In transmitting to you this my fourth annual message it is with thankfulness to the Giver of All Good that as a nation we have been blessed for the past year with peace at home, peace abroad, and a general prosperity vouchsafed to but few peoples. With the exception of the recent devastating fire which swept from the earth with a breath, as it were, millions of accumulated wealth in the city of Boston, there has been no overshadowing calamity within the year to record. It is gratifying to note how, like their fellow-citizens of the city of Chicago under similar circumstances a year earlier, the citizens of Boston are rallying under their misfortunes, and the prospect that their energy and perseverance will overcome all obstacles and show the same prosperity soon that they would had no disaster befallen them. Otherwise we have been free from pestilence, war, and calamities, which often overtake nations; and, as far as human judgment can penetrate the future, no cause seems to exist to threaten our present peace. When Congress adjourned in June last, a question had been raised by Great Britain, and was then pending, which for a time seriously imperiled the settlement by friendly arbitration of the grave differences between this Government and that of Her Britannic Majesty, which by the treaty of Washington had been referred to the tribunal of arbitration which had met at Geneva, in Switzerland. The arbitrators, however, disposed of the question which had jeoparded the whole of the treaty and threatened to involve the two nations in most unhappy relations toward each other in a manner entirely satisfactory to this Government and in accordance with the views and the policy which it had maintained. The tribunal, which had convened at Geneva in December, concluded its laborious session on the 14th day of September last, on which day, having availed itself of the discretionary power given to it by the treaty to award a sum in gross, it made its decision, whereby it awarded the sum of $15,500,000 in gold as the indemnity to be paid by Great Britain to the United States for the satisfaction of all the claims referred to its consideration. This decision happily disposes of a long-standing difference between the two Governments, and, in connection with another award, made by the German Emperor under a reference to him by the same treaty, leaves these two Governments without a shadow upon the friendly relations which it is my sincere hope may forever remain equally unclouded. The report of the agent of the United States appointed to attend the Geneva tribunal, accompanied by the protocols of the proceedings of the arbitrators, the arguments of the counsel of both Governments, the award of the tribunal, and the opinions given by the several arbitrators, is transmitted herewith. I have caused to be communicated to the heads of the three friendly powers who complied with the joint request made to them under the treaty the thanks of this Government for the appointment of arbitrators made by them respectively, and also my thanks to the eminent personages named by them, and my appreciation of the dignity, patience, impartiality, and great ability with which they discharged their arduous and high functions. Her Majesty's Government has communicated to me the appreciation by Her Majesty of the ability and indefatigable industry displayed by Mr. Adams, the arbitrator named on the part of this Government during the protracted inquiries and discussions of the tribunal. I cordially unite with Her Majesty in this appreciation. It is due to the agent of the United States before the tribunal to record my high appreciation of the marked ability, unwearied patience, and the prudence and discretion with which he has conducted the very responsible and delicate duties committed to him, as it is also due to the learned and eminent counsel who attended the tribunal on the part of this Government to express my sense of the talents and wisdom which they brought to bear in the attainment of the result so happily reached. It will be the province of Congress to provide for the distribution among those who may be entitled to it of their respective shares of the money to be paid. Although the sum awarded is not payable until a year from the date of the award, it is deemed advisable that no time be lost in making a proper examination of the several cases in which indemnification may be due. I consequently recommend the creation of a board of commissioners for the purpose. By the thirty-fourth article of the treaty of Washington the respective claims of the United States and of Great Britain' in their construction of the treaty of the 15th of June, 1846, defining the boundary line between their respective territories, were submitted to the arbitration and award of His Majesty the Emperor of Germany, to decide which of those claims is most in accordance with the true interpretation of the treaty of 1846. His Majesty the Emperor of Germany, having been pleased to undertake the arbitration, has the earnest thanks of this Government and of the people of the United States for the labor, pains, and care which he has devoted to the consideration of this long-pending difference. I have caused an expression of my thanks to be communicated to His Majesty. Mr. Bancroft, the representative of this Government at Berlin, conducted the case and prepared the statement on the part of the United States with the ability that his past services justified the public in expecting at his hands. As a member of the Cabinet at the date of the treaty which has given rise to the discussion between the two Governments, as the minister to Great Britain when the construction now pronounced unfounded was first advanced, and as the agent and representative of the Government to present the case and to receive the award, he has been associated with the question in all of its phases, and in every stage has manifested a patriotic zeal and earnestness in maintenance of the claim of the United States. He is entitled to much credit for the success which has attended the submission. After a patient investigation of the case and of the statements of each party, His Majesty the Emperor, on the 21st day of October last, signed his award in writing, decreeing that the claim of the Government of the United States, that the boundary line between the territories of Her Britannic Majesty and the United States should be drawn through the Haro Channel, is most in accordance with the true interpretation of the treaty concluded on the 15th of June, 1846, between the Governments of Her Britannic Majesty and of the United States. Copies of the "case" presented on behalf of each Government, and of the "statement in reply" of each, and a translation of the award, are transmitted herewith. This award confirms the United States in their claim to the important archipelago of islands lying between the continent and Vancouvers Island, which for more than twenty-six years (ever since the ratification of the treaty) Great Britain has contested, and leaves us, for the first time in the history of the United States as a nation, without a question of disputed boundary between our territory and the possessions of Great Britain on this continent. It is my grateful duty to acknowledge the prompt, spontaneous action of Her Majesty's Government in giving effect to the award. In anticipation of any request from this Government, and before the reception in the United States of the award signed by the Emperor, Her Majesty had given instructions for the removal of her troops which had been stationed there and for the cessation of all exercise or claim of jurisdiction, so as to leave the United States in the exclusive possession of the lately disputed territory. I am gratified to be able to announce that the orders for the removal of the troops have been executed, and that the military joint occupation of San Juan has ceased. The islands are now in the exclusive possession of the United States. It now becomes necessary to complete the survey and determination of that portion of the boundary line (through the Haro Channel) upon which the commission which determined the remaining part of the line were unable to agree. I recommend the appointment of a commission to act jointly with one which may be named by Her Majesty for that purpose. Experience of the difficulties attending the determination of our admitted line of boundary, after the occupation of the territory and its settlement by those owing allegiance to the respective Governments, points to the importance of establishing, by natural objects or other monuments, the actual line between the territory acquired by purchase from Russia and the adjoining possessions of Her Britannic Majesty. The region is now so sparsely occupied that no conflicting interests of individuals or of jurisdiction are likely to interfere to the delay or embarrassment of the actual location of the line. If deferred until population shall enter and occupy the territory, some trivial contest of neighbors may again array the two Governments in antagonism. I therefore recommend the appointment of a commission, to act jointly with one that may be appointed on the part of Great Britain, to determine the line between our Territory of Alaska and the conterminous possessions of Great Britain. In my last annual message I recommended the legislation necessary on the part of the United States to bring into operation the articles of the treaty of Washington of May 8, 1871, relating to the fisheries and to other matters touching the relations of the United States toward the British North American possessions, to become operative so soon as the proper legislation should be had on the part of Great Britain and its possessions. That legislation on the part of Great Britain and its possessions had not then been had, and during the session of Congress a question was raised which for the time raised a doubt whether any action by Congress in the direction indicated would become important. This question has since been disposed of, and I have received notice that the Imperial Parliament and the legislatures of the provincial governments have passed laws to carry the provisions of the treaty on the matters referred to into operation. I therefore recommend your early adoption of the legislation in the same direction necessary on the part of this Government. The joint commission for determining the boundary line between the United States and the British possessions between the Lake of the Woods and the Rocky Mountains has organized and entered upon its work. It is desirable that the force be increased, in order that the completion of the survey and determination of the line may be the sooner attained. To this end I recommend that a sufficient appropriation be made. With France, our earliest ally; Russia, the constant and steady friend of the United States; Germany, with whose Government and people we have so many causes of friendship and so many common sympathies, and the other powers of Europe, our relations are maintained on the most friendly terms. Since my last annual message the exchange has been made of the ratifications of a treaty with the Austro-Hungarian Empire relating to naturalization; also of a treaty with the German Empire respecting consuls and trade-marks; also of a treaty with Sweden and Norway relating to naturalization; all of which treaties have been duly proclaimed. Congress at its last session having made an appropriation to defray the expense of commissioners on the part of the United States to the International Statistical Congress at St. Petersburg, the persons appointed in that character proceeded to their destination and attended the sessions of the congress. Their report shall in due season be laid before you. This congress meets at intervals of about three years, and has held its sessions in several of the countries of Europe. I submit to your consideration the propriety of extending an invitation to the congress to hold its next meeting in the United States. The Centennial Celebration to be held in 1876 would afford an appropriate occasion for such meeting. Preparations are making for the international exposition to be held during the next year in Vienna, on a scale of very great magnitude. The tendency of these expositions is in the direction of advanced civilization, and of the elevation of industry and of labor, and of the increase of human happiness, as well as of greater intercourse and good will between nations. As this exposition is to be the first which will have been held in eastern Europe, it is believed that American inventors and manufacturers will be ready to avail themselves of the opportunity for the presentation of their productions if encouraged by proper aid and protection. At the last session of Congress authority was given for the appointment of one or more agents to represent this Government at the exposition. The authority thus given has been exercised, but, in the absence of any appropriation, there is danger that the important benefits which the occasion offers will in a large degree be lost to citizens of the United States. I commend the subject strongly to your consideration, and recommend that an adequate appropriation be made for the purpose. To further aid American exhibitors at the Vienna Exposition, I would recommend, in addition to an appropriation of money, that the Secretary of the Navy be authorized to fit up two naval vessels to transport between our Atlantic cities and Trieste, or the most convenient port to Vienna, and back, their articles for exhibition. Since your last session the President of the Mexican Republic, distinguished by his high character and by his services to his country, has died. His temporary successor has now been elected with great unanimity by the people a proof of confidence on their part in his patriotism and wisdom which it is believed will be confirmed by the results of his administration. It is particularly desirable that nothing should be left undone by the Government of either Republic to strengthen their relations as neighbors and friends. It is much to be regretted that many lawless acts continue to disturb the quiet of the settlements on the border between our territory and that of Mexico, and that complaints of wrongs to American citizens in various parts of the country are made. The revolutionary condition in which the neighboring Republic has so long been involved has in some degree contributed to this disturbance. It is to be hoped that with a more settled rule of order through the Republic, which may be expected from the present Government, the acts of which just complaint is made will cease. The proceedings of the commission under the convention with Mexico of the 4th of July, 1868, on the subject of claims, have, unfortunately, been checked by an obstacle, for the removal of which measures have been taken by the two Governments which it is believed will prove successful. The commissioners appointed, pursuant to the joint resolution of Congress of the 7th of May last, to inquire into depredations on the Texan frontier have diligently made investigations in that quarter. Their report upon the subject will be communicated to you. Their researches were necessarily incomplete, partly on account of the limited appropriation made by Congress. Mexico, on the part of that Government, has appointed a similar commission to investigate these outrages. It is not announced officially, but the press of that country states that the fullest investigation is desired, and that the cooperation of all parties concerned is invited to secure that end. I therefore recommend that a special appropriation be made at the earliest day practicable, to enable the commissioners on the part of the United States to return to their labors without delay. It is with regret that I have again to announce a continuance of the disturbed condition of the island of Cuba. No advance toward the pacification of the discontented part of the population has been made. While the insurrection has gained no advantages and exhibits no more of the elements of power or of the prospects of ultimate success than were exhibited a year ago, Spain, on the other hand, has not succeeded in its repression, and the parties stand apparently in the same relative attitude which they have occupied for a long time past. This contest has lasted now for more than four years. Were its scene at a distance from our neighborhood, we might be indifferent to its result, although humanity could not be unmoved by many of its incidents wherever they might occur. It is, however, at our door. I can not doubt that the continued maintenance of slavery in Cuba is among the strongest inducements to the continuance of this strife. A terrible wrong is the natural cause of a terrible evil. The abolition of slavery and the introduction of other reforms in the administration of government in Cuba could not fail to advance the restoration of peace and order. It is greatly to be hoped that the present liberal Government of Spain will voluntarily adopt this view. The law of emancipation, which was passed more than two years since, has remained unexecuted in the absence of regulations for its enforcement. It was but a feeble step toward emancipation, but it was the recognition of right, and was hailed as such, and exhibited Spain in harmony with sentiments of humanity and of justice and in sympathy with the other powers of the Christian and civilized world. Within the past few weeks the regulations for carrying out the law of emancipation have been announced, giving evidence of the sincerity of intention of the present Government to carry into effect the law of 1870. I have not failed to urge the consideration of the wisdom, the policy, and the justice of a more effective system for the abolition of the great evil which oppresses a race and continues a bloody and destructive contest close to our border, as well as the expediency and the justice of conceding reforms of which the propriety is not questioned. Deeply impressed with the conviction that the continuance of slavery is one of the most active causes of the continuance of the unhappy condition in Cuba, I regret to believe that citizens of the United States, or those claiming to be such, are large holders in Cuba of what is there claimed as property, but which is forbidden and denounced by the laws of the United States. They are thus, in defiance of the spirit of our own laws, contributing to the continuance of this distressing and sickening contest. In my last annual message I referred to this subject, and I again recommend such legislation as may be proper to denounce, and, if not prevent, at least to discourage American citizens from holding or dealing in slaves. It is gratifying to announce that the ratifications of the convention concluded under the auspices of this Government between Spain on the one part and the allied Republics of the Pacific on the other, providing for an armistice, have been exchanged. A copy of the instrument is herewith submitted. It is hoped that this may be followed by a permanent peace between the same parties. The differences which at one time threatened the maintenance of peace between Brazil and the Argentine Republic it is hoped are in the way of satisfactory adjustment. With these States, as with the Republics of Central and of South America, we continue to maintain the most friendly relations. It is with regret, however, I announce that the Government of Venezuela has made no further payments on account of the awards under the convention of the 25th of April, 1866. That Republic is understood to be now almost, if not quite, tranquilized. It is hoped, therefore, that it will lose no time in providing for the unpaid balance of its debt to the United States, which, having originated in injuries to our citizens by Venezuelan authorities, and having been acknowledged, pursuant to a treaty, in the most solemn form known among nations, would seem to deserve a preference over debts of a different origin and contracted in a different manner. This subject is again recommended to the attention of Congress for such action as may be deemed proper. Our treaty relations with Japan remain unchanged. An imposing embassy from that interesting and progressive nation visited this country during the year that is passing, but, being unprovided with powers for the signing of a convention in this country, no conclusion in that direction was reached. It is hoped, however, that the interchange of opinions which took place during their stay in this country has led to a mutual appreciation of the interests which may be promoted when the revision of the existing treaty shall be undertaken. In this connection I renew my recommendation of one year ago, that-- 
