defaulter extent single dollar unite recommending removal observatory healthful location institution reflects credit upon nation obtained approbation scientific men parts world removal present location would conducive health officers professors would greatly increase usefulness appropriation judicial expenses heretofore made department justice gross subdivided last session congress appropriation whatever made payment fees marshals deputies either service process discharge duties since june 30 officers continued performance duties without compensation government taking upon necessary incidental outlays well rendering services unavoidable instances proper execution process united states failed reason absence requisite appropriation course official conduct part officers highly creditable fidelity advised informed however would necessarily rely compensation upon prospect future legislation congress therefore especially recommend immediate appropriation made congress purpose act making principal appropriation department justice previous sessions uniformly contained following clause defraying expenses incurred enforcement act approved february 28 1871 entitled act amend act approved may 31 1870 entitled act enforce rights citizens united states vote several states union purposes acts amendatory thereof supplementary thereto appropriation made purpose current year general election members congress occurred omission matter little practical importance election however take place ensuing year appropriation made pay marshals deputies sufficient embrace compensation services may required perform elections business supreme court present largely arrears expected causes decided disposed annual session assiduity distinguished magistrates compose court accomplish done courts many circuits also business increased extent delay justice call attention congress appropriate remedy believed done circuit fairly expected judicial force evils arising delay less heavily felt united states private suitors causes advanced courts seen involve discussion questions public character remedy suggested appointment additional circuit judges creation intermediate court errors appeals shall relieve supreme court part jurisdiction larger force also obtained performance circuit duties commend suggestion consideration congress would seem afford complete remedy would involve ten additional circuit judges appointed expenditure present rate salaries year would certainly small comparison objects attained report bears testimony general revival business throughout country receipts department fiscal year ended june 30 1879 revenues preceding year amount realized sale postage stamps stamped envelopes postal cards preceding year 1877 expenditures department sum paid liabilities incurred preceding years expenditures year less preceding year reduction attributed mainly operation law passed june 17 1878 changing compensation postmasters commission value stamps sold commission stamps canceled amount drawn treasury appropriations addition revenues department less preceding year expenditures fiscal year ending june 30 1881 estimated receipts sources leaving deficiency appropriated treasury relations department railroad companies harmonized notwithstanding general reduction congress compensation appropriation special facilities railway lines greatly extended especially southern states interests railway mail service public would greatly promoted expenditures could readily controlled classification employees railway mail service recommended appropriation salaries respect maximum limit already fixed law made gross recommends amendment law regulating increase compensation increased service increased speed star routes enable advertise proposals increased service speed also suggests advantages accrue commerce country enactment general law authorizing contracts steamers carrying american flag transporting mail ports united states ports west indies south america fixed maximum price per mile amount expended regulated annual appropriations like manner amount paid domestic star service arrangement made secretary treasury collection duty upon books received mail foreign countries proved satisfactory practical operation recommendation made congress shall extend provisions act march 3 1879 arrangement made apply dutiable articles received mails foreign countries reports secretary interior commissioner indian affairs setting forth present state relations indian tribes territory measures taken advance civilization prosperity progress already achieved found ordinary interest general conduct indian population satisfactory occurrence two disturbances resulted bloodshed destruction property lamented history outbreak white river ute reservation western colorado become familiar elaborate reports public press remarkable incidents need stated detail expected settlement difficulty lead arrangements prevent hostile contact indians border settlements western colorado disturbance occurred mescalero agency new mexico victoria head small band marauders committing many atrocities vigorously chased military force made way across mexican border foreign soil occurrences comparatively small number indians engaged deplorable vast majority indian population fully justified expectations believe humane peaceful influences indian led abandon habits savage life develop capacity useful civilized occupations already accomplished pursuit agricultural mechanical work remarkable success attended experiment employing freighters class indians hitherto counted among wildest intractable general urgent desire expressed education children may taken sufficient proof found capable accomplishing much continue wisely fairly guided indian policy sketched report secretary interior object make liberal provision education indian youth settle indians upon farm lots severalty give title fee farms inalienable certain number years wants thus provided dispose sale lands reservations occupied used fund formed proceeds benefit indians gradually relieve government expenses provided annual appropriations must commend beneficial indians also calculated remove obstructions existence large reservations presents settlement development country therefore earnestly recommend enactment law enabling government give indians title fee inalienable years farm lands assigned allotment also repeat recommendation made first annual message law passed admitting indians give satisfactory proof labor supported families number years willing detach tribal relations benefit homestead act grant patents containing provision inalienability certain period experiment sending number indian children sexes hampton normal agricultural institute virginia receive elementary english education practical instruction farming useful industries led results promising thought expedient turn cavalry barracks carlisle pennsylvania interior department establishment indian school larger scale school 158 pupils selected various tribes full operation arrangements also made education number indian boys girls belonging tribes pacific slope similar manner forest grove oregon institutions commend liberality congress philanthropic munificence american people last spring information received organization extensive movement western states object occupation