Your assembling is clouded by a sense of public bereavement, caused by the recent and sudden death of Thomas A. Hendricks, Vice-President of the United States. His distinguished public services, his complete integrity and devotion to every duty, and his personal virtues will find honorable record in his country's history. Ample and repeated proofs of the esteem and confidence in which he was held by his fellow-countrymen were manifested by his election to offices of the most important trust and highest dignity; and at length, full of years and honors, he has been laid at rest amid universal sorrow and benediction. The Constitution, which requires those chosen to legislate for the people to annually meet in the discharge of their solemn trust, also requires the President to give to Congress information of the state of the Union and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall deem necessary and expedient. At the threshold of a compliance with these constitutional directions it is well for us to bear in mind that our usefulness to the people's interests will be promoted by a constant appreciation of the scope and character of our respective duties as they relate to Federal legislation. While the Executive may recommend such measures as he shall deem expedient, the responsibility for legislative action must and should rest upon those selected by the people to make their laws. Contemplation of the grave and responsible functions assigned to the respective branches of the Government under the Constitution will disclose the partitions of power between our respective departments and their necessary independence, and also the need for the exercise of all the power intrusted to each in that spirit of comity and cooperation which is essential to the proper fulfillment of the patriotic obligations which rest upon us as faithful servants of the people. The jealous watchfulness of our constituencies, great and small, supplements their suffrages, and before the tribunal they establish every public servant should be judged. It is gratifying to announce that the relations of the United States with all foreign powers continue to be friendly. Our position after nearly a century of successful constitutional government, maintenance of good faith in all our engagements, the avoidance of complications with other nations, and our consistent and amicable attitude toward the strong and weak alike furnish proof of a political disposition which renders professions of good will unnecessary. There are no questions of difficulty pending with any foreign government. The Argentine Government has revived the long dormant question of the Falkland Islands by claiming from the United States indemnity for their loss, attributed to the action of the commander of the sloop of war Lexington in breaking up a piratical colony on those islands in 1831, and their subsequent occupation by Great Britain. In view of the ample justification for the act of the Lexington and the derelict condition of the islands before and after their alleged occupation by Argentine colonists, this Government considers the claim as wholly groundless. Question has arisen with the Government of Austria-Hungary touching the representation of the United States at Vienna. Having under my constitutional prerogative appointed an estimable citizen of unimpeached probity and competence as minister at that court, the Government of Austria-Hungary invited this Government to take cognizance of certain exceptions, based upon allegations against the personal acceptability of Mr. Keiley, the appointed envoy, asking that in view thereof the appointment should be withdrawn. The reasons advanced were such as could not be acquiesced in without violation of my oath of office and the precepts of the Constitution, since they necessarily involved a limitation in favor of a foreign government upon the right of selection by the Executive and required such an application of a religious test as a qualification for office under the United States as would have resulted in the practical disfranchisement of a large class of our citizens and the abandonment of a vital principle in our Government. The Austro-Hungarian Government finally decided not to receive Mr. Keiley as the envoy of the United States, and that gentleman has since resigned his commission, leaving the post vacant. I have made no new nomination, and the interests of this Government at Vienna are now in the care of the secretary of legation, acting as charge' d'affaires ad interim. Early in March last war broke out in Central America, caused by the attempt of Guatemala to consolidate the several States into a single government. In these contests between our neighboring States the United States forebore to interfere actively, but lent the aid of their friendly offices in deprecation of war and to promote peace and concord among the belligerents, and by such counsel contributed importantly to the restoration of tranquillity in that locality. Emergencies growing out of civil war in the United States of Colombia demanded of the Government at the beginning of this Administration the employment of armed forces to fulfill its guaranties under the thirty-fifth article of the treaty of 1846, in order to keep the transit open across the Isthmus of Panama. Desirous of exercising only the powers expressly reserved to us by the treaty, and mindful of the rights of Colombia, the forces sent to the Isthmus were instructed to confine their action to "positively and efficaciously" preventing the transit and its accessories from being "interrupted or embarrassed." The execution of this delicate and responsible task necessarily involved police control where the local authority was temporarily powerless, but always in aid of the sovereignty of Colombia. The prompt and successful fulfillment of its duty by this Government was highly appreciated by the Government of Colombia, and has been followed by expressions of its satisfaction. High praise is due to the officers and men engaged in this service. The restoration of peace on the Isthmus by the reestablishment of the constituted Government there being thus accomplished, the forces of the United States were withdrawn. Pending these occurrences a question of much importance was presented by decrees of the Colombian Government proclaiming the closure of certain ports then in the hands of insurgents and declaring vessels held by the revolutionists to be piratical and liable to capture by any power. To neither of these propositions could the United States assent. An effective closure of ports not in the possession of the Government, but held by hostile partisans, could not be recognized; neither could the vessels of insurgents against the legitimate sovereignty be deemed hostes humani generis within the precepts of international law, whatever might be the definition and penalty of their acts under the municipal law of the State against whose authority they were in revolt. The denial by this Government of the Colombian propositions did not, however, imply the admission of a belligerent status on the part of the insurgents. The Colombian Government has expressed its willingness to negotiate conventions for the adjustment by arbitration of claims by foreign citizens arising out of the destruction of the city of Aspinwall by the insurrectionary forces. The interest of the United States in a practicable transit for ships across the strip of land separating the Atlantic from the Pacific has been repeatedly manifested during the last half century. My immediate predecessor caused to be negotiated with Nicaragua a treaty for the construction, by and at the sole cost of the United States, of a canal through Nicaraguan territory, and laid it before the Senate. Pending the action of that body thereon, I withdrew the treaty for reexamination. Attentive consideration of its provisions leads me to withhold it from resubmission to the Senate. Maintaining, as I do, the tenets of a line of precedents from Washington's day, which proscribe entangling alliances with foreign states, I do not favor a policy of acquisition of new and distant territory or the incorporation of remote interests with our own. The laws of progress are vital and organic, and we must be conscious of that irresistible tide of commercial expansion which, as the concomitant of our active civilization, day by day is being urged onward by those increasing facilities of production, transportation, and communication to which steam and electricity have given birth; but our duty in the present instructs us to address ourselves mainly to the development of the vast resources of the great area committed to our charge and to the cultivation of the arts of peace within our own borders, though jealously alert in preventing the American hemisphere from being involved in the political problems and complications of distant governments. Therefore I am unable to recommend propositions involving. paramount privileges of ownership or right outside of our own territory, when coupled with absolute and unlimited engagements to defend the territorial integrity of the state where such interests lie. While the general project of connecting the two oceans by means of a canal is to be encouraged, I am of opinion that any scheme to that end to be considered with favor should be free from the features alluded to. The Tehuantepec route is declared by engineers of the highest repute and by competent scientists to afford an entirely practicable transit for vessels and cargoes, by means of a ship railway, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The obvious advantages of such a route, if feasible, over others more remote from the axial lines of traffic between Europe and the pacific, and particularly between the Valley of the Mississippi and the western coast of North and South America, are deserving of consideration. Whatever highway may be constructed across the barrier dividing the two greatest maritime areas of the world must be for the world's benefit--a trust for mankind, to be removed from the chance of domination by any single power, nor become a point of invitation for hostilities or a prize for warlike ambition. An engagement combining the construction, ownership, and operation of such a work by this Government, with an offensive and defensive alliance for its protection, with the foreign state whose responsibilities and rights we would share is, in my judgment, inconsistent with such dedication to universal and neutral use, and would, moreover, entail measures for its realization beyond the scope of our national polity or present means. The lapse of years has abundantly confirmed the wisdom and foresight of those earlier Administrations which, long before the conditions of maritime intercourse were changed and enlarged by the progress of the age, proclaimed the vital need of interoceanic transit across the American Isthmus and consecrated it in advance to the common use of mankind by their positive declarations and through the formal obligation of treaties. Toward such realization the efforts of my Administration will be applied, ever bearing in mind the principles on which it must rest, and which were declared in no uncertain tones by Mr. Cass, who, while Secretary of State, in 1858, announced that "what the United States want in Central America, next to the happiness of its people, is the security and neutrality of the interoceanic routes which lead through it." The construction of three transcontinental lines of railway, all in successful operation, wholly within our territory, and uniting the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans, has been accompanied by results of a most interesting and impressive nature, and has created new conditions, not in the routes of commerce only, but in political geography, which powerfully affect our relations toward and necessarily increase our interests in any transisthmian route which may be opened and employed for the ends of peace and traffic, or, in other contingencies, for uses inimical to both. Transportation is a factor in the cost of commodities scarcely second to that of their production, and weighs as heavily upon the consumer. Our experience already has proven the great importance of having the competition between land carriage and water carriage fully developed, each acting as a protection to the public against the tendencies to monopoly which are inherent in the consolidation of wealth and power in the hands of vast corporations. These suggestions may serve to emphasize what I have already said on the score of the necessity of a neutralization of any interoceanic transit; and this can only be accomplished by making the uses of the route open to all nations and subject to the ambitions and warlike necessities of none. The drawings and report of a recent survey of the Nicaragua Canal route, made by Chief Engineer Menocal, will be communicated for your information. The claims of citizens of the United States for losses by reason of the late military operations of Chile in Peru and Bolivia are the subject of negotiation for a claims convention with Chile, providing for their submission to arbitration. The harmony of our relations with China is fully sustained. In the application of the acts lately passed to execute the treaty of 1880, restrictive of the immigration of Chinese laborers into the United States, individual cases of hardship have occurred beyond the power of the Executive to remedy, and calling for judicial determination. The condition of the Chinese question in the Western States and Territories is, despite this restrictive legislation, far from being satisfactory. The recent outbreak in Wyoming Territory, where numbers of unoffending Chinamen, indisputably within the protection of the treaties and the law, were murdered by a mob, and the still more recent threatened outbreak of the same character in Washington Territory, are fresh in the minds of all, and there is apprehension lest the bitterness of feeling against the Mongolian race on the Pacific Slope may find vent in similar lawless demonstrations. All the power of this Government should be exerted to maintain the amplest good faith toward China in the treatment of these men, and the inflexible sternness of the law in bringing the wrongdoers to justice should be insisted upon. Every effort has been made by this Government to prevent these violent outbreaks and to aid the representatives of China in their investigation of these outrages; and it is but just to say that they are traceable to the lawlessness of men not citizens of the United States engaged in competition with Chinese laborers. Race prejudice is the chief factor in originating these disturbances, and it exists in a large part of our domain, jeopardizing our domestic peace and the good relationship we strive to maintain with China. The admitted right of a government to prevent the influx of elements hostile to its internal peace and security may not be questioned, even where there is no treaty stipulation on the subject. That the exclusion of Chinese labor is demanded in other countries where like conditions prevail is strongly evidenced in the Dominion of Canada, where Chinese immigration is now regulated by laws more exclusive than our own. If existing laws are inadequate to compass the end in view, I shall be prepared to give earnest consideration to any further remedial measures, within the treaty limits, which the wisdom of Congress may devise. The independent State of the Kongo has been organized as a government under the sovereignty of His Majesty the King of the Belgians, who assumes its chief magistracy in his personal character only, without making the new State a dependency of Belgium. It is fortunate that a benighted region, owing all it has of quickening civilization to the beneficence and philanthropic spirit of this monarch, should have the advantage and security of his benevolent supervision. The action taken by this Government last year in being the first to recognize the flag of the International Association of the Kongo has been followed by formal recognition of the new nationality which succeeds to its sovereign powers. A conference of delegates of the principal commercial nations was held at Berlin last winter to discuss methods whereby the Kongo basin might be kept open to the world's trade. Delegates attended on behalf of the United States on the understanding that their part should be merely deliberative, without imparting to the results any binding character so far as the United States were concerned. This reserve was due to the indisposition of this Government to share in any disposal by an international congress of jurisdictional questions in remote foreign territories. The results of the conference were embodied in a formal act of the nature of an international convention, which laid down certain obligations purporting to be binding on the signatories, subject to ratification within one year. Notwithstanding the reservation under which the delegates of the United States attended, their signatures were attached to the general act in the same manner as those of the plenipotentiaries of other governments, thus making the United States appear, without reserve or qualification, as signatories to a joint international engagement imposing on the signers the conservation of the territorial integrity of distant regions where we have no established interests or control. This Government does not, however, regard its reservation of liberty of action in the premises as at all impaired; and holding that an engagement to share in the obligation of enforcing neutrality in the remote valley of the Kongo would be an alliance whose responsibilities we are not in a position to assume, I abstain from asking the sanction of the Senate to that general act. The correspondence will be laid before you, and the instructive and interesting report of the agent sent by this Government to the Kongo country and his recommendations for the establishment of commercial agencies on the African coast are also submitted for your consideration. The commission appointed by my predecessor last winter to visit the Central and South American countries and report on the methods of enlarging the commercial relations of the United States therewith has submitted reports, which will be laid before you. No opportunity has been omitted to testify the friendliness of this Government toward Korea, whose entrance into the family of treaty powers the United States were the first to recognize. I regard with favor the application made by the Korean Government to be allowed to employ American officers as military instructors, to which the assent of Congress becomes necessary, and I am happy to say this request has the concurrent sanction of China and Japan. The arrest and imprisonment of Julio R. Santos, a citizen of the United States, by the authorities of Ecuador gave rise to a contention with that Government, in which his right to be released or to have a speedy and impartial trial on announced charges and with all guaranties of defense stipulated by treaty was insisted upon by us. After an elaborate correspondence and repeated and earnest representations on our part Mr. Santos was, after an alleged trial and conviction, eventually included in a general decree of amnesty and pardoned by the Ecuadorian Executive and released, leaving the question of his American citizenship denied by the Ecuadorian Government, but insisted upon by our own. The amount adjudged by the late French and American Claims Commission to be due from the United States to French claimants on account of injuries suffered by them during the War of Secession, having been appropriated by the last Congress, has been duly paid to the French Government. The act of February 25, 1885, provided for a preliminary search of the records of French prize courts for evidence bearing on the claims of American citizens against France for spoliations committed prior to 1801. The duty has been performed, and the report of the agent will be laid before you. I regret to say that the restrictions upon the importation of our pork into France continue, notwithstanding the abundant demonstration of the absence of sanitary danger in its use; but I entertain strong hopes that with a better understanding of the matter this vexatious prohibition will be removed. It would be pleasing to be able to say as much with respect to Germany, Austria, and other countries, where such food products are absolutely excluded, without present prospect of reasonable change. The interpretation of our existing treaties of naturalization by Germany during the past year has attracted attention by reason of an apparent tendency on the part of the Imperial Government to extend the scope of the residential restrictions to which returning naturalized citizens of German origin are asserted to be liable under the laws of the Empire. The temperate and just attitude taken by this Government with regard to this class of questions will doubtless lead to a satisfactory understanding. The dispute of Germany and Spain relative to the domination of the Caroline Islands has attracted the attention of this Government by reason of extensive interests of American citizens having grown up in those parts during the past thirty years, and because the question of ownership involves jurisdiction of matters affecting the status of our citizens under civil and criminal law. While standing wholly aloof from the proprietary issues raised between powers to both of which the United States are friendly, this Government expects that nothing in the present contention shall unfavorably affect our citizens carrying on a peaceful commerce or there domiciled, and has so informed the Governments of Spain and Germany. The marked good will between the United States and Great Britain has been maintained during the past year. The termination of the fishing clauses of the treaty of Washington, in pursuance of the joint resolution of March 3, 1883, must have resulted in the abrupt cessation on the 1st of July of this year, in the midst of their ventures, of the operations of citizens of the United States engaged in fishing in British American waters but for a diplomatic understanding reached with Her Majesty's Government in June last, whereby assurance was obtained that no interruption of those operations should take place during the current fishing season. In the interest of good neighborhood and of the commercial intercourse of adjacent communities, the question of the North American fisheries is one of much importance. Following out the intimation given by me when the extensory arrangement above described was negotiated, I recommend that the Congress provide for the appointment of a commission in which the Governments of the United States and Great Britain shall be respectively represented, charged with the consideration and settlement, upon a just, equitable, and honorable basis, of the entire question of the fishing rights of the two Governments and their respective citizens on the coasts of the United States and British North America. The fishing interests being intimately related to other general questions dependent upon contiguity and intercourse, consideration thereof in all their equities might also properly come within the purview of such a commission, and the fullest latitude of expression on both sides should be permitted. The correspondence in relation to the fishing rights will be submitted. The arctic exploring steamer Alert, which was generously given by Her Majesty's Government to aid in the relief of the Greely expedition, was, after the successful attainment of that humane purpose, returned to Great Britain, in pursuance of the authority conferred by the act of March 3, 1885. The inadequacy of the existing engagements for extradition between the United States and Great Britain has been long apparent. The tenth article of the treaty of 1842, one of the earliest compacts in this regard entered into by us, stipulated for surrender in respect of a limited number of offenses. Other crimes no less inimical to the social welfare should be embraced and the procedure of extradition brought in harmony with present international practice. Negotiations with Her Majesty's Government for an enlarged treaty of extradition have been pending since 1870, and I entertain strong hopes that a satisfactory result may be soon attained. The frontier line between Alaska and British Columbia, as defined by the treaty of cession with Russia, follows the demarcation assigned in a prior treaty between Great Britain and Russia. Modern exploration discloses that this ancient boundary is impracticable as a geographical fact. In the unsettled condition of that region the question has lacked importance, but the discovery of mineral wealth in the territory the line is supposed to traverse admonishes that the time has come when an accurate knowledge of the boundary is needful to avert jurisdictional complications. I recommend, therefore, that provision be made for a preliminary reconnoissance by officers of the United States, to the end of acquiring more precise information on the subject. I have invited Her Majesty's Government to consider with us the adoption of a more convenient line, to be established by meridian observations or by known geographical features without the necessity of an expensive survey of the whole. The late insurrectionary movements in Hayti having been quelled, the Government of that Republic has made prompt provision for adjudicating the losses suffered by foreigners because of hostilities there, and the claims of certain citizens of the United States will be in this manner determined. The long-pending claims of two citizens of the United States, Pelletier and Lazare, have been disposed of by arbitration, and an award in favor of each claimant has been made, which by the terms of the engagement is final. It remains for Congress to provide for the payment of the stipulated moiety of the expenses. A question arose with Hayti during the past year by reason of the exceptional treatment of an American citizen, Mr. Van Bokkelen, a resident of Port-au-Prince, who, on suit by creditors residing in the United States, was sentenced to imprisonment, and, under the operation of a Haytian statute, was denied relief secured to a native Haytian. This Government asserted his treaty right to equal treatment with natives of Hayti in all suits at law. Our contention was denied by the Haytian Government, which, however, while still professing to maintain the ground taken against Mr. Van Bokkelen's right, terminated the controversy by setting him at liberty without explanation. An international conference to consider the means of arresting the spread of cholera and other epidemic diseases was held at Rome in May last, and adjourned to meet again on further notice. An expert delegate on behalf of the United States has attended its sessions and will submit a report. Our relations with Mexico continue to be most cordial, as befits those of neighbors between whom the strongest ties of friendship and commercial intimacy exist, as the natural and growing consequence of our similarity of institutions and geographical propinquity. The relocation of the boundary line between the United States and Mexico westward of the Rio Grande, under the convention of July 29, 1882, has been unavoidably delayed, but I apprehend no difficulty in securing a prolongation of the period for its accomplishment. The lately concluded commercial treaty with Mexico still awaits the stipulated legislation to carry its provisions into effect, for which one year's additional time has been secured by a supplementary article signed in February last and since ratified on both sides. As this convention, so important to the commercial welfare of the two adjoining countries, has been constitutionally confirmed by the treaty- making branch, I express the hope that legislation needed to make it effective may not be long delayed. The large influx of capital and enterprise to Mexico from the United States continues to aid in the development of the resources and in augmenting the material well-being of our sister Republic. Lines of railway, penetrating to the heart and capital of the country, bring the two peoples into mutually beneficial intercourse, and enlarged facilities of transit add to profitable commerce, create new markets, and furnish avenues to otherwise isolated communities. I have already adverted to the suggested construction of a ship railway across the narrow formation of the territory of Mexico at Tehuantepec. With the gradual recovery of Peru from the effects of her late disastrous conflict with Chile, and with the restoration of civil authority in that distracted country, it is hoped that pending war claims of our citizens will be adjusted. In conformity with notification given by the Government of Peru, the existing treaties of commerce and extradition between the United States and that country will terminate March 31, 1886. Our good relationship with Russia continues. An officer of the Navy, detailed for the purpose, is now on his way to Siberia bearing the testimonials voted by Congress to those who generously succored the survivors of the unfortunate Jeannette expedition. It is gratifying to advert to the cordiality of our intercourse with Spain. The long-pending claim of the owners of the ship Masonic for loss suffered through the admitted dereliction of the Spanish authorities in the Philippine Islands has been adjusted by arbitration and an indemnity awarded. The principle of arbitration in such cases, to which the United States have long and consistently adhered, thus receives a fresh and gratifying confirmation. Other questions with Spain have been disposed of or are under diplomatic consideration with a view to just and honorable settlement. The operation of the commercial agreement with Spain of January 2--February 13, 1884, has been found inadequate to the commercial needs of the United States and the Spanish Antilies, and the terms of the agreement are subjected to conflicting interpretations in those islands. Negotiations have been instituted at Madrid for a full treaty not open to these objections and in the line of the general policy touching the neighborly intercourse of proximate communities, to which I elsewhere advert, and aiming, moreover, at the removal of existing burdens and annoying restrictions; and although a satisfactory termination is promised, I am compelled to delay its announcement. An international copyright conference was held at Berne in September, on the invitation of the Swiss Government. The envoy of the United States attended as a delegate, but refrained from committing this Government to the results, even by signing the recommendatory protocol adopted. The interesting and important subject of international copyright has been before you for several years. Action is certainly desirable to effect the object in view; and while there may be question as to the relative advantage of treating it by legislation or by specific treaty, the matured views of the Berne conference can not fail to aid your consideration of the subject. The termination of the commercial treaty of 1862 between the United States and Turkey has been sought by that Government. While there is question as to the sufficiency of the notice of termination given, yet as the commercial rights of our citizens in Turkey come under the favored-nation guaranties of the prior treaty of 1830, and as equal treatment is admitted by the Porte, no inconvenience can result from the assent of this Government to the revision of the Ottoman tariffs, in which the treaty powers have been invited to join. Questions concerning our citizens in Turkey may be affected by the Porte's nonacquiescence in the right of expatriation and by the imposition of religious tests as a condition of residence, in which this Government can not concur. The United States must hold in their intercourse with every power that the status of their citizens is to be respected and equal civil privileges accorded to them without regard to creed, and affected by no considerations save those growing out of domiciliary return to the land of original allegiance or of unfulfilled personal obligations which may survive, under municipal laws, after such voluntary return. The negotiation with Venezuela relative to the rehearing of the awards of the mixed commission constituted under the treaty of 1866 was resumed in view of the recent acquiescence of the Venezuelan envoy in the principal point advanced by this Government, that the effects of the old treaty could only be set aside by the operation of a new convention. A result in substantial accord with the advisory suggestions contained in the joint resolution of March 3, 1883, has been agreed upon and will shortly be submitted to the Senate for ratification. Under section 3659 of the Revised Statutes all funds held in trust by the United States and the annual interest accruing thereon, when not otherwise required by treaty, are to be invested in stocks of the United States bearing a rate of interest not less than 5 per cent per annum. There being now no procurable stocks paying so high a rate of interest, the letter of the statute is at present inapplicable, but its spirit is subserved by continuing to make investments of this nature in current stocks bearing the highest interest now paid. The statute, however, makes no provision for the disposal of such accretions. It being contrary to the general rule of this Government to allow interest on claims, I recommend the repeal of the provision in question and the disposition, under a uniform rule, of the present accumulations from investment of trust funds. The inadequacy of existing legislation touching citizenship and naturalization demands your consideration. While recognizing the right of expatriation, no statutory provision exists providing means for renouncing citizenship by an American citizen, native born or naturalized, nor for terminating and vacating an improper acquisition of citizenship. Even a fraudulent decree of naturalization can not now be canceled. The privilege and franchise of American citizenship should be granted with care, and extended to those only who intend in good faith to assume its duties and responsibilities when attaining its privileges and benefits. It should be withheld from those who merely go through the forms of naturalization with the intent of escaping the duties of their original allegiance without taking upon themselves those of their new status, or who may acquire the rights of American citizenship for no other than a hostile purpose toward their original governments. These evils have had many flagrant illustrations. I regard with favor the suggestion put forth by one of my predecessors that provision be made for a central bureau of record of the decrees of naturalization granted by the various courts throughout the United States now invested with that power. The rights which spring from domicile in the United States, especially when coupled with a declaration of intention to become a citizen, are worthy of definition by statute. The stranger coming hither with intent to remain, establishing his residence in our midst, contributing to the general welfare, and by his voluntary act declaring his purpose to assume the responsibilities of citizenship, thereby gains an inchoate status which legislation may properly define. The laws of certain States and Territories admit a domiciled alien to the local franchise, conferring on him the rights of citizenship to a degree which places him in the anomalous position of being a citizen of a State and yet not of the United States within the purview of Federal and international law. It is important within the scope of national legislation to define this right of alien domicile as distinguished from Federal naturalization. The commercial relations of the United States with their immediate neighbors and with important areas of traffic near our shores suggest especially liberal intercourse between them and us. Following the treaty of 1883 with Mexico, which rested on the basis of a reciprocal exemption from customs duties, other similar treaties were initiated by my predecessor. Recognizing the need of less obstructed traffic with Cuba and Puerto Rico, and met by the desire of Spain to succor languishing interests in the Antilles, steps were taken to attain those ends by a treaty of commerce. A similar treaty was afterwards signed by the Dominican Republic. Subsequently overtures were made by Her Britannic Majesty's Government for a like mutual extension of commercial intercourse with the British West Indian and South American dependencies, but without result. On taking office I withdrew for reexamination the treaties signed with Spain and Santo Domingo, then pending before the Senate. The result has been to satisfy me of the inexpediency of entering into engagements of this character not covering the entire traffic. These treaties contemplated the surrender by the United States of large revenues for inadequate considerations. Upon sugar alone duties were surrendered to an amount far exceeding all the advantages offered in exchange. Even were it intended to relieve our consumers, it was evident that so long as the exemption but partially covered our importation such relief would be illusory. To relinquish a revenue so essential seemed highly improvident at a time when new and large drains upon the Treasury were contemplated. Moreover, embarrassing questions would have arisen under the favored-nation clauses of treaties with other nations. As a further objection, it is evident that tariff regulation by treaty diminishes that independent control over its own revenues which is essential for the safety and welfare of any government. Emergency calling for an increase of taxation may at any time arise, and no engagement with a foreign power should exist to hamper the action of the Government. By the fourteenth section of the shipping act approved June 26, 1884, certain reductions and contingent exemptions from tonnage dues were made as to vessels entering ports of the United States from any foreign port in North and Central America, the West India Islands, the Bahamas and Bermudas, Mexico, and the Isthmus as far as Aspinwall and Panama. The Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Portugal, and Sweden and Norway have asserted, under the favored-nation clause in their treaties with the United States, a claim to like treatment in respect of vessels coming to the United States from their home ports. This Government, however, holds that the privileges granted by the act are purely geographical, inuring to any vessel of any foreign power that may choose to engage in traffic between this country and any port within the defined zone, and no warrant exists under the most-favored-nation clause for the extension of the privileges in question to vessels sailing to this country from ports outside the limitation of the act. Undoubtedly the relations of commerce with our near neighbors, whose territories form so long a frontier line difficult to be guarded, and who find in our country, and equally offer to us, natural markets, demand special and considerate treatment. It rests with Congress to consider what legislative action may increase facilities of intercourse which contiguity makes natural and desirable. I earnestly urge that Congress recast the appropriations for the maintenance of the diplomatic and consular service on a footing commensurate with the importance of our national interests. At every post where a representative is necessary the salary should be so graded as to permit him to live with comfort. With the assignment of adequate salaries the so-called notarial extra official fees, which our officers abroad are now permitted to treat as personal perquisites, should be done away with. Every act requiring the certification and seal of the officer should be taxable at schedule rates and the fee therefor returned to the Treasury. By restoring these revenues to the public use the consular service would be self-supporting, even with a liberal increase of the present low salaries. In further prevention of abuses a system of consular inspection should be instituted. The appointment of a limited number of secretaries of legation at large, to be assigned to duty wherever necessary, and in particular for temporary service at missions which for any cause may be without a head, should also be authorized. I favor also authorization for the detail of officers of the regular service as military or naval attaches at legations. Some foreign governments do not recognize the union of consular with diplomatic functions. Italy and Venezuela will only receive the appointee in one of his two capacities, but this does not prevent the requirement of a bond and submission to the responsibilities of an office whose duties he can not discharge. The superadded title of consul-general should be abandoned at all missions. I deem it expedient that a well-devised measure for the reorganization of the extraterritorial courts in Oriental countries should replace the present system, which labors under the disadvantage of combining judicial and executive functions in the same office. In several Oriental countries generous offers have been made of premises for housing the legations of the United States. A grant of land for that purpose was made some years since by Japan, and has been referred to in the annual messages of my predecessor. The Siamese Government has made a gift to the United States of commodious quarters in Bangkok. In Korea the late minister was permitted to purchase a building from the Government for legation use. In China the premises rented for the legation are favored as to local charges. At Tangier the house occupied by our representative has been for many years the property; this Government, having been given for that purpose in 1822 by the Sultan of Morocco. I approve the suggestion heretofore made, that, view of the conditions of life and administration in the Eastern countries, the legation buildings in China, Japan, Korea, Siam, and perhaps Persia, should be owned and furnished by the Government with a view to permanency and security. To this end I recommend that authority be given to accept the gifts adverted to in Japan and Siam, and to purchase in the other countries named, with provision for furniture and repairs. A considerable saving in rentals would result. The World's Industrial Exposition, held at New Orleans last winter, with the assistance of the Federal Government, attracted a large number of foreign exhibits, and proved of great value in spreading among the concourse of visitors from Mexico and Central and South America a wider knowledge of the varied manufactures and productions of this country and their availability in exchange for the productions of those regions. Past Congresses have had under consideration the advisability of abolishing the discrimination made by the tariff laws in favor of the works of American artists. The odium of the policy which subjects to a high rate of duty the paintings of foreign artists and exempts the productions of American artists residing abroad, and who receive gratuitously advantages and instruction, is visited upon our citizens engaged in art culture in Europe, and has caused them with practical unanimity to favor the abolition of such an ungracious distinction; and in their interest, and for other obvious reasons, I strongly recommend it. The report of the Secretary of the Treasury fully exhibits the condition of the public finances and of the several branches of the Government connected with his Department. The suggestions of the Secretary relating to the practical operations of this important Department, and his recommendations in the direction of simplification and economy, particularly in the work of collecting customs duties, are especially urged upon the attention of Congress. The ordinary receipts from all sources for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1885, were $322,690,706.38. Of this sum $181,471,939.34 was received from customs and $112,498,725.54 from internal revenue. The total receipts, as given above, were $24,829,163.54 less than those for the year ended June 30, 1884. This diminution embraces a falling off of $13,595,550.42 in the receipts from customs and $9,687,346.97 in the receipts from internal revenue. The total ordinary expenditures of the Government for the fiscal year were $260,226,935.50, leaving a surplus in the Treasury at the close of the year of $63,463,771.27. This is $40,929,854.32 less than the surplus reported at the close of the previous year. The expenditures are classified as follows: The amount paid on the public debt during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1885, was $45,993,235.43, and there has been paid since that date and up to November 1, 1885, the sum of $369,828, leaving the amount of the debt at the last-named date $1,514,475,860.47. There was however, at that time in the Treasury, applicable to the general purposes of the Government, the sum of $66,818,292.38. The total receipts for the current fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, ascertained to October 1, 1885, and estimated for the remainder of the year, are $315,000,000. The expenditures ascertained and estimated for the same time are $245,000,000, leaving a surplus at the close of the year estimated at $70,000,000. The value of the exports from the United States to foreign countries during the last fiscal year was as follows: Some of the principal exports, with their values and the percentage they respectively bear to the total exportation, are given as follows: Our imports during the year were as follows: The following are given as prominent articles of import during the year, with their values and the percentage they bear to the total importation: Of the entire amount of duties collected 70 per cent was collected from the following articles of import: The fact that our revenues are in excess of the actual needs of all economical administration of the Government justifies a reduction in the amount exacted from the people for its support. Our Government is but the means established by the will of a free people by which certain principles are applied which they have adopted for their benefit and protection; and it is never better administered and its true spirit is never better observed than when the people's taxation for its support is scrupulously limited to the actual necessity of expenditure and distributed according to a just and equitable plan. The proposition with which we have to deal is the reduction of the revenue received by the Government, and indirectly paid by the people, from customs duties. The question of free trade is not involved, nor is there now any occasion for the general discussion of the wisdom or expediency of a protective system. Justice and fairness dictate that in any modification of our present laws relating to revenue the industries and interests which have been encouraged by such laws, and in which our citizens have large investments, should not be ruthlessly injured or destroyed. We should also deal with the subject in such manner as to protect the interests of American labor, which is the capital of our workingmen. Its stability and proper remuneration furnish the most justifiable pretext for a protective policy. Within these limitations a certain reduction should be made in our customs revenue. The amount of such reduction having been determined, the inquiry follows, Where can it best be remitted and what articles can best be released from duty in the interest of our citizens? I think the reduction should be made in the revenue derived from a tax upon the imported necessaries of life. We thus directly lessen the cost of living in every family of the land and release to the people in every humble home a larger measure of the rewards of frugal industry. During the year ended November 1, 1885, 145 national banks were organized, with an aggregate capital of $16,938,000, and circulating notes have been issued to them amounting to $4,274,910. The whole number of these banks in existence on the day above mentioned was 2,727. The very limited amount of circulating notes issued by our national banks, compared with the amount the law permits them to issue upon a deposit of bonds for their redemption, indicates that the volume of our circulating medium may be largely increased through this instrumentality. Nothing more important than the present condition of our currency and coinage can claim your attention. Since February, 1878, the Government has, under the compulsory provisions of law, purchased silver bullion and coined the same at the rate of more than $2,000,000 every month. By this process up to the present date 215,759,431 silver dollars have been coined. A reasonable appreciation of a delegation of power to the General Government would limit its exercise, without express restrictive words, to the people's needs and the requirements of the public welfare. Upon this theory the authority to "coin money" given to Congress by the Constitution, if it permits the purchase by the Government of bullion for coinage in any event, does not justify such purchase and coinage to an extent beyond the amount needed for a sufficient circulating medium. The desire to utilize the silver product of the country should not lead to a misuse or the perversion of this power. The necessity for such an addition to the silver currency of the nation as is compelled by the silver-coinage act is negatived by the fact that up to the present time only about 50,000,000 of the silver dollars so coined have actually found their way into circulation, leaving more than 165,000,000 in the possession of the Government, the custody of which has entailed a considerable expense for the construction of vaults for it deposit. Against this latter amount there are outstanding silver certificates amounting to about $93,000,000. Every month two millions of gold in the public Treasury are paid our for two millions or more of silver dollars, to be added to the idle mass already accumulated. If continued long enough, this operation will result in the substitution of silver for all the gold the Government owns applicable to its general purposes. It will not do to rely upon the customs receipts of the Government to make good this drain of gold, because the silver thus coined having been made legal tender for all debts and dues, public and private, at times during the last six months 58 per cent of the receipts for duties has been in silver or silver certificates, while the average within that period has been 20 per cent. The proportion of silver and its certificates received by the Government will probably increase as time goes on, for the reason that the nearer the period approaches when it will be obliged to offer silver in payment of its obligations the greater inducement there will be to hoard gold against depreciation in the value of silver or for the purpose of speculating. This hoarding of gold has already begun. When the time comes that gold has been withdrawn from circulation, then will be apparent the difference between the real value of the silver dollar and a dollar in gold, and the two coins will part company. Gold, still the standard of value and necessary in our dealings with other countries, will be at a premium over silver; banks which have substituted gold for the deposits of their customers may pay them with silver bought with such gold, thus making a handsome profit; rich speculators will sell their hoarded gold to their neighbors who need it to liquidate their foreign debts, at a ruinous premium over silver, and the laboring men and women of the land, most defenseless of all, will find that the dollar received for the wage of their toil has sadly shrunk in its purchasing power. It may be said that the latter result will be but temporary, and that ultimately the price of labor will be adjusted to the change; but even if this takes place the wage-worker can not possibly gain, but must inevitably lose, since the price he is compelled to pay for his living will not only be measured in a coin heavily depreciated and fluctuating and uncertain in its value, but this uncertainty in the value of the purchasing medium will be made the pretext for an advance in prices beyond that justified by actual depreciation. The words uttered in 1834 by Daniel Webster in the Senate of the United States are true to-day: The very man of all others who has the deepest interest in a sound currency, and who suffers most by mischievous legislation in money matters, is the man who earns his daily bread by his daily toil. The most distinguished advocate of bimetallism, discussing our silver coinage, has lately written: No American citizen's hand has yet felt the sensation of cheapness, either in receiving or expending the silver-act dollars. And those who live by labor or legitimate trade never will feel that sensation of cheapness. However plenty silver dollars may become, they will not be distributed as gifts among the people; and if the laboring man should receive four depreciated dollars where he now receives but two, he will pay in the depreciated coin more than double the price he now pays for all the necessaries and comforts of life. Those who do not fear any disastrous consequences arising from the continued compulsory coinage of silver as now directed by law, and who suppose that the addition to the currency of the country intended as its result will be a public benefit, are reminded that history demonstrates that the point is easily reached in the attempt to float at the same time two sorts of money of different excellence when the better will cease to be in general circulation. The hoarding of gold which has already taken place indicates that we shall not escape the usual experience in such cases. So if this silver coinage be continued we may reasonably expect that gold and its equivalent will abandon the field of circulation to silver alone. This of course must produce a severe contraction of our circulating medium, instead of adding to it. It will not be disputed that any attempt on the part of the Government to cause the circulation of silver dollars worth 80 cents side by side with gold dollars worth 100 cents, even within the limit that legislation does not run counter to the laws of trade, to be successful must be seconded by the confidence of the people that both coins will retain the same purchasing power and be interchangeable at will. A special effort has been made by the Secretary of the Treasury to increase the amount of our silver coin in circulation; but the fact that a large share of the limited amount thus put out has soon returned to the public Treasury in payment of duties leads to the belief that the people do not now desire to keep it in hand, and this, with the evident disposition to hoard gold, gives rise to the suspicion that there already exists a lack of confidence among the people touching our financial processes. There is certainly not enough silver now in circulation to cause uneasiness, and the whole amount coined and now on hand might after a time be absorbed by the people without apprehension; but it is the ceaseless stream that threatens to overflow the land which causes fear and uncertainty. What has been thus far submitted upon this subject relates almost entirely to considerations of a home nature, unconnected with the bearing which the policies of other nations have upon the question. But it is perfectly apparent that a line of action in regard to our currency can not wisely be settled upon or persisted in without considering the attitude on the subject of other countries with whom we maintain intercourse through commerce, trade, and travel. An acknowledgment of this fact is found in the act by virtue of which our silver is compulsorily coined. It provides that-- The President shall invite the governments of the countries composing the Latin Union, so called, and of such other European nations as he may deem advisable, to join the United States in a conference to adopt a common ratio between gold and silver for the purpose of establishing internationally the use of bimetallic money and securing fixity of relative value between those metals. This conference absolutely failed, and a similar fate has awaited all subsequent efforts in the same direction. And still we continue our coinage of silver at a ratio different from that of any other nation. The most vital part of the silver-coinage act remains inoperative and unexecuted, and without an ally or friend we battle upon the silver field in an illogical and losing contest. To give full effect to the design of Congress on this subject I have made careful and earnest endeavor since the adjournment of the last Congress. To this end I delegated a gentleman well instructed in fiscal science to proceed to the financial centers of Europe and, in conjunction with our ministers to England, France, and Germany, to obtain a full knowledge of the attitude and intent of those governments in respect of the establishment of such an international ratio as would procure free coinage of both metals at the mints of those countries and our own. By my direction our consul-general at Paris has given close attention to the proceedings of the congress of the Latin Union, in order to indicate our interest in its objects and report its action. It may be said in brief, as the result of these efforts, that the attitude of the leading powers remains substantially unchanged since the monetary conference of 1881, nor is it to be questioned that the views of these governments are in each instance supported by the weight of public opinion. The steps thus taken have therefore only more fully demonstrated the uselessness of further attempts at present to arrive at any agreement on the subject with other nations. In the meantime we are accumulating silver coin, based upon our own peculiar ratio, to such an extent, and assuming so heavy a burden to be provided for in any international negotiations, as will render us an undesirable party to any future monetary conference of nations. It is a significant fact that four of the five countries composing the Latin Union mentioned in our coinage act, embarrassed with their silver currency, have just completed an agreement among themselves that no more silver shall be coined by their respective Governments and that such as has been already coined and in circulation shall be redeemed in gold by the country of its coinage. The resort to this expedient by these countries may well arrest the attention of those who suppose that we can succeed without shock or injury in the attempt to circulate upon its merits all the silver we may coin under the provisions of our silver-coinage act. The condition in which our Treasury may be placed by a persistence in our present course is a matter of concern to every patriotic citizen who does not desire his Government to pay in silver such of its obligations as should be paid in gold. Nor should our condition be such as to oblige us, in a prudent management of our affairs, to discontinue the calling in and payment of interest-bearing obligations which we have the right now to discharge, and thus avoid the payment of further interest thereon. The so-called debtor class, for whose benefit the continued compulsory coinage of silver is insisted upon, are not dishonest because they are in debt, and they should not be suspected of a desire to jeopardize the financial safety of the country in order that they may cancel their present debts by paying the same in depreciated dollars. Nor should it be forgotten that it is not the rich nor the money lender alone that must submit to such a readjustment, enforced by the Government and their debtors. The pittance of the widow and the orphan and the incomes of helpless beneficiaries of all kinds would be disastrously reduced. The depositors in savings banks and in other institutions which hold in trust the savings of the poor, when their little accumulations are scaled down to meet the new order of things, would in their distress painfully realize the delusion of the promise made to them that plentiful money would improve their condition. We have now on hand all the silver dollars necessary to supply the present needs of the people and to satisfy those who from sentiment wish to see them in circulation, and if their coinage is suspended they can be readily obtained by all who desire them. If the need of more is at anytime apparent, their coinage may be renewed. That disaster has not already overtaken us furnishes no proof that danger does not wait upon a continuation of the present silver coinage. We have been saved by the most careful management and unusual expedients, by a combination of fortunate conditions, and by a confident expectation that the course of the Government in regard to silver coinage would be speedily changed by the action of Congress. Prosperity hesitates upon our threshold because of the dangers and uncertainties surrounding this question. Capital timidly shrinks from trade, and investors are unwilling to take the chance of the questionable shape in which their money will be returned to them, while enterprise halts at a risk against which care and sagacious management do not protect. As a necessary consequence, labor lacks employment and suffering and distress are visited upon a portion of our fellow-citizens especially entitled to the careful consideration of those charged with the duties of legislation. No interest appeals to us so strongly for a safe and stable currency as the vast army of the unemployed. I recommend the suspension of the compulsory coinage of silver dollars, directed by the law passed in February, 1878. The Steamboat-Inspection Service on the 30th day of June, 1885, was composed of 140 persons, including officers, clerks, and messengers. The expenses of the service over the receipts were $138,822.22 during the fiscal year. The special inspection of foreign steam vessels, organized under a law passed in 1882, was maintained during the year at an expense of $36,641.63. Since the close of the fiscal year reductions have been made in the force employed which will result in a saving during the current year of $17,000 without affecting the efficiency of the service. The Supervising Surgeon-General reports that during the fiscal year 41,714 patients have received relief through the Marine-Hospital Service, of whom 12,803 were treated in hospitals and 28,911 at the dispensaries. Active and effective efforts have been made through the medium of this service to protect the country against an invasion of cholera, which has prevailed in Spain and France, and the smallpox, which recently broke out in Canada. The most gratifying results have attended the operations of the Life Saving Service during the last fiscal year. The observance of the provision of law requiring the appointment of the force employed in this service to be made "solely with reference to their fitness, and without reference to their political or party affiliation," has secured the result which may confidently be expected in any branch of public employment where such a rule is applied. As a consequence, this service is composed of men well qualified for the performance of their dangerous and