To give importance to and to add to the efficiency of our diplomatic relations with Japan and China, and to further aid in retaining the good opinion of those peoples, and to secure to the United States its share of the commerce destined to flow between those nations and the balance of the commercial world, an appropriation be made to support at least four American youths in each of those countries, to serve as a part of the official family of our ministers there. Our representatives would not even then be placed upon an equality with the representatives of Great Britain and of some other powers. As now situated, our representatives in Japan and China have to depend for interpreters and translators upon natives of those countries, who know our language imperfectly, or procure for the occasion the services of employees in foreign business houses or the interpreters to other foreign ministers. I renew the recommendation made on a previous occasion, of the transfer to the Department of the Interior, to which they seem more appropriately to belong, of all the powers and duties in relation to the Territories with which the Department of State is now charged by law or by custom. Congress from the beginning of the Government has wisely made provision for the relief of distressed seamen in foreign countries. No similar provision, however, has hitherto been made for the relief of citizens in distress abroad other than seamen. It is understood to be customary with other governments to authorize consuls to extend such relief to their citizens or subjects in certain cases. A similar authority and an appropriation to carry it into effect are recommended in the case of citizens of the United States destitute or sick under such circumstances. It is well known that such citizens resort to foreign countries in great numbers. Though most of them are able to bear the expenses incident to locomotion, there are some who, through accident or otherwise, become penniless, and have no friends at home able to succor them. Persons in this situation must either perish, cast themselves upon the charity of foreigners, or be relieved at the private charge of our own officers, who usually, even with the most benevolent dispositions, have nothing to spare for such purposes. Should the authority and appropriation asked for be granted, care will be taken so to carry the beneficence of Congress into effect that it shall not be unnecessarily or unworthily bestowed.  . The moneys received and covered into the Treasury during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1872, were: The net expenditures by warrants during the same period were: From the foregoing statement it appears that the net reduction of the principal of the debt during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1872, was $99,960,253.54. The source of this reduction is as follows: This statement treats solely of the principal of the public debt. By the monthly statement of the public debt, which adds together the principal, interest due and unpaid, and interest accrued to date, not due, and deducts the cash in the Treasury as ascertained on the day of publication, the reduction was $100,544,491.28. The source of this reduction is as follows: On the basis of the last table the statements show a reduction of the public debt from the 1st of March, 1869, to the present time as follows: With the great reduction of taxation by the acts of Congress at its last session, the expenditure of the Government in collecting the revenue will be much reduced for the next fiscal year. It is very doubtful, however, whether any further reduction of so vexatious a burden upon any people will be practicable for the present. At all events, as a measure of justice to the holders of the nation's certificates of indebtedness, I would recommend that no more legislation be had on this subject, unless it be to correct errors of omission or commission in the present laws, until sufficient time has elapsed to prove that it can be done and still leave sufficient revenue to meet current expenses of Government, pay interest on the public debt, and provide for the sinking fund established by law. The preservation of our national credit is of the highest importance; next in importance to this comes a solemn duty to provide a national currency of fixed, unvarying value as compared with gold, and as soon as practicable, having due regard for the interests of the debtor class and the vicissitudes of trade and commerce, convertible into gold at par. The report of the Secretary of War shows the expenditures of the War Department for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1871, to be $35,799,991.82, and for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1872, to be $35,372,157.20, showing a reduction in favor of the last fiscal year of $427,834.62. The estimates for military appropriations for the next fiscal year, ending June 30, 1874, are $33,801,378.78. The estimates of the Chief of Engineers are submitted separately for fortifications, river and harbor improvements, and for public buildings and grounds and the Washington Aqueduct. The affairs of the Freedmen's Bureau have all been transferred to the War Department, and regulations have been put into execution for the speedy payment of bounty, pay, etc., due colored soldiers, properly coming under that Bureau. All war accounts, for money and property, prior to 1871 have been examined and transmitted to the Treasury for final settlement. During the fiscal year there has been paid for transportation on railroads $1,300,000, of which $800,857 was over the Pacific railroads; for transportation by water $626,373.52, and by stage $48,975.84; for the purchase of transportation animals, wagons, hire of teamsters, etc., $924,650.64. About $370,000 have been collected from Southern railroads during the year, leaving about $4,000,000 still due. The Quartermaster has examined and transmitted to the accounting officers for settlement $367,172.72 of claims by loyal citizens for quartermaster stores taken during the war. Subsistence supplies to the amount of $89,048.12 have been issued to Indians. The annual average mean strength of the Army was 24,101 white and 2,494 colored soldiers. The total deaths for the year reported were 367 white and 54 colored. The distribution of the Medical and Surgical History of the War is yet to be ordered by Congress. There exists an absolute necessity for a medical corps of the full number established by act of Congress of July 28, 1866, there being now fifty-nine vacancies, and the number of successful candidates rarely exceeds eight or ten in any one year. The river and harbor improvements have been carried on with energy and economy. Though many are only partially completed, the results have saved to commerce many times the amount expended. The increase of commerce, with greater depths of channels, greater security in navigation, and the saving of time, adds millions to the wealth of the country and increases the resources of the Government. The bridge across the Mississippi River at Rock Island has been completed, and the proper site has been determined upon for the bridge at La Crosse. The able and exhaustive report made by the commission appointed to investigate the Sutro Tunnel has been transmitted to Congress. The observations and reports of the Signal Office have been continued. Stations have been maintained at each of the principal lake, seaport, and river cities. Ten additional stations have been established in the United States, and arrangements have been made for an exchange of reports with Canada, and a similar exchange of observations is contemplated with the West India Islands. The favorable attention of Congress is invited to the following recommendations of the Secretary of War: 
A discontinuance of the appointment of extra lieutenants to serve as adjutants and quartermasters; the adoption of a code providing specific penalties for well-defined offenses, so that the inequality of sentences adjudged by courts-martial may be adjusted; the consolidation of accounts under which expenditures are made, as a measure of economy; a reappropriation of the money for the construction of a depot at San Antonio, the title to the site being now perfected; a special act placing the cemetery at the City of Mexico on the same basis as other national cemeteries; authority to purchase sites for military posts in Texas; the appointment of commissary sergeants from noncommissioned officers, as a measure for securing the better care and protection of supplies; an appropriation for the publication of the catalogue and tables of the anatomical section of the Army Medical Museum; a reappropriation of the amount for the manufacture of breech-loading arms, should the selection be so delayed by the board of officers as to leave the former appropriation unexpended at the close of the fiscal year; the sale of such arsenals east of the Mississippi as can be spared, and the proceeds applied to the establishment of one large arsenal of construction and repair upon the Atlantic Coast and the purchase of a suitable site for a proving and experimental ground for heavy ordnance; the abrogation of laws which deprive inventors in the United States service from deriving any benefit from their inventions; the repeal of the law prohibiting promotions in the staff corps; a continuance of the work upon coast defenses; the repeal of the seventh section of the act of July 13, 1866, taking from engineer soldiers the per diem granted to other troops; a limitation of time for presentation of old war claims for subsistence supplies under act of July 4, 1864; and a modification in the mode of the selection of cadets for the Military Academy, in order to enhance the usefulness of the Academy, which is impaired by reason of the large amount of time necessarily expended in giving new cadets a thorough knowledge of the more elementary branches of learning, which they should acquire before entering the Academy. Also an appropriation for philosophical apparatus and an increase in the numbers and pay of the Military Academy band. The attention of Congress will be called during its present session to various enterprises for the more certain and cheaper transportation of the constantly increasing surplus of Western and Southern products to the Atlantic Seaboard. The subject is one that will force itself upon the legislative branch of the Government sooner or later, and I suggest, therefore, that immediate steps be taken to gain all available information to insure equable and just legislation. One route to connect the Mississippi Valley with the Atlantic, at Charleston, S.C., and Savannah, Ga., by water, by the way of the Ohio and Tennessee rivers, and canals and slack-water navigation to the Savannah and Ocmulgee rivers, has been surveyed, and report made by an accomplished engineer officer of the Army. Second and third new routes will be proposed for the consideration of Congress, namely, by an extension of the Kanawha and James River Canal to the Ohio, and by extension of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. I am not prepared to recommend Government aid to these or other enterprises until it is clearly shown that they are not only of national interest, but that when completed they will be of a value commensurate with their cost. That production increases more rapidly than the means of transportation in our country has been demonstrated by past experience. That the unprecedented growth in population and products of the whole country will require additional facilities--and cheaper ones for the more bulky articles of commerce to reach tide water and a market will be demanded in the near future--is equally demonstrable. I would therefore suggest either a committee or a commission to be authorized to consider this whole question, and to report to Congress at some future day for its better guidance in legislating on this important subject. The railroads of the country have been rapidly extended during the last few years to meet the growing demands of producers, and reflect much credit upon the capitalists and managers engaged in their construction. In addition to these, a project to facilitate commerce by the building of a ship canal around Niagara Falls, on the United States side, which has been agitated for many years, will no doubt be called to your attention at this session. Looking to the great future growth of the country and the increasing demands of commerce, it might be well while on this subject not only to have examined and reported upon the various practicable routes for connecting the Mississippi with tide water on the Atlantic, but the feasibility of an almost continuous landlocked navigation from Maine to the Gulf of Mexico. Such a route along our coast would be of great value at all times, and of inestimable value in ease of a foreign war. Nature has provided the greater part of this route, and the obstacles to overcome are easily within the skill of the engineer. I have not alluded to this subject with the view of having any further expenditure of public money at this time than may be necessary to procure and place all the necessary information before Congress in an authentic form, to enable it hereafter, if deemed practicable and worthy, to legislate on the subject without delay. The report of the Secretary of the Navy herewith accompanying explains fully the condition of that branch of the public service, its wants and deficiencies, expenses incurred during the past year, and appropriations for the same. It also gives a complete history of the services of the Navy for the past year in addition to its regular service. It is evident that unless early steps are taken to preserve our Navy in a very few years the United States will be the weakest nation upon the ocean, of all great powers. With an energetic, progressive, business people like ours, penetrating and forming business relations with every part of the known world, a navy strong enough to command the respect of our flag abroad is necessary for the full protection of their rights. I recommend careful consideration by Congress of the recommendations made by the Secretary of the Navy. The accompanying report of the Postmaster-General furnishes a full and satisfactory exhibit of the operations of the Post-Office Department during the year. The ordinary revenues of the Department for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1872, amounted to $21,915,426.37, and the expenditures to $26,658,192.31. Compared with the previous fiscal year the increase of revenue was $1,878,330.95, or 9.37 per cent, and the increase of expenditures $2,268,088.23, or 9.29 per cent. Adding to the ordinary revenues the annual appropriation of $700,000 for free matter and the amounts paid to the subsidized mail steamship lines from special appropriations, the deficiency paid out of the General Treasury was $3,317,765.94, an excess of $389,707.28 over the deficiency for the year 1871. Other interesting statistical information relating to our rapidly extending postal service is furnished in this report. The total length of railroad mail routes on the 30th of June, 1872, was 57,911 miles, 8,077 additional miles of such service having been put into operation during the year. Eight new lines of railway post-offices have been established, with an aggregate length of 2,909 miles. The number of letters exchanged in the mails with foreign countries was 24,362,500, an increase of 4,066,502, or 20 per cent, over the number in 1871; and the postage thereon amounted to $1,871,257.25. The total weight of the mails exchanged with European countries exceeded 820 tons. The cost of the United States transatlantic mail steamship service was $220,301.70. The total cost of the United States ocean steamship service, including the amounts paid to the subsidized lines of mail steamers, was $1,027,020.97. The following are the only steamship lines now receiving subsidies for mail service under special acts of Congress: The Pacific Mail Steamship Company receive $500,000 per annum for conveying a monthly mail between San Francisco, Japan, and China, which will be increased to $1,000,000 per annum for a semimonthly mail on and after October 1, 1873; the United States and Brazil Mail Steamship Company receive $150,000 per annum for conveying a monthly mail between New York and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and the California, Oregon and Mexican Steamship Company receive $75,000 per annum for conveying a monthly mail between San Francisco and Honolulu (Hawaiian Islands), making the total amount of mail steamship subsidies at present $725,000 per annum. Our postal communications with all parts of the civilized world have been placed upon a most advantageous footing by the improved postal conventions and arrangements recently concluded with the leading commercial countries of Europe and America, and the gratifying statement is made that with the conclusion of a satisfactory convention with France, the details of which have been definitely agreed to by the head of the French postal department, subject to the approval of the minister of finance, little remains to be accomplished by treaty for some time to come with respect either to reduction of rates or improved facilities of postal intercourse. Your favorable consideration is respectfully invited to the recommendations made by the Postmaster-General for an increase of service from monthly to semimonthly trips on the mail steamship route to Brazil; for a subsidy in aid of the establishment of an American line of mail steamers between San Francisco, New Zealand, and Australia; for the establishment of post-office savings banks, and for the increase of the salaries of the heads of bureaus. I have heretofore recommended the abolition of the franking privilege, and see no reason now for changing my views on that subject. It not having been favorably regarded by Congress, however, I now suggest a modification of that privilege to correct its glaring and costly abuses. I would recommend also the appointment of a committee or commission to take into consideration the best method (equitable to private corporations who have invested their time and capital in the establishment of telegraph lines) of acquiring the title to all telegraph lines now in operation, and of connecting this service with the postal service of the nation. It is not probable that this subject could receive the proper consideration during the limits of a short session of Congress, but it may be initiated, so that future action may be fair to the Government and to private parties concerned. There are but three lines of ocean steamers--namely, the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, between San Francisco, China, and Japan, with provision made for semimonthly service after October 1, 1873; the United States and Brazil line, monthly; and the California, New Zealand, and Australian line, monthly--plying between the United States and foreign ports, and owned and operated under our flag. I earnestly recommend that such liberal contracts for carrying the mails be authorized with these lines as will insure their continuance. If the expediency of extending the aid of Government to lines of steamers which hitherto have not received it should be deemed worthy of the consideration of Congress, political and commercial objects make it advisable to bestow such aid on a line under our flag between Panama and the western South American ports. By this means much trade now diverted to other countries might be brought to us, to the mutual advantage of this country and those lying in that quarter of the continent of America. The report of the Secretary of the Treasury will show an alarming falling off in our carrying trade for the last ten or twelve years, and even for the past year. I do not believe that public treasure can be better expended in the interest of the whole people than in trying to recover this trade. An expenditure of $5,000,000 per annum for the next five years, if it would restore to us our proportion of the carrying trade of the world, would be profitably expended. The price of labor in Europe has so much enhanced within the last few years that the cost of building and operating ocean steamers in the United States is not so much greater than in Europe; and I believe the time has arrived for Congress to take this subject into serious consideration. Detailed statements of the disbursements through the Department of Justice will be furnished by the report of the Attorney-General, and though these have been somewhat increased by the recent acts of Congress "to enforce the rights of citizens of the United States to vote in the several States of the Union," and "to enforce the provisions of the fourteenth amendment to the Constitution of the United States," and the amendments thereto, I can not question the necessity and salutary effect of those enactments. Reckless and lawless men, I regret to say, have associated themselves together in some localities to deprive other citizens of those rights guaranteed to them by the Constitution of the United States, and to that end have committed deeds of blood and violence; but the prosecution and punishment of many of these persons have tended greatly to the repression of such disorders. I do not doubt that a great majority of the people in all parts of the country favor the full enjoyment by all classes of persons of those rights to which they are entitled under the Constitution and laws, and I invoke the aid