unauthorized persons certain lands indian territory ceded cherokees government purpose settlement indian tribes 26th april issued proclamation warning persons participation attempt cooperation military force invasion promptly checked purpose protect rights indian inhabitants territory full extent executive power would unwise ignore fact territory large population sparse great wealth unused resources found exposed repetition attempts happened year surrounding states densely settled westward movement population looks still eagerly fresh lands occupy circumstances difficulty maintaining indian territory present state greatly increase indian tribes inhabiting would well prepare contingency therefore fully approve advice given secretary interior recent occasion divide among severalty large quantity lands cultivate acquire individual title fee instead present tribal ownership common consider manner balance lands may disposed government benefit adopting policy would certainly secure value possessions time promote progress civilization prosperity endeavoring perpetuate present state things territory question whether change control indian service made congress referred joint committee houses inquiry report last annual message expressed hope decision question prospect would arrest agitation subject agitation apt produce disturbing effect upon service well indians since committee reported question decided negative vote house representatives reasons stated view fact uncertainty point calculated obstruct legislation weaken discipline service unsettle salutary measures progress government improvement indians respectfully recommend decision arrived congress last session permitted stand efforts made department interior arrest depredations timber lands united states continued met considerable success large number cases trespass prosecuted courts united states others settled trespassers offering make payment government value timber taken proceeds prosecutions settlements turned treasury far exceed amount sums appropriated congress purpose important result however consists fact destruction public forests depredation although cases still occur greatly reduced extent probable present policy vigorously pursued sufficient provision end made congress trespasses least large scale entirely suppressed except territories timber daily requirements population present state law otherwise obtained therefore earnestly invite attention congress recommendation made secretary interior law enacted enabling government sell timber public lands without conveying fee lands principally valuable timber thereon sales regulated conform domestic wants business requirements time guarding sweeping destruction forests enactment law appears become pressing necessity every day recommendations former messages renewed favor enlarging facilities department agriculture agriculture leading interest permanent industry people abundance agricultural production compared home consumption largely increased highly profitable market abroad enjoyed recent years mainly indebted present prosperity people must look continued maintenance substantial resource branch industry labor directed scientific knowledge yields increased production comparison unskilled labor branch public service encouragement liberal appropriations appropriately extended omission render aid wise economy contrary undoubtedly results losses immense sums annually might saved efforts government promote vital interest results already accomplished limited means heretofore placed command department agriculture earnest may expected increased appropriations several purposes indicated report commissioner view placing department upon footing enable prosecute effectively objects established appropriations needed complete laboratory establishment veterinary division division forestry increase force requirements purposes indicated report commissioner head immediate necessities department involve expenditure money country propriety undertake interests agriculture gratifying learn bureau education extent educational privileges throughout united states advanced year fundamental responsibility rests upon congress devising appropriate measures financial aid education supplemental local action states territories district columbia wise forethought founders government furnished basis support systems newer states laid foundations maintenance universities colleges agriculture mechanic arts measures accordance traditional policy benefit interests extension advantages every portion country hoped receive favorable consideration preserve perpetuate national literature among foremost cares national legislature library gathered capitol still remains unprovided suitable accommodations rapidly increasing stores magnitude importance collection increased deposits made law copyright domestic foreign exchanges scientific library smithsonian institution call building accommodations shall adequate fireproof location public building provide pressing necessities present vast increase nation books future matter addresses discretion congress earnestly recommended measure unite suffrages longer delayed joint commission created act congress august 2 1876 purpose supervising directing completion washington national monument commission president member given careful attention subject already strengthening foundation far progressed insure entire success part work massive layer masonry introduced original foundation widening base increasing stability structure rendering possible carry shaft completion earnestly recommended appropriations made continued prosecution work may necessary completion national monument early day former messages impressed importance subject taken occasion commend congress adoption generous policy toward district columbia report commissioners district herewith transmitted contains suggestions recommendations earnestly invite careful attention ask early favorable consideration views express urgent need legislation reclamation marshes potomac eastern branch within limits city repair streets capital heretofore laid wooden blocks decay rendered almost impassable source imminent danger health citizens means disposal commissioners wholly inadequate accomplishment important works supplemented timely appropriations federal treasury filling flats front city add adjacent lands parks owned united states large valuable domain sufficient thought reimburse entire cost also incidental result secure permanent improvement river purposes navigation constitution invested congress supreme exclusive jurisdiction district columbia citizens must necessity look congress alone needful legislation affecting interests territory district common property people united states equally resident citizens interested prosperity capital doubt amply sustained general voice country measures may adopt purpose also invite favorable consideration congress wants public schools district exhibited report commissioners number pupils rapidly increasing adequate provision exists corresponding increase school accommodation commissioners without means meet urgent need number buildings used school purposes rented important particulars unsuited purpose popular education district columbia surely entitled consideration hands national government several states territories munificent grants public lands made endowment schools universities