exceptionally important duties The number of stations in commission at the close of the year was 203. The number of disasters to vessels and craft of all kinds within their field of action was 371. The number of persons endangered in such disasters was 2,439, of whom 2,428 were saved and only 11 lost. Other lives which were imperiled, though not by disasters to shipping, were also rescued, and a large amount of property was saved through the aid of this service. The cost of its maintenance during the year was $828,474.43. The work of the Coast and Geodetic Survey was during the last fiscal year carried on within the boundaries and off the coasts of thirty-two States, two Territories, and the District of Columbia. In July last certain irregularities were found to exist in the management of this Bureau, which led to a prompt investigation of its methods. The abuses which were brought to light by this examination and the reckless disregard of duty and the interests of the Government developed on the part of some of those connected with the service made a change of superintendency and a few of its other officers necessary. Since the Bureau has been in new hands an introduction of economies and the application of business methods have produced an important saving to the Government and a promise of more useful results. This service has never been regulated by anything but the most indefinite legal enactments and the most unsatisfactory rules. It was many years ago sanctioned apparently for a purpose regarded as temporary and related to a survey of our coast. Having gained a place in the appropriations made by Congress, it has gradually taken to itself powers and objects not contemplated in its creation and extended its operations until it sadly needs legislative attention. So far as a further survey of our coast is concerned, there seems to be a propriety in transferring that work to the Navy Department. The other duties now in charge of this establishment, if they can not be profitably attached to some existing Department or other bureau, should be prosecuted under a law exactly defining their scope and purpose, and with a careful discrimination between the scientific inquiries which may properly be assumed by the Government and those which should be undertaken by State authority or by individual enterprise. It is hoped that the report of the Congressional committee heretofore appointed to investigate this and other like matters will aid in the accomplishment of proper legislation on this subject. The report of the Secretary of War is herewith submitted. The attention of Congress is invited to the detailed account which it contains of the administration of his Department, and his recommendations and suggestions for the improvement of the service. The Army consisted, at the date of the last consolidated returns, of 2,154 officers and 24,705 enlisted men. The expenses of the Departments for the fiscal year ended June, 30, 1885, including $13,164,394.60 for public works and river and harbor improvements, were $45,850,999.54. Besides the troops which were dispatched in pursuit of the small band of Indians who left their reservation in Arizona and committed murders and outrages, two regiments of cavalry and one of infantry were sent last July to the Indian Territory to prevent an outbreak which seemed imminent. They remained to aid, if necessary, in the expulsion of intruders upon the reservation, who seemed to have caused the discontent among the Indians, but the Executive proclamation warning them to remove was complied with without their interference. Troops were also sent to Rock Springs, in Wyoming Territory, after the massacre of Chinese there, to prevent further disturbance, and afterwards to Seattle, in Washington Territory, to avert a threatened attack upon Chinese laborers and domestic violence there. In both cases the mere presence of the troops had the desired effect. It appears that the number of desertions has diminished, but that during the last fiscal year they numbered 2,927; and one instance is given by the Lieutenant-General of six desertions by the same recruit. I am convinced that this number of desertions can be much diminished by better discipline and treatment; but the punishment should be increased for repeated offenses. These desertions might also be reduced by lessening the term of first enlistments, thus allowing a discontented recruit to contemplate a nearer discharge and the Army a profitable riddance. After one term of service a reenlistment would be quite apt to secure a contented recruit and a good soldier. The Acting Judge-Advocate-General reports that the number of trials by general courts-martial during the year was 2,328, and that 11,851 trials took place before garrison and regimental courts-martial. The suggestion that probably more than half the Army have been tried for offenses, great and small, in one year may well arrest attention. Of course many of these trials before garrison and regimental courts-martial were for offenses almost frivolous, and there should, I think, be a way devised to dispose of these in a more summary and less inconvenient manner than by court-martial. If some of the proceedings of courts-martial which I have had occasion to examine present the ideas of justice which generally prevail in these tribunals, I am satisfied that they should be much reformed if the honor and the honesty of the Army and Navy are by their instrumentality to be vindicated and protected. The Board on Fortifications or other defenses, appointed in pursuance of the provisions of the act of Congress approved March 3, 1885, will in a short time present their report, and it is hoped that this may greatly aid the legislation so necessary to remedy the present defenseless condition of our seacoasts. The work of the Signal Service has been prosecuted during the last year with results of increasing benefit to the country. The field of instruction has been enlarged with a view of adding to its usefulness. The number of stations in operation June 30, 1885, was 489. Telegraphic reports are received daily from 160 stations. Reports are also received from 25 Canadian stations, 375 volunteer observers, 52 army surgeons at military posts, and 333 foreign stations. The expense of the service during the fiscal year, after deducting receipts from military telegraph lines, was $792,592.97. In view of the fact referred to by the Secretary of War, that the work of this service ordinarily is of a scientific nature, and the further fact that it is assuming larger proportions constantly and becoming more and more unsuited to the fixed rules which must govern the Army, I am inclined to agree with him in the opinion that it should be separately established. If this is done, the scope and extent of its operations should, as nearly as possible, be definitely prescribed by law and always capable of exact ascertainment. The Military Academy at West Point is reported as being in a high state of efficiency and well equipped for the satisfactory accomplishment of the purposes of its maintenance. The fact that the class which graduates next year is an unusually large one has constrained me to decline to make appointments to second lieutenancies in the Army from civil life, so that such vacancies as exist in these places may be reserved for such graduates; and yet it is not probable that there will be enough vacancies to provide positions for them all when they leave the military school. Under the prevailing law and usage those not thus assigned to duty never actively enter the military service. It is suggested that the law on this subject be changed so that such of these young men as are not at once assigned to duty after graduation may be retained as second lieutenants in the Army if they desire it, subject to assignment when opportunity occurs, and under proper rules as to priority of selection. The expenditures on account of the Military Academy for the last fiscal year, exclusive of the sum taken for its purposes from appropriations for the support of the Army, were $290,712.07. The act approved March 3, 1885, designed to compensate officers and enlisted men for loss of private property while in the service of the United States, is so indefinite in its terms and apparently admits so many claims the adjustment of which could not have been contemplated that if it is to remain upon the statute book it needs amendment. There should be a general law of Congress prohibiting the construction of bridges over navigable waters in such manner as to obstruct navigation, with provisions for preventing the same. It seems that under existing statutes the Government can not intervene to prevent such a construction when entered upon without its consent, though when such consent is asked and granted upon condition the authority to insist upon such condition is clear. Thus it is represented that while the officers of the Government are with great care guarding against the obstruction of navigation by a bridge across the Mississippi River at St. Paul a large pier for a bridge has been built just below this place directly in the navigable channel of the river. If such things are to be permitted, a strong argument is presented against the appropriation of large sums of money to improve the navigation of this and other important highways of commerce. The report of the Secretary of the Navy gives a history of the operations of his Department and the present condition of the work committed to his charge. He details in full the course pursued by him to protect the rights of the Government in respect of certain vessels unfinished at the time of his accession to office, and also concerning the dispatch boat Dolphin, claimed to be completed and awaiting the acceptance of the Department. No one can fail to see from recitals contained in this report that only the application of business principles has been insisted upon in the treatment of these subjects, and that whatever controversy has arisen was caused by the exaction on the part of the Department of contract obligations as they were legally construed. In the case of the Dolphin, with entire justice to the contractor, an agreement has been entered into providing for the ascertainment by a judicial inquiry of the complete or partial compliance with the contract in her construction, and further providing for the assessment of any damages to which the Government may be entitled on account of a partial failure to perform such contract, or the payment of the sum still remaining unpaid upon her price in case a full performance is adjudged. The contractor, by reason of his failure in business, being unable to complete the other three vessels, they were taken possession of by the Government in their unfinished state under a clause in the contract permitting such a course, and are now in process of completion in the yard of the contractor, but under the supervision of the Navy Department. Congress at its last session authorized the construction of two additional new cruisers and two gunboats, at a cost not exceeding in the aggregate $2,995,000. The appropriation for this purpose having become available on the 1st day of July last, steps were at once taken for the procurement of such plans for the construction of these vessels as would be likely to insure their usefulness when completed. These are of the utmost importance, considering the constant advance in the art of building vessels of this character, and the time is not lost which is spent in their careful consideration and selection. All must admit the importance of an effective navy to a nation like ours, having such an extended seacoast to protect; and yet we have not a single vessel of war that could keep the seas against a first-class vessel of any important power. Such a condition ought not longer to continue. The nation that can not resist aggression is constantly exposed to it. Its foreign policy is of necessity weak and its negotiations are conducted with disadvantage because it is not in condition to enforce the terms dictated by its sense of right and justice. Inspired, as I am, by the hope, shared by all patriotic citizens, that the day is not very far distant when our Navy will be such as befits our standing among the nations of the earth, and rejoiced at every step that leads in the direction of such a consummation, I deem it my duty to especially direct the attention of Congress to the close of the report of the Secretary of the Navy, in which the humiliating weakness of the present organization of his Department is exhibited and the startling abuses and waste of its present methods are exposed. The conviction is forced upon us with the certainty of mathematical demonstration that before we proceed further in the restoration of a Navy we need a thoroughly reorganized Navy Department. The fact that within seventeen years more than $75,000,000 have been spent in the construction, repair, equipment, and armament of vessels, and the further fact that instead of an effective and creditable fleet we have only the discontent and apprehension of a nation undefended by war vessels, added to the disclosures now made, do not permit us to doubt that every attempt to revive our Navy has thus far for the most part been misdirected, and all our efforts in that direction have been little better than blind gropings and expensive, aimless follies. Unquestionably if we are content with the maintenance of a Navy Department simply as a shabby ornament to the Government, a constant watchfulness may prevent some of the scandal and abuse which have found their way into our present organization, and its incurable waste may be reduced to the minimum. But if we desire to build ships for present usefulness instead of naval reminders of the days that are past, we must have a Department organized for the work, supplied with all the talent and ingenuity our country affords, prepared to take advantage of the experience of other nations, systematized so that all effort shall unite and lead in one direction, and fully imbued with the conviction that war vessels, though new, are useless unless they combine all that the ingenuity of man has up to this day brought forth relating to their construction. I earnestly commend the portion of the Secretary's report devoted to this subject to the attention of Congress, in the hope that his suggestions touching the reorganization of his Department may be adopted as the first step toward the reconstruction of our Navy. The affairs of the postal service are exhibited by the report of the Postmaster-General, which will be laid before you. The postal revenue, whose ratio of gain upon the rising prosperity of 1882 and 1883 outstripped the increasing expenses of our growing service, was checked by the reduction in the rate of letter postage which took effect with the beginning of October in the latter year, and it diminished during the two past fiscal years $2,790,000, in about the proportion of $2,270,000 in 1884 to $520,000 in 1885. Natural growth and development have meantime increased expenditure, resulting in a deficiency in the revenue to meet the expenses of the Department of five and a quarter million dollars for the year 1884 and eight and a third million in the last fiscal year. The anticipated and natural revival of the revenue has been oppressed and retarded by the unfavorable business condition of the country, of which the postal service is a faithful indicator. The gratifying fact is shown, however, by the report that our returning prosperity is marked by a gain of $380,000 in the revenue of the latter half of the last year over the corresponding period of the preceding year. The change in the weight of first-class matter which may be carried for a single rate of postage from a half ounce to an ounce, and the reduction by one-half of the rate of newspaper postage, which, under recent legislation, began with the current year, will operate to restrain the augmentation of receipts which otherwise might have been expected to such a degree that the scale of expense may gain upon the revenue and cause an increased deficiency to be shown at its close. Yet, after no long period of reawakened prosperity, by proper economy it is confidently anticipated that even the present low rates, now as favorable as any country affords, will be adequate to sustain the cost of the service. The operation of the Post-Office Department is for the convenience and benefit of the people, and the method by which they pay the charges of this useful arm of their public service, so that it be just and impartial, is of less importance to them than the economical expenditure of the means they provide for its maintenance and the due improvement of its agencies, so that they may enjoy its highest usefulness. A proper attention has been directed to the prevention of waste or extravagance, and good results appear from the report to have already been accomplished. I approve the recommendation of the Postmaster-General to reduce the charges on domestic money orders of $5 and less from 8 to 5 cents. This change will materially aid those of our people who most of all avail themselves of this instrumentality, but to whom the element of cheapness is of the greatest importance. With this reduction the system would still remain self-supporting. The free-delivery system has been extended to 19 additional cities during the year, and 178 now enjoy its conveniences. Experience has commended it to those who enjoy its benefits, and further enlargement of its facilities is due to other communities to which it is adapted. In the cities where it has been established, taken together the local postage exceeds its maintenance by nearly $1,300,000. The limit to which this system is now confined by law has been nearly reached, and the reasons given justify its extension, which is proposed. It was decided, with my approbation, after a sufficient examination, to be inexpedient for the Post-Office Department to contract for carrying our foreign mails under the additional authority given by the last Congress. The amount limited was inadequate to pay all within the purview of the law the full rate of 50 cents per mile, and it would have been unjust and unwise to have given it to some and denied it to others. Nor could contracts have been let under the law to all at a rate to have brought the aggregate within the appropriation without such practical prearrangement of terms as would have violated it. The rate of sea and inland postage which was proffered under another statute clearly appears to be a fair compensation for the desired service, being three times the price necessary to secure transportation by other vessels upon any route, and much beyond the charges made to private persons for services not less burdensome. Some of the steamship companies, upon the refusal of the Postmaster-General to attempt, by the means provided, the distribution of the sum appropriated as an extra compensation, withdrew the services of their vessels and thereby occasioned slight inconvenience, though no considerable injury, the mails having been dispatched by other means. Whatever may be thought of the policy of subsidizing any line of public conveyance or travel, I am satisfied that it should not be done under cover of an expenditure incident to the administration of a Department, nor should there be any uncertainty as to the recipients of the subsidy or any discretion left to an executive officer as to its distribution. If such gifts of the public money are to be made for the purpose of aiding any enterprise in the supposed interest of the public, I can not but think that the amount to be paid and the beneficiary might better be determined by Congress than in any other way. The international congress of delegates from the Postal Union countries convened at Lisbon, in Portugal, in February last, and after a session of some weeks the delegates signed a convention amendatory of the present postal-union convention in some particulars designed to advance its purposes. This additional act has had my approval and will be laid before you with the departmental report. I approve the recommendation of the postmaster-General that another assistant be provided for his Department. I invite your consideration to the several other recommendations contained in his report. The report of the Attorney-General contains a history of the conduct of the Department of Justice during the last year and a number of valuable suggestions as to needed legislation, and I invite your careful attention to the same. The condition of business in the courts of the United States is such that there seems to be an imperative necessity for remedial legislation on the subject. Some of these courts are so overburdened with pending causes that the delays in determining litigation amount often to a denial of justice. Among the plans suggested for relief is one submitted by the Attorney-General. Its main features are: The transfer of all the original jurisdiction of the circuit courts to the district courts and an increase of judges for the latter where necessary; an addition of judges to the circuit courts, and constituting them exclusively courts of appeal, and reasonably limiting appeals thereto; further restrictions of the right to remove causes from the State to Federal courts; permitting appeals to the Supreme Court from the courts of the District of Columbia and the Territories only in the same cases as they are allowed from State courts, and guarding against an unnecessary number of appeals from the circuit courts. I approve the plan thus outlined, and recommend the legislation necessary for its application to our judicial system. The present mode of compensating United States marshals and district attorneys should, in my opinion, be changed. They are allowed to charge against the Government certain fees for services, their income being measured by the amount of such fees within a fixed limit as to their annual aggregate. This is a direct inducement for them to make their fees in criminal cases as large as possible in an effort to reach the maximum sum permitted. As an entirely natural consequence, unscrupulous marshals are found encouraging frivolous prosecutions, arresting people on petty charges of crime and transporting them to distant places for examination and trial, for the purpose of earning mileage and other fees; and district attorneys uselessly attend criminal examinations far from their places of residence for the express purpose of swelling their accounts against the Government. The actual expenses incurred in these transactions are also charged against the Government. Thus the rights and freedom of our citizens are outraged and public expenditures increased for the purpose of furnishing public officers pretexts for increasing the measure of their compensation. I think marshals and district attorneys should be paid salaries, adjusted by a rule which will make them commensurate with services fairly rendered. In connection with this subject I desire to suggest the advisability, if it be found not obnoxious to constitutional objection, of investing United States commissioners with the power to try and determine certain violations of law within the grade of misdemeanors. Such trials might be made to depend upon the option of the accused. The multiplication of small and technical offenses, especially under the provisions of our internal-revenue law, render some change in our present system very desirable in the interests of humanity as well as economy. The district courts are now crowded with petty prosecutions, involving a punishment in case of conviction, of only a slight fine, while the parties accused are harassed by an enforced attendance upon courts held hundreds of miles from their homes. If poor and friendless, they are obliged to remain in jail during months, perhaps, that elapse before a session of the court is held, and are finally brought to trial surrounded by strangers and with but little real opportunity for defense. In the meantime frequently the marshal has charged against the Government his fees for an arrest, the transportation of the accused and the expense of the same, and for summoning witnesses before a commissioner, a grand jury, and a court; the witnesses have been paid from the public funds large fees and traveling expenses, and the commissioner and district attorney have also made their charges against the Government. This abuse in the administration of our criminal law should be remedied; and if the plan above suggested is not practicable, some other should be devised. The report of the Secretary of the Interior, containing an account of the operations of this important Department and much interesting information, will be submitted for your consideration. The most intricate and difficult subject in charge of this Department is the treatment and management of the Indians. I am satisfied that some progress may be noted in their condition as a result of a prudent administration of the present laws and regulations for their control. But it is submitted that there is lack of a fixed purpose or policy on this subject, which should be supplied. It is useless to dilate upon the wrongs of the Indians, and as useless to indulge in the heartless belief that because their wrongs are revenged in their own atrocious manner, therefore they should be exterminated. They are within the care of our Government, and their rights are, or should be, protected from invasion by the most solemn obligations. They are properly enough called the wards of the Government; and it should be borne in mind that this guardianship involves on our part efforts for the improvement of their condition and the enforcement of their rights. There seems to be general concurrence in the proposition that the ultimate object of their treatment should be their civilization and citizenship. Fitted by these to keep pace in the march of progress with the advanced civilization about them, they will readily assimilate with the mass of our population, assuming the responsibilities and receiving the protection incident to this condition. The difficulty appears to be in the selection of the means to be at present employed toward the attainment of this result. Our Indian population, exclusive of those in Alaska, is reported as numbering 260,000, nearly all being located on lands set apart for their use and occupation, aggregating over 134,000,000 acres. These lands are included in the boundaries of 171 reservations of different dimensions, scattered in 21 States and Territories, presenting great variations in climate and in the kind and quality of their soils. Among the Indians upon these several reservations there exist the most marked differences in natural traits and disposition and in their progress toward civilization. While some are lazy, vicious, and stupid, others are industrious, peaceful, and intelligent; while a portion of them are self-supporting and independent, and have so far advanced in civilization that they make their own laws, administered through officers of their own choice, and educate their children in schools of their own establishment and maintenance, others still retain, in squalor and dependence, almost the savagery of their natural state. In dealing with this question the desires manifested by the Indians should not be ignored. Here again we find a great diversity. With some the tribal relation is cherished with the utmost tenacity, while its hold upon others is considerably relaxed; the love of home is strong with all, and yet there are those whose attachment to a particular locality is by no means unyielding; the ownership of their lands in severalty is much desired by some, while by others, and sometimes among the most civilized, such a distribution would be bitterly opposed. The variation of their wants, growing out of and connected with the character of their several locations, should be regarded. Some are upon reservations most fit for grazing, but without flocks or herds; and some on arable land, have no agricultural implements. While some of the reservations are double the size necessary to maintain the number of Indians now upon them, in a few cases, perhaps, they should be enlarged. Add to all this the difference in the administration of the agencies. While the same duties are devolved upon all, the disposition of the agents and the manner of their contact with the Indians have much to do with their condition and welfare. The agent who perfunctorily performs his duty and slothfully neglects all opportunity to advance their moral and physical improvement and fails to inspire them with a desire for better things will accomplish nothing in the direction of their civilization, while he who feels the burden of an important trust and has an interest in his work will, by consistent example, firm yet considerate treatment, and well-directed aid and encouragement, constantly lead those under his charge toward the light of their enfranchisement. The history of all the progress which has been made in the civilization of the Indian I think will disclose the fact that the beginning has been religious teaching, followed by or accompanying secular education. While the self-sacrificing and pious men and women who have aided in this good work by their independent endeavor have for their reward the beneficent results of their labor and the consciousness of Christian duty well performed, their valuable services should be fully acknowledged by all who under the law are charged with the control and management of our Indian wards. What has been said indicates that in the present condition of the Indians no attempt should be made to apply a fixed and unyielding plan of action to their varied and varying needs and circumstances. The Indian Bureau, burdened as it is with their general oversight and with the details of the establishment, can hardly possess itself of the minute phases of the particular cases needing treatment; and thus the propriety of creating an instrumentality auxiliary to those already established for the care of the Indians suggests itself. I recommend the passage of a law authorizing the appointment of six commissioners, three of whom shall be detailed from the Army, to be charged with the duty of a careful inspection from time to time of all the Indians upon our reservations or subject to the care and control of the Government, with a view of discovering their exact condition and needs and determining what steps shall be taken on behalf of the Government to improve their situation in the direction of their self-support and complete civilization; that they ascertain from such inspection what, if any, of the reservations may be reduced in area, and in such cases what part not needed for Indian occupation may be purchased by the Government from the Indians and disposed of for their benefit; what, if any, Indians may, with their consent, be removed to other reservations, with a view of their concentration and the sale on their behalf of their abandoned reservations; what Indian lands now held in common should be allotted in severalty; in what manner and to what extent the Indians upon the reservations can be placed under the protection of our laws and subjected to their penalties, and which, if any, Indians should be invested with the right of citizenship. The powers and functions of the commissioners in regard to these subjects should be clearly defined, though they should, in conjunction with the Secretary of the Interior, be given all the authority to deal definitely with the questions presented deemed safe and consistent. They should be also charged with the duty of ascertaining the Indians who might properly be furnished with implements of agriculture, and of what kind; in what cases the support of the Government should be withdrawn; where the present plan of distributing Indian supplies should be changed; where schools may be established and where discontinued; the conduct, methods, and fitness of agents in charge of reservations; the extent to which such reservations are occupied or intruded upon by unauthorized persons, and generally all matters related to the welfare and improvement of the Indian. They should advise with the Secretary of the Interior concerning these matters of detail in management, and he should be given power to deal with them fully, if he is not now invested with such power. This plan contemplates the selection of persons for commissioners who are interested in the Indian question and who have practical ideas upon the subject of their treatment. The expense of the Indian Bureau during the last fiscal year was more than six and a halt million dollars. I believe much of this expenditure might be saved under the plan proposed; that its economical effects would be increased with its continuance; that the safety of our frontier settlers would be subserved under its operation, and that the nation would be saved through its results from the imputation of inhumanity, injustice, and mismanagement. In order to carry out the policy of allotment of Indian lands in severalty, when deemed expedient, it will be necessary to have surveys completed of the reservations, and, I hope that provision will be made for the prosecution of this work. In May of the present year a small portion of the Chiricahua Apaches on the White Mountain Reservation, in Arizona, left the reservation and committed a number of murders and depredations upon settlers in that neighborhood. Though prompt and energetic action was taken by the military, the renegades eluded capture and escaped into Mexico. The formation of the country through which these Indians passed, their thorough acquaintance with the same, the speed of their escape, and the manner in which they scattered and concealed themselves among the mountains near the scene of their outrages put our soldiers at a great disadvantage in their efforts to capture them, though the expectation is still entertained that they will be ultimately taken and punished for their crimes. The threatening and disorderly conduct of the Cheyennes in the Indian Territory early last summer caused considerable alarm and uneasiness. Investigation proved that their threatening attitude was due in a great measure to the occupation of the land of their reservation by immense herds of cattle, which their owners claimed were rightfully there under certain leases made by the Indians. Such occupation appearing upon examination to be unlawful notwithstanding these leases, the intruders were ordered to remove with their cattle from the lands of the Indians by Executive proclamation. The enforcement of this proclamation had the effect of restoring peace and order among the Indians, and they are now quiet and well behaved. By an Executive order issued on February 27, 1885, by my predecessor, a portion of the tract of country in the territory known as the Old Winnebago and Crow Creek reservations was directed to be restored to the public domain and opened to settlement under the land laws of the United States, and a large number of persons entered upon those lands. This action alarmed the Sioux Indians, who claimed the territory as belonging to their reservation under the treaty of 1868. This claim was determined, after careful investigation, to be well rounded, and consequently the Executive order referred to was by proclamation of April 17, 1885, declared to be inoperative and of no effect, and all persons upon the land were warned to leave. This warning has been substantially complied with. The public domain had its origin in cessions of land by the States to the General Government. The first cession was made by the State of New York, and the largest, which in area exceeded all the others, by the State of Virginia. The territory the proprietorship of which became thus vested in the General Government extended from the western line of Pennsylvania to the Mississippi River. These patriotic donations of the States were encumbered with no condition except that they should the held and used "for the common benefit of the United States." By purchase with the common fund of all the people additions were made to this domain until it extended to the northern line of Mexico, the Pacific Ocean, and the Polar Sea. The original trust, "for the common benefit of the United States," attached to all. In the execution of that trust the policy of many homes, rather than large estates, was adopted by the Government. That these might be easily obtained, and be the abode of security and contentment, the laws for their acquisition were few, easily understood, and general in their character. But the pressure of local interests, combined with a speculative spirit, have in many instances procured the passage of laws which marred the harmony of the general plan and encumbered the system with a multitude of general and special enactments which render the land laws complicated, subject the titles to uncertainty, and the purchasers often to oppression and wrong. Laws which were intended for the "common benefit" have been perverted so that large quantities of land are vesting in single ownerships. From the multitude and character of the laws, this consequence seems incapable of correction by mere administration. It is not for the "common benefit of the United States" that a large area of the public lands should be acquired, directly or through fraud, in the hands of a single individual. The nation's strength is in the people. The nation's prosperity is in their prosperity. The nation's glory is in the equality of her justice. The nation's perpetuity is in the patriotism of all her people. Hence, as far as practicable, the plan adopted in the disposal of the public lands should have in view the original policy, which encouraged many purchases of these lands for homes and discouraged the massing of large areas. Exclusive of Alaska, about three-fifths of the national domain has been sold or subjected to contract or grant. Of the remaining two-fifths a considerable portion is either mountain or desert. A rapidly increasing population creates a growing demand for homes, and the accumulation of wealth inspires an eager competition to obtain the public land for speculative purposes. In the future this collision of interests will be more marked than in the past, and the execution of the nation's trust in behalf of our settlers will be more difficult. I therefore commend to your attention the recommendations contained in the report of the Secretary of the Interior with reference to the repeal and modification of certain of our land laws. The nation has made princely grants and subsidies to a system of railroads projected as great national highways to connect the Pacific States with the East. It has been charged that these donations from the people have been diverted to private gain and corrupt uses, and thus public indignation has been aroused and suspicion engendered. Our great nation does not begrudge its generosity, but it abhors speculation and fraud; and the favorable regard of our people for the great corporations to which these grants were made can only be revived by a restoration of confidence, to be secured by their constant, unequivocal, and clearly manifested integrity. A faithful application of the undiminished proceeds of the grants to the construction and perfecting of their roads, an honest discharge of their obligations, and entire justice to all the people in the enjoyment of their rights on these highways of travel are all the public asks, and it will be content with no less. To secure these things should be the common purpose of the officers of the Government, as well as of the corporations. With this accomplishment prosperity would be permanently secured to the roads, and national pride would take the place of national complaint. It appears from the report of the Commissioner of Pensions that there were on the 1st day of July, 1885, 345,125 persons borne upon the pension rolls, who were classified as follows: Army invalids, 241,456; widows, minor children, and dependent relatives of deceased soldiers, 78,841; navy invalids, 2,745; navy widows, minor children, and dependents, 1,926; survivors of the War of 1812, 2,945; and widows of those who served in that war, 17,212. About one man in ten of all those who enlisted in the late war are reported as receiving pensions, exclusive of the dependents of deceased soldiers. On the 1st of July, 1875, the number of pensioners was 234,821, and the increase within the ten years next thereafter was 110,304. While there is no expenditure of the public funds which the people more cheerfully approve than that made in recognition of the services of our soldiers living and dead, the sentiment underlying the subject should not be vitiated by the introduction of any fraudulent practices. Therefore it is fully as important that the rolls should be cleansed of all those who by fraud have secured a place thereon as that meritorious claims should be speedily examined and adjusted. The reforms in the methods of doing the business of this Bureau which have lately been inaugurated promise better results in both these directions. The operations of the Patent Office demonstrate the activity of the inventive genius of the country. For the year ended June 30, 1885, the applications for patents, including reissues, and for the registration of trade-marks and labels, numbered 35,688. During the same period there were 22,928 patents granted and reissued and 1,429 trade-marks and labels registered. The number of patents issued in the year 1875 was 14,387. The receipts during the last fiscal year were $ 1,074,974.35, and the total expenditures, not including contingent expenses, $934,123.11. There were 9,788 applications for patents pending on the 1st day of July, 1884, and 5,786 on the same date in the year 1885. There has been considerable improvement made in the prompt determination of applications and a consequent relief to expectant inventors. A number of suggestions and recommendations are contained in the report of the Commissioner of patents which are well entitled to the consideration of Congress. In the Territory of Utah the law of the United States passed for the Suppression of polygamy has been energetically and faithfully executed during the past year, with measurably good results. A number of convictions have been secured for unlawful cohabitation, and in some cases pleas of guilty have been entered and a slight punishment imposed, upon a promise by the accused that they would not again offend against the law, nor advise, counsel, aid, or abet in any way its violation by others. The Utah commissioners express the opinion, based upon such information as they are able to obtain, that but few polygamous marriages have taken place in the Territory during the last year. They further report that while there can not be found upon the registration lists of voters the name of a man actually guilty of polygamy, and while none of that class are holding office, yet at the last election in the Territory all the officers elected, except in one county, were men who, though not actually living in the practice of polygamy, subscribe to the doctrine of polygamous marriages as a divine revelation and a law unto all higher and more binding upon the conscience than any human law, local or national. Thus is the strange spectacle presented of a community protected by a republican form of government, to which they owe allegiance, sustaining by their suffrages a principle and a belief which set at naught that obligation of absolute obedience to the law of the land which lies at the foundation of republican institutions. The strength, the perpetuity, and the destiny of the nation rest upon our homes, established by the law of God, guarded by parental care, regulated by parental authority, and sanctified by parental love. These are not the homes of polygamy. The mothers of our land, who rule the nation as they mold the characters and guide the actions of their sons, live according to God' s holy ordinances, and each, secure and happy in the exclusive love of the father of her children, sheds the warm light of true womanhood, unperverted and unpolluted, upon all within her pure and wholesome family circle. These are not the cheerless, crushed, and unwomanly mothers of polygamy. The fathers of our families are the best citizens of the Republic. Wife and children are the sources of patriotism, and conjugal and parental affection beget devotion to the country. The man who, undefiled with plural marriage, is surrounded in his single home with his wife and children has a stake in the country which inspires him with respect for its laws and courage for its defense. These are not the fathers of polygamous families. There is no feature of this practice or the system which sanctions it which is not opposed to all that is of value in our institutions. There should be no relaxation in the firm but just execution of the law now in operation, and I should be glad to approve such further discreet legislation as will rid the country of this blot upon its fair fame. Since the people upholding polygamy in our Territories are reenforced by immigration from other lands, I recommend that a law be passed to prevent the importation of Mormons into the country. The agricultural interest of the country demands just recognition and liberal encouragement. It sustains with certainty and unfailing strength our nation's prosperity by the products of its steady toil, and bears its full share of the burden of taxation without complaint. Our agriculturists have but slight personal representation in the councils of the nation, and are generally content with the humbler duties of citizenship and willing to trust to the bounty of nature for a reward of their labor. But the magnitude and value of this industry are appreciated when the statement is made that of our total annual exports more than three-fourths are the products of agriculture, and of our total population nearly one-half are exclusively engaged in that occupation. The Department of Agriculture was created for the purpose of acquiring and diffusing among the people useful information respecting the subjects it has in charge, and aiding in the cause of intelligent and progressive farming, by the collection of statistics, by testing the value and usefulness of new seeds and plants, and distributing such as are found desirable among agriculturists. This and other powers and duties with which this Department is invested are of the utmost importance, and if wisely exercised must be of great benefit to the country. The aim of our beneficent Government is the improvement of the people in every station and the amelioration of their condition. Surely our agriculturists should not be neglected. The instrumentality established in aid of the farmers of the land should not only be well equipped for the accomplishment of its purpose, but those for whose benefit it has been adopted should be encouraged to avail themselves fully of its advantages. The prohibition of the importation into several countries of certain of our animals and their products, based upon the suspicion that health is endangered in their use and consumption, suggests the importance of such precautions for the protection of our stock of all kinds against disease as will disarm suspicion of danger and cause the removal of such an injurious prohibition. If the laws now in operation are insufficient to accomplish this protection, I recommend their amendment to meet the necessities of the situation; and I commend to the consideration of Congress the suggestions contained in the report of the Commissioner of Agriculture calculated to increase the value and efficiency of this Department . The report of the Civil Service Commission, which will be submitted, contains an account of the manner in which the civil-service law has been executed during the last year and much valuable information on this important subject. I am inclined to think that there is no sentiment more general in the minds of the people of our country than a conviction of the correctness of the principle upon which the law enforcing civil-service reform is based. In its present condition the law regulates only a part of the subordinate public positions throughout the country. It applies the test of fitness to applicants for these places by means of a competitive examination, and gives large discretion to the Commissioners as to the character of the examination and many other matters connected with its execution. Thus the rules and regulations adopted by the Commission have much to do with the practical usefulness of the statute and with the results of its application. The people may well trust the Commission to execute the law with perfect fairness and with as little irritation as is possible. But of course no relaxation of the principle which underlies it and no weakening of the safeguards which surround it can be expected. Experience in its administration will probably suggest amendment of the methods of its execution, but I venture to hope that we shall never again be remitted to the system which distributes public positions purely as rewards for partisan service. Doubts may well be entertained whether our Government could survive the strain of a continuance of this system, which upon every change of Administration inspires an immense army of claimants for office to lay siege to the patronage of Government, engrossing the time of public officers with their importunities, spreading abroad the contagion of their disappointment, and filling the air with the tumult of their discontent. The allurements of an immense number of offices and places exhibited to the voters of the land, and the promise of their bestowal in recognition of partisan activity; debauch the suffrage and rob political action of its thoughtful and deliberative character. The evil would increase with the multiplication of offices consequent upon our extension, and the mania for office holding, growing from its indulgence, would pervade our population so generally that patriotic purpose, the support of principle, the desire for the public good, and solicitude for the nation's welfare would be nearly banished from the activity of our party contests and cause them to degenerate into ignoble, selfish, and disgraceful struggles for the possession of office and public place. Civil-service reform enforced by law came none too soon to check the progress of demoralization. One of its effects, not enough regarded, is the freedom it brings to the political action of those conservative and sober men who, in fear of the confusion and risk attending an arbitrary and sudden change in all the public offices with a change of party rule, cast their ballots against such a chance. Parties seem to be necessary, and will long continue to exist; nor can it be now denied that there are legitimate advantages, not disconnected with office holding, which follow party supremacy. While partisanship continues bitter and pronounced and supplies so much of motive to sentiment and action, it is not fair to hold public officials in charge of important trusts responsible for the best results in the performance of their duties, and yet insist that they shall rely in confidential and important places upon the work of those not only opposed to them in political affiliation, but so steeped in partisan prejudice and rancor that they have no loyalty to their chiefs and no desire for their success. Civil-service reform does not exact this, nor does it require that those in subordinate positions who fail in yielding their best service or who are incompetent should be retained simply because they are in place. The whining of a clerk discharged for indolence or incompetency, who, though he gained his place by the worst possible operation of the spoils system, suddenly discovers that he is entitled to protection under the sanction of civil-service reform, represents an idea no less absurd than the clamor of the applicant who claims the vacant position as his compensation for the most questionable party work. The civil-service law does not prevent the discharge of the indolent or incompetent clerk, but it does prevent supplying his place with the unfit party worker. Thus in both these phases is seen benefit to the public service. And the people who desire good government, having secured this statute, will not relinquish its benefits without protest. Nor are they unmindful of the fact that its full advantages can only be gained through the complete good faith of those having its execution in charge. And this they will insist upon. I recommend that the salaries of the Civil Service Commissioners be increased to a sum more nearly commensurate to their important duties. It is a source of considerable and not unnatural discontent that no adequate provision has yet been made for accommodating the principal library of the Government. Of the vast collection of books and pamphlets gathered at the Capitol, numbering some 700,000, exclusive of manuscripts, maps, and the products of the graphic arts, also of great volume and value, only about 300,000 volumes, or less than half the collection, are provided with shelf room. The others, which are increasing at the rate of from twenty-five to thirty thousand volumes a year, are not only inaccessible to the public, but are subject to serious damage and deterioration from other causes in their present situation. A consideration of the facts that the library of the Capitol has twice been destroyed or damaged by fire, its daily increasing value, and its importance as a place of deposit of books under the law relating to copyright makes manifest the necessity of prompt action to insure its proper accommodation and protection. My attention has been called to a controversy which has arisen from the condition of the law relating to railroad facilities in the city of Washington, which has involved the Commissioners of the District in much annoyance and trouble. I hope this difficulty will be promptly settled by appropriate legislation. The Commissioners represent that enough of the revenues of the District are now on deposit in the Treasury of the United States to repay the sum advanced by the Government for sewer improvements under the act of June 30, 1884. They desire now an advance of the share which ultimately should be borne by the District of the cost of extensive improvements to the streets of the city. The total expense of these contemplated improvements is estimated at $1,000,000, and they are of the opinion that a considerable sum could be saved if they had all the money in hand, so that contracts for the whole work could be made at the same time. They express confidence that if the advance asked for should be made the Government would be reimbursed the same within a reasonable time. I have no doubt that these improvements could be made much cheaper if undertaken together and prosecuted according to a general plan. The license law now in force within the District is deficient and uncertain in some of its provisions and ought to be amended. The Commissioners urge, with good reason, the necessity of providing a building for the use of the District government which shall better secure the safety and preservation of its valuable books and records. The present condition of the law relating to the succession to the Presidency in the event of the death, disability, or removal of both the President and Vice-President is such as to require immediate amendment. This subject has repeatedly been considered by Congress, but no result has been reached. The recent lamentable death of the Vice-President, and vacancies at the same time in all other offices the incumbents of which might immediately exercise the functions of the presidential office, has caused public anxiety and a just demand that a recurrence of such a condition of affairs should not be permitted. In conclusion I commend to the wise care and thoughtful attention of Congress the needs, the welfare, and the aspirations of an intelligent and generous nation. To subordinate these to the narrow advantages of partisanship or the accomplishment of selfish aims is to violate the people's trust and betray the people's interests; but an individual sense of responsibility on the part of each of us and a stern determination to perform our duty well must give us place among those who have added in their day and generation to the glory and prosperity of our beloved land. GROVER CLEVELAND
