Our heartfelt gratitude is due to the Divine Being who holds in His hands the destinies of nations for the continued bestowal during the last year of countless blessings upon our country. We are at peace with all other nations. Our public credit has greatly improved, and is perhaps now stronger than ever before. Abundant harvests have rewarded the labors of those who till the soil, our manufacturing industries are reviving, and it is believed that general prosperity, which has been so long anxiously looked for, is at last within our reach. The enjoyment of health by our people generally has, however, been interrupted during the past season by the prevalence of a fatal pestilence (the yellow fever) in some portions of the Southern States, creating an emergency which called for prompt and extraordinary measures of relief. The disease appeared as an epidemic at New Orleans and at other places on the Lower Mississippi soon after midsummer. It was rapidly spread by fugitives from the infected cities and towns, and did not disappear until early in November. The States of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee have suffered severely. About 100,000 cases are believed to have occurred, of which about 20,000, according to intelligent estimates, proved fatal. It is impossible to estimate with any approach to accuracy the loss to the country occasioned by this epidemic It is to be reckoned by the hundred millions of dollars. The suffering and destitution that resulted excited the deepest sympathy in all parts of the Union. Physicians and nurses hastened from every quarter to the assistance of the afflicted communities. Voluntary contributions of money and supplies, in every needed form, were speedily and generously furnished. The Government was able to respond in some measure to the call for help, by providing tents, medicines, and food for the sick and destitute, the requisite directions for the purpose being given in the confident expectation that this action of the Executive would receive the sanction of Congress. About 1,800 tents, and rations of the value of about $25,000, were sent to cities and-towns which applied for them, full details of which will be furnished to Congress by the proper Department. The fearful spread of this pestilence has awakened a very general public sentiment in favor of national sanitary administration, which shall not only control quarantine, but have the sanitary supervision of internal commerce in times of epidemics, and hold an advisory relation to the State and municipal health authorities, with power to deal with whatever endangers the public health, and which the municipal and State authorities are unable to regulate. The national quarantine act approved April 29, 1878, which was passed too late in the last session of Congress to provide the means for carrying it into practical operation during the past season, is a step in the direction here indicated. In view of the necessity for the most effective measures, by quarantine and otherwise, for the protection of our seaports and the country generally from this and other epidemics, it is recommended that Congress give to the whole subject early and careful consideration. The permanent pacification of the country by the complete protection of all citizens in every civil and political right continues to be of paramount interest with the great body of our people. Every step in this direction is welcomed with public approval, and every interruption of steady and uniform progress to the desired consummation awakens general uneasiness and widespread condemnation. The recent Congressional elections have furnished a direct and trustworthy test of the advance thus far made in the practical establishment of the right of suffrage secured by the Constitution to the liberated race in the Southern States. All disturbing influences, real or imaginary, had been removed from all of these States. The three constitutional amendments which conferred freedom and equality of civil and political rights upon the colored people of the South were adopted by the concurrent action of the great body of good citizens who maintained the authority of the National Government and the integrity and perpetuity of the Union at such a cost of treasure and life, as a wise and necessary embodiment in the organic law of the just results of the war. The people of the former slaveholding States accepted these results, and gave in every practicable form assurances that the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth amendments, and laws passed in pursuance thereof, should in good faith be enforced, rigidly and impartially, in letter and spirit, to the end that the humblest citizen, without distinction of race or color, should under them receive full and equal protection in person and property and in political rights and privileges. By these constitutional amendments the southern section of the Union obtained a large increase of political power in Congress and in the electoral college, and the country justly expected that elections would proceed, as to the enfranchised race, upon the same circumstances of legal and constitutional freedom and protection which obtained in all the other States of the Union. The friends of law and order looked forward to the conduct of these elections as offering to the general judgment of the country an important opportunity to measure the degree in which the right of suffrage could be exercised by the colored people and would be respected by their fellow-citizens; but a more general enjoyment of freedom of suffrage by the colored people and a more just and generous protection of that freedom by the communities of which they form a part were generally anticipated than the record of the elections discloses. In some of those States in which the colored people have been unable to make their opinions felt in the elections the result is mainly due to influences not easily measured or remedied by legal protection; but in the States of Louisiana and South Carolina at large, and in some particular Congressional districts outside of those States, the records of the elections seem to compel the conclusion that the rights of the colored voters have been overridden and their participation in the elections not permitted to be either general or free. It will be for the Congress for which these elections were held to make such examinations into their conduct as may be appropriate to determine the validity of the claims of members to their seats. In the meanwhile it becomes the duty of the executive and judicial departments of the Government, each in its province, to inquire into and punish violations of the laws of the United States which have occurred. I can but repeat what I said in this connection in my last message, that whatever authority rests with me to this end I shall not hesitate to put forth; and I am unwilling to forego a renewed appeal to the legislatures, the courts, the executive authorities, and the people of the States where these wrongs have been perpetrated to give their assistance toward bringing to justice the offenders and preventing a repetition of the crimes. No means within my power will be spared to obtain a full and fair investigation of the alleged crimes and to secure the conviction and just punishment of the guilty. It is to be observed that the principal appropriation made for the Department of Justice at the last session contained the following clause: 
  And for defraying the expenses which may be incurred in the enforcement of the act approved February 28, 1871, entitled "An act to amend an act approved May 31, 1870, entitled 'An act to enforce the rights of citizens of the United States to vote in the several States of this Union, and for other purposes,'" or any acts amendatory thereof or supplementary thereto.
 It is the opinion of the Attorney-General that the expenses of these proceedings will largely exceed the amount which was thus provided, and I rely confidently upon Congress to make adequate appropriations to enable the executive department to enforce the laws. I respectfully urge upon your attention that the Congressional elections, in every district, in a very important sense, are justly a matter of political interest and concern throughout the whole country. Each State, every political party, is entitled to the share of power which is conferred by the legal and constitutional suffrage. It is the right of every citizen possessing the qualifications prescribed by law to east one unintimidated ballot and to have his ballot honestly counted. So long as the exercise of this power and the enjoyment of this right are common and equal, practically as well as formally, submission to the results of the suffrage will be accorded loyally and cheerfully, and all the departments of Government will feel the true vigor of the popular will thus expressed. No temporary or administrative interests of Government, however urgent or weighty, will ever displace the zeal of our people in defense of the primary rights of citizenship. They understand that the protection of liberty requires the maintenance in full vigor of the manly methods of free speech, free press, and free suffrage, and will sustain the full authority of Government to enforce the laws which are framed to preserve these inestimable rights. The material progress and welfare of the States depend on the protection afforded to their citizens. There can be no peace without such protection, no prosperity without peace, and the whole country is deeply interested in the growth and prosperity of all its parts. While the country has not yet reached complete unity of feeling and reciprocal confidence between the communities so lately and so seriously estranged, I feel an absolute assurance that the tendencies are in that direction, and with increasing force. The power of public opinion will override all political prejudices and all sectional or State attachments in demanding that all over our wide territory the name and character of citizen of the United States shall mean one and the same thing and carry with them unchallenged security and respect. Our relations with other countries continue peaceful. Our neutrality in contests between foreign powers has been maintained and respected. The Universal Exposition held at Paris during the past summer has been attended by large numbers of our citizens. The brief period allowed for the preparation and arrangement of the contributions of our citizens to this great exposition was well employed in energetic and judicious efforts to overcome this disadvantage. These efforts, led and directed by the commissioner-general, were remarkably successful, and the exhibition of the products of American industry was creditable and gratifying in scope and character. The reports of the United States commissioners, giving its results in detail, will be duly laid before you. Our participation in this international competition for the favor and the trade of the world may be expected to produce useful and important results--in promoting intercourse, friendship, and commerce with other nations. In accordance with the provisions of the act of February 28, 1878, three commissioners were appointed to an international conference on the subject of adopting 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. Invitations were addressed to the various governments which had expressed a willingness to participate in its deliberations. The conference held its meetings in Paris in August last. The report of the commissioners, herewith submitted, will show its results. No common ratio between gold and silver could be agreed upon by the conference. The general conclusion was reached that it is necessary to maintain in the world the monetary functions of silver as well as of gold, leaving the selection of the use of one or the other of these two metals, or of both, to be made by each state. Congress having appropriated at its last session the sum of $5,500,000 to pay the award of the joint commission at Halifax, if, after correspondence with the British Government on the subject of the conformity of the award to the requirements of the treaty and to the terms of the question thereby submitted to the commission, the President shall deem it his duty to make the payment, communications upon these points were addressed to the British Government through the legation of the United States at London. Failing to obtain the concurrence of the British Government in the views of this Government respecting the award, I have deemed it my duty to tender the sum named within the year fixed by the treaty, accompanied by a notice of the grounds of the payment and a protest against any other construction of the same. The correspondence upon this subject will be laid before you. The Spanish Government has officially announced the termination of the insurrection in Cuba and the restoration of peace throughout that island. Confident expectations are expressed of a revival of trade and prosperity, which it is earnestly hoped may prove well rounded. Numerous claims of American citizens for relief for injuries or restoration of property have been among the incidents of the long-continued hostilities. Some of these claims are in process of adjustment by Spain, and the others are promised early and careful consideration. The treaty made with Italy in regard to reciprocal consular privileges has been duly ratified and proclaimed. 
No questions of grave importance have arisen with any other of the European powers. The Japanese Government has been desirous of a revision of such parts of its treaties with foreign powers as relate to commerce, and it is understood has addressed to each of the treaty powers a request to open negotiations with that view. The United States Government has been inclined to regard the matter favorably. Whatever restrictions upon trade with Japan are found injurious to that people can not but affect injuriously nations holding commercial intercourse with them. Japan, after a long period of seclusion, has within the past few years made rapid strides in the path of enlightenment and progress, and, not unreasonably, is looking forward to the time when her relations with the nations of Europe and America shall be assimilated to those which they hold with each other. A treaty looking to this end has been made, which will be submitted for the consideration of the Senate. After an interval of several years the Chinese Government has again sent envoys to the United States. They have been received, and a permanent legation is now established here by that Government. It is not doubted that this step will be of advantage to both nations in promoting friendly relations and removing causes of difference. The treaty with the Samoan Islands, having been duly ratified and accepted on the part of both Governments, is now in operation, and a survey and soundings of the harbor of Pago-Pago have been made by a naval vessel of the United States, with a view of its occupation as a naval station if found desirable to the service. Since the resumption of diplomatic relations with Mexico correspondence has been opened and still continues between the two Governments upon the various questions which at one time seemed to endanger their relations. While no formal agreement has been reached as to the troubles on the border, much has been done to repress and diminish them. The effective force of United States troops on the Rio Grande, by a strict and faithful compliance with instructions, has done much to remove the sources of dispute, and it is now understood that a like force of Mexican troops on the other side of the river is also making an energetic movement against the marauding Indian tribes. This Government looks with the greatest satisfaction upon every evidence of strength in the national authority of Mexico, and upon every effort put forth to prevent or to punish incursions upon our territory. Reluctant to assume any action or attitude in the control of these incursions by military movements across the border not imperatively demanded for the protection of the lives and property of our own citizens, I shall take the earliest opportunity consistent with the proper discharge of this plain duty to recognize the ability of the Mexican Government to restrain effectively violations of our territory. It is proposed to hold next year an international exhibition in Mexico, and it is believed that the display of the agricultural and manufacturing products of the two nations will tend to better understanding and increased commercial intercourse between their people. With Brazil and the Republics of Central and South America some steps have been taken toward the development of closer commercial intercourse. Diplomatic relations have been resumed with Colombia and with Bolivia. A boundary question between the Argentine Republic and Paraguay has been submitted by those Governments for arbitration to the President of the United States, and I have, after careful examination, given a decision upon it. A naval expedition up the Amazon and Madeira rivers has brought back information valuable both for scientific and commercial purposes. A like expedition is about visiting the coast of Africa and the Indian Ocean. The reports of diplomatic and consular officers in relation to the development of our foreign commerce have furnished many facts that have proved of public interest and have stimulated to practical exertion the enterprise of our people. The report of the Secretary of the Treasury furnishes a detailed statement of the operations of that Department of the Government and of the condition of the public finances. The ordinary revenues from all sources for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1878, were $257,763,878.70; the ordinary expenditures for the same period were $236,964,326.80, leaving a surplus revenue for the year of $20,799,551.90. The receipts for the present fiscal year, ending June 30, 1879, actual and estimated, are as follows: Actual receipts for the first quarter, commencing July 1, 1878, $73,389,743.43; estimated receipts for the remaining three quarters of the year, $191,110,256.57; total receipts for the current fiscal year, actual and estimated, $264,500,000. The expenditures for the same period will be, actual and estimated, as follows: For the quarter commencing July 1, 1878, actual expenditures, $73,344,573.27; and for the remaining three quarters of the year the expenditures are estimated at $166,755,426.73, making the total expenditures $240,100,000, and leaving an estimated surplus revenue for the year ending June 30, 1879, of $24,400,000. The total receipts during the next fiscal year, ending June 30, 1880, estimated according to existing laws, will be $264,500,000, and the estimated ordinary expenditures for the same period will be $236,320,412.68, leaving a surplus of $28,179,587.32 for that year. In the foregoing statements of expenditures, actual and estimated, no amount is allowed for the sinking fund provided for by the act approved February 25, 1862, which requires that 1 per cent of the entire debt of the United States shall be purchased or paid within each fiscal year, to be set apart as a sinking fund. There has been, however, a substantial compliance with the conditions of the law. By its terms the public debt should have been reduced between 1862 and the close of the last fiscal year $518,361,806.28; the actual reduction of the ascertained debt in that period has been $720,644,739.61, being in excess of the reduction required by the sinking fund act $202,282,933.33. The amount of the public debt, less cash in the Treasury, November 1, 1878, was $2,024,200,083.18 a reduction since the same date last year of $23,150,617.39. The progress made during the last year in refunding the public debt at lower rates of interest is very gratifying. The amount of 4 per cent bonds sold during the present year prior to November 23, 1878, is $100,270,900, and 6 per cent bonds, commonly known as five-twenties, to an equal amount, have been or will be redeemed as calls mature. It has been the policy of the Department to place the 4 per cent bonds within easy reach of every citizen who desires to invest his savings, whether small or great, in these securities. The Secretary of the Treasury recommends that the law be so modified that small sums may be invested, and that through the post-offices or other agents of the Government the freest opportunity may be given in all parts of the country for such investments. The best mode suggested is that the Department be authorized to issue certificates of deposit, of the denomination of $10, bearing interest at the rate of 3.65 per cent per annum and convertible at any time within one year after their issue into the 4 per cent bonds authorized by the refunding act, and to be issued only in exchange for United States notes sent to the Treasury by mail or otherwise. Such a provision of law, supported by suitable regulations, would enable any person readily, without cost or risk, to convert his money into an interest-bearing security of the United States, and the money so received could be applied to the redemption of 6 per cent bonds. The coinage of gold during the last fiscal year was $52,798,980. The coinage of silver dollars under the act passed February 28, 1878, amounted on the 23d of November, 1878, to $19,814,550, of which amount $4,984,947 are in circulation, and the balance, $14,829.,603, is still in the possession of the Government. With views unchanged with regard to the act under which the coinage of silver proceeds, it has been the purpose of the Secretary faithfully to execute the law and to afford a fair trial to the measure. In the present financial condition of the country I am persuaded that the welfare of legitimate business and industry of every description will be best promoted by abstaining from all attempts to make radical changes in the existing financial legislation. Let it be understood that during the coming year the business of the country will be undisturbed by governmental interference with the laws affecting it, and we may confidently expect that the resumption of specie payments, which will take place at the appointed time, will be successfully and easily maintained, and that it will be followed by a healthful and enduring revival of business prosperity. Let the healing influence of time, the inherent energies of our people, and the boundless resources of our country have a fair opportunity, and relief from present difficulties will surely follow. The report of the Secretary of War shows that the Army has been well and economically supplied; that our small force has been actively employed and has faithfully performed all the service required of it. The morale of the Army has improved and the number of desertions has materially decreased during the year. The Secretary recommends-- 1. That a pension be granted to the widow of the late Lieutenant Henry H. Benner, Eighteenth Infantry, who lost his life by yellow fever while in command of the steamer. J.M. Chambers, sent with supplies for the relief of sufferers in the South from that disease. 2. The establishment of the annuity scheme for the benefit of the heirs of deceased officers, as suggested by the Paymaster-General. 3. The adoption by Congress of a plan for the publication of the records of the War of the Rebellion, now being prepared for that purpose. 4. The increase of the extra per diem of soldier teachers employed in post schools, and liberal appropriations for the erection of buildings for schools and libraries at the different posts. 5. The repeal or amendment of the act of June 18, 1878, forbidding the use of the Army "as a posse comitatus, or otherwise, for the purpose of executing the laws, except in such cases and under such circumstances as such employment of said force may be expressly authorized by the Constitution or by act of Congress." 6. The passage of a joint resolution of Congress legalizing the issues of rations, tents, and medicines which were made for the relief of sufferers from yellow fever. 7. That provision be made for the erection of a fireproof building for the preservation of certain valuable records, now constantly exposed to destruction by fire. 