member congress assemble first regular session circumstance call mutual congratulation grateful acknowledgment giver good large unusual measure national prosperity enjoy interest event occur public affair since last annual message congress connect financial operation government directly affect business interest country congratulate congress successful execution resumption act time fixed manner contemplate law united state note begin redeem coin since 1st january last promptly redeem presentation business transaction public private part country receive paid equivalent coin demand upon treasury gold silver exchange united state note comparatively small voluntary deposit coin bullion exchange note large excess precious metal deposit exchange united state note amount united state note redeem resumption specie payment follow great revival business currency equivalent value money commercial world enable enter upon equal competition nation trade production increase foreign demand manufacture agricultural product cause large balance trade favor pay gold 1st july last november 15 amount since resumption specie payment also mark gratify improvement public credit bond government bear 4 per cent interest sell par sufficient amount pay national debt redeemable present law amount interest save annually process refund debt since march 1 1877 bond sell largely small sum number citizen hold public security much great ever amount national debt mature within less two year bear interest rate 5 per cent balance bond bear 6 per cent interest believe part public debt refund issue 4 per cent bond reduction interest thus effect annually saved treasury secure important reduction interest pay united state legislation require hop provided congress present session coinage gold mint united state last fiscal year coinage silver dollar since passage act purpose november 1 1879 issued treasury circulation still possession government pendency proposition unity action united state principal commercial nation europe effect permanent system equality gold silver recognize money world lead recommend congress refrain new legislation general subject great revival trade internal foreign supply come year instruction may well await attempt experimental measure coinage would however strongly urge upon congress importance authorize secretary treasury suspend coinage silver dollar upon present legal ratio market value silver dollar uniformly largely less market value gold dollar obviously impracticable maintain par coin without limit cheap coin force circulation coin without limit soon become sole standard value thus defeat desire object currency gold silver shall equivalent value dollar dollar universally recognize money world retirement circulation united state note capacity legal tender private contract step take progress toward safe stable currency accept policy duty government interest security people firm conviction issue paper money base wholly upon authority credit government except extreme emergency without warrant constitution violation sound financial principle issue unite state note late civil war capacity legal tender private individual authorize except mean rescue country imminent peril circulation note paper money protract period time accomplishment purpose contemplate framer law issue anticipated redemption withdrawal note earliest practicable period consistent attainment object provide policy united state steadily adhere adoption constitution avoid creation national debt necessity time war debt create paid return peace rapidly possible view purpose recommend exist law accumulation sink fund sufficient extinguish public debt within limited period maintain change object rate taxation deem necessary congress suggest experience show duty place tea coffee enhance price article consumer add several million dollar annually treasury continued deliberate violation large number prominent influential citizen territory utah law united state prosecution punishment polygamy demand attention every department government territory population sufficient entitle admission state general interest nation well welfare citizen territory require advance territorial form government responsibility privilege state important change however approve country citizen utah considerable number uphold practice condemn crime law civilize community throughout world law suppression offense enact great unanimity congress seventeen year ago remain recently dead letter territory utah peculiar difficulty attend enforcement opinion widely prevail among citizen utah law contravention constitutional guaranty religious freedom objection remove supreme court unite state decide law within legislative power congress binding rule action reside within territory longer reason delay hesitation enforcement firmly effectively execute sufficiently stringent provision amend aid purpose view recommend comprehensive search method prevent well punish crime provide necessary secure obedience law enjoyment exercise right privilege citizenship territory unite state may withhold withdrawn violate oppose enforcement law subject election past year though occupied state officer fail elicit political discussion attend country new decisive evidence deep interest great body citizen take progress country toward general complete establishment whatever cost universal security freedom exercise elective franchise many topic political concern demand great attention people sphere national state authority find reason qualify opinion express last annual message temporary administrative interest government however urgent weighty ever displace zeal people defense primary right citizenship power public opinion override political prejudice sectional state attachment demand wide territory name character citizen united state shall mean one thing carry unchallenged security respect earnestly appeal intelligence patriotism good citizen every part country however much maybe divided opinion political subject unite compelling obedience exist law aim protection right suffrage respectfully urge upon congress supply defect law experience show within power remedy invoke cooperation executive legislative authority state great purpose fully convince public mind set rest paramount question popular right serious obstacle thwart delay complete pacification country retard general diffusion prosperity former message invite attention congress subject reformation civil service government express intention transmit congress early practicable report upon subject chairman civil service commission view facts considerable period government great britain deal administrative problem abuse various particular analogous presented country recent year measure adopt understood effective every respect highly satisfactory think desirable fuller information upon subject accordingly request chairman civil service commission make thorough investigation purpose result elaborate comprehensive report report set forth history partisan spoil system great britain rise fall parliamentary patronage official interference freedom election show long trial various kind examination competitive open equal term carry superintendence single commission