and influence of all good citizens to prevent organizations whose objects are by unlawful means to interfere with those rights. I look with confidence to the time, not far distant, when the obvious advantages of good order and peace will induce an abandonment of all combinations prohibited by the acts referred to, and when it will be unnecessary to carry on prosecutions or inflict punishment to protect citizens from the lawless doings of such combinations. Applications have been made to me to pardon persons convicted of a violation of said acts, upon the ground that clemency in such cases would tend to tranquilize the public mind, and to test the virtue of that policy I am disposed, as far as my sense of justice will permit, to give to these applications a favorable consideration; but any action thereon is not to be construed as indicating any change in my determination to enforce with vigor such acts so long as the conspiracies and combinations therein named disturb the peace of the country. It is much to be regretted, and is regretted by no one more than myself, that a necessity has ever existed to execute the "enforcement act." No one can desire more than I that the necessity of applying it may never again be demanded. The Secretary of the Interior reports satisfactory improvement and progress in each of the several bureaus under the control of the Interior Department. They are all in excellent condition. The work which in some of them for some years has been in arrears has been brought down to a recent date, and in all the current business is being promptly dispatched. The policy which was adopted at the beginning of this Administration with regard to the management of the Indians has been as successful as its most ardent friends anticipated within so short a time. It has reduced the expense of their management; decreased their forays upon the white settlements; tended to give the largest opportunity for the extension of the great railways through the public domain and the pushing of settlements into more remote districts of the country, and at the same time improved the condition of the Indians. The policy will be maintained without any change excepting such as further experience may show to be necessary to render it more efficient. The subject of converting the so-called Indian Territory south of Kansas into a home for the Indian, and erecting therein a Territorial form of government, is one of great importance as a complement of the existing Indian policy. The question of removal to that Territory has within the past year been presented to many of the tribes resident upon other and less desirable portions of the public domain, and has generally been received by them with favor. As a preliminary step to the organization of such a Territory, it will be necessary to confine the Indians now resident therein to farms of proper size, which should be secured to them in fee; the residue to be used for the settlement of other friendly Indians. Efforts will be made in the immediate future to induce the removal of as many peaceably disposed Indians to the Indian Territory as can be settled properly without disturbing the harmony of those already there. There is no other location now available where a people who are endeavoring to acquire a knowledge of pastoral and agricultural pursuits can be as well accommodated as upon the unoccupied lands in the Indian Territory. A Territorial government should, however, protect the Indians from the inroads of whites for a term of years, until they become sufficiently advanced in the arts and civilization to guard their own rights, and from the disposal of the lands held by them for the same period.  . During the last fiscal year there were disposed of out of the public lands 11,864,975 acres, a quantity greater by 1,099,270 acres than was disposed of the previous year. Of this amount 1,370,320 acres were sold for cash, 389,460 acres located with military warrants, 4,671,332 acres taken for homesteads, 693,613 acres located with college scrip, 3,554,887 acres granted to railroads, 465,347 acres granted to wagon roads, 714,255 acres given to States as swamp land, 5,760 acres located by Indian scrip. The cash receipts from all sources in the Land Office amounted to $3,218,100. During the same period 22,016,608 acres of the public lands were surveyed, which, added to the quantity before surveyed, amounts to 583,364,780 acres, leaving 1,257,633,628 acres of the public lands still unsurveyed. The reports from the subordinates of the Land Office contain interesting information in regard to their respective districts. They uniformly mention the fruitfulness of the soil during the past season and the increased yields of all kinds of produce. Even in those States and Territories where mining is the principal business agricultural products have exceeded the local demand, and liberal shipments have been made to distant points.  . During the year ending September 30, 1872, there were issued from the Patent Office 13,626 patents, 233 extensions, and 556 certificates and registries of trade-marks. During the same time 19,587 applications for patents, including reissues and designs, have been received and 3,100 caveats filed. The fees received during the same period amounted to $700,954.86, and the total expenditures to $623,553.90, making the net receipts over the expenditures $77,400.96. Since 1836 200,000 applications for patents have been filed and about 133,000 patents issued. The office is being conducted under the same laws and general organization as were adopted at its original inauguration, when only from 100 to 500 applications were made per annum. The Commissioner shows that the office has outgrown the original plan, and that a new organization has become necessary. This subject was presented to Congress in a special communication in February last, with my approval and the approval of the Secretary of the Interior, and the suggestions contained in said communication were embraced in the bill that was reported to the House by the Committee on Patents at the last session. The subject of the reorganization of the Patent Office, as contemplated by the bill referred to, is one of such importance to the industrial interests of the country that I commend it to the attention of Congress. The Commissioner also treats the subject of the separation of the Patent Office from the Department of the Interior. This subject is also embraced in the bill heretofore referred to. The Commissioner complains of the want of room for the model gallery and for the working force and necessary files of the office. It is impossible to transact the business of the office properly without more room in which to arrange files and drawings, that must be consulted hourly in the transaction of business. The whole of the Patent Office building will soon be needed, if it is not already, for the accommodation of the business of the Patent Office.  . The amount paid for pensions in the last fiscal year was $30,169,340, an amount larger by $3,708,434 than was paid during the preceding year. Of this amount $2,313,409 were paid under the act of Congress of February 17, 1871, to survivors of the War of 1812. The annual increase of pensions by the legislation of Congress has more than kept pace with the natural yearly losses from the rolls. The act of Congress of June 8, 1872, has added an estimated amount of $750,000 per annum to the rolls, without increasing the number of pensioners. We can not, therefore, look for any substantial decrease in the expenditures of this Department for some time to come, or so long as Congress continues to so change the rates of pension. The whole number of soldiers enlisted in the War of the Rebellion was 2,688,523. The total number of claims for invalid pensions is 176,000, being but 6 per cent of the whole number of enlisted men. The total number of claims on hand at the beginning of the year was 91,689; the number received during the year was 26,574; the number disposed of was 39,178, making a net gain of 12,604. The number of claims now on file is 79,085. On the 30th of June, 1872, there were on the rolls the names of 95,405 invalid military pensioners, 113,518 widows, orphans, and dependent relatives, making an aggregate of 208,923 army pensioners. At the same time there were on the rolls the names of 1,449 navy pensioners and 1,730 widows, orphans, and dependent relatives, making the whole number of naval pensioners 3,179. There have been received since the passage of the act to provide pensions for the survivors of the War of 1812 36,551 applications, prior to June 30, 1872. Of these there were allowed during the last fiscal year 20,126 claims; 4,845 were rejected during the year, leaving 11,580 claims pending at that date. The number of pensions of all classes granted during the last fiscal year was 33,838. During that period there were dropped from the rolls, for various causes, 9,104 names, leaving a grand total of 232,229 pensioners on the rolls on the 30th of June, 1872. It is thought that the claims for pensions on account of the War of 1812 will all be disposed of by the 1st of May, 1873. It is estimated that $30,480,000 will be required for the pension service during the next fiscal year. The Ninth Census is about completed. Its early completion is a subject of congratulation, inasmuch as the use to be made of the statistics therein contained depends very greatly on the promptitude of publication. The Secretary of the Interior recommends that a census be taken in 1875, which recommendation should receive the early attention of Congress. The interval at present established between the Federal census is so long that the information obtained at the decennial period as to the material condition, wants, and resources of the nation is of little practical value after the expiration of the first half of that period. It would probably obviate the constitutional provision regarding the decennial census if a census taken in 1875 should be divested of all political character and no reapportionment of Congressional representation be made under it. Such a census, coming, as it would, in the last year of the first century of our national existence, would furnish a noble monument of the progress of the United States during that century.  . The rapidly increasing interest in education is a most encouraging feature in the current history of the country, and it is no doubt true that this is due in a great measure to the efforts of the Bureau of Education. That office is continually receiving evidences, which abundantly prove its efficiency, from the various institutions of learning and educators of all kinds throughout the country. The report of the Commissioner contains a vast amount of educational details of great interest. The bill now pending before Congress, providing for the appropriation of the net proceeds of the sales of public lands for educational purposes, to aid the States in the general education of their rising generation, is a measure of such great importance to our real progress and is so unanimously approved by the leading friends of education that I commend it to the favorable attention of Congress.  . Affairs in the Territories are generally satisfactory. The energy and business capacity of the pioneers who are settling up the vast domains not yet incorporated into States are keeping pace in internal improvements and civil government with the older communities. In but one of them (Utah) is the condition of affairs unsatisfactory, except so far as the quiet of the citizen may be disturbed by real or imaginary danger of Indian hostilities. It has seemed to be the policy of the legislature of Utah to evade all responsibility to the Government of the United States, and even to hold a position in hostility to it. I recommend a careful revision of the present laws of the Territory by Congress, and the enactment of such a law (the one proposed in Congress at its last session, for instance, or something similar to it) as will secure peace, the equality of all citizens before the law, and the ultimate extinguishment of polygamy, Since the establishment of a Territorial government for the District of Columbia the improvement of the condition of the city of Washington and surroundings and the increased prosperity of the citizens are observable to the most casual visitor. The nation, being a large owner of property in the city, should bear, with the citizens of the District, its just share of the expense of these improvements. I recommend, therefore, an appropriation to reimburse the citizens for the work done by them along and in front of public grounds during the past year, and liberal appropriations in order that the improvements and embellishments of the public buildings and grounds may keep pace with the improvements made by the Territorial authorities.  . The report of the Commissioner of Agriculture gives a very full and interesting account of the several divisions of that Department--the horticultural, agricultural, statistical, entomological, and chemical--and the benefits conferred by each upon the agricultural interests of the country. The whole report is a complete history, in detail, of the workings of that Department in all its branches, showing the manner in which the farmer, merchant, and miner is informed, and the extent to which he is aided in his pursuits. The Commissioner makes one recommendation--that measures be taken by Congress to protect and induce the planting of forests--and suggests that no part of the public lands should be disposed of without the condition that one-tenth of it should be reserved in timber where it exists, and where it does not exist inducements should be offered for planting it. In accordance with the terms of the act of Congress approved March 3, 1871, providing for the celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of American independence, a commission has been organized, consisting of two members from each of the States and Territories. This commission has held two sessions, and has made satisfactory progress in the organization and in the initiatory steps necessary for carrying out the provisions of the act, and for executing also the provisions of the act of June 1, 1872, creating a centennial board of finance. A preliminary report of progress has been received from the president of the commission, and is herewith transmitted. It will be the duty of the commission at your coming session to transmit a full report of the progress made, and to lay before you the details relating to the exhibition of American and foreign arts, products, and manufactures, which by the terms of the act is to be held under the auspices of the Government of the United States in the city of Philadelphia in the year 1876. This celebration will be looked forward to by American citizens with great interest, as marking a century of greater progress and prosperity than is recorded in the history of any other nation, and as serving a further good purpose in bringing together on our soil peoples of all the commercial nations of the earth in a manner calculated to insure international good feeling. An earnest desire has been felt to correct abuses which have grown up in the civil service of the country through the defective method of making appointments to office. Heretofore Federal offices have been regarded too much as the reward of political services. Under authority of Congress rules have been established to regulate the tenure of office and the mode of appointments. It can not be expected that any system of rules can be entirely effective and prove a perfect remedy for the existing evils until they have been thoroughly tested by actual practice and amended according to the requirements of the service. During my term of office it shall be my earnest endeavor to so apply the rules as to secure the greatest possible reform in the civil service of the Government, but it will require the direct action of Congress to render the enforcement of the system binding upon my successors; and I hope that the experience of the past year, together with appropriate legislation by Congress, may reach a satisfactory solution of this question and secure to the public service for all time a practical method of obtaining faithful and efficient officers and employees.
In transmitting to you this my fourth annual message it is with thankfulness to the Giver of All Good that as a nation we have been blessed for the past year with peace at home, peace abroad, and a general prosperity vouchsafed to but few peoples. With the exception of the recent devastating fire which swept from the earth with a breath, as it were, millions of accumulated wealth in the city of Boston, there has been no overshadowing calamity within the year to record. It is gratifying to note how, like their fellow-citizens of the city of Chicago under similar circumstances a year earlier, the citizens of Boston are rallying under their misfortunes, and the prospect that their energy and perseverance will overcome all obstacles and show the same prosperity soon that they would had no disaster befallen them. Otherwise we have been free from pestilence, war, and calamities, which often overtake nations; and, as far as human judgment can penetrate the future, no because seems to exist to threaten our present peace. When Congress adjourned in June last, a question had been raised by Great Britain, and was then pending, which for a time seriously imperiled the settlement by friendly arbitration of the grave differences between this Government and that of Her Britannic Majesty, which by the treaty of Washington had been referred to the tribunal of arbitration which had met at Geneva, in Switzerland. The arbitrators, however, disposed of the question which had jeoparded the whole of the treaty and threatened to involve the two nations in most unhappy relations toward each other in a manner entirely satisfactory to this Government and in accordance with the views and the policy which it had maintained. The tribunal, which had convened at Geneva in December, concluded its laborious session on the 14th day of September last, on which day, having availed itself of the discretionary power given to it by the treaty to award a sum in gross, it made its decision, whereby it awarded the sum of $15,500,000 in gold as the indemnity to be paid by Great Britain to the United States for the satisfaction of all the claims referred to its consideration. This decision happily disposes of a long-standing difference between the two Governments, and, in connection with another award, made by the German Emperor under a reference to him by the same treaty, leaves these two Governments without a shadow upon the friendly relations which it is my sincere hope may forever remain equally unclouded. The report of the agent of the United States appointed to attend the Geneva tribunal, accompanied by the protocols of the proceedings of the arbitrators, the arguments of the counsel of both Governments, the award of the tribunal, and the opinions given by the several arbitrators, is transmitted herewith. I have caused to be communicated to the heads of the three friendly powers who complied with the joint request made to them under the treaty the thanks of this Government for the appointment of arbitrators made by them respectively, and also my thanks to the eminent personages named by them, and my appreciation of the dignity, patience, impartiality, and great ability with which they discharged their arduous and high functions. Her Majesty's Government has communicated to me the appreciation by Her Majesty of the ability and indefatigable industry displayed by Mr. Adams, the arbitrator named on the part of this Government during the protracted inquiries and discussions of the tribunal. I cordially unite with Her Majesty in this appreciation. It is due to the agent of the United States before the tribunal to record my high appreciation of the marked ability, unwearied patience, and the prudence and discretion with which he has conducted the very responsible and delicate duties committed to him, as it is also due to the learned and eminent counsel who attended the tribunal on the part of this Government to express my sense of the talents and wisdom which they brought to bear in the attainment of the result so happily reached. It will be the province of Congress to provide for the distribution among those who may be entitled to it of their respective shares of the money to be paid. Although the sum awarded is not payable until a year from the date of the award, it is deemed advisable that no time be lost in making a proper examination of the several cases in which indemnification may be due. I consequently recommend the creation of a board of commissioners for the purpose. By the thirty-fourth article of the treaty of Washington the respective claims of the United States and of Great Britain' in their construction of the treaty of the 15th of June, 1846, defining the boundary line between their respective territories, were submitted to the arbitration and award of His Majesty the Emperor of Germany, to decide which of those claims is most in