These recommendations are all commended to your favorable consideration. The report of the Secretary of the Navy shows that the Navy has improved during the last fiscal year. Work has been done on seventy-five vessels, ten of which have been thoroughly repaired and made ready for sea. Two others are in rapid progress toward completion. The total expenditures of the year, including the amount appropriated for the deficiencies of the previous year, were $17,468,392.65. The actual expenses chargeable to the year, exclusive of these deficiencies, were $13,306,914.09, or $767,199.18 less than those of the previous year, and $4,928,677.74 less than the expenses including the deficiencies. The estimates for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1880, are $14,562,381.45, exceeding the appropriations of the present year only $33,949.75, which excess is occasioned by the demands of the Naval Academy and the Marine Corps, as explained in the Secretary's report. The appropriations for the present fiscal year are $14,528,431.70, which, in the opinion of the Secretary, will be ample for all the current expenses of the Department during the year. The amount drawn from the Treasury from July 1 to November 1, 1878, is $4,740,544.14, of which $70,980.75 has been refunded, leaving as the expenditure for that period $4,669,563.39, or $520,899.24 less than the corresponding period of the last fiscal year. The report of the Postmaster-General embraces a detailed statement of the operations of the Post-Office Department. The expenditures of that Department for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1878, were $34,165,084.49. The receipts, including sales of stamps, money-order business, and official stamps, were $29,277,516.95. The sum of $290,436.90, included in the foregoing statement of expenditures, is chargeable to preceding years, so that the actual expenditures for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1878, are $33,874,647.59. The amount drawn from the Treasury on appropriations, in addition to the revenues of the Department, was $5,307,652.82. The expenditures for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1880, are estimated at $36,571,900 and the receipts from all sources at $30,664,023.90, leaving a deficiency to be appropriated out of the Treasury of $5,907,876.10. The report calls attention to the fact that the compensation of postmasters and of railroads for carrying the mail is regulated by law, and that the failure of Congress to appropriate the amounts required for these purposes does not relieve the Government of responsibility, but necessarily increases the deficiency bills which Congress will be called upon to pass. In providing for the postal service the following questions are presented: Should Congress annually appropriate a sum for its expenses largely in excess of its revenues, or should such rates of postage be established as will make the Department self-sustaining? Should the postal service be reduced by excluding from the mails matter which does not pay its way? Should the number of post routes be diminished? Should other methods be adopted which will increase the revenues or diminish the expenses of the postal service? The International Postal Congress which met at Paris May 1, 1878, and continued in session until June 4 of the same year, was composed of delegates from nearly all the civilized countries of the world. It adopted a new convention (to take the place of the treaty concluded at Berne October 9, 1874), which goes into effect on the 1st of April, 1879, between the countries whose delegates have signed it. It was ratified and approved, by and with the consent of the President, August 13, 1878. A synopsis of this Universal Postal Convention will be found in the report of the Postmaster-General, and the full text in the appendix thereto. In its origin the Postal Union comprised twenty-three countries, having a population of 350,000,000 people. On the 1st of April next it will comprise forty-three countries and colonies, with a population of more than 650,000,000 people, and will soon, by the accession of the few remaining countries and colonies which maintain organized postal services, constitute in fact as well as in name, as its new title indicates, a universal union, regulating, upon a uniform basis of cheap postage rates, the postal intercourse between all civilized nations. Some embarrassment has arisen out of the conflict between the customs laws of this country and the provisions of the Postal Convention in regard to the transmission of foreign books and newspapers to this country by mail. It is hoped that Congress will be able to devise some means of reconciling the difficulties which have thus been created, so as to do justice to all parties involved. The business of the Supreme Court and of the courts in many of the circuits has increased to such an extent during the past year that additional legislation is imperative to relieve and prevent the delay of justice and possible oppression to suitors which is thus occasioned. The encumbered condition of these dockets is presented anew in the report of the Attorney-General, and the remedy suggested is earnestly urged for Congressional action. The creation of additional circuit judges, as proposed, would afford a complete remedy, and would involve an expense, at the present rate of salaries of not more than $60,000 a year. The annual reports of the Secretary of the Interior and of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs present an elaborate account of the present condition of the Indian tribes and of that branch of the public service which ministers to their interests. While the conduct of the Indians generally has been orderly and their relations with their neighbors friendly and peaceable, two local disturbances have occurred, which were deplorable in their character, but remained, happily, confined to a comparatively small number of Indians. The discontent among the Bannocks, which led first to some acts of violence on the part of some members of the tribe and finally to the outbreak, appears to have been caused by an insufficiency of food on the reservation, and this insufficiency to have been owing to the inadequacy of the appropriations made by Congress to the wants of the Indians at a time when the Indians were prevented from supplying the deficiency by hunting. After an arduous pursuit by the troops of the United States, and several engagements, the hostile Indians were reduced to subjection, and the larger part of them surrendered themselves as prisoners. In this connection I desire to call attention to the recommendation made by the Secretary of the Interior, that a sufficient fund be placed at the disposal of the Executive, to be used, with proper accountability, at discretion, in sudden emergencies of the Indian service. The other case of disturbance was that of a band of Northern Cheyennes, who suddenly left their reservation in the Indian Territory and marched rapidly through the States of Kansas and Nebraska in the direction of their old hunting grounds, committing murders and other crimes on their way. From documents accompanying the report of the Secretary of the Interior it appears that this disorderly band was as fully supplied with the necessaries of life as the 4,700 other Indians who remained quietly on the reservation, and that the disturbance was caused by men of a restless and mischievous disposition among the Indians themselves. Almost the whole of this band have surrendered to the military authorities; and it is a gratifying fact that when some of them had taken refuge in the camp of the Red Cloud Sioux, with whom they had been in friendly relations, the Sioux held them as prisoners and readily gave them up to the officers of the United States, thus giving new proof of the loyal spirit which, alarming rumors to the contrary notwithstanding, they have uniformly shown ever since the wishes they expressed at the council of September, 1877, had been complied with. Both the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of War unite in the recommendation that provision be made by Congress for the organization of a corps of mounted "Indian auxiliaries," to be under the control of the Army and to be used for the purpose of keeping the Indians on their reservations and preventing or repressing disturbance on their part. I earnestly concur in this recommendation. It is believed that the organization of such a body of Indian cavalry, receiving a moderate pay from the Government, would considerably weaken the restless element among the Indians by withdrawing from it a number of young men and giving them congenial employment under the Government, it being a matter of experience that Indians in our service almost without exception are faithful in the performance of the duties assigned to them. Such an organization would materially aid the Army in the accomplishment of a task for which its numerical strength is sometimes found insufficient. But while the employment of force for the prevention or repression of Indian troubles is of occasional necessity, and wise preparation should be made to that end, greater reliance must be placed on humane and civilizing agencies for the ultimate solution of what is called the Indian problem. It may be very difficult and require much patient effort to curb the unruly spirit of the savage Indian to the restraints of civilized life, but experience shows that it is not impossible. Many of the tribes which are now quiet and orderly and self-supporting were once as savage as any that at present roam over the plains or in the mountains of the far West, and were then considered inaccessible to civilizing influences. It may be impossible to raise them fully up to the level of the white population of the United States; but we should not forget that they are the aborigines of the country, and called the soil their own on which our people have grown rich, powerful, and happy. We owe it to them as a moral duty to help them in attaining at least that degree of civilization which they may be able to reach. It is not only our duty, it is also our interest to do so. Indians who have become agriculturists or herdsmen, and feel an interest in property, will thenceforth cease to be a warlike and disturbing element. It is also a well-authenticated fact that Indians are apt to be peaceable and quiet when their children are at school, and I am gratified to know, from the expressions of Indians themselves and from many concurring reports, that there is a steadily increasing desire, even among Indians belonging to comparatively wild tribes, to have their children educated. I invite attention to the reports of the Secretary of the Interior and the Commissioner of Indian Affairs touching the experiment recently inaugurated, in taking fifty Indian children, boys and girls, from different tribes, to the Hampton Normal Agricultural Institute in Virginia, where they are to receive an elementary English education and training in agriculture and other useful works, to be returned to their tribes, after the completed course, as interpreters, instructors, and examples. It is reported that the officer charged with the selection of those children might have had thousands of young Indians sent with him had it been possible to make provision for them. I agree with the Secretary of the Interior in saying that "the result of this interesting experiment, if favorable, may be destined to become an important factor in the advancement of civilization among the Indians." The question whether a change in the control of the Indian service should be made was at the last session of Congress referred to a committee for inquiry and report. Without desiring to anticipate that report, I venture to express the hope that in the decision of so important a question the views expressed above may not be lost sight of, and that the decision, whatever it may be, will arrest further agitation of this subject, such agitation being apt to produce a disturbing effect upon the service, as well as on the Indians themselves. In the enrollment of the bill making appropriations for sundry civil expenses, at the last session of Congress, that portion which provided for the continuation of the Hot Springs Commission was omitted. As the commission had completed the work of taking testimony on the many conflicting claims, the suspension of their labors, before determining the rights of claimants, threatened for a time to embarrass the interests, not only of the Government, but also of a large number of the citizens of Hot Springs, who were waiting for final action on their claims before beginning contemplated improvements. In order to prevent serious difficulties, which were apprehended, and at the solicitation of many leading citizens of Hot Springs and others interested in the welfare of the town, the Secretary of the Interior was authorized to request the late commissioners to take charge of the records of their proceedings and to perform such work as could properly be done by them under such circumstances to facilitate the future adjudication of the claims at an early day and to preserve the status of the claimants until their rights should be finally determined. The late commissioners complied with that request, and report that the testimony in all the cases has been written out, examined, briefed, and so arranged as to facilitate an early settlement when authorized by law. It is recommended that the requisite authority be given at as early a day in the session as possible, and that a fair compensation be allowed the late commissioners for the expense incurred and the labor performed by them since the 25th of June last. I invite the attention of Congress to the recommendations made by the Secretary of the Interior with regard to the preservation of the timber on the public lands of the United States. The protection of the public property is one of the first duties of the Government. The Department of the Interior should therefore be enabled by sufficient appropriations to enforce the laws in that respect. But this matter appears still more important as a question of public economy. The rapid destruction of our forests is an evil fraught with the gravest consequences, especially in the mountainous districts, where the rocky slopes, once denuded of their trees, will remain so forever. There the injury, once done, can not be repaired. I fully concur with the Secretary of the Interior in the opinion that for this reason legislation touching the public timber in the mountainous States and Territories of the West should be especially well considered, and that existing laws in which the destruction of the forests is not sufficiently guarded against should be speedily modified. A general law concerning this important subject appears to me to be a matter of urgent public necessity. From the organization of the Government the importance of encouraging by all possible means the increase of our agricultural productions has been acknowledged and urged upon the attention of Congress and the people as the surest and readiest means of increasing our substantial and enduring prosperity. The words of Washington are as applicable to-day as when, in his eighth annual message, he said: 
  It will not be doubted that, with reference either to individual or national welfare, agriculture is of primary importance. In proportion as nations advance in population and other circumstances of maturity this truth becomes more apparent, and renders the cultivation of the soil more and more an object of public patronage. Institutions for promoting it grow up, supported by the public purse; and to what object can it be dedicated with greater propriety? Among the means which have been employed to this end none have been attended with greater success than the establishment of boards (composed of proper characters) charged with collecting and diffusing information, and enabled by premiums and small pecuniary aids to encourage and assist a spirit of discovery and improvement. This species of establishment contributes doubly to the increase of improvement, by stimulating to enterprise and experiment, and by drawing to a common center the results everywhere of individual skill and observation and spreading them thence over the whole nation. Experience accordingly hath shewn that they are very cheap instruments of immense national benefits.
 The preponderance of the agricultural over any other interest in the United States entitles it to all the consideration claimed for it by Washington. About one-half of the population of the United States is engaged in agriculture. The value of the agricultural products of the United States for the year 1878 is estimated at $3,000,000,000. The exports of agricultural products for the year 1877, as appears from the report of the Bureau of Statistics, were $524,000,000. The great extent of our country, with its diversity of soil and climate, enables us to produce within our own borders and by our own labor not only the necessaries, but most of the luxuries, that are consumed in civilized countries. Yet, notwithstanding our advantages of soil, climate, and inter-communication, it appears from the statistical statements in the report of the Commissioner of Agriculture that we import annually from foreign lands many millions of dollars worth of agricultural products which could be raised in our own country. Numerous questions arise in the practice of advanced agriculture which can only be answered by experiments, often costly and sometimes fruitless, which are beyond the means of private individuals and are a just and proper charge on the whole nation for the benefit of the nation. It is good policy, especially in times of depression and uncertainty in other business pursuits, with a vast area of uncultivated, and hence unproductive, territory, wisely opened to homestead settlement, to encourage by every proper and legitimate means the occupation and tillage of the soil. The efforts of the Department of Agriculture to stimulate old and introduce new agricultural industries, to improve the quality and increase the quantity of our products, to determine the value of old or establish the importance of new methods of culture, are worthy of your careful and favorable consideration, and assistance by such appropriations of money and enlargement of facilities as may seem to be demanded by the present favorable conditions for the growth and rapid development of this important interest. The abuse of animals in transit is widely attracting public attention. A national convention of societies specially interested in the subject has recently met at Baltimore, and the facts developed, both in regard to cruelties to animals and the effect of such cruelties upon the public health, would seem to demand the careful consideration of Congress and the enactment of more efficient laws for the prevention of these abuses. The report of the Commissioner of the Bureau of Education shows very gratifying progress throughout the country in all the interests committed to the care of this important office. The report is especially encouraging with respect to the extension of the advantages of the common-school system in sections of the country where the general enjoyment of the privilege of free schools is not yet attained. To education more than to any other agency we are to look as the resource for the advancement of the people in the requisite knowledge and appreciation of their rights and responsibilities as citizens, and I desire to repeat the suggestion contained in my former message in behalf of the enactment of appropriate measures by Congress for the purpose of supplementing with national aid the local systems of education in the several States. Adequate accommodations for the great library, which is overgrowing the capacity of the rooms now occupied at the Capitol, should be provided without further delay. This invaluable collection of books, manuscripts, and illustrative art has grown to such proportions, in connection with the copyright system of the country, as to demand the prompt and careful attention of Congress to save it from injury in its present crowded and insufficient quarters. As this library is national in its character, and must from the nature of the case increase even more rapidly in the future than in the past, it can not be doubted that the people will sanction any wise expenditure to preserve it and to enlarge its usefulness. The appeal of the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution for the means to organize, exhibit, and make available for the public benefit the articles now stored away belonging to the National Museum I heartily recommend to your favorable consideration. The attention of Congress is again invited to the condition of the river front of the city of Washington. It is a matter of vital importance to the health of the residents of the national capital, both temporary and permanent, that the lowlands in front of the city, now subject to tidal overflow, should be reclaimed. In their present condition these flats obstruct the drainage of the city and are a dangerous source of malarial poison. The reclamation will improve the navigation of the river by restricting, and consequently deepening, its channel, and is also of importance when considered in connection with the extension of the public ground and the enlargement of the park west and south of the Washington Monument. The report of the board of survey, heretofore ordered by act of Congress, on the improvement of the harbor of Washington and Georgetown, is respectfully commended to consideration. The report of the Commissioners of the District of Columbia presents a detailed statement of the affairs of the District. The relative expenditures by the United States and the District for local purposes is contrasted, showing that the expenditures by the people of the District greatly exceed those of the General Government. The exhibit is made in connection with estimates for the requisite repair of the defective pavements and sewers of the city, which is a work of immediate necessity; and in the same connection a plan is presented for the permanent funding of the outstanding securities of the District. The benevolent, reformatory, and penal institutions of the District are all entitled to the favorable attention of Congress. The Reform School needs additional buildings and teachers. Appropriations which will place all of these institutions in a condition to become models of usefulness and beneficence will be regarded by the country as liberality wisely bestowed. The Commissioners, with evident justice, request attention to the discrimination made by Congress against the District in the donation of land for the support of the public schools, and ask that the same liberality that has been shown to the inhabitants of the various States and Territories of the United States may be extended to the District of Columbia. The Commissioners also invite attention to the damage inflicted upon public and private interests by the present location of the depots and switching tracks of the several railroads entering the city, and ask for legislation looking to their removal. The recommendations and suggestions contained in the report will, I trust, receive the careful consideration of Congress. Sufficient time has, perhaps, not elapsed since the reorganization of the government of the District under the recent legislation of Congress for the expression of a confident opinion as to its successful operation, but the practical results already attained are so satisfactory that the friends of the new government may well urge upon Congress the wisdom of its continuance, without essential modification, until by actual experience its advantages and defects may be more fully ascertained.