great advantage establish condition admission almost every official place subordinate administration country british india completion report owe extent labor involve preparation omission congress make provision either compensation expense commission postpone present time herewith transmit congress reform measure another government authority u entitle influence extent intrinsic wisdom adaptation institution social life may commend consideration view heretofore express concern defect abuse civil administration remain unchanged except far enlarged experience deepen sense duty officer people cooperate removal grave evil peril partisan spoils system appointment office office tenure generally recognize resolution great party report department debate proceeding congress message executive gravity evils point need reform admit command necessary support every measure reform must base common right justice must compatible healthy existence great party inevitable essential free state people approve policy national election confidence part officer select adviser accordance political institution consult policy duty carry effect indispensable eminently proper explain people well illustrate spirit performance official duty different consideration apply great number fill subordinate place civil service responsibility superior official position duty obey legal instruction upon authority devolve best public service consist discharge function irrespective partisan politics duty whatever party power whatever policy prevail consequence follow tenure office depend prevalence policy supremacy party determine capacity serve people usefully quite irrespective partisan interest consideration govern tenure also prevail appointment discipline removal subordinate authority appointment removal perquisite may use aid friend reward partisan trust exercise public interest sanction attend obligation apply public fund public purpose every citizen equal right honor profit enter public service country ground discrimination measure character capacity make service useful people except case upon recognize principle upon theory pension office promotion bestow reward past service bestowal upon theory disregard personal merit act injustice citizen well breach trust subject appoint power hold light principle become great importance provide adequate mean especially every department large administrative office personal discrimination part head practicable ascertain qualification appointment removal reference fail provide mean deny opportunity ascertain fact upon righteous claim office depend necessity discourage worthy aspirant hand appointment removal mere influence favoritism right worthy claimant gain appointment interest people bestow upon would seem clear wise method ascertain personal fitness office must important permanent function every wise government long since become impossible great office duty nomination appointment personally examine individual qualification small proportion seek office enlargement civil service proportion must continue become less early year government subordinate office number quite easy make appointment promotion personally ascertain merit candidate party manager method become powerful agency coercion hostile free exercise appoint power large responsible part duty restore civil service desire purity efficiency rest upon president purpose within power advance prudent gradual measure reform surely rapidly bring radical change system essential make administrative method satisfactory free intelligent people proper exercise authority power executive much promote reform clearly understood nothing adequate accomplish without cooperation part congress considerate intelligent support among people reform challenge generally accept theory party demand change method department work day permanent foundation must lay sound principle experience demonstrate wisdom expose error adversary every worthy officer desire make official action gain honor country people far officer public station interested pure economical vigorous administration law enact 1853 1855 substance incorporate revise statute practice arbitrary appointment several subordinate grade great department condemn examination capacity conduct departmental board examiner provide make condition admission public service statute decision congress examination sort attainment capacity essential public service important question since enactment law character examination whether official favor partisan influence common right merit control access examination practice examination always open worthy person generally might wish examine official favoritism partisan influence rule appear designate alone permit go examining board subject even examiner pressure friends candidate difficult resist consequence standard admission fell public interest demand also almost inevitable system provide various separate board examiner common supervision uniform method procedure result confusion inconsistency inadequate test capacity highly detrimental public interest radical change obviously required annual message december 1870 predecessor declare duty much embarrasses executive head department appointment arduous thankless labor impose senator representative find place constituent present system secure best men often even fit men public place elevation purification civil service government hail approval whole people united state congress accordingly pass act approve march 3 1871 regulate civil service united state promote efficiency thereof give necessary authority executive inaugurate reform act statute interpret intend secure system effectual examination uniform supervision number eminently competent person select purpose entered zeal upon discharge duty prepare intelligent appreciation requirement service regulation contemplate take charge examination capacity board know civil service commission congress two year appropriate money need compensation expense carry work commission appear report commission submit president april 1874 examination hold various section country appropriation would require meet annual expense include salary involve discharge duty commission report transmit congress special message april 18 1874 follow favorable comment upon labor commission sustain congress doubt rule experience gain improve enforced still materially benefit public service relieve executive member congress heads department influence prejudicial good administration rule hitherto enforce result beneficially show opinion member cabinet subordinate department opinion concur annual message december year similar view express appropriation continue work commission advise appropriation make consequence active work commission suspend leave commission still existence without mean therefore cause qualification test systematic manner secure public service advantage competition upon extensive plan recommend annual message december 1877 make appropriation resumption work commission meantime however competitive examination many embarrassment conduct within limited sphere executive department washington number principal city country view test effect every instance find salutary state administration predecessor think economy purity efficiency public service would greatly promote systematic introduction