Your assembling is clouded by a sense of public bereavement, caused by the recent and sudden death of Thomas A. Hendricks, Vice-President of the United States. His distinguished public services, his complete integrity and devotion to every duty, and his personal virtues will find honorable record in his country's history. Ample and repeated proofs of the esteem and confidence in which he was held by his fellow-countrymen were manifested by his election to offices of the most important trust and highest dignity; and at length, full of years and honors, he has been laid at rest amid universal sorrow and benediction. The Constitution, which requires those chosen to legislate for the people to annually meet in the discharge of their solemn trust, also requires the President to give to Congress information of the state of the Union and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall deem necessary and expedient. At the threshold of a compliance with these constitutional directions it is well for us to bear in mind that our usefulness to the people's interests will be promoted by a constant appreciation of the scope and character of our respective duties as they relate to Federal legislation. While the Executive may recommend such measures as he shall deem expedient, the responsibility for legislative action must and should rest upon those selected by the people to make their laws. Contemplation of the grave and responsible functions assigned to the respective branches of the Government under the Constitution will disclose the partitions of power between our respective departments and their necessary independence, and also the need for the exercise of all the power intrusted to each in that spirit of comity and cooperation which is essential to the proper fulfillment of the patriotic obligations which rest upon us as faithful servants of the people. The jealous watchfulness of our constituencies, great and small, supplements their suffrages, and before the tribunal they establish every public servant should be judged. It is gratifying to announce that the relations of the United States with all foreign powers continue to be friendly. Our position after nearly a century of successful constitutional government, maintenance of good faith in all our engagements, the avoidance of complications with other nations, and our consistent and amicable attitude toward the strong and weak alike furnish proof of a political disposition which renders professions of good will unnecessary. There are no questions of difficulty pending with any foreign government. The Argentine Government has revived the long dormant question of the Falkland Islands by claiming from the United States indemnity for their loss, attributed to the action of the commander of the sloop of war Lexington in breaking up a piratical colony on those islands in 1831, and their subsequent occupation by Great Britain. In view of the ample justification for the act of the Lexington and the derelict condition of the islands before and after their alleged occupation by Argentine colonists, this Government considers the claim as wholly groundless. Question has arisen with the Government of Austria-Hungary touching the representation of the United States at Vienna. Having under my constitutional prerogative appointed an estimable citizen of unimpeached probity and competence as minister at that court, the Government of Austria-Hungary invited this Government to take cognizance of certain exceptions, based upon allegations against the personal acceptability of Mr. Keiley, the appointed envoy, asking that in view thereof the appointment should be withdrawn. The reasons advanced were such as could not be acquiesced in without violation of my oath of office and the precepts of the Constitution, since they necessarily involved a limitation in favor of a foreign government upon the right of selection by the Executive and required such an application of a religious test as a qualification for office under the United States as would have resulted in the practical disfranchisement of a large class of our citizens and the abandonment of a vital principle in our Government. The Austro-Hungarian Government finally decided not to receive Mr. Keiley as the envoy of the United States, and that gentleman has since resigned his commission, leaving the post vacant. I have made no new nomination, and the interests of this Government at Vienna are now in the care of the secretary of legation, acting as charge' d'affaires ad interim. Early in March last war broke out in Central America, caused by the attempt of Guatemala to consolidate the several States into a single government. In these contests between our neighboring States the United States forebore to interfere actively, but lent the aid of their friendly offices in deprecation of war and to promote peace and concord among the belligerents, and by such counsel contributed importantly to the restoration of tranquillity in that locality. Emergencies growing out of civil war in the United States of Colombia demanded of the Government at the beginning of this Administration the employment of armed forces to fulfill its guaranties under the thirty-fifth article of the treaty of 1846, in order to keep the transit open across the Isthmus of Panama. Desirous of exercising only the powers expressly reserved to us by the treaty, and mindful of the rights of Colombia, the forces sent to the Isthmus were instructed to confine their action to "positively and efficaciously" preventing the transit and its accessories from being "interrupted or embarrassed." The execution of this delicate and responsible task necessarily involved police control where the local authority was temporarily powerless, but always in aid of the sovereignty of Colombia. The prompt and successful fulfillment of its duty by this Government was highly appreciated by the Government of Colombia, and has been followed by expressions of its satisfaction. High praise is due to the officers and men engaged in this service. The restoration of peace on the Isthmus by the reestablishment of the constituted Government there being thus accomplished, the forces of the United States were withdrawn. Pending these occurrences a question of much importance was presented by decrees of the Colombian Government proclaiming the closure of certain ports then in the hands of insurgents and declaring vessels held by the revolutionists to be piratical and liable to capture by any power. To neither of these propositions could the United States assent. An effective closure of ports not in the possession of the Government, but held by hostile partisans, could not be recognized; neither could the vessels of insurgents against the legitimate sovereignty be deemed hostes humani generis within the precepts of international law, whatever might be the definition and penalty of their acts under the municipal law of the State against whose authority they were in revolt. The denial by this Government of the Colombian propositions did not, however, imply the admission of a belligerent status on the part of the insurgents. The Colombian Government has expressed its willingness to negotiate conventions for the adjustment by arbitration of claims by foreign citizens arising out of the destruction of the city of Aspinwall by the insurrectionary forces. The interest of the United States in a practicable transit for ships across the strip of land separating the Atlantic from the Pacific has been repeatedly manifested during the last half century. My immediate predecessor caused to be negotiated with Nicaragua a treaty for the construction, by and at the sole cost of the United States, of a canal through Nicaraguan territory, and laid it before the Senate. Pending the action of that body thereon, I withdrew the treaty for reexamination. Attentive consideration of its provisions leads me to withhold it from resubmission to the Senate. Maintaining, as I do, the tenets of a line of precedents from Washington's day, which proscribe entangling alliances with foreign states, I do not favor a policy of acquisition of new and distant territory or the incorporation of remote interests with our own. The laws of progress are vital and organic, and we must be conscious of that irresistible tide of commercial expansion which, as the concomitant of our active civilization, day by day is being urged onward by those increasing facilities of production, transportation, and communication to which steam and electricity have given birth; but our duty in the present instructs us to address ourselves mainly to the development of the vast resources of the great area committed to our charge and to the cultivation of the arts of peace within our own borders, though jealously alert in preventing the American hemisphere from being involved in the political problems and complications of distant governments. Therefore I am unable to recommend propositions involving. paramount privileges of ownership or right outside of our own territory, when coupled with absolute and unlimited engagements to defend the territorial integrity of the state where such interests lie. While the general project of connecting the two oceans by means of a canal is to be encouraged, I am of opinion that any scheme to that end to be considered with favor should be free from the features alluded to. The Tehuantepec route is declared by engineers of the highest repute and by competent scientists to afford an entirely practicable transit for vessels and cargoes, by means of a ship railway, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The obvious advantages of such a route, if feasible, over others more remote from the axial lines of traffic between Europe and the pacific, and particularly between the Valley of the Mississippi and the western coast of North and South America, are deserving of consideration. Whatever highway may be constructed across the barrier dividing the two greatest maritime areas of the world must be for the world's benefit--a trust for mankind, to be removed from the chance of domination by any single power, nor become a point of invitation for hostilities or a prize for warlike ambition. An engagement combining the construction, ownership, and operation of such a work by this Government, with an offensive and defensive alliance for its protection, with the foreign state whose responsibilities and rights we would share is, in my judgment, inconsistent with such dedication to universal and neutral use, and would, moreover, entail measures for its realization beyond the scope of our national polity or present means. The lapse of years has abundantly confirmed the wisdom and foresight of those earlier Administrations which, long before the conditions of maritime intercourse were changed and enlarged by the progress of the age, proclaimed the vital need of interoceanic transit across the American Isthmus and consecrated it in advance to the common use of mankind by their positive declarations and through the formal obligation of treaties. Toward such realization the efforts of my Administration will be applied, ever bearing in mind the principles on which it must rest, and which were declared in no uncertain tones by Mr. Cass, who, while Secretary of State, in 1858, announced that "what the United States want in Central America, next to the happiness of its people, is the security and neutrality of the interoceanic routes which lead through it." The construction of three transcontinental lines of railway, all in successful operation, wholly within our territory, and uniting the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans, has been accompanied by results of a most interesting and impressive nature, and has created new conditions, not in the routes of commerce only, but in political geography, which powerfully affect our relations toward and necessarily increase our interests in any transisthmian route which may be opened and employed for the ends of peace and traffic, or, in other contingencies, for uses inimical to both. Transportation is a factor in the cost of commodities scarcely second to that of their production, and weighs as heavily upon the consumer. Our experience already has proven the great importance of having the competition between land carriage and water carriage fully developed, each acting as a protection to the public against the tendencies to monopoly which are inherent in the consolidation of wealth and power in the hands of vast corporations. These suggestions may serve to emphasize what I have already said on the score of the necessity of a neutralization of any interoceanic transit; and this can only be accomplished by making the uses of the route open to all nations and subject to the ambitions and warlike necessities of none. The drawings and report of a recent survey of the Nicaragua Canal route, made by Chief Engineer Menocal, will be communicated for your information. The claims of citizens of the United States for losses by reason of the late military operations of Chile in Peru and Bolivia are the subject of negotiation for a claims convention with Chile, providing for their submission to arbitration. The harmony of our relations with China is fully sustained. In the application of the acts lately passed to execute the treaty of 1880, restrictive of the immigration of Chinese laborers into the United States, individual cases of hardship have occurred beyond the power of the Executive to remedy, and calling for judicial determination. The condition of the Chinese question in the Western States and Territories is, despite this restrictive legislation, far from being satisfactory. The recent outbreak in Wyoming Territory, where numbers of unoffending Chinamen, indisputably within the protection of the treaties and the law, were murdered by a mob, and the still more recent threatened outbreak of the same character in Washington Territory, are fresh in the minds of all, and there is apprehension lest the bitterness of feeling against the Mongolian race on the Pacific Slope may find vent in similar lawless demonstrations. All the power of this Government should be exerted to maintain the amplest good faith toward China in the treatment of these men, and the inflexible sternness of the law in bringing the wrongdoers to justice should be insisted upon. Every effort has been made by this Government to prevent these violent outbreaks and to aid the representatives of China in their investigation of these outrages; and it is but just to say that they are traceable to the lawlessness of men not citizens of the United States engaged in competition with Chinese laborers. Race prejudice is the chief factor in originating these disturbances, and it exists in a large part of our domain, jeopardizing our domestic peace and the good relationship we strive to maintain with China. The admitted right of a government to prevent the influx of elements hostile to its internal peace and security may not be questioned, even where there is no treaty stipulation on the subject. That the exclusion of Chinese labor is demanded in other countries where like conditions prevail is strongly evidenced in the Dominion of Canada, where Chinese immigration is now regulated by laws more exclusive than our own. If existing laws are inadequate to compass the end in view, I shall be prepared to give earnest consideration to any further remedial measures, within the treaty limits, which the wisdom of Congress may devise. The independent State of the Kongo has been organized as a government under the sovereignty of His Majesty the King of the Belgians, who assumes its chief magistracy in his personal character only, without making the new State a dependency of Belgium. It is fortunate that a benighted region, owing all it has of quickening civilization to the beneficence and philanthropic spirit of this monarch, should have the advantage and security of his benevolent supervision. The action taken by this Government last year in being the first to recognize the flag of the International Association of the Kongo has been followed by formal recognition of the new nationality which succeeds to its sovereign powers. A conference of delegates of the principal commercial nations was held at Berlin last winter to discuss methods whereby the Kongo basin might be kept open to the world's trade. Delegates attended on behalf of the United States on the understanding that their part should be merely deliberative, without imparting to the results any binding character so far as the United States were concerned. This reserve was due to the indisposition of this Government to share in any disposal by an international congress of jurisdictional questions in remote foreign territories. The results of the conference were embodied in a formal act of the nature of an international convention, which laid down certain obligations purporting to be binding on the signatories, subject to ratification within one year. Notwithstanding the reservation under which the delegates of the United States attended, their signatures were attached to the general act in the same manner as those of the plenipotentiaries of other governments, thus making the United States appear, without reserve or qualification, as signatories to a joint international engagement imposing on the signers the conservation of the territorial integrity of distant regions where we have no established interests or control. This Government does not, however, regard its reservation of liberty of action in the premises as at all impaired; and holding that an engagement to share in the obligation of enforcing neutrality in the remote valley of the Kongo would be an alliance whose responsibilities we are not in a position to assume, I abstain from asking the sanction of the Senate to that general act. The correspondence will be laid before you, and the instructive and interesting report of the agent sent by this Government to the Kongo country and his recommendations for the establishment of commercial agencies on the African coast are also submitted for your consideration. The commission appointed by my predecessor last winter to visit the Central and South American countries and report on the methods of enlarging the commercial relations of the United States therewith has submitted reports, which will be laid before you. No opportunity has been omitted to testify the friendliness of this Government toward Korea, whose entrance into the family of treaty powers the United States were the first to recognize. I regard with favor the application made by the Korean Government to be allowed to employ American officers as military instructors, to which the assent of Congress becomes necessary, and I am happy to say this request has the concurrent sanction of China and Japan. The arrest and imprisonment of Julio R. Santos, a citizen of the United States, by the authorities of Ecuador gave rise to a contention with that Government, in which his right to be released or to have a speedy and impartial trial on announced charges and with all guaranties of defense stipulated by treaty was insisted upon by us. After an elaborate correspondence and repeated and earnest representations on our part Mr. Santos was, after an alleged trial and conviction, eventually included in a general decree of amnesty and pardoned by the Ecuadorian Executive and released, leaving the question of his American citizenship denied by the Ecuadorian Government, but insisted upon by our own. The amount adjudged by the late French and American Claims Commission to be due from the United States to French claimants on account of injuries suffered by them during the War of Secession, having been appropriated by the last Congress, has been duly paid to the French Government. The act of February 25, 1885, provided for a preliminary search of the records of French prize courts for evidence bearing on the claims of American citizens against France for spoliations committed prior to 1801. The duty has been performed, and the report of the agent will be laid before you. I regret to say that the restrictions upon the importation of our pork into France continue, notwithstanding the abundant demonstration of the absence of sanitary danger in its use; but I entertain strong hopes that with a better understanding of the matter this vexatious prohibition will be removed. It would be pleasing to be able to say as much with respect to Germany, Austria, and other countries, where such food products are absolutely excluded, without present prospect of reasonable change. The interpretation of our existing treaties of naturalization by Germany during the past year has attracted attention by reason of an apparent tendency on the part of the Imperial Government to extend the scope of the residential restrictions to which returning naturalized citizens of German origin are asserted to be liable under the laws of the Empire. The temperate and just attitude taken by this Government with regard to this class of questions will doubtless lead to a satisfactory understanding. The dispute of Germany and Spain relative to the domination of the Caroline Islands has attracted the attention of this Government by reason of extensive interests of American citizens having grown up in those parts during the past thirty years, and because the question of ownership involves jurisdiction of matters affecting the status of our citizens under civil and criminal law. While standing wholly aloof from the proprietary issues raised between powers to both of which the United States are friendly, this Government expects that nothing in the present contention shall unfavorably affect our citizens carrying on a peaceful commerce or there domiciled, and has so informed the Governments of Spain and Germany. The marked good will between the United States and Great Britain has been maintained during the past year. The termination of the fishing clauses of the treaty of Washington, in pursuance of the joint resolution of March 3, 1883, must have resulted in the abrupt cessation on the 1st of July of this year, in the midst of their ventures, of the operations of citizens of the United States engaged in fishing in British American waters but for a diplomatic understanding reached with Her Majesty's Government in June last, whereby assurance was obtained that no interruption of those operations should take place during the current fishing season. In the interest of good neighborhood and of the commercial intercourse of adjacent communities, the question of the North American fisheries is one of much importance. Following out the intimation given by me when the extensory arrangement above described was negotiated, I recommend that the Congress provide for the appointment of a commission in which the Governments of the United States and Great Britain shall be respectively represented, charged with the consideration and settlement, upon a just, equitable, and honorable basis, of the entire question of the fishing rights of the two Governments and their respective citizens on the coasts of the United States and British North America. The fishing interests being intimately related to other general questions dependent upon contiguity and intercourse, consideration thereof in all their equities might also properly come within the purview of such a commission, and the fullest latitude of expression on both sides should be permitted. The correspondence in relation to the fishing rights will be submitted. The arctic exploring steamer Alert, which was generously given by Her Majesty's Government to aid in the relief of the Greely expedition, was, after the successful attainment of that humane purpose, returned to Great Britain, in pursuance of the authority conferred by the act of March 3, 1885. The inadequacy of the existing engagements for extradition between the United States and Great Britain has been long apparent. The tenth article of the treaty of 1842, one of the earliest compacts in this regard entered into by us, stipulated for surrender in respect of a limited number of offenses. Other crimes no less inimical to the social welfare should be embraced and the procedure of extradition brought in harmony with present international practice. Negotiations with Her Majesty's Government for an enlarged treaty of extradition have been pending since 1870, and I entertain strong hopes that a satisfactory result may be soon attained. The frontier line between Alaska and British Columbia, as defined by the treaty of cession with Russia, follows the demarcation assigned in a prior treaty between Great Britain and Russia. Modern exploration discloses that this ancient boundary is impracticable as a geographical fact. In the unsettled condition of that region the question has lacked importance, but the discovery of mineral wealth in the territory the line is supposed to traverse admonishes that the time has come when an accurate knowledge of the boundary is needful to avert jurisdictional complications. I recommend, therefore, that provision be made for a preliminary reconnoissance by officers of the United States, to the end of acquiring more precise information on the subject. I have invited Her Majesty's Government to consider with us the adoption of a more convenient line, to be established by meridian observations or by known geographical features without the necessity of an expensive survey of the whole. The late insurrectionary movements in Hayti having been quelled, the Government of that Republic has made prompt provision for adjudicating the losses suffered by foreigners because of hostilities there, and the claims of certain citizens of the United States will be in this manner determined. The long-pending claims of two citizens of the United States, Pelletier and Lazare, have been disposed of by arbitration, and an award in favor of each claimant has been made, which by the terms of the engagement is final. It remains for Congress to provide for the payment of the stipulated moiety of the expenses. A question arose with Hayti during the past year by reason of the exceptional treatment of an American citizen, Mr. Van Bokkelen, a resident of Port-au-Prince, who, on suit by creditors residing in the United States, was sentenced to imprisonment, and, under the operation of a Haytian statute, was denied relief secured to a native Haytian. This Government asserted his treaty right to equal treatment with natives of Hayti in all suits at law. Our contention was denied by the Haytian Government, which, however, while still professing to maintain the ground taken against Mr. Van Bokkelen's right, terminated the controversy by setting him at liberty without explanation. An international conference to consider the means of arresting the spread of cholera and other epidemic diseases was held at Rome in May last, and adjourned to meet again on further notice. An expert delegate on behalf of the United States has attended its sessions and will submit a report. Our relations with Mexico continue to be most cordial, as befits those of neighbors between whom the strongest ties of friendship and commercial intimacy exist, as the natural and growing consequence of our similarity of institutions and geographical propinquity. The relocation of the boundary line between the United States and Mexico westward of the Rio Grande, under the convention of July 29, 1882, has been unavoidably delayed, but I apprehend no difficulty in securing a prolongation of the period for its accomplishment. The lately concluded commercial treaty with Mexico still awaits the stipulated legislation to carry its provisions into effect, for which one year's additional time has been secured by a supplementary article signed in February last and since ratified on both sides. As this convention, so important to the commercial welfare of the two adjoining countries, has been constitutionally confirmed by the treaty- making branch, I express the hope that legislation needed to make it effective may not be long delayed. The large influx of capital and enterprise to Mexico from the United States continues to aid in the development of the resources and in augmenting the material well-being of our sister Republic. Lines of railway, penetrating to the heart and capital of the country, bring the two peoples into mutually beneficial intercourse, and enlarged facilities of transit add to profitable commerce, create new markets, and furnish avenues to otherwise isolated communities. I have already adverted to the suggested construction of a ship railway across the narrow formation of the territory of Mexico at Tehuantepec. With the gradual recovery of Peru from the effects of her late disastrous conflict with Chile, and with the restoration of civil authority in that distracted country, it is hoped that pending war claims of our citizens will be adjusted. In conformity with notification given by the Government of Peru, the existing treaties of commerce and extradition between the United States and that country will terminate March 31, 1886. Our good relationship with Russia continues. An officer of the Navy, detailed for the purpose, is now on his way to Siberia bearing the testimonials voted by Congress to those who generously succored the survivors of the unfortunate Jeannette expedition. It is gratifying to advert to the cordiality of our intercourse with Spain. The long-pending claim of the owners of the ship Masonic for loss suffered through the admitted dereliction of the Spanish authorities in the Philippine Islands has been adjusted by arbitration and an indemnity awarded. The principle of arbitration in such cases, to which the United States have long and consistently adhered, thus receives a fresh and gratifying confirmation. Other questions with Spain have been disposed of or are under diplomatic consideration with a view to just and honorable settlement. The operation of the commercial agreement with Spain of January 2--February 13, 1884, has been found inadequate to the commercial needs of the United States and the Spanish Antilies, and the terms of the agreement are subjected to conflicting interpretations in those islands. Negotiations have been instituted at Madrid for a full treaty not open to these objections and in the line of the general policy touching the neighborly intercourse of proximate communities, to which I elsewhere advert, and aiming, moreover, at the removal of existing burdens and annoying restrictions; and although a satisfactory termination is promised, I am compelled to delay its announcement. An international copyright conference was held at Berne in September, on the invitation of the Swiss Government. The envoy of the United States attended as a delegate, but refrained from committing this Government to the results, even by signing the recommendatory protocol adopted. The interesting and important subject of international copyright has been before you for several years. Action is certainly desirable to effect the object in view; and while there may be question as to the relative advantage of treating it by legislation or by specific treaty, the matured views of the Berne conference can not fail to aid your consideration of the subject. The termination of the commercial treaty of 1862 between the United States and Turkey has been sought by that Government. While there is question as to the sufficiency of the notice of termination given, yet as the commercial rights of our citizens in Turkey come under the favored-nation guaranties of the prior treaty of 1830, and as equal treatment is admitted by the Porte, no inconvenience can result from the assent of this Government to the revision of the Ottoman tariffs, in which the treaty powers have been invited to join. Questions concerning our citizens in Turkey may be affected by the Porte's nonacquiescence in the right of expatriation and by the imposition of religious tests as a condition of residence, in which this Government can not concur. The United States must hold in their intercourse with every power that the status of their citizens is to be respected and equal civil privileges accorded to them without regard to creed, and affected by no considerations save those growing out of domiciliary return to the land of original allegiance or of unfulfilled personal obligations which may survive, under municipal laws, after such voluntary return. The negotiation with Venezuela relative to the rehearing of the awards of the mixed commission constituted under the treaty of 1866 was resumed in view of the recent acquiescence of the Venezuelan envoy in the principal point advanced by this Government, that the effects of the old treaty could only be set aside by the operation of a new convention. A result in substantial accord with the advisory suggestions contained in the joint resolution of March 3, 1883, has been agreed upon and will shortly be submitted to the Senate for ratification. Under section 3659 of the Revised Statutes all funds held in trust by the United States and the annual interest accruing thereon, when not otherwise required by treaty, are to be invested in stocks of the United States bearing a rate of interest not less than 5 per cent per annum. There being now no procurable stocks paying so high a rate of interest, the letter of the statute is at present inapplicable, but its spirit is subserved by continuing to make investments of this nature in current stocks bearing the highest interest now paid. The statute, however, makes no provision for the disposal of such accretions. It being contrary to the general rule of this Government to allow interest on claims, I recommend the repeal of the provision in question and the disposition, under a uniform rule, of the present accumulations from investment of trust funds. The inadequacy of existing legislation touching citizenship and naturalization demands your consideration. While recognizing the right of expatriation, no statutory provision exists providing means for renouncing citizenship by an American citizen, native born or naturalized, nor for terminating and vacating an improper acquisition of citizenship. Even a fraudulent decree of naturalization can not now be canceled. The privilege and franchise of American citizenship should be granted with care, and extended to those only who intend in good faith to assume its duties and responsibilities when attaining its privileges and benefits. It should be withheld from those who merely go through the forms of naturalization with the intent of escaping the duties of their original allegiance without taking upon themselves those of their new status, or who may acquire the rights of American citizenship for no other than a hostile purpose toward their original governments. These evils have had many flagrant illustrations. I regard with favor the suggestion put forth by one of my predecessors that provision be made for a central bureau of record of the decrees of naturalization granted by the various courts throughout the United States now invested with that power. The rights which spring from domicile in the United States, especially when coupled with a declaration of intention to become a citizen, are worthy of definition by statute. The stranger coming hither with intent to remain, establishing his residence in our midst, contributing to the general welfare, and by his voluntary act declaring his purpose to assume the responsibilities of citizenship, thereby gains an inchoate status which legislation may properly define. The laws of certain States and Territories admit a domiciled alien to the local franchise, conferring on him the rights of citizenship to a degree which places him in the anomalous position of being a citizen of a State and yet not of the United States within the purview of Federal and international law. It is important within the scope of national legislation to define this right of alien domicile as distinguished from Federal naturalization. The commercial relations of the United States with their immediate neighbors and with important areas of traffic near our shores suggest especially liberal intercourse between them and us. Following the treaty of 1883 with Mexico, which rested on the basis of a reciprocal exemption from customs duties, other similar treaties were initiated by my predecessor. Recognizing the need of less obstructed traffic with Cuba and Puerto Rico, and met by the desire of Spain to succor languishing interests in the Antilles, steps were taken to attain those ends by a treaty of commerce. A similar treaty was afterwards signed by the Dominican Republic. Subsequently overtures were made by Her Britannic Majesty's Government for a like mutual extension of commercial intercourse with the British West Indian and South American dependencies, but without result. On taking office I withdrew for reexamination the treaties signed with Spain and Santo Domingo, then pending before the Senate. The result has been to satisfy me of the inexpediency of entering into engagements of this character not covering the entire traffic. These treaties contemplated the surrender by the United States of large revenues for inadequate considerations. Upon sugar alone duties were surrendered to an amount far exceeding all the advantages offered in exchange. Even were it intended to relieve our consumers, it was evident that so long as the exemption but partially covered our importation such relief would be illusory. To relinquish a revenue so essential seemed highly improvident at a time when new and large drains upon the Treasury were contemplated. Moreover, embarrassing questions would have arisen under the favored-nation clauses of treaties with other nations. As a further objection, it is evident that tariff regulation by treaty diminishes that independent control over its own revenues which is essential for the safety and welfare of any government. Emergency calling for an increase of taxation may at any time arise, and no engagement with a foreign power should exist to hamper the action of the Government. By the fourteenth section of the shipping act approved June 26, 1884, certain reductions and contingent exemptions from tonnage dues were made as to vessels entering ports of the United States from any foreign port in North and Central America, the West India Islands, the Bahamas and Bermudas, Mexico, and the Isthmus as far as Aspinwall and Panama. The Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Portugal, and Sweden and Norway have asserted, under the favored-nation clause in their treaties with the United States, a claim to like treatment in respect of vessels coming to the United States from their home ports. This Government, however, holds that the privileges granted by the act are purely geographical, inuring to any vessel of any foreign power that may choose to engage in traffic between this country and any port within the defined zone, and no warrant exists under the most-favored-nation clause for the extension of the privileges in question to vessels sailing to this country from ports outside the limitation of the act. Undoubtedly the relations of commerce with our near neighbors, whose territories form so long a frontier line difficult to be guarded, and who find in our country, and equally offer to us, natural markets, demand special and considerate treatment. It rests with Congress to consider what legislative action may increase facilities of intercourse which contiguity makes natural and desirable. I earnestly urge that Congress recast the appropriations for the maintenance of the diplomatic and consular service on a footing commensurate with the importance of our national interests. At every post where a representative is necessary the salary should be so graded as to permit him to live with comfort. With the assignment of adequate salaries the so-called notarial extra official fees, which our officers abroad are now permitted to treat as personal perquisites, should be done away with. Every act requiring the certification and seal of the officer should be taxable at schedule rates and the fee therefor returned to the Treasury. By restoring these revenues to the public use the consular service would be self-supporting, even with a liberal increase of the present low salaries. In further prevention of abuses a system of consular inspection should be instituted. The appointment of a limited number of secretaries of legation at large, to be assigned to duty wherever necessary, and in particular for temporary service at missions which for any because may be without a head, should also be authorized. I favor also authorization for the detail of officers of the regular service as military or naval attaches at legations. Some foreign governments do not recognize the union of consular with diplomatic functions. Italy and Venezuela will only receive the appointee in one of his two capacities, but this does not prevent the requirement of a bond and submission to the responsibilities of an office whose duties he can not discharge. The superadded title of consul-general should be abandoned at all missions. I deem it expedient that a well-devised measure for the reorganization of the extraterritorial courts in Oriental countries should replace the present system, which labors under the disadvantage of combining judicial and executive functions in the same office. In several Oriental countries generous offers have been made of premises for housing the legations of the United States. A grant of land for that purpose was made some years since by Japan, and has been referred to in the annual messages of my predecessor. The Siamese Government has made a gift to the United States of commodious quarters in Bangkok. In Korea the late minister was permitted to purchase a building from the Government for legation use. In China the premises rented for the legation are favored as to local charges. At Tangier the house occupied by our representative has been for many years the property; this Government, having been given for that purpose in 1822 by the Sultan of Morocco. I approve the suggestion heretofore made, that, view of the conditions of life and administration in the Eastern countries, the legation buildings in China, Japan, Korea, Siam, and perhaps Persia, should be owned and furnished by the Government with a view to permanency and security. To this end I recommend that authority be given to accept the gifts adverted to in Japan and Siam, and to purchase in the other countries named, with provision for furniture and repairs. A considerable saving in rentals would result. The World's Industrial Exposition, held at New Orleans last winter, with the assistance of the Federal Government, attracted a large number of foreign exhibits, and proved of great value in spreading among the concourse of visitors from Mexico and Central and South America a wider knowledge of the varied manufactures and productions of this country and their availability in exchange for the productions of those regions. Past Congresses have had under consideration the advisability of abolishing the discrimination made by the tariff laws in favor of the works of American artists. The odium of the policy which subjects to a high rate of duty the paintings of foreign artists and exempts the productions of American artists residing abroad, and who receive gratuitously advantages and instruction, is visited upon our citizens engaged in art culture in Europe, and has caused them with practical unanimity to favor the abolition of such an ungracious distinction; and in their interest, and for other obvious reasons, I strongly recommend it. The report of the Secretary of the Treasury fully exhibits the condition of the public finances and of the several branches of the Government connected with his Department. The suggestions of the Secretary relating to the practical operations of this important Department, and his recommendations in the direction of simplification and economy, particularly in the work of collecting customs duties, are especially urged upon the attention of Congress. The ordinary receipts from all sources for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1885, were $322,690,706.38. Of this sum $181,471,939.34 was received from customs and $112,498,725.54 from internal revenue. The total receipts, as given above, were $24,829,163.54 less than those for the year ended June 30, 1884. This diminution embraces a falling off of $13,595,550.42 in the receipts from customs and $9,687,346.97 in the receipts from internal revenue. The total ordinary expenditures of the Government for the fiscal year were $260,226,935.50, leaving a surplus in the Treasury at the close of the year of $63,463,771.27. This is $40,929,854.32 less than the surplus reported at the close of the previous year. The expenditures are classified as follows: The amount paid on the public debt during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1885, was $45,993,235.43, and there has been paid since that date and up to November 1, 1885, the sum of $369,828, leaving the amount of the debt at the last-named date $1,514,475,860.47. There was however, at that time in the Treasury, applicable to the general purposes of the Government, the sum of $66,818,292.38. The total receipts for the current fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, ascertained to October 1, 1885, and estimated for the remainder of the year, are $315,000,000. The expenditures ascertained and estimated for the same time are $245,000,000, leaving a surplus at the close of the year estimated at $70,000,000. The value of the exports from the United States to foreign countries during the last fiscal year was as follows: Some of the principal exports, with their values and the percentage they respectively bear to the total exportation, are given as follows: Our imports during the year were as follows: The following are given as prominent articles of import during the year, with their values and the percentage they bear to the total importation: Of the entire amount of duties collected 70 per cent was collected from the following articles of import: The fact that our revenues are in excess of the actual needs of all economical administration of the Government justifies a reduction in the amount exacted from the people for its support. Our Government is but the means established by the will of a free people by which certain principles are applied which they have adopted for their benefit and protection; and it is never better administered and its true spirit is never better observed than when the people's taxation for its support is scrupulously limited to the actual necessity of expenditure and distributed according to a just and equitable plan. The proposition with which we have to deal is the reduction of the revenue received by the Government, and indirectly paid by the people, from customs duties. The question of free trade is not involved, nor is there now any occasion for the general discussion of the wisdom or expediency of a protective system. Justice and fairness dictate that in any modification of our present laws relating to revenue the industries and interests which have been encouraged by such laws, and in which our citizens have large investments, should not be ruthlessly injured or destroyed. We should also deal with the subject in such manner as to protect the interests of American labor, which is the capital of our workingmen. Its stability and proper remuneration furnish the most justifiable pretext for a protective policy. Within these limitations a certain reduction should be made in our customs revenue. The amount of such reduction having been determined, the inquiry follows, Where can it best be remitted and what articles can best be released from duty in the interest of our citizens? I think the reduction should be made in the revenue derived from a tax upon the imported necessaries of life. We thus directly lessen the cost of living in every family of the land and release to the people in every humble home a larger measure of the rewards of frugal industry. During the year ended November 1, 1885, 145 national banks were organized, with an aggregate capital of $16,938,000, and circulating notes have been issued to them amounting to $4,274,910. The whole number of these banks in existence on the day above mentioned was 2,727. The very limited amount of circulating notes issued by our national banks, compared with the amount the law permits them to issue upon a deposit of bonds for their redemption, indicates that the volume of our circulating medium may be largely increased through this instrumentality. Nothing more important than the present condition of our currency and coinage can claim your attention. Since February, 1878, the Government has, under the compulsory provisions of law, purchased silver bullion and coined the same at the rate of more than $2,000,000 every month. By this process up to the present date 215,759,431 silver dollars have been coined. A reasonable appreciation of a delegation of power to the General Government would limit its exercise, without express restrictive words, to the people's needs and the requirements of the public welfare. Upon this theory the authority to "coin money" given to Congress by the Constitution, if it permits the purchase by the Government of bullion for coinage in any event, does not justify such purchase and coinage to an extent beyond the amount needed for a sufficient circulating medium. The desire to utilize the silver product of the country should not lead to a misuse or the perversion of this power. The necessity for such an addition to the silver currency of the nation as is compelled by the silver-coinage act is negatived by the fact that up to the present time only about 50,000,000 of the silver dollars so coined have actually found their way into circulation, leaving more than 165,000,000 in the possession of the Government, the custody of which has entailed a considerable expense for the construction of vaults for it deposit. Against this latter amount there are outstanding silver certificates amounting to about $93,000,000. Every month two millions of gold in the public Treasury are paid our for two millions or more of silver dollars, to be added to the idle mass already accumulated. If continued long enough, this operation will result in the substitution of silver for all the gold the Government owns applicable to its general purposes. It will not do to rely upon the customs receipts of the Government to make good this drain of gold, because the silver thus coined having been made legal tender for all debts and dues, public and private, at times during the last six months 58 per cent of the receipts for duties has been in silver or silver certificates, while the average within that period has been 20 per cent. The proportion of silver and its certificates received by the Government will probably increase as time goes on, for the reason that the nearer the period approaches when it will be obliged to offer silver in payment of its obligations the greater inducement there will be to hoard gold against depreciation in the value of silver or for the purpose of speculating. This hoarding of gold has already begun. When the time comes that gold has been withdrawn from circulation, then will be apparent the difference between the real value of the silver dollar and a dollar in gold, and the two coins will part company. Gold, still the standard of value and necessary in our dealings with other countries, will be at a premium over silver; banks which have substituted gold for the deposits of their customers may pay them with silver bought with such gold, thus making a handsome profit; rich speculators will sell their hoarded gold to their neighbors who need it to liquidate their foreign debts, at a ruinous premium over silver, and the laboring men and women of the land, most defenseless of all, will find that the dollar received for the wage of their toil has sadly shrunk in its purchasing power. It may be said that the latter result will be but temporary, and that ultimately the price of labor will be adjusted to the change; but even if this takes place the wage-worker can not possibly gain, but must inevitably lose, since the price he is compelled to pay for his living will not only be measured in a coin heavily depreciated and fluctuating and uncertain in its value, but this uncertainty in the value of the purchasing medium will be made the pretext for an advance in prices beyond that justified by actual depreciation. The words uttered in 1834 by Daniel Webster in the Senate of the United States are true to-day: The very man of all others who has the deepest interest in a sound currency, and who suffers most by mischievous legislation in money matters, is the man who earns his daily bread by his daily toil. The most distinguished advocate of bimetallism, discussing our silver coinage, has lately written: No American citizen's hand has yet felt the sensation of cheapness, either in receiving or expending the silver-act dollars. And those who live by labor or legitimate trade never will feel that sensation of cheapness. However plenty silver dollars may become, they will not be distributed as gifts among the people; and if the laboring man should receive four depreciated dollars where he now receives but two, he will pay in the depreciated coin more than double the price he now pays for all the necessaries and comforts of life. Those who do not fear any disastrous consequences arising from the continued compulsory coinage of silver as now directed by law, and who suppose that the addition to the currency of the country intended as its result will be a public benefit, are reminded that history demonstrates that the point is easily reached in the attempt to float at the same time two sorts of money of different excellence when the better will cease to be in general circulation. The hoarding of gold which has already taken place indicates that we shall not escape the usual experience in such cases. So if this silver coinage be continued we may reasonably expect that gold and its equivalent will abandon the field of circulation to silver alone. This of course must produce a severe contraction of our circulating medium, instead of adding to it. It will not be disputed that any attempt on the part of the Government to because the circulation of silver dollars worth 80 cents side by side with gold dollars worth 100 cents, even within the limit that legislation does not run counter to the laws of trade, to be successful must be seconded by the confidence of the people that both coins will retain the same purchasing power and be interchangeable at will. A special effort has been made by the Secretary of the Treasury to increase the amount of our silver coin in circulation; but the fact that a large share of the limited amount thus put out has soon returned to the public Treasury in payment of duties leads to the belief that the people do not now desire to keep it in hand, and this, with the evident disposition to hoard gold, gives rise to the suspicion that there already exists a lack of confidence among the people touching our financial processes. There is certainly not enough silver now in circulation to because uneasiness, and the whole amount coined and now on hand might after a time be absorbed by the people without apprehension; but it is the ceaseless stream that threatens to overflow the land which causes fear and uncertainty. What has been thus far submitted upon this subject relates almost entirely to considerations of a home nature, unconnected with the bearing which the policies of other nations have upon the question. But it is perfectly apparent that a line of action in regard to our currency can not wisely be settled upon or persisted in without considering the attitude on the subject of other countries with whom we maintain intercourse through commerce, trade, and travel. An acknowledgment of this fact is found in the act by virtue of which our silver is compulsorily coined. It provides that-- The President shall invite the governments of the countries composing the Latin Union, so called, and of such other European nations as he may deem advisable, to join the United States in a conference to adopt a common ratio between gold and silver for the purpose of establishing internationally the use of bimetallic money and securing fixity of relative value between those metals. This conference absolutely failed, and a similar fate has awaited all subsequent efforts in the same direction. And still we continue our coinage of silver at a ratio different from that of any other nation. The most vital part of the silver-coinage act remains inoperative and unexecuted, and without an ally or friend we battle upon the silver field in an illogical and losing contest. To give full effect to the design of Congress on this subject I have made careful and earnest endeavor since the adjournment of the last Congress. To this end I delegated a gentleman well instructed in fiscal science to proceed to the financial centers of Europe and, in conjunction with our ministers to England, France, and Germany, to obtain a full knowledge of the attitude and intent of those governments in respect of the establishment of such an international ratio as would procure free coinage of both metals at the mints of those countries and our own. By my direction our consul-general at Paris has given close attention to the proceedings of the congress of the Latin Union, in order to indicate our interest in its objects and report its action. It may be said in brief, as the result of these efforts, that the attitude of the leading powers remains substantially unchanged since the monetary conference of 1881, nor is it to be questioned that the views of these governments are in each instance supported by the weight of public opinion. The steps thus taken have therefore only more fully demonstrated the uselessness of further attempts at present to arrive at any agreement on the subject with other nations. In the meantime we are accumulating silver coin, based upon our own peculiar ratio, to such an extent, and assuming so heavy a burden to be provided for in any international negotiations, as will render us an undesirable party to any future monetary conference of nations. It is a significant fact that four of the five countries composing the Latin Union mentioned in our coinage act, embarrassed with their silver currency, have just completed an agreement among themselves that no more silver shall be coined by their respective Governments and that such as has been already coined and in circulation shall be redeemed in gold by the country of its coinage. The resort to this expedient by these countries may well arrest the attention of those who suppose that we can succeed without shock or injury in the attempt to circulate upon its merits all the silver we may coin under the provisions of our silver-coinage act. The condition in which our Treasury may be placed by a persistence in our present course is a matter of concern to every patriotic citizen who does not desire his Government to pay in silver such of its obligations as should be paid in gold. Nor should our condition be such as to oblige us, in a prudent management of our affairs, to discontinue the calling in and payment of interest-bearing obligations which we have the right now to discharge, and thus avoid the payment of further interest thereon. The so-called debtor class, for whose benefit the continued compulsory coinage of silver is insisted upon, are not dishonest because they are in debt, and they should not be suspected of a desire to jeopardize the financial safety of the country in order that they may cancel their present debts by paying the same in depreciated dollars. Nor should it be forgotten that it is not the rich nor the money lender alone that must submit to such a readjustment, enforced by the Government and their debtors. The pittance of the widow and the orphan and the incomes of helpless beneficiaries of all kinds would be disastrously reduced. The depositors in savings banks and in other institutions which hold in trust the savings of the poor, when their little accumulations are scaled down to meet the new order of things, would in their distress painfully realize the delusion of the promise made to them that plentiful money would improve their condition. We have now on hand all the silver dollars necessary to supply the present needs of the people and to satisfy those who from sentiment wish to see them in circulation, and if their coinage is suspended they can be readily obtained by all who desire them. If the need of more is at anytime apparent, their coinage may be renewed. That disaster has not already overtaken us furnishes no proof that danger does not wait upon a continuation of the present silver coinage. We have been saved by the most careful management and unusual expedients, by a combination of fortunate conditions, and by a confident expectation that the course of the Government in regard to silver coinage would be speedily changed by the action of Congress. Prosperity hesitates upon our threshold because of the dangers and uncertainties surrounding this question. Capital timidly shrinks from trade, and investors are unwilling to take the chance of the questionable shape in which their money will be returned to them, while enterprise halts at a risk against which care and sagacious management do not protect. As a necessary consequence, labor lacks employment and suffering and distress are visited upon a portion of our fellow-citizens especially entitled to the careful consideration of those charged with the duties of legislation. No interest appeals to us so strongly for a safe and stable currency as the vast army of the unemployed. I recommend the suspension of the compulsory coinage of silver dollars, directed by the law passed in February, 1878. The Steamboat-Inspection Service on the 30th day of June, 1885, was composed of 140 persons, including officers, clerks, and messengers. The expenses of the service over the receipts were $138,822.22 during the fiscal year. The special inspection of foreign steam vessels, organized under a law passed in 1882, was maintained during the year at an expense of $36,641.63. Since the close of the fiscal year reductions have been made in the force employed which will result in a saving during the current year of $17,000 without affecting the efficiency of the service. The Supervising Surgeon-General reports that during the fiscal year 41,714 patients have received relief through the Marine-Hospital Service, of whom 12,803 were treated in hospitals and 28,911 at the dispensaries. Active and effective efforts have been made through the medium of this service to protect the country against an invasion of cholera, which has prevailed in Spain and France, and the smallpox, which recently broke out in Canada. The most gratifying results have attended the operations of the Life Saving Service during the last fiscal year. The observance of the provision of law requiring the appointment of the force employed in this service to be made "solely with reference to their fitness, and without reference to their political or party affiliation," has secured the result which may confidently be expected in any branch of public employment where such a rule is applied. As a consequence, this service is composed of men well qualified for the performance of their dangerous and exceptionally important duties The number of stations in commission at the close of the year was 203. The number of disasters to vessels and craft of all kinds within their field of action was 371. The number of persons endangered in such disasters was 2,439, of whom 2,428 were saved and only 11 lost. Other lives which were imperiled, though not by disasters to shipping, were also rescued, and a large amount of property was saved through the aid of this service. The cost of its maintenance during the year was $828,474.43. The work of the Coast and Geodetic Survey was during the last fiscal year carried on within the boundaries and off the coasts of thirty-two States, two Territories, and the District of Columbia. In July last certain irregularities were found to exist in the management of this Bureau, which led to a prompt investigation of its methods. The abuses which were brought to light by this examination and the reckless disregard of duty and the interests of the Government developed on the part of some of those connected with the service made a change of superintendency and a few of its other officers necessary. Since the Bureau has been in new hands an introduction of economies and the application of business methods have produced an important saving to the Government and a promise of more useful results. This service has never been regulated by anything but the most indefinite legal enactments and the most unsatisfactory rules. It was many years ago sanctioned apparently for a purpose regarded as temporary and related to a survey of our coast. Having gained a place in the appropriations made by Congress, it has gradually taken to itself powers and objects not contemplated in its creation and extended its operations until it sadly needs legislative attention. So far as a further survey of our coast is concerned, there seems to be a propriety in transferring that work to the Navy Department. The other duties now in charge of this establishment, if they can not be profitably attached to some existing Department or other bureau, should be prosecuted under a law exactly defining their scope and purpose, and with a careful discrimination between the scientific inquiries which may properly be assumed by the Government and those which should be undertaken by State authority or by individual enterprise. It is hoped that the report of the Congressional committee heretofore appointed to investigate this and other like matters will aid in the accomplishment of proper legislation on this subject. The report of the Secretary of War is herewith submitted. The attention of Congress is invited to the detailed account which it contains of the administration of his Department, and his recommendations and suggestions for the improvement of the service. The Army consisted, at the date of the last consolidated returns, of 2,154 officers and 24,705 enlisted men. The expenses of the Departments for the fiscal year ended June, 30, 1885, including $13,164,394.60 for public works and river and harbor improvements, were $45,850,999.54. Besides the troops which were dispatched in pursuit of the small band of Indians who left their reservation in Arizona and committed murders and outrages, two regiments of cavalry and one of infantry were sent last July to the Indian Territory to prevent an outbreak which seemed imminent. They remained to aid, if necessary, in the expulsion of intruders upon the reservation, who seemed to have caused the discontent among the Indians, but the Executive proclamation warning them to remove was complied with without their interference. Troops were also sent to Rock Springs, in Wyoming Territory, after the massacre of Chinese there, to prevent further disturbance, and afterwards to Seattle, in Washington Territory, to avert a threatened attack upon Chinese laborers and domestic violence there. In both cases the mere presence of the troops had the desired effect. It appears that the number of desertions has diminished, but that during the last fiscal year they numbered 2,927; and one instance is given by the Lieutenant-General of six desertions by the same recruit. I am convinced that this number of desertions can be much diminished by better discipline and treatment; but the punishment should be increased for repeated offenses. These desertions might also be reduced by lessening the term of first enlistments, thus allowing a discontented recruit to contemplate a nearer discharge and the Army a profitable riddance. After one term of service a reenlistment would be quite apt to secure a contented recruit and a good soldier. The Acting Judge-Advocate-General reports that the number of trials by general courts-martial during the year was 2,328, and that 11,851 trials took place before garrison and regimental courts-martial. The suggestion that probably more than half the Army have been tried for offenses, great and small, in one year may well arrest attention. Of course many of these trials before garrison and regimental courts-martial were for offenses almost frivolous, and there should, I think, be a way devised to dispose of these in a more summary and less inconvenient manner than by court-martial. If some of the proceedings of courts-martial which I have had occasion to examine present the ideas of justice which generally prevail in these tribunals, I am satisfied that they should be much reformed if the honor and the honesty of the Army and Navy are by their instrumentality to be vindicated and protected. The Board on Fortifications or other defenses, appointed in pursuance of the provisions of the act of Congress approved March 3, 1885, will in a short time present their report, and it is hoped that this may greatly aid the legislation so necessary to remedy the present defenseless condition of our seacoasts. The work of the Signal Service has been prosecuted during the last year with results of increasing benefit to the country. The field of instruction has been enlarged with a view of adding to its usefulness. The number of stations in operation June 30, 1885, was 489. Telegraphic reports are received daily from 160 stations. Reports are also received from 25 Canadian stations, 375 volunteer observers, 52 army surgeons at military posts, and 333 foreign stations. The expense of the service during the fiscal year, after deducting receipts from military telegraph lines, was $792,592.97. In view of the fact referred to by the Secretary of War, that the work of this service ordinarily is of a scientific nature, and the further fact that it is assuming larger proportions constantly and becoming more and more unsuited to the fixed rules which must govern the Army, I am inclined to agree with him in the opinion that it should be separately established. If this is done, the scope and extent of its operations should, as nearly as possible, be definitely prescribed by law and always capable of exact ascertainment. The Military Academy at West Point is reported as being in a high state of efficiency