Our heartfelt gratitude is due to the Divine Being who holds in His hands the destinies of nations for the continued bestowal during the last year of countless blessings upon our country. We are at peace with all other nations. Our public credit has greatly improved, and is perhaps now stronger than ever before. Abundant harvests have rewarded the labors of those who till the soil, our manufacturing industries are reviving, and it is believed that general prosperity, which has been so long anxiously looked for, is at last within our reach. The enjoyment of health by our people generally has, however, been interrupted during the past season by the prevalence of a fatal pestilence (the yellow fever) in some portions of the Southern States, creating an emergency which called for prompt and extraordinary measures of relief. The disease appeared as an epidemic at New Orleans and at other places on the Lower Mississippi soon after midsummer. It was rapidly spread by fugitives from the infected cities and towns, and did not disappear until early in November. The States of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee have suffered severely. About 100,000 cases are believed to have occurred, of which about 20,000, according to intelligent estimates, proved fatal. It is impossible to estimate with any approach to accuracy the loss to the country occasioned by this epidemic It is to be reckoned by the hundred millions of dollars. The suffering and destitution that resulted excited the deepest sympathy in all parts of the Union. Physicians and nurses hastened from every quarter to the assistance of the afflicted communities. Voluntary contributions of money and supplies, in every needed form, were speedily and generously furnished. The Government was able to respond in some measure to the call for help, by providing tents, medicines, and food for the sick and destitute, the requisite directions for the purpose being given in the confident expectation that this action of the Executive would receive the sanction of Congress. About 1,800 tents, and rations of the value of about $25,000, were sent to cities and-towns which applied for them, full details of which will be furnished to Congress by the proper Department. The fearful spread of this pestilence has awakened a very general public sentiment in favor of national sanitary administration, which shall not only control quarantine, but have the sanitary supervision of internal commerce in times of epidemics, and hold an advisory relation to the State and municipal health authorities, with power to deal with whatever endangers the public health, and which the municipal and State authorities are unable to regulate. The national quarantine act approved April 29, 1878, which was passed too late in the last session of Congress to provide the means for carrying it into practical operation during the past season, is a step in the direction here indicated. In view of the necessity for the most effective measures, by quarantine and otherwise, for the protection of our seaports and the country generally from this and other epidemics, it is recommended that Congress give to the whole subject early and careful consideration. The permanent pacification of the country by the complete protection of all citizens in every civil and political right continues to be of paramount interest with the great body of our people. Every step in this direction is welcomed with public approval, and every interruption of steady and uniform progress to the desired consummation awakens general uneasiness and widespread condemnation. The recent Congressional elections have furnished a direct and trustworthy test of the advance thus far made in the practical establishment of the right of suffrage secured by the Constitution to the liberated race in the Southern States. All disturbing influences, real or imaginary, had been removed from all of these States. The three constitutional amendments which conferred freedom and equality of civil and political rights upon the colored people of the South were adopted by the concurrent action of the great body of good citizens who maintained the authority of the National Government and the integrity and perpetuity of the Union at such a cost of treasure and life, as a wise and necessary embodiment in the organic law of the just results of the war. The people of the former slaveholding States accepted these results, and gave in every practicable form assurances that the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth amendments, and laws passed in pursuance thereof, should in good faith be enforced, rigidly and impartially, in letter and spirit, to the end that the humblest citizen, without distinction of race or color, should under them receive full and equal protection in person and property and in political rights and privileges. By these constitutional amendments the southern section of the Union obtained a large increase of political power in Congress and in the electoral college, and the country justly expected that elections would proceed, as to the enfranchised race, upon the same circumstances of legal and constitutional freedom and protection which obtained in all the other States of the Union. The friends of law and order looked forward to the conduct of these elections as offering to the general judgment of the country an important opportunity to measure the degree in which the right of suffrage could be exercised by the colored people and would be respected by their fellow-citizens; but a more general enjoyment of freedom of suffrage by the colored people and a more just and generous protection of that freedom by the communities of which they form a part were generally anticipated than the record of the elections discloses. In some of those States in which the colored people have been unable to make their opinions felt in the elections the result is mainly due to influences not easily measured or remedied by legal protection; but in the States of Louisiana and South Carolina at large, and in some particular Congressional districts outside of those States, the records of the elections seem to compel the conclusion that the rights of the colored voters have been overridden and their participation in the elections not permitted to be either general or free. It will be for the Congress for which these elections were held to make such examinations into their conduct as may be appropriate to determine the validity of the claims of members to their seats. In the meanwhile it becomes the duty of the executive and judicial departments of the Government, each in its province, to inquire into and punish violations of the laws of the United States which have occurred. I can but repeat what I said in this connection in my last message, that whatever authority rests with me to this end I shall not hesitate to put forth; and I am unwilling to forego a renewed appeal to the legislatures, the courts, the executive authorities, and the people of the States where these wrongs have been perpetrated to give their assistance toward bringing to justice the offenders and preventing a repetition of the crimes. No means within my power will be spared to obtain a full and fair investigation of the alleged crimes and to secure the conviction and just punishment of the guilty. It is to be observed that the principal appropriation made for the Department of Justice at the last session contained the following clause: And for defraying the expenses which may be incurred in the enforcement of the act approved February 28, 1871, entitled "An act to amend an act approved May 31, 1870, entitled 'An act to enforce the rights of citizens of the United States to vote in the several States of this Union, and for other purposes,'" or any acts amendatory thereof or supplementary thereto. It is the opinion of the Attorney-General that the expenses of these proceedings will largely exceed the amount which was thus provided, and I rely confidently upon Congress to make adequate appropriations to enable the executive department to enforce the laws. I respectfully urge upon your attention that the Congressional elections, in every district, in a very important sense, are justly a matter of political interest and concern throughout the whole country. Each State, every political party, is entitled to the share of power which is conferred by the legal and constitutional suffrage. It is the right of every citizen possessing the qualifications prescribed by law to east one unintimidated ballot and to have his ballot honestly counted. So long as the exercise of this power and the enjoyment of this right are common and equal, practically as well as formally, submission to the results of the suffrage will be accorded loyally and cheerfully, and all the departments of Government will feel the true vigor of the popular will thus expressed. No temporary or administrative interests of Government, however urgent or weighty, will ever displace the zeal of our people in defense of the primary rights of citizenship. They understand that the protection of liberty requires the maintenance in full vigor of the manly methods of free speech, free press, and free suffrage, and will sustain the full authority of Government to enforce the laws which are framed to preserve these inestimable rights. The material progress and welfare of the States depend on the protection afforded to their citizens. There can be no peace without such protection, no prosperity without peace, and the whole country is deeply interested in the growth and prosperity of all its parts. While the country has not yet reached complete unity of feeling and reciprocal confidence between the communities so lately and so seriously estranged, I feel an absolute assurance that the tendencies are in that direction, and with increasing force. The power of public opinion will override all political prejudices and all sectional or State attachments in demanding that all over our wide territory the name and character of citizen of the United States shall mean one and the same thing and carry with them unchallenged security and respect. Our relations with other countries continue peaceful. Our neutrality in contests between foreign powers has been maintained and respected. The Universal Exposition held at Paris during the past summer has been attended by large numbers of our citizens. The brief period allowed for the preparation and arrangement of the contributions of our citizens to this great exposition was well employed in energetic and judicious efforts to overcome this disadvantage. These efforts, led and directed by the commissioner-general, were remarkably successful, and the exhibition of the products of American industry was creditable and gratifying in scope and character. The reports of the United States commissioners, giving its results in detail, will be duly laid before you. Our participation in this international competition for the favor and the trade of the world may be expected to produce useful and important results--in promoting intercourse, friendship, and commerce with other nations. In accordance with the provisions of the act of February 28, 1878, three commissioners were appointed to an international conference on the subject of adopting 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. Invitations were addressed to the various governments which had expressed a willingness to participate in its deliberations. The conference held its meetings in Paris in August last. The report of the commissioners, herewith submitted, will show its results. No common ratio between gold and silver could be agreed upon by the conference. The general conclusion was reached that it is necessary to maintain in the world the monetary functions of silver as well as of gold, leaving the selection of the use of one or the other of these two metals, or of both, to be made by each state. Congress having appropriated at its last session the sum of $5,500,000 to pay the award of the joint commission at Halifax, if, after correspondence with the British Government on the subject of the conformity of the award to the requirements of the treaty and to the terms of the question thereby submitted to the commission, the President shall deem it his duty to make the payment, communications upon these points were addressed to the British Government through the legation of the United States at London. Failing to obtain the concurrence of the British Government in the views of this Government respecting the award, I have deemed it my duty to tender the sum named within the year fixed by the treaty, accompanied by a notice of the grounds of the payment and a protest against any other construction of the same. The correspondence upon this subject will be laid before you. The Spanish Government has officially announced the termination of the insurrection in Cuba and the restoration of peace throughout that island. Confident expectations are expressed of a revival of trade and prosperity, which it is earnestly hoped may prove well rounded. Numerous claims of American citizens for relief for injuries or restoration of property have been among the incidents of the long-continued hostilities. Some of these claims are in process of adjustment by Spain, and the others are promised early and careful consideration. The treaty made with Italy in regard to reciprocal consular privileges has been duly ratified and proclaimed. No questions of grave importance have arisen with any other of the European powers. The Japanese Government has been desirous of a revision of such parts of its treaties with foreign powers as relate to commerce, and it is understood has addressed to each of the treaty powers a request to open negotiations with that view. The United States Government has been inclined to regard the matter favorably. Whatever restrictions upon trade with Japan are found injurious to that people can not but affect injuriously nations holding commercial intercourse with them. Japan, after a long period of seclusion, has within the past few years made rapid strides in the path of enlightenment and progress, and, not unreasonably, is looking forward to the time when her relations with the nations of Europe and America shall be assimilated to those which they hold with each other. A treaty looking to this end has been made, which will be submitted for the consideration of the Senate. After an interval of several years the Chinese Government has again sent envoys to the United States. They have been received, and a permanent legation is now established here by that Government. It is not doubted that this step will be of advantage to both nations in promoting friendly relations and removing causes of difference. The treaty with the Samoan Islands, having been duly ratified and accepted on the part of both Governments, is now in operation, and a survey and soundings of the harbor of Pago-Pago have been made by a naval vessel of the United States, with a view of its occupation as a naval station if found desirable to the service. Since the resumption of diplomatic relations with Mexico correspondence has been opened and still continues between the two Governments upon the various questions which at one time seemed to endanger their relations. While no formal agreement has been reached as to the troubles on the border, much has been done to repress and diminish them. The effective force of United States troops on the Rio Grande, by a strict and faithful compliance with instructions, has done much to remove the sources of dispute, and it is now understood that a like force of Mexican troops on the other side of the river is also making an energetic movement against the marauding Indian tribes. This Government looks with the greatest satisfaction upon every evidence of strength in the national authority of Mexico, and upon every effort put forth to prevent or to punish incursions upon our territory. Reluctant to assume any action or attitude in the control of these incursions by military movements across the border not imperatively demanded for the protection of the lives and property of our own citizens, I shall take the earliest opportunity consistent with the proper discharge of this plain duty to recognize the ability of the Mexican Government to restrain effectively violations of our territory. It is proposed to hold next year an international exhibition in Mexico, and it is believed that the display of the agricultural and manufacturing products of the two nations will tend to better understanding and increased commercial intercourse between their people. With Brazil and the Republics of Central and South America some steps have been taken toward the development of closer commercial intercourse. Diplomatic relations have been resumed with Colombia and with Bolivia. A boundary question between the Argentine Republic and Paraguay has been submitted by those Governments for arbitration to the President of the United States, and I have, after careful examination, given a decision upon it. A naval expedition up the Amazon and Madeira rivers has brought back information valuable both for scientific and commercial purposes. A like expedition is about visiting the coast of Africa and the Indian Ocean. The reports of diplomatic and consular officers in relation to the development of our foreign commerce have furnished many facts that have proved of public interest and have stimulated to practical exertion the enterprise of our people. The report of the Secretary of the Treasury furnishes a detailed statement of the operations of that Department of the Government and of the condition of the public finances. The ordinary revenues from all sources for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1878, were $257,763,878.70; the ordinary expenditures for the same period were $236,964,326.80, leaving a surplus revenue for the year of $20,799,551.90. The receipts for the present fiscal year, ending June 30, 1879, actual and estimated, are as follows: Actual receipts for the first quarter, commencing July 1, 1878, $73,389,743.43; estimated receipts for the remaining three quarters of the year, $191,110,256.57; total receipts for the current fiscal year, actual and estimated, $264,500,000. The expenditures for the same period will be, actual and estimated, as follows: For the quarter commencing July 1, 1878, actual expenditures, $73,344,573.27; and for the remaining three quarters of the year the expenditures are estimated at $166,755,426.73, making the total expenditures $240,100,000, and leaving an estimated surplus revenue for the year ending June 30, 1879, of $24,400,000. The total receipts during the next fiscal year, ending June 30, 1880, estimated according to existing laws, will be $264,500,000, and the estimated ordinary expenditures for the same period will be $236,320,412.68, leaving a surplus of $28,179,587.32 for that year. In the foregoing statements of expenditures, actual and estimated, no amount is allowed for the sinking fund provided for by the act approved February 25, 1862, which requires that 1 per cent of the entire debt of the United States shall be purchased or paid within each fiscal year, to be set apart as a sinking fund. There has been, however, a substantial compliance with the conditions of the law. By its terms the public debt should have been reduced between 1862 and the close of the last fiscal year $518,361,806.28; the actual reduction of the ascertained debt in that period has been $720,644,739.61, being in excess of the reduction required by the sinking fund act $202,282,933.33. The amount of the public debt, less cash in the Treasury, November 1, 1878, was $2,024,200,083.18 a reduction since the same date last year of $23,150,617.39. The progress made during the last year in refunding the public debt at lower rates of interest is very gratifying. The amount of 4 per cent bonds sold during the present year prior to November 23, 1878, is $100,270,900, and 6 per cent bonds, commonly known as five-twenties, to an equal amount, have been or will be redeemed as calls mature. It has been the policy of the Department to place the 4 per cent bonds within easy reach of every citizen who desires to invest his savings, whether small or great, in these securities. The Secretary of the Treasury recommends that the law be so modified that small sums may be invested, and that through the post-offices or other agents of the Government the freest opportunity may be given in all parts of the country for such investments. The best mode suggested is that the Department be authorized to issue certificates of deposit, of the denomination of $10, bearing interest at the rate of 3.65 per cent per annum and convertible at any time within one year after their issue into the 4 per cent bonds authorized by the refunding act, and to be issued only in exchange for United States notes sent to the Treasury by mail or otherwise. Such a provision of law, supported by suitable regulations, would enable any person readily, without cost or risk, to convert his money into an interest-bearing security of the United States, and the money so received could be applied to the redemption of 6 per cent bonds. The coinage of gold during the last fiscal year was $52,798,980. The coinage of silver dollars under the act passed February 28, 1878, amounted on the 23d of November, 1878, to $19,814,550, of which amount $4,984,947 are in circulation, and the balance, $14,829.,603, is still in the possession of the Government. With views unchanged with regard to the act under which the coinage of silver proceeds, it has been the purpose of the Secretary faithfully to execute the law and to afford a fair trial to the measure. In the present financial condition of the country I am persuaded that the welfare of legitimate business and industry of every description will be best promoted by abstaining from all attempts to make radical changes in the existing financial legislation. Let it be understood that during the coming year the business of the country will be undisturbed by governmental interference with the laws affecting it, and we may confidently expect that the resumption of specie payments, which will take place at the appointed time, will be successfully and easily maintained, and that it will be followed by a healthful and enduring revival of business prosperity. Let the healing influence of time, the inherent energies of our people, and the boundless resources of our country have a fair opportunity, and relief from present difficulties will surely follow. The report of the Secretary of War shows that the Army has been well and economically supplied; that our small force has been actively employed and has faithfully performed all the service required of it. The morale of the Army has improved and the number of desertions has materially decreased during the year. The Secretary recommends-- 1. That a pension be granted to the widow of the late Lieutenant Henry H. Benner, Eighteenth Infantry, who lost his life by yellow fever while in command of the steamer. J.M. Chambers, sent with supplies for the relief of sufferers in the South from that disease. 2. The establishment of the annuity scheme for the benefit of the heirs of deceased officers, as suggested by the Paymaster-General. 3. The adoption by Congress of a plan for the publication of the records of the War of the Rebellion, now being prepared for that purpose. 4. The increase of the extra per diem of soldier teachers employed in post schools, and liberal appropriations for the erection of buildings for schools and libraries at the different posts. 5. The repeal or amendment of the act of June 18, 1878, forbidding the use of the Army "as a posse comitatus, or otherwise, for the purpose of executing the laws, except in such cases and under such circumstances as such employment of said force may be expressly authorized by the Constitution or by act of Congress." 6. The passage of a joint resolution of Congress legalizing the issues of rations, tents, and medicines which were made for the relief of sufferers from yellow fever. 