accordance with the true interpretation of the treaty of 1846. His Majesty the Emperor of Germany, having been pleased to undertake the arbitration, has the earnest thanks of this Government and of the people of the United States for the labor, pains, and care which he has devoted to the consideration of this long-pending difference. I have caused an expression of my thanks to be communicated to His Majesty. Mr. Bancroft, the representative of this Government at Berlin, conducted the case and prepared the statement on the part of the United States with the ability that his past services justified the public in expecting at his hands. As a member of the Cabinet at the date of the treaty which has given rise to the discussion between the two Governments, as the minister to Great Britain when the construction now pronounced unfounded was first advanced, and as the agent and representative of the Government to present the case and to receive the award, he has been associated with the question in all of its phases, and in every stage has manifested a patriotic zeal and earnestness in maintenance of the claim of the United States. He is entitled to much credit for the success which has attended the submission. After a patient investigation of the case and of the statements of each party, His Majesty the Emperor, on the 21st day of October last, signed his award in writing, decreeing that the claim of the Government of the United States, that the boundary line between the territories of Her Britannic Majesty and the United States should be drawn through the Haro Channel, is most in accordance with the true interpretation of the treaty concluded on the 15th of June, 1846, between the Governments of Her Britannic Majesty and of the United States. Copies of the "case" presented on behalf of each Government, and of the "statement in reply" of each, and a translation of the award, are transmitted herewith. This award confirms the United States in their claim to the important archipelago of islands lying between the continent and Vancouvers Island, which for more than twenty-six years (ever since the ratification of the treaty) Great Britain has contested, and leaves us, for the first time in the history of the United States as a nation, without a question of disputed boundary between our territory and the possessions of Great Britain on this continent. It is my grateful duty to acknowledge the prompt, spontaneous action of Her Majesty's Government in giving effect to the award. In anticipation of any request from this Government, and before the reception in the United States of the award signed by the Emperor, Her Majesty had given instructions for the removal of her troops which had been stationed there and for the cessation of all exercise or claim of jurisdiction, so as to leave the United States in the exclusive possession of the lately disputed territory. I am gratified to be able to announce that the orders for the removal of the troops have been executed, and that the military joint occupation of San Juan has ceased. The islands are now in the exclusive possession of the United States. It now becomes necessary to complete the survey and determination of that portion of the boundary line (through the Haro Channel) upon which the commission which determined the remaining part of the line were unable to agree. I recommend the appointment of a commission to act jointly with one which may be named by Her Majesty for that purpose. Experience of the difficulties attending the determination of our admitted line of boundary, after the occupation of the territory and its settlement by those owing allegiance to the respective Governments, points to the importance of establishing, by natural objects or other monuments, the actual line between the territory acquired by purchase from Russia and the adjoining possessions of Her Britannic Majesty. The region is now so sparsely occupied that no conflicting interests of individuals or of jurisdiction are likely to interfere to the delay or embarrassment of the actual location of the line. If deferred until population shall enter and occupy the territory, some trivial contest of neighbors may again array the two Governments in antagonism. I therefore recommend the appointment of a commission, to act jointly with one that may be appointed on the part of Great Britain, to determine the line between our Territory of Alaska and the conterminous possessions of Great Britain. In my last annual message I recommended the legislation necessary on the part of the United States to bring into operation the articles of the treaty of Washington of May 8, 1871, relating to the fisheries and to other matters touching the relations of the United States toward the British North American possessions, to become operative so soon as the proper legislation should be had on the part of Great Britain and its possessions. That legislation on the part of Great Britain and its possessions had not then been had, and during the session of Congress a question was raised which for the time raised a doubt whether any action by Congress in the direction indicated would become important. This question has since been disposed of, and I have received notice that the Imperial Parliament and the legislatures of the provincial governments have passed laws to carry the provisions of the treaty on the matters referred to into operation. I therefore recommend your early adoption of the legislation in the same direction necessary on the part of this Government. The joint commission for determining the boundary line between the United States and the British possessions between the Lake of the Woods and the Rocky Mountains has organized and entered upon its work. It is desirable that the force be increased, in order that the completion of the survey and determination of the line may be the sooner attained. To this end I recommend that a sufficient appropriation be made. With France, our earliest ally; Russia, the constant and steady friend of the United States; Germany, with whose Government and people we have so many causes of friendship and so many common sympathies, and the other powers of Europe, our relations are maintained on the most friendly terms. Since my last annual message the exchange has been made of the ratifications of a treaty with the Austro-Hungarian Empire relating to naturalization; also of a treaty with the German Empire respecting consuls and trade-marks; also of a treaty with Sweden and Norway relating to naturalization; all of which treaties have been duly proclaimed. Congress at its last session having made an appropriation to defray the expense of commissioners on the part of the United States to the International Statistical Congress at St. Petersburg, the persons appointed in that character proceeded to their destination and attended the sessions of the congress. Their report shall in due season be laid before you. This congress meets at intervals of about three years, and has held its sessions in several of the countries of Europe. I submit to your consideration the propriety of extending an invitation to the congress to hold its next meeting in the United States. The Centennial Celebration to be held in 1876 would afford an appropriate occasion for such meeting. Preparations are making for the international exposition to be held during the next year in Vienna, on a scale of very great magnitude. The tendency of these expositions is in the direction of advanced civilization, and of the elevation of industry and of labor, and of the increase of human happiness, as well as of greater intercourse and good will between nations. As this exposition is to be the first which will have been held in eastern Europe, it is believed that American inventors and manufacturers will be ready to avail themselves of the opportunity for the presentation of their productions if encouraged by proper aid and protection. At the last session of Congress authority was given for the appointment of one or more agents to represent this Government at the exposition. The authority thus given has been exercised, but, in the absence of any appropriation, there is danger that the important benefits which the occasion offers will in a large degree be lost to citizens of the United States. I commend the subject strongly to your consideration, and recommend that an adequate appropriation be made for the purpose. To further aid American exhibitors at the Vienna Exposition, I would recommend, in addition to an appropriation of money, that the Secretary of the Navy be authorized to fit up two naval vessels to transport between our Atlantic cities and Trieste, or the most convenient port to Vienna, and back, their articles for exhibition. Since your last session the President of the Mexican Republic, distinguished by his high character and by his services to his country, has died. His temporary successor has now been elected with great unanimity by the people a proof of confidence on their part in his patriotism and wisdom which it is believed will be confirmed by the results of his administration. It is particularly desirable that nothing should be left undone by the Government of either Republic to strengthen their relations as neighbors and friends. It is much to be regretted that many lawless acts continue to disturb the quiet of the settlements on the border between our territory and that of Mexico, and that complaints of wrongs to American citizens in various parts of the country are made. The revolutionary condition in which the neighboring Republic has so long been involved has in some degree contributed to this disturbance. It is to be hoped that with a more settled rule of order through the Republic, which may be expected from the present Government, the acts of which just complaint is made will cease. The proceedings of the commission under the convention with Mexico of the 4th of July, 1868, on the subject of claims, have, unfortunately, been checked by an obstacle, for the removal of which measures have been taken by the two Governments which it is believed will prove successful. The commissioners appointed, pursuant to the joint resolution of Congress of the 7th of May last, to inquire into depredations on the Texan frontier have diligently made investigations in that quarter. Their report upon the subject will be communicated to you. Their researches were necessarily incomplete, partly on account of the limited appropriation made by Congress. Mexico, on the part of that Government, has appointed a similar commission to investigate these outrages. It is not announced officially, but the press of that country states that the fullest investigation is desired, and that the cooperation of all parties concerned is invited to secure that end. I therefore recommend that a special appropriation be made at the earliest day practicable, to enable the commissioners on the part of the United States to return to their labors without delay. It is with regret that I have again to announce a continuance of the disturbed condition of the island of Cuba. No advance toward the pacification of the discontented part of the population has been made. While the insurrection has gained no advantages and exhibits no more of the elements of power or of the prospects of ultimate success than were exhibited a year ago, Spain, on the other hand, has not succeeded in its repression, and the parties stand apparently in the same relative attitude which they have occupied for a long time past. This contest has lasted now for more than four years. Were its scene at a distance from our neighborhood, we might be indifferent to its result, although humanity could not be unmoved by many of its incidents wherever they might occur. It is, however, at our door. I can not doubt that the continued maintenance of slavery in Cuba is among the strongest inducements to the continuance of this strife. A terrible wrong is the natural because of a terrible evil. The abolition of slavery and the introduction of other reforms in the administration of government in Cuba could not fail to advance the restoration of peace and order. It is greatly to be hoped that the present liberal Government of Spain will voluntarily adopt this view. The law of emancipation, which was passed more than two years since, has remained unexecuted in the absence of regulations for its enforcement. It was but a feeble step toward emancipation, but it was the recognition of right, and was hailed as such, and exhibited Spain in harmony with sentiments of humanity and of justice and in sympathy with the other powers of the Christian and civilized world. Within the past few weeks the regulations for carrying out the law of emancipation have been announced, giving evidence of the sincerity of intention of the present Government to carry into effect the law of 1870. I have not failed to urge the consideration of the wisdom, the policy, and the justice of a more effective system for the abolition of the great evil which oppresses a race and continues a bloody and destructive contest close to our border, as well as the expediency and the justice of conceding reforms of which the propriety is not questioned. Deeply impressed with the conviction that the continuance of slavery is one of the most active causes of the continuance of the unhappy condition in Cuba, I regret to believe that citizens of the United States, or those claiming to be such, are large holders in Cuba of what is there claimed as property, but which is forbidden and denounced by the laws of the United States. They are thus, in defiance of the spirit of our own laws, contributing to the continuance of this distressing and sickening contest. In my last annual message I referred to this subject, and I again recommend such legislation as may be proper to denounce, and, if not prevent, at least to discourage American citizens from holding or dealing in slaves. It is gratifying to announce that the ratifications of the convention concluded under the auspices of this Government between Spain on the one part and the allied Republics of the Pacific on the other, providing for an armistice, have been exchanged. A copy of the instrument is herewith submitted. It is hoped that this may be followed by a permanent peace between the same parties. The differences which at one time threatened the maintenance of peace between Brazil and the Argentine Republic it is hoped are in the way of satisfactory adjustment. With these States, as with the Republics of Central and of South America, we continue to maintain the most friendly relations. It is with regret, however, I announce that the Government of Venezuela has made no further payments on account of the awards under the convention of the 25th of April, 1866. That Republic is understood to be now almost, if not quite, tranquilized. It is hoped, therefore, that it will lose no time in providing for the unpaid balance of its debt to the United States, which, having originated in injuries to our citizens by Venezuelan authorities, and having been acknowledged, pursuant to a treaty, in the most solemn form known among nations, would seem to deserve a preference over debts of a different origin and contracted in a different manner. This subject is again recommended to the attention of Congress for such action as may be deemed proper. Our treaty relations with Japan remain unchanged. An imposing embassy from that interesting and progressive nation visited this country during the year that is passing, but, being unprovided with powers for the signing of a convention in this country, no conclusion in that direction was reached. It is hoped, however, that the interchange of opinions which took place during their stay in this country has led to a mutual appreciation of the interests which may be promoted when the revision of the existing treaty shall be undertaken. In this connection I renew my recommendation of one year ago, that-- To give importance to and to add to the efficiency of our diplomatic relations with Japan and China, and to further aid in retaining the good opinion of those peoples, and to secure to the United States its share of the commerce destined to flow between those nations and the balance of the commercial world, an appropriation be made to support at least four American youths in each of those countries, to serve as a part of the official family of our ministers there. Our representatives would not even then be placed upon an equality with the representatives of Great Britain and of some other powers. As now situated, our representatives in Japan and China have to depend for interpreters and translators upon natives of those countries, who know our language imperfectly, or procure for the occasion the services of employees in foreign business houses or the interpreters to other foreign ministers. I renew the recommendation made on a previous occasion, of the transfer to the Department of the Interior, to which they seem more appropriately to belong, of all the powers and duties in relation to the Territories with which the Department of State is now charged by law or by custom. Congress from the beginning of the Government has wisely made provision for the relief of distressed seamen in foreign countries. No similar provision, however, has hitherto been made for the relief of citizens in distress abroad other than seamen. It is understood to be customary with other governments to authorize consuls to extend such relief to their citizens or subjects in certain cases. A similar authority and an appropriation to carry it into effect are recommended in the case of citizens of the United States destitute or sick under such circumstances. It is well known that such citizens resort to foreign countries in great numbers. Though most of them are able to bear the expenses incident to locomotion, there are some who, through accident or otherwise, become penniless, and have no friends at home able to succor them. Persons in this situation must either perish, cast themselves upon the charity of foreigners, or be relieved at the private charge of our own officers, who usually, even with the most benevolent dispositions, have nothing to spare for such purposes. Should the authority and appropriation asked for be granted, care will be taken so to carry the beneficence of Congress into effect that it shall not be unnecessarily or unworthily bestowed. . The moneys received and covered into the Treasury during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1872, were: The net expenditures by warrants during the same period were: From the foregoing statement it appears that the net reduction of the principal of the debt during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1872, was $99,960,253.54. The source of this reduction is as follows: This statement treats solely of the principal of the public debt. By the monthly statement of the public debt, which adds together the principal, interest due and unpaid, and interest accrued to date, not due, and deducts the cash in the Treasury as ascertained on the day of publication, the reduction was $100,544,491.28. The source of this reduction is as follows: On the basis of the last table the statements show a reduction of the public debt from the 1st of March, 1869, to the present time as follows: With the great reduction of taxation by the acts of Congress at its last session, the expenditure of the Government in collecting the revenue will be much reduced for the next fiscal year. It is very doubtful, however, whether any further reduction of so vexatious a burden upon any people will be practicable for the present. At all events, as a measure of justice to the holders of the nation's certificates of indebtedness, I would recommend that no more legislation be had on this subject, unless it be to correct errors of omission or commission in the present laws, until sufficient time has elapsed to prove that it can be done and still leave sufficient revenue to meet current expenses of Government, pay interest on the public debt, and provide for the sinking fund established by law. The preservation of our national credit is of the highest importance; next in importance to this comes a solemn duty to provide a national currency of fixed, unvarying value as compared with gold, and as soon as practicable, having due regard for the interests of the debtor class and the vicissitudes of trade and commerce, convertible into gold at par. The report of the Secretary of War shows the expenditures of the War Department for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1871, to be $35,799,991.82, and for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1872, to be $35,372,157.20, showing a reduction in favor of the last fiscal year of $427,834.62. The estimates for military appropriations for the next fiscal year, ending June 30, 1874, are $33,801,378.78. The estimates of the Chief of Engineers are submitted separately for fortifications, river and harbor improvements, and for public buildings and grounds and the Washington Aqueduct. The affairs of the Freedmen's Bureau have all been transferred to the War Department, and regulations have been put into execution