and well equipped for the satisfactory accomplishment of the purposes of its maintenance. The fact that the class which graduates next year is an unusually large one has constrained me to decline to make appointments to second lieutenancies in the Army from civil life, so that such vacancies as exist in these places may be reserved for such graduates; and yet it is not probable that there will be enough vacancies to provide positions for them all when they leave the military school. Under the prevailing law and usage those not thus assigned to duty never actively enter the military service. It is suggested that the law on this subject be changed so that such of these young men as are not at once assigned to duty after graduation may be retained as second lieutenants in the Army if they desire it, subject to assignment when opportunity occurs, and under proper rules as to priority of selection. The expenditures on account of the Military Academy for the last fiscal year, exclusive of the sum taken for its purposes from appropriations for the support of the Army, were $290,712.07. The act approved March 3, 1885, designed to compensate officers and enlisted men for loss of private property while in the service of the United States, is so indefinite in its terms and apparently admits so many claims the adjustment of which could not have been contemplated that if it is to remain upon the statute book it needs amendment. There should be a general law of Congress prohibiting the construction of bridges over navigable waters in such manner as to obstruct navigation, with provisions for preventing the same. It seems that under existing statutes the Government can not intervene to prevent such a construction when entered upon without its consent, though when such consent is asked and granted upon condition the authority to insist upon such condition is clear. Thus it is represented that while the officers of the Government are with great care guarding against the obstruction of navigation by a bridge across the Mississippi River at St. Paul a large pier for a bridge has been built just below this place directly in the navigable channel of the river. If such things are to be permitted, a strong argument is presented against the appropriation of large sums of money to improve the navigation of this and other important highways of commerce. The report of the Secretary of the Navy gives a history of the operations of his Department and the present condition of the work committed to his charge. He details in full the course pursued by him to protect the rights of the Government in respect of certain vessels unfinished at the time of his accession to office, and also concerning the dispatch boat Dolphin, claimed to be completed and awaiting the acceptance of the Department. No one can fail to see from recitals contained in this report that only the application of business principles has been insisted upon in the treatment of these subjects, and that whatever controversy has arisen was caused by the exaction on the part of the Department of contract obligations as they were legally construed. In the case of the Dolphin, with entire justice to the contractor, an agreement has been entered into providing for the ascertainment by a judicial inquiry of the complete or partial compliance with the contract in her construction, and further providing for the assessment of any damages to which the Government may be entitled on account of a partial failure to perform such contract, or the payment of the sum still remaining unpaid upon her price in case a full performance is adjudged. The contractor, by reason of his failure in business, being unable to complete the other three vessels, they were taken possession of by the Government in their unfinished state under a clause in the contract permitting such a course, and are now in process of completion in the yard of the contractor, but under the supervision of the Navy Department. Congress at its last session authorized the construction of two additional new cruisers and two gunboats, at a cost not exceeding in the aggregate $2,995,000. The appropriation for this purpose having become available on the 1st day of July last, steps were at once taken for the procurement of such plans for the construction of these vessels as would be likely to insure their usefulness when completed. These are of the utmost importance, considering the constant advance in the art of building vessels of this character, and the time is not lost which is spent in their careful consideration and selection. All must admit the importance of an effective navy to a nation like ours, having such an extended seacoast to protect; and yet we have not a single vessel of war that could keep the seas against a first-class vessel of any important power. Such a condition ought not longer to continue. The nation that can not resist aggression is constantly exposed to it. Its foreign policy is of necessity weak and its negotiations are conducted with disadvantage because it is not in condition to enforce the terms dictated by its sense of right and justice. Inspired, as I am, by the hope, shared by all patriotic citizens, that the day is not very far distant when our Navy will be such as befits our standing among the nations of the earth, and rejoiced at every step that leads in the direction of such a consummation, I deem it my duty to especially direct the attention of Congress to the close of the report of the Secretary of the Navy, in which the humiliating weakness of the present organization of his Department is exhibited and the startling abuses and waste of its present methods are exposed. The conviction is forced upon us with the certainty of mathematical demonstration that before we proceed further in the restoration of a Navy we need a thoroughly reorganized Navy Department. The fact that within seventeen years more than $75,000,000 have been spent in the construction, repair, equipment, and armament of vessels, and the further fact that instead of an effective and creditable fleet we have only the discontent and apprehension of a nation undefended by war vessels, added to the disclosures now made, do not permit us to doubt that every attempt to revive our Navy has thus far for the most part been misdirected, and all our efforts in that direction have been little better than blind gropings and expensive, aimless follies. Unquestionably if we are content with the maintenance of a Navy Department simply as a shabby ornament to the Government, a constant watchfulness may prevent some of the scandal and abuse which have found their way into our present organization, and its incurable waste may be reduced to the minimum. But if we desire to build ships for present usefulness instead of naval reminders of the days that are past, we must have a Department organized for the work, supplied with all the talent and ingenuity our country affords, prepared to take advantage of the experience of other nations, systematized so that all effort shall unite and lead in one direction, and fully imbued with the conviction that war vessels, though new, are useless unless they combine all that the ingenuity of man has up to this day brought forth relating to their construction. I earnestly commend the portion of the Secretary's report devoted to this subject to the attention of Congress, in the hope that his suggestions touching the reorganization of his Department may be adopted as the first step toward the reconstruction of our Navy. The affairs of the postal service are exhibited by the report of the Postmaster-General, which will be laid before you. The postal revenue, whose ratio of gain upon the rising prosperity of 1882 and 1883 outstripped the increasing expenses of our growing service, was checked by the reduction in the rate of letter postage which took effect with the beginning of October in the latter year, and it diminished during the two past fiscal years $2,790,000, in about the proportion of $2,270,000 in 1884 to $520,000 in 1885. Natural growth and development have meantime increased expenditure, resulting in a deficiency in the revenue to meet the expenses of the Department of five and a quarter million dollars for the year 1884 and eight and a third million in the last fiscal year. The anticipated and natural revival of the revenue has been oppressed and retarded by the unfavorable business condition of the country, of which the postal service is a faithful indicator. The gratifying fact is shown, however, by the report that our returning prosperity is marked by a gain of $380,000 in the revenue of the latter half of the last year over the corresponding period of the preceding year. The change in the weight of first-class matter which may be carried for a single rate of postage from a half ounce to an ounce, and the reduction by one-half of the rate of newspaper postage, which, under recent legislation, began with the current year, will operate to restrain the augmentation of receipts which otherwise might have been expected to such a degree that the scale of expense may gain upon the revenue and because an increased deficiency to be shown at its close. Yet, after no long period of reawakened prosperity, by proper economy it is confidently anticipated that even the present low rates, now as favorable as any country affords, will be adequate to sustain the cost of the service. The operation of the Post-Office Department is for the convenience and benefit of the people, and the method by which they pay the charges of this useful arm of their public service, so that it be just and impartial, is of less importance to them than the economical expenditure of the means they provide for its maintenance and the due improvement of its agencies, so that they may enjoy its highest usefulness. A proper attention has been directed to the prevention of waste or extravagance, and good results appear from the report to have already been accomplished. I approve the recommendation of the Postmaster-General to reduce the charges on domestic money orders of $5 and less from 8 to 5 cents. This change will materially aid those of our people who most of all avail themselves of this instrumentality, but to whom the element of cheapness is of the greatest importance. With this reduction the system would still remain self-supporting. The free-delivery system has been extended to 19 additional cities during the year, and 178 now enjoy its conveniences. Experience has commended it to those who enjoy its benefits, and further enlargement of its facilities is due to other communities to which it is adapted. In the cities where it has been established, taken together the local postage exceeds its maintenance by nearly $1,300,000. The limit to which this system is now confined by law has been nearly reached, and the reasons given justify its extension, which is proposed. It was decided, with my approbation, after a sufficient examination, to be inexpedient for the Post-Office Department to contract for carrying our foreign mails under the additional authority given by the last Congress. The amount limited was inadequate to pay all within the purview of the law the full rate of 50 cents per mile, and it would have been unjust and unwise to have given it to some and denied it to others. Nor could contracts have been let under the law to all at a rate to have brought the aggregate within the appropriation without such practical prearrangement of terms as would have violated it. The rate of sea and inland postage which was proffered under another statute clearly appears to be a fair compensation for the desired service, being three times the price necessary to secure transportation by other vessels upon any route, and much beyond the charges made to private persons for services not less burdensome. Some of the steamship companies, upon the refusal of the Postmaster-General to attempt, by the means provided, the distribution of the sum appropriated as an extra compensation, withdrew the services of their vessels and thereby occasioned slight inconvenience, though no considerable injury, the mails having been dispatched by other means. Whatever may be thought of the policy of subsidizing any line of public conveyance or travel, I am satisfied that it should not be done under cover of an expenditure incident to the administration of a Department, nor should there be any uncertainty as to the recipients of the subsidy or any discretion left to an executive officer as to its distribution. If such gifts of the public money are to be made for the purpose of aiding any enterprise in the supposed interest of the public, I can not but think that the amount to be paid and the beneficiary might better be determined by Congress than in any other way. The international congress of delegates from the Postal Union countries convened at Lisbon, in Portugal, in February last, and after a session of some weeks the delegates signed a convention amendatory of the present postal-union convention in some particulars designed to advance its purposes. This additional act has had my approval and will be laid before you with the departmental report. I approve the recommendation of the postmaster-General that another assistant be provided for his Department. I invite your consideration to the several other recommendations contained in his report. The report of the Attorney-General contains a history of the conduct of the Department of Justice during the last year and a number of valuable suggestions as to needed legislation, and I invite your careful attention to the same. The condition of business in the courts of the United States is such that there seems to be an imperative necessity for remedial legislation on the subject. Some of these courts are so overburdened with pending causes that the delays in determining litigation amount often to a denial of justice. Among the plans suggested for relief is one submitted by the Attorney-General. Its main features are: The transfer of all the original jurisdiction of the circuit courts to the district courts and an increase of judges for the latter where necessary; an addition of judges to the circuit courts, and constituting them exclusively courts of appeal, and reasonably limiting appeals thereto; further restrictions of the right to remove causes from the State to Federal courts; permitting appeals to the Supreme Court from the courts of the District of Columbia and the Territories only in the same cases as they are allowed from State courts, and guarding against an unnecessary number of appeals from the circuit courts. I approve the plan thus outlined, and recommend the legislation necessary for its application to our judicial system. The present mode of compensating United States marshals and district attorneys should, in my opinion, be changed. They are allowed to charge against the Government certain fees for services, their income being measured by the amount of such fees within a fixed limit as to their annual aggregate. This is a direct inducement for them to make their fees in criminal cases as large as possible in an effort to reach the maximum sum permitted. As an entirely natural consequence, unscrupulous marshals are found encouraging frivolous prosecutions, arresting people on petty charges of crime and transporting them to distant places for examination and trial, for the purpose of earning mileage and other fees; and district attorneys uselessly attend criminal examinations far from their places of residence for the express purpose of swelling their accounts against the Government. The actual expenses incurred in these transactions are also charged against the Government. Thus the rights and freedom of our citizens are outraged and public expenditures increased for the purpose of furnishing public officers pretexts for increasing the measure of their compensation. I think marshals and district attorneys should be paid salaries, adjusted by a rule which will make them commensurate with services fairly rendered. In connection with this subject I desire to suggest the advisability, if it be found not obnoxious to constitutional objection, of investing United States commissioners with the power to try and determine certain violations of law within the grade of misdemeanors. Such trials might be made to depend upon the option of the accused. The multiplication of small and technical offenses, especially under the provisions of our internal-revenue law, render some change in our present system very desirable in the interests of humanity as well as economy. The district courts are now crowded with petty prosecutions, involving a punishment in case of conviction, of only a slight fine, while the parties accused are harassed by an enforced attendance upon courts held hundreds of miles from their homes. If poor and friendless, they are obliged to remain in jail during months, perhaps, that elapse before a session of the court is held, and are finally brought to trial surrounded by strangers and with but little real opportunity for defense. In the meantime frequently the marshal has charged against the Government his fees for an arrest, the transportation of the accused and the expense of the same, and for summoning witnesses before a commissioner, a grand jury, and a court; the witnesses have been paid from the public funds large fees and traveling expenses, and the commissioner and district attorney have also made their charges against the Government. This abuse in the administration of our criminal law should be remedied; and if the plan above suggested is not practicable, some other should be devised. The report of the Secretary of the Interior, containing an account of the operations of this important Department and much interesting information, will be submitted for your consideration. The most intricate and difficult subject in charge of this Department is the treatment and management of the Indians. I am satisfied that some progress may be noted in their condition as a result of a prudent administration of the present laws and regulations for their control. But it is submitted that there is lack of a fixed purpose or policy on this subject, which should be supplied. It is useless to dilate upon the wrongs of the Indians, and as useless to indulge in the heartless belief that because their wrongs are revenged in their own atrocious manner, therefore they should be exterminated. They are within the care of our Government, and their rights are, or should be, protected from invasion by the most solemn obligations. They are properly enough called the wards of the Government; and it should be borne in mind that this guardianship involves on our part efforts for the improvement of their condition and the enforcement of their rights. There seems to be general concurrence in the proposition that the ultimate object of their treatment should be their civilization and citizenship. Fitted by these to keep pace in the march of progress with the advanced civilization about them, they will readily assimilate with the mass of our population, assuming the responsibilities and receiving the protection incident to this condition. The difficulty appears to be in the selection of the means to be at present employed toward the attainment of this result. Our Indian population, exclusive of those in Alaska, is reported as numbering 260,000, nearly all being located on lands set apart for their use and occupation, aggregating over 134,000,000 acres. These lands are included in the boundaries of 171 reservations of different dimensions, scattered in 21 States and Territories, presenting great variations in climate and in the kind and quality of their soils. Among the Indians upon these several reservations there exist the most marked differences in natural traits and disposition and in their progress toward civilization. While some are lazy, vicious, and stupid, others are industrious, peaceful, and intelligent; while a portion of them are self-supporting and independent, and have so far advanced in civilization that they make their own laws, administered through officers of their own choice, and educate their children in schools of their own establishment and maintenance, others still retain, in squalor and dependence, almost the savagery of their natural state. In dealing with this question the desires manifested by the Indians should not be ignored. Here again we find a great diversity. With some the tribal relation is cherished with the utmost tenacity, while its hold upon others is considerably relaxed; the love of home is strong with all, and yet there are those whose attachment to a particular locality is by no means unyielding; the ownership of their lands in severalty is much desired by some, while by others, and sometimes among the most civilized, such a distribution would be bitterly opposed. The variation of their wants, growing out of and connected with the character of their several locations, should be regarded. Some are upon reservations most fit for grazing, but without flocks or herds; and some on arable land, have no agricultural implements. While some of the reservations are double the size necessary to maintain the number of Indians now upon them, in a few cases, perhaps, they should be enlarged. Add to all this the difference in the administration of the agencies. While the same duties are devolved upon all, the disposition of the agents and the manner of their contact with the Indians have much to do with their condition and welfare. The agent who perfunctorily performs his duty and slothfully neglects all opportunity to advance their moral and physical improvement and fails to inspire them with a desire for better things will accomplish nothing in the direction of their civilization, while he who feels the burden of an important trust and has an interest in his work will, by consistent example, firm yet considerate treatment, and well-directed aid and encouragement, constantly lead those under his charge toward the light of their enfranchisement. The history of all the progress which has been made in the civilization of the Indian I think will disclose the fact that the beginning has been religious teaching, followed by or accompanying secular education. While the self-sacrificing and pious men and women who have aided in this good work by their independent endeavor have for their reward the beneficent results of their labor and the consciousness of Christian duty well performed, their valuable services should be fully acknowledged by all who under the law are charged with the control and management of our Indian wards. What has been said indicates that in the present condition of the Indians no attempt should be made to apply a fixed and unyielding plan of action to their varied and varying needs and circumstances. The Indian Bureau, burdened as it is with their general oversight and with the details of the establishment, can hardly possess itself of the minute phases of the particular cases needing treatment; and thus the propriety of creating an instrumentality auxiliary to those already established for the care of the Indians suggests itself. I recommend the passage of a law authorizing the appointment of six commissioners, three of whom shall be detailed from the Army, to be charged with the duty of a careful inspection from time to time of all the Indians upon our reservations or subject to the care and control of the Government, with a view of discovering their exact condition and needs and determining what steps shall be taken on behalf of the Government to improve their situation in the direction of their self-support and complete civilization; that they ascertain from such inspection what, if any, of the reservations may be reduced in area, and in such cases what part not needed for Indian occupation may be purchased by the Government from the Indians and disposed of for their benefit; what, if any, Indians may, with their consent, be removed to other reservations, with a view of their concentration and the sale on their behalf of their abandoned reservations; what Indian lands now held in common should be allotted in severalty; in what manner and to what extent the Indians upon the reservations can be placed under the protection of our laws and subjected to their penalties, and which, if any, Indians should be invested with the right of citizenship. The powers and functions of the commissioners in regard to these subjects should be clearly defined, though they should, in conjunction with the Secretary of the Interior, be given all the authority to deal definitely with the questions presented deemed safe and consistent. They should be also charged with the duty of ascertaining the Indians who might properly be furnished with implements of agriculture, and of what kind; in what cases the support of the Government should be withdrawn; where the present plan of distributing Indian supplies should be changed; where schools may be established and where discontinued; the conduct, methods, and fitness of agents in charge of reservations; the extent to which such reservations are occupied or intruded upon by unauthorized persons, and generally all matters related to the welfare and improvement of the Indian. They should advise with the Secretary of the Interior concerning these matters of detail in management, and he should be given power to deal with them fully, if he is not now invested with such power. This plan contemplates the selection of persons for commissioners who are interested in the Indian question and who have practical ideas upon the subject of their treatment. The expense of the Indian Bureau during the last fiscal year was more than six and a halt million dollars. I believe much of this expenditure might be saved under the plan proposed; that its economical effects would be increased with its continuance; that the safety of our frontier settlers would be subserved under its operation, and that the nation would be saved through its results from the imputation of inhumanity, injustice, and mismanagement. In order to carry out the policy of allotment of Indian lands in severalty, when deemed expedient, it will be necessary to have surveys completed of the reservations, and, I hope that provision will be made for the prosecution of this work. In May of the present year a small portion of the Chiricahua Apaches on the White Mountain Reservation, in Arizona, left the reservation and committed a number of murders and depredations upon settlers in that neighborhood. Though prompt and energetic action was taken by the military, the renegades eluded capture and escaped into Mexico. The formation of the country through which these Indians passed, their thorough acquaintance with the same, the speed of their escape, and the manner in which they scattered and concealed themselves among the mountains near the scene of their outrages put our soldiers at a great disadvantage in their efforts to capture them, though the expectation is still entertained that they will be ultimately taken and punished for their crimes. The threatening and disorderly conduct of the Cheyennes in the Indian Territory early last summer caused considerable alarm and uneasiness. Investigation proved that their threatening attitude was due in a great measure to the occupation of the land of their reservation by immense herds of cattle, which their owners claimed were rightfully there under certain leases made by the Indians. Such occupation appearing upon examination to be unlawful notwithstanding these leases, the intruders were ordered to remove with their cattle from the lands of the Indians by Executive proclamation. The enforcement of this proclamation had the effect of restoring peace and order among the Indians, and they are now quiet and well behaved. By an Executive order issued on February 27, 1885, by my predecessor, a portion of the tract of country in the territory known as the Old Winnebago and Crow Creek reservations was directed to be restored to the public domain and opened to settlement under the land laws of the United States, and a large number of persons entered upon those lands. This action alarmed the Sioux Indians, who claimed the territory as belonging to their reservation under the treaty of 1868. This claim was determined, after careful investigation, to be well rounded, and consequently the Executive order referred to was by proclamation of April 17, 1885, declared to be inoperative and of no effect, and all persons upon the land were warned to leave. This warning has been substantially complied with. The public domain had its origin in cessions of land by the States to the General Government. The first cession was made by the State of New York, and the largest, which in area exceeded all the others, by the State of Virginia. The territory the proprietorship of which became thus vested in the General Government extended from the western line of Pennsylvania to the Mississippi River. These patriotic donations of the States were encumbered with no condition except that they should the held and used "for the common benefit of the United States." By purchase with the common fund of all the people additions were made to this domain until it extended to the northern line of Mexico, the Pacific Ocean, and the Polar Sea. The original trust, "for the common benefit of the United States," attached to all. In the execution of that trust the policy of many homes, rather than large estates, was adopted by the Government. That these might be easily obtained, and be the abode of security and contentment, the laws for their acquisition were few, easily understood, and general in their character. But the pressure of local interests, combined with a speculative spirit, have in many instances procured the passage of laws which marred the harmony of the general plan and encumbered the system with a multitude of general and special enactments which render the land laws complicated, subject the titles to uncertainty, and the purchasers often to oppression and wrong. Laws which were intended for the "common benefit" have been perverted so that large quantities of land are vesting in single ownerships. From the multitude and character of the laws, this consequence seems incapable of correction by mere administration. It is not for the "common benefit of the United States" that a large area of the public lands should be acquired, directly or through fraud, in the hands of a single individual. The nation's strength is in the people. The nation's prosperity is in their prosperity. The nation's glory is in the equality of her justice. The nation's perpetuity is in the patriotism of all her people. Hence, as far as practicable, the plan adopted in the disposal of the public lands should have in view the original policy, which encouraged many purchases of these lands for homes and discouraged the massing of large areas. Exclusive of Alaska, about three-fifths of the national domain has been sold or subjected to contract or grant. Of the remaining two-fifths a considerable portion is either mountain or desert. A rapidly increasing population creates a growing demand for homes, and the accumulation of wealth inspires an eager competition to obtain the public land for speculative purposes. In the future this collision of interests will be more marked than in the past, and the execution of the nation's trust in behalf of our settlers will be more difficult. I therefore commend to your attention the recommendations contained in the report of the Secretary of the Interior with reference to the repeal and modification of certain of our land laws. The nation has made princely grants and subsidies to a system of railroads projected as great national highways to connect the Pacific States with the East. It has been charged that these donations from the people have been diverted to private gain and corrupt uses, and thus public indignation has been aroused and suspicion engendered. Our great nation does not begrudge its generosity, but it abhors speculation and fraud; and the favorable regard of our people for the great corporations to which these grants were made can only be revived by a restoration of confidence, to be secured by their constant, unequivocal, and clearly manifested integrity. A faithful application of the undiminished proceeds of the grants to the construction and perfecting of their roads, an honest discharge of their obligations, and entire justice to all the people in the enjoyment of their rights on these highways of travel are all the public asks, and it will be content with no less. To secure these things should be the common purpose of the officers of the Government, as well as of the corporations. With this accomplishment prosperity would be permanently secured to the roads, and national pride would take the place of national complaint. It appears from the report of the Commissioner of Pensions that there were on the 1st day of July, 1885, 345,125 persons borne upon the pension rolls, who were classified as follows: Army invalids, 241,456; widows, minor children, and dependent relatives of deceased soldiers, 78,841; navy invalids, 2,745; navy widows, minor children, and dependents, 1,926; survivors of the War of 1812, 2,945; and widows of those who served in that war, 17,212. About one man in ten of all those who enlisted in the late war are reported as receiving pensions, exclusive of the dependents of deceased soldiers. On the 1st of July, 1875, the number of pensioners was 234,821, and the increase within the ten years next thereafter was 110,304. While there is no expenditure of the public funds which the people more cheerfully approve than that made in recognition of the services of our soldiers living and dead, the sentiment underlying the subject should not be vitiated by the introduction of any fraudulent practices. Therefore it is fully as important that the rolls should be cleansed of all those who by fraud have secured a place thereon as that meritorious claims should be speedily examined and adjusted. The reforms in the methods of doing the business of this Bureau which have lately been inaugurated promise better results in both these directions. The operations of the Patent Office demonstrate the activity of the inventive genius of the country. For the year ended June 30, 1885, the applications for patents, including reissues, and for the registration of trade-marks and labels, numbered 35,688. During the same period there were 22,928 patents granted and reissued and 1,429 trade-marks and labels registered. The number of patents issued in the year 1875 was 14,387. The receipts during the last fiscal year were $ 1,074,974.35, and the total expenditures, not including contingent expenses, $934,123.11. There were 9,788 applications for patents pending on the 1st day of July, 1884, and 5,786 on the same date in the year 1885. There has been considerable improvement made in the prompt determination of applications and a consequent relief to expectant inventors. A number of suggestions and recommendations are contained in the report of the Commissioner of patents which are well entitled to the consideration of Congress. In the Territory of Utah the law of the United States passed for the Suppression of polygamy has been energetically and faithfully executed during the past year, with measurably good results. A number of convictions have been secured for unlawful cohabitation, and in some cases pleas of guilty have been entered and a slight punishment imposed, upon a promise by the accused that they would not again offend against the law, nor advise, counsel, aid, or abet in any way its violation by others. The Utah commissioners express the opinion, based upon such information as they are able to obtain, that but few polygamous marriages have taken place in the Territory during the last year. They further report that while there can not be found upon the registration lists of voters the name of a man actually guilty of polygamy, and while none of that class are holding office, yet at the last election in the Territory all the officers elected, except in one county, were men who, though not actually living in the practice of polygamy, subscribe to the doctrine of polygamous marriages as a divine revelation and a law unto all higher and more binding upon the conscience than any human law, local or national. Thus is the strange spectacle presented of a community protected by a republican form of government, to which they owe allegiance, sustaining by their suffrages a principle and a belief which set at naught that obligation of absolute obedience to the law of the land which lies at the foundation of republican institutions. The strength, the perpetuity, and the destiny of the nation rest upon our homes, established by the law of God, guarded by parental care, regulated by parental authority, and sanctified by parental love. These are not the homes of polygamy. The mothers of our land, who rule the nation as they mold the characters and guide the actions of their sons, live according to God' s holy ordinances, and each, secure and happy in the exclusive love of the father of her children, sheds the warm light of true womanhood, unperverted and unpolluted, upon all within her pure and wholesome family circle. These are not the cheerless, crushed, and unwomanly mothers of polygamy. The fathers of our families are the best citizens of the Republic. Wife and children are the sources of patriotism, and conjugal and parental affection beget devotion to the country. The man who, undefiled with plural marriage, is surrounded in his single home with his wife and children has a stake in the country which inspires him with respect for its laws and courage for its defense. These are not the fathers of polygamous families. There is no feature of this practice or the system which sanctions it which is not opposed to all that is of value in our institutions. There should be no relaxation in the firm but just execution of the law now in operation, and I should be glad to approve such further discreet legislation as will rid the country of this blot upon its fair fame. Since the people upholding polygamy in our Territories are reenforced by immigration from other lands, I recommend that a law be passed to prevent the importation of Mormons into the country. The agricultural interest of the country demands just recognition and liberal encouragement. It sustains with certainty and unfailing strength our nation's prosperity by the products of its steady toil, and bears its full share of the burden of taxation without complaint. Our agriculturists have but slight personal representation in the councils of the nation, and are generally content with the humbler duties of citizenship and willing to trust to the bounty of nature for a reward of their labor. But the magnitude and value of this industry are appreciated when the statement is made that of our total annual exports more than three-fourths are the products of agriculture, and of our total population nearly one-half are exclusively engaged in that occupation. The Department of Agriculture was created for the purpose of acquiring and diffusing among the people useful information respecting the subjects it has in charge, and aiding in the because of intelligent and progressive farming, by the collection of statistics, by testing the value and usefulness of new seeds and plants, and distributing such as are found desirable among agriculturists. This and other powers and duties with which this Department is invested are of the utmost importance, and if wisely exercised must be of great benefit to the country. The aim of our beneficent Government is the improvement of the people in every station and the amelioration of their condition. Surely our agriculturists should not be neglected. The instrumentality established in aid of the farmers of the land should not only be well equipped for the accomplishment of its purpose, but those for whose benefit it has been adopted should be encouraged to avail themselves fully of its advantages. The prohibition of the importation into several countries of certain of our animals and their products, based upon the suspicion that health is endangered in their use and consumption, suggests the importance of such precautions for the protection of our stock of all kinds against disease as will disarm suspicion of danger and because the removal of such an injurious prohibition. If the laws now in operation are insufficient to accomplish this protection, I recommend their amendment to meet the necessities of the situation; and I commend to the consideration of Congress the suggestions contained in the report of the Commissioner of Agriculture calculated to increase the value and efficiency of this Department . The report of the Civil Service Commission, which will be submitted, contains an account of the manner in which the civil-service law has been executed during the last year and much valuable information on this important subject. I am inclined to think that there is no sentiment more general in the minds of the people of our country than a conviction of the correctness of the principle upon which the law enforcing civil-service reform is based. In its present condition the law regulates only a part of the subordinate public positions throughout the country. It applies the test of fitness to applicants for these places by means of a competitive examination, and gives large discretion to the Commissioners as to the character of the examination and many other matters connected with its execution. Thus the rules and regulations adopted by the Commission have much to do with the practical usefulness of the statute and with the results of its application. The people may well trust the Commission to execute the law with perfect fairness and with as little irritation as is possible. But of course no relaxation of the principle which underlies it and no weakening of the safeguards which surround it can be expected. Experience in its administration will probably suggest amendment of the methods of its execution, but I venture to hope that we shall never again be remitted to the system which distributes public positions purely as rewards for partisan service. Doubts may well be entertained whether our Government could survive the strain of a continuance of this system, which upon every change of Administration inspires an immense army of claimants for office to lay siege to the patronage of Government, engrossing the time of public officers with their importunities, spreading abroad the contagion of their disappointment, and filling the air with the tumult of their discontent. The allurements of an immense number of offices and places exhibited to the voters of the land, and the promise of their bestowal in recognition of partisan activity; debauch the suffrage and rob political action of its thoughtful and deliberative character. The evil would increase with the multiplication of offices consequent upon our extension, and the mania for office holding, growing from its indulgence, would pervade our population so generally that patriotic purpose, the support of principle, the desire for the public good, and solicitude for the nation's welfare would be nearly banished from the activity of our party contests and because them to degenerate into ignoble, selfish, and disgraceful struggles for the possession of office and public place. Civil-service reform enforced by law came none too soon to check the progress of demoralization. One of its effects, not enough regarded, is the freedom it brings to the political action of those conservative and sober men who, in fear of the confusion and risk attending an arbitrary and sudden change in all the public offices with a change of party rule, cast their ballots against such a chance. Parties seem to be necessary, and will long continue to exist; nor can it be now denied that there are legitimate advantages, not disconnected with office holding, which follow party supremacy. While partisanship continues bitter and pronounced and supplies so much of motive to sentiment and action, it is not fair to hold public officials in charge of important trusts responsible for the best results in the performance of their duties, and yet insist that they shall rely in confidential and important places upon the work of those not only opposed to them in political affiliation, but so steeped in partisan prejudice and rancor that they have no loyalty to their chiefs and no desire for their success. Civil-service reform does not exact this, nor does it require that those in subordinate positions who fail in yielding their best service or who are incompetent should be retained simply because they are in place. The whining of a clerk discharged for indolence or incompetency, who, though he gained his place by the worst possible operation of the spoils system, suddenly discovers that he is entitled to protection under the sanction of civil-service reform, represents an idea no less absurd than the clamor of the applicant who claims the vacant position as his compensation for the most questionable party work. The civil-service law does not prevent the discharge of the indolent or incompetent clerk, but it does prevent supplying his place with the unfit party worker. Thus in both these phases is seen benefit to the public service. And the people who desire good government, having secured this statute, will not relinquish its benefits without protest. Nor are they unmindful of the fact that its full advantages can only be gained through the complete good faith of those having its execution in charge. And this they will insist upon. I recommend that the salaries of the Civil Service Commissioners be increased to a sum more nearly commensurate to their important duties. It is a source of considerable and not unnatural discontent that no adequate provision has yet been made for accommodating the principal library of the Government. Of the vast collection of books and pamphlets gathered at the Capitol, numbering some 700,000, exclusive of manuscripts, maps, and the products of the graphic arts, also of great volume and value, only about 300,000 volumes, or less than half the collection, are provided with shelf room. The others, which are increasing at the rate of from twenty-five to thirty thousand volumes a year, are not only inaccessible to the public, but are subject to serious damage and deterioration from other causes in their present situation. A consideration of the facts that the library of the Capitol has twice been destroyed or damaged by fire, its daily increasing value, and its importance as a place of deposit of books under the law relating to copyright makes manifest the necessity of prompt action to insure its proper accommodation and protection. My attention has been called to a controversy which has arisen from the condition of the law relating to railroad facilities in the city of Washington, which has involved the Commissioners of the District in much annoyance and trouble. I hope this difficulty will be promptly settled by appropriate legislation. The Commissioners represent that enough of the revenues of the District are now on deposit in the Treasury of the United States to repay the sum advanced by the Government for sewer improvements under the act of June 30, 1884. They desire now an advance of the share which ultimately should be borne by the District of the cost of extensive improvements to the streets of the city. The total expense of these contemplated improvements is estimated at $1,000,000, and they are of the opinion that a considerable sum could be saved if they had all the money in hand, so that contracts for the whole work could be made at the same time. They express confidence that if the advance asked for should be made the Government would be reimbursed the same within a reasonable time. I have no doubt that these improvements could be made much cheaper if undertaken together and prosecuted according to a general plan. The license law now in force within the District is deficient and uncertain in some of its provisions and ought to be amended. The Commissioners urge, with good reason, the necessity of providing a building for the use of the District government which shall better secure the safety and preservation of its valuable books and records. The present condition of the law relating to the succession to the Presidency in the event of the death, disability, or removal of both the President and Vice-President is such as to require immediate amendment. This subject has repeatedly been considered by Congress, but no result has been reached. The recent lamentable death of the Vice-President, and vacancies at the same time in all other offices the incumbents of which might immediately exercise the functions of the presidential office, has caused public anxiety and a just demand that a recurrence of such a condition of affairs should not be permitted. In conclusion I commend to the wise care and thoughtful attention of Congress the needs, the welfare, and the aspirations of an intelligent and generous nation. To subordinate these to the narrow advantages of partisanship or the accomplishment of selfish aims is to violate the people's trust and betray the people's interests; but an individual sense of responsibility on the part of each of us and a stern determination to perform our duty well must give us place among those who have added in their day and generation to the glory and prosperity of our beloved land. GROVER CLEVELAND
your assembling is clouded by a sense of public bereavement caused by the recent and sudden death of thomas hendricks of the united states his distinguished public services his complete integrity and devotion to every duty and his personal virtues will find honorable record in his country history ample and repeated proofs of the esteem and confidence in which he was held by his were manifested by his election to offices of the most important trust and highest dignity and at length full of years and honors he has been laid at rest amid universal sorrow and benediction the constitution which requires those chosen to legislate for the people to annually meet in the discharge of their solemn trust also requires the president to give to congress information of the state of the union and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall deem necessary and expedient at the threshold of a compliance with these constitutional directions it is well for us to bear in mind that our usefulness to the people interests will be promoted by a constant appreciation of the scope and character of our respective duties as they relate to federal legislation while the executive may recommend such measures as he shall deem expedient the responsibility for legislative action must and should rest upon those selected by the people to make their laws contemplation of the grave and responsible functions assigned to the respective branches of the government under the constitution will disclose the partitions of power between our respective departments and their necessary independence and also the need for the exercise of all the power intrusted to each in that spirit of comity and cooperation which is essential to the proper fulfillment of the patriotic obligations which rest upon us as faithful servants of the people the jealous watchfulness of our constituencies great and small supplements their suffrages and before the tribunal they establish every public servant should be judged it is gratifying to announce that the relations of the united states with all foreign powers continue to be friendly our position after nearly a century of successful constitutional government maintenance of good faith in all our engagements the avoidance of complications with other nations and our consistent and amicable attitude toward the strong and weak alike furnish proof of a political disposition which renders professions of good will unnecessary there are no questions of difficulty pending with any foreign government the argentine government has revived the long dormant question of the falkland islands by claiming from the united states indemnity for their loss attributed to the action of the commander of the sloop of war lexington in breaking up a piratical colony on those islands in 1831 and their subsequent occupation by great britain in view of the ample justification for the act of the lexington and the derelict condition of the islands before and after their alleged occupation by argentine colonists this government considers the claim as wholly groundless question has arisen with the government of touching the representation of the united states at vienna having under my constitutional prerogative appointed an estimable citizen of unimpeached probity and competence as minister at that court the government of invited this government to take cognizance of certain exceptions based upon allegations against the personal acceptability of keiley the appointed envoy asking that in view thereof the appointment should be withdrawn the reasons advanced were such as could not be acquiesced in without violation of my oath of office and the precepts of the constitution since they necessarily involved a limitation in favor of a foreign government upon the right of selection by the executive and required such an application of a religious test as a qualification for office under the united states as would have resulted in the practical disfranchisement of a large class of our citizens and the abandonment of a vital principle in our government the government finally decided not to receive keiley as the envoy of the united states and that gentleman has since resigned his commission leaving the post vacant i have made no new nomination and the interests of this government at vienna are now in the care of the secretary of legation acting as charge ad interim early in march last war broke out in central america caused by the attempt of guatemala to consolidate the several states into a single government in these contests between our neighboring states the united states forebore to interfere actively but lent the aid of their friendly offices in deprecation of war and to promote peace and concord among the belligerents and by such counsel contributed importantly to the restoration of tranquillity in that locality emergencies growing out of civil war in the united states of colombia demanded of the government at the beginning of this administration the employment of armed forces to fulfill its guaranties under the article of the treaty of 1846 in order to keep the transit open across the isthmus of panama desirous of exercising only the powers expressly reserved to us by the treaty and mindful of the rights of colombia the forces sent to the isthmus were instructed to confine their action to positively and efficaciously preventing the transit and its accessories from being interrupted or embarrassed the execution of this delicate and responsible task necessarily involved police control where the local authority was temporarily powerless but always in aid of the sovereignty of colombia the prompt and successful fulfillment of its duty by this government was highly appreciated by the government of colombia and has been followed by expressions of its satisfaction high praise is due to the officers and men engaged in this service the restoration of peace on the isthmus by the reestablishment of the constituted government there being thus accomplished the forces of the united states were withdrawn pending these occurrences a question of much importance was presented by decrees of the colombian government proclaiming the closure of certain ports then in the hands of insurgents and declaring vessels held by the revolutionists to be piratical and liable to capture by any power to neither of these propositions could the united states assent an effective closure of ports not in the possession of the government but held by hostile partisans could not be recognized neither could the vessels of insurgents against the legitimate sovereignty be deemed hostes humani generis within the precepts of international law whatever might be the definition and penalty of their acts under the municipal law of the state against whose authority they were in revolt the denial by this government of the colombian propositions did not however imply the admission of a belligerent status on the part of the insurgents the colombian government has expressed its willingness to negotiate conventions for the adjustment by arbitration of claims by foreign citizens arising out of the destruction of the city of aspinwall by the insurrectionary forces the interest of the united states in a practicable transit for ships across the strip of land separating the atlantic from the pacific has been repeatedly manifested during the last half century my immediate predecessor caused to be negotiated with nicaragua a treaty for the construction by and at the sole cost of the united states of a canal through nicaraguan territory and laid it before the senate pending the action of that body thereon i withdrew the treaty for reexamination attentive consideration of its provisions leads me to withhold it from resubmission to the senate maintaining as i do the tenets of a line of precedents from washington day which proscribe entangling alliances with foreign states i do not favor a policy of acquisition of new and distant territory or the incorporation of remote interests with our own the laws of progress are vital and organic and we must be conscious of that irresistible tide of commercial expansion which as the concomitant of our active civilization day by day is being urged onward by those increasing facilities of production transportation and communication to which steam and electricity have given birth but our duty in the present instructs us to address ourselves mainly to the development of the vast resources of the great area committed to our charge and to the cultivation of the arts of peace within our own borders though jealously alert in preventing the american hemisphere from being involved in the political problems and complications of distant governments therefore i am unable to recommend propositions involving paramount privileges of ownership or right outside of our own territory when coupled with absolute and unlimited engagements to defend the territorial integrity of the state where such interests lie while the general project of connecting the two oceans by means of a canal is to be encouraged i am of opinion that any scheme to that end to be considered with favor should be free from the features alluded to the tehuantepec route is declared by engineers of the highest repute and by competent scientists to afford an entirely practicable transit for vessels and cargoes by means of a ship railway from the atlantic to the pacific the obvious advantages of such a route if feasible over others more remote from the axial lines of traffic between europe and the pacific and particularly between the valley of the mississippi and the western coast of north and south america are deserving of consideration whatever highway may be constructed across the barrier dividing the two greatest maritime areas of the world must be for the world benefit a trust for mankind to be removed from the chance of domination by any single power nor become a point of invitation for hostilities or a prize for warlike ambition an engagement combining the construction ownership and operation of such a work by this government with an offensive and defensive alliance for its protection with the foreign state whose responsibilities and rights we would share is in my judgment inconsistent with such dedication to universal and neutral use and would moreover entail measures for its realization beyond the scope of our national polity or present means the lapse of years has abundantly confirmed the wisdom and foresight of those earlier administrations which long before the conditions of maritime intercourse were changed and enlarged by the progress of the age proclaimed the vital need of interoceanic transit across the american isthmus and consecrated it in advance to the common use of mankind by their positive declarations and through the formal obligation of treaties toward such realization the efforts of my administration will be applied ever bearing in mind the principles on which it must rest and which were declared in no uncertain tones by cass who while secretary of state in 1858 announced that what the united states want in central america next to the happiness of its people is the security and neutrality of the interoceanic routes which lead through it the construction of three transcontinental lines of railway all in successful operation wholly within our territory and uniting the atlantic and the pacific oceans has been accompanied by results of a most interesting and impressive nature and has created new conditions not in the routes of commerce only but in political geography which powerfully affect our relations toward and necessarily increase our interests in any transisthmian route which may be opened and employed for the ends of peace and traffic or in other contingencies for uses inimical to both transportation is a factor in the cost of commodities scarcely second to that of their production and weighs as heavily upon the consumer our experience already has proven the great importance of having the competition between land carriage and water carriage fully developed each acting as a protection to the public against the tendencies to monopoly which are inherent in the consolidation of wealth and power in the hands of vast corporations these suggestions may serve to emphasize what i have already said on the score of the necessity of a neutralization of any interoceanic transit and this can only be accomplished by making the uses of the route open to all nations and subject to the ambitions and warlike necessities of none the drawings and report of a recent survey of the nicaragua canal route made by chief engineer menocal will be communicated for your information the claims of citizens of the united states for losses by reason of the late military operations of chile in peru and bolivia are the subject of negotiation for a claims convention with chile providing for their submission to arbitration the harmony of our relations with china is fully sustained in the application of the acts lately passed to execute the treaty of 1880 restrictive of the immigration of chinese laborers into the united states individual cases of hardship have occurred beyond the power of the executive to remedy and calling for judicial determination the condition of the chinese question in the western states and territories is despite this restrictive legislation far from being satisfactory the recent outbreak in wyoming territory where numbers of unoffending chinamen indisputably within the protection of the treaties and the law were murdered by a mob and the still more recent threatened outbreak of the same character in washington territory are fresh in the minds of all and there is apprehension lest the bitterness of feeling against the mongolian race on the pacific slope may find vent in similar lawless demonstrations all the power of this government should be exerted to maintain the amplest good faith toward china in the treatment of these men and the inflexible sternness of the law in bringing the wrongdoers to justice