7. That provision be made for the erection of a fireproof building for the preservation of certain valuable records, now constantly exposed to destruction by fire. These recommendations are all commended to your favorable consideration. The report of the Secretary of the Navy shows that the Navy has improved during the last fiscal year. Work has been done on seventy-five vessels, ten of which have been thoroughly repaired and made ready for sea. Two others are in rapid progress toward completion. The total expenditures of the year, including the amount appropriated for the deficiencies of the previous year, were $17,468,392.65. The actual expenses chargeable to the year, exclusive of these deficiencies, were $13,306,914.09, or $767,199.18 less than those of the previous year, and $4,928,677.74 less than the expenses including the deficiencies. The estimates for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1880, are $14,562,381.45, exceeding the appropriations of the present year only $33,949.75, which excess is occasioned by the demands of the Naval Academy and the Marine Corps, as explained in the Secretary's report. The appropriations for the present fiscal year are $14,528,431.70, which, in the opinion of the Secretary, will be ample for all the current expenses of the Department during the year. The amount drawn from the Treasury from July 1 to November 1, 1878, is $4,740,544.14, of which $70,980.75 has been refunded, leaving as the expenditure for that period $4,669,563.39, or $520,899.24 less than the corresponding period of the last fiscal year. The report of the Postmaster-General embraces a detailed statement of the operations of the Post-Office Department. The expenditures of that Department for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1878, were $34,165,084.49. The receipts, including sales of stamps, money-order business, and official stamps, were $29,277,516.95. The sum of $290,436.90, included in the foregoing statement of expenditures, is chargeable to preceding years, so that the actual expenditures for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1878, are $33,874,647.59. The amount drawn from the Treasury on appropriations, in addition to the revenues of the Department, was $5,307,652.82. The expenditures for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1880, are estimated at $36,571,900 and the receipts from all sources at $30,664,023.90, leaving a deficiency to be appropriated out of the Treasury of $5,907,876.10. The report calls attention to the fact that the compensation of postmasters and of railroads for carrying the mail is regulated by law, and that the failure of Congress to appropriate the amounts required for these purposes does not relieve the Government of responsibility, but necessarily increases the deficiency bills which Congress will be called upon to pass. In providing for the postal service the following questions are presented: Should Congress annually appropriate a sum for its expenses largely in excess of its revenues, or should such rates of postage be established as will make the Department self-sustaining? Should the postal service be reduced by excluding from the mails matter which does not pay its way? Should the number of post routes be diminished? Should other methods be adopted which will increase the revenues or diminish the expenses of the postal service? The International Postal Congress which met at Paris May 1, 1878, and continued in session until June 4 of the same year, was composed of delegates from nearly all the civilized countries of the world. It adopted a new convention (to take the place of the treaty concluded at Berne October 9, 1874), which goes into effect on the 1st of April, 1879, between the countries whose delegates have signed it. It was ratified and approved, by and with the consent of the President, August 13, 1878. A synopsis of this Universal Postal Convention will be found in the report of the Postmaster-General, and the full text in the appendix thereto. In its origin the Postal Union comprised twenty-three countries, having a population of 350,000,000 people. On the 1st of April next it will comprise forty-three countries and colonies, with a population of more than 650,000,000 people, and will soon, by the accession of the few remaining countries and colonies which maintain organized postal services, constitute in fact as well as in name, as its new title indicates, a universal union, regulating, upon a uniform basis of cheap postage rates, the postal intercourse between all civilized nations. Some embarrassment has arisen out of the conflict between the customs laws of this country and the provisions of the Postal Convention in regard to the transmission of foreign books and newspapers to this country by mail. It is hoped that Congress will be able to devise some means of reconciling the difficulties which have thus been created, so as to do justice to all parties involved. The business of the Supreme Court and of the courts in many of the circuits has increased to such an extent during the past year that additional legislation is imperative to relieve and prevent the delay of justice and possible oppression to suitors which is thus occasioned. The encumbered condition of these dockets is presented anew in the report of the Attorney-General, and the remedy suggested is earnestly urged for Congressional action. The creation of additional circuit judges, as proposed, would afford a complete remedy, and would involve an expense, at the present rate of salaries of not more than $60,000 a year. The annual reports of the Secretary of the Interior and of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs present an elaborate account of the present condition of the Indian tribes and of that branch of the public service which ministers to their interests. While the conduct of the Indians generally has been orderly and their relations with their neighbors friendly and peaceable, two local disturbances have occurred, which were deplorable in their character, but remained, happily, confined to a comparatively small number of Indians. The discontent among the Bannocks, which led first to some acts of violence on the part of some members of the tribe and finally to the outbreak, appears to have been caused by an insufficiency of food on the reservation, and this insufficiency to have been owing to the inadequacy of the appropriations made by Congress to the wants of the Indians at a time when the Indians were prevented from supplying the deficiency by hunting. After an arduous pursuit by the troops of the United States, and several engagements, the hostile Indians were reduced to subjection, and the larger part of them surrendered themselves as prisoners. In this connection I desire to call attention to the recommendation made by the Secretary of the Interior, that a sufficient fund be placed at the disposal of the Executive, to be used, with proper accountability, at discretion, in sudden emergencies of the Indian service. The other case of disturbance was that of a band of Northern Cheyennes, who suddenly left their reservation in the Indian Territory and marched rapidly through the States of Kansas and Nebraska in the direction of their old hunting grounds, committing murders and other crimes on their way. From documents accompanying the report of the Secretary of the Interior it appears that this disorderly band was as fully supplied with the necessaries of life as the 4,700 other Indians who remained quietly on the reservation, and that the disturbance was caused by men of a restless and mischievous disposition among the Indians themselves. Almost the whole of this band have surrendered to the military authorities; and it is a gratifying fact that when some of them had taken refuge in the camp of the Red Cloud Sioux, with whom they had been in friendly relations, the Sioux held them as prisoners and readily gave them up to the officers of the United States, thus giving new proof of the loyal spirit which, alarming rumors to the contrary notwithstanding, they have uniformly shown ever since the wishes they expressed at the council of September, 1877, had been complied with. Both the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of War unite in the recommendation that provision be made by Congress for the organization of a corps of mounted "Indian auxiliaries," to be under the control of the Army and to be used for the purpose of keeping the Indians on their reservations and preventing or repressing disturbance on their part. I earnestly concur in this recommendation. It is believed that the organization of such a body of Indian cavalry, receiving a moderate pay from the Government, would considerably weaken the restless element among the Indians by withdrawing from it a number of young men and giving them congenial employment under the Government, it being a matter of experience that Indians in our service almost without exception are faithful in the performance of the duties assigned to them. Such an organization would materially aid the Army in the accomplishment of a task for which its numerical strength is sometimes found insufficient. But while the employment of force for the prevention or repression of Indian troubles is of occasional necessity, and wise preparation should be made to that end, greater reliance must be placed on humane and civilizing agencies for the ultimate solution of what is called the Indian problem. It may be very difficult and require much patient effort to curb the unruly spirit of the savage Indian to the restraints of civilized life, but experience shows that it is not impossible. Many of the tribes which are now quiet and orderly and self-supporting were once as savage as any that at present roam over the plains or in the mountains of the far West, and were then considered inaccessible to civilizing influences. It may be impossible to raise them fully up to the level of the white population of the United States; but we should not forget that they are the aborigines of the country, and called the soil their own on which our people have grown rich, powerful, and happy. We owe it to them as a moral duty to help them in attaining at least that degree of civilization which they may be able to reach. It is not only our duty, it is also our interest to do so. Indians who have become agriculturists or herdsmen, and feel an interest in property, will thenceforth cease to be a warlike and disturbing element. It is also a well-authenticated fact that Indians are apt to be peaceable and quiet when their children are at school, and I am gratified to know, from the expressions of Indians themselves and from many concurring reports, that there is a steadily increasing desire, even among Indians belonging to comparatively wild tribes, to have their children educated. I invite attention to the reports of the Secretary of the Interior and the Commissioner of Indian Affairs touching the experiment recently inaugurated, in taking fifty Indian children, boys and girls, from different tribes, to the Hampton Normal Agricultural Institute in Virginia, where they are to receive an elementary English education and training in agriculture and other useful works, to be returned to their tribes, after the completed course, as interpreters, instructors, and examples. It is reported that the officer charged with the selection of those children might have had thousands of young Indians sent with him had it been possible to make provision for them. I agree with the Secretary of the Interior in saying that "the result of this interesting experiment, if favorable, may be destined to become an important factor in the advancement of civilization among the Indians." The question whether a change in the control of the Indian service should be made was at the last session of Congress referred to a committee for inquiry and report. Without desiring to anticipate that report, I venture to express the hope that in the decision of so important a question the views expressed above may not be lost sight of, and that the decision, whatever it may be, will arrest further agitation of this subject, such agitation being apt to produce a disturbing effect upon the service, as well as on the Indians themselves. In the enrollment of the bill making appropriations for sundry civil expenses, at the last session of Congress, that portion which provided for the continuation of the Hot Springs Commission was omitted. As the commission had completed the work of taking testimony on the many conflicting claims, the suspension of their labors, before determining the rights of claimants, threatened for a time to embarrass the interests, not only of the Government, but also of a large number of the citizens of Hot Springs, who were waiting for final action on their claims before beginning contemplated improvements. In order to prevent serious difficulties, which were apprehended, and at the solicitation of many leading citizens of Hot Springs and others interested in the welfare of the town, the Secretary of the Interior was authorized to request the late commissioners to take charge of the records of their proceedings and to perform such work as could properly be done by them under such circumstances to facilitate the future adjudication of the claims at an early day and to preserve the status of the claimants until their rights should be finally determined. The late commissioners complied with that request, and report that the testimony in all the cases has been written out, examined, briefed, and so arranged as to facilitate an early settlement when authorized by law. It is recommended that the requisite authority be given at as early a day in the session as possible, and that a fair compensation be allowed the late commissioners for the expense incurred and the labor performed by them since the 25th of June last. I invite the attention of Congress to the recommendations made by the Secretary of the Interior with regard to the preservation of the timber on the public lands of the United States. The protection of the public property is one of the first duties of the Government. The Department of the Interior should therefore be enabled by sufficient appropriations to enforce the laws in that respect. But this matter appears still more important as a question of public economy. The rapid destruction of our forests is an evil fraught with the gravest consequences, especially in the mountainous districts, where the rocky slopes, once denuded of their trees, will remain so forever. There the injury, once done, can not be repaired. I fully concur with the Secretary of the Interior in the opinion that for this reason legislation touching the public timber in the mountainous States and Territories of the West should be especially well considered, and that existing laws in which the destruction of the forests is not sufficiently guarded against should be speedily modified. A general law concerning this important subject appears to me to be a matter of urgent public necessity. From the organization of the Government the importance of encouraging by all possible means the increase of our agricultural productions has been acknowledged and urged upon the attention of Congress and the people as the surest and readiest means of increasing our substantial and enduring prosperity. The words of Washington are as applicable to-day as when, in his eighth annual message, he said: It will not be doubted that, with reference either to individual or national welfare, agriculture is of primary importance. In proportion as nations advance in population and other circumstances of maturity this truth becomes more apparent, and renders the cultivation of the soil more and more an object of public patronage. Institutions for promoting it grow up, supported by the public purse; and to what object can it be dedicated with greater propriety? Among the means which have been employed to this end none have been attended with greater success than the establishment of boards (composed of proper characters) charged with collecting and diffusing information, and enabled by premiums and small pecuniary aids to encourage and assist a spirit of discovery and improvement. This species of establishment contributes doubly to the increase of improvement, by stimulating to enterprise and experiment, and by drawing to a common center the results everywhere of individual skill and observation and spreading them thence over the whole nation. Experience accordingly hath shewn that they are very cheap instruments of immense national benefits. The preponderance of the agricultural over any other interest in the United States entitles it to all the consideration claimed for it by Washington. About one-half of the population of the United States is engaged in agriculture. The value of the agricultural products of the United States for the year 1878 is estimated at $3,000,000,000. The exports of agricultural products for the year 1877, as appears from the report of the Bureau of Statistics, were $524,000,000. The great extent of our country, with its diversity of soil and climate, enables us to produce within our own borders and by our own labor not only the necessaries, but most of the luxuries, that are consumed in civilized countries. Yet, notwithstanding our advantages of soil, climate, and inter-communication, it appears from the statistical statements in the report of the Commissioner of Agriculture that we import annually from foreign lands many millions of dollars worth of agricultural products which could be raised in our own country. Numerous questions arise in the practice of advanced agriculture which can only be answered by experiments, often costly and sometimes fruitless, which are beyond the means of private individuals and are a just and proper charge on the whole nation for the benefit of the nation. It is good policy, especially in times of depression and uncertainty in other business pursuits, with a vast area of uncultivated, and hence unproductive, territory, wisely opened to homestead settlement, to encourage by every proper and legitimate means the occupation and tillage of the soil. The efforts of the Department of Agriculture to stimulate old and introduce new agricultural industries, to improve the quality and increase the quantity of our products, to determine the value of old or establish the importance of new methods of culture, are worthy of your careful and favorable consideration, and assistance by such appropriations of money and enlargement of facilities as may seem to be demanded by the present favorable conditions for the growth and rapid development of this important interest. The abuse of animals in transit is widely attracting public attention. A national convention of societies specially interested in the subject has recently met at Baltimore, and the facts developed, both in regard to cruelties to animals and the effect of such cruelties upon the public health, would seem to demand the careful consideration of Congress and the enactment of more efficient laws for the prevention of these abuses. The report of the Commissioner of the Bureau of Education shows very gratifying progress throughout the country in all the interests committed to the care of this important office. The report is especially encouraging with respect to the extension of the advantages of the common-school system in sections of the country where the general enjoyment of the privilege of free schools is not yet attained. To education more than to any other agency we are to look as the resource for the advancement of the people in the requisite knowledge and appreciation of their rights and responsibilities as citizens, and I desire to repeat the suggestion contained in my former message in behalf of the enactment of appropriate measures by Congress for the purpose of supplementing with national aid the local systems of education in the several States. Adequate accommodations for the great library, which is overgrowing the capacity of the rooms now occupied at the Capitol, should be provided without further delay. This invaluable collection of books, manuscripts, and illustrative art has grown to such proportions, in connection with the copyright system of the country, as to demand the prompt and careful attention of Congress to save it from injury in its present crowded and insufficient quarters. As this library is national in its character, and must from the nature of the case increase even more rapidly in the future than in the past, it can not be doubted that the people will sanction any wise expenditure to preserve it and to enlarge its usefulness. The appeal of the Regents of the Smithsonian Institution for the means to organize, exhibit, and make available for the public benefit the articles now stored away belonging to the National Museum I heartily recommend to your favorable consideration. The attention of Congress is again invited to the condition of the river front of the city of Washington. It is a matter of vital importance to the health of the residents of the national capital, both temporary and permanent, that the lowlands in front of the city, now subject to tidal overflow, should be reclaimed. In their present condition these flats obstruct the drainage of the city and are a dangerous source of malarial poison. The reclamation will improve the navigation of the river by restricting, and consequently deepening, its channel, and is also of importance when considered in connection with the extension of the public ground and the enlargement of the park west and south of the Washington Monument. The report of the board of survey, heretofore ordered by act of Congress, on the improvement of the harbor of Washington and Georgetown, is respectfully commended to consideration. The report of the Commissioners of the District of Columbia presents a detailed statement of the affairs of the District. The relative expenditures by the United States and the District for local purposes is contrasted, showing that the expenditures by the people of the District greatly exceed those of the General Government. The exhibit is made in connection with estimates for the requisite repair of the defective pavements and sewers of the city, which is a work of immediate necessity; and in the same connection a plan is presented for the permanent funding of the outstanding securities of the District. The benevolent, reformatory, and penal institutions of the District are all entitled to the favorable attention of Congress. The Reform School needs additional buildings and teachers. Appropriations which will place all of these institutions in a condition to become models of usefulness and beneficence will be regarded by the country as liberality wisely bestowed. The Commissioners, with evident justice, request attention to the discrimination made by Congress against the District in the donation of land for the support of the public schools, and ask that the same liberality that has been shown to the inhabitants of the various States and Territories of the United States may be extended to the District of Columbia. The Commissioners also invite attention to the damage inflicted upon public and private interests by the present location of the depots and switching tracks of the several railroads entering the city, and ask for legislation looking to their removal. The recommendations and suggestions contained in the report will, I trust, receive the careful consideration of Congress. Sufficient time has, perhaps, not elapsed since the reorganization of the government of the District under the recent legislation of Congress for the expression of a confident opinion as to its successful operation, but the practical results already attained are so satisfactory that the friends of the new government may well urge upon Congress the wisdom of its continuance, without essential modification, until by actual experience its advantages and defects may be more fully ascertained.