for the speedy payment of bounty, pay, etc., due colored soldiers, properly coming under that Bureau. All war accounts, for money and property, prior to 1871 have been examined and transmitted to the Treasury for final settlement. During the fiscal year there has been paid for transportation on railroads $1,300,000, of which $800,857 was over the Pacific railroads; for transportation by water $626,373.52, and by stage $48,975.84; for the purchase of transportation animals, wagons, hire of teamsters, etc., $924,650.64. About $370,000 have been collected from Southern railroads during the year, leaving about $4,000,000 still due. The Quartermaster has examined and transmitted to the accounting officers for settlement $367,172.72 of claims by loyal citizens for quartermaster stores taken during the war. Subsistence supplies to the amount of $89,048.12 have been issued to Indians. The annual average mean strength of the Army was 24,101 white and 2,494 colored soldiers. The total deaths for the year reported were 367 white and 54 colored. The distribution of the Medical and Surgical History of the War is yet to be ordered by Congress. There exists an absolute necessity for a medical corps of the full number established by act of Congress of July 28, 1866, there being now fifty-nine vacancies, and the number of successful candidates rarely exceeds eight or ten in any one year. The river and harbor improvements have been carried on with energy and economy. Though many are only partially completed, the results have saved to commerce many times the amount expended. The increase of commerce, with greater depths of channels, greater security in navigation, and the saving of time, adds millions to the wealth of the country and increases the resources of the Government. The bridge across the Mississippi River at Rock Island has been completed, and the proper site has been determined upon for the bridge at La Crosse. The able and exhaustive report made by the commission appointed to investigate the Sutro Tunnel has been transmitted to Congress. The observations and reports of the Signal Office have been continued. Stations have been maintained at each of the principal lake, seaport, and river cities. Ten additional stations have been established in the United States, and arrangements have been made for an exchange of reports with Canada, and a similar exchange of observations is contemplated with the West India Islands. The favorable attention of Congress is invited to the following recommendations of the Secretary of War: A discontinuance of the appointment of extra lieutenants to serve as adjutants and quartermasters; the adoption of a code providing specific penalties for well-defined offenses, so that the inequality of sentences adjudged by courts-martial may be adjusted; the consolidation of accounts under which expenditures are made, as a measure of economy; a reappropriation of the money for the construction of a depot at San Antonio, the title to the site being now perfected; a special act placing the cemetery at the City of Mexico on the same basis as other national cemeteries; authority to purchase sites for military posts in Texas; the appointment of commissary sergeants from noncommissioned officers, as a measure for securing the better care and protection of supplies; an appropriation for the publication of the catalogue and tables of the anatomical section of the Army Medical Museum; a reappropriation of the amount for the manufacture of breech-loading arms, should the selection be so delayed by the board of officers as to leave the former appropriation unexpended at the close of the fiscal year; the sale of such arsenals east of the Mississippi as can be spared, and the proceeds applied to the establishment of one large arsenal of construction and repair upon the Atlantic Coast and the purchase of a suitable site for a proving and experimental ground for heavy ordnance; the abrogation of laws which deprive inventors in the United States service from deriving any benefit from their inventions; the repeal of the law prohibiting promotions in the staff corps; a continuance of the work upon coast defenses; the repeal of the seventh section of the act of July 13, 1866, taking from engineer soldiers the per diem granted to other troops; a limitation of time for presentation of old war claims for subsistence supplies under act of July 4, 1864; and a modification in the mode of the selection of cadets for the Military Academy, in order to enhance the usefulness of the Academy, which is impaired by reason of the large amount of time necessarily expended in giving new cadets a thorough knowledge of the more elementary branches of learning, which they should acquire before entering the Academy. Also an appropriation for philosophical apparatus and an increase in the numbers and pay of the Military Academy band. The attention of Congress will be called during its present session to various enterprises for the more certain and cheaper transportation of the constantly increasing surplus of Western and Southern products to the Atlantic Seaboard. The subject is one that will force itself upon the legislative branch of the Government sooner or later, and I suggest, therefore, that immediate steps be taken to gain all available information to insure equable and just legislation. One route to connect the Mississippi Valley with the Atlantic, at Charleston, S.C., and Savannah, Ga., by water, by the way of the Ohio and Tennessee rivers, and canals and slack-water navigation to the Savannah and Ocmulgee rivers, has been surveyed, and report made by an accomplished engineer officer of the Army. Second and third new routes will be proposed for the consideration of Congress, namely, by an extension of the Kanawha and James River Canal to the Ohio, and by extension of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. I am not prepared to recommend Government aid to these or other enterprises until it is clearly shown that they are not only of national interest, but that when completed they will be of a value commensurate with their cost. That production increases more rapidly than the means of transportation in our country has been demonstrated by past experience. That the unprecedented growth in population and products of the whole country will require additional facilities--and cheaper ones for the more bulky articles of commerce to reach tide water and a market will be demanded in the near future--is equally demonstrable. I would therefore suggest either a committee or a commission to be authorized to consider this whole question, and to report to Congress at some future day for its better guidance in legislating on this important subject. The railroads of the country have been rapidly extended during the last few years to meet the growing demands of producers, and reflect much credit upon the capitalists and managers engaged in their construction. In addition to these, a project to facilitate commerce by the building of a ship canal around Niagara Falls, on the United States side, which has been agitated for many years, will no doubt be called to your attention at this session. Looking to the great future growth of the country and the increasing demands of commerce, it might be well while on this subject not only to have examined and reported upon the various practicable routes for connecting the Mississippi with tide water on the Atlantic, but the feasibility of an almost continuous landlocked navigation from Maine to the Gulf of Mexico. Such a route along our coast would be of great value at all times, and of inestimable value in ease of a foreign war. Nature has provided the greater part of this route, and the obstacles to overcome are easily within the skill of the engineer. I have not alluded to this subject with the view of having any further expenditure of public money at this time than may be necessary to procure and place all the necessary information before Congress in an authentic form, to enable it hereafter, if deemed practicable and worthy, to legislate on the subject without delay. The report of the Secretary of the Navy herewith accompanying explains fully the condition of that branch of the public service, its wants and deficiencies, expenses incurred during the past year, and appropriations for the same. It also gives a complete history of the services of the Navy for the past year in addition to its regular service. It is evident that unless early steps are taken to preserve our Navy in a very few years the United States will be the weakest nation upon the ocean, of all great powers. With an energetic, progressive, business people like ours, penetrating and forming business relations with every part of the known world, a navy strong enough to command the respect of our flag abroad is necessary for the full protection of their rights. I recommend careful consideration by Congress of the recommendations made by the Secretary of the Navy. The accompanying report of the Postmaster-General furnishes a full and satisfactory exhibit of the operations of the Post-Office Department during the year. The ordinary revenues of the Department for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1872, amounted to $21,915,426.37, and the expenditures to $26,658,192.31. Compared with the previous fiscal year the increase of revenue was $1,878,330.95, or 9.37 per cent, and the increase of expenditures $2,268,088.23, or 9.29 per cent. Adding to the ordinary revenues the annual appropriation of $700,000 for free matter and the amounts paid to the subsidized mail steamship lines from special appropriations, the deficiency paid out of the General Treasury was $3,317,765.94, an excess of $389,707.28 over the deficiency for the year 1871. Other interesting statistical information relating to our rapidly extending postal service is furnished in this report. The total length of railroad mail routes on the 30th of June, 1872, was 57,911 miles, 8,077 additional miles of such service having been put into operation during the year. Eight new lines of railway post-offices have been established, with an aggregate length of 2,909 miles. The number of letters exchanged in the mails with foreign countries was 24,362,500, an increase of 4,066,502, or 20 per cent, over the number in 1871; and the postage thereon amounted to $1,871,257.25. The total weight of the mails exchanged with European countries exceeded 820 tons. The cost of the United States transatlantic mail steamship service was $220,301.70. The total cost of the United States ocean steamship service, including the amounts paid to the subsidized lines of mail steamers, was $1,027,020.97. The following are the only steamship lines now receiving subsidies for mail service under special acts of Congress: The Pacific Mail Steamship Company receive $500,000 per annum for conveying a monthly mail between San Francisco, Japan, and China, which will be increased to $1,000,000 per annum for a semimonthly mail on and after October 1, 1873; the United States and Brazil Mail Steamship Company receive $150,000 per annum for conveying a monthly mail between New York and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and the California, Oregon and Mexican Steamship Company receive $75,000 per annum for conveying a monthly mail between San Francisco and Honolulu (Hawaiian Islands), making the total amount of mail steamship subsidies at present $725,000 per annum. Our postal communications with all parts of the civilized world have been placed upon a most advantageous footing by the improved postal conventions and arrangements recently concluded with the leading commercial countries of Europe and America, and the gratifying statement is made that with the conclusion of a satisfactory convention with France, the details of which have been definitely agreed to by the head of the French postal department, subject to the approval of the minister of finance, little remains to be accomplished by treaty for some time to come with respect either to reduction of rates or improved facilities of postal intercourse. Your favorable consideration is respectfully invited to the recommendations made by the Postmaster-General for an increase of service from monthly to semimonthly trips on the mail steamship route to Brazil; for a subsidy in aid of the establishment of an American line of mail steamers between San Francisco, New Zealand, and Australia; for the establishment of post-office savings banks, and for the increase of the salaries of the heads of bureaus. I have heretofore recommended the abolition of the franking privilege, and see no reason now for changing my views on that subject. It not having been favorably regarded by Congress, however, I now suggest a modification of that privilege to correct its glaring and costly abuses. I would recommend also the appointment of a committee or commission to take into consideration the best method (equitable to private corporations who have invested their time and capital in the establishment of telegraph lines) of acquiring the title to all telegraph lines now in operation, and of connecting this service with the postal service of the nation. It is not probable that this subject could receive the proper consideration during the limits of a short session of Congress, but it may be initiated, so that future action may be fair to the Government and to private parties concerned. There are but three lines of ocean steamers--namely, the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, between San Francisco, China, and Japan, with provision made for semimonthly service after October 1, 1873; the United States and Brazil line, monthly; and the California, New Zealand, and Australian line, monthly--plying between the United States and foreign ports, and owned and operated under our flag. I earnestly recommend that such liberal contracts for carrying the mails be authorized with these lines as will insure their continuance. If the expediency of extending the aid of Government to lines of steamers which hitherto have not received it should be deemed worthy of the consideration of Congress, political and commercial objects make it advisable to bestow such aid on a line under our flag between Panama and the western South American ports. By this means much trade now diverted to other countries might be brought to us, to the mutual advantage of this country and those lying in that quarter of the continent of America. The report of the Secretary of the Treasury will show an alarming falling off in our carrying trade for the last ten or twelve years, and even for the past year. I do not believe that public treasure can be better expended in the interest of the whole people than in trying to recover this trade. An expenditure of $5,000,000 per annum for the next five years, if it would restore to us our proportion of the carrying trade of the world, would be profitably expended. The price of labor in Europe has so much enhanced within the last few years that the cost of building and operating ocean steamers in the United States is not so much greater than in Europe; and I believe the time has arrived for Congress to take this subject into serious consideration. Detailed statements of the disbursements through the Department of Justice will be furnished by the report of the Attorney-General, and though these have been somewhat increased by the recent acts of Congress "to enforce the rights of citizens of the United States to vote in the several States of the Union," and "to enforce the provisions of the fourteenth amendment to the Constitution of the United States," and the amendments thereto, I can not question the necessity and salutary effect of those enactments. Reckless and lawless men, I regret to say, have associated themselves together in some localities to deprive other citizens of those rights guaranteed to them by the Constitution of the United States, and to that end have committed deeds of blood and violence; but the prosecution and punishment of many of these persons have tended greatly to the repression of such disorders. I do not doubt that a great majority of the people in all parts of the country favor the full enjoyment by all classes of persons of those rights to which they are entitled under the Constitution and laws, and I invoke the aid and influence of all good citizens to prevent organizations whose objects are by unlawful means to interfere with those rights. I look with confidence to the time, not far distant, when the obvious advantages of good order and peace will induce an abandonment of all combinations prohibited by the acts referred to, and when it will be unnecessary to carry on prosecutions or inflict punishment to protect citizens from the lawless doings of such combinations. Applications have been made to me to pardon persons convicted of a violation of said acts, upon the ground that clemency in such cases would tend to tranquilize the public mind, and to test the virtue of that policy I am disposed, as far as my sense of justice will permit, to give to these applications a favorable consideration; but any action thereon is not to be construed as indicating any change in my determination to enforce with vigor such acts so long as the conspiracies and combinations therein named disturb the peace of the country. It is much to be regretted, and is regretted by no one more than myself, that a necessity has ever existed to execute the "enforcement act." No one can desire more than I that the necessity of applying it may never again be demanded. The Secretary of the Interior reports satisfactory improvement and progress in each of the several bureaus under the control of the Interior Department. They are all in excellent condition. The work which in some of them for some years has been in arrears has been brought down to a recent date, and in all the current business is being promptly dispatched. The policy which was adopted at the beginning of this Administration with regard to the management of the Indians has been as successful as its most ardent friends anticipated within so short a time. It has reduced the expense of their management; decreased their forays upon the white settlements; tended to give the largest opportunity for the extension of the great railways through the public domain and the pushing of settlements into more remote districts of the country, and at the same time improved the condition of the Indians. The policy will be maintained without any change excepting such as further experience may show to be necessary to render it more efficient. The subject of converting the so-called Indian Territory south of Kansas into a home for the Indian, and erecting therein a Territorial form of government, is one of great importance as a complement of the existing Indian policy. The question of removal to that Territory has within the past year been presented to many of the tribes resident upon other and less desirable portions of the public domain, and has generally been received by them with favor. As a preliminary step to the organization of such a Territory, it will be necessary to confine the Indians now resident therein to farms of proper size, which should be secured to them in fee; the residue to be used for the settlement of other friendly Indians. Efforts will be made in the immediate future to induce the removal of as many peaceably disposed Indians to the Indian Territory as can be settled properly without disturbing the harmony of those already there. There is no other location now available where a people who are endeavoring to acquire a knowledge of pastoral and agricultural pursuits can be as well accommodated as upon the unoccupied lands in the Indian Territory. A Territorial government should, however, protect the Indians from the inroads of whites for a term of years, until they become sufficiently advanced in the arts and civilization to guard their own rights, and from the disposal of the lands held by them for the same period. . During the last fiscal year there were disposed of out of the public lands 11,864,975 acres, a quantity greater by 1,099,270 acres than was disposed of the previous year. Of this amount 1,370,320 acres were sold for cash, 389,460 acres located with military warrants, 4,671,332 acres taken for homesteads, 693,613 acres located with college scrip, 3,554,887 acres granted to railroads, 465,347 acres granted to wagon roads, 714,255 acres given to States as swamp land, 5,760 acres located by Indian scrip. The cash receipts from all sources in the Land Office amounted to $3,218,100. During the same period 22,016,608 acres of the public lands were surveyed, which, added to the quantity before surveyed, amounts to 583,364,780 acres, leaving 1,257,633,628 acres of the public lands still unsurveyed. The reports from the subordinates of the Land Office contain interesting information in regard to their respective districts. They uniformly mention the fruitfulness of the soil during the past season and the increased yields of all kinds of produce. Even in those States and Territories where mining is the principal business agricultural products have exceeded the local demand, and liberal