should be insisted upon every effort has been made by this government to prevent these violent outbreaks and to aid the representatives of china in their investigation of these outrages and it is but just to say that they are traceable to the lawlessness of men not citizens of the united states engaged in competition with chinese laborers race prejudice is the chief factor in originating these disturbances and it exists in a large part of our domain jeopardizing our domestic peace and the good relationship we strive to maintain with china the admitted right of a government to prevent the influx of elements hostile to its internal peace and security may not be questioned even where there is no treaty stipulation on the subject that the exclusion of chinese labor is demanded in other countries where like conditions prevail is strongly evidenced in the dominion of canada where chinese immigration is now regulated by laws more exclusive than our own if existing laws are inadequate to compass the end in view i shall be prepared to give earnest consideration to any further remedial measures within the treaty limits which the wisdom of congress may devise the independent state of the kongo has been organized as a government under the sovereignty of his majesty the king of the belgians who assumes its chief magistracy in his personal character only without making the new state a dependency of belgium it is fortunate that a benighted region owing all it has of quickening civilization to the beneficence and philanthropic spirit of this monarch should have the advantage and security of his benevolent supervision the action taken by this government last year in being the first to recognize the flag of the international association of the kongo has been followed by formal recognition of the new nationality which succeeds to its sovereign powers a conference of delegates of the principal commercial nations was held at berlin last winter to discuss methods whereby the kongo basin might be kept open to the world trade delegates attended on behalf of the united states on the understanding that their part should be merely deliberative without imparting to the results any binding character so far as the united states were concerned this reserve was due to the indisposition of this government to share in any disposal by an international congress of jurisdictional questions in remote foreign territories the results of the conference were embodied in a formal act of the nature of an international convention which laid down certain obligations purporting to be binding on the signatories subject to ratification within one year notwithstanding the reservation under which the delegates of the united states attended their signatures were attached to the general act in the same manner as those of the plenipotentiaries of other governments thus making the united states appear without reserve or qualification as signatories to a joint international engagement imposing on the signers the conservation of the territorial integrity of distant regions where we have no established interests or control this government does not however regard its reservation of liberty of action in the premises as at all impaired and holding that an engagement to share in the obligation of enforcing neutrality in the remote valley of the kongo would be an alliance whose responsibilities we are not in a position to assume i abstain from asking the sanction of the senate to that general act the correspondence will be laid before you and the instructive and interesting report of the agent sent by this government to the kongo country and his recommendations for the establishment of commercial agencies on the african coast are also submitted for your consideration the commission appointed by my predecessor last winter to visit the central and south american countries and report on the methods of enlarging the commercial relations of the united states therewith has submitted reports which will be laid before you no opportunity has been omitted to testify the friendliness of this government toward korea whose entrance into the family of treaty powers the united states were the first to recognize i regard with favor the application made by the korean government to be allowed to employ american officers as military instructors to which the assent of congress becomes necessary and i am happy to say this request has the concurrent sanction of china and japan the arrest and imprisonment of julio santos a citizen of the united states by the authorities of ecuador gave rise to a contention with that government in which his right to be released or to have a speedy and impartial trial on announced charges and with all guaranties of defense stipulated by treaty was insisted upon by us after an elaborate correspondence and repeated and earnest representations on our part santos was after an alleged trial and conviction eventually included in a general decree of amnesty and pardoned by the ecuadorian executive and released leaving the question of his american citizenship denied by the ecuadorian government but insisted upon by our own the amount adjudged by the late french and american claims commission to be due from the united states to french claimants on account of injuries suffered by them during the war of secession having been appropriated by the last congress has been duly paid to the french government the act of february 25 1885 provided for a preliminary search of the records of french prize courts for evidence bearing on the claims of american citizens against france for spoliations committed prior to 1801 the duty has been performed and the report of the agent will be laid before you i regret to say that the restrictions upon the importation of our pork into france continue notwithstanding the abundant demonstration of the absence of sanitary danger in its use but i entertain strong hopes that with a better understanding of the matter this vexatious prohibition will be removed it would be pleasing to be able to say as much with respect to germany austria and other countries where such food products are absolutely excluded without present prospect of reasonable change the interpretation of our existing treaties of naturalization by germany during the past year has attracted attention by reason of an apparent tendency on the part of the imperial government to extend the scope of the residential restrictions to which returning naturalized citizens of german origin are asserted to be liable under the laws of the empire the temperate and just attitude taken by this government with regard to this class of questions will doubtless lead to a satisfactory understanding the dispute of germany and spain relative to the domination of the caroline islands has attracted the attention of this government by reason of extensive interests of american citizens having grown up in those parts during the past thirty years and because the question of ownership involves jurisdiction of matters affecting the status of our citizens under civil and criminal law while standing wholly aloof from the proprietary issues raised between powers to both of which the united states are friendly this government expects that nothing in the present contention shall unfavorably affect our citizens carrying on a peaceful commerce or there domiciled and has so informed the governments of spain and germany the marked good will between the united states and great britain has been maintained during the past year the termination of the fishing clauses of the treaty of washington in pursuance of the joint resolution of march 3 1883 must have resulted in the abrupt cessation on the 1st of july of this year in the midst of their ventures of the operations of citizens of the united states engaged in fishing in british american waters but for a diplomatic understanding reached with her majesty government in june last whereby assurance was obtained that no interruption of those operations should take place during the current fishing season in the interest of good neighborhood and of the commercial intercourse of adjacent communities the question of the north american fisheries is one of much importance following out the intimation given by me when the extensory arrangement above described was negotiated i recommend that the congress provide for the appointment of a commission in which the governments of the united states and great britain shall be respectively represented charged with the consideration and settlement upon a just equitable and honorable basis of the entire question of the fishing rights of the two governments and their respective citizens on the coasts of the united states and british north america the fishing interests being intimately related to other general questions dependent upon contiguity and intercourse consideration thereof in all their equities might also properly come within the purview of such a commission and the fullest latitude of expression on both sides should be permitted the correspondence in relation to the fishing rights will be submitted the arctic exploring steamer alert which was generously given by her majesty government to aid in the relief of the greely expedition was after the successful attainment of that humane purpose returned to great britain in pursuance of the authority conferred by the act of march 3 1885 the inadequacy of the existing engagements for extradition between the united states and great britain has been long apparent the tenth article of the treaty of 1842 one of the earliest compacts in this regard entered into by us stipulated for surrender in respect of a limited number of offenses other crimes no less inimical to the social welfare should be embraced and the procedure of extradition brought in harmony with present international practice negotiations with her majesty government for an enlarged treaty of extradition have been pending since 1870 and i entertain strong hopes that a satisfactory result may be soon attained the frontier line between alaska and british columbia as defined by the treaty of cession with russia follows the demarcation assigned in a prior treaty between great britain and russia modern exploration discloses that this ancient boundary is impracticable as a geographical fact in the unsettled condition of that region the question has lacked importance but the discovery of mineral wealth in the territory the line is supposed to traverse admonishes that the time has come when an accurate knowledge of the boundary is needful to avert jurisdictional complications i recommend therefore that provision be made for a preliminary reconnoissance by officers of the united states to the end of acquiring more precise information on the subject i have invited her majesty government to consider with us the adoption of a more convenient line to be established by meridian observations or by known geographical features without the necessity of an expensive survey of the whole the late insurrectionary movements in hayti having been quelled the government of that republic has made prompt provision for adjudicating the losses suffered by foreigners because of hostilities there and the claims of certain citizens of the united states will be in this manner determined the claims of two citizens of the united states pelletier and lazare have been disposed of by arbitration and an award in favor of each claimant has been made which by the terms of the engagement is final it remains for congress to provide for the payment of the stipulated moiety of the expenses a question arose with hayti during the past year by reason of the exceptional treatment of an american citizen van bokkelen a resident of who on suit by creditors residing in the united states was sentenced to imprisonment and under the operation of a haytian statute was denied relief secured to a native haytian this government asserted his treaty right to equal treatment with natives of hayti in all suits at law our contention was denied by the haytian government which however while still professing to maintain the ground taken against van bokkelen right terminated the controversy by setting him at liberty without explanation an international conference to consider the means of arresting the spread of cholera and other epidemic diseases was held at rome in may last and adjourned to meet again on further notice an expert delegate on behalf of the united states has attended its sessions and will submit a report our relations with mexico continue to be most cordial as befits those of neighbors between whom the strongest ties of friendship and commercial intimacy exist as the natural and growing consequence of our similarity of institutions and geographical propinquity the relocation of the boundary line between the united states and mexico westward of the rio grande under the convention of july 29 1882 has been unavoidably delayed but i apprehend no difficulty in securing a prolongation of the period for its accomplishment the lately concluded commercial treaty with mexico still awaits the stipulated legislation to carry its provisions into effect for which one year additional time has been secured by a supplementary article signed in february last and since ratified on both sides as this convention so important to the commercial welfare of the two adjoining countries has been constitutionally confirmed by the making branch i express the hope that legislation needed to make it effective may not be long delayed the large influx of capital and enterprise to mexico from the united states continues to aid in the development of the resources and in augmenting the material of our sister republic lines of railway penetrating to the heart and capital of the country bring the two peoples into mutually beneficial intercourse and enlarged facilities of transit add to profitable commerce create new markets and furnish avenues to otherwise isolated communities i have already adverted to the suggested construction of a ship railway across the narrow formation of the territory of mexico at tehuantepec with the gradual recovery of peru from the effects of her late disastrous conflict with chile and with the restoration of civil authority in that distracted country it is hoped that pending war claims of our citizens will be adjusted in conformity with notification given by the government of peru the existing treaties of commerce and extradition between the united states and that country will terminate march 31 1886 our good relationship with russia continues an officer of the navy detailed for the purpose is now on his way to siberia bearing the testimonials voted by congress to those who generously succored the survivors of the unfortunate jeannette expedition it is gratifying to advert to the cordiality of our intercourse with spain the claim of the owners of the ship masonic for loss suffered through the admitted dereliction of the spanish authorities in the philippine islands has been adjusted by arbitration and an indemnity awarded the principle of arbitration in such cases to which the united states have long and consistently adhered thus receives a fresh and gratifying confirmation other questions with spain have been disposed of or are under diplomatic consideration with a view to just and honorable settlement the operation of the commercial agreement with spain of january 2 february 13 1884 has been found inadequate to the commercial needs of the united states and the spanish antilies and the terms of the agreement are subjected to conflicting interpretations in those islands negotiations have been instituted at madrid for a full treaty not open to these objections and in the line of the general policy touching the neighborly intercourse of proximate communities to which i elsewhere advert and aiming moreover at the removal of existing burdens and annoying restrictions and although a satisfactory termination is promised i am compelled to delay its announcement an international copyright conference was held at berne in september on the invitation of the swiss government the envoy of the united states attended as a delegate but refrained from committing this government to the results even by signing the recommendatory protocol adopted the interesting and important subject of international copyright has been before you for several years action is certainly desirable to effect the object in view and while there may be question as to the relative advantage of treating it by legislation or by specific treaty the matured views of the berne conference can not fail to aid your consideration of the subject the termination of the commercial treaty of 1862 between the united states and turkey has been sought by that government while there is question as to the sufficiency of the notice of termination given yet as the commercial rights of our citizens in turkey come under the guaranties of the prior treaty of 1830 and as equal treatment is admitted by the porte no inconvenience can result from the assent of this government to the revision of the ottoman tariffs in which the treaty powers have been invited to join questions concerning our citizens in turkey may be affected by the porte nonacquiescence in the right of expatriation and by the imposition of religious tests as a condition of residence in which this government can not concur the united states must hold in their intercourse with every power that the status of their citizens is to be respected and equal civil privileges accorded to them without regard to creed and affected by no considerations save those growing out of domiciliary return to the land of original allegiance or of unfulfilled personal obligations which may survive under municipal laws after such voluntary return the negotiation with venezuela relative to the rehearing of the awards of the mixed commission constituted under the treaty of 1866 was resumed in view of the recent acquiescence of the venezuelan envoy in the principal point advanced by this government that the effects of the old treaty could only be set aside by the operation of a new convention a result in substantial accord with the advisory suggestions contained in the joint resolution of march 3 1883 has been agreed upon and will shortly be submitted to the senate for ratification under section 3659 of the revised statutes all funds held in trust by the united states and the annual interest accruing thereon when not otherwise required by treaty are to be invested in stocks of the united states bearing a rate of interest not less than 5 per cent per annum there being now no procurable stocks paying so high a rate of interest the letter of the statute is at present inapplicable but its spirit is subserved by continuing to make investments of this nature in current stocks bearing the highest interest now paid the statute however makes no provision for the disposal of such accretions it being contrary to the general rule of this government to allow interest on claims i recommend the repeal of the provision in question and the disposition under a uniform rule of the present accumulations from investment of trust funds the inadequacy of existing legislation touching citizenship and naturalization demands your consideration while recognizing the right of expatriation no statutory provision exists providing means for renouncing citizenship by an american citizen native born or naturalized nor for terminating and vacating an improper acquisition of citizenship even a fraudulent decree of naturalization can not now be canceled the privilege and franchise of american citizenship should be granted with care and extended to those only who intend in good faith to assume its duties and responsibilities when attaining its privileges and benefits it should be withheld from those who merely go through the forms of naturalization with the intent of escaping the duties of their original allegiance without taking upon themselves those of their new status or who may acquire the rights of american citizenship for no other than a hostile purpose toward their original governments these evils have had many flagrant illustrations i regard with favor the suggestion put forth by one of my predecessors that provision be made for a central bureau of record of the decrees of naturalization granted by the various courts throughout the united states now invested with that power the rights which spring from domicile in the united states especially when coupled with a declaration of intention to become a citizen are worthy of definition by statute the stranger coming hither with intent to remain establishing his residence in our midst contributing to the general welfare and by his voluntary act declaring his purpose to assume the responsibilities of citizenship thereby gains an inchoate status which legislation may properly define the laws of certain states and territories admit a domiciled alien to the local franchise conferring on him the rights of citizenship to a degree which places him in the anomalous position of being a citizen of a state and yet not of the united states within the purview of federal and international law it is important within the scope of national legislation to define this right of alien domicile as distinguished from federal naturalization the commercial relations of the united states with their immediate neighbors and with important areas of traffic near our shores suggest especially liberal intercourse between them and us following the treaty of 1883 with mexico which rested on the basis of a reciprocal exemption from customs duties other similar treaties were initiated by my predecessor recognizing the need of less obstructed traffic with cuba and puerto rico and met by the desire of spain to succor languishing interests in the antilles steps were taken to attain those ends by a treaty of commerce a similar treaty was afterwards signed by the dominican republic subsequently overtures were made by her britannic majesty government for a like mutual extension of commercial intercourse with the british west indian and south american dependencies but without result on taking office i withdrew for reexamination the treaties signed with spain and santo domingo then pending before the senate the result has been to satisfy me of the inexpediency of entering into engagements of this character not covering the entire traffic these treaties contemplated the surrender by the united states of large revenues for inadequate considerations upon sugar alone duties were surrendered to an amount far exceeding all the advantages offered in exchange even were it intended to relieve our consumers it was evident that so long as the exemption but partially covered our importation such relief would be illusory to relinquish a revenue so essential seemed highly improvident at a time when new and large drains upon the treasury were contemplated moreover embarrassing questions would have arisen under the clauses of treaties with other nations as a further objection it is evident that tariff regulation by treaty diminishes that independent control over its own revenues which is essential for the safety and welfare of any government emergency calling for an increase of taxation may at any time arise and no engagement with a foreign power should exist to hamper the action of the government by the fourteenth section of the shipping act approved june 26 1884 certain reductions and contingent exemptions from tonnage dues were made as to vessels entering ports of the united states from any foreign port in north and central america the west india islands the bahamas and bermudas mexico and the isthmus as far as aspinwall and panama the governments of belgium denmark germany portugal and sweden and norway have asserted under the clause in their treaties with the united states a claim to like treatment in respect of vessels coming to the united states from their home ports this government however holds that the privileges granted by the act are purely geographical inuring to any vessel of any foreign power that may choose to engage in traffic between this country and any port within the defined zone and no warrant exists under the clause for the extension of the privileges in question to vessels sailing to this country from ports outside the limitation of the act undoubtedly the relations of commerce with our near neighbors whose territories form so long a frontier line difficult to be guarded and who find in our country and equally offer to us natural markets demand special and considerate treatment it rests with congress to consider what legislative action may increase facilities of intercourse which contiguity makes natural and desirable i earnestly urge that congress recast the appropriations for the maintenance of the diplomatic and consular service on a footing commensurate with the importance of our national interests at every post where a representative is necessary the salary should be so graded as to permit him to live with comfort with the assignment of adequate salaries the notarial extra official fees which our officers abroad are now permitted to treat as personal perquisites should be done away with every act requiring the certification and seal of the officer should be taxable at schedule rates and the fee therefor returned to the treasury by restoring these revenues to the public use the consular service would be even with a liberal increase of the present low salaries in further prevention of abuses a system of consular inspection should be instituted the appointment of a limited number of secretaries of legation at large to be assigned to duty wherever necessary and in particular for temporary service at missions which for any because may be without a head should also be authorized i favor also authorization for the detail of officers of the regular service as military or naval attaches at legations some foreign governments do not recognize the union of consular with diplomatic functions italy and venezuela will only receive the appointee in one of his two capacities but this does not prevent the requirement of a bond and submission to the responsibilities of an office whose duties he can not discharge the superadded title of should be abandoned at all missions i deem it expedient that a measure for the reorganization of the extraterritorial courts in oriental countries should replace the present system which labors under the disadvantage of combining judicial and executive functions in the same office in several oriental countries generous offers have been made of premises for housing the legations of the united states a grant of land for that purpose was made some years since by japan and has been referred to in the annual messages of my predecessor the siamese government has made a gift to the united states of commodious quarters in bangkok in korea the late minister was permitted to purchase a building from the government for legation use in china the premises rented for the legation are favored as to local charges at tangier the house occupied by our representative has been for many years the property this government having been given for that purpose in 1822 by the sultan of morocco i approve the suggestion heretofore made that view of the conditions of life and administration in the eastern countries the legation buildings in china japan korea siam and perhaps persia should be owned and furnished by the government with a view to permanency and security to this end i recommend that authority be given to accept the gifts adverted to in japan and siam and to purchase in the other countries named with provision for furniture and repairs a considerable saving in rentals would result the world industrial exposition held at new orleans last winter with the assistance of the federal government attracted a large number of foreign exhibits and proved of great value in spreading among the concourse of visitors from mexico and central and south america a wider knowledge of the varied manufactures and productions of this country and their availability in exchange for the productions of those regions past congresses have had under consideration the advisability of abolishing the discrimination made by the tariff laws in favor of the works of american artists the odium of the policy which subjects to a high rate of duty the paintings of foreign artists and exempts the productions of american artists residing abroad and who receive gratuitously advantages and instruction is visited upon our citizens engaged in art culture in europe and has caused them with practical unanimity to favor the abolition of such an ungracious distinction and in their interest and for other obvious reasons i strongly recommend it the report of the secretary of the treasury fully exhibits the condition of the public finances and of the several branches of the government connected with his department the suggestions of the secretary relating to the practical operations of this important department and his recommendations in the direction of simplification and economy particularly in the work of collecting customs duties are especially urged upon the attention of congress the ordinary receipts from all sources for the fiscal year ended june 30 1885 were of this sum was received from customs and from internal revenue the total receipts as given above were less than those for the year ended june 30 1884 this diminution embraces a falling off of in the receipts from customs and in the receipts from internal revenue the total ordinary expenditures of the government for the fiscal year were leaving a surplus in the treasury at the close of the year of this is less than the surplus reported at the close of the previous year the expenditures are classified as follows the amount paid on the public debt during the fiscal year ended june 30 1885 was and there has been paid since that date and up to november 1 1885 the sum of leaving the amount of the debt at the date there was however at that time in the treasury applicable to the general purposes of the government the sum of the total receipts for the current fiscal year ending june 30 1886 ascertained to october 1 1885 and estimated for the remainder of the year are the expenditures ascertained and estimated for the same time are leaving a surplus at the close of the year estimated at the value of the exports from the united states to foreign countries during the last fiscal year was as follows some of the principal exports with their values and the percentage they respectively bear to the total exportation are given as follows our imports during the year were as follows the following are given as prominent articles of import during the year with their values and the percentage they bear to the total importation of the entire amount of duties collected 70 per cent was collected from the following articles of import the fact that our revenues are in excess of the actual needs of all economical administration of the government justifies a reduction in the amount exacted from the people for its support our government is but the means established by the will of a free people by which certain principles are applied which they have adopted for their benefit and protection and it is never better administered and its true spirit is never better observed than when the people taxation for its support is scrupulously limited to the actual necessity of expenditure and distributed according to a just and equitable plan the proposition with which we have to deal is the reduction of the revenue received by the government and indirectly paid by the people from customs duties the question of free trade is not involved nor is there now any occasion for the general discussion of the wisdom or expediency of a protective system justice and fairness dictate that in any modification of our present laws relating to revenue the industries and interests which have been encouraged by such laws and in which our citizens have large investments should not be ruthlessly injured or destroyed we should also deal with the subject in such manner as to protect the interests of american labor which is the capital of our workingmen its stability and proper remuneration furnish the most justifiable pretext for a protective policy within these limitations a certain reduction should be made in our customs revenue the amount of such reduction having been determined the inquiry follows where can it best be remitted and what articles can best be released from duty in the interest of our citizens i think the reduction should be made in the revenue derived from a tax upon the imported necessaries of life we thus directly lessen the cost of living in every family of the land and release to the people in every humble home a larger measure of the rewards of frugal industry during the year ended november 1 1885 145 national banks were organized with an aggregate capital of and circulating notes have been issued to them amounting to the whole number of these banks in existence on the day above mentioned was the very limited amount of circulating notes issued by our national banks compared with the amount the law permits them to issue upon a deposit of bonds for their redemption indicates that the volume of our circulating medium may be largely increased through this instrumentality nothing more important than the present condition of our currency and coinage can claim your attention since february 1878 the government has under the compulsory provisions of law purchased silver bullion and coined the same at the rate of more than every month by this process up to the present date silver dollars have been coined a reasonable appreciation of a delegation of power to the general government would limit its exercise without express restrictive words to the people needs and the requirements of the public welfare upon this theory the authority to coin money given to congress by the constitution if it permits the purchase by the government of bullion for coinage in any event does not justify such purchase and coinage to an extent beyond the amount needed for a sufficient circulating medium the desire to utilize the silver product of the country should not lead to a misuse or the perversion of this power the necessity for such an addition to the silver currency of the nation as is compelled by the act is negatived by the fact that up to the present time only about of the silver dollars so coined have actually found their way into circulation leaving more than in the possession of the government the custody of which has entailed a considerable expense for the construction of vaults for it deposit against this latter amount there are outstanding silver certificates amounting to about every month two millions of gold in the public treasury are paid our for two millions or more of silver dollars to be added to the idle mass already accumulated if continued long enough this operation will result in the substitution of silver for all the gold the government owns applicable to its general purposes it will not do to rely upon the customs receipts of the government to make good this drain of gold because the silver thus coined having been made legal tender for all debts and dues public and private at times during the last six months 58 per cent of the receipts for duties has been in silver or silver certificates while the average within that period has been 20 per cent the proportion of silver and its certificates received by the government will probably increase as time goes on for the reason that the nearer the period approaches when it will be obliged to offer silver in payment of its obligations the greater inducement there will be to hoard gold against depreciation in the value of silver or for the purpose of speculating this hoarding of gold has already begun when the time comes that gold has been withdrawn from circulation then will be apparent the difference between the real value of the silver dollar and a dollar in gold and the two coins will part company gold still the standard of value and necessary in our dealings with other countries will be at a premium over silver banks which have substituted gold for the deposits of their customers may pay them with silver bought with such gold thus making a handsome profit rich speculators will sell their hoarded gold to their neighbors who need it to liquidate their foreign debts at a ruinous premium over silver and the laboring men and women of the land most defenseless of all will find that the dollar received for the wage of their toil has sadly shrunk in its purchasing power it may be said that the latter result will be but temporary and that ultimately the price of labor will be adjusted to the change but even if this takes place the can not possibly gain but must inevitably lose since the price he is compelled to pay for his living will not only be measured in a coin heavily depreciated and fluctuating and uncertain in its value but this uncertainty in the value of the purchasing medium will be made the pretext for an advance in prices beyond that justified by actual depreciation the words uttered in 1834 by daniel webster in the senate of the united states are true the very man of all others who has the deepest interest in a sound currency and who suffers most by mischievous legislation in money matters is the man who earns his daily bread by his daily toil the most distinguished advocate of bimetallism discussing our silver coinage has lately written no american citizen hand has yet felt the sensation of cheapness either in receiving or expending the dollars and those who live by labor or legitimate trade never will feel that sensation of cheapness however plenty silver dollars may become they will not be distributed as gifts among the people and if the laboring man should receive four depreciated dollars where he now receives but two he will pay in the depreciated coin more than double the price he now pays for all the necessaries and comforts of life those who do not fear any disastrous consequences arising from the continued compulsory coinage of silver as now directed by law and who suppose that the addition to the currency of the country intended as its result will be a public benefit are reminded that history demonstrates that the point is easily reached in the attempt to float at the same time two sorts of money of different excellence when the better will cease to be in general circulation the hoarding of gold which has already taken place indicates that we shall not escape the usual experience in such cases so if this silver coinage be continued we may reasonably expect that gold and its equivalent will abandon the field of circulation to silver alone this of course must produce a severe contraction of our circulating medium instead of adding to it it will not be disputed that any attempt on the part of the government to because the circulation of silver dollars worth 80 cents side by side with gold dollars worth 100 cents even within the limit that legislation does not run counter to the laws of trade to be successful must be seconded by the confidence of the people that both coins will retain the same purchasing power and be interchangeable at will a special effort has been made by the secretary of the treasury to increase the amount of our silver coin in circulation but the fact that a large share of the limited amount thus put out has soon returned to the public treasury in payment of duties leads to the belief that the people do not now desire to keep it in hand and this with the evident disposition to hoard gold gives rise to the suspicion that there already exists a lack of confidence among the people touching our financial processes there is certainly not enough silver now in circulation to because uneasiness and the whole amount coined and now on hand might after a time be absorbed by the people without apprehension but it is the ceaseless stream that threatens to overflow the land which causes fear and uncertainty what has been thus far submitted upon this subject relates almost entirely to considerations of a home nature unconnected with the bearing which the policies of other nations have upon the question but it is perfectly apparent that a line of action in regard to our currency can not wisely be settled upon or persisted in without considering the attitude on the subject of other countries with whom we maintain intercourse through commerce trade and travel an acknowledgment of this fact is found in the act by virtue of which our silver is compulsorily coined it provides that the president shall invite the governments of the countries composing the latin union so called and of such other european nations as he may deem advisable to join the united states in a conference to adopt a common ratio between gold and silver for the purpose of establishing internationally the use of bimetallic money and securing fixity of relative value between those metals this conference absolutely failed and a similar fate has awaited all subsequent efforts in the same direction and still we continue our coinage of silver at a ratio different from that of any other nation the most vital part of the act remains inoperative and unexecuted and without an ally or friend we battle upon the silver field in an illogical and losing contest to give full effect to the design of congress on this subject i have made careful and earnest endeavor since the adjournment of the last congress to this end i delegated a gentleman well instructed in fiscal science to proceed to the financial centers of europe and in conjunction with our ministers to england france and germany to obtain a full knowledge of the attitude and intent of those governments in respect of the establishment of such an international ratio as would procure free coinage of both metals at the mints of those countries and our own by my direction our at paris has given close attention to the proceedings of the congress of the latin union in order to indicate our interest in its objects and report its action it may be said in brief as the result of these efforts that the attitude of the leading powers remains substantially unchanged since the monetary conference of 1881 nor is it to be questioned that the views of these governments are in each instance supported by the weight of public opinion the steps thus taken have therefore only more fully demonstrated the uselessness of further attempts at present to arrive at any agreement on the subject with other nations in the meantime we are accumulating silver coin based upon our own peculiar ratio to such an extent and assuming so heavy a burden to be provided for in any international negotiations as will render us an undesirable party to any future monetary conference of nations it is a significant fact that four of the five countries composing the latin union mentioned in our coinage act embarrassed with their silver currency have just completed an agreement among themselves that no more silver shall be coined by their respective governments and that such as has been already coined and in circulation shall be redeemed in gold by the country of its coinage the resort to this expedient by these countries may well arrest the attention of those who suppose that we can succeed without shock or injury in the attempt to circulate upon its merits all the silver we may coin under the provisions of our act the condition in which our treasury may be placed by a persistence in our present course is a matter of concern to every patriotic citizen who does not desire his government to pay in silver such of its obligations as should be paid in gold nor should our condition be such as to oblige us in a prudent management of our affairs to discontinue the calling in and payment of obligations which we have the right now to discharge and thus avoid the payment of further interest thereon the debtor class for whose benefit the continued compulsory coinage of silver is insisted upon are not dishonest because they are in debt and they should not be suspected of a desire to jeopardize the financial safety of the country in order that they may cancel their present debts by paying the same in depreciated dollars nor should it be forgotten that it is not the rich nor the money lender alone that must submit to such a readjustment enforced by the government and their debtors the pittance of the widow and the orphan and the incomes of helpless beneficiaries of all kinds would be disastrously reduced the depositors in savings banks and in other institutions which hold in trust the savings of the poor when their little accumulations are scaled down to meet the new order of things would in their distress painfully realize the delusion of the promise made to them that plentiful money would improve their condition we have now on hand all the silver dollars necessary to supply the present needs of the people and to satisfy those who from sentiment wish to see them in circulation and if their coinage is suspended they can be readily obtained by all who desire them if the need of more is at anytime apparent their coinage may be renewed that disaster has not already overtaken us furnishes no proof that danger does not wait upon a continuation of the present silver coinage we have been saved by the most careful management and unusual expedients by a combination of fortunate conditions and by a confident expectation that the course of the government in regard to silver coinage would be speedily changed by the action of congress prosperity hesitates upon our threshold because of the dangers and uncertainties surrounding this question capital timidly shrinks from trade and investors are unwilling to take the chance of the questionable shape in which their money will be returned to them while enterprise halts at a risk against which care and sagacious management do not protect as a necessary consequence labor lacks employment and suffering and distress are visited upon a portion of our especially entitled to the careful consideration of those charged with the duties of legislation no interest appeals to us so strongly for a safe and stable currency as the vast army of the unemployed i recommend the suspension of the compulsory coinage of silver dollars directed by the law passed in february 1878 the service on the 30th day of june 1885 was composed of 140 persons including officers clerks and messengers the expenses of the service over the receipts were during the fiscal year the special inspection of foreign steam vessels organized under a law passed in 1882 was maintained during the year at an expense of since the close of the fiscal year reductions have been made in the force employed which will result in a saving during the current year of without affecting the efficiency of the service the supervising reports that during the fiscal year patients have received relief through the service of whom were treated in hospitals and at the dispensaries active and effective efforts have been made through the medium of this service to protect the country against an invasion of cholera which has prevailed in spain and france and the smallpox which recently broke out in canada the most gratifying results have attended the operations of the life saving service during the last fiscal year the observance of the provision of law requiring the appointment of the force employed in this service to be made solely with reference to their fitness and without reference to their political or party affiliation has secured the result which may confidently be expected in any branch of public employment where such a rule is applied as a consequence this service is composed of men well qualified for the performance of their dangerous and exceptionally important duties the number of stations in commission at the close of the year was 203 the number of disasters to vessels and craft of all kinds within their field of action was 371 the number of persons endangered in such disasters was of whom were saved and only 11 lost other lives which were imperiled though not by disasters to shipping were also rescued and a large amount of property was saved through the aid of this service the cost of its maintenance during the year was the work of the coast and geodetic survey was during the last fiscal year carried on within the boundaries and off the coasts of states two territories and the district of columbia in july last certain irregularities were found to exist in the management of this bureau which led to a prompt investigation of its methods the abuses which were brought to light by this examination and the reckless disregard of duty and the interests of the government developed on the part of some of those connected with the service made a change of superintendency and a few of its other officers necessary since the bureau has been in new hands an introduction of economies and the application of business methods have produced an important saving to the government and a promise of more useful results this service has never been regulated by anything but the most indefinite legal enactments and the most unsatisfactory rules it was many years ago sanctioned apparently for a purpose regarded as temporary and related to a survey of our coast having gained a place in the appropriations made by congress it has gradually taken to itself powers and objects not contemplated in its creation and extended its operations until it sadly needs legislative attention so far as a further survey of our coast is concerned there seems to be a propriety in transferring that work to the navy department the other duties now in charge of this establishment if they can not be profitably attached to some existing department or other bureau should be prosecuted under a law exactly defining their scope and purpose and with a careful discrimination between the scientific inquiries which may properly be assumed by the government and those which should be undertaken by state authority or by individual enterprise it is hoped that the report of the congressional committee heretofore appointed to investigate this and other like matters will aid in the accomplishment of proper legislation on this subject the report of the secretary of war is herewith submitted the attention of congress is invited to the detailed account which it contains of the administration of his department and his recommendations and suggestions for the improvement of the service the army consisted at the date of the last consolidated returns of officers and enlisted men the expenses of the departments for the fiscal year ended june 30 1885 including for public works and river and harbor improvements were besides the troops which were dispatched in pursuit of the small band of indians who left their reservation in arizona and committed murders and outrages two regiments of cavalry and one of infantry were sent last july to the indian territory to prevent an outbreak which seemed imminent they remained to aid if necessary in the expulsion of intruders upon the reservation who seemed to have caused the discontent among the indians but the executive proclamation warning them to remove was complied with without their interference troops were also sent to rock springs in wyoming territory after the massacre of chinese there to prevent further disturbance and afterwards to seattle in washington territory to avert a threatened attack upon chinese laborers and domestic violence there in both cases the mere presence of the troops had the desired effect it appears that the number of desertions has diminished but that during the last fiscal year they numbered and one instance is given by the of six desertions by the same recruit i am convinced that this number of desertions can be much diminished by better discipline and treatment but the punishment should be increased for repeated offenses these desertions might also be reduced by lessening the term of first enlistments thus allowing a discontented recruit to contemplate a nearer discharge and the army a profitable riddance after one term of service a reenlistment would be quite apt to secure a contented recruit and a good soldier the acting reports that the number of trials by general during the year was and that trials took place before garrison and regimental the suggestion that probably more than half the army have been tried for offenses great and small in one year may well arrest attention of course many of these trials before garrison and regimental were for offenses almost frivolous and there should i think be a way devised to dispose of these in a more summary and less inconvenient manner than by if some of the proceedings of which i have had occasion to examine present the ideas of justice which generally prevail in these tribunals i am satisfied that they should be much reformed if the honor and the honesty of the army and navy are by their instrumentality to be vindicated and protected the board on fortifications or other defenses appointed in pursuance of the provisions of the act of congress approved march 3 1885 will in a short time present their report and it is hoped that this may greatly aid the legislation so necessary to remedy the present defenseless condition of our seacoasts the work of the signal service has been prosecuted during the last year with results of increasing benefit to the country the field of instruction has been enlarged with a view of adding to its usefulness the number of stations in operation june 30 1885 was 489 telegraphic reports are received daily from 160 stations reports are also received from 25 canadian stations 375 volunteer observers 52 army surgeons at military posts and 333 foreign stations the expense of the service during the fiscal year after deducting receipts from military telegraph lines was in view of the fact referred to by the secretary of war that the work of this service ordinarily is of a scientific nature and the further fact that it is assuming larger proportions constantly and becoming more and more unsuited to the fixed rules which must govern the army i am inclined to agree with him in the opinion that it should be separately established if this is done the scope and extent of its operations should as nearly as possible be definitely prescribed by law and always capable of exact ascertainment the military academy at west point is reported as being in a high state of efficiency and well equipped for the satisfactory accomplishment of the purposes of its maintenance the fact that the class which graduates next year is an unusually large one has constrained me to decline to make appointments to second lieutenancies in the army from civil life so that such vacancies as exist in these places may be reserved for such graduates and yet it is not probable that there will be enough vacancies to provide positions for them all when they leave the military school under the prevailing law and usage those not thus assigned to duty never actively enter the military service it is suggested that the law on this subject be changed so that such of these young men as are not at once assigned to duty after graduation may be retained as second lieutenants in the army if they desire it subject to assignment when opportunity occurs and under proper rules as to priority of selection the expenditures on account of the military academy for the last fiscal year exclusive of the sum taken for its purposes from appropriations for the support of the army were the act approved march 3 1885 designed to compensate officers and enlisted men for loss of private property while in the service of the united states is so indefinite in its terms and apparently admits so many claims the adjustment of which could not have been contemplated that if it is to remain upon the statute book it needs amendment there should be a general law of congress prohibiting the construction of bridges over navigable waters in such manner as to obstruct navigation with provisions for preventing the same it seems that under existing statutes the government can not intervene to prevent such a construction when entered upon without its consent though when such consent is asked and granted upon condition the authority to insist upon such condition is clear thus it is represented that while the officers of the government are with great care guarding against the obstruction of navigation by a bridge across the mississippi river at paul a large pier for a bridge has been built just below this place directly in the navigable channel of the river if such things are to be permitted a strong argument is presented against the appropriation of large sums of money to improve the navigation of this and other important highways of commerce the report of the secretary of the navy gives a history of the operations of his department and the present condition of the work committed to his charge he details in full the course pursued by him to protect the rights of the government in respect of certain vessels unfinished at the time of his accession to office and also concerning the dispatch boat dolphin claimed to be completed and awaiting the acceptance of the department no one can fail to see from recitals contained in this report that only the application of business principles has been insisted upon in the treatment of these subjects and that whatever controversy has arisen was caused by the exaction on the part of the department of contract obligations as they were legally construed in the case of the dolphin with entire justice to the contractor an agreement has been entered into providing for the ascertainment by a judicial inquiry of the complete or partial compliance with the contract in her construction and further providing for the assessment of any damages to which the government may be entitled on account of a partial failure to perform such contract or the payment of the sum still remaining unpaid upon her price in case a full performance is adjudged the contractor by reason of his failure in business being unable to complete the other three vessels they were taken possession of by the government in their unfinished state under a clause in the contract permitting such a course and are now in process of completion in the yard of the contractor but under the supervision of the navy department congress at its last session authorized the construction of two additional new cruisers and two gunboats at a cost not exceeding in the aggregate the appropriation for this purpose having become available on the 1st day of july last steps were at once taken for the procurement of such plans for the construction of these vessels as would be likely to insure their usefulness when completed these are of the utmost importance considering the constant advance in the art of building vessels of this character and the time is not lost which is spent in their careful consideration and selection all must admit the importance of an effective navy to a nation like ours having such an extended seacoast to protect and yet we have not a single vessel of war that could keep the seas against a vessel of any important power such a condition ought not longer to continue the nation that can not resist aggression is constantly exposed to it its foreign policy is of necessity weak and its negotiations are conducted with disadvantage because it is not in condition to enforce the terms dictated by its sense of right and justice inspired as i am by the hope shared by all patriotic citizens that the day is not very far distant when our navy will be such as befits our standing among the nations of the earth and rejoiced at every step that leads in the direction of such a consummation i deem it my duty to especially direct the attention of congress to the close of the report of the secretary of the navy in which the humiliating weakness of the present organization of his department is exhibited and the startling abuses and waste of its present methods are exposed the conviction is forced upon us with the certainty of mathematical demonstration that before we proceed further in the restoration of a navy we need a thoroughly reorganized navy department the fact that within seventeen years more than have been spent in the construction repair equipment and armament of vessels and the further fact that instead of an effective and creditable fleet we have only the discontent and apprehension of a nation undefended by war vessels added to the disclosures now made do not permit us to doubt that every attempt to revive our navy has thus far for the most part been misdirected and all our efforts in that direction have been little better than blind gropings and expensive aimless follies unquestionably if we are content with the maintenance of a navy department simply as a shabby ornament to the government a constant watchfulness may prevent some of the scandal and abuse which have found their way into our present organization and its incurable waste may be reduced to the minimum but if we desire to build ships for present usefulness instead of naval reminders of the days that are past we must have a department organized for the work supplied with all the talent and ingenuity our country affords prepared to take advantage of the experience of other nations systematized so that all effort shall unite and lead in one direction and fully imbued with the conviction that war vessels though new are useless unless they combine all that the ingenuity of man has up to this day brought forth relating to their construction i earnestly commend the portion of the secretary report devoted to this subject to the attention of congress in the hope that his suggestions touching the reorganization of his department may be adopted as the first step toward the reconstruction of our navy the affairs of the postal service are exhibited by the report of the which will be laid before you the postal revenue whose ratio of gain upon the rising prosperity of 1882 and 1883 outstripped the increasing expenses of our growing service was checked by the reduction in the rate of letter postage which took effect with the beginning of october in the latter year and it diminished during the two past fiscal years in about the proportion of in 1884 to in 1885 natural growth and development have meantime increased expenditure resulting in a deficiency in the revenue to meet the expenses of the department of five and a quarter million dollars for the year 1884 and eight and a third million in the last fiscal year the anticipated and natural revival of the revenue has been oppressed and retarded by the unfavorable business condition of the country of which the postal service is a faithful indicator the gratifying fact is shown however by the report that our returning prosperity is marked by a gain of in the revenue of the latter half of the last year over the corresponding period of the preceding year the change in the weight of matter which may be carried for a single rate of postage from a half ounce to an ounce and the reduction by of the rate of newspaper postage which under recent legislation began with the current year will operate to restrain the augmentation of receipts which otherwise might have been expected to such a degree that the scale of expense may gain upon the revenue and because an increased deficiency to be shown at its close yet after no long period of reawakened prosperity by proper economy it is confidently anticipated that even the present low rates now as favorable as any country affords will be adequate to sustain