our heartfelt gratitude is due to the divine being who holds in his hands the destinies of nations for the continued bestowal during the last year of countless blessings upon our country we are at peace with all other nations our public credit has greatly improved and is perhaps now stronger than ever before abundant harvests have rewarded the labors of those who till the soil our manufacturing industries are reviving and it is believed that general prosperity which has been so long anxiously looked for is at last within our reach the enjoyment of health by our people generally has however been interrupted during the past season by the prevalence of a fatal pestilence the yellow fever in some portions of the southern states creating an emergency which called for prompt and extraordinary measures of relief the disease appeared as an epidemic at new orleans and at other places on the lower mississippi soon after midsummer it was rapidly spread by fugitives from the infected cities and towns and did not disappear until early in november the states of louisiana mississippi and tennessee have suffered severely about cases are believed to have occurred of which about according to intelligent estimates proved fatal it is impossible to estimate with any approach to accuracy the loss to the country occasioned by this epidemic it is to be reckoned by the hundred millions of dollars the suffering and destitution that resulted excited the deepest sympathy in all parts of the union physicians and nurses hastened from every quarter to the assistance of the afflicted communities voluntary contributions of money and supplies in every needed form were speedily and generously furnished the government was able to respond in some measure to the call for help by providing tents medicines and food for the sick and destitute the requisite directions for the purpose being given in the confident expectation that this action of the executive would receive the sanction of congress about tents and rations of the value of about were sent to cities which applied for them full details of which will be furnished to congress by the proper department the fearful spread of this pestilence has awakened a very general public sentiment in favor of national sanitary administration which shall not only control quarantine but have the sanitary supervision of internal commerce in times of epidemics and hold an advisory relation to the state and municipal health authorities with power to deal with whatever endangers the public health and which the municipal and state authorities are unable to regulate the national quarantine act approved april 29 1878 which was passed too late in the last session of congress to provide the means for carrying it into practical operation during the past season is a step in the direction here indicated in view of the necessity for the most effective measures by quarantine and otherwise for the protection of our seaports and the country generally from this and other epidemics it is recommended that congress give to the whole subject early and careful consideration the permanent pacification of the country by the complete protection of all citizens in every civil and political right continues to be of paramount interest with the great body of our people every step in this direction is welcomed with public approval and every interruption of steady and uniform progress to the desired consummation awakens general uneasiness and widespread condemnation the recent congressional elections have furnished a direct and trustworthy test of the advance thus far made in the practical establishment of the right of suffrage secured by the constitution to the liberated race in the southern states all disturbing influences real or imaginary had been removed from all of these states the three constitutional amendments which conferred freedom and equality of civil and political rights upon the colored people of the south were adopted by the concurrent action of the great body of good citizens who maintained the authority of the national government and the integrity and perpetuity of the union at such a cost of treasure and life as a wise and necessary embodiment in the organic law of the just results of the war the people of the former slaveholding states accepted these results and gave in every practicable form assurances that the thirteenth fourteenth and fifteenth amendments and laws passed in pursuance thereof should in good faith be enforced rigidly and impartially in letter and spirit to the end that the humblest citizen without distinction of race or color should under them receive full and equal protection in person and property and in political rights and privileges by these constitutional amendments the southern section of the union obtained a large increase of political power in congress and in the electoral college and the country justly expected that elections would proceed as to the enfranchised race upon the same circumstances of legal and constitutional freedom and protection which obtained in all the other states of the union the friends of law and order looked forward to the conduct of these elections as offering to the general judgment of the country an important opportunity to measure the degree in which the right of suffrage could be exercised by the colored people and would be respected by their but a more general enjoyment of freedom of suffrage by the colored people and a more just and generous protection of that freedom by the communities of which they form a part were generally anticipated than the record of the elections discloses in some of those states in which the colored people have been unable to make their opinions felt in the elections the result is mainly due to influences not easily measured or remedied by legal protection but in the states of louisiana and south carolina at large and in some particular congressional districts outside of those states the records of the elections seem to compel the conclusion that the rights of the colored voters have been overridden and their participation in the elections not permitted to be either general or free it will be for the congress for which these elections were held to make such examinations into their conduct as may be appropriate to determine the validity of the claims of members to their seats in the meanwhile it becomes the duty of the executive and judicial departments of the government each in its province to inquire into and punish violations of the laws of the united states which have occurred i can but repeat what i said in this connection in my last message that whatever authority rests with me to this end i shall not hesitate to put forth and i am unwilling to forego a renewed appeal to the legislatures the courts the executive authorities and the people of the states where these wrongs have been perpetrated to give their assistance toward bringing to justice the offenders and preventing a repetition of the crimes no means within my power will be spared to obtain a full and fair investigation of the alleged crimes and to secure the conviction and just punishment of the guilty it is to be observed that the principal appropriation made for the department of justice at the last session contained the following clause and for defraying the expenses which may be incurred in the enforcement of the act approved february 28 1871 entitled an act to amend an act approved may 31 1870 entitled act to enforce the rights of citizens of the united states to vote in the several states of this union and for other purposes or any acts amendatory thereof or supplementary thereto it is the opinion of the that the expenses of these proceedings will largely exceed the amount which was thus provided and i rely confidently upon congress to make adequate appropriations to enable the executive department to enforce the laws i respectfully urge upon your attention that the congressional elections in every district in a very important sense are justly a matter of political interest and concern throughout the whole country each state every political party is entitled to the share of power which is conferred by the legal and constitutional suffrage it is the right of every citizen possessing the qualifications prescribed by law to east one unintimidated ballot and to have his ballot honestly counted so long as the exercise of this power and the enjoyment of this right are common and equal practically as well as formally submission to the results of the suffrage will be accorded loyally and cheerfully and all the departments of government will feel the true vigor of the popular will thus expressed no temporary or administrative interests of government however urgent or weighty will ever displace the zeal of our people in defense of the primary rights of citizenship they understand that the protection of liberty requires the maintenance in full vigor of the manly methods of free speech free press and free suffrage and will sustain the full authority of government to enforce the laws which are framed to preserve these inestimable rights the material progress and welfare of the states depend on the protection afforded to their citizens there can be no peace without such protection no prosperity without peace and the whole country is deeply interested in the growth and prosperity of all its parts while the country has not yet reached complete unity of feeling and reciprocal confidence between the communities so lately and so seriously estranged i feel an absolute assurance that the tendencies are in that direction and with increasing force the power of public opinion will override all political prejudices and all sectional or state attachments in demanding that all over our wide territory the name and character of citizen of the united states shall mean one and the same thing and carry with them unchallenged security and respect our relations with other countries continue peaceful our neutrality in contests between foreign powers has been maintained and respected the universal exposition held at paris during the past summer has been attended by large numbers of our citizens the brief period allowed for the preparation and arrangement of the contributions of our citizens to this great exposition was well employed in energetic and judicious efforts to overcome this disadvantage these efforts led and directed by the were remarkably successful and the exhibition of the products of american industry was creditable and gratifying in scope and character the reports of the united states commissioners giving its results in detail will be duly laid before you our participation in this international competition for the favor and the trade of the world may be expected to produce useful and important results in promoting intercourse friendship and commerce with other nations in accordance with the provisions of the act of february 28 1878 three commissioners were appointed to an international conference on the subject of adopting 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 invitations were addressed to the various governments which had expressed a willingness to participate in its deliberations the conference held its meetings in paris in august last the report of the commissioners herewith submitted will show its results no common ratio between gold and silver could be agreed upon by the conference the general conclusion was reached that it is necessary to maintain in the world the monetary functions of silver as well as of gold leaving the selection of the use of one or the other of these two metals or of both to be made by each state congress having appropriated at its last session the sum of to pay the award of the joint commission at halifax if after correspondence with the british government on the subject of the conformity of the award to the requirements of the treaty and to the terms of the question thereby submitted to the commission the president shall deem it his duty to make the payment communications upon these points were addressed to the british government through the legation of the united states at london failing to obtain the concurrence of the british government in the views of this government respecting the award i have deemed it my duty to tender the sum named within the year fixed by the treaty accompanied by a notice of the grounds of the payment and a protest against any other construction of the same the correspondence upon this subject will be laid before you the spanish government has officially announced the termination of the insurrection in cuba and the restoration of peace throughout that island confident expectations are expressed of a revival of trade and prosperity which it is earnestly hoped may prove well rounded numerous claims of american citizens for relief for injuries or restoration of property have been among the incidents of the hostilities some of these claims are in process of adjustment by spain and the others are promised early and careful consideration the treaty made with italy in regard to reciprocal consular privileges has been duly ratified and proclaimed no questions of grave importance have arisen with any other of the european powers the japanese government has been desirous of a revision of such parts of its treaties with foreign powers as relate to commerce and it is understood has addressed to each of the treaty powers a request to open negotiations with that view the united states government has been inclined to regard the matter favorably whatever restrictions upon trade with japan are found injurious to that people can not but affect injuriously nations holding commercial intercourse with them japan after a long period of seclusion has within the past few years made rapid strides in the path of enlightenment and progress and not unreasonably is looking forward to the time when her relations with the nations of europe and america shall be assimilated to those which they hold with each other a treaty looking to this end has been made which will be submitted for the consideration of the senate after an interval of several years the chinese government has again sent envoys to the united states they have been received and a permanent legation is now established here by that government it is not doubted that this step will be of advantage to both nations in promoting friendly relations and removing causes of difference the treaty with the samoan islands having been duly ratified and accepted on the part of both governments is now in operation and a survey and soundings of the harbor of have been made by a naval vessel of the united states with a view of its occupation as a naval station if found desirable to the service since the resumption of diplomatic relations with mexico correspondence has been opened and still continues between the two governments upon the various questions which at one time seemed to endanger their relations while no formal agreement has been reached as to the troubles on the border much has been done to repress and diminish them the effective force of united states troops on the rio grande by a strict and faithful compliance with instructions has done much to remove the sources of dispute and it is now understood that a like force of mexican troops on the other side of the river is also making an energetic movement against the marauding indian tribes this government looks with the greatest satisfaction upon every evidence of strength in the national authority of mexico and upon every effort put forth to prevent or to punish incursions upon our territory reluctant to assume any action or attitude in the control of these incursions by military movements across the border not imperatively demanded for the protection of the lives and property of our own citizens i shall take the earliest opportunity consistent with the proper discharge of this plain duty to recognize the ability of the mexican government to restrain effectively violations of our territory it is proposed to hold next year an international exhibition in mexico and it is believed that the display of the agricultural and manufacturing products of the two nations will tend to better understanding and increased commercial intercourse between their people with brazil and the republics of central and south america some steps have been taken toward the development of closer commercial intercourse diplomatic relations have been resumed with colombia and with bolivia a boundary question between the argentine republic and paraguay has been submitted by those governments for arbitration to the president of the united states and i have after careful examination given a decision upon it a naval expedition up the amazon and madeira rivers has brought back information valuable both for scientific and commercial purposes a like expedition is about visiting the coast of africa and the indian ocean the reports of diplomatic and consular officers in relation to the development of our foreign commerce have furnished many facts that have proved of public interest and have stimulated to practical exertion the enterprise of our people the report of the secretary of the treasury furnishes a detailed statement of the operations of that department of the government and of the condition of the public finances the ordinary revenues from all sources for the fiscal year ended june 30 1878 were the ordinary expenditures for the same period were leaving a surplus revenue for the year of the receipts for the present fiscal year ending june 30 1879 actual and estimated are as follows actual receipts for the first quarter commencing july 1 1878 estimated receipts for the remaining three quarters of the year total receipts for the current fiscal year actual and estimated the expenditures for the same period will be actual and estimated as follows for the quarter commencing july 1 1878 actual expenditures and for the remaining three quarters of the year the expenditures are estimated at making the total expenditures and leaving an estimated surplus revenue for the year ending june 30 1879 of the total receipts during the next fiscal year ending june 30 1880 estimated according to existing laws will be and the estimated ordinary expenditures for the same period will be leaving a surplus of for that year in the foregoing statements of expenditures actual and estimated no amount is allowed for the sinking fund provided for by the act approved february 25 1862 which requires that 1 per cent of the entire debt of the united states shall be purchased or paid within each fiscal year to be set apart as a sinking fund there has been however a substantial compliance with the conditions of the law by its terms the public debt should have been reduced between 1862 and the close of the last fiscal year the actual reduction of the ascertained debt in that period has been being in excess of the reduction required by the sinking fund act the amount of the public debt less cash in the treasury november 1 1878 was a reduction since the same date last year of the progress made during the last year in refunding the public debt at lower rates of interest is very gratifying the amount of 4 per cent bonds sold during the present year prior to november 23 1878 is and 6 per cent bonds commonly known as to an equal amount have been or will be redeemed as calls mature it has been the policy of the department to place the 4 per cent bonds within easy reach of every citizen who desires to invest his savings whether small or great in these securities the secretary of the treasury recommends that the law be so modified that small sums may be invested and that through the or other agents of the government the freest opportunity may be given in all parts of the country for such investments the best mode suggested is that the department be authorized to issue certificates of deposit of the denomination of 10 bearing interest at the rate of per cent per annum and convertible at any time within one year after their issue into the 4 per cent bonds authorized by the refunding act and to be issued only in exchange for united states notes sent to the treasury by mail or otherwise such a provision of law supported by suitable regulations would enable any person readily without cost or risk to convert his money into an security of the united states and the money so received could be applied to the redemption of 6 per cent bonds the coinage of gold during the last fiscal year was the coinage of silver dollars under the act passed february 28 1878 amounted on the 23d of november 1878 to of which amount are in circulation and the balance is still in the possession of the government with views unchanged with regard to the act under which the coinage of silver proceeds it has been the purpose of the secretary faithfully to execute the law and to afford a fair trial to the measure in the present financial condition of the country i am persuaded that the welfare of legitimate business and industry of every description will be best promoted by abstaining from all attempts to make radical changes in the existing financial legislation let it be understood that during the coming year the business of the country will be undisturbed by governmental interference with the laws affecting it and we may confidently expect that the resumption of specie payments which will take place at the appointed time will be successfully and easily maintained and that it will be followed by a healthful and enduring revival of business prosperity let the healing influence of time the inherent energies of our people and the boundless resources of our country have a fair opportunity and relief from present difficulties will surely follow the report of the secretary of war shows that the army has been well and economically supplied that our small force has been actively employed and has faithfully performed all the service required of it the morale of the army has improved and the number of desertions has materially decreased during the year the secretary recommends 1 that a pension be granted to the widow of the late lieutenant henry benner eighteenth infantry who lost his life by yellow fever while in command of the steamer chambers sent with supplies for the relief of sufferers in the south from that disease 2 the establishment of the annuity scheme for the benefit of the heirs of deceased officers as suggested by the 3 the adoption by congress of a plan for the publication of the records of the war of the rebellion now being prepared for that purpose 4 the increase of the extra per diem of soldier teachers employed in post schools and liberal appropriations for the erection of buildings for schools and libraries at the different posts 5 the repeal or amendment of the act of june 18 1878 forbidding the use of the army as a posse comitatus or otherwise for the purpose of executing the laws except in such cases and under such circumstances as such employment of said force may be expressly authorized by the constitution or by act of congress 6 the passage of a joint resolution of congress legalizing the issues of rations tents and medicines which were made for the relief of sufferers from yellow fever 7 that provision be made for the erection of a fireproof building for the preservation of certain valuable records now constantly exposed to destruction by fire these recommendations are all commended to your favorable consideration the report of the secretary of the navy shows that the navy has improved during the last fiscal year work has been done on vessels ten of which have been thoroughly repaired and made ready for sea two others are in rapid progress toward completion the total expenditures of the year including the amount appropriated for the deficiencies of the previous year were the actual expenses chargeable to the year exclusive of these deficiencies were or less than those of the previous year and less than the expenses including the deficiencies the estimates for the fiscal year ending june 30 1880 are exceeding the appropriations of the present year only which excess is occasioned by the demands of the naval academy and the marine corps as explained in the secretary report the appropriations for the present fiscal year are which in the opinion of the secretary will be ample for all the current expenses of the department during the year the amount drawn from the treasury from july 1 to november 1 1878 is of which has been refunded leaving as the expenditure for that period or less than the corresponding period of the last fiscal year the report of the embraces a detailed statement of the operations of the department the expenditures of that department for the fiscal year ended june 30 1878 were the receipts including sales of stamps business and official stamps were the sum of included in the foregoing statement of expenditures is chargeable to preceding years so that the actual expenditures for the fiscal year ended june 30 1878 are the amount drawn from the treasury on appropriations in addition to the revenues of the department was the expenditures for the fiscal year ending june 30 1880 are estimated at and the receipts from all sources at leaving a deficiency to be appropriated out of the treasury of the report calls attention to the fact that the compensation of postmasters and of railroads for carrying the mail is regulated by law and that the failure of congress to appropriate the amounts required for these purposes does not relieve the government of responsibility but necessarily increases the deficiency bills which congress will be called upon to pass in providing for the postal service the following questions are presented should congress annually appropriate a sum for its expenses largely in excess of its revenues or should such rates of postage be established as will make the department should the postal service be reduced by excluding from the mails matter which does not pay its way should the number of post routes be diminished should other methods be adopted which will increase the revenues or diminish the expenses of the postal service the international postal congress which met at paris may 1 1878 and continued in session until june 4 of the same year was composed of delegates from nearly all the civilized countries of the world it adopted a new convention to take the place of the treaty concluded at berne october 9 1874 which goes into effect on the 1st of april 1879 between the countries whose delegates have signed it it was ratified and approved by and with the consent of the president august 13 1878 a synopsis of this universal postal convention will be found in the report of the and the full text in the appendix thereto in its origin the postal union comprised countries