shipments have been made to distant points. . During the year ending September 30, 1872, there were issued from the Patent Office 13,626 patents, 233 extensions, and 556 certificates and registries of trade-marks. During the same time 19,587 applications for patents, including reissues and designs, have been received and 3,100 caveats filed. The fees received during the same period amounted to $700,954.86, and the total expenditures to $623,553.90, making the net receipts over the expenditures $77,400.96. Since 1836 200,000 applications for patents have been filed and about 133,000 patents issued. The office is being conducted under the same laws and general organization as were adopted at its original inauguration, when only from 100 to 500 applications were made per annum. The Commissioner shows that the office has outgrown the original plan, and that a new organization has become necessary. This subject was presented to Congress in a special communication in February last, with my approval and the approval of the Secretary of the Interior, and the suggestions contained in said communication were embraced in the bill that was reported to the House by the Committee on Patents at the last session. The subject of the reorganization of the Patent Office, as contemplated by the bill referred to, is one of such importance to the industrial interests of the country that I commend it to the attention of Congress. The Commissioner also treats the subject of the separation of the Patent Office from the Department of the Interior. This subject is also embraced in the bill heretofore referred to. The Commissioner complains of the want of room for the model gallery and for the working force and necessary files of the office. It is impossible to transact the business of the office properly without more room in which to arrange files and drawings, that must be consulted hourly in the transaction of business. The whole of the Patent Office building will soon be needed, if it is not already, for the accommodation of the business of the Patent Office. . The amount paid for pensions in the last fiscal year was $30,169,340, an amount larger by $3,708,434 than was paid during the preceding year. Of this amount $2,313,409 were paid under the act of Congress of February 17, 1871, to survivors of the War of 1812. The annual increase of pensions by the legislation of Congress has more than kept pace with the natural yearly losses from the rolls. The act of Congress of June 8, 1872, has added an estimated amount of $750,000 per annum to the rolls, without increasing the number of pensioners. We can not, therefore, look for any substantial decrease in the expenditures of this Department for some time to come, or so long as Congress continues to so change the rates of pension. The whole number of soldiers enlisted in the War of the Rebellion was 2,688,523. The total number of claims for invalid pensions is 176,000, being but 6 per cent of the whole number of enlisted men. The total number of claims on hand at the beginning of the year was 91,689; the number received during the year was 26,574; the number disposed of was 39,178, making a net gain of 12,604. The number of claims now on file is 79,085. On the 30th of June, 1872, there were on the rolls the names of 95,405 invalid military pensioners, 113,518 widows, orphans, and dependent relatives, making an aggregate of 208,923 army pensioners. At the same time there were on the rolls the names of 1,449 navy pensioners and 1,730 widows, orphans, and dependent relatives, making the whole number of naval pensioners 3,179. There have been received since the passage of the act to provide pensions for the survivors of the War of 1812 36,551 applications, prior to June 30, 1872. Of these there were allowed during the last fiscal year 20,126 claims; 4,845 were rejected during the year, leaving 11,580 claims pending at that date. The number of pensions of all classes granted during the last fiscal year was 33,838. During that period there were dropped from the rolls, for various causes, 9,104 names, leaving a grand total of 232,229 pensioners on the rolls on the 30th of June, 1872. It is thought that the claims for pensions on account of the War of 1812 will all be disposed of by the 1st of May, 1873. It is estimated that $30,480,000 will be required for the pension service during the next fiscal year. The Ninth Census is about completed. Its early completion is a subject of congratulation, inasmuch as the use to be made of the statistics therein contained depends very greatly on the promptitude of publication. The Secretary of the Interior recommends that a census be taken in 1875, which recommendation should receive the early attention of Congress. The interval at present established between the Federal census is so long that the information obtained at the decennial period as to the material condition, wants, and resources of the nation is of little practical value after the expiration of the first half of that period. It would probably obviate the constitutional provision regarding the decennial census if a census taken in 1875 should be divested of all political character and no reapportionment of Congressional representation be made under it. Such a census, coming, as it would, in the last year of the first century of our national existence, would furnish a noble monument of the progress of the United States during that century. . The rapidly increasing interest in education is a most encouraging feature in the current history of the country, and it is no doubt true that this is due in a great measure to the efforts of the Bureau of Education. That office is continually receiving evidences, which abundantly prove its efficiency, from the various institutions of learning and educators of all kinds throughout the country. The report of the Commissioner contains a vast amount of educational details of great interest. The bill now pending before Congress, providing for the appropriation of the net proceeds of the sales of public lands for educational purposes, to aid the States in the general education of their rising generation, is a measure of such great importance to our real progress and is so unanimously approved by the leading friends of education that I commend it to the favorable attention of Congress. . Affairs in the Territories are generally satisfactory. The energy and business capacity of the pioneers who are settling up the vast domains not yet incorporated into States are keeping pace in internal improvements and civil government with the older communities. In but one of them (Utah) is the condition of affairs unsatisfactory, except so far as the quiet of the citizen may be disturbed by real or imaginary danger of Indian hostilities. It has seemed to be the policy of the legislature of Utah to evade all responsibility to the Government of the United States, and even to hold a position in hostility to it. I recommend a careful revision of the present laws of the Territory by Congress, and the enactment of such a law (the one proposed in Congress at its last session, for instance, or something similar to it) as will secure peace, the equality of all citizens before the law, and the ultimate extinguishment of polygamy, Since the establishment of a Territorial government for the District of Columbia the improvement of the condition of the city of Washington and surroundings and the increased prosperity of the citizens are observable to the most casual visitor. The nation, being a large owner of property in the city, should bear, with the citizens of the District, its just share of the expense of these improvements. I recommend, therefore, an appropriation to reimburse the citizens for the work done by them along and in front of public grounds during the past year, and liberal appropriations in order that the improvements and embellishments of the public buildings and grounds may keep pace with the improvements made by the Territorial authorities. . The report of the Commissioner of Agriculture gives a very full and interesting account of the several divisions of that Department--the horticultural, agricultural, statistical, entomological, and chemical--and the benefits conferred by each upon the agricultural interests of the country. The whole report is a complete history, in detail, of the workings of that Department in all its branches, showing the manner in which the farmer, merchant, and miner is informed, and the extent to which he is aided in his pursuits. The Commissioner makes one recommendation--that measures be taken by Congress to protect and induce the planting of forests--and suggests that no part of the public lands should be disposed of without the condition that one-tenth of it should be reserved in timber where it exists, and where it does not exist inducements should be offered for planting it. In accordance with the terms of the act of Congress approved March 3, 1871, providing for the celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of American independence, a commission has been organized, consisting of two members from each of the States and Territories. This commission has held two sessions, and has made satisfactory progress in the organization and in the initiatory steps necessary for carrying out the provisions of the act, and for executing also the provisions of the act of June 1, 1872, creating a centennial board of finance. A preliminary report of progress has been received from the president of the commission, and is herewith transmitted. It will be the duty of the commission at your coming session to transmit a full report of the progress made, and to lay before you the details relating to the exhibition of American and foreign arts, products, and manufactures, which by the terms of the act is to be held under the auspices of the Government of the United States in the city of Philadelphia in the year 1876. This celebration will be looked forward to by American citizens with great interest, as marking a century of greater progress and prosperity than is recorded in the history of any other nation, and as serving a further good purpose in bringing together on our soil peoples of all the commercial nations of the earth in a manner calculated to insure international good feeling. An earnest desire has been felt to correct abuses which have grown up in the civil service of the country through the defective method of making appointments to office. Heretofore Federal offices have been regarded too much as the reward of political services. Under authority of Congress rules have been established to regulate the tenure of office and the mode of appointments. It can not be expected that any system of rules can be entirely effective and prove a perfect remedy for the existing evils until they have been thoroughly tested by actual practice and amended according to the requirements of the service. During my term of office it shall be my earnest endeavor to so apply the rules as to secure the greatest possible reform in the civil service of the Government, but it will require the direct action of Congress to render the enforcement of the system binding upon my successors; and I hope that the experience of the past year, together with appropriate legislation by Congress, may reach a satisfactory solution of this question and secure to the public service for all time a practical method of obtaining faithful and efficient officers and employees.
in transmitting to you this my fourth annual message it is with thankfulness to the giver of all good that as a nation we have been blessed for the past year with peace at home peace abroad and a general prosperity vouchsafed to but few peoples with the exception of the recent devastating fire which swept from the earth with a breath as it were millions of accumulated wealth in the city of boston there has been no overshadowing calamity within the year to record it is gratifying to note how like their of the city of chicago under similar circumstances a year earlier the citizens of boston are rallying under their misfortunes and the prospect that their energy and perseverance will overcome all obstacles and show the same prosperity soon that they would had no disaster befallen them otherwise we have been free from pestilence war and calamities which often overtake nations and as far as human judgment can penetrate the future no because seems to exist to threaten our present peace when congress adjourned in june last a question had been raised by great britain and was then pending which for a time seriously imperiled the settlement by friendly arbitration of the grave differences between this government and that of her britannic majesty which by the treaty of washington had been referred to the tribunal of arbitration which had met at geneva in switzerland the arbitrators however disposed of the question which had jeoparded the whole of the treaty and threatened to involve the two nations in most unhappy relations toward each other in a manner entirely satisfactory to this government and in accordance with the views and the policy which it had maintained the tribunal which had convened at geneva in december concluded its laborious session on the 14th day of september last on which day having availed itself of the discretionary power given to it by the treaty to award a sum in gross it made its decision whereby it awarded the sum of in gold as the indemnity to be paid by great britain to the united states for the satisfaction of all the claims referred to its consideration this decision happily disposes of a difference between the two governments and in connection with another award made by the german emperor under a reference to him by the same treaty leaves these two governments without a shadow upon the friendly relations which it is my sincere hope may forever remain equally unclouded the report of the agent of the united states appointed to attend the geneva tribunal accompanied by the protocols of the proceedings of the arbitrators the arguments of the counsel of both governments the award of the tribunal and the opinions given by the several arbitrators is transmitted herewith i have caused to be communicated to the heads of the three friendly powers who complied with the joint request made to them under the treaty the thanks of this government for the appointment of arbitrators made by them respectively and also my thanks to the eminent personages named by them and my appreciation of the dignity patience impartiality and great ability with which they discharged their arduous and high functions her majesty government has communicated to me the appreciation by her majesty of the ability and indefatigable industry displayed by adams the arbitrator named on the part of this government during the protracted inquiries and discussions of the tribunal i cordially unite with her majesty in this appreciation it is due to the agent of the united states before the tribunal to record my high appreciation of the marked ability unwearied patience and the prudence and discretion with which he has conducted the very responsible and delicate duties committed to him as it is also due to the learned and eminent counsel who attended the tribunal on the part of this government to express my sense of the talents and wisdom which they brought to bear in the attainment of the result so happily reached it will be the province of congress to provide for the distribution among those who may be entitled to it of their respective shares of the money to be paid although the sum awarded is not payable until a year from the date of the award it is deemed advisable that no time be lost in making a proper examination of the several cases in which indemnification may be due i consequently recommend the creation of a board of commissioners for the purpose by the article of the treaty of washington the respective claims of the united states and of great britain in their construction of the treaty of the 15th of june 1846 defining the boundary line between their respective territories were submitted to the arbitration and award of his majesty the emperor of germany to decide which of those claims is most in accordance with the true interpretation of the treaty of 1846 his majesty the emperor of germany having been pleased to undertake the arbitration has the earnest thanks of this government and of the people of the united states for the labor pains and care which he has devoted to the consideration of this difference i have caused an expression of my thanks to be communicated to his majesty bancroft the representative of this government at berlin conducted the case and prepared the statement on the part of the united states with the ability that his past services justified the public in expecting at his hands as a member of the cabinet at the date of the treaty which has given rise to the discussion between the two governments as the minister to great britain when the construction now pronounced unfounded was first advanced and as the agent and representative of the government to present the case and to receive the award he has been associated with the question in all of its phases and in every stage has manifested a patriotic zeal and earnestness in maintenance of the claim of the united states he is entitled to much credit for the success which has attended the submission after a patient investigation of the case and of the statements of each party his majesty the emperor on the 21st day of october last signed his award in writing decreeing that the claim of the government of the united states that the boundary line between the territories of her britannic majesty and the united states should be drawn through the haro channel is most in accordance with the true interpretation of the treaty concluded on the 15th of june 1846 between the governments of her britannic majesty and of the united states copies of the case presented on behalf of each government and of the statement in reply of each and a translation of the award are transmitted herewith this award confirms the united states in their claim to the important archipelago of islands lying between the continent and vancouvers island which for more than years ever since the ratification of the treaty great britain has contested and leaves us for the first time in the history of the united states as a nation without a question of disputed boundary between our territory and the possessions of great britain on this continent it is my grateful duty to acknowledge the prompt spontaneous action of her majesty government in giving effect to the award in anticipation of any request from this government and before the reception in the united states of the award signed by the emperor her majesty had given instructions for the removal of her troops which had been stationed there and for the cessation of all exercise or claim of jurisdiction so as to leave the united states in the exclusive possession of the lately disputed territory i am gratified to be able to announce that the orders for the removal of the troops have been executed and that the military joint occupation of san juan has ceased the islands are now in the exclusive possession of the united states it now becomes necessary to complete the survey and determination of that portion of the boundary line through the haro channel upon which the commission which determined the remaining part of the line were unable to agree i recommend the appointment of a commission to act jointly with one which may be named by her majesty for that purpose experience of the difficulties attending the determination of our admitted line of boundary after the occupation of the territory and its settlement by those owing allegiance to the respective governments points to the importance of establishing by natural objects or other monuments the actual line between the territory acquired by purchase from russia and the adjoining possessions of her britannic majesty the region is now so sparsely occupied that no conflicting interests of individuals or of jurisdiction are likely to interfere to the delay or embarrassment of the actual location of the line if deferred until population shall enter and occupy the territory some trivial contest of neighbors may again array the two governments in antagonism i therefore recommend the appointment of a commission to act jointly with one that may be appointed on the part of great britain to determine the line between our territory of alaska and the conterminous possessions of great britain in my last annual message i recommended the legislation necessary on the part of the united states to bring into operation the articles of the treaty of washington of may 8 1871 relating to the fisheries and to other matters touching the relations of the united states toward the british north american possessions to become operative so soon as the proper legislation should be had on the part of great britain and its possessions that legislation on the part of great britain and its possessions had not then been had and during the session of congress a question was raised which for the time raised a doubt whether any action by congress in the