the cost of the service the operation of the department is for the convenience and benefit of the people and the method by which they pay the charges of this useful arm of their public service so that it be just and impartial is of less importance to them than the economical expenditure of the means they provide for its maintenance and the due improvement of its agencies so that they may enjoy its highest usefulness a proper attention has been directed to the prevention of waste or extravagance and good results appear from the report to have already been accomplished i approve the recommendation of the to reduce the charges on domestic money orders of 5 and less from 8 to 5 cents this change will materially aid those of our people who most of all avail themselves of this instrumentality but to whom the element of cheapness is of the greatest importance with this reduction the system would still remain the system has been extended to 19 additional cities during the year and 178 now enjoy its conveniences experience has commended it to those who enjoy its benefits and further enlargement of its facilities is due to other communities to which it is adapted in the cities where it has been established taken together the local postage exceeds its maintenance by nearly the limit to which this system is now confined by law has been nearly reached and the reasons given justify its extension which is proposed it was decided with my approbation after a sufficient examination to be inexpedient for the department to contract for carrying our foreign mails under the additional authority given by the last congress the amount limited was inadequate to pay all within the purview of the law the full rate of 50 cents per mile and it would have been unjust and unwise to have given it to some and denied it to others nor could contracts have been let under the law to all at a rate to have brought the aggregate within the appropriation without such practical prearrangement of terms as would have violated it the rate of sea and inland postage which was proffered under another statute clearly appears to be a fair compensation for the desired service being three times the price necessary to secure transportation by other vessels upon any route and much beyond the charges made to private persons for services not less burdensome some of the steamship companies upon the refusal of the to attempt by the means provided the distribution of the sum appropriated as an extra compensation withdrew the services of their vessels and thereby occasioned slight inconvenience though no considerable injury the mails having been dispatched by other means whatever may be thought of the policy of subsidizing any line of public conveyance or travel i am satisfied that it should not be done under cover of an expenditure incident to the administration of a department nor should there be any uncertainty as to the recipients of the subsidy or any discretion left to an executive officer as to its distribution if such gifts of the public money are to be made for the purpose of aiding any enterprise in the supposed interest of the public i can not but think that the amount to be paid and the beneficiary might better be determined by congress than in any other way the international congress of delegates from the postal union countries convened at lisbon in portugal in february last and after a session of some weeks the delegates signed a convention amendatory of the present convention in some particulars designed to advance its purposes this additional act has had my approval and will be laid before you with the departmental report i approve the recommendation of the that another assistant be provided for his department i invite your consideration to the several other recommendations contained in his report the report of the contains a history of the conduct of the department of justice during the last year and a number of valuable suggestions as to needed legislation and i invite your careful attention to the same the condition of business in the courts of the united states is such that there seems to be an imperative necessity for remedial legislation on the subject some of these courts are so overburdened with pending causes that the delays in determining litigation amount often to a denial of justice among the plans suggested for relief is one submitted by the its main features are the transfer of all the original jurisdiction of the circuit courts to the district courts and an increase of judges for the latter where necessary an addition of judges to the circuit courts and constituting them exclusively courts of appeal and reasonably limiting appeals thereto further restrictions of the right to remove causes from the state to federal courts permitting appeals to the supreme court from the courts of the district of columbia and the territories only in the same cases as they are allowed from state courts and guarding against an unnecessary number of appeals from the circuit courts i approve the plan thus outlined and recommend the legislation necessary for its application to our judicial system the present mode of compensating united states marshals and district attorneys should in my opinion be changed they are allowed to charge against the government certain fees for services their income being measured by the amount of such fees within a fixed limit as to their annual aggregate this is a direct inducement for them to make their fees in criminal cases as large as possible in an effort to reach the maximum sum permitted as an entirely natural consequence unscrupulous marshals are found encouraging frivolous prosecutions arresting people on petty charges of crime and transporting them to distant places for examination and trial for the purpose of earning mileage and other fees and district attorneys uselessly attend criminal examinations far from their places of residence for the express purpose of swelling their accounts against the government the actual expenses incurred in these transactions are also charged against the government thus the rights and freedom of our citizens are outraged and public expenditures increased for the purpose of furnishing public officers pretexts for increasing the measure of their compensation i think marshals and district attorneys should be paid salaries adjusted by a rule which will make them commensurate with services fairly rendered in connection with this subject i desire to suggest the advisability if it be found not obnoxious to constitutional objection of investing united states commissioners with the power to try and determine certain violations of law within the grade of misdemeanors such trials might be made to depend upon the option of the accused the multiplication of small and technical offenses especially under the provisions of our law render some change in our present system very desirable in the interests of humanity as well as economy the district courts are now crowded with petty prosecutions involving a punishment in case of conviction of only a slight fine while the parties accused are harassed by an enforced attendance upon courts held hundreds of miles from their homes if poor and friendless they are obliged to remain in jail during months perhaps that elapse before a session of the court is held and are finally brought to trial surrounded by strangers and with but little real opportunity for defense in the meantime frequently the marshal has charged against the government his fees for an arrest the transportation of the accused and the expense of the same and for summoning witnesses before a commissioner a grand jury and a court the witnesses have been paid from the public funds large fees and traveling expenses and the commissioner and district attorney have also made their charges against the government this abuse in the administration of our criminal law should be remedied and if the plan above suggested is not practicable some other should be devised the report of the secretary of the interior containing an account of the operations of this important department and much interesting information will be submitted for your consideration the most intricate and difficult subject in charge of this department is the treatment and management of the indians i am satisfied that some progress may be noted in their condition as a result of a prudent administration of the present laws and regulations for their control but it is submitted that there is lack of a fixed purpose or policy on this subject which should be supplied it is useless to dilate upon the wrongs of the indians and as useless to indulge in the heartless belief that because their wrongs are revenged in their own atrocious manner therefore they should be exterminated they are within the care of our government and their rights are or should be protected from invasion by the most solemn obligations they are properly enough called the wards of the government and it should be borne in mind that this guardianship involves on our part efforts for the improvement of their condition and the enforcement of their rights there seems to be general concurrence in the proposition that the ultimate object of their treatment should be their civilization and citizenship fitted by these to keep pace in the march of progress with the advanced civilization about them they will readily assimilate with the mass of our population assuming the responsibilities and receiving the protection incident to this condition the difficulty appears to be in the selection of the means to be at present employed toward the attainment of this result our indian population exclusive of those in alaska is reported as numbering nearly all being located on lands set apart for their use and occupation aggregating over acres these lands are included in the boundaries of 171 reservations of different dimensions scattered in 21 states and territories presenting great variations in climate and in the kind and quality of their soils among the indians upon these several reservations there exist the most marked differences in natural traits and disposition and in their progress toward civilization while some are lazy vicious and stupid others are industrious peaceful and intelligent while a portion of them are and independent and have so far advanced in civilization that they make their own laws administered through officers of their own choice and educate their children in schools of their own establishment and maintenance others still retain in squalor and dependence almost the savagery of their natural state in dealing with this question the desires manifested by the indians should not be ignored here again we find a great diversity with some the tribal relation is cherished with the utmost tenacity while its hold upon others is considerably relaxed the love of home is strong with all and yet there are those whose attachment to a particular locality is by no means unyielding the ownership of their lands in severalty is much desired by some while by others and sometimes among the most civilized such a distribution would be bitterly opposed the variation of their wants growing out of and connected with the character of their several locations should be regarded some are upon reservations most fit for grazing but without flocks or herds and some on arable land have no agricultural implements while some of the reservations are double the size necessary to maintain the number of indians now upon them in a few cases perhaps they should be enlarged add to all this the difference in the administration of the agencies while the same duties are devolved upon all the disposition of the agents and the manner of their contact with the indians have much to do with their condition and welfare the agent who perfunctorily performs his duty and slothfully neglects all opportunity to advance their moral and physical improvement and fails to inspire them with a desire for better things will accomplish nothing in the direction of their civilization while he who feels the burden of an important trust and has an interest in his work will by consistent example firm yet considerate treatment and aid and encouragement constantly lead those under his charge toward the light of their enfranchisement the history of all the progress which has been made in the civilization of the indian i think will disclose the fact that the beginning has been religious teaching followed by or accompanying secular education while the and pious men and women who have aided in this good work by their independent endeavor have for their reward the beneficent results of their labor and the consciousness of christian duty well performed their valuable services should be fully acknowledged by all who under the law are charged with the control and management of our indian wards what has been said indicates that in the present condition of the indians no attempt should be made to apply a fixed and unyielding plan of action to their varied and varying needs and circumstances the indian bureau burdened as it is with their general oversight and with the details of the establishment can hardly possess itself of the minute phases of the particular cases needing treatment and thus the propriety of creating an instrumentality auxiliary to those already established for the care of the indians suggests itself i recommend the passage of a law authorizing the appointment of six commissioners three of whom shall be detailed from the army to be charged with the duty of a careful inspection from time to time of all the indians upon our reservations or subject to the care and control of the government with a view of discovering their exact condition and needs and determining what steps shall be taken on behalf of the government to improve their situation in the direction of their and complete civilization that they ascertain from such inspection what if any of the reservations may be reduced in area and in such cases what part not needed for indian occupation may be purchased by the government from the indians and disposed of for their benefit what if any indians may with their consent be removed to other reservations with a view of their concentration and the sale on their behalf of their abandoned reservations what indian lands now held in common should be allotted in severalty in what manner and to what extent the indians upon the reservations can be placed under the protection of our laws and subjected to their penalties and which if any indians should be invested with the right of citizenship the powers and functions of the commissioners in regard to these subjects should be clearly defined though they should in conjunction with the secretary of the interior be given all the authority to deal definitely with the questions presented deemed safe and consistent they should be also charged with the duty of ascertaining the indians who might properly be furnished with implements of agriculture and of what kind in what cases the support of the government should be withdrawn where the present plan of distributing indian supplies should be changed where schools may be established and where discontinued the conduct methods and fitness of agents in charge of reservations the extent to which such reservations are occupied or intruded upon by unauthorized persons and generally all matters related to the welfare and improvement of the indian they should advise with the secretary of the interior concerning these matters of detail in management and he should be given power to deal with them fully if he is not now invested with such power this plan contemplates the selection of persons for commissioners who are interested in the indian question and who have practical ideas upon the subject of their treatment the expense of the indian bureau during the last fiscal year was more than six and a halt million dollars i believe much of this expenditure might be saved under the plan proposed that its economical effects would be increased with its continuance that the safety of our frontier settlers would be subserved under its operation and that the nation would be saved through its results from the imputation of inhumanity injustice and mismanagement in order to carry out the policy of allotment of indian lands in severalty when deemed expedient it will be necessary to have surveys completed of the reservations and i hope that provision will be made for the prosecution of this work in may of the present year a small portion of the chiricahua apaches on the white mountain reservation in arizona left the reservation and committed a number of murders and depredations upon settlers in that neighborhood though prompt and energetic action was taken by the military the renegades eluded capture and escaped into mexico the formation of the country through which these indians passed their thorough acquaintance with the same the speed of their escape and the manner in which they scattered and concealed themselves among the mountains near the scene of their outrages put our soldiers at a great disadvantage in their efforts to capture them though the expectation is still entertained that they will be ultimately taken and punished for their crimes the threatening and disorderly conduct of the cheyennes in the indian territory early last summer caused considerable alarm and uneasiness investigation proved that their threatening attitude was due in a great measure to the occupation of the land of their reservation by immense herds of cattle which their owners claimed were rightfully there under certain leases made by the indians such occupation appearing upon examination to be unlawful notwithstanding these leases the intruders were ordered to remove with their cattle from the lands of the indians by executive proclamation the enforcement of this proclamation had the effect of restoring peace and order among the indians and they are now quiet and well behaved by an executive order issued on february 27 1885 by my predecessor a portion of the tract of country in the territory known as the old winnebago and crow creek reservations was directed to be restored to the public domain and opened to settlement under the land laws of the united states and a large number of persons entered upon those lands this action alarmed the sioux indians who claimed the territory as belonging to their reservation under the treaty of 1868 this claim was determined after careful investigation to be well rounded and consequently the executive order referred to was by proclamation of april 17 1885 declared to be inoperative and of no effect and all persons upon the land were warned to leave this warning has been substantially complied with the public domain had its origin in cessions of land by the states to the general government the first cession was made by the state of new york and the largest which in area exceeded all the others by the state of virginia the territory the proprietorship of which became thus vested in the general government extended from the western line of pennsylvania to the mississippi river these patriotic donations of the states were encumbered with no condition except that they should the held and used for the common benefit of the united states by purchase with the common fund of all the people additions were made to this domain until it extended to the northern line of mexico the pacific ocean and the polar sea the original trust for the common benefit of the united states attached to all in the execution of that trust the policy of many homes rather than large estates was adopted by the government that these might be easily obtained and be the abode of security and contentment the laws for their acquisition were few easily understood and general in their character but the pressure of local interests combined with a speculative spirit have in many instances procured the passage of laws which marred the harmony of the general plan and encumbered the system with a multitude of general and special enactments which render the land laws complicated subject the titles to uncertainty and the purchasers often to oppression and wrong laws which were intended for the common benefit have been perverted so that large quantities of land are vesting in single ownerships from the multitude and character of the laws this consequence seems incapable of correction by mere administration it is not for the common benefit of the united states that a large area of the public lands should be acquired directly or through fraud in the hands of a single individual the nation strength is in the people the nation prosperity is in their prosperity the nation glory is in the equality of her justice the nation perpetuity is in the patriotism of all her people hence as far as practicable the plan adopted in the disposal of the public lands should have in view the original policy which encouraged many purchases of these lands for homes and discouraged the massing of large areas exclusive of alaska about of the national domain has been sold or subjected to contract or grant of the remaining a considerable portion is either mountain or desert a rapidly increasing population creates a growing demand for homes and the accumulation of wealth inspires an eager competition to obtain the public land for speculative purposes in the future this collision of interests will be more marked than in the past and the execution of the nation trust in behalf of our settlers will be more difficult i therefore commend to your attention the recommendations contained in the report of the secretary of the interior with reference to the repeal and modification of certain of our land laws the nation has made princely grants and subsidies to a system of railroads projected as great national highways to connect the pacific states with the east it has been charged that these donations from the people have been diverted to private gain and corrupt uses and thus public indignation has been aroused and suspicion engendered our great nation does not begrudge its generosity but it abhors speculation and fraud and the favorable regard of our people for the great corporations to which these grants were made can only be revived by a restoration of confidence to be secured by their constant unequivocal and clearly manifested integrity a faithful application of the undiminished proceeds of the grants to the construction and perfecting of their roads an honest discharge of their obligations and entire justice to all the people in the enjoyment of their rights on these highways of travel are all the public asks and it will be content with no less to secure these things should be the common purpose of the officers of the government as well as of the corporations with this accomplishment prosperity would be permanently secured to the roads and national pride would take the place of national complaint it appears from the report of the commissioner of pensions that there were on the 1st day of july 1885 persons borne upon the pension rolls who were classified as follows army invalids widows minor children and dependent relatives of deceased soldiers navy invalids navy widows minor children and dependents survivors of the war of 1812 and widows of those who served in that war about one man in ten of all those who enlisted in the late war are reported as receiving pensions exclusive of the dependents of deceased soldiers on the 1st of july 1875 the number of pensioners was and the increase within the ten years next thereafter was while there is no expenditure of the public funds which the people more cheerfully approve than that made in recognition of the services of our soldiers living and dead the sentiment underlying the subject should not be vitiated by the introduction of any fraudulent practices therefore it is fully as important that the rolls should be cleansed of all those who by fraud have secured a place thereon as that meritorious claims should be speedily examined and adjusted the reforms in the methods of doing the business of this bureau which have lately been inaugurated promise better results in both these directions the operations of the patent office demonstrate the activity of the inventive genius of the country for the year ended june 30 1885 the applications for patents including reissues and for the registration of and labels numbered during the same period there were patents granted and reissued and and labels registered the number of patents issued in the year 1875 was the receipts during the last fiscal year were and the total expenditures not including contingent expenses there were applications for patents pending on the 1st day of july 1884 and on the same date in the year 1885 there has been considerable improvement made in the prompt determination of applications and a consequent relief to expectant inventors a number of suggestions and recommendations are contained in the report of the commissioner of patents which are well entitled to the consideration of congress in the territory of utah the law of the united states passed for the suppression of polygamy has been energetically and faithfully executed during the past year with measurably good results a number of convictions have been secured for unlawful cohabitation and in some cases pleas of guilty have been entered and a slight punishment imposed upon a promise by the accused that they would not again offend against the law nor advise counsel aid or abet in any way its violation by others the utah commissioners express the opinion based upon such information as they are able to obtain that but few polygamous marriages have taken place in the territory during the last year they further report that while there can not be found upon the registration lists of voters the name of a man actually guilty of polygamy and while none of that class are holding office yet at the last election in the territory all the officers elected except in one county were men who though not actually living in the practice of polygamy subscribe to the doctrine of polygamous marriages as a divine revelation and a law unto all higher and more binding upon the conscience than any human law local or national thus is the strange spectacle presented of a community protected by a republican form of government to which they owe allegiance sustaining by their suffrages a principle and a belief which set at naught that obligation of absolute obedience to the law of the land which lies at the foundation of republican institutions the strength the perpetuity and the destiny of the nation rest upon our homes established by the law of god guarded by parental care regulated by parental authority and sanctified by parental love these are not the homes of polygamy the mothers of our land who rule the nation as they mold the characters and guide the actions of their sons live according to god s holy ordinances and each secure and happy in the exclusive love of the father of her children sheds the warm light of true womanhood unperverted and unpolluted upon all within her pure and wholesome family circle these are not the cheerless crushed and unwomanly mothers of polygamy the fathers of our families are the best citizens of the republic wife and children are the sources of patriotism and conjugal and parental affection beget devotion to the country the man who undefiled with plural marriage is surrounded in his single home with his wife and children has a stake in the country which inspires him with respect for its laws and courage for its defense these are not the fathers of polygamous families there is no feature of this practice or the system which sanctions it which is not opposed to all that is of value in our institutions there should be no relaxation in the firm but just execution of the law now in operation and i should be glad to approve such further discreet legislation as will rid the country of this blot upon its fair fame since the people upholding polygamy in our territories are reenforced by immigration from other lands i recommend that a law be passed to prevent the importation of mormons into the country the agricultural interest of the country demands just recognition and liberal encouragement it sustains with certainty and unfailing strength our nation prosperity by the products of its steady toil and bears its full share of the burden of taxation without complaint our agriculturists have but slight personal representation in the councils of the nation and are generally content with the humbler duties of citizenship and willing to trust to the bounty of nature for a reward of their labor but the magnitude and value of this industry are appreciated when the statement is made that of our total annual exports more than are the products of agriculture and of our total population nearly are exclusively engaged in that occupation the department of agriculture was created for the purpose of acquiring and diffusing among the people useful information respecting the subjects it has in charge and aiding in the because of intelligent and progressive farming by the collection of statistics by testing the value and usefulness of new seeds and plants and distributing such as are found desirable among agriculturists this and other powers and duties with which this department is invested are of the utmost importance and if wisely exercised must be of great benefit to the country the aim of our beneficent government is the improvement of the people in every station and the amelioration of their condition surely our agriculturists should not be neglected the instrumentality established in aid of the farmers of the land should not only be well equipped for the accomplishment of its purpose but those for whose benefit it has been adopted should be encouraged to avail themselves fully of its advantages the prohibition of the importation into several countries of certain of our animals and their products based upon the suspicion that health is endangered in their use and consumption suggests the importance of such precautions for the protection of our stock of all kinds against disease as will disarm suspicion of danger and because the removal of such an injurious prohibition if the laws now in operation are insufficient to accomplish this protection i recommend their amendment to meet the necessities of the situation and i commend to the consideration of congress the suggestions contained in the report of the commissioner of agriculture calculated to increase the value and efficiency of this department the report of the civil service commission which will be submitted contains an account of the manner in which the law has been executed during the last year and much valuable information on this important subject i am inclined to think that there is no sentiment more general in the minds of the people of our country than a conviction of the correctness of the principle upon which the law enforcing reform is based in its present condition the law regulates only a part of the subordinate public positions throughout the country it applies the test of fitness to applicants for these places by means of a competitive examination and gives large discretion to the commissioners as to the character of the examination and many other matters connected with its execution thus the rules and regulations adopted by the commission have much to do with the practical usefulness of the statute and with the results of its application the people may well trust the commission to execute the law with perfect fairness and with as little irritation as is possible but of course no relaxation of the principle which underlies it and no weakening of the safeguards which surround it can be expected experience in its administration will probably suggest amendment of the methods of its execution but i venture to hope that we shall never again be remitted to the system which distributes public positions purely as rewards for partisan service doubts may well be entertained whether our government could survive the strain of a continuance of this system which upon every change of administration inspires an immense army of claimants for office to lay siege to the patronage of government engrossing the time of public officers with their importunities spreading abroad the contagion of their disappointment and filling the air with the tumult of their discontent the allurements of an immense number of offices and places exhibited to the voters of the land and the promise of their bestowal in recognition of partisan activity debauch the suffrage and rob political action of its thoughtful and deliberative character the evil would increase with the multiplication of offices consequent upon our extension and the mania for office holding growing from its indulgence would pervade our population so generally that patriotic purpose the support of principle the desire for the public good and solicitude for the nation welfare would be nearly banished from the activity of our party contests and because them to degenerate into ignoble selfish and disgraceful struggles for the possession of office and public place reform enforced by law came none too soon to check the progress of demoralization one of its effects not enough regarded is the freedom it brings to the political action of those conservative and sober men who in fear of the confusion and risk attending an arbitrary and sudden change in all the public offices with a change of party rule cast their ballots against such a chance parties seem to be necessary and will long continue to exist nor can it be now denied that there are legitimate advantages not disconnected with office holding which follow party supremacy while partisanship continues bitter and pronounced and supplies so much of motive to sentiment and action it is not fair to hold public officials in charge of important trusts responsible for the best results in the performance of their duties and yet insist that they shall rely in confidential and important places upon the work of those not only opposed to them in political affiliation but so steeped in partisan prejudice and rancor that they have no loyalty to their chiefs and no desire for their success reform does not exact this nor does it require that those in subordinate positions who fail in yielding their best service or who are incompetent should be retained simply because they are in place the whining of a clerk discharged for indolence or incompetency who though he gained his place by the worst possible operation of the spoils system suddenly discovers that he is entitled to protection under the sanction of reform represents an idea no less absurd than the clamor of the applicant who claims the vacant position as his compensation for the most questionable party work the law does not prevent the discharge of the indolent or incompetent clerk but it does prevent supplying his place with the unfit party worker thus in both these phases is seen benefit to the public service and the people who desire good government having secured this statute will not relinquish its benefits without protest nor are they unmindful of the fact that its full advantages can only be gained through the complete good faith of those having its execution in charge and this they will insist upon i recommend that the salaries of the civil service commissioners be increased to a sum more nearly commensurate to their important duties it is a source of considerable and not unnatural discontent that no adequate provision has yet been made for accommodating the principal library of the government of the vast collection of books and pamphlets gathered at the capitol numbering some exclusive of manuscripts maps and the products of the graphic arts also of great volume and value only about volumes or less than half the collection are provided with shelf room the others which are increasing at the rate of from to thirty thousand volumes a year are not only inaccessible to the public but are subject to serious damage and deterioration from other causes in their present situation a consideration of the facts that the library of the capitol has twice been destroyed or damaged by fire its daily increasing value and its importance as a place of deposit of books under the law relating to copyright makes manifest the necessity of prompt action to insure its proper accommodation and protection my attention has been called to a controversy which has arisen from the condition of the law relating to railroad facilities in the city of washington which has involved the commissioners of the district in much annoyance and trouble i hope this difficulty will be promptly settled by appropriate legislation the commissioners represent that enough of the revenues of the district are now on deposit in the treasury of the united states to repay the sum advanced by the government for sewer improvements under the act of june 30 1884 they desire now an advance of the share which ultimately should be borne by the district of the cost of extensive improvements to the streets of the city the total expense of these contemplated improvements is estimated at and they are of the opinion that a considerable sum could be saved if they had all the money in hand so that contracts for the whole work could be made at the same time they express confidence that if the advance asked for should be made the government would be reimbursed the same within a reasonable time i have no doubt that these improvements could be made much cheaper if undertaken together and prosecuted according to a general plan the license law now in force within the district is deficient and uncertain in some of its provisions and ought to be amended the commissioners urge with good reason the necessity of providing a building for the use of the district government which shall better secure the safety and preservation of its valuable books and records the present condition of the law relating to the succession to the presidency in the event of the death disability or removal of both the president and is such as to require immediate amendment this subject has repeatedly been considered by congress but no result has been reached the recent lamentable death of the and vacancies at the same time in all other offices the incumbents of which might immediately exercise the functions of the presidential office has caused public anxiety and a just demand that a recurrence of such a condition of affairs should not be permitted in conclusion i commend to the wise care and thoughtful attention of congress the needs the welfare and the aspirations of an intelligent and generous nation to subordinate these to the narrow advantages of partisanship or the accomplishment of selfish aims is to violate the people trust and betray the people interests but an individual sense of responsibility on the part of each of us and a stern determination to perform our duty well must give us place among those who have added in their day and generation to the glory and prosperity of our beloved land grover cleveland
assembling clouded sense public bereavement caused recent sudden death thomas hendricks united states distinguished public services complete integrity devotion every duty personal virtues find honorable record country history ample repeated proofs esteem confidence held manifested election offices important trust highest dignity length full years honors laid rest amid universal sorrow benediction constitution requires chosen legislate people annually meet discharge solemn trust also requires president give congress information state union recommend consideration measures shall deem necessary expedient threshold compliance constitutional directions well us bear mind usefulness people interests promoted constant appreciation scope character respective duties relate federal legislation executive may recommend measures shall deem expedient responsibility legislative action must rest upon selected people make laws contemplation grave responsible functions assigned respective branches government constitution disclose partitions power respective departments necessary independence also need exercise power intrusted spirit comity cooperation essential proper fulfillment patriotic obligations rest upon us faithful servants people jealous watchfulness constituencies great small supplements suffrages tribunal establish every public servant judged gratifying announce relations united states foreign powers continue friendly position nearly century successful constitutional government maintenance good faith engagements avoidance complications nations consistent amicable attitude toward strong weak alike furnish proof political disposition renders professions good unnecessary questions difficulty pending foreign government argentine government revived long dormant question falkland islands claiming united states indemnity loss attributed action commander sloop war lexington breaking piratical colony islands 1831 subsequent occupation great britain view ample justification act lexington derelict condition islands alleged occupation argentine colonists government considers claim wholly groundless question arisen government touching representation united states vienna constitutional prerogative appointed estimable citizen unimpeached probity competence minister court government invited government take cognizance certain exceptions based upon allegations personal acceptability keiley appointed envoy asking view thereof appointment withdrawn reasons advanced could acquiesced without violation oath office precepts constitution since necessarily involved limitation favor foreign government upon right selection executive required application religious test qualification office united states would resulted practical disfranchisement large class citizens abandonment vital principle government government finally decided receive keiley envoy united states gentleman since resigned commission leaving post vacant made new nomination interests government vienna care secretary legation acting charge ad interim early march last war broke central america caused attempt guatemala consolidate several states single government contests neighboring states united states forebore interfere actively lent aid friendly offices deprecation war promote peace concord among belligerents counsel contributed importantly restoration tranquillity locality emergencies growing civil war united states colombia demanded government beginning administration employment armed forces fulfill guaranties article treaty 1846 order keep transit open across isthmus panama desirous exercising powers expressly reserved us treaty mindful rights colombia forces sent isthmus instructed confine action positively efficaciously preventing transit accessories interrupted embarrassed execution delicate responsible task necessarily involved police control local authority temporarily powerless always aid sovereignty colombia prompt successful fulfillment duty government highly appreciated government colombia followed expressions satisfaction high praise due officers men engaged service restoration peace isthmus reestablishment constituted government thus accomplished forces united states withdrawn pending occurrences question much importance presented decrees colombian government proclaiming closure certain ports hands insurgents declaring vessels held revolutionists piratical liable capture power neither propositions could united states assent effective closure ports possession government held hostile partisans could recognized neither could vessels insurgents legitimate sovereignty deemed hostes humani generis within precepts international law whatever might definition penalty acts municipal law state whose authority revolt denial government colombian propositions however imply admission belligerent status part insurgents colombian government expressed willingness negotiate conventions adjustment arbitration claims foreign citizens arising destruction city aspinwall insurrectionary forces interest united states practicable transit ships across strip land separating atlantic pacific repeatedly manifested last half century immediate predecessor caused negotiated nicaragua treaty construction sole cost united states canal nicaraguan territory laid senate pending action body thereon withdrew treaty reexamination attentive consideration provisions leads withhold resubmission senate maintaining tenets line precedents washington day proscribe entangling alliances foreign states favor policy acquisition new distant territory incorporation remote interests laws progress vital organic must conscious irresistible tide commercial expansion concomitant active civilization day day urged onward increasing facilities production transportation communication steam electricity given birth duty present instructs us address mainly development vast resources great area committed charge cultivation arts peace within borders though jealously alert preventing american hemisphere involved political problems complications distant governments therefore unable recommend propositions involving paramount privileges ownership right outside territory coupled absolute unlimited engagements defend territorial integrity state interests lie general project connecting two oceans means canal encouraged opinion scheme end considered favor free features alluded tehuantepec route declared engineers highest repute competent scientists afford entirely practicable transit vessels cargoes means ship railway atlantic pacific obvious advantages route feasible others remote axial lines traffic europe pacific particularly valley mississippi western coast north south america deserving consideration whatever highway may constructed across barrier dividing two greatest maritime areas world must world benefit trust mankind removed chance domination single power become point invitation hostilities prize warlike ambition engagement combining construction ownership operation work government offensive defensive alliance protection foreign state whose responsibilities rights would share judgment inconsistent dedication universal neutral use would moreover entail measures realization beyond scope national polity present means lapse years abundantly confirmed wisdom foresight earlier administrations long conditions maritime intercourse changed enlarged progress age proclaimed vital need interoceanic transit across american isthmus consecrated advance common use mankind positive declarations formal obligation treaties toward realization efforts administration applied ever bearing mind principles must rest declared uncertain tones cass secretary state 1858 announced united states want central america next happiness people security neutrality interoceanic routes lead construction three transcontinental lines railway successful operation wholly within territory uniting atlantic pacific oceans accompanied results interesting impressive nature created new conditions routes commerce political geography powerfully affect relations toward necessarily increase interests transisthmian route may opened employed ends peace traffic contingencies uses inimical transportation factor cost commodities scarcely second production weighs heavily upon consumer experience already proven great importance competition land carriage water carriage fully developed acting protection public tendencies monopoly inherent consolidation wealth power hands vast corporations suggestions may serve emphasize already said score necessity neutralization interoceanic transit accomplished making uses route open nations subject ambitions warlike necessities none drawings report recent survey nicaragua canal route made chief engineer menocal communicated information claims citizens united states losses reason late military operations chile peru bolivia subject negotiation claims convention chile providing submission arbitration harmony relations china fully sustained application acts lately passed execute treaty 1880 restrictive immigration chinese laborers united states individual cases hardship occurred beyond power executive remedy calling judicial determination condition chinese question western states territories despite restrictive legislation far satisfactory recent outbreak wyoming territory numbers unoffending chinamen indisputably within protection treaties law murdered mob still recent threatened outbreak character washington territory fresh minds apprehension lest bitterness feeling mongolian race pacific slope may find vent similar lawless demonstrations power government exerted maintain amplest good faith toward china treatment men inflexible sternness law bringing wrongdoers justice insisted upon every effort made government prevent violent outbreaks aid representatives china investigation outrages say traceable lawlessness men citizens united states engaged competition chinese laborers race prejudice chief factor originating disturbances exists large part domain jeopardizing domestic peace good relationship strive maintain china admitted right government prevent influx elements hostile internal peace security may questioned even treaty stipulation subject exclusion chinese labor demanded countries like conditions prevail strongly evidenced dominion canada chinese immigration regulated laws exclusive existing laws inadequate compass end view shall prepared give earnest consideration remedial measures within treaty limits wisdom congress may devise independent state kongo organized government sovereignty majesty king belgians assumes chief magistracy personal character without making new state dependency belgium fortunate benighted region owing quickening civilization beneficence philanthropic spirit monarch advantage security benevolent supervision action taken government last year first recognize flag international association kongo followed formal recognition new nationality succeeds sovereign powers conference delegates principal commercial nations held berlin last winter discuss methods whereby kongo basin might kept open world trade delegates attended behalf united states understanding part merely deliberative without imparting results binding character far united states concerned reserve due indisposition government share disposal international congress jurisdictional questions remote foreign territories results conference embodied formal act nature international convention laid certain obligations purporting binding signatories subject ratification within one year notwithstanding reservation delegates united states attended signatures attached general act manner plenipotentiaries governments thus making united states appear without reserve qualification signatories joint international engagement imposing signers conservation territorial integrity distant regions established interests control government however regard reservation liberty action premises impaired holding engagement share obligation enforcing neutrality remote valley kongo would alliance whose responsibilities position assume abstain asking sanction senate general act correspondence laid instructive interesting report agent sent government kongo country recommendations establishment commercial agencies african coast also submitted consideration commission appointed predecessor last winter visit central south american countries report methods enlarging commercial relations united states therewith submitted reports laid opportunity omitted testify friendliness government toward korea whose entrance family treaty powers united states first recognize regard favor application made korean government allowed employ american officers military instructors assent congress becomes necessary happy say request concurrent sanction china japan arrest imprisonment julio santos citizen united states authorities ecuador gave rise contention government right released speedy impartial trial announced charges guaranties defense stipulated treaty insisted upon us elaborate correspondence repeated earnest representations part santos alleged trial conviction eventually included general decree amnesty pardoned ecuadorian executive released leaving question american citizenship denied ecuadorian government insisted upon amount adjudged late french american claims commission due united states french claimants account injuries suffered war secession appropriated last congress duly paid french government act february 25 1885 provided preliminary search records french prize courts evidence bearing claims american citizens france spoliations committed prior 1801 duty performed report agent laid regret say restrictions upon importation pork france continue notwithstanding abundant demonstration absence sanitary danger use entertain strong hopes better understanding matter vexatious prohibition removed would pleasing able say much respect germany austria countries food products absolutely excluded without present prospect reasonable change interpretation existing treaties naturalization germany past year attracted attention reason apparent tendency part imperial government extend scope residential restrictions returning naturalized citizens german origin asserted liable laws empire temperate attitude taken government regard class questions doubtless lead satisfactory understanding dispute germany spain relative domination caroline islands attracted attention government reason extensive interests american citizens grown parts past thirty years question ownership involves jurisdiction matters affecting status citizens civil criminal law standing wholly aloof proprietary issues raised powers united states friendly government expects nothing present contention shall unfavorably affect citizens carrying peaceful commerce domiciled informed governments spain germany marked good united states great britain maintained past year termination fishing clauses treaty washington pursuance joint resolution march 3 1883 must resulted abrupt cessation 1st july year midst ventures operations citizens united states engaged fishing british american waters diplomatic understanding reached majesty government june last whereby assurance obtained interruption operations take place current fishing season interest good neighborhood commercial intercourse adjacent communities question north american fisheries one much importance following intimation given extensory arrangement described negotiated recommend congress provide appointment commission governments united states great britain shall respectively represented charged consideration settlement upon equitable honorable basis entire question fishing rights two governments respective citizens coasts united states british north america fishing interests intimately related general questions dependent upon contiguity intercourse consideration thereof equities might also properly come within purview commission fullest latitude expression sides permitted correspondence relation fishing rights submitted arctic exploring steamer alert generously given majesty government aid relief greely expedition successful attainment humane purpose returned great britain pursuance authority conferred act march 3 1885 inadequacy existing engagements extradition united states great britain long apparent tenth article treaty 1842 one earliest compacts regard entered us stipulated surrender respect limited number offenses crimes less inimical social welfare embraced procedure extradition brought harmony present international practice negotiations majesty government enlarged treaty extradition pending since 1870 entertain strong hopes satisfactory result may soon attained frontier line alaska british columbia defined treaty cession russia follows demarcation assigned prior treaty great britain russia modern exploration discloses ancient boundary impracticable geographical fact unsettled condition region question lacked importance discovery mineral wealth territory line supposed traverse admonishes time come accurate knowledge boundary needful avert jurisdictional complications recommend therefore provision made preliminary reconnoissance officers united states end acquiring precise information subject invited majesty government consider us adoption convenient line established meridian observations known geographical features without necessity expensive survey whole late insurrectionary movements hayti quelled government republic made prompt provision adjudicating losses suffered foreigners hostilities claims certain citizens united states manner determined claims two citizens united states pelletier lazare disposed arbitration award favor claimant made terms engagement final remains congress provide payment stipulated moiety expenses question arose hayti past year reason exceptional treatment american citizen van bokkelen resident suit creditors residing united states sentenced imprisonment operation haytian statute denied relief secured native haytian government asserted treaty right equal treatment natives hayti suits law contention denied haytian government however still professing maintain ground taken van bokkelen right terminated controversy setting liberty without explanation international conference consider means arresting spread cholera epidemic diseases held rome may last adjourned meet notice expert delegate behalf united states attended sessions submit report relations mexico continue cordial befits neighbors strongest ties friendship commercial intimacy exist natural growing consequence similarity institutions geographical propinquity relocation boundary line united states mexico westward rio grande convention july 29 1882 unavoidably delayed apprehend difficulty securing prolongation period accomplishment lately concluded commercial treaty mexico still awaits stipulated legislation carry provisions effect one year additional time secured supplementary article signed february last since ratified sides convention important commercial welfare two adjoining countries constitutionally confirmed making branch express hope legislation needed make effective may long delayed large influx capital enterprise mexico united states continues aid development resources augmenting material sister republic lines railway penetrating heart capital country bring two peoples mutually beneficial intercourse enlarged facilities transit add profitable commerce create new markets furnish avenues otherwise isolated communities already adverted suggested construction ship railway across narrow formation territory mexico tehuantepec gradual recovery peru effects late disastrous conflict chile restoration civil authority distracted country hoped pending war claims citizens adjusted conformity notification given government peru existing treaties commerce extradition united states country terminate march 31 1886 good relationship russia continues officer navy detailed purpose way siberia bearing testimonials voted congress generously succored survivors unfortunate jeannette expedition gratifying advert cordiality intercourse spain claim owners ship masonic loss suffered admitted dereliction spanish authorities philippine islands adjusted arbitration indemnity awarded principle arbitration cases united states long consistently adhered thus receives fresh gratifying confirmation questions spain disposed diplomatic consideration view honorable settlement operation commercial agreement spain january 2 february 13 1884 found inadequate commercial needs united states spanish antilies terms agreement subjected conflicting interpretations islands negotiations instituted madrid full treaty open objections line general policy touching neighborly intercourse proximate communities elsewhere advert aiming moreover removal existing burdens annoying restrictions although satisfactory termination promised compelled delay announcement international copyright conference held berne september invitation swiss government envoy united states attended delegate refrained committing government results even signing recommendatory protocol adopted interesting important subject international copyright several years action certainly desirable effect object view may question relative advantage treating legislation specific treaty matured views berne conference fail aid consideration subject termination commercial treaty 1862 united states turkey sought government question sufficiency notice termination given yet commercial rights citizens turkey come guaranties prior treaty 1830 equal treatment admitted porte inconvenience result assent government revision ottoman tariffs treaty powers invited join questions concerning citizens turkey may affected porte nonacquiescence right expatriation imposition religious tests condition residence government concur united states must hold intercourse every power status citizens respected equal civil privileges accorded without regard creed affected considerations save growing domiciliary return land original allegiance unfulfilled personal obligations may survive municipal laws voluntary return negotiation venezuela relative rehearing awards mixed commission constituted treaty 1866 resumed view recent acquiescence venezuelan envoy principal point advanced government effects old treaty could set aside operation new convention result substantial accord advisory suggestions contained joint resolution march 3 1883 agreed upon shortly submitted senate ratification section 3659 revised statutes funds held trust united states annual interest accruing thereon otherwise required treaty invested stocks united states bearing rate interest less 5 per cent per annum procurable stocks paying high rate interest letter statute present inapplicable spirit subserved continuing make investments nature current stocks bearing highest interest paid statute however makes provision disposal accretions contrary general rule government allow interest claims recommend repeal provision question disposition uniform rule present accumulations investment trust funds inadequacy existing legislation touching citizenship naturalization demands consideration recognizing right expatriation statutory provision exists providing means renouncing citizenship american citizen native born naturalized terminating vacating improper acquisition citizenship even fraudulent decree naturalization canceled privilege franchise american citizenship granted care extended intend good faith assume duties responsibilities attaining privileges benefits withheld merely go forms naturalization intent escaping duties original allegiance without taking upon new status may acquire rights american citizenship hostile purpose toward original governments evils many flagrant illustrations regard favor suggestion put forth one predecessors provision made central bureau record decrees naturalization granted various courts throughout united states invested power rights spring domicile united states especially coupled declaration intention become citizen worthy definition statute stranger coming hither intent remain establishing residence midst contributing general welfare voluntary act declaring purpose assume responsibilities citizenship thereby gains inchoate status legislation may properly define laws certain states territories admit domiciled alien local franchise conferring rights citizenship degree places anomalous position citizen state yet united states within purview federal international law important within scope national legislation define right alien domicile distinguished federal naturalization commercial relations united states immediate neighbors important areas traffic near shores suggest