having a population of people on the 1st of april next it will comprise countries and colonies with a population of more than people and will soon by the accession of the few remaining countries and colonies which maintain organized postal services constitute in fact as well as in name as its new title indicates a universal union regulating upon a uniform basis of cheap postage rates the postal intercourse between all civilized nations some embarrassment has arisen out of the conflict between the customs laws of this country and the provisions of the postal convention in regard to the transmission of foreign books and newspapers to this country by mail it is hoped that congress will be able to devise some means of reconciling the difficulties which have thus been created so as to do justice to all parties involved the business of the supreme court and of the courts in many of the circuits has increased to such an extent during the past year that additional legislation is imperative to relieve and prevent the delay of justice and possible oppression to suitors which is thus occasioned the encumbered condition of these dockets is presented anew in the report of the and the remedy suggested is earnestly urged for congressional action the creation of additional circuit judges as proposed would afford a complete remedy and would involve an expense at the present rate of salaries of not more than a year the annual reports of the secretary of the interior and of the commissioner of indian affairs present an elaborate account of the present condition of the indian tribes and of that branch of the public service which ministers to their interests while the conduct of the indians generally has been orderly and their relations with their neighbors friendly and peaceable two local disturbances have occurred which were deplorable in their character but remained happily confined to a comparatively small number of indians the discontent among the bannocks which led first to some acts of violence on the part of some members of the tribe and finally to the outbreak appears to have been caused by an insufficiency of food on the reservation and this insufficiency to have been owing to the inadequacy of the appropriations made by congress to the wants of the indians at a time when the indians were prevented from supplying the deficiency by hunting after an arduous pursuit by the troops of the united states and several engagements the hostile indians were reduced to subjection and the larger part of them surrendered themselves as prisoners in this connection i desire to call attention to the recommendation made by the secretary of the interior that a sufficient fund be placed at the disposal of the executive to be used with proper accountability at discretion in sudden emergencies of the indian service the other case of disturbance was that of a band of northern cheyennes who suddenly left their reservation in the indian territory and marched rapidly through the states of kansas and nebraska in the direction of their old hunting grounds committing murders and other crimes on their way from documents accompanying the report of the secretary of the interior it appears that this disorderly band was as fully supplied with the necessaries of life as the other indians who remained quietly on the reservation and that the disturbance was caused by men of a restless and mischievous disposition among the indians themselves almost the whole of this band have surrendered to the military authorities and it is a gratifying fact that when some of them had taken refuge in the camp of the red cloud sioux with whom they had been in friendly relations the sioux held them as prisoners and readily gave them up to the officers of the united states thus giving new proof of the loyal spirit which alarming rumors to the contrary notwithstanding they have uniformly shown ever since the wishes they expressed at the council of september 1877 had been complied with both the secretary of the interior and the secretary of war unite in the recommendation that provision be made by congress for the organization of a corps of mounted indian auxiliaries to be under the control of the army and to be used for the purpose of keeping the indians on their reservations and preventing or repressing disturbance on their part i earnestly concur in this recommendation it is believed that the organization of such a body of indian cavalry receiving a moderate pay from the government would considerably weaken the restless element among the indians by withdrawing from it a number of young men and giving them congenial employment under the government it being a matter of experience that indians in our service almost without exception are faithful in the performance of the duties assigned to them such an organization would materially aid the army in the accomplishment of a task for which its numerical strength is sometimes found insufficient but while the employment of force for the prevention or repression of indian troubles is of occasional necessity and wise preparation should be made to that end greater reliance must be placed on humane and civilizing agencies for the ultimate solution of what is called the indian problem it may be very difficult and require much patient effort to curb the unruly spirit of the savage indian to the restraints of civilized life but experience shows that it is not impossible many of the tribes which are now quiet and orderly and were once as savage as any that at present roam over the plains or in the mountains of the far west and were then considered inaccessible to civilizing influences it may be impossible to raise them fully up to the level of the white population of the united states but we should not forget that they are the aborigines of the country and called the soil their own on which our people have grown rich powerful and happy we owe it to them as a moral duty to help them in attaining at least that degree of civilization which they may be able to reach it is not only our duty it is also our interest to do so indians who have become agriculturists or herdsmen and feel an interest in property will thenceforth cease to be a warlike and disturbing element it is also a fact that indians are apt to be peaceable and quiet when their children are at school and i am gratified to know from the expressions of indians themselves and from many concurring reports that there is a steadily increasing desire even among indians belonging to comparatively wild tribes to have their children educated i invite attention to the reports of the secretary of the interior and the commissioner of indian affairs touching the experiment recently inaugurated in taking fifty indian children boys and girls from different tribes to the hampton normal agricultural institute in virginia where they are to receive an elementary english education and training in agriculture and other useful works to be returned to their tribes after the completed course as interpreters instructors and examples it is reported that the officer charged with the selection of those children might have had thousands of young indians sent with him had it been possible to make provision for them i agree with the secretary of the interior in saying that the result of this interesting experiment if favorable may be destined to become an important factor in the advancement of civilization among the indians the question whether a change in the control of the indian service should be made was at the last session of congress referred to a committee for inquiry and report without desiring to anticipate that report i venture to express the hope that in the decision of so important a question the views expressed above may not be lost sight of and that the decision whatever it may be will arrest further agitation of this subject such agitation being apt to produce a disturbing effect upon the service as well as on the indians themselves in the enrollment of the bill making appropriations for sundry civil expenses at the last session of congress that portion which provided for the continuation of the hot springs commission was omitted as the commission had completed the work of taking testimony on the many conflicting claims the suspension of their labors before determining the rights of claimants threatened for a time to embarrass the interests not only of the government but also of a large number of the citizens of hot springs who were waiting for final action on their claims before beginning contemplated improvements in order to prevent serious difficulties which were apprehended and at the solicitation of many leading citizens of hot springs and others interested in the welfare of the town the secretary of the interior was authorized to request the late commissioners to take charge of the records of their proceedings and to perform such work as could properly be done by them under such circumstances to facilitate the future adjudication of the claims at an early day and to preserve the status of the claimants until their rights should be finally determined the late commissioners complied with that request and report that the testimony in all the cases has been written out examined briefed and so arranged as to facilitate an early settlement when authorized by law it is recommended that the requisite authority be given at as early a day in the session as possible and that a fair compensation be allowed the late commissioners for the expense incurred and the labor performed by them since the 25th of june last i invite the attention of congress to the recommendations made by the secretary of the interior with regard to the preservation of the timber on the public lands of the united states the protection of the public property is one of the first duties of the government the department of the interior should therefore be enabled by sufficient appropriations to enforce the laws in that respect but this matter appears still more important as a question of public economy the rapid destruction of our forests is an evil fraught with the gravest consequences especially in the mountainous districts where the rocky slopes once denuded of their trees will remain so forever there the injury once done can not be repaired i fully concur with the secretary of the interior in the opinion that for this reason legislation touching the public timber in the mountainous states and territories of the west should be especially well considered and that existing laws in which the destruction of the forests is not sufficiently guarded against should be speedily modified a general law concerning this important subject appears to me to be a matter of urgent public necessity from the organization of the government the importance of encouraging by all possible means the increase of our agricultural productions has been acknowledged and urged upon the attention of congress and the people as the surest and readiest means of increasing our substantial and enduring prosperity the words of washington are as applicable as when in his eighth annual message he said it will not be doubted that with reference either to individual or national welfare agriculture is of primary importance in proportion as nations advance in population and other circumstances of maturity this truth becomes more apparent and renders the cultivation of the soil more and more an object of public patronage institutions for promoting it grow up supported by the public purse and to what object can it be dedicated with greater propriety among the means which have been employed to this end none have been attended with greater success than the establishment of boards composed of proper characters charged with collecting and diffusing information and enabled by premiums and small pecuniary aids to encourage and assist a spirit of discovery and improvement this species of establishment contributes doubly to the increase of improvement by stimulating to enterprise and experiment and by drawing to a common center the results everywhere of individual skill and observation and spreading them thence over the whole nation experience accordingly hath shewn that they are very cheap instruments of immense national benefits the preponderance of the agricultural over any other interest in the united states entitles it to all the consideration claimed for it by washington about of the population of the united states is engaged in agriculture the value of the agricultural products of the united states for the year 1878 is estimated at the exports of agricultural products for the year 1877 as appears from the report of the bureau of statistics were the great extent of our country with its diversity of soil and climate enables us to produce within our own borders and by our own labor not only the necessaries but most of the luxuries that are consumed in civilized countries yet notwithstanding our advantages of soil climate and it appears from the statistical statements in the report of the commissioner of agriculture that we import annually from foreign lands many millions of dollars worth of agricultural products which could be raised in our own country numerous questions arise in the practice of advanced agriculture which can only be answered by experiments often costly and sometimes fruitless which are beyond the means of private individuals and are a just and proper charge on the whole nation for the benefit of the nation it is good policy especially in times of depression and uncertainty in other business pursuits with a vast area of uncultivated and hence unproductive territory wisely opened to homestead settlement to encourage by every proper and legitimate means the occupation and tillage of the soil the efforts of the department of agriculture to stimulate old and introduce new agricultural industries to improve the quality and increase the quantity of our products to determine the value of old or establish the importance of new methods of culture are worthy of your careful and favorable consideration and assistance by such appropriations of money and enlargement of facilities as may seem to be demanded by the present favorable conditions for the growth and rapid development of this important interest the abuse of animals in transit is widely attracting public attention a national convention of societies specially interested in the subject has recently met at baltimore and the facts developed both in regard to cruelties to animals and the effect of such cruelties upon the public health would seem to demand the careful consideration of congress and the enactment of more efficient laws for the prevention of these abuses the report of the commissioner of the bureau of education shows very gratifying progress throughout the country in all the interests committed to the care of this important office the report is especially encouraging with respect to the extension of the advantages of the system in sections of the country where the general enjoyment of the privilege of free schools is not yet attained to education more than to any other agency we are to look as the resource for the advancement of the people in the requisite knowledge and appreciation of their rights and responsibilities as citizens and i desire to repeat the suggestion contained in my former message in behalf of the enactment of appropriate measures by congress for the purpose of supplementing with national aid the local systems of education in the several states adequate accommodations for the great library which is overgrowing the capacity of the rooms now occupied at the capitol should be provided without further delay this invaluable collection of books manuscripts and illustrative art has grown to such proportions in connection with the copyright system of the country as to demand the prompt and careful attention of congress to save it from injury in its present crowded and insufficient quarters as this library is national in its character and must from the nature of the case increase even more rapidly in the future than in the past it can not be doubted that the people will sanction any wise expenditure to preserve it and to enlarge its usefulness the appeal of the regents of the smithsonian institution for the means to organize exhibit and make available for the public benefit the articles now stored away belonging to the national museum i heartily recommend to your favorable consideration the attention of congress is again invited to the condition of the river front of the city of washington it is a matter of vital importance to the health of the residents of the national capital both temporary and permanent that the lowlands in front of the city now subject to tidal overflow should be reclaimed in their present condition these flats obstruct the drainage of the city and are a dangerous source of malarial poison the reclamation will improve the navigation of the river by restricting and consequently deepening its channel and is also of importance when considered in connection with the extension of the public ground and the enlargement of the park west and south of the washington monument the report of the board of survey heretofore ordered by act of congress on the improvement of the harbor of washington and georgetown is respectfully commended to consideration the report of the commissioners of the district of columbia presents a detailed statement of the affairs of the district the relative expenditures by the united states and the district for local purposes is contrasted showing that the expenditures by the people of the district greatly exceed those of the general government the exhibit is made in connection with estimates for the requisite repair of the defective pavements and sewers of the city which is a work of immediate necessity and in the same connection a plan is presented for the permanent funding of the outstanding securities of the district the benevolent reformatory and penal institutions of the district are all entitled to the favorable attention of congress the reform school needs additional buildings and teachers appropriations which will place all of these institutions in a condition to become models of usefulness and beneficence will be regarded by the country as liberality wisely bestowed the commissioners with evident justice request attention to the discrimination made by congress against the district in the donation of land for the support of the public schools and ask that the same liberality that has been shown to the inhabitants of the various states and territories of the united states may be extended to the district of columbia the commissioners also invite attention to the damage inflicted upon public and private interests by the present location of the depots and switching tracks of the several railroads entering the city and ask for legislation looking to their removal the recommendations and suggestions contained in the report will i trust receive the careful consideration of congress sufficient time has perhaps not elapsed since the reorganization of the government of the district under the recent legislation of congress for the expression of a confident opinion as to its successful operation but the practical results already attained are so satisfactory that the friends of the new government may well urge upon congress the wisdom of its continuance without essential modification until by actual experience its advantages and defects may be more fully ascertained
heartfelt gratitude due divine holds hands destinies nations continued bestowal last year countless blessings upon country peace nations public credit greatly improved perhaps stronger ever abundant harvests rewarded labors till soil manufacturing industries reviving believed general prosperity long anxiously looked last within reach enjoyment health people generally however interrupted past season prevalence fatal pestilence yellow fever portions southern states creating emergency called prompt extraordinary measures relief disease appeared epidemic new orleans places lower mississippi soon midsummer rapidly spread fugitives infected cities towns disappear early november states louisiana mississippi tennessee suffered severely cases believed occurred according intelligent estimates proved fatal impossible estimate approach accuracy loss country occasioned epidemic reckoned hundred millions dollars suffering destitution resulted excited deepest sympathy parts union physicians nurses hastened every quarter assistance afflicted communities voluntary contributions money supplies every needed form speedily generously furnished government able respond measure call help providing tents medicines food sick destitute requisite directions purpose given confident expectation action executive would receive sanction congress tents rations value sent cities applied full details furnished congress proper department fearful spread pestilence awakened general public sentiment favor national sanitary administration shall control quarantine sanitary supervision internal commerce times epidemics hold advisory relation state municipal health authorities power deal whatever endangers public health municipal state authorities unable regulate national quarantine act approved april 29 1878 passed late last session congress provide means carrying practical operation past season step direction indicated view necessity effective measures quarantine otherwise protection seaports country generally epidemics recommended congress give whole subject early careful consideration permanent pacification country complete protection citizens every civil political right continues paramount interest great body people every step direction welcomed public approval every interruption steady uniform progress desired consummation awakens general uneasiness widespread condemnation recent congressional elections furnished direct trustworthy test advance thus far made practical establishment right suffrage secured constitution liberated race southern states disturbing influences real imaginary removed states three constitutional amendments conferred freedom equality civil political rights upon colored people south adopted concurrent action great body good citizens maintained authority national government integrity perpetuity union cost treasure life wise necessary embodiment organic law results war people former slaveholding states accepted results gave every practicable form assurances thirteenth fourteenth fifteenth amendments laws passed pursuance thereof good faith enforced rigidly impartially letter spirit end humblest citizen without distinction race color receive full equal protection person property political rights privileges constitutional amendments southern section union obtained large increase political power congress electoral college country justly expected elections would proceed enfranchised race upon circumstances legal constitutional freedom protection obtained states union friends law order looked forward conduct elections offering general judgment country important opportunity measure degree right suffrage could exercised colored people would respected general enjoyment freedom suffrage colored people generous protection freedom communities form part generally anticipated record elections discloses states colored people unable make opinions felt elections result mainly due influences easily measured remedied legal protection states louisiana south carolina large particular congressional districts outside states records elections seem compel conclusion rights colored voters overridden participation elections permitted either general free congress elections held make examinations conduct may appropriate determine validity claims members seats meanwhile becomes duty executive judicial departments government province inquire punish violations laws united states occurred repeat said connection last message whatever authority rests end shall hesitate put forth unwilling forego renewed appeal legislatures courts executive authorities people states wrongs perpetrated give assistance toward bringing justice offenders preventing repetition crimes means within power spared obtain full fair investigation alleged crimes secure conviction punishment guilty observed principal appropriation made department justice last session contained following clause defraying expenses may incurred enforcement act approved february 28 1871 entitled act amend act approved may 31 1870 entitled act enforce rights citizens united states vote several states union purposes acts amendatory thereof supplementary thereto opinion expenses proceedings largely exceed amount thus provided rely confidently upon congress make adequate appropriations enable executive department enforce laws respectfully urge upon attention congressional elections every district important sense justly matter political interest concern throughout whole country state every political party entitled share power conferred legal constitutional suffrage right every citizen possessing qualifications prescribed law east one unintimidated ballot ballot honestly counted long exercise power enjoyment right common equal practically well formally submission results suffrage accorded loyally cheerfully departments government feel true vigor popular thus expressed temporary administrative interests government however urgent weighty ever displace zeal people defense primary rights citizenship understand protection liberty requires maintenance full vigor manly methods free speech free press free suffrage sustain full authority government enforce laws framed preserve inestimable rights material progress welfare states depend protection afforded citizens peace without protection prosperity without peace whole country deeply interested growth prosperity parts country yet reached complete unity feeling reciprocal confidence communities lately seriously estranged feel absolute assurance tendencies direction increasing force power public opinion override political prejudices sectional state attachments demanding wide territory name character citizen united states shall mean one thing carry unchallenged security respect relations countries continue peaceful neutrality contests foreign powers maintained respected universal exposition held paris past summer attended large numbers citizens brief period allowed preparation arrangement contributions citizens great exposition well employed energetic judicious efforts overcome disadvantage efforts led directed remarkably successful exhibition products american industry creditable gratifying scope character reports united states commissioners giving results detail duly laid participation international competition favor trade world may