wherever practicable throughout entire civil service government together ample provision general supervision order secure consistency uniform justice report secretary interior postmaster city new york examination time trial also collector port naval officer surveyor city postmaster collector several large city show competitive system apply various way contribute improve public service report show result salutary mark degree general application similar rule fail decided benefit service report government officer city new york especially bear decide testimony utility open competitive examination respective office show examination excellent qualification admit service mark incidental effect upon person previously service particularly upon aspire promotion part latter increase interest work desire extend acquaintance beyond particular desk occupy thus morale entire force raise examination attend many citizen opportunity thoroughly investigate scope character test method determine result visitor without exception approve method employ several publicly attest favorable opinion upon consideration deem duty renew recommendation contain annual message december 1877 request congress make necessary appropriation resumption work civil service commission economy promote authorize moderate compensation person public service may perform extra labor upon commission executive may direct convinced adequate test merit enforce admission public service make promotion abuse removal without good partisan official interference proper exercise appoint power large measure disappear administrative abuse attention congress ask connection mere partisan appointment constant peril removal without naturally lead absorb mischievous political activity part thus appoint interferes due discharge official duty incompatible freedom election without warrant view several predecessor presidential office directly within law 1871 already cite endeavor regulation make 22d day june 1877 put reasonable limit abuse may easy may never perhaps necessary define precision proper limit political action part federal officer right hold freely express opinion question plain neither allow devote subject time need proper discharge official duty use authority office enforce opinion coerce political action hold different opinion reason justice public policy quite analogous forbid use official power oppression private citizen impose upon government duty protect officer agent arbitrary exaction whatever aspect consider practice make levy party purpose upon salary officer highly demoralize public service discreditable country though officer free citizen give money aid opinion party also free citizen refuse make gifts salary fair compensation time labor officer gross injustice levy tax upon make excessive order may bear tax excess indirect robbery public fund recommend therefore revision extension present statutes shall secure every grade official life public employment protection great enlightened nation guard faithful service relation foreign country continue peaceful great britain still unsettled question grow local law maritime province action provincial authority deem derogation right secure treaty american fisherman unite state minister london instruct present demand view damage receive american citizen fortune bay 6th day january 1878 subject take consideration british government early reply anticipate upon completion necessary preliminary examination subject participation provincial fishery regulate treaty bring attention british government view early permanent settlement whole question temporarily adjust treaty washington effort make obtain removal restriction find injurious exportation cattle united kingdom correspondence also occur regard rescue save life property upon lake result important modification previous regulation dominion government subject interest humanity commerce accordance joint resolution last session congress commissioner appoint represent united state two international exhibition australia one progress sydney hold next year melbourne desire express merchant manufacturer interested important grow trade australia increase provision make congress representation industry melbourne exhibition next year subject respectfully submit favorable consideration assent government give land coast massachusetts new independent transatlantic cable france way french island pierre country subject future legislation congress subject condition impose allow connection shore establish secure competition exist future line marine cable preclude amalgamation therewith provide entire equality right government people france use cable prevent exclusive possession privilege accord france disadvantage future cable communication france united state may project accomplished citizen important reduction present rate cable communication europe felt burdensome interest commerce must necessarily flow establishment compete line attention congress draw propriety general regulation congress whole subject transmarine cable predecessor message december 7 1875 respectfully submit consideration importance congressional action matter question grave importance spain grow incident cuban insurrection part happily honorably settle may reasonably anticipate commission sit washington decision private case connection soon able bring labor conclusion question east florida claim lately renew subject correspondence may possibly require congressional action final disposition treaty netherlands respect consular right privilege similar power sign ratified ratification exchange 31st july last negotiation extradition treaty netherlands denmark progress question switzerland regard pauper convict emigrant arisen doubt arrange upon satisfactory basis question also occur respect assert claim swiss municipal authority exercise tutelage person property swiss citizen naturalized country possible may require adjustment treaty german empire frequent question arise connection subject naturalization expatriation imperial government constantly manifest desire strictly maintain comply treaty stipulation regard consequence omission congress provide diplomatic representative athens legation greece withdrawn channel diplomatic communication two country expediency provide one form submit congress relation austria russia italy portugal turkey belgium continue amicable marked incident especial importance change personal head government egypt take place change however occur relation egypt united state action egyptian government present city new york one ancient obelisks possess historic interest highly appreciate generous mark international regard prosperity attend enterprise transportation across atlantic erection conspicuous position chief commercial city nation soon accomplish treaty recently make japan united state regard revision former commercial treaty believe follow similar action part treaty power attention congress invite subject indemnity fund receive year since japan china accumulate interest amount considerable sum part fund justly due american citizen receive promptly whatever may receive government excess strictly demand form return nation equitably belongs government china signify willingness consider question emigration subject united state dispassionate fairness cooperate measure may tend prevent injurious consequence united state negotiation still proceed press diligence question arisen china japan lew chew island united state government take measure inform power readiness extend good office maintenance peace shall mutually deem desirable find practicable avail proffer gratification able announce judicious energetic action military commander two nation side rio grande instruction respective government raid depredation greatly decreased locality formerly destructive almost wholly ceased view result entertain confident expectation prevalence quiet border soon become assured justify modification present order military commander cross border without encouraging disturbance would endanger peace two country third installment award mexico claim commission july 4 1868 duly pay put course distribution pursuance act congress provide satisfactory situation two country lead anticipate expansion trade mexico increase contribution capital industry people development great resource country earnestly commend wisdom congress provision suitable legislation look result diplomatic intercourse colombia fully restore arrival minister country unite state especially fortunate view fact question canal recently assume new important aspect discussion central american country whose territory canal nicaragua route would pass trust enlightened statesmanship part see early prosecution work largely inure benefit citizen united state commerce civilized world doubt work undertaken protective auspex united state upon satisfactory concession right way security central american government capital completion would readily furnish country europe might fail guaranty prove inaccessible diplomatic relation chile also strengthen reception minister country war peru bolivia chile still continue united state deem proper interpose matter convey government concerned assurance friendly office government united state restoration peace upon honorable basis extend case belligerent shall exhibit readiness accept cordial relation continue brazil argentine republic trade country improve provision regular frequent mail communication ship port country nation south america seem deserve attention congress essential precursor enlargement commerce extension carry trade recent revolution venezuela follow establishment provisional government government yet formally recognize deem desirable await propose action people expect give sanction constitutional form naval vessel send samoan island make survey take possession privilege cede united state samoa harbor coal station establish convenient useful united state vessel subject open diplomatic relation roumania servia become independent sovereignty present consideration subject diplomatic correspondence gratify increase trade nearly european american country believe judicious action regard development still enhance american product manufacture find new expand market report diplomatic consular officer upon subject system adopt result obtain much valuable information continue lay congress public time time third article treaty russia march 30 1867 alaska cede united state provide inhabitant cede territory exception uncivilized native tribe shall admit enjoyment right citizen united state shall maintain protected free enjoyment liberty property religion uncivilized tribe subject law regulation united state may time time adopt regard aboriginal tribe country obligation treaty necessity people require organize form government territory alaska adopt appear law arrest person charge offense assault robbery murder magistrate authorize issue execute process case serious difficulty already arise offense character among original inhabitant among citizen united state country engage mine fishing business operation within territory bill authorize appointment justice peace constables arrest detention person charge criminal offense provide appeal united state court district oregon suitable case proper time submit congress attention congress call annual report secretary treasury condition public finance ordinary revenue source fiscal year end june 30 1879 ordinary expenditure period leave surplus revenue year receipt present fiscal year end june 30 1880 actual estimate follow actual receipt first quarter commence july 1 1879 estimate receipt remain three quarter year total receipt current fiscal year actual estimate expenditure period actual estimate follow quarter commence july 1 1879 actual expenditure remain three quarter year expenditures estimate make total expenditure leave estimate surplus revenue year end june 30 1880 total receipt next fiscal year end june 30 1881 estimate accord exist law estimate ordinary expenditure period leave surplus year large amount expend arrears pension last present fiscal year amount prevented application full amount require law sinking fund current year arrears substantially pay believe sinking fund hereafter maintain without change exist law secretary war report war department estimate fiscal year end june 30 1881 less sum money annual estimate render congress department period least twelve year concur general army recommend legislation authorize enlistment full number men line army exclusive men require detach duty therefore available service field also recommend congress ask provide law disposition large number abandon military post reservation though valuable rendered useless military purpose advance civilization settlement unite recommend appropriation make construction cheap perfectly fireproof build safe storage vast amount money account voucher claim valuable record office expose great risk total destruction fire also recommend conformity view declaratory legislation reference military statute limitation apply crime desertion several recommendation concur secretary war report work improvement south pas mississippi river contract james eads make pursuance act congress prosecute past year great measure success attainment result previous year channel south pas begin operation june 1875 depth 7 foot water 8th july 1879 minimum depth 26 foot width less 200 foot central depth 30 foot payment make accordance statute work progress amount aggregate payment become due provide statute event success maintain channel secure report general army subordinate present full detail account military operation suppression hostility among indian ute apache tribe praise justly award officer troop engage promptness skill courage display past year one almost unbroken peace quiet mexican frontier reason believe effort government mexico maintain order region prove permanently successful department enable past year find temporary though crowded accommodation safe depository portion record complete east wing building design state war navy department construction north wing build part structure intend use war department carry forward possible dispatch work receive congress liberal appropriation secure speedy completion report secretary navy show continue improvement branch service last fiscal year extensive repair make upon vessel two new ship complete make ready sea total expenditures year end june 30 1879 include specific appropriation estimate department expense chargeable year deducting amount specific appropriation subject reduction amount draw upon warrant