especially liberal intercourse us following treaty 1883 mexico rested basis reciprocal exemption customs duties similar treaties initiated predecessor recognizing need less obstructed traffic cuba puerto rico met desire spain succor languishing interests antilles steps taken attain ends treaty commerce similar treaty afterwards signed dominican republic subsequently overtures made britannic majesty government like mutual extension commercial intercourse british west indian south american dependencies without result taking office withdrew reexamination treaties signed spain santo domingo pending senate result satisfy inexpediency entering engagements character covering entire traffic treaties contemplated surrender united states large revenues inadequate considerations upon sugar alone duties surrendered amount far exceeding advantages offered exchange even intended relieve consumers evident long exemption partially covered importation relief would illusory relinquish revenue essential seemed highly improvident time new large drains upon treasury contemplated moreover embarrassing questions would arisen clauses treaties nations objection evident tariff regulation treaty diminishes independent control revenues essential safety welfare government emergency calling increase taxation may time arise engagement foreign power exist hamper action government fourteenth section shipping act approved june 26 1884 certain reductions contingent exemptions tonnage dues made vessels entering ports united states foreign port north central america west india islands bahamas bermudas mexico isthmus far aspinwall panama governments belgium denmark germany portugal sweden norway asserted clause treaties united states claim like treatment respect vessels coming united states home ports government however holds privileges granted act purely geographical inuring vessel foreign power may choose engage traffic country port within defined zone warrant exists clause extension privileges question vessels sailing country ports outside limitation act undoubtedly relations commerce near neighbors whose territories form long frontier line difficult guarded find country equally offer us natural markets demand special considerate treatment rests congress consider legislative action may increase facilities intercourse contiguity makes natural desirable earnestly urge congress recast appropriations maintenance diplomatic consular service footing commensurate importance national interests every post representative necessary salary graded permit live comfort assignment adequate salaries notarial extra official fees officers abroad permitted treat personal perquisites done away every act requiring certification seal officer taxable schedule rates fee therefor returned treasury restoring revenues public use consular service would even liberal increase present low salaries prevention abuses system consular inspection instituted appointment limited number secretaries legation large assigned duty wherever necessary particular temporary service missions may without head also authorized favor also authorization detail officers regular service military naval attaches legations foreign governments recognize union consular diplomatic functions italy venezuela receive appointee one two capacities prevent requirement bond submission responsibilities office whose duties discharge superadded title abandoned missions deem expedient measure reorganization extraterritorial courts oriental countries replace present system labors disadvantage combining judicial executive functions office several oriental countries generous offers made premises housing legations united states grant land purpose made years since japan referred annual messages predecessor siamese government made gift united states commodious quarters bangkok korea late minister permitted purchase building government legation use china premises rented legation favored local charges tangier house occupied representative many years property government given purpose 1822 sultan morocco approve suggestion heretofore made view conditions life administration eastern countries legation buildings china japan korea siam perhaps persia owned furnished government view permanency security end recommend authority given accept gifts adverted japan siam purchase countries named provision furniture repairs considerable saving rentals would result world industrial exposition held new orleans last winter assistance federal government attracted large number foreign exhibits proved great value spreading among concourse visitors mexico central south america wider knowledge varied manufactures productions country availability exchange productions regions past congresses consideration advisability abolishing discrimination made tariff laws favor works american artists odium policy subjects high rate duty paintings foreign artists exempts productions american artists residing abroad receive gratuitously advantages instruction visited upon citizens engaged art culture europe caused practical unanimity favor abolition ungracious distinction interest obvious reasons strongly recommend report secretary treasury fully exhibits condition public finances several branches government connected department suggestions secretary relating practical operations important department recommendations direction simplification economy particularly work collecting customs duties especially urged upon attention congress ordinary receipts sources fiscal year ended june 30 1885 sum received customs internal revenue total receipts given less year ended june 30 1884 diminution embraces falling receipts customs receipts internal revenue total ordinary expenditures government fiscal year leaving surplus treasury close year less surplus reported close previous year expenditures classified follows amount paid public debt fiscal year ended june 30 1885 paid since date november 1 1885 sum leaving amount debt date however time treasury applicable general purposes government sum total receipts current fiscal year ending june 30 1886 ascertained october 1 1885 estimated remainder year expenditures ascertained estimated time leaving surplus close year estimated value exports united states foreign countries last fiscal year follows principal exports values percentage respectively bear total exportation given follows imports year follows following given prominent articles import year values percentage bear total importation entire amount duties collected 70 per cent collected following articles import fact revenues excess actual needs economical administration government justifies reduction amount exacted people support government means established free people certain principles applied adopted benefit protection never better administered true spirit never better observed people taxation support scrupulously limited actual necessity expenditure distributed according equitable plan proposition deal reduction revenue received government indirectly paid people customs duties question free trade involved occasion general discussion wisdom expediency protective system justice fairness dictate modification present laws relating revenue industries interests encouraged laws citizens large investments ruthlessly injured destroyed also deal subject manner protect interests american labor capital workingmen stability proper remuneration furnish justifiable pretext protective policy within limitations certain reduction made customs revenue amount reduction determined inquiry follows best remitted articles best released duty interest citizens think reduction made revenue derived tax upon imported necessaries life thus directly lessen cost living every family land release people every humble home larger measure rewards frugal industry year ended november 1 1885 145 national banks organized aggregate capital circulating notes issued amounting whole number banks existence day mentioned limited amount circulating notes issued national banks compared amount law permits issue upon deposit bonds redemption indicates volume circulating medium may largely increased instrumentality nothing important present condition currency coinage claim attention since february 1878 government compulsory provisions law purchased silver bullion coined rate every month process present date silver dollars coined reasonable appreciation delegation power general government would limit exercise without express restrictive words people needs requirements public welfare upon theory authority coin money given congress constitution permits purchase government bullion coinage event justify purchase coinage extent beyond amount needed sufficient circulating medium desire utilize silver product country lead misuse perversion power necessity addition silver currency nation compelled act negatived fact present time silver dollars coined actually found way circulation leaving possession government custody entailed considerable expense construction vaults deposit latter amount outstanding silver certificates amounting every month two millions gold public treasury paid two millions silver dollars added idle mass already accumulated continued long enough operation result substitution silver gold government owns applicable general purposes rely upon customs receipts government make good drain gold silver thus coined made legal tender debts dues public private times last six months 58 per cent receipts duties silver silver certificates average within period 20 per cent proportion silver certificates received government probably increase time goes reason nearer period approaches obliged offer silver payment obligations greater inducement hoard gold depreciation value silver purpose speculating hoarding gold already begun time comes gold withdrawn circulation apparent difference real value silver dollar dollar gold two coins part company gold still standard value necessary dealings countries premium silver banks substituted gold deposits customers may pay silver bought gold thus making handsome profit rich speculators sell hoarded gold neighbors need liquidate foreign debts ruinous premium silver laboring men women land defenseless find dollar received wage toil sadly shrunk purchasing power may said latter result temporary ultimately price labor adjusted change even takes place possibly gain must inevitably lose since price compelled pay living measured coin heavily depreciated fluctuating uncertain value uncertainty value purchasing medium made pretext advance prices beyond justified actual depreciation words uttered 1834 daniel webster senate united states true man others deepest interest sound currency suffers mischievous legislation money matters man earns daily bread daily toil distinguished advocate bimetallism discussing silver coinage lately written american citizen hand yet felt sensation cheapness either receiving expending dollars live labor legitimate trade never feel sensation cheapness however plenty silver dollars may become distributed gifts among people laboring man receive four depreciated dollars receives two pay depreciated coin double price pays necessaries comforts life fear disastrous consequences arising continued compulsory coinage silver directed law suppose addition currency country intended result public benefit reminded history demonstrates point easily reached attempt float time two sorts money different excellence better cease general circulation hoarding gold already taken place indicates shall escape usual experience cases silver coinage continued may reasonably expect gold equivalent abandon field circulation silver alone course must produce severe contraction circulating medium instead adding disputed attempt part government circulation silver dollars worth 80 cents side side gold dollars worth 100 cents even within limit legislation run counter laws trade successful must seconded confidence people coins retain purchasing power interchangeable special effort made secretary treasury increase amount silver coin circulation fact large share limited amount thus put soon returned public treasury payment duties leads belief people desire keep hand evident disposition hoard gold gives rise suspicion already exists lack confidence among people touching financial processes certainly enough silver circulation uneasiness whole amount coined hand might time absorbed people without apprehension ceaseless stream threatens overflow land causes fear uncertainty thus far submitted upon subject relates almost entirely considerations home nature unconnected bearing policies nations upon question perfectly apparent line action regard currency wisely settled upon persisted without considering attitude subject countries maintain intercourse commerce trade travel acknowledgment fact found act virtue silver compulsorily coined provides president shall invite governments countries composing latin union called european nations may deem advisable join united states conference adopt common ratio gold silver purpose establishing internationally use bimetallic money securing fixity relative value metals conference absolutely failed similar fate awaited subsequent efforts direction still continue coinage silver ratio different nation vital part act remains inoperative unexecuted without ally friend battle upon silver field illogical losing contest give full effect design congress subject made careful earnest endeavor since adjournment last congress end delegated gentleman well instructed fiscal science proceed financial centers europe conjunction ministers england france germany obtain full knowledge attitude intent governments respect establishment international ratio would procure free coinage metals mints countries direction paris given close attention proceedings congress latin union order indicate interest objects report action may said brief result efforts attitude leading powers remains substantially unchanged since monetary conference 1881 questioned views governments instance supported weight public opinion steps thus taken therefore fully demonstrated uselessness attempts present arrive agreement subject nations meantime accumulating silver coin based upon peculiar ratio extent assuming heavy burden provided international negotiations render us undesirable party future monetary conference nations significant fact four five countries composing latin union mentioned coinage act embarrassed silver currency completed agreement among silver shall coined respective governments already coined circulation shall redeemed gold country coinage resort expedient countries may well arrest attention suppose succeed without shock injury attempt circulate upon merits silver may coin provisions act condition treasury may placed persistence present course matter concern every patriotic citizen desire government pay silver obligations paid gold condition oblige us prudent management affairs discontinue calling payment obligations right discharge thus avoid payment interest thereon debtor class whose benefit continued compulsory coinage silver insisted upon dishonest debt suspected desire jeopardize financial safety country order may cancel present debts paying depreciated dollars forgotten rich money lender alone must submit readjustment enforced government debtors pittance widow orphan incomes helpless beneficiaries kinds would disastrously reduced depositors savings banks institutions hold trust savings poor little accumulations scaled meet new order things would distress painfully realize delusion promise made plentiful money would improve condition hand silver dollars necessary supply present needs people satisfy sentiment wish see circulation coinage suspended readily obtained desire need anytime apparent coinage may renewed disaster already overtaken us furnishes proof danger wait upon continuation present silver coinage saved careful management unusual expedients combination fortunate conditions confident expectation course government regard silver coinage would speedily changed action congress prosperity hesitates upon threshold dangers uncertainties surrounding question capital timidly shrinks trade investors unwilling take chance questionable shape money returned enterprise halts risk care sagacious management protect necessary consequence labor lacks employment suffering distress visited upon portion especially entitled careful consideration charged duties legislation interest appeals us strongly safe stable currency vast army unemployed recommend suspension compulsory coinage silver dollars directed law passed february 1878 service 30th day june 1885 composed 140 persons including officers clerks messengers expenses service receipts fiscal year special inspection foreign steam vessels organized law passed 1882 maintained year expense since close fiscal year reductions made force employed result saving current year without affecting efficiency service supervising reports fiscal year patients received relief service treated hospitals dispensaries active effective efforts made medium service protect country invasion cholera prevailed spain france smallpox recently broke canada gratifying results attended operations life saving service last fiscal year observance provision law requiring appointment force employed service made solely reference fitness without reference political party affiliation secured result may confidently expected branch public employment rule applied consequence service composed men well qualified performance dangerous exceptionally important duties number stations commission close year 203 number disasters vessels craft kinds within field action 371 number persons endangered disasters saved 11 lost lives imperiled though disasters shipping also rescued large amount property saved aid service cost maintenance year work coast geodetic survey last fiscal year carried within boundaries coasts states two territories district columbia july last certain irregularities found exist management bureau led prompt investigation methods abuses brought light examination reckless disregard duty interests government developed part connected service made change superintendency officers necessary since bureau new hands introduction economies application business methods produced important saving government promise useful results service never regulated anything indefinite legal enactments unsatisfactory rules many years ago sanctioned apparently purpose regarded temporary related survey coast gained place appropriations made congress gradually taken powers objects contemplated creation extended operations sadly needs legislative attention far survey coast concerned seems propriety transferring work navy department duties charge establishment profitably attached existing department bureau prosecuted law exactly defining scope purpose careful discrimination scientific inquiries may properly assumed government undertaken state authority individual enterprise hoped report congressional committee heretofore appointed investigate like matters aid accomplishment proper legislation subject report secretary war herewith submitted attention congress invited detailed account contains administration department recommendations suggestions improvement service army consisted date last consolidated returns officers enlisted men expenses departments fiscal year ended june 30 1885 including public works river harbor improvements besides troops dispatched pursuit small band indians left reservation arizona committed murders outrages two regiments cavalry one infantry sent last july indian territory prevent outbreak seemed imminent remained aid necessary expulsion intruders upon reservation seemed caused discontent among indians executive proclamation warning remove complied without interference troops also sent rock springs wyoming territory massacre chinese prevent disturbance afterwards seattle washington territory avert threatened attack upon chinese laborers domestic violence cases mere presence troops desired effect appears number desertions diminished last fiscal year numbered one instance given six desertions recruit convinced number desertions much diminished better discipline treatment punishment increased repeated offenses desertions might also reduced lessening term first enlistments thus allowing discontented recruit contemplate nearer discharge army profitable riddance one term service reenlistment would quite apt secure contented recruit good soldier acting reports number trials general year trials took place garrison regimental suggestion probably half army tried offenses great small one year may well arrest attention course many trials garrison regimental offenses almost frivolous think way devised dispose summary less inconvenient manner proceedings occasion examine present ideas justice generally prevail tribunals satisfied much reformed honor honesty army navy instrumentality vindicated protected board fortifications defenses appointed pursuance provisions act congress approved march 3 1885 short time present report hoped may greatly aid legislation necessary remedy present defenseless condition seacoasts work signal service prosecuted last year results increasing benefit country field instruction enlarged view adding usefulness number stations operation june 30 1885 489 telegraphic reports received daily 160 stations reports also received 25 canadian stations 375 volunteer observers 52 army surgeons military posts 333 foreign stations expense service fiscal year deducting receipts military telegraph lines view fact referred secretary war work service ordinarily scientific nature fact assuming larger proportions constantly becoming unsuited fixed rules must govern army inclined agree opinion separately established done scope extent operations nearly possible definitely prescribed law always capable exact ascertainment military academy west point reported high state efficiency well equipped satisfactory accomplishment purposes maintenance fact class graduates next year unusually large one constrained decline make appointments second lieutenancies army civil life vacancies exist places may reserved graduates yet probable enough vacancies provide positions leave military school prevailing law usage thus assigned duty never actively enter military service suggested law subject changed young men assigned duty graduation may retained second lieutenants army desire subject assignment opportunity occurs proper rules priority selection expenditures account military academy last fiscal year exclusive sum taken purposes appropriations support army act approved march 3 1885 designed compensate officers enlisted men loss private property service united states indefinite terms apparently admits many claims adjustment could contemplated remain upon statute book needs amendment general law congress prohibiting construction bridges navigable waters manner obstruct navigation provisions preventing seems existing statutes government intervene prevent construction entered upon without consent though consent asked granted upon condition authority insist upon condition clear thus represented officers government great care guarding obstruction navigation bridge across mississippi river paul large pier bridge built place directly navigable channel river things permitted strong argument presented appropriation large sums money improve navigation important highways commerce report secretary navy gives history operations department present condition work committed charge details full course pursued protect rights government respect certain vessels unfinished time accession office also concerning dispatch boat dolphin claimed completed awaiting acceptance department one fail see recitals contained report application business principles insisted upon treatment subjects whatever controversy arisen caused exaction part department contract obligations legally construed case dolphin entire justice contractor agreement entered providing ascertainment judicial inquiry complete partial compliance contract construction providing assessment damages government may entitled account partial failure perform contract payment sum still remaining unpaid upon price case full performance adjudged contractor reason failure business unable complete three vessels taken possession government unfinished state clause contract permitting course process completion yard contractor supervision navy department congress last session authorized construction two additional new cruisers two gunboats cost exceeding aggregate appropriation purpose become available 1st day july last steps taken procurement plans construction vessels would likely insure usefulness completed utmost importance considering constant advance art building vessels character time lost spent careful consideration selection must admit importance effective navy nation like extended seacoast protect yet single vessel war could keep seas vessel important power condition ought longer continue nation resist aggression constantly exposed foreign policy necessity weak negotiations conducted disadvantage condition enforce terms dictated sense right justice inspired hope shared patriotic citizens day far distant navy befits standing among nations earth rejoiced every step leads direction consummation deem duty especially direct attention congress close report secretary navy humiliating weakness present organization department exhibited startling abuses waste present methods exposed conviction forced upon us certainty mathematical demonstration proceed restoration navy need thoroughly reorganized navy department fact within seventeen years spent construction repair equipment armament vessels fact instead effective creditable fleet discontent apprehension nation undefended war vessels added disclosures made permit us doubt every attempt revive navy thus far part misdirected efforts direction little better blind gropings expensive aimless follies unquestionably content maintenance navy department simply shabby ornament government constant watchfulness may prevent scandal abuse found way present organization incurable waste may reduced minimum desire build ships present usefulness instead naval reminders days past must department organized work supplied talent ingenuity country affords prepared take advantage experience nations systematized effort shall unite lead one direction fully imbued conviction war vessels though new useless unless combine ingenuity man day brought forth relating construction earnestly commend portion secretary report devoted subject attention congress hope suggestions touching reorganization department may adopted first step toward reconstruction navy affairs postal service exhibited report laid postal revenue whose ratio gain upon rising prosperity 1882 1883 outstripped increasing expenses growing service checked reduction rate letter postage took effect beginning october latter year diminished two past fiscal years proportion 1884 1885 natural growth development meantime increased expenditure resulting deficiency revenue meet expenses department five quarter million dollars year 1884 eight third million last fiscal year anticipated natural revival revenue oppressed retarded unfavorable business condition country postal service faithful indicator gratifying fact shown however report returning prosperity marked gain revenue latter half last year corresponding period preceding year change weight matter may carried single rate postage half ounce ounce reduction rate newspaper postage recent legislation began current year operate restrain augmentation receipts otherwise might expected degree scale expense may gain upon revenue increased deficiency shown close yet long period reawakened prosperity proper economy confidently anticipated even present low rates favorable country affords adequate sustain cost service operation department convenience benefit people method pay charges useful arm public service impartial less importance economical expenditure means provide maintenance due improvement agencies may enjoy highest usefulness proper attention directed prevention waste extravagance good results appear report already accomplished approve recommendation reduce charges domestic money orders 5 less 8 5 cents change materially aid people avail instrumentality element cheapness greatest importance reduction system would still remain system extended 19 additional cities year 178 enjoy conveniences experience commended enjoy benefits enlargement facilities due communities adapted cities established taken together local postage exceeds maintenance nearly limit system confined law nearly reached reasons given justify extension proposed decided approbation sufficient examination inexpedient department contract carrying foreign mails additional authority given last congress amount limited inadequate pay within purview law full rate 50 cents per mile would unjust unwise given denied others could contracts let law rate brought aggregate within appropriation without practical prearrangement terms would violated rate sea inland postage proffered another statute clearly appears fair compensation desired service three times price necessary secure transportation vessels upon route much beyond charges made private persons services less burdensome steamship companies upon refusal attempt means provided distribution sum appropriated extra compensation withdrew services vessels thereby occasioned slight inconvenience though considerable injury mails dispatched means whatever may thought policy subsidizing line public conveyance travel satisfied done cover expenditure incident administration department uncertainty recipients subsidy discretion left executive officer distribution gifts public money made purpose aiding enterprise supposed interest public think amount paid beneficiary might better determined congress way international congress delegates postal union countries convened lisbon portugal february last session weeks delegates signed convention amendatory present convention particulars designed advance purposes additional act approval laid departmental report approve recommendation another assistant provided department invite consideration several recommendations contained report report contains history conduct department justice last year number valuable suggestions needed legislation invite careful attention condition business courts united states seems imperative necessity remedial legislation subject courts overburdened pending causes delays determining litigation amount often denial justice among plans suggested relief one submitted main features transfer original jurisdiction circuit courts district courts increase judges latter necessary addition judges circuit courts constituting exclusively courts appeal reasonably limiting appeals thereto restrictions right remove causes state federal courts permitting appeals supreme court courts district columbia territories cases allowed state courts guarding unnecessary number appeals circuit courts approve plan thus outlined recommend legislation necessary application judicial system present mode compensating united states marshals district attorneys opinion changed allowed charge government certain fees services income measured amount fees within fixed limit annual aggregate direct inducement make fees criminal cases large possible effort reach maximum sum permitted entirely natural consequence unscrupulous marshals found encouraging frivolous prosecutions arresting people petty charges crime transporting distant places examination trial purpose earning mileage fees district attorneys uselessly attend criminal examinations far places residence express purpose swelling accounts government actual expenses incurred transactions also charged government thus rights freedom citizens outraged public expenditures increased purpose furnishing public officers pretexts increasing measure compensation think marshals district attorneys paid salaries adjusted rule make commensurate services fairly rendered connection subject desire suggest advisability found obnoxious constitutional objection investing united states commissioners power try determine certain violations law within grade misdemeanors trials might made depend upon option accused multiplication small technical offenses especially provisions law render change present system desirable interests humanity well economy district courts crowded petty prosecutions involving punishment case conviction slight fine parties accused harassed enforced attendance upon courts held hundreds miles homes poor friendless obliged remain jail months perhaps elapse session court held finally brought trial surrounded strangers little real opportunity defense meantime frequently marshal charged government fees arrest transportation accused expense summoning witnesses commissioner grand jury court witnesses paid public funds large fees traveling expenses commissioner district attorney also made charges government abuse administration criminal law remedied plan suggested practicable devised report secretary interior containing account operations important department much interesting information submitted consideration intricate difficult subject charge department treatment management indians satisfied progress may noted condition result prudent administration present laws regulations control submitted lack fixed purpose policy subject supplied useless dilate upon wrongs indians useless indulge heartless belief wrongs revenged atrocious manner therefore exterminated within care government rights protected invasion solemn obligations properly enough called wards government borne mind guardianship involves part efforts improvement condition enforcement rights seems general concurrence proposition ultimate object treatment civilization citizenship fitted keep pace march progress advanced civilization readily assimilate mass population assuming responsibilities receiving protection incident condition difficulty appears selection means present employed toward attainment result indian population exclusive alaska reported numbering nearly located lands set apart use occupation aggregating acres lands included boundaries 171 reservations different dimensions scattered 21 states territories presenting great variations climate kind quality soils among indians upon several reservations exist marked differences natural traits disposition progress toward civilization lazy vicious stupid others industrious peaceful intelligent portion independent far advanced civilization make laws administered officers choice educate children schools establishment maintenance others still retain squalor dependence almost savagery natural state dealing question desires manifested indians ignored find great diversity tribal relation cherished utmost tenacity hold upon others considerably relaxed love home strong yet whose attachment particular locality means unyielding ownership lands severalty much desired others sometimes among civilized distribution would bitterly opposed variation wants growing connected character several locations regarded upon reservations fit grazing without flocks herds arable land agricultural implements reservations double size necessary maintain number indians upon cases perhaps enlarged add difference administration agencies duties devolved upon disposition agents manner contact indians much condition welfare agent perfunctorily performs duty slothfully neglects opportunity advance moral physical improvement fails inspire desire better things accomplish nothing direction civilization feels burden important trust interest work consistent example firm yet considerate treatment aid encouragement constantly lead charge toward light enfranchisement history progress made civilization indian think disclose fact beginning religious teaching followed accompanying secular education pious men women aided good work independent endeavor reward beneficent results labor consciousness christian duty well performed valuable services fully acknowledged law charged control management indian wards said indicates present condition indians attempt made apply fixed unyielding plan action varied varying needs circumstances indian bureau burdened general oversight details establishment hardly possess minute phases particular cases needing treatment thus propriety creating instrumentality auxiliary already established care indians suggests recommend passage law authorizing appointment six commissioners three shall detailed army charged duty careful inspection time time indians upon reservations subject care control government view discovering exact condition needs determining steps shall taken behalf government improve situation direction complete civilization ascertain inspection reservations may reduced area cases part needed indian occupation may purchased government indians disposed benefit indians may consent removed reservations view concentration sale behalf abandoned reservations indian lands held common allotted severalty manner extent indians upon reservations placed protection laws subjected penalties indians invested right citizenship powers functions commissioners regard subjects clearly defined though conjunction secretary interior given authority deal definitely questions presented deemed safe consistent also charged duty ascertaining indians might properly furnished implements agriculture kind cases support government withdrawn present plan distributing indian supplies changed schools may established discontinued conduct methods fitness agents charge reservations extent reservations occupied intruded upon unauthorized persons generally matters related welfare improvement indian advise secretary interior concerning matters detail management given power deal fully invested power plan contemplates selection persons commissioners interested indian question practical ideas upon subject treatment expense indian bureau last fiscal year six halt million dollars believe much expenditure might saved plan proposed economical effects would increased continuance safety frontier settlers would subserved operation nation would saved results imputation inhumanity injustice mismanagement order carry policy allotment indian lands severalty deemed expedient necessary surveys completed reservations hope provision made prosecution work may present year small portion chiricahua apaches white mountain reservation arizona left reservation committed number murders depredations upon settlers neighborhood though prompt energetic action taken military renegades eluded capture escaped mexico formation country indians passed thorough acquaintance speed escape manner scattered concealed among mountains near scene outrages put soldiers great disadvantage efforts capture though expectation still entertained ultimately taken punished crimes threatening disorderly conduct cheyennes indian territory early last summer caused considerable alarm uneasiness investigation proved threatening attitude due great measure occupation land reservation immense herds cattle owners claimed rightfully certain leases made indians occupation appearing upon examination unlawful notwithstanding leases intruders ordered remove cattle lands indians executive proclamation enforcement proclamation effect restoring peace order among indians quiet well behaved executive order issued february 27 1885 predecessor portion tract country territory known old winnebago crow creek reservations directed restored public domain opened settlement land laws united states large number persons entered upon lands action alarmed sioux indians claimed territory belonging reservation treaty 1868 claim determined careful investigation well rounded consequently executive order referred proclamation april 17 1885 declared inoperative effect persons upon land warned leave warning substantially complied public domain origin cessions land states general government first cession made state new york largest area exceeded others state virginia territory proprietorship became thus vested general government extended western line pennsylvania mississippi river patriotic donations states encumbered condition except held used common benefit united states purchase common fund people additions made domain extended northern line mexico pacific ocean polar sea original trust common benefit united states attached execution trust policy many homes rather large estates adopted government might easily obtained abode security contentment laws acquisition easily understood general character pressure local interests combined speculative spirit many instances procured passage laws marred harmony general plan encumbered system multitude general special enactments render land laws complicated subject titles uncertainty purchasers often oppression wrong laws intended common benefit perverted large quantities land vesting single ownerships multitude character laws consequence seems incapable correction mere administration common benefit united states large area public lands acquired directly fraud hands single individual nation strength people nation prosperity prosperity nation glory equality justice nation perpetuity patriotism people hence far practicable plan adopted disposal public lands view original policy encouraged many purchases lands homes discouraged massing large areas exclusive alaska national domain sold subjected contract grant remaining considerable portion either mountain desert rapidly increasing population creates growing demand homes accumulation wealth inspires eager competition obtain public land speculative purposes future collision interests marked past execution nation trust behalf settlers difficult therefore commend attention recommendations contained report secretary interior reference repeal modification certain land laws nation made princely grants subsidies system railroads projected great national highways connect pacific states east charged donations people diverted private gain corrupt uses thus public indignation aroused suspicion engendered great nation begrudge generosity abhors speculation fraud favorable regard people great corporations grants made revived restoration confidence secured constant unequivocal clearly manifested integrity faithful application undiminished proceeds grants construction perfecting roads honest discharge obligations entire justice people enjoyment rights highways travel public asks content less secure things common purpose officers government well corporations accomplishment prosperity would permanently secured roads national pride would take place national complaint appears report commissioner pensions 1st day july 1885 persons borne upon pension rolls classified follows army invalids widows minor children dependent relatives deceased soldiers navy invalids navy widows minor children dependents survivors war 1812 widows served war one man ten enlisted late war reported receiving pensions exclusive dependents deceased soldiers 1st july 1875 number pensioners increase within ten years next thereafter expenditure public funds people cheerfully approve made recognition services soldiers living dead sentiment underlying subject vitiated introduction fraudulent practices therefore fully important rolls cleansed fraud secured place thereon meritorious claims speedily examined adjusted reforms methods business bureau lately inaugurated promise better results directions operations patent office demonstrate activity inventive genius country year ended june 30 1885 applications patents including reissues registration labels numbered period patents granted reissued labels registered number patents issued year 1875 receipts last fiscal year total expenditures including contingent expenses applications patents pending 1st day july 1884 date year 1885 considerable improvement made prompt determination applications consequent relief expectant inventors number suggestions recommendations contained report commissioner patents well entitled consideration congress territory utah law united states passed suppression polygamy energetically faithfully executed past year measurably good results number convictions secured unlawful cohabitation cases pleas guilty entered slight punishment imposed upon promise accused would offend law advise counsel aid abet way violation others utah commissioners express opinion based upon information able obtain polygamous marriages taken place territory last year report found upon registration lists voters name man actually guilty polygamy none class holding office yet last election territory officers elected except one county men though actually living practice polygamy subscribe doctrine polygamous marriages divine revelation law unto higher binding upon conscience human law local national thus strange spectacle presented community protected republican form government owe allegiance sustaining suffrages principle belief set naught obligation absolute obedience law land lies foundation republican institutions strength perpetuity destiny nation rest upon homes established law god guarded parental care regulated parental authority sanctified parental love homes polygamy mothers land rule nation mold characters guide actions sons live according god holy ordinances secure happy exclusive love father children sheds warm light true womanhood unperverted unpolluted upon within pure wholesome family circle cheerless crushed unwomanly mothers polygamy fathers families best citizens republic wife children sources patriotism conjugal parental affection beget devotion country man undefiled plural marriage surrounded single home wife children stake country inspires respect laws courage defense fathers polygamous families feature practice system sanctions opposed value institutions relaxation firm execution law operation glad approve discreet legislation rid country blot upon fair fame since people upholding polygamy territories reenforced immigration lands recommend law passed prevent importation mormons country agricultural interest country demands recognition liberal encouragement sustains certainty unfailing strength nation prosperity products steady toil bears full share burden taxation without complaint agriculturists slight personal representation councils nation generally content humbler duties citizenship willing trust bounty nature reward labor magnitude value industry appreciated statement made total annual exports products agriculture total population nearly exclusively engaged occupation department agriculture created purpose acquiring diffusing among people useful information respecting subjects charge aiding intelligent progressive farming collection statistics testing value usefulness new seeds plants distributing found desirable among agriculturists powers duties department invested utmost importance wisely exercised must great benefit country aim beneficent government improvement people every station amelioration condition surely agriculturists neglected instrumentality established aid farmers land well equipped accomplishment purpose whose benefit adopted encouraged avail fully advantages prohibition importation several countries certain animals products based upon suspicion health endangered use consumption suggests importance precautions protection stock kinds disease disarm suspicion danger removal injurious prohibition laws operation insufficient accomplish protection recommend amendment meet necessities situation commend consideration congress suggestions contained report commissioner agriculture calculated increase value efficiency department report civil service commission submitted contains account manner law executed last year much valuable information important subject inclined think sentiment general minds people country conviction correctness principle upon law enforcing reform based present condition law regulates part subordinate public positions throughout country applies test fitness applicants places means competitive examination gives large discretion commissioners character examination many matters connected execution thus rules regulations adopted commission much practical usefulness statute results application people may well trust commission execute law perfect fairness little irritation possible course relaxation principle underlies weakening safeguards surround expected experience administration probably suggest amendment methods execution venture hope shall never remitted system distributes public positions purely rewards partisan service doubts may well entertained whether government could survive strain continuance system upon every change administration inspires immense army claimants office lay siege patronage government engrossing time public officers importunities spreading abroad contagion disappointment filling air tumult discontent allurements immense number offices places exhibited voters land promise bestowal recognition partisan activity debauch suffrage rob political action thoughtful deliberative character evil would increase multiplication offices consequent upon extension mania office holding growing indulgence would pervade population generally patriotic purpose support principle desire public good solicitude nation welfare would nearly banished activity party contests degenerate ignoble selfish disgraceful struggles possession office public place reform enforced law came none soon check progress demoralization one effects enough regarded freedom brings political action conservative sober men fear confusion risk attending arbitrary sudden change public offices change party rule cast ballots chance parties seem necessary long continue exist denied legitimate advantages disconnected office holding follow party supremacy partisanship continues bitter pronounced supplies much motive sentiment action fair hold public officials charge important trusts responsible best results performance duties yet insist shall rely confidential important places upon work opposed political affiliation steeped partisan prejudice rancor loyalty chiefs desire success reform exact require subordinate positions fail yielding best service incompetent retained simply place whining clerk discharged indolence incompetency though gained place worst possible operation spoils system suddenly discovers entitled protection sanction reform represents idea less absurd clamor applicant claims vacant position compensation questionable party work law prevent discharge indolent incompetent clerk prevent supplying place unfit party worker thus phases seen benefit public service people desire good government secured statute relinquish benefits without protest unmindful fact full advantages gained complete good faith execution charge insist upon recommend salaries civil service commissioners increased sum nearly commensurate important duties source considerable unnatural discontent adequate provision yet made accommodating principal library government vast collection books pamphlets gathered capitol numbering exclusive manuscripts maps products graphic arts also great volume value volumes less half collection provided shelf room others increasing rate thirty thousand volumes year inaccessible public subject serious damage deterioration causes present situation consideration facts library capitol twice destroyed damaged fire daily increasing value importance place deposit books law relating copyright makes manifest necessity prompt action insure proper accommodation protection attention called controversy arisen condition law relating railroad facilities city washington involved commissioners district much annoyance trouble hope difficulty promptly settled appropriate legislation commissioners represent enough revenues district deposit treasury united states repay sum advanced government sewer improvements act june 30 1884 desire advance share ultimately borne district cost extensive improvements streets city total expense contemplated improvements estimated opinion considerable sum could saved money hand contracts whole work could made time express confidence advance asked made government would reimbursed within reasonable time doubt improvements could made much cheaper undertaken together prosecuted according general plan license law force within district deficient uncertain provisions ought amended commissioners urge good reason necessity providing building use district government shall better secure safety preservation valuable books records present condition law relating succession presidency event death disability removal president require immediate amendment subject repeatedly considered congress result reached recent lamentable death vacancies time offices incumbents might immediately exercise functions presidential office caused public anxiety demand recurrence condition affairs permitted conclusion commend wise care thoughtful attention congress needs welfare aspirations intelligent generous nation subordinate narrow advantages partisanship accomplishment selfish aims violate people trust betray people interests individual sense responsibility part us stern determination perform duty well must give us place among added day generation glory prosperity beloved land grover cleveland
assemble cloud sense public bereavement cause recent sudden death thomas hendricks united state distinguish public service complete integrity devotion every duty personal virtue find honorable record country history ample repeat proofs esteem confidence hold manifested election office important trust high dignity length full year honor lay rest amid universal sorrow benediction constitution require choose legislate people annually meet discharge solemn trust also require president give congress information state union recommend consideration measure shall deem necessary expedient threshold compliance constitutional direction well u bear mind usefulness people interest promote constant appreciation scope character respective duty relate federal legislation executive may recommend measure shall deem expedient responsibility legislative action must rest upon select people make law contemplation grave responsible function assign respective branch government constitution disclose partition power respective department necessary independence also need exercise power intrust spirit comity cooperation essential proper fulfillment patriotic obligation rest upon u faithful servant people jealous watchfulness constituency great small supplement suffrages tribunal establish every public servant judge gratify announce relation united state foreign power continue friendly position nearly century successful constitutional government maintenance good faith engagement avoidance complication nation consistent amicable attitude toward strong weak alike furnish proof political disposition render profession good unnecessary question difficulty pending foreign government argentine government revive long dormant question falkland islands claim united state indemnity loss attribute action commander sloop war lexington break piratical colony island 1831 subsequent occupation great britain view ample justification act lexington derelict condition island allege occupation argentine colonists government considers claim wholly groundless question arisen government touch representation united state vienna constitutional prerogative appoint estimable citizen unimpeached probity competence minister court government invite government take cognizance certain exception base upon allegation personal acceptability keiley appoint envoy ask view thereof appointment withdrawn reason advance could acquiesce without violation oath office precepts constitution since necessarily involve limitation favor foreign government upon right selection executive require application religious test qualification office united state would result practical disfranchisement large class citizen abandonment vital principle government government finally decide receive keiley envoy united state gentleman since resign commission leave post vacant make new nomination interest government vienna care secretary legation act charge ad interim early march last war break central america cause attempt guatemala consolidate several state single government contest neighbor state united state forebore interfere actively lent aid friendly office deprecation war promote peace concord among belligerent counsel contribute importantly restoration tranquillity locality emergencies grow civil war united state colombia demanded government begin administration employment arm force fulfill guaranty article treaty 1846 order keep transit open across isthmus panama desirous exercise power expressly reserve u treaty mindful right colombia force send isthmus instruct confine action positively efficaciously prevent transit accessory interrupt embarrassed execution delicate responsible task necessarily involved police control local authority temporarily powerless always aid sovereignty colombia prompt successful fulfillment duty government highly appreciated government colombia follow expression satisfaction high praise due officer men engage service restoration peace isthmus reestablishment constitute government thus accomplish force united state withdraw pending occurrence question much importance present decree colombian government proclaim closure certain port hand insurgent declare vessel hold revolutionist piratical liable capture power neither proposition could unite state assent effective closure port possession government hold hostile partisan could recognize neither could vessels insurgent legitimate sovereignty deem hostes humani generis within precept international law whatever might definition penalty act municipal law state whose authority revolt denial government colombian proposition however imply admission belligerent status part insurgent colombian government express willingness negotiate convention adjustment arbitration claim foreign citizen arise destruction city aspinwall insurrectionary force interest unite state practicable transit ship across strip land separate atlantic pacific repeatedly manifest last half century immediate predecessor cause negotiated nicaragua treaty construction sole cost united state canal nicaraguan territory lay senate pending action body thereon withdraw treaty reexamination attentive consideration provision lead withhold resubmission senate maintain tenet line precedent washington day proscribe entangle alliance foreign state favor policy acquisition new distant territory incorporation remote interest law progress vital organic must conscious irresistible tide commercial expansion concomitant active civilization day day urge onward increase facility production transportation communication steam electricity give birth duty present instructs u address mainly development vast resource great area commit charge cultivation art peace within border though jealously alert prevent american hemisphere involved political problem complication distant government therefore unable recommend proposition involve paramount privilege ownership right outside territory couple absolute unlimited engagement defend territorial integrity state interest lie general project connect two ocean mean canal encouraged opinion scheme end consider favor free feature allude tehuantepec route declare engineer high repute competent scientist afford entirely practicable transit vessel cargo mean ship railway atlantic pacific obvious advantage route feasible others remote axial line traffic europe pacific particularly valley mississippi western coast north south america deserve consideration whatever highway may construct across barrier divide two great maritime area world must world benefit trust mankind remove chance domination single power become point invitation hostility prize warlike ambition engagement combine construction ownership operation work government offensive defensive alliance protection foreign state whose responsibility right would share judgment inconsistent dedication universal neutral use would moreover entail measure realization beyond scope national polity present mean lapse year abundantly confirm wisdom foresight earlier administration long condition maritime intercourse change enlarged progress age proclaim vital need interoceanic transit across american isthmus consecrate advance common use mankind positive declaration formal obligation treaty toward realization effort administration apply ever bear mind principle must rest declare uncertain tone cass secretary state 1858 announce united state want central america next happiness people security neutrality interoceanic route lead construction three transcontinental line railway successful operation wholly within territory uniting atlantic pacific ocean accompany result interest impressive nature create new condition route commerce political geography powerfully affect relation toward necessarily increase interest transisthmian route may open employed end peace traffic contingency use inimical transportation factor cost commodity scarcely second production weigh heavily upon consumer experience already proven great importance competition land carriage water carriage fully develop act protection public tendency monopoly inherent consolidation wealth power hand vast corporation suggestion may serve emphasize already say score necessity neutralization interoceanic transit accomplish make us route open nation subject ambition warlike necessity none drawing report recent survey nicaragua canal route make chief engineer menocal communicate information claim citizen united state loss reason late military operation chile peru bolivia subject negotiation claim convention chile provide submission arbitration harmony relation china fully sustain application act lately pass execute treaty 1880 restrictive immigration chinese laborer united state individual case hardship occur beyond power executive remedy call judicial determination condition chinese question western state territory despite restrictive legislation far satisfactory recent outbreak wyoming territory number unoffending chinaman indisputably within protection treaty law murder mob still recent threaten outbreak character washington territory fresh mind apprehension l bitterness feel mongolian race pacific slope may find vent similar lawless demonstration power government exert maintain amplest good faith toward china treatment men inflexible sternness law bring wrongdoer justice insist upon every effort make government prevent violent outbreak aid representative china investigation outrage say traceable lawlessness men citizen united state engage competition chinese laborer race prejudice chief factor originate disturbance exists large part domain jeopardize domestic peace good relationship strive maintain china admit right government prevent influx element hostile internal peace security may question even treaty stipulation subject exclusion chinese labor demand country like condition prevail strongly evidence dominion canada chinese immigration regulate law exclusive exist law inadequate compass end view shall prepare give earnest consideration remedial measure within treaty limit wisdom congress may devise independent state kongo organize government sovereignty majesty king belgian assume chief magistracy personal character without make new state dependency belgium fortunate benight region owe quicken civilization beneficence philanthropic spirit monarch advantage security benevolent supervision action take government last year first recognize flag international association kongo follow formal recognition new nationality