expected produce useful important results promoting intercourse friendship commerce nations accordance provisions act february 28 1878 three commissioners appointed international conference subject adopting common ratio gold silver purpose establishing internationally use bimetallic money securing fixity relative value metals invitations addressed various governments expressed willingness participate deliberations conference held meetings paris august last report commissioners herewith submitted show results common ratio gold silver could agreed upon conference general conclusion reached necessary maintain world monetary functions silver well gold leaving selection use one two metals made state congress appropriated last session sum pay award joint commission halifax correspondence british government subject conformity award requirements treaty terms question thereby submitted commission president shall deem duty make payment communications upon points addressed british government legation united states london failing obtain concurrence british government views government respecting award deemed duty tender sum named within year fixed treaty accompanied notice grounds payment protest construction correspondence upon subject laid spanish government officially announced termination insurrection cuba restoration peace throughout island confident expectations expressed revival trade prosperity earnestly hoped may prove well rounded numerous claims american citizens relief injuries restoration property among incidents hostilities claims process adjustment spain others promised early careful consideration treaty made italy regard reciprocal consular privileges duly ratified proclaimed questions grave importance arisen european powers japanese government desirous revision parts treaties foreign powers relate commerce understood addressed treaty powers request open negotiations view united states government inclined regard matter favorably whatever restrictions upon trade japan found injurious people affect injuriously nations holding commercial intercourse japan long period seclusion within past years made rapid strides path enlightenment progress unreasonably looking forward time relations nations europe america shall assimilated hold treaty looking end made submitted consideration senate interval several years chinese government sent envoys united states received permanent legation established government doubted step advantage nations promoting friendly relations removing causes difference treaty samoan islands duly ratified accepted part governments operation survey soundings harbor made naval vessel united states view occupation naval station found desirable service since resumption diplomatic relations mexico correspondence opened still continues two governments upon various questions one time seemed endanger relations formal agreement reached troubles border much done repress diminish effective force united states troops rio grande strict faithful compliance instructions done much remove sources dispute understood like force mexican troops side river also making energetic movement marauding indian tribes government looks greatest satisfaction upon every evidence strength national authority mexico upon every effort put forth prevent punish incursions upon territory reluctant assume action attitude control incursions military movements across border imperatively demanded protection lives property citizens shall take earliest opportunity consistent proper discharge plain duty recognize ability mexican government restrain effectively violations territory proposed hold next year international exhibition mexico believed display agricultural manufacturing products two nations tend better understanding increased commercial intercourse people brazil republics central south america steps taken toward development closer commercial intercourse diplomatic relations resumed colombia bolivia boundary question argentine republic paraguay submitted governments arbitration president united states careful examination given decision upon naval expedition amazon madeira rivers brought back information valuable scientific commercial purposes like expedition visiting coast africa indian ocean reports diplomatic consular officers relation development foreign commerce furnished many facts proved public interest stimulated practical exertion enterprise people report secretary treasury furnishes detailed statement operations department government condition public finances ordinary revenues sources fiscal year ended june 30 1878 ordinary expenditures period leaving surplus revenue year receipts present fiscal year ending june 30 1879 actual estimated follows actual receipts first quarter commencing july 1 1878 estimated receipts remaining three quarters year total receipts current fiscal year actual estimated expenditures period actual estimated follows quarter commencing july 1 1878 actual expenditures remaining three quarters year expenditures estimated making total expenditures leaving estimated surplus revenue year ending june 30 1879 total receipts next fiscal year ending june 30 1880 estimated according existing laws estimated ordinary expenditures period leaving surplus year foregoing statements expenditures actual estimated amount allowed sinking fund provided act approved february 25 1862 requires 1 per cent entire debt united states shall purchased paid within fiscal year set apart sinking fund however substantial compliance conditions law terms public debt reduced 1862 close last fiscal year actual reduction ascertained debt period excess reduction required sinking fund act amount public debt less cash treasury november 1 1878 reduction since date last year progress made last year refunding public debt lower rates interest gratifying amount 4 per cent bonds sold present year prior november 23 1878 6 per cent bonds commonly known equal amount redeemed calls mature policy department place 4 per cent bonds within easy reach every citizen desires invest savings whether small great securities secretary treasury recommends law modified small sums may invested agents government freest opportunity may given parts country investments best mode suggested department authorized issue certificates deposit denomination 10 bearing interest rate per cent per annum convertible time within one year issue 4 per cent bonds authorized refunding act issued exchange united states notes sent treasury mail otherwise provision law supported suitable regulations would enable person readily without cost risk convert money security united states money received could applied redemption 6 per cent bonds coinage gold last fiscal year coinage silver dollars act passed february 28 1878 amounted 23d november 1878 amount circulation balance still possession government views unchanged regard act coinage silver proceeds purpose secretary faithfully execute law afford fair trial measure present financial condition country persuaded welfare legitimate business industry every description best promoted abstaining attempts make radical changes existing financial legislation let understood coming year business country undisturbed governmental interference laws affecting may confidently expect resumption specie payments take place appointed time successfully easily maintained followed healthful enduring revival business prosperity let healing influence time inherent energies people boundless resources country fair opportunity relief present difficulties surely follow report secretary war shows army well economically supplied small force actively employed faithfully performed service required morale army improved number desertions materially decreased year secretary recommends 1 pension granted widow late lieutenant henry benner eighteenth infantry lost life yellow fever command steamer chambers sent supplies relief sufferers south disease 2 establishment annuity scheme benefit heirs deceased officers suggested 3 adoption congress plan publication records war rebellion prepared purpose 4 increase extra per diem soldier teachers employed post schools liberal appropriations erection buildings schools libraries different posts 5 repeal amendment act june 18 1878 forbidding use army posse comitatus otherwise purpose executing laws except cases circumstances employment said force may expressly authorized constitution act congress 6 passage joint resolution congress legalizing issues rations tents medicines made relief sufferers yellow fever 7 provision made erection fireproof building preservation certain valuable records constantly exposed destruction fire recommendations commended favorable consideration report secretary navy shows navy improved last fiscal year work done vessels ten thoroughly repaired made ready sea two others rapid progress toward completion total expenditures year including amount appropriated deficiencies previous year actual expenses chargeable year exclusive deficiencies less previous year less expenses including deficiencies estimates fiscal year ending june 30 1880 exceeding appropriations present year excess occasioned demands naval academy marine corps explained secretary report appropriations present fiscal year opinion secretary ample current expenses department year amount drawn treasury july 1 november 1 1878 refunded leaving expenditure period less corresponding period last fiscal year report embraces detailed statement operations department expenditures department fiscal year ended june 30 1878 receipts including sales stamps business official stamps sum included foregoing statement expenditures chargeable preceding years actual expenditures fiscal year ended june 30 1878 amount drawn treasury appropriations addition revenues department expenditures fiscal year ending june 30 1880 estimated receipts sources leaving deficiency appropriated treasury report calls attention fact compensation postmasters railroads carrying mail regulated law failure congress appropriate amounts required purposes relieve government responsibility necessarily increases deficiency bills congress called upon pass providing postal service following questions presented congress annually appropriate sum expenses largely excess revenues rates postage established make department postal service reduced excluding mails matter pay way number post routes diminished methods adopted increase revenues diminish expenses postal service international postal congress met paris may 1 1878 continued session june 4 year composed delegates nearly civilized countries world adopted new convention take place treaty concluded berne october 9 1874 goes effect 1st april 1879 countries whose delegates signed ratified approved consent president august 13 1878 synopsis universal postal convention found report full text appendix thereto origin postal union comprised countries population people 1st april next comprise countries colonies population people soon accession remaining countries colonies maintain organized postal services constitute fact well name new title indicates universal union regulating upon uniform basis cheap postage rates postal intercourse civilized nations embarrassment arisen conflict customs laws country provisions postal convention regard transmission foreign books newspapers country mail hoped congress able devise means reconciling difficulties thus created justice parties involved business supreme court courts many circuits increased extent past year additional legislation imperative relieve prevent delay justice possible oppression suitors thus occasioned encumbered condition dockets presented anew report remedy suggested earnestly urged congressional action creation additional circuit judges proposed would afford complete remedy would involve expense present rate salaries year annual reports secretary interior commissioner indian affairs present elaborate account present condition indian tribes branch public service ministers interests conduct indians generally orderly relations neighbors friendly peaceable two local disturbances occurred deplorable character remained happily confined comparatively small number indians discontent among bannocks led first acts violence part members tribe finally outbreak appears caused insufficiency food reservation insufficiency owing inadequacy appropriations made congress wants indians time indians prevented supplying deficiency hunting arduous pursuit troops united states several engagements hostile indians reduced subjection larger part surrendered prisoners connection desire call attention recommendation made secretary interior sufficient fund placed disposal executive used proper accountability discretion sudden emergencies indian service case disturbance band northern cheyennes suddenly left reservation indian territory marched rapidly states kansas nebraska direction old hunting grounds committing murders crimes way documents accompanying report secretary interior appears disorderly band fully supplied necessaries life indians remained quietly reservation disturbance caused men restless mischievous disposition among indians almost whole band surrendered military authorities gratifying fact taken refuge camp red cloud sioux friendly relations sioux held prisoners readily gave officers united states thus giving new proof loyal spirit alarming rumors contrary notwithstanding uniformly shown ever since wishes expressed council september 1877 complied secretary interior secretary war unite recommendation provision made congress organization corps mounted indian auxiliaries control army used purpose keeping indians reservations preventing repressing disturbance part earnestly concur recommendation believed organization body indian cavalry receiving moderate pay government would considerably weaken restless element among indians withdrawing number young men giving congenial employment government matter experience indians service almost without exception faithful performance duties assigned organization would materially aid army accomplishment task numerical strength sometimes found insufficient employment force prevention repression indian troubles occasional necessity wise preparation made end greater reliance must placed humane civilizing agencies ultimate solution called indian problem may difficult require much patient effort curb unruly spirit savage indian restraints civilized life experience shows impossible many tribes quiet orderly savage present roam plains mountains far west considered inaccessible civilizing influences may impossible raise fully level white population united states forget aborigines country called soil people grown rich powerful happy owe moral duty help attaining least degree civilization may able reach duty also interest indians become agriculturists herdsmen feel interest property thenceforth cease warlike disturbing element also fact indians apt peaceable quiet children school gratified know expressions indians many concurring reports steadily increasing desire even among indians belonging comparatively wild tribes children educated invite attention reports secretary interior commissioner indian affairs touching experiment recently inaugurated taking fifty indian children boys girls different tribes hampton normal agricultural institute virginia receive elementary english education training agriculture useful works returned tribes completed course interpreters instructors examples reported officer charged selection children might thousands young indians sent possible make provision agree secretary interior saying result interesting experiment favorable may destined become important factor advancement civilization among indians question whether change control indian service made last session congress referred committee inquiry report without desiring anticipate report venture express hope decision important question views expressed may lost sight decision whatever may arrest agitation subject agitation apt produce disturbing effect upon service well indians enrollment bill making appropriations sundry civil expenses last session congress portion provided continuation hot springs commission omitted commission completed work taking testimony many conflicting claims suspension labors determining rights claimants threatened time embarrass interests government also large number citizens hot springs waiting final action claims beginning contemplated improvements order prevent serious difficulties apprehended solicitation many leading citizens hot springs others interested welfare town secretary interior authorized request late commissioners take charge records proceedings perform work could properly done circumstances facilitate future adjudication claims early day preserve status claimants rights finally determined late commissioners complied request report testimony cases written examined briefed arranged facilitate early settlement authorized law recommended requisite authority given early day session possible fair compensation allowed late commissioners expense incurred labor performed since 25th june last invite attention congress recommendations made secretary interior regard preservation timber public lands united states protection public property one first duties government department interior therefore enabled sufficient appropriations enforce laws respect matter appears still important question public economy rapid destruction forests evil fraught gravest consequences especially mountainous districts rocky slopes denuded trees remain forever injury done repaired fully concur secretary interior opinion reason legislation touching public timber mountainous states territories west especially well considered existing laws destruction forests sufficiently guarded speedily modified general law concerning important subject appears matter urgent public necessity organization government importance encouraging possible means increase agricultural productions acknowledged urged upon attention congress people surest readiest means increasing substantial enduring prosperity words washington applicable eighth annual message said doubted reference either individual national welfare agriculture primary importance proportion nations advance population circumstances maturity truth becomes apparent renders cultivation soil object public patronage institutions promoting grow supported public purse object dedicated greater propriety among means employed end none attended greater success establishment boards composed proper characters charged collecting diffusing information enabled premiums small pecuniary aids encourage assist spirit discovery improvement species establishment contributes doubly increase improvement stimulating enterprise experiment drawing common center results everywhere individual skill observation spreading thence whole nation experience accordingly hath shewn cheap instruments immense national benefits preponderance agricultural interest united states entitles consideration claimed washington population united states engaged agriculture value agricultural products united states year 1878 estimated exports agricultural products year 1877 appears report bureau statistics great extent country diversity soil climate enables us produce within borders labor necessaries luxuries consumed civilized countries yet notwithstanding advantages soil climate appears statistical statements report commissioner agriculture import annually foreign lands many millions dollars worth agricultural products could raised country numerous questions arise practice advanced agriculture answered experiments often costly sometimes fruitless beyond means private individuals proper charge whole nation benefit nation good policy especially times depression uncertainty business pursuits vast area uncultivated hence unproductive territory wisely opened homestead settlement encourage every proper legitimate means occupation tillage soil efforts department agriculture stimulate old introduce new agricultural industries improve quality increase quantity products determine value old establish importance new methods culture worthy careful favorable consideration assistance appropriations money enlargement facilities may seem demanded present favorable conditions growth rapid development important interest abuse animals transit widely attracting public attention national convention societies specially interested subject recently met baltimore facts developed regard cruelties animals effect cruelties upon public health would seem demand careful consideration congress enactment efficient laws prevention abuses report commissioner bureau education shows gratifying progress throughout country interests committed care important office report especially encouraging respect extension advantages system sections country general enjoyment privilege free schools yet attained education agency look resource advancement people requisite knowledge appreciation rights responsibilities citizens desire repeat suggestion contained former message behalf enactment appropriate measures congress purpose supplementing national aid local systems education several states adequate accommodations great library overgrowing capacity rooms occupied capitol provided without delay invaluable collection books manuscripts illustrative art grown proportions connection copyright system country demand prompt careful attention congress save injury present crowded insufficient quarters library national character must nature case increase even rapidly future past doubted people sanction wise expenditure preserve enlarge usefulness appeal regents smithsonian institution means organize exhibit make available public benefit articles stored away belonging national museum heartily recommend favorable consideration attention congress invited condition river front city washington matter vital importance health residents national capital temporary permanent lowlands front city subject tidal overflow reclaimed present condition flats obstruct drainage city dangerous source malarial poison reclamation improve navigation river restricting consequently deepening channel also importance considered connection extension public ground enlargement park west south washington monument report board survey heretofore ordered act congress improvement harbor washington georgetown respectfully commended consideration report commissioners district columbia presents detailed statement affairs district relative expenditures united states district local purposes contrasted showing expenditures people district greatly exceed general government exhibit made connection estimates requisite repair defective pavements sewers city work immediate necessity connection plan presented permanent funding outstanding securities district benevolent reformatory penal institutions district entitled favorable attention congress reform school needs additional buildings teachers appropriations place institutions condition become models usefulness beneficence regarded country liberality wisely bestowed commissioners evident justice request attention discrimination made congress district donation land support public schools ask liberality shown inhabitants various states territories united states may extended district columbia commissioners also invite attention damage inflicted upon public private interests present location depots switching tracks several railroads entering city ask legislation looking removal recommendations suggestions contained report trust receive careful consideration congress sufficient time perhaps elapsed since reorganization government district recent legislation congress expression confident opinion successful operation practical results already attained satisfactory friends new government may well urge upon congress wisdom continuance without essential modification actual experience advantages defects may fully ascertained
heartfelt gratitude due divine hold hand destiny nation continue bestowal last year countless blessing upon country peace nation public credit greatly improve perhaps strong ever abundant harvest reward labor till soil manufacturing industry revive believe general prosperity long anxiously look last within reach enjoyment health people generally however interrupt past season prevalence fatal pestilence yellow fever portion southern state create emergency call prompt extraordinary measure relief disease appear epidemic new orleans place low mississippi soon midsummer rapidly spread fugitive infect city town disappear early november state louisiana mississippi tennessee suffer severely case believe occurred accord intelligent estimate prove fatal impossible estimate approach accuracy loss country occasion epidemic reckon hundred million dollar suffer destitution result excited deep sympathy part union physicians nurse hasten every quarter assistance afflict community voluntary contribution money supply every need form speedily generously furnished government able respond measure call help provide tent medicine food sick destitute requisite direction purpose give confident expectation action executive would receive sanction congress tent ration value send city apply full detail furnish congress proper department fearful spread pestilence awaken general public sentiment favor national sanitary administration shall control quarantine sanitary supervision internal commerce time epidemics hold advisory relation state municipal health authority power deal whatever endangers public health municipal state authority unable regulate national quarantine act approve april 29 1878 pass late last session congress provide mean carry practical operation past season step direction indicate view necessity effective measure quarantine otherwise protection seaport country generally epidemic recommend congress give whole subject early careful consideration permanent pacification country complete protection citizen every civil political right continue paramount interest great body people every step direction welcome public approval every interruption steady uniform progress desire consummation awakens general uneasiness widespread condemnation recent congressional election furnish direct trustworthy test advance thus far make practical establishment right suffrage secure constitution liberate race southern state disturb influence real imaginary remove state three constitutional amendment confer freedom equality civil political right upon colored people south adopt concurrent action great body good citizen maintain authority national government integrity perpetuity union cost treasure life wise necessary embodiment organic law result war people former slaveholding state accept result give every practicable form assurance thirteenth fourteenth fifteenth amendment law pass pursuance thereof good faith enforce rigidly impartially letter spirit end humble citizen without distinction race color receive full equal protection person property political right privilege constitutional amendment southern section union obtain large increase political power congress electoral college country justly expect election would proceed enfranchised race upon circumstance legal constitutional freedom protection obtain state union friend law order look forward conduct election offer general judgment country important opportunity measure degree right suffrage could exercise colored people would respect general enjoyment freedom suffrage color people generous protection freedom community form part generally anticipate record election disclose state color people unable make opinion felt election result mainly due influence easily measure remedied legal protection state louisiana south carolina large particular congressional district outside state record election seem compel conclusion right color voter overridden participation election permit either general free congress election hold make examination conduct may appropriate determine validity claim member seat meanwhile become duty executive judicial department government province inquire punish violation law united state occur repeat say connection last message whatever authority rest end shall hesitate put forth unwilling forego renew appeal legislature court executive authority people state wrong perpetrate give assistance toward bring justice offender prevent repetition crime mean within power spar obtain full fair investigation allege crime secure conviction punishment guilty observe principal appropriation make department justice last session contain follow clause defray expense may incur enforcement act approve february 28 1871 entitle act amend act approve may 31 1870 entitle act enforce right citizen united state vote several state union purpose act amendatory thereof supplementary thereto opinion expense proceeding largely exceed amount thus provide rely confidently upon congress make adequate appropriation enable executive department enforce law respectfully urge upon attention congressional election every district important sense justly matter political interest concern throughout whole country state every political party entitle share power confer legal constitutional suffrage right every citizen possess qualification prescribe law east one unintimidated ballot ballot honestly count long exercise power enjoyment right common equal practically well formally submission result suffrage accord loyally cheerfully department government feel true vigor popular thus express temporary administrative interest government however urgent weighty ever displace zeal people defense primary right citizenship understand protection liberty require maintenance full vigor manly method free speech free press free suffrage sustain full authority government enforce law frame preserve inestimable right material progress welfare state depend protection afford citizen peace without protection prosperity without peace whole country deeply interested growth prosperity part country yet reach complete unity feel reciprocal confidence community lately seriously estrange feel absolute assurance tendency direction increase force power public opinion override political prejudice sectional state attachment demand wide territory name character citizen united state shall mean one thing carry unchallenged security respect relation country continue peaceful neutrality contest foreign power maintain respect universal exposition hold paris past summer attend large number citizen brief period allow preparation arrangement contribution citizens great exposition well employ energetic judicious effort overcome disadvantage effort lead direct remarkably successful exhibition product american industry creditable gratify scope character report unite state commissioner give result detail duly laid participation international competition favor trade world may expect produce useful important result promote intercourse friendship commerce nation accordance provision act february 28 1878 three commissioner appoint international conference subject adopt common ratio gold silver purpose establish internationally use bimetallic money secure fixity relative value metal invitation address various government express willingness participate deliberation conference hold meeting paris august last report commissioner herewith submit show result common ratio gold silver could agree upon conference general conclusion reach necessary maintain world monetary function silver well gold leave selection use one two metal make state congress appropriate last session sum pay award joint commission halifax correspondence british government subject conformity award requirement treaty term question thereby submit commission president shall deem duty make payment communication upon point addressed british government legation unite state london fail obtain concurrence british government view government respect award deem duty tender sum name within year fix treaty accompany notice ground payment protest construction correspondence upon subject laid spanish government officially announce termination insurrection cuba restoration peace throughout island confident expectation express revival trade prosperity earnestly hop may prove well rounded numerous claim american citizen relief injury restoration property among incident hostility claim process adjustment spain others promise early careful consideration treaty make italy regard reciprocal consular privilege duly ratify proclaimed question grave importance arise european power japanese government desirous revision part treaty foreign power relate commerce understood address treaty power request open negotiation view united state government incline regard matter favorably whatever restriction upon trade japan find injurious people affect injuriously nation hold commercial intercourse japan long period seclusion within past year make rapid stride path enlightenment progress unreasonably look forward time relation nation europe america shall assimilate hold treaty look end make submit consideration senate interval several year chinese government send envoys united state receive permanent legation establish government doubt step advantage nation promote friendly relation remove cause difference treaty samoan islands duly ratify accepted part government operation survey sounding harbor make naval vessel united state view occupation naval station find desirable service since resumption diplomatic relation mexico correspondence open still continue two government upon various question one time seem endanger relation formal agreement reach trouble border much do repress diminish effective force united state troop rio grande strict faithful compliance instruction do much remove source dispute understood like force mexican troop side river also make energetic movement maraud indian tribes government look great satisfaction upon every evidence strength national authority mexico upon every effort put forth prevent punish incursion upon territory reluctant assume action attitude control incursion military movement across border imperatively demand protection life property citizens shall take early opportunity consistent proper discharge plain duty recognize ability mexican government restrain effectively violation territory propose hold next year international exhibition mexico believe display agricultural manufacturing product two nation tend good understanding increase commercial intercourse people brazil republic central south america step take toward development closer commercial intercourse diplomatic relation resume colombia bolivia boundary question argentine republic paraguay submit government arbitration president united state careful examination give decision upon naval expedition amazon madeira river bring back information valuable scientific commercial purpose like expedition visit coast africa indian ocean report diplomatic consular officer relation development foreign commerce furnish many fact prove public interest stimulate practical exertion enterprise people report secretary treasury furnishes detailed statement operation department government condition public finance ordinary revenue source fiscal year end june 30 1878 ordinary expenditure period leave surplus revenue year receipt present fiscal year end june 30 1879 actual estimate follow actual receipt first quarter commence july 1 1878 estimate receipt remain three quarter year total receipt current fiscal year actual estimate expenditure period actual estimate follow quarter commence july 1 1878 actual expenditure remain three quarter year expenditures estimate make total expenditure leave estimate surplus revenue year end june 30 1879 total receipt next fiscal year end june 30 1880 estimate accord exist law estimate ordinary expenditure period leave surplus year forego statement expenditures actual estimate amount allow sink fund provide act approve february 25 1862 require 1 per cent entire debt unite state shall purchase paid within fiscal year set apart sink fund however substantial compliance condition law term public debt reduce 1862 close last fiscal year actual reduction ascertain debt period excess reduction require sinking fund act amount public debt less cash treasury november 1 1878 reduction since date last year progress make last year refund public debt lower rate interest gratifying amount 4 per cent bond sell present year prior november 23 1878 6 per cent bond commonly know equal amount redeem calls mature policy department place 4 per cent bond within easy reach every citizen desire invest saving whether small great security secretary treasury recommend law modify small sum may invest agent government free opportunity may give part country investment best mode suggest department authorize issue certificate deposit denomination 10 bearing interest rate per cent per annum convertible time within one year issue 4 per cent bond authorize refund act issued exchange united state note send treasury mail otherwise provision law support suitable regulation would enable person readily without cost risk convert money security unite state money receive could apply redemption 6 per cent bond coinage gold last fiscal year coinage silver dollar act pass february 28 1878 amount 23d november 1878 amount circulation balance still possession government view unchanged regard act coinage silver proceeds purpose secretary faithfully execute law afford fair trial measure present financial condition country persuade welfare legitimate business industry every description best promote abstain attempt make radical change exist financial legislation let understood come year business country undisturbed governmental interference law affect may confidently expect resumption specie payment take place appoint time successfully easily maintain follow healthful endure revival business prosperity let heal influence time inherent energy people boundless resource country fair opportunity relief present difficulty surely follow report secretary war show army well economically supply small force actively employ faithfully perform service require morale army improve number desertion materially decrease year secretary recommend 1 pension grant widow late lieutenant henry benner eighteenth infantry lose life yellow fever command steamer chamber send supply relief sufferer south disease 2 establishment annuity scheme benefit heir decease officer suggest 3 adoption congress plan publication record war rebellion prepare purpose 4 increase extra per diem soldier teacher employ post school liberal appropriation erection building school library different post 5 repeal amendment act june 18 1878 forbidding use army posse comitatus otherwise purpose execute law except case circumstance employment say force may expressly authorize constitution act congress 6 passage joint resolution congress legalize issue ration tent medicine make relief sufferer yellow fever 7 provision make erection fireproof build preservation certain valuable record constantly expose destruction fire recommendation commend favorable consideration report secretary navy show navy improve last fiscal year work do vessel ten thoroughly repair make ready sea two others rapid progress toward completion total expenditure year include amount appropriate deficiency previous year actual expense chargeable year exclusive deficiency less previous year less expense include deficiency estimate fiscal year end june 30 1880 exceed appropriation present year excess occasion demand naval academy marine corp explain secretary report appropriation present fiscal year opinion secretary ample current expense department year amount draw treasury july 1 november 1 1878 refund leave expenditure period less corresponding period last fiscal year report embrace detailed statement operation department expenditures department fiscal year end june 30 1878 receipt include sale stamp business official stamp sum include foregoing statement expenditures chargeable precede year actual expenditure fiscal year end june 30 1878 amount draw treasury appropriation addition revenue department expenditures fiscal year end june 30 1880 estimate receipt source leave deficiency appropriate treasury report call attention fact compensation postmaster railroad carry mail regulate law failure congress appropriate amount require purpose relieve government responsibility necessarily increase deficiency bill congress call upon pas provide postal service follow question present congress annually appropriate sum expense largely excess revenue rate postage establish make department postal service reduce exclude mail matter pay way number post route diminish method adopt increase revenue diminish expense postal service international postal congress meet paris may 1 1878 continued session june 4 year compose delegate nearly civilized country world adopt new convention take place treaty conclude berne october 9 1874 go effect 1st april 1879 country whose delegate sign ratify approved consent president august 13 1878 synopsis universal postal convention find report full text appendix thereto origin postal union comprise country population people 1st april next comprise country colonies population people soon accession remain country colony maintain organize postal service constitute fact well name new title indicate universal union regulate upon uniform basis cheap postage rate postal intercourse civilize nation embarrassment arisen conflict custom law country provision postal convention regard transmission foreign book newspaper country mail hop congress able devise mean reconcile difficulty thus create justice party involve business supreme court court many circuit increase extent past year additional legislation imperative relieve prevent delay justice possible oppression suitor thus occasion encumbered condition docket present anew report remedy suggest earnestly urge congressional action creation additional circuit judge propose would afford complete remedy would involve expense present rate salary year annual report secretary interior commissioner indian affair present elaborate account present condition indian tribe branch public service minister interest conduct indian generally orderly relation neighbor friendly peaceable two local disturbance occur deplorable character remain happily confine comparatively small number indian discontent among bannock lead first act violence part member tribe finally outbreak appear caused insufficiency food reservation insufficiency owe inadequacy appropriation make congress want indian time indian prevent supply deficiency hunt arduous pursuit troop united state several engagement hostile indian reduce subjection large part surrender prisoner connection desire call attention recommendation make secretary interior sufficient fund place disposal executive use proper accountability discretion sudden emergency indian service case disturbance band northern cheyenne suddenly leave reservation indian territory march rapidly state kansas nebraska direction old hunting ground commit murder crime way document accompany report secretary interior appear disorderly band fully supply necessary life indian remain quietly reservation disturbance cause men restless mischievous disposition among indian almost whole band surrender military authority gratify fact take refuge camp red cloud sioux friendly relation sioux hold prisoner readily give officer united state thus give new proof loyal spirit alarm rumor contrary notwithstanding uniformly show ever since wish express council september 1877 comply secretary interior secretary war unite recommendation provision make congress organization corp mount indian auxiliary control army use purpose keep indians reservation prevent repress disturbance part earnestly concur recommendation believe organization body indian cavalry receive moderate pay government would considerably weaken restless element among indian withdraw number young men give congenial employment government matter experience indian service almost without exception faithful performance duty assign organization would materially aid army accomplishment task numerical strength sometimes find insufficient employment force prevention repression indian trouble occasional necessity wise preparation make end great reliance must place humane civilize agency ultimate solution call indian problem may difficult require much patient effort curb unruly spirit savage indian restraint civilized life experience show impossible many tribe quiet orderly savage present roam plain mountains far west consider inaccessible civilize influence may impossible raise fully level white population united state forget aborigine country call soil people grow rich powerful happy owe moral duty help attain least degree civilization may able reach duty also interest indians become agriculturist herdsman feel interest property thenceforth cease warlike disturb element also fact indians apt peaceable quiet child school gratify know expression indians many concur report steadily increase desire even among indian belong comparatively wild tribe child educate invite attention report secretary interior commissioner indian affair touch experiment recently inaugurate take fifty indian child boys girl different tribes hampton normal agricultural institute virginia receive elementary english education training agriculture useful work return tribes complete course interpreter instructor example report officer charge selection child might thousand young indian send possible make provision agree secretary interior say result interesting experiment favorable may destine become important factor advancement civilization among indians question whether change control indian service make last session congress refer committee inquiry report without desire anticipate report venture express hope decision important question view express may lose sight decision whatever may arrest agitation subject agitation apt produce disturb effect upon service well indians enrollment bill make appropriation sundry civil expense last session congress portion provide continuation hot spring commission omit commission complete work take testimony many conflict claim suspension labor determine right claimant threaten time embarrass interest government also large number citizen hot spring wait final action claim begin contemplated improvement order prevent serious difficulty apprehend solicitation many lead citizen hot spring others interested welfare town secretary interior authorize request late commissioner take charge record proceeding perform work could properly do circumstance facilitate future adjudication claim early day preserve status claimant right finally determine late commissioner comply request report testimony case write examined briefed arrange facilitate early settlement authorize law recommend requisite authority give early day session possible fair compensation allow late commissioner expense incur labor perform since 25th june last invite attention congress recommendation make secretary interior regard preservation timber public land united state protection public property one first duty government department interior therefore enable sufficient appropriation enforce law respect matter appear still important question public economy rapid destruction forest evil fraught grave consequence especially mountainous district rocky slope denude tree remain forever injury do repair fully concur secretary interior opinion reason legislation touch public timber mountainous state territory west especially well consider exist law destruction forest sufficiently guard speedily modify general law concern important subject appear matter urgent public necessity organization government importance encourage possible mean increase agricultural production acknowledge urge upon attention congress people surest readiest mean increase substantial endure prosperity word washington applicable eighth annual message say doubted reference either individual national welfare agriculture primary importance proportion nation advance population circumstance maturity truth become apparent render cultivation soil object public patronage institution promote grow support public purse object dedicate great propriety among mean employed end none attend great success establishment board compose proper character charge collect diffuse information enable premium small pecuniary aid encourage assist spirit discovery improvement specie establishment contribute doubly increase improvement stimulate enterprise experiment draw common center result everywhere individual skill observation spread thence whole nation experience accordingly hath shewn cheap instrument immense national benefit preponderance agricultural interest unite state entitle consideration claim washington population unite state engage agriculture value agricultural product unite state year 1878 estimate export agricultural product year 1877 appear report bureau statistic great extent country diversity soil climate enable u produce within border labor necessary luxuries consume civilized country yet notwithstanding advantage soil climate appear statistical statement report commissioner agriculture import annually foreign land many million dollar worth agricultural product could raise country numerous question arise practice advanced agriculture answer experiment often costly sometimes fruitless beyond mean private individual proper charge whole nation benefit nation good policy especially time depression uncertainty business pursuit vast area uncultivated hence unproductive territory wisely open homestead settlement encourage every proper legitimate mean occupation tillage soil effort department agriculture stimulate old introduce new agricultural industry improve quality increase quantity product determine value old establish importance new method culture worthy careful favorable consideration assistance appropriation money enlargement facility may seem demanded present favorable condition growth rapid development important interest abuse animal transit widely attract public attention national convention society specially interested subject recently meet baltimore fact develop regard cruelty animal effect cruelty upon public health would seem demand careful consideration congress enactment efficient law prevention abuse report commissioner bureau education show gratify progress throughout country interest commit care important office report especially encouraging respect extension advantage system section country general enjoyment privilege free school yet attain education agency look resource advancement people requisite knowledge appreciation right responsibility citizen desire repeat suggestion contain former message behalf enactment appropriate measure congress purpose supplement national aid local system education several state adequate accommodation great library overgrow capacity room occupy capitol provide without delay invaluable collection book manuscript illustrative art grown proportion connection copyright system country demand prompt careful attention congress save injury present crowded insufficient quarter library national character must nature case increase even rapidly future past doubt people sanction wise expenditure preserve enlarge usefulness appeal regent smithsonian institution mean organize exhibit make available public benefit article store away belonging national museum heartily recommend favorable consideration attention congress invite condition river front city washington matter vital importance health resident national capital temporary permanent lowland front city subject tidal overflow reclaim present condition flat obstruct drainage city dangerous source malarial poison reclamation improve navigation river restrict consequently deepen channel also importance consider connection extension public ground enlargement park west south washington monument report board survey heretofore order act congress improvement harbor washington georgetown respectfully commended consideration report commissioner district columbia present detailed statement affair district relative expenditure united state district local purpose contrast show expenditure people district greatly exceed general government exhibit make connection estimate requisite repair defective pavement sewer city work immediate necessity connection plan present permanent funding outstanding security district benevolent reformatory penal institution district entitle favorable attention congress reform school need additional building teacher appropriation place institution condition become model usefulness beneficence regard country liberality wisely bestow commissioner evident justice request attention discrimination make congress district donation land support public school ask liberality show inhabitant various state territory united state may extend district columbia commissioner also invite attention damage inflict upon public private interest present location depot switch track several railroad enter city ask legislation look removal recommendation suggestion contain report trust receive careful consideration congress sufficient time perhaps elapse since reorganization government district recent legislation congress expression confident opinion successful operation practical result already attained satisfactory friend new government may well urge upon congress wisdom continuance without essential modification actual experience advantage defect may fully ascertain