pay year amount appropriation applicable last fiscal year therefore balance remain unexpended credit department june 30 1879 estimate fiscal year end june 30 1881 exceeds appropriation present fiscal year reason increase explain secretary report appropriation available present fiscal year opinion secretary answer ordinary demand service amount drawn treasury july 1 november 1 1879 refund leave expenditure period expenditures remain year exceed proportion four month remain unexpended end year current appropriation report secretary show gratify fact among disburse officer pay corps navy one defaulter extent single dollar unite recommend removal observatory healthful location institution reflect credit upon nation obtain approbation scientific men part world removal present location would conducive health officer professor would greatly increase usefulness appropriation judicial expense heretofore make department justice gross subdivide last session congress appropriation whatever make payment fee marshal deputy either service process discharge duty since june 30 officer continue performance duty without compensation government take upon necessary incidental outlay well render service unavoidable instance proper execution process united state fail reason absence requisite appropriation course official conduct part officer highly creditable fidelity advise inform however would necessarily rely compensation upon prospect future legislation congress therefore especially recommend immediate appropriation make congress purpose act make principal appropriation department justice previous session uniformly contain follow clause defray expense incur enforcement act approve february 28 1871 entitle act amend act approve may 31 1870 entitle act enforce right citizen united state vote several state union purpose act amendatory thereof supplementary thereto appropriation make purpose current year general election member congress occurred omission matter little practical importance election however take place ensue year appropriation make pay marshal deputy sufficient embrace compensation service may require perform election business supreme court present largely arrears expect cause decide disposed annual session assiduity distinguish magistrate compose court accomplish do court many circuit also business increase extent delay justice call attention congress appropriate remedy believe do circuit fairly expect judicial force evil arise delay less heavily felt united state private suitor cause advanced court see involve discussion question public character remedy suggest appointment additional circuit judge creation intermediate court error appeal shall relieve supreme court part jurisdiction large force also obtain performance circuit duty commend suggestion consideration congress would seem afford complete remedy would involve ten additional circuit judge appoint expenditure present rate salary year would certainly small comparison object attain report bear testimony general revival business throughout country receipt department fiscal year end june 30 1879 revenue precede year amount realize sale postage stamp stamp envelope postal card precede year 1877 expenditures department sum pay liability incur precede year expenditures year less preceding year reduction attribute mainly operation law pass june 17 1878 change compensation postmaster commission value stamp sell commission stamp cancel amount drawn treasury appropriation addition revenue department less preceding year expenditures fiscal year end june 30 1881 estimate receipt source leave deficiency appropriate treasury relation department railroad company harmonize notwithstanding general reduction congress compensation appropriation special facility railway line greatly extend especially southern state interest railway mail service public would greatly promote expenditure could readily control classification employee railway mail service recommend appropriation salary respect maximum limit already fix law make gross recommend amendment law regulate increase compensation increase service increase speed star route enable advertise proposal increase service speed also suggest advantage accrue commerce country enactment general law authorize contract steamer carry american flag transport mail port united state port west indie south america fix maximum price per mile amount expend regulate annual appropriation like manner amount pay domestic star service arrangement make secretary treasury collection duty upon book receive mail foreign country prove satisfactory practical operation recommendation make congress shall extend provision act march 3 1879 arrangement make apply dutiable article receive mail foreign country report secretary interior commissioner indian affair set forth present state relation indian tribes territory measure take advance civilization prosperity progress already achieve find ordinary interest general conduct indian population satisfactory occurrence two disturbance result bloodshed destruction property lament history outbreak white river ute reservation western colorado become familiar elaborate report public press remarkable incident need state detail expect settlement difficulty lead arrangement prevent hostile contact indian border settlement western colorado disturbance occur mescalero agency new mexico victoria head small band marauder commit many atrocity vigorously chase military force make way across mexican border foreign soil occurrence comparatively small number indian engage deplorable vast majority indian population fully justified expectation believe humane peaceful influence indian lead abandon habit savage life develop capacity useful civilized occupation already accomplish pursuit agricultural mechanical work remarkable success attend experiment employ freighter class indians hitherto count among wild intractable general urgent desire express education child may take sufficient proof find capable accomplish much continue wisely fairly guided indian policy sketch report secretary interior object make liberal provision education indian youth settle indians upon farm lot severalty give title fee farm inalienable certain number year want thus provide dispose sale land reservation occupy use fund form proceeds benefit indian gradually relieve government expense provide annual appropriation must commend beneficial indian also calculate remove obstruction existence large reservation present settlement development country therefore earnestly recommend enactment law enable government give indian title fee inalienable year farm land assigned allotment also repeat recommendation make first annual message law pass admit indian give satisfactory proof labor support family number year willing detach tribal relation benefit homestead act grant patent contain provision inalienability certain period experiment send number indian child sex hampton normal agricultural institute virginia receive elementary english education practical instruction farm useful industry lead result promise thought expedient turn cavalry barrack carlisle pennsylvania interior department establishment indian school large scale school 158 pupil select various tribe full operation arrangement also make education number indian boys girl belong tribe pacific slope similar manner forest grove oregon institution commend liberality congress philanthropic munificence american people last spring information receive organization extensive movement western state object occupation unauthorized person certain land indian territory cede cherokees government purpose settlement indian tribes 26th april issue proclamation warn person participation attempt cooperation military force invasion promptly check purpose protect right indian inhabitant territory full extent executive power would unwise ignore fact territory large population sparse great wealth unused resource find exposed repetition attempt happen year surround state densely settle westward movement population look still eagerly fresh land occupy circumstance difficulty maintain indian territory present state greatly increase indian tribe inhabit would well prepare contingency therefore fully approve advice give secretary interior recent occasion divide among severalty large quantity land cultivate acquire individual title fee instead present tribal ownership common consider manner balance land may dispose government benefit adopting policy would certainly secure value possession time promote progress civilization prosperity endeavor perpetuate present state thing territory question whether change control indian service make congress refer joint committee house inquiry report last annual message express hope decision question prospect would arrest agitation subject agitation apt produce disturb effect upon service well indians since committee report question decide negative vote house representative reason state view fact uncertainty point calculate obstruct legislation weaken discipline service unsettle salutary measure progress government improvement indian respectfully recommend decision arrive congress last session permit stand effort make department interior arrest depredation timber land united state continue met considerable success large number case trespass prosecuted court unite state others settle trespasser offer make payment government value timber take proceeds prosecution settlement turn treasury far exceed amount sum appropriate congress purpose important result however consist fact destruction public forest depredation although case still occur greatly reduce extent probable present policy vigorously pursue sufficient provision end make congress trespass least large scale entirely suppress except territory timber daily requirement population present state law otherwise obtain therefore earnestly invite attention congress recommendation make secretary interior law enact enabling government sell timber public land without convey fee land principally valuable timber thereon sale regulate conform domestic want business requirement time guard sweeping destruction forest enactment law appear become pressing necessity every day recommendation former message renew favor enlarge facility department agriculture agriculture lead interest permanent industry people abundance agricultural production compare home consumption largely increase highly profitable market abroad enjoy recent year mainly indebted present prosperity people must look continued maintenance substantial resource branch industry labor direct scientific knowledge yield increase production comparison unskilled labor branch public service encouragement liberal appropriation appropriately extend omission render aid wise economy contrary undoubtedly result loss immense sum annually might save effort government promote vital interest result already accomplish limited mean heretofore place command department agriculture earnest may expect increased appropriation several purpose indicate report commissioner view place department upon foot enable prosecute effectively object establish appropriation need complete laboratory establishment veterinary division division forestry increase force requirement purpose indicate report commissioner head immediate necessity department involve expenditure money country propriety undertake interest agriculture gratify learn bureau education extent educational privilege throughout united state advance year fundamental responsibility rest upon congress devise appropriate measure financial aid education supplemental local action state territory district columbia wise forethought founder government furnish basis support system newer state lay foundation maintenance university colleges agriculture mechanic art measure accordance traditional policy benefit interest extension advantage every portion country hop receive favorable consideration preserve perpetuate national literature among foremost care national legislature library gather capitol still remain unprovided suitable accommodation rapidly increase store magnitude importance collection increase deposit make law copyright domestic foreign exchange scientific library smithsonian institution call building accommodation shall adequate fireproof location public building provide press necessity present vast increase nation book future matter address discretion congress earnestly recommend measure unite suffrage longer delay joint commission create act congress august 2 1876 purpose supervise direct completion washington national monument commission president member give careful attention subject already strengthen foundation far progressed insure entire success part work massive layer masonry introduce original foundation widen base increase stability structure render possible carry shaft completion earnestly recommend appropriation make continued prosecution work may necessary completion national monument early day former message impress importance subject take occasion commend congress adoption generous policy toward district columbia report commissioner district herewith transmit contains suggestion recommendation earnestly invite careful attention ask early favorable consideration view express urgent need legislation reclamation marsh potomac eastern branch within limit city repair street capital heretofore laid wooden block decay render almost impassable source imminent danger health citizen mean disposal commissioner wholly inadequate accomplishment important work supplement timely appropriation federal treasury fill flat front city add adjacent land park own united state large valuable domain sufficient think reimburse entire cost also incidental result secure permanent improvement river purpose navigation constitution invest congress supreme exclusive jurisdiction district columbia citizen must necessity look congress alone needful legislation affect interest territory district common property people united state equally resident citizen interested prosperity capital doubt amply sustain general voice country measure may adopt purpose also invite favorable consideration congress want public school district exhibit report commissioner number pupil rapidly increase adequate provision exist correspond increase school accommodation commissioner without mean meet urgent need number building use school purpose rent important particular unsuited purpose popular education district columbia surely entitle consideration hand national government several state territory munificent grant public land make endowment school university