succeed sovereign power conference delegate principal commercial nation hold berlin last winter discus method whereby kongo basin might keep open world trade delegate attend behalf united state understand part merely deliberative without impart result bind character far united state concerned reserve due indisposition government share disposal international congress jurisdictional question remote foreign territory result conference embody formal act nature international convention lay certain obligation purport bind signatory subject ratification within one year notwithstanding reservation delegate united state attend signature attach general act manner plenipotentiary government thus make united state appear without reserve qualification signatories joint international engagement impose signer conservation territorial integrity distant region establish interest control government however regard reservation liberty action premise impair hold engagement share obligation enforce neutrality remote valley kongo would alliance whose responsibility position assume abstain ask sanction senate general act correspondence lay instructive interesting report agent send government kongo country recommendation establishment commercial agency african coast also submit consideration commission appoint predecessor last winter visit central south american country report method enlarge commercial relation united state therewith submit report lay opportunity omit testify friendliness government toward korea whose entrance family treaty power united state first recognize regard favor application make korean government allow employ american officer military instructor assent congress becomes necessary happy say request concurrent sanction china japan arrest imprisonment julio santos citizen united state authority ecuador give rise contention government right release speedy impartial trial announce charge guaranty defense stipulate treaty insist upon u elaborate correspondence repeat earnest representation part santos allege trial conviction eventually include general decree amnesty pardon ecuadorian executive release leave question american citizenship deny ecuadorian government insist upon amount adjudge late french american claim commission due united state french claimant account injury suffer war secession appropriate last congress duly pay french government act february 25 1885 provide preliminary search record french prize court evidence bear claim american citizen france spoliation commit prior 1801 duty perform report agent lay regret say restriction upon importation pork france continue notwithstanding abundant demonstration absence sanitary danger use entertain strong hope well understanding matter vexatious prohibition remove would please able say much respect germany austria country food product absolutely exclude without present prospect reasonable change interpretation exist treaty naturalization germany past year attract attention reason apparent tendency part imperial government extend scope residential restriction return naturalized citizen german origin assert liable law empire temperate attitude take government regard class question doubtless lead satisfactory understand dispute germany spain relative domination caroline island attract attention government reason extensive interest american citizen grown part past thirty year question ownership involve jurisdiction matter affect status citizen civil criminal law stand wholly aloof proprietary issue raise power united state friendly government expect nothing present contention shall unfavorably affect citizen carry peaceful commerce domicile informed government spain germany mark good united state great britain maintain past year termination fishing clause treaty washington pursuance joint resolution march 3 1883 must result abrupt cessation 1st july year midst venture operation citizen united state engage fish british american water diplomatic understanding reach majesty government june last whereby assurance obtain interruption operation take place current fishing season interest good neighborhood commercial intercourse adjacent community question north american fishery one much importance follow intimation give extensory arrangement describe negotiated recommend congress provide appointment commission government united state great britain shall respectively represent charge consideration settlement upon equitable honorable basis entire question fishing right two government respective citizen coast united state british north america fishing interest intimately related general question dependent upon contiguity intercourse consideration thereof equity might also properly come within purview commission full latitude expression side permit correspondence relation fish right submit arctic explore steamer alert generously give majesty government aid relief greely expedition successful attainment humane purpose return great britain pursuance authority confer act march 3 1885 inadequacy exist engagement extradition united state great britain long apparent tenth article treaty 1842 one early compact regard enter u stipulate surrender respect limit number offense crimes less inimical social welfare embrace procedure extradition bring harmony present international practice negotiation majesty government enlarge treaty extradition pending since 1870 entertain strong hop satisfactory result may soon attain frontier line alaska british columbia define treaty cession russia follow demarcation assign prior treaty great britain russia modern exploration discloses ancient boundary impracticable geographical fact unsettled condition region question lack importance discovery mineral wealth territory line suppose traverse admonishes time come accurate knowledge boundary needful avert jurisdictional complication recommend therefore provision make preliminary reconnoissance officer unite state end acquire precise information subject invite majesty government consider u adoption convenient line establish meridian observation know geographical feature without necessity expensive survey whole late insurrectionary movement hayti quelled government republic make prompt provision adjudicate loss suffer foreigner hostility claim certain citizen united state manner determine claim two citizen united state pelletier lazare dispose arbitration award favor claimant make term engagement final remain congress provide payment stipulate moiety expense question arose hayti past year reason exceptional treatment american citizen van bokkelen resident suit creditor reside united state sentence imprisonment operation haytian statute deny relief secure native haytian government assert treaty right equal treatment native hayti suit law contention deny haytian government however still profess maintain ground take van bokkelen right terminate controversy set liberty without explanation international conference consider mean arrest spread cholera epidemic disease hold rome may last adjourned meet notice expert delegate behalf united state attend session submit report relation mexico continue cordial befits neighbor strongest tie friendship commercial intimacy exist natural grow consequence similarity institution geographical propinquity relocation boundary line unite state mexico westward rio grande convention july 29 1882 unavoidably delay apprehend difficulty secure prolongation period accomplishment lately conclude commercial treaty mexico still await stipulated legislation carry provision effect one year additional time secure supplementary article sign february last since ratify side convention important commercial welfare two adjoin country constitutionally confirm make branch express hope legislation need make effective may long delay large influx capital enterprise mexico united state continue aid development resource augment material sister republic line railway penetrate heart capital country bring two people mutually beneficial intercourse enlarge facility transit add profitable commerce create new market furnish avenue otherwise isolated community already advert suggested construction ship railway across narrow formation territory mexico tehuantepec gradual recovery peru effect late disastrous conflict chile restoration civil authority distract country hop pending war claim citizen adjusted conformity notification give government peru exist treaty commerce extradition united state country terminate march 31 1886 good relationship russia continue officer navy detail purpose way siberia bear testimonial vote congress generously succor survivor unfortunate jeannette expedition gratify advert cordiality intercourse spain claim owner ship masonic loss suffer admitted dereliction spanish authority philippine island adjust arbitration indemnity award principle arbitration case united state long consistently adhere thus receive fresh gratify confirmation question spain disposed diplomatic consideration view honorable settlement operation commercial agreement spain january 2 february 13 1884 found inadequate commercial need united state spanish antilies term agreement subject conflict interpretation island negotiation institute madrid full treaty open objection line general policy touch neighborly intercourse proximate community elsewhere advert aim moreover removal exist burden annoy restriction although satisfactory termination promise compel delay announcement international copyright conference hold berne september invitation swiss government envoy united state attend delegate refrain committing government result even sign recommendatory protocol adopt interesting important subject international copyright several year action certainly desirable effect object view may question relative advantage treat legislation specific treaty mature view berne conference fail aid consideration subject termination commercial treaty 1862 united state turkey sought government question sufficiency notice termination give yet commercial right citizen turkey come guaranty prior treaty 1830 equal treatment admit porte inconvenience result assent government revision ottoman tariff treaty power invite join question concern citizen turkey may affect porte nonacquiescence right expatriation imposition religious test condition residence government concur united state must hold intercourse every power status citizen respect equal civil privilege accord without regard creed affect consideration save grow domiciliary return land original allegiance unfulfilled personal obligation may survive municipal law voluntary return negotiation venezuela relative rehearing award mixed commission constitute treaty 1866 resume view recent acquiescence venezuelan envoy principal point advanced government effect old treaty could set aside operation new convention result substantial accord advisory suggestion contain joint resolution march 3 1883 agree upon shortly submit senate ratification section 3659 revise statute fund hold trust united state annual interest accrue thereon otherwise require treaty invested stock united state bear rate interest less 5 per cent per annum procurable stock pay high rate interest letter statute present inapplicable spirit subserve continue make investment nature current stock bear high interest pay statute however make provision disposal accretion contrary general rule government allow interest claim recommend repeal provision question disposition uniform rule present accumulation investment trust fund inadequacy exist legislation touch citizenship naturalization demand consideration recognize right expatriation statutory provision exist provide mean renounce citizenship american citizen native bear naturalized terminate vacate improper acquisition citizenship even fraudulent decree naturalization cancel privilege franchise american citizenship grant care extend intend good faith assume duty responsibility attain privilege benefit withhold merely go forms naturalization intent escape duty original allegiance without take upon new status may acquire right american citizenship hostile purpose toward original government evils many flagrant illustration regard favor suggestion put forth one predecessor provision make central bureau record decree naturalization grant various court throughout united state invest power right spring domicile united state especially couple declaration intention become citizen worthy definition statute stranger come hither intent remain establish residence midst contribute general welfare voluntary act declare purpose assume responsibility citizenship thereby gain inchoate status legislation may properly define law certain state territory admit domicile alien local franchise confer right citizenship degree place anomalous position citizen state yet united state within purview federal international law important within scope national legislation define right alien domicile distinguish federal naturalization commercial relation united state immediate neighbor important area traffic near shore suggest especially liberal intercourse u follow treaty 1883 mexico rest basis reciprocal exemption custom duty similar treaty initiate predecessor recognize need less obstructed traffic cuba puerto rico meet desire spain succor languishing interest antilles step take attain end treaty commerce similar treaty afterwards sign dominican republic subsequently overtures make britannic majesty government like mutual extension commercial intercourse british west indian south american dependency without result take office withdraw reexamination treaty sign spain santo domingo pending senate result satisfy inexpediency enter engagement character cover entire traffic treaty contemplate surrender united state large revenue inadequate consideration upon sugar alone duty surrender amount far exceed advantage offer exchange even intend relieve consumer evident long exemption partially cover importation relief would illusory relinquish revenue essential seem highly improvident time new large drain upon treasury contemplate moreover embarrassing question would arise clause treaty nation objection evident tariff regulation treaty diminishes independent control revenues essential safety welfare government emergency call increase taxation may time arise engagement foreign power exist hamper action government fourteenth section ship act approve june 26 1884 certain reduction contingent exemption tonnage due make vessel enter port united state foreign port north central america west india island bahamas bermudas mexico isthmus far aspinwall panama government belgium denmark germany portugal sweden norway assert clause treaty united state claim like treatment respect vessel come united state home port government however hold privilege grant act purely geographical inure vessel foreign power may choose engage traffic country port within define zone warrant exist clause extension privilege question vessel sail country port outside limitation act undoubtedly relation commerce near neighbor whose territory form long frontier line difficult guard find country equally offer u natural market demand special considerate treatment rest congress consider legislative action may increase facility intercourse contiguity make natural desirable earnestly urge congress recast appropriation maintenance diplomatic consular service foot commensurate importance national interest every post representative necessary salary grade permit live comfort assignment adequate salary notarial extra official fee officer abroad permit treat personal perquisite do away every act require certification seal officer taxable schedule rate fee therefor returned treasury restore revenue public use consular service would even liberal increase present low salary prevention abuse system consular inspection institute appointment limited number secretary legation large assign duty wherever necessary particular temporary service mission may without head also authorize favor also authorization detail officer regular service military naval attache legation foreign government recognize union consular diplomatic function italy venezuela receive appointee one two capacity prevent requirement bond submission responsibility office whose duty discharge superadded title abandon mission deem expedient measure reorganization extraterritorial court oriental country replace present system labor disadvantage combine judicial executive function office several oriental country generous offer make premise housing legation united state grant land purpose make year since japan refer annual message predecessor siamese government make gift united state commodious quarter bangkok korea late minister permit purchase building government legation use china premise rent legation favor local charge tangier house occupy representative many year property government give purpose 1822 sultan morocco approve suggestion heretofore make view condition life administration eastern country legation building china japan korea siam perhaps persia own furnished government view permanency security end recommend authority give accept gift advert japan siam purchase country name provision furniture repair considerable save rental would result world industrial exposition hold new orleans last winter assistance federal government attract large number foreign exhibit prove great value spread among concourse visitor mexico central south america wider knowledge vary manufacture production country availability exchange production region past congress consideration advisability abolish discrimination make tariff law favor work american artist odium policy subject high rate duty painting foreign artist exempt production american artist reside abroad receive gratuitously advantage instruction visit upon citizen engage art culture europe cause practical unanimity favor abolition ungracious distinction interest obvious reason strongly recommend report secretary treasury fully exhibit condition public finance several branch government connect department suggestion secretary relate practical operation important department recommendation direction simplification economy particularly work collect custom duty especially urge upon attention congress ordinary receipt source fiscal year end june 30 1885 sum receive custom internal revenue total receipt give less year end june 30 1884 diminution embrace fall receipt custom receipt internal revenue total ordinary expenditure government fiscal year leave surplus treasury close year less surplus report close previous year expenditure classify follow amount pay public debt fiscal year end june 30 1885 pay since date november 1 1885 sum leave amount debt date however time treasury applicable general purpose government sum total receipt current fiscal year end june 30 1886 ascertain october 1 1885 estimate remainder year expenditure ascertain estimated time leave surplus close year estimate value export unite state foreign country last fiscal year follow principal export value percentage respectively bear total exportation give follow import year follow follow give prominent article import year value percentage bear total importation entire amount duty collect 70 per cent collect follow article import fact revenue excess actual need economical administration government justifies reduction amount exact people support government mean establish free people certain principle apply adopted benefit protection never well administer true spirit never well observed people taxation support scrupulously limit actual necessity expenditure distribute accord equitable plan proposition deal reduction revenue receive government indirectly pay people custom duty question free trade involve occasion general discussion wisdom expediency protective system justice fairness dictate modification present law relate revenue industry interest encourage law citizen large investment ruthlessly injured destroyed also deal subject manner protect interest american labor capital workingman stability proper remuneration furnish justifiable pretext protective policy within limitation certain reduction make custom revenue amount reduction determine inquiry follow best remitted article best release duty interest citizen think reduction make revenue derived tax upon import necessary life thus directly lessen cost living every family land release people every humble home large measure reward frugal industry year end november 1 1885 145 national bank organize aggregate capital circulate note issue amount whole number bank existence day mention limited amount circulate note issue national bank compare amount law permit issue upon deposit bond redemption indicate volume circulate medium may largely increased instrumentality nothing important present condition currency coinage claim attention since february 1878 government compulsory provision law purchase silver bullion coin rate every month process present date silver dollar coin reasonable appreciation delegation power general government would limit exercise without express restrictive word people need requirement public welfare upon theory authority coin money give congress constitution permit purchase government bullion coinage event justify purchase coinage extent beyond amount need sufficient circulate medium desire utilize silver product country lead misuse perversion power necessity addition silver currency nation compel act negative fact present time silver dollar coin actually find way circulation leave possession government custody entail considerable expense construction vault deposit latter amount outstanding silver certificate amount every month two million gold public treasury pay two million silver dollar add idle mass already accumulate continued long enough operation result substitution silver gold government own applicable general purpose rely upon custom receipts government make good drain gold silver thus coin make legal tender debt dues public private time last six month 58 per cent receipt duty silver silver certificate average within period 20 per cent proportion silver certificate receive government probably increase time go reason near period approach oblige offer silver payment obligation great inducement hoard gold depreciation value silver purpose speculate hoard gold already begin time come gold withdrawn circulation apparent difference real value silver dollar dollar gold two coin part company gold still standard value necessary dealing country premium silver bank substitute gold deposit customer may pay silver buy gold thus make handsome profit rich speculator sell hoard gold neighbor need liquidate foreign debt ruinous premium silver labor men woman land defenseless find dollar receive wage toil sadly shrink purchase power may say latter result temporary ultimately price labor adjust change even take place possibly gain must inevitably lose since price compel pay living measure coin heavily depreciate fluctuate uncertain value uncertainty value purchase medium make pretext advance price beyond justified actual depreciation word uttered 1834 daniel webster senate united state true man others deepest interest sound currency suffers mischievous legislation money matter man earn daily bread daily toil distinguish advocate bimetallism discuss silver coinage lately write american citizen hand yet felt sensation cheapness either receive expend dollar live labor legitimate trade never feel sensation cheapness however plenty silver dollar may become distributed gift among people labor man receive four depreciated dollar receive two pay depreciate coin double price pay necessary comfort life fear disastrous consequence arise continued compulsory coinage silver direct law suppose addition currency country intend result public benefit remind history demonstrates point easily reach attempt float time two sort money different excellence well cease general circulation hoard gold already take place indicate shall escape usual experience case silver coinage continue may reasonably expect gold equivalent abandon field circulation silver alone course must produce severe contraction circulate medium instead add dispute attempt part government circulation silver dollar worth 80 cent side side gold dollar worth 100 cent even within limit legislation run counter law trade successful must second confidence people coin retain purchase power interchangeable special effort make secretary treasury increase amount silver coin circulation fact large share limited amount thus put soon return public treasury payment duty lead belief people desire keep hand evident disposition hoard gold give rise suspicion already exist lack confidence among people touch financial process certainly enough silver circulation uneasiness whole amount coin hand might time absorbed people without apprehension ceaseless stream threaten overflow land cause fear uncertainty thus far submit upon subject relate almost entirely consideration home nature unconnected bearing policy nation upon question perfectly apparent line action regard currency wisely settle upon persist without consider attitude subject country maintain intercourse commerce trade travel acknowledgment fact find act virtue silver compulsorily coin provide president shall invite government country compose latin union call european nation may deem advisable join united state conference adopt common ratio gold silver purpose establish internationally use bimetallic money secure fixity relative value metal conference absolutely fail similar fate await subsequent effort direction still continue coinage silver ratio different nation vital part act remain inoperative unexecuted without ally friend battle upon silver field illogical lose contest give full effect design congress subject make careful earnest endeavor since adjournment last congress end delegate gentleman well instructed fiscal science proceed financial center europe conjunction minister england france germany obtain full knowledge attitude intent government respect establishment international ratio would procure free coinage metal mint country direction paris give close attention proceeding congress latin union order indicate interest object report action may say brief result effort attitude lead power remain substantially unchanged since monetary conference 1881 question view government instance support weight public opinion step thus take therefore fully demonstrated uselessness attempt present arrive agreement subject nation meantime accumulate silver coin base upon peculiar ratio extent assume heavy burden provide international negotiation render u undesirable party future monetary conference nation significant fact four five country compose latin union mention coinage act embarrass silver currency complete agreement among silver shall coin respective government already coin circulation shall redeem gold country coinage resort expedient country may well arrest attention suppose succeed without shock injury attempt circulate upon merit silver may coin provision act condition treasury may place persistence present course matter concern every patriotic citizen desire government pay silver obligation pay gold condition oblige u prudent management affair discontinue call payment obligation right discharge thus avoid payment interest thereon debtor class whose benefit continue compulsory coinage silver insist upon dishonest debt suspect desire jeopardize financial safety country order may cancel present debt pay depreciated dollar forget rich money lender alone must submit readjustment enforced government debtor pittance widow orphan incomes helpless beneficiary kind would disastrously reduce depositor saving bank institution hold trust saving poor little accumulation scale meet new order thing would distress painfully realize delusion promise make plentiful money would improve condition hand silver dollar necessary supply present need people satisfy sentiment wish see circulation coinage suspend readily obtain desire need anytime apparent coinage may renew disaster already overtake u furnishes proof danger wait upon continuation present silver coinage save careful management unusual expedient combination fortunate condition confident expectation course government regard silver coinage would speedily change action congress prosperity hesitate upon threshold danger uncertainty surround question capital timidly shrink trade investor unwilling take chance questionable shape money return enterprise halt risk care sagacious management protect necessary consequence labor lack employment suffer distress visit upon portion especially entitle careful consideration charge duty legislation interest appeal u strongly safe stable currency vast army unemployed recommend suspension compulsory coinage silver dollar direct law pass february 1878 service 30th day june 1885 compose 140 person include officer clerk messenger expense service receipt fiscal year special inspection foreign steam vessel organize law pass 1882 maintain year expense since close fiscal year reduction make force employed result save current year without affect efficiency service supervise report fiscal year patient receive relief service treat hospital dispensary active effective effort make medium service protect country invasion cholera prevail spain france smallpox recently break canada gratify result attend operation life save service last fiscal year observance provision law require appointment force employ service make solely reference fitness without reference political party affiliation secure result may confidently expect branch public employment rule apply consequence service compose men well qualify performance dangerous exceptionally important duty number station commission close year 203 number disaster vessel craft kind within field action 371 number person endanger disaster save 11 lose life imperil though disaster ship also rescue large amount property save aid service cost maintenance year work coast geodetic survey last fiscal year carry within boundary coast state two territory district columbia july last certain irregularity find exist management bureau lead prompt investigation method abuse brought light examination reckless disregard duty interest government develop part connect service make change superintendency officer necessary since bureau new hand introduction economy application business method produce important saving government promise useful result service never regulate anything indefinite legal enactment unsatisfactory rule many year ago sanction apparently purpose regard temporary related survey coast gain place appropriation make congress gradually take power object contemplate creation extend operation sadly need legislative attention far survey coast concerned seem propriety transfer work navy department duty charge establishment profitably attach exist department bureau prosecute law exactly define scope purpose careful discrimination scientific inquiry may properly assume government undertaken state authority individual enterprise hop report congressional committee heretofore appointed investigate like matter aid accomplishment proper legislation subject report secretary war herewith submit attention congress invite detailed account contains administration department recommendation suggestion improvement service army consist date last consolidated return officer enlist men expense department fiscal year end june 30 1885 include public work river harbor improvement besides troop dispatch pursuit small band indian leave reservation arizona commit murder outrage two regiment cavalry one infantry send last july indian territory prevent outbreak seem imminent remain aid necessary expulsion intruder upon reservation seem caused discontent among indian executive proclamation warn remove comply without interference troop also send rock spring wyoming territory massacre chinese prevent disturbance afterwards seattle washington territory avert threaten attack upon chinese laborer domestic violence case mere presence troop desire effect appear number desertion diminish last fiscal year number one instance give six desertion recruit convince number desertion much diminish good discipline treatment punishment increase repeated offense desertion might also reduce lessen term first enlistment thus allow discontent recruit contemplate nearer discharge army profitable riddance one term service reenlistment would quite apt secure content recruit good soldier act report number trial general year trial take place garrison regimental suggestion probably half army tried offenses great small one year may well arrest attention course many trial garrison regimental offense almost frivolous think way devise dispose summary less inconvenient manner proceeding occasion examine present idea justice generally prevail tribunal satisfy much reform honor honesty army navy instrumentality vindicate protect board fortification defense appoint pursuance provision act congress approve march 3 1885 short time present report hop may greatly aid legislation necessary remedy present defenseless condition seacoast work signal service prosecute last year result increase benefit country field instruction enlarge view add usefulness number station operation june 30 1885 489 telegraphic report receive daily 160 station report also receive 25 canadian station 375 volunteer observer 52 army surgeon military post 333 foreign station expense service fiscal year deduct receipt military telegraph line view fact refer secretary war work service ordinarily scientific nature fact assume large proportion constantly become unsuited fixed rule must govern army inclined agree opinion separately establish do scope extent operation nearly possible definitely prescribed law always capable exact ascertainment military academy west point report high state efficiency well equip satisfactory accomplishment purpose maintenance fact class graduate next year unusually large one constrain decline make appointment second lieutenancy army civil life vacancy exist place may reserve graduate yet probable enough vacancy provide position leave military school prevail law usage thus assign duty never actively enter military service suggest law subject change young men assign duty graduation may retain second lieutenant army desire subject assignment opportunity occur proper rule priority selection expenditures account military academy last fiscal year exclusive sum take purpose appropriation support army act approve march 3 1885 design compensate officer enlist men loss private property service united state indefinite term apparently admit many claim adjustment could contemplate remain upon statute book need amendment general law congress prohibit construction bridge navigable water manner obstruct navigation provision prevent seem exist statute government intervene prevent construction enter upon without consent though consent ask grant upon condition authority insist upon condition clear thus represent officer government great care guard obstruction navigation bridge across mississippi river paul large pier bridge build place directly navigable channel river thing permit strong argument present appropriation large sum money improve navigation important highway commerce report secretary navy give history operation department present condition work commit charge detail full course pursue protect right government respect certain vessel unfinished time accession office also concern dispatch boat dolphin claim complete await acceptance department one fail see recital contain report application business principle insist upon treatment subject whatever controversy arisen cause exaction part department contract obligation legally construe case dolphin entire justice contractor agreement enter provide ascertainment judicial inquiry complete partial compliance contract construction provide assessment damage government may entitle account partial failure perform contract payment sum still remain unpaid upon price case full performance adjudge contractor reason failure business unable complete three vessel take possession government unfinished state clause contract permit course process completion yard contractor supervision navy department congress last session authorize construction two additional new cruiser two gunboat cost exceed aggregate appropriation purpose become available 1st day july last step take procurement plan construction vessel would likely insure usefulness complete utmost importance consider constant advance art building vessel character time lose spent careful consideration selection must admit importance effective navy nation like extend seacoast protect yet single vessel war could keep sea vessel important power condition ought longer continue nation resist aggression constantly expose foreign policy necessity weak negotiation conduct disadvantage condition enforce term dictate sense right justice inspire hope share patriotic citizen day far distant navy befits stand among nation earth rejoice every step lead direction consummation deem duty especially direct attention congress close report secretary navy humiliate weakness present organization department exhibit startling abuse waste present method expose conviction force upon u certainty mathematical demonstration proceed restoration navy need thoroughly reorganize navy department fact within seventeen year spent construction repair equipment armament vessel fact instead effective creditable fleet discontent apprehension nation undefended war vessel add disclosure make permit u doubt every attempt revive navy thus far part misdirect effort direction little well blind gropings expensive aimless folly unquestionably content maintenance navy department simply shabby ornament government constant watchfulness may prevent scandal abuse find way present organization incurable waste may reduce minimum desire build ship present usefulness instead naval reminder day past must department organize work supply talent ingenuity country affords prepare take advantage experience nation systematize effort shall unite lead one direction fully imbue conviction war vessel though new useless unless combine ingenuity man day bring forth relate construction earnestly commend portion secretary report devote subject attention congress hope suggestion touch reorganization department may adopt first step toward reconstruction navy affair postal service exhibit report lay postal revenue whose ratio gain upon rise prosperity 1882 1883 outstrip increase expense grow service check reduction rate letter postage take effect begin october latter year diminish two past fiscal year proportion 1884 1885 natural growth development meantime increase expenditure result deficiency revenue meet expense department five quarter million dollar year 1884 eight third million last fiscal year anticipate natural revival revenue oppress retarded unfavorable business condition country postal service faithful indicator gratify fact show however report return prosperity mark gain revenue latter half last year correspond period precede year change weight matter may carry single rate postage half ounce ounce reduction rate newspaper postage recent legislation begin current year operate restrain augmentation receipt otherwise might expect degree scale expense may gain upon revenue increase deficiency show close yet long period reawaken prosperity proper economy confidently anticipate even present low rate favorable country affords adequate sustain cost service operation department convenience benefit people method pay charge useful arm public service impartial less importance economical expenditure mean provide maintenance due improvement agency may enjoy high usefulness proper attention direct prevention waste extravagance good result appear report already accomplish approve recommendation reduce charge domestic money order 5 less 8 5 cent change materially aid people avail instrumentality element cheapness great importance reduction system would still remain system extend 19 additional city year 178 enjoy convenience experience commend enjoy benefit enlargement facility due community adapt city establish take together local postage exceeds maintenance nearly limit system confine law nearly reach reason give justify extension propose decide approbation sufficient examination inexpedient department contract carry foreign mail additional authority give last congress amount limit inadequate pay within purview law full rate 50 cent per mile would unjust unwise give denied others could contract let law rate bring aggregate within appropriation without practical prearrangement term would violate rate sea inland postage proffer another statute clearly appear fair compensation desire service three time price necessary secure transportation vessel upon route much beyond charge make private person service less burdensome steamship company upon refusal attempt mean provide distribution sum appropriate extra compensation withdraw service vessel thereby occasion slight inconvenience though considerable injury mail dispatch mean whatever may think policy subsidize line public conveyance travel satisfy do cover expenditure incident administration department uncertainty recipient subsidy discretion leave executive officer distribution gift public money make purpose aid enterprise suppose interest public think amount pay beneficiary might well determine congress way international congress delegate postal union country convene lisbon portugal february last session week delegate sign convention amendatory present convention particular design advance purpose additional act approval lay departmental report approve recommendation another assistant provide department invite consideration several recommendation contain report report contain history conduct department justice last year number valuable suggestion need legislation invite careful attention condition business court unite state seem imperative necessity remedial legislation subject court overburden pending cause delay determine litigation amount often denial justice among plan suggest relief one submit main feature transfer original jurisdiction circuit court district court increase judge latter necessary addition judge circuit court constitute exclusively court appeal reasonably limit appeal thereto restriction right remove cause state federal court permit appeal supreme court court district columbia territory case allow state court guard unnecessary number appeal circuit court approve plan thus outline recommend legislation necessary application judicial system present mode compensate united state marshal district attorney opinion change allow charge government certain fee service income measure amount fee within fixed limit annual aggregate direct inducement make fee criminal case large possible effort reach maximum sum permit entirely natural consequence unscrupulous marshal find encourage frivolous prosecution arrest people petty charge crime transport distant place examination trial purpose earn mileage fee district attorney uselessly attend criminal examination far place residence express purpose swell accounts government actual expense incur transaction also charge government thus right freedom citizen outrage public expenditure increase purpose furnish public officer pretexts increase measure compensation think marshal district attorney pay salary adjust rule make commensurate service fairly render connection subject desire suggest advisability find obnoxious constitutional objection invest united state commissioner power try determine certain violation law within grade misdemeanor trial might make depend upon option accuse multiplication small technical offense especially provision law render change present system desirable interest humanity well economy district court crowd petty prosecution involve punishment case conviction slight fine party accuse harass enforced attendance upon court hold hundred mile home poor friendless oblige remain jail month perhaps elapse session court hold finally bring trial surround stranger little real opportunity defense meantime frequently marshal charged government fee arrest transportation accuse expense summon witness commissioner grand jury court witness pay public fund large fee travel expense commissioner district attorney also make charge government abuse administration criminal law remedied plan suggest practicable devised report secretary interior contain account operation important department much interesting information submit consideration intricate difficult subject charge department treatment management indian satisfy progress may note condition result prudent administration present law regulation control submit lack fix purpose policy subject supply useless dilate upon wrong indian useless indulge heartless belief wrong revenge atrocious manner therefore exterminate within care government right protect invasion solemn obligation properly enough call ward government borne mind guardianship involve part effort improvement condition enforcement right seem general concurrence proposition ultimate object treatment civilization citizenship fit keep pace march progress advance civilization readily assimilate mass population assume responsibility receive protection incident condition difficulty appear selection mean present employ toward attainment result indian population exclusive alaska report number nearly locate land set apart use occupation aggregate acre land included boundary 171 reservation different dimension scatter 21 state territory present great variation climate kind quality soil among indian upon several reservation exist marked difference natural trait disposition progress toward civilization lazy vicious stupid others industrious peaceful intelligent portion independent far advanced civilization make law administer officer choice educate child school establishment maintenance others still retain squalor dependence almost savagery natural state deal question desire manifest indian ignore find great diversity tribal relation cherish utmost tenacity hold upon others considerably relax love home strong yet whose attachment particular locality mean unyielding ownership land severalty much desire others sometimes among civilized distribution would bitterly oppose variation want grow connect character several location regard upon reservation fit graze without flock herd arable land agricultural implement reservation double size necessary maintain number indians upon case perhaps enlarge add difference administration agency duty devolve upon disposition agent manner contact indian much condition welfare agent perfunctorily perform duty slothfully neglect opportunity advance moral physical improvement fail inspire desire well thing accomplish nothing direction civilization feel burden important trust interest work consistent example firm yet considerate treatment aid encouragement constantly lead charge toward light enfranchisement history progress make civilization indian think disclose fact begin religious teach follow accompany secular education pious men woman aid good work independent endeavor reward beneficent result labor consciousness christian duty well perform valuable service fully acknowledge law charge control management indian ward say indicate present condition indian attempt make apply fix unyielding plan action vary vary need circumstance indian bureau burden general oversight detail establishment hardly possess minute phase particular case need treatment thus propriety create instrumentality auxiliary already establish care indians suggest recommend passage law authorize appointment six commissioner three shall detail army charge duty careful inspection time time indians upon reservation subject care control government view discover exact condition need determine step shall take behalf government improve situation direction complete civilization ascertain inspection reservation may reduce area case part need indian occupation may purchase government indian dispose benefit indian may consent removed reservation view concentration sale behalf abandon reservation indian land hold common allot severalty manner extent indians upon reservation place protection law subject penalty indian invest right citizenship power function commissioner regard subject clearly define though conjunction secretary interior give authority deal definitely question present deemed safe consistent also charge duty ascertain indian might properly furnish implement agriculture kind case support government withdrawn present plan distribute indian supply change school may establish discontinue conduct method fitness agent charge reservation extent reservation occupy intruded upon unauthorized person generally matter related welfare improvement indian advise secretary interior concern matter detail management give power deal fully invest power plan contemplate selection person commissioner interested indian question practical idea upon subject treatment expense indian bureau last fiscal year six halt million dollar believe much expenditure might save plan propose economical effect would increase continuance safety frontier settler would subserve operation nation would save result imputation inhumanity injustice mismanagement order carry policy allotment indian land severalty deem expedient necessary survey complete reservation hope provision make prosecution work may present year small portion chiricahua apaches white mountain reservation arizona leave reservation commit number murder depredation upon settler neighborhood though prompt energetic action take military renegade elude capture escape mexico formation country indian pass thorough acquaintance speed escape manner scatter conceal among mountain near scene outrage put soldier great disadvantage effort capture though expectation still entertain ultimately take punished crime threaten disorderly conduct cheyenne indian territory early last summer cause considerable alarm uneasiness investigation prove threatening attitude due great measure occupation land reservation immense herd cattle owner claim rightfully certain lease make indian occupation appear upon examination unlawful notwithstanding lease intruder order remove cattle land indian executive proclamation enforcement proclamation effect restore peace order among indian quiet well behave executive order issue february 27 1885 predecessor portion tract country territory know old winnebago crow creek reservation direct restored public domain open settlement land law united state large number person enter upon land action alarm sioux indian claim territory belonging reservation treaty 1868 claim determine careful investigation well round consequently executive order refer proclamation april 17 1885 declare inoperative effect person upon land warn leave warn substantially comply public domain origin cession land state general government first cession make state new york large area exceed others state virginia territory proprietorship become thus vest general government extend western line pennsylvania mississippi river patriotic donation state encumber condition except held use common benefit united state purchase common fund people addition make domain extended northern line mexico pacific ocean polar sea original trust common benefit united state attach execution trust policy many home rather large estate adopt government might easily obtain abode security contentment law acquisition easily understood general character pressure local interest combine speculative spirit many instance procure passage law mar harmony general plan encumber system multitude general special enactment render land law complicate subject title uncertainty purchaser often oppression wrong law intend common benefit pervert large quantity land vest single ownership multitude character law consequence seem incapable correction mere administration common benefit united state large area public land acquire directly fraud hand single individual nation strength people nation prosperity prosperity nation glory equality justice nation perpetuity patriotism people hence far practicable plan adopt disposal public land view original policy encourage many purchase land home discourage mass large area exclusive alaska national domain sell subject contract grant remain considerable portion either mountain desert rapidly increase population create grow demand home accumulation wealth inspires eager competition obtain public land speculative purpose future collision interest mark past execution nation trust behalf settler difficult therefore commend attention recommendation contain report secretary interior reference repeal modification certain land law nation make princely grants subsidy system railroad project great national highway connect pacific state east charge donation people divert private gain corrupt use thus public indignation arouse suspicion engender great nation begrudge generosity abhors speculation fraud favorable regard people great corporation grant make revive restoration confidence secure constant unequivocal clearly manifest integrity faithful application undiminished proceeds grant construction perfect road honest discharge obligation entire justice people enjoyment right highway travel public ask content less secure thing common purpose officer government well corporation accomplishment prosperity would permanently secure road national pride would take place national complaint appear report commissioner pension 1st day july 1885 person bear upon pension roll classify follow army invalid widow minor child dependent relative decease soldier navy invalid navy widow minor child dependent survivor war 1812 widow serve war one man ten enlist late war report receiving pension exclusive dependent decease soldier 1st july 1875 number pensioner increase within ten year next thereafter expenditure public fund people cheerfully approve make recognition service soldier live dead sentiment underlie subject vitiate introduction fraudulent practice therefore fully important roll cleanse fraud secure place thereon meritorious claim speedily examine adjust reform method business bureau lately inaugurated promise well result direction operation patent office demonstrate activity inventive genius country year end june 30 1885 application patent include reissue registration label numbered period patent grant reissued label register number patent issue year 1875 receipt last fiscal year total expenditure include contingent expense application patent pending 1st day july 1884 date year 1885 considerable improvement make prompt determination application consequent relief expectant inventor number suggestion recommendation contain report commissioner patent well entitle consideration congress territory utah law united state pass suppression polygamy energetically faithfully execute past year measurably good result number conviction secure unlawful cohabitation case pleas guilty enter slight punishment impose upon promise accuse would offend law advise counsel aid abet way violation others utah commissioner express opinion base upon information able obtain polygamous marriage take place territory last year report find upon registration list voter name man actually guilty polygamy none class hold office yet last election territory officer elect except one county men though actually live practice polygamy subscribe doctrine polygamous marriage divine revelation law unto high binding upon conscience human law local national thus strange spectacle present community protect republican form government owe allegiance sustaining suffrage principle belief set naught obligation absolute obedience law land lie foundation republican institution strength perpetuity destiny nation rest upon home establish law god guard parental care regulate parental authority sanctify parental love home polygamy mother land rule nation mold character guide action son live accord god holy ordinance secure happy exclusive love father child shed warm light true womanhood unperverted unpolluted upon within pure wholesome family circle cheerless crush unwomanly mother polygamy father family best citizen republic wife child source patriotism conjugal parental affection beget devotion country man undefiled plural marriage surround single home wife child stake country inspire respect law courage defense father polygamous family feature practice system sanction oppose value institution relaxation firm execution law operation glad approve discreet legislation rid country blot upon fair fame since people uphold polygamy territory reenforce immigration land recommend law pass prevent importation mormon country agricultural interest country demand recognition liberal encouragement sustains certainty unfailing strength nation prosperity product steady toil bear full share burden taxation without complaint agriculturist slight personal representation council nation generally content humbler duty citizenship willing trust bounty nature reward labor magnitude value industry appreciate statement make total annual export product agriculture total population nearly exclusively engaged occupation department agriculture create purpose acquire diffuse among people useful information respect subject charge aid intelligent progressive farming collection statistic test value usefulness new seed plant distribute find desirable among agriculturist power duty department invest utmost importance wisely exercise must great benefit country aim beneficent government improvement people every station amelioration condition surely agriculturists neglected instrumentality establish aid farmer land well equip accomplishment purpose whose benefit adopt encouraged avail fully advantage prohibition importation several country certain animal product base upon suspicion health endanger use consumption suggest importance precaution protection stock kind disease disarm suspicion danger removal injurious prohibition law operation insufficient accomplish protection recommend amendment meet necessity situation commend consideration congress suggestion contain report commissioner agriculture calculate increase value efficiency department report civil service commission submit contains account manner law execute last year much valuable information important subject incline think sentiment general mind people country conviction correctness principle upon law enforce reform base present condition law regulate part subordinate public position throughout country applies test fitness applicant place mean competitive examination give large discretion commissioner character examination many matter connect execution thus rule regulation adopt commission much practical usefulness statute result application people may well trust commission execute law perfect fairness little irritation possible course relaxation principle underlies weaken safeguard surround expect experience administration probably suggest amendment method execution venture hope shall never remit system distribute public position purely reward partisan service doubt may well entertain whether government could survive strain continuance system upon every change administration inspire immense army claimant office lay siege patronage government engross time public officer importunity spread abroad contagion disappointment fill air tumult discontent allurement immense number office place exhibit voter land promise bestowal recognition partisan activity debauch suffrage rob political action thoughtful deliberative character evil would increase multiplication office consequent upon extension mania office hold grow indulgence would pervade population generally patriotic purpose support principle desire public good solicitude nation welfare would nearly banish activity party contest degenerate ignoble selfish disgraceful struggle possession office public place reform enforce law come none soon check progress demoralization one effect enough regard freedom brings political action conservative sober men fear confusion risk attend arbitrary sudden change public office change party rule cast ballot chance party seem necessary long continue exist denied legitimate advantage disconnect office hold follow party supremacy partisanship continue bitter pronounced supply much motive sentiment action fair hold public official charge important trust responsible best result performance duty yet insist shall rely confidential important place upon work oppose political affiliation steep partisan prejudice rancor loyalty chief desire success reform exact require subordinate position fail yield best service incompetent retain simply place whine clerk discharge indolence incompetency though gained place bad possible operation spoil system suddenly discover entitle protection sanction reform represent idea less absurd clamor applicant claim vacant position compensation questionable party work law prevent discharge indolent incompetent clerk prevent supply place unfit party worker thus phase see benefit public service people desire good government secure statute relinquish benefit without protest unmindful fact full advantage gain complete good faith execution charge insist upon recommend salary civil service commissioner increase sum nearly commensurate important duty source considerable unnatural discontent adequate provision yet make accommodate principal library government vast collection book pamphlet gather capitol numbering exclusive manuscript map product graphic art also great volume value volumes less half collection provide shelf room others increase rate thirty thousand volume year inaccessible public subject serious damage deterioration cause present situation consideration fact library capitol twice destroy damage fire daily increase value importance place deposit book law relate copyright make manifest necessity prompt action insure proper accommodation protection attention call controversy arisen condition law relate railroad facility city washington involve commissioner district much annoyance trouble hope difficulty promptly settle appropriate legislation commissioner represent enough revenue district deposit treasury united state repay sum advanced government sewer improvement act june 30 1884 desire advance share ultimately borne district cost extensive improvement street city total expense contemplate improvement estimate opinion considerable sum could save money hand contract whole work could make time express confidence advance ask made government would reimburse within reasonable time doubt improvement could make much cheap undertaken together prosecute accord general plan license law force within district deficient uncertain provision ought amend commissioner urge good reason necessity provide building use district government shall well secure safety preservation valuable book record present condition law relate succession presidency event death disability removal president require immediate amendment subject repeatedly consider congress result reach recent lamentable death vacancy time office incumbent might immediately exercise function presidential office cause public anxiety demand recurrence condition affair permit conclusion commend wise care thoughtful attention congress need welfare aspiration intelligent generous nation subordinate narrow advantage partisanship accomplishment selfish aim violate people trust betray people interest individual sense responsibility part u stern determination perform duty well must give u place among added day generation glory prosperity beloved land grover cleveland