direction indicated would become important this question has since been disposed of and i have received notice that the imperial parliament and the legislatures of the provincial governments have passed laws to carry the provisions of the treaty on the matters referred to into operation i therefore recommend your early adoption of the legislation in the same direction necessary on the part of this government the joint commission for determining the boundary line between the united states and the british possessions between the lake of the woods and the rocky mountains has organized and entered upon its work it is desirable that the force be increased in order that the completion of the survey and determination of the line may be the sooner attained to this end i recommend that a sufficient appropriation be made with france our earliest ally russia the constant and steady friend of the united states germany with whose government and people we have so many causes of friendship and so many common sympathies and the other powers of europe our relations are maintained on the most friendly terms since my last annual message the exchange has been made of the ratifications of a treaty with the empire relating to naturalization also of a treaty with the german empire respecting consuls and also of a treaty with sweden and norway relating to naturalization all of which treaties have been duly proclaimed congress at its last session having made an appropriation to defray the expense of commissioners on the part of the united states to the international statistical congress at petersburg the persons appointed in that character proceeded to their destination and attended the sessions of the congress their report shall in due season be laid before you this congress meets at intervals of about three years and has held its sessions in several of the countries of europe i submit to your consideration the propriety of extending an invitation to the congress to hold its next meeting in the united states the centennial celebration to be held in 1876 would afford an appropriate occasion for such meeting preparations are making for the international exposition to be held during the next year in vienna on a scale of very great magnitude the tendency of these expositions is in the direction of advanced civilization and of the elevation of industry and of labor and of the increase of human happiness as well as of greater intercourse and good will between nations as this exposition is to be the first which will have been held in eastern europe it is believed that american inventors and manufacturers will be ready to avail themselves of the opportunity for the presentation of their productions if encouraged by proper aid and protection at the last session of congress authority was given for the appointment of one or more agents to represent this government at the exposition the authority thus given has been exercised but in the absence of any appropriation there is danger that the important benefits which the occasion offers will in a large degree be lost to citizens of the united states i commend the subject strongly to your consideration and recommend that an adequate appropriation be made for the purpose to further aid american exhibitors at the vienna exposition i would recommend in addition to an appropriation of money that the secretary of the navy be authorized to fit up two naval vessels to transport between our atlantic cities and trieste or the most convenient port to vienna and back their articles for exhibition since your last session the president of the mexican republic distinguished by his high character and by his services to his country has died his temporary successor has now been elected with great unanimity by the people a proof of confidence on their part in his patriotism and wisdom which it is believed will be confirmed by the results of his administration it is particularly desirable that nothing should be left undone by the government of either republic to strengthen their relations as neighbors and friends it is much to be regretted that many lawless acts continue to disturb the quiet of the settlements on the border between our territory and that of mexico and that complaints of wrongs to american citizens in various parts of the country are made the revolutionary condition in which the neighboring republic has so long been involved has in some degree contributed to this disturbance it is to be hoped that with a more settled rule of order through the republic which may be expected from the present government the acts of which just complaint is made will cease the proceedings of the commission under the convention with mexico of the 4th of july 1868 on the subject of claims have unfortunately been checked by an obstacle for the removal of which measures have been taken by the two governments which it is believed will prove successful the commissioners appointed pursuant to the joint resolution of congress of the 7th of may last to inquire into depredations on the texan frontier have diligently made investigations in that quarter their report upon the subject will be communicated to you their researches were necessarily incomplete partly on account of the limited appropriation made by congress mexico on the part of that government has appointed a similar commission to investigate these outrages it is not announced officially but the press of that country states that the fullest investigation is desired and that the cooperation of all parties concerned is invited to secure that end i therefore recommend that a special appropriation be made at the earliest day practicable to enable the commissioners on the part of the united states to return to their labors without delay it is with regret that i have again to announce a continuance of the disturbed condition of the island of cuba no advance toward the pacification of the discontented part of the population has been made while the insurrection has gained no advantages and exhibits no more of the elements of power or of the prospects of ultimate success than were exhibited a year ago spain on the other hand has not succeeded in its repression and the parties stand apparently in the same relative attitude which they have occupied for a long time past this contest has lasted now for more than four years were its scene at a distance from our neighborhood we might be indifferent to its result although humanity could not be unmoved by many of its incidents wherever they might occur it is however at our door i can not doubt that the continued maintenance of slavery in cuba is among the strongest inducements to the continuance of this strife a terrible wrong is the natural because of a terrible evil the abolition of slavery and the introduction of other reforms in the administration of government in cuba could not fail to advance the restoration of peace and order it is greatly to be hoped that the present liberal government of spain will voluntarily adopt this view the law of emancipation which was passed more than two years since has remained unexecuted in the absence of regulations for its enforcement it was but a feeble step toward emancipation but it was the recognition of right and was hailed as such and exhibited spain in harmony with sentiments of humanity and of justice and in sympathy with the other powers of the christian and civilized world within the past few weeks the regulations for carrying out the law of emancipation have been announced giving evidence of the sincerity of intention of the present government to carry into effect the law of 1870 i have not failed to urge the consideration of the wisdom the policy and the justice of a more effective system for the abolition of the great evil which oppresses a race and continues a bloody and destructive contest close to our border as well as the expediency and the justice of conceding reforms of which the propriety is not questioned deeply impressed with the conviction that the continuance of slavery is one of the most active causes of the continuance of the unhappy condition in cuba i regret to believe that citizens of the united states or those claiming to be such are large holders in cuba of what is there claimed as property but which is forbidden and denounced by the laws of the united states they are thus in defiance of the spirit of our own laws contributing to the continuance of this distressing and sickening contest in my last annual message i referred to this subject and i again recommend such legislation as may be proper to denounce and if not prevent at least to discourage american citizens from holding or dealing in slaves it is gratifying to announce that the ratifications of the convention concluded under the auspices of this government between spain on the one part and the allied republics of the pacific on the other providing for an armistice have been exchanged a copy of the instrument is herewith submitted it is hoped that this may be followed by a permanent peace between the same parties the differences which at one time threatened the maintenance of peace between brazil and the argentine republic it is hoped are in the way of satisfactory adjustment with these states as with the republics of central and of south america we continue to maintain the most friendly relations it is with regret however i announce that the government of venezuela has made no further payments on account of the awards under the convention of the 25th of april 1866 that republic is understood to be now almost if not quite tranquilized it is hoped therefore that it will lose no time in providing for the unpaid balance of its debt to the united states which having originated in injuries to our citizens by venezuelan authorities and having been acknowledged pursuant to a treaty in the most solemn form known among nations would seem to deserve a preference over debts of a different origin and contracted in a different manner this subject is again recommended to the attention of congress for such action as may be deemed proper our treaty relations with japan remain unchanged an imposing embassy from that interesting and progressive nation visited this country during the year that is passing but being unprovided with powers for the signing of a convention in this country no conclusion in that direction was reached it is hoped however that the interchange of opinions which took place during their stay in this country has led to a mutual appreciation of the interests which may be promoted when the revision of the existing treaty shall be undertaken in this connection i renew my recommendation of one year ago that to give importance to and to add to the efficiency of our diplomatic relations with japan and china and to further aid in retaining the good opinion of those peoples and to secure to the united states its share of the commerce destined to flow between those nations and the balance of the commercial world an appropriation be made to support at least four american youths in each of those countries to serve as a part of the official family of our ministers there our representatives would not even then be placed upon an equality with the representatives of great britain and of some other powers as now situated our representatives in japan and china have to depend for interpreters and translators upon natives of those countries who know our language imperfectly or procure for the occasion the services of employees in foreign business houses or the interpreters to other foreign ministers i renew the recommendation made on a previous occasion of the transfer to the department of the interior to which they seem more appropriately to belong of all the powers and duties in relation to the territories with which the department of state is now charged by law or by custom congress from the beginning of the government has wisely made provision for the relief of distressed seamen in foreign countries no similar provision however has hitherto been made for the relief of citizens in distress abroad other than seamen it is understood to be customary with other governments to authorize consuls to extend such relief to their citizens or subjects in certain cases a similar authority and an appropriation to carry it into effect are recommended in the case of citizens of the united states destitute or sick under such circumstances it is well known that such citizens resort to foreign countries in great numbers though most of them are able to bear the expenses incident to locomotion there are some who through accident or otherwise become penniless and have no friends at home able to succor them persons in this situation must either perish cast themselves upon the charity of foreigners or be relieved at the private charge of our own officers who usually even with the most benevolent dispositions have nothing to spare for such purposes should the authority and appropriation asked for be granted care will be taken so to carry the beneficence of congress into effect that it shall not be unnecessarily or unworthily bestowed the moneys received and covered into the treasury during the fiscal year ended june 30 1872 were the net expenditures by warrants during the same period were from the foregoing statement it appears that the net reduction of the principal of the debt during the fiscal year ending june 30 1872 was the source of this reduction is as follows this statement treats solely of the principal of the public debt by the monthly statement of the public debt which adds together the principal interest due and unpaid and interest accrued to date not due and deducts the cash in the treasury as ascertained on the day of publication the reduction was the source of this reduction is as follows on the basis of the last table the statements show a reduction of the public debt from the 1st of march 1869 to the present time as follows with the great reduction of taxation by the acts of congress at its last session the expenditure of the government in collecting the revenue will be much reduced for the next fiscal year it is very doubtful however whether any further reduction of so vexatious a burden upon any people will be practicable for the present at all events as a measure of justice to the holders of the nation certificates of indebtedness i would recommend that no more legislation be had on this subject unless it be to correct errors of omission or commission in the present laws until sufficient time has elapsed to prove that it can be done and still leave sufficient revenue to meet current expenses of government pay interest on the public debt and provide for the sinking fund established by law the preservation of our national credit is of the highest importance next in importance to this comes a solemn duty to provide a national currency of fixed unvarying value as compared with gold and as soon as practicable having due regard for the interests of the debtor class and the vicissitudes of trade and commerce convertible into gold at par the report of the secretary of war shows the expenditures of the war department for the fiscal year ending june 30 1871 to be and for the fiscal year ending june 30 1872 to be showing a reduction in favor of the last fiscal year of the estimates for military appropriations for the next fiscal year ending june 30 1874 are the estimates of the chief of engineers are submitted separately for fortifications river and harbor improvements and for public buildings and grounds and the washington aqueduct the affairs of the freedmen bureau have all been transferred to the war department and regulations have been put into execution for the speedy payment of bounty pay due colored soldiers properly coming under that bureau all war accounts for money and property prior to 1871 have been examined and transmitted to the treasury for final settlement during the fiscal year there has been paid for transportation on railroads of which was over the pacific railroads for transportation by water and by stage for the purchase of transportation animals wagons hire of teamsters about have been collected from southern railroads during the year leaving about still due the quartermaster has examined and transmitted to the accounting officers for settlement of claims by loyal citizens for quartermaster stores taken during the war subsistence supplies to the amount of have been issued to indians the annual average mean strength of the army was white and colored soldiers the total deaths for the year reported were 367 white and 54 colored the distribution of the medical and surgical history of the war is yet to be ordered by congress there exists an absolute necessity for a medical corps of the full number established by act of congress of july 28 1866 there being now vacancies and the number of successful candidates rarely exceeds eight or ten in any one year the river and harbor improvements have been carried on with energy and economy though many are only partially completed the results have saved to commerce many times the amount expended the increase of commerce with greater depths of channels greater security in navigation and the saving of time adds millions to the wealth of the country and increases the resources of the government the bridge across the mississippi river at rock island has been completed and the proper site has been determined upon for the bridge at la crosse the able and exhaustive report made by the commission appointed to investigate the sutro tunnel has been transmitted to congress the observations and reports of the signal office have been continued stations have been maintained at each of the principal lake seaport and river cities ten additional stations have been established in the united states and arrangements have been made for an exchange of reports with canada and a similar exchange of observations is contemplated with the west india islands the favorable attention of congress is invited to the following recommendations of the secretary of war a discontinuance of the appointment of extra lieutenants to serve as adjutants and quartermasters the adoption of a code providing specific penalties for offenses so that the inequality of sentences adjudged by may be adjusted the consolidation of accounts under which expenditures are made as a measure of economy a reappropriation of the money for the construction of a depot at san antonio the title to the site being now perfected a special act placing the cemetery at the city of mexico on the same basis as other national cemeteries authority to purchase sites for military posts in texas the appointment of commissary sergeants from noncommissioned officers as a measure for securing the better care and protection of supplies an appropriation for the publication of the catalogue and tables of the anatomical section of the army medical museum a reappropriation of the amount for the manufacture of arms should the selection be so delayed by the board of officers as to leave the former appropriation unexpended at the close of the fiscal year the sale of such arsenals east of the mississippi as can be spared and the proceeds applied to the establishment of one large arsenal of construction and repair upon the atlantic coast and the purchase of a suitable site for a proving and experimental ground for heavy ordnance the abrogation of laws which deprive inventors in the united states service from deriving any benefit from their inventions the repeal of the law prohibiting promotions in the staff corps a continuance of the work upon coast defenses the repeal of the seventh section of the act of july 13 1866 taking from engineer soldiers the per diem granted to other troops a limitation of time for presentation of old war claims for subsistence supplies under act of july 4 1864 and a modification in the mode of the selection of cadets for the military academy in order to enhance the usefulness of the academy which is impaired by reason of the large amount of time necessarily expended in giving new cadets a thorough knowledge of the more elementary branches of learning which they should acquire before entering the academy also an appropriation for philosophical apparatus and an increase in the numbers and pay of the military academy band the attention of congress will be called during its present session to various enterprises for the more certain and cheaper transportation of the constantly increasing surplus of western and southern products to the atlantic seaboard the subject is one that will force itself upon the legislative branch of the government sooner or later and i suggest therefore that immediate steps be taken to gain all available information to insure equable and just legislation one route to connect the mississippi valley with the atlantic at charleston and savannah by water by the way of the ohio and tennessee rivers and canals and navigation to the savannah and ocmulgee rivers has been surveyed and report made by an accomplished engineer officer of the army second and third new routes will be proposed for the consideration of congress namely by an extension of the kanawha and james river canal to the ohio and by extension of the chesapeake and ohio canal i am not prepared to recommend government aid to these or other enterprises until it is clearly shown that they are not only of national interest but that when completed they will be of a value commensurate with their cost that production increases more rapidly than the means of transportation in our country has been demonstrated by past experience that the unprecedented growth in population and products of the whole country will require additional facilities and cheaper ones for the more bulky articles of commerce to reach tide water and a market will be demanded in the near future is equally demonstrable i would therefore suggest either a committee or a commission to be authorized to consider this whole question and to report to congress at some future day for its better guidance in legislating on this important subject the railroads of the country have been rapidly extended during the last few years to meet the growing demands of producers and reflect much credit upon the capitalists and managers engaged in their construction in addition to these a project to facilitate commerce by the building of a ship canal around niagara falls on the united states side which has been agitated for many years will no doubt be called to your attention at this session looking to the great future growth of the country and the increasing demands of commerce it might be well while on this subject not only to have examined and reported upon the various practicable routes for connecting the mississippi with tide water on the atlantic but the feasibility of an almost continuous landlocked navigation from maine to the gulf of mexico such a route along our coast would be of great value at all times and of inestimable value in ease of a foreign war nature has provided the greater part of this route and the obstacles to overcome are easily within the skill of the engineer i have not alluded to this subject with the view of having any further expenditure of public money at this time than may be necessary to procure and place all the necessary information before congress in an authentic form to enable it hereafter if deemed practicable and worthy to legislate on the subject without delay the report of the secretary of the navy herewith accompanying explains fully the condition of that branch of the public service its wants and deficiencies expenses incurred during the past year and appropriations for the same it also gives a complete history of the services of the navy for the past year in addition to its regular service it is evident that unless early steps are taken to preserve our navy in a very few years the united states will be the weakest nation upon the ocean of all great powers with an energetic progressive business people like ours penetrating and forming business relations with every part of the known world a navy strong enough to command the respect of our flag abroad is necessary for the full protection of their rights i recommend careful consideration by congress of the recommendations made by the secretary of the navy the accompanying report of the furnishes a full and satisfactory exhibit of the operations of the department during the year the ordinary revenues of the department for the fiscal year ending june 30 1872 amounted to and the expenditures to compared with the previous fiscal year the increase of revenue was or per cent and the increase of expenditures or per cent adding to the ordinary revenues the annual appropriation of for free matter and the amounts paid to the subsidized mail steamship lines from special appropriations the deficiency paid out of the general treasury was an excess of over the deficiency for the year 1871 other interesting statistical information relating to our rapidly extending postal service is furnished in this report the total length of railroad mail routes on the 30th of june 1872 was miles additional miles of such service having been put into operation during the year eight new lines of railway have been established with an aggregate length of miles the number of letters exchanged in the mails with foreign countries was an increase of or 20 per cent over the number in 1871 and the postage thereon amounted to the total weight of the mails exchanged with european countries exceeded 820 tons the cost of the united states transatlantic mail steamship service was the total cost of the united states ocean steamship service including the amounts paid to the subsidized lines of mail steamers was the following are the only steamship lines now receiving subsidies for mail service under special acts of congress the pacific mail steamship company receive per annum for conveying a monthly mail between san francisco japan and china which will be increased to per annum for a semimonthly mail on and after october 1 1873 the united states and brazil mail steamship company receive per annum for conveying a monthly mail between new york and rio de janeiro brazil and the california oregon and mexican steamship company receive per annum for conveying a monthly mail between san francisco and honolulu hawaiian islands making the total amount of mail steamship subsidies at present per annum our postal communications with all parts of the civilized world have been placed upon a most advantageous footing by the improved postal conventions and arrangements recently concluded with the leading commercial countries of europe and america and the gratifying statement is made that with the conclusion of a satisfactory convention with france the details of which have been definitely agreed to by the head of the french postal department subject to the approval of the minister of finance little remains to be accomplished by treaty for some time to come with respect either to reduction of rates or improved facilities of postal intercourse your favorable consideration is respectfully invited to the recommendations made by the for an increase of service from monthly to semimonthly trips on the mail steamship route to brazil for a subsidy in aid of the establishment of an american line of mail steamers between san francisco new zealand and australia for the establishment of savings banks and for the increase of the salaries of the heads of bureaus i have heretofore recommended the abolition of the franking privilege and see no reason now for changing my views on that subject it not having been favorably regarded by congress however i now suggest a modification of that privilege to correct its glaring and costly abuses i would recommend also the appointment of a committee or commission to take into consideration the best method equitable to private corporations who have invested their time and capital in the establishment of telegraph lines of acquiring the title to all telegraph lines now in operation and of connecting this service with the postal service of the nation it is not probable that this subject could receive the proper consideration during the limits of a short session of congress but it may be initiated so that future action may be fair to the government and to private parties concerned there are but three lines of ocean steamers namely the pacific mail steamship company between san francisco china and japan with provision made for semimonthly service after october 1 1873 the united states and brazil line monthly and the california new zealand and australian line monthly plying between the united states and foreign ports and owned and operated under our flag i earnestly recommend that such liberal contracts for carrying the mails be authorized with these lines as will insure their continuance if the expediency of extending the aid of government to lines of steamers which hitherto have not received it should be deemed worthy of the consideration of congress political and commercial objects make it advisable to bestow such aid on a line under our flag between panama and the western south american ports by this means much trade now diverted to other countries might be brought to us to the mutual advantage of this country and those lying in that quarter of the continent of america the report of the secretary of the treasury will show an alarming falling off in our carrying trade for the last ten or twelve years and even for the past year i do not believe that public treasure can be better expended in the interest of the whole people than in trying to recover this trade an expenditure of per annum for the next five years if it would restore to us our proportion of the carrying trade of the world would be profitably expended the price of labor in europe has so much enhanced within the last few years that the cost of building and operating ocean steamers in the united states is not so much greater than in europe and i believe the time has arrived for congress to take this subject into serious consideration detailed statements of the disbursements through the department of justice will be furnished by the report of the and though these have been somewhat increased by the recent acts of congress to enforce the rights of citizens of the united states to vote in the several states of the union and to enforce the provisions of the fourteenth amendment to the constitution of the united states and the amendments thereto i can not question the necessity and salutary effect of those enactments reckless and lawless men i regret to say have associated themselves together in some localities to deprive other citizens of those rights guaranteed to them by the constitution of the united states and to that end have committed deeds of blood and violence but the prosecution and punishment of many of these persons have tended greatly to the repression of such disorders i do not doubt that a great majority of the people in all parts of the country favor the full enjoyment by all classes of persons of those rights to which they are entitled under the constitution and laws and i invoke the aid and influence of all good citizens to prevent organizations whose objects are by unlawful means to interfere with those rights i look with confidence to the time not far distant when the obvious advantages of good order and peace will induce an abandonment of all combinations prohibited by the acts referred to and when it will be unnecessary to carry on prosecutions or inflict punishment to protect citizens from the lawless doings of such combinations applications have been made to me to pardon persons convicted of a violation of said acts upon the ground that clemency in such cases would tend to tranquilize the public mind and to test the virtue of that policy i am disposed as far as my sense of justice will permit to give to these applications a favorable consideration but any action thereon is not to be construed as indicating any change in my determination to enforce with vigor such acts so long as the conspiracies and combinations therein named disturb the peace of the country it is much to be regretted and is regretted by no one more than myself that a necessity has ever existed to execute the enforcement act no one can desire more than i that the necessity of applying it may never again be demanded the secretary of the interior reports satisfactory improvement and progress in each of the several bureaus under the control of the interior department they are all in excellent condition the work which in some of them for some years has been in arrears has been brought down to a recent date and in all the current business is being promptly dispatched the policy which was adopted at the beginning of this administration with regard to the management of the indians has been as successful as its most ardent friends anticipated within so short a time it has reduced the expense of their management decreased their forays upon the white settlements tended to give the largest opportunity for the extension of the great railways through the public domain and the pushing of settlements into more remote districts of the country and at the same time improved the condition of the indians the policy will be maintained without any change excepting such as further experience may show to be necessary to render it more efficient the subject of converting the indian territory south of kansas into a home for the indian and erecting therein a territorial form of government is one of great importance as a complement of the existing indian policy the question of removal to that territory has within the past year been presented to many of the tribes resident upon other and less desirable portions of the public domain and has generally been received by them with favor as a preliminary step to the organization of such a territory it will be necessary to confine the indians now resident therein to farms of proper size which should be secured to them in fee the residue to be used for the settlement of other friendly indians efforts will be made in the immediate future to induce the removal of as many peaceably disposed indians to the indian territory as can be settled properly without disturbing the harmony of those already there there is no other location now available where a people who are endeavoring to acquire a knowledge of pastoral and agricultural pursuits can be as well accommodated as upon the unoccupied lands in the indian territory a territorial government should however protect the indians from the inroads of whites for a term of years until they become sufficiently advanced in the arts and civilization to guard their own rights and from the disposal of the lands held by them for the same period during the last fiscal year there were disposed of out of the public lands acres a quantity greater by acres than was disposed of the previous year of this amount acres were sold for cash acres located with military warrants acres taken for homesteads acres located with college scrip acres granted to railroads acres granted to wagon roads acres given to states as swamp land acres located by indian scrip the cash receipts from all sources in the land office amounted to during the same period acres of the public lands were surveyed which added to the quantity before surveyed amounts to acres leaving acres of the public lands still unsurveyed the reports from the subordinates of the land office contain interesting information in regard to their respective districts they uniformly mention the fruitfulness of the soil during the past season and the increased yields of all kinds of produce even in those states and territories where mining is the principal business agricultural products have exceeded the local demand and liberal shipments have been made to distant points during the year ending september 30 1872 there were issued from the patent office patents 233 extensions and 556 certificates and registries of during the same time applications for patents including reissues and designs have been received and caveats filed the fees received during the same period amounted to and the total expenditures to making the net receipts over the expenditures since 1836 applications for patents have been filed and about patents issued the office is being conducted under the same laws and general organization as were adopted at its original inauguration when only from 100 to 500 applications were made per annum the commissioner shows that the office has outgrown the original plan and that a new organization has become necessary this subject was presented to congress in a special communication in february last with my approval and the approval of the secretary of the interior and the suggestions contained in said communication were embraced in the bill that was reported to the house by the committee on patents at the last session the subject of the reorganization of the patent office as contemplated by the bill referred to is one of such importance to the industrial interests of the country that i commend it to the attention of congress the commissioner also treats the subject of the separation of the patent office from the department of the interior this subject is also embraced in the bill heretofore referred to the commissioner complains of the want of room for the model gallery and for the working force and necessary files of the office it is impossible to transact the business of the office properly without more room in which to arrange files and drawings that must be consulted hourly in the transaction of business the whole of the patent office building will soon be needed if it is not already for the accommodation of the business of the patent office the amount paid for pensions in the last fiscal year was an amount larger by than was paid during the preceding year of this amount were paid under the act of congress of february 17 1871 to survivors of the war of 1812 the annual increase of pensions by the legislation of congress has more than kept pace with the natural yearly losses from the rolls the act of congress of june 8 1872 has added an estimated amount of per annum to the rolls without increasing the number of pensioners we can not therefore look for any substantial decrease in the expenditures of this department for some time to come or so long as congress continues to so change the rates of pension the whole number of soldiers enlisted in the war of the rebellion was the total number of claims for invalid pensions is being but 6 per cent of the whole number of enlisted men the total number of claims on hand at the beginning of the year was the number received during the year was the number disposed of was making a net gain of the number of claims now on file is on the 30th of june 1872 there were on the rolls the names of invalid military pensioners widows orphans and dependent relatives making an aggregate of army pensioners at the same time there were on the rolls the names of navy pensioners and widows orphans and dependent relatives making the whole number of naval pensioners there have been received since the passage of the act to provide pensions for the survivors of the war of 1812 applications prior to june 30 1872 of these there were allowed during the last fiscal year claims were rejected during the year leaving claims pending at that date the number of pensions of all classes granted during the last fiscal year was during that period there were dropped from the rolls for various causes names leaving a grand total of pensioners on the rolls on the 30th of june 1872 it is thought that the claims for pensions on account of the war of 1812 will all be disposed of by the 1st of may 1873 it is estimated that will be required for the pension service during the next fiscal year the ninth census is about completed its early completion is a subject of congratulation inasmuch as the use to be made of the statistics therein contained depends very greatly on the promptitude of publication the secretary of the interior recommends that a census be taken in 1875 which recommendation should receive the early attention of congress the interval at present established between the federal census is so long that the information obtained at the decennial period as to the material condition wants and resources of the nation is of little practical value after the expiration of the first half of that period it would probably obviate the constitutional provision regarding the decennial census if a census taken in 1875 should be divested of all political character and no reapportionment of congressional representation be made under it such a census coming as it would in the last year of the first century of our national existence would furnish a noble monument of the progress of the united states during that century the rapidly increasing interest in education is a most encouraging feature in the current history of the country and it is no doubt true that this is due in a great measure to the efforts of the bureau of education that office is continually receiving evidences which abundantly prove its efficiency from the various institutions of learning and educators of all kinds throughout the country the report of the commissioner contains a vast amount of educational details of great interest the bill now pending before congress providing for the appropriation of the net proceeds of the sales of public lands for educational purposes to aid the states in the general education of their rising generation is a measure of such great importance to our real progress and is so unanimously approved by the leading friends of education that i commend it to the favorable attention of congress affairs in the territories are generally satisfactory the energy and business capacity of the pioneers who are settling up the vast domains not yet incorporated into states are keeping pace in internal improvements and civil government with the older communities in but one of them utah is the condition of affairs unsatisfactory except so far as the quiet of the citizen may be disturbed by real or imaginary danger of indian hostilities it has seemed to be the policy of the legislature of utah to evade all responsibility to the government of the united states and even to hold a position in hostility to it i recommend a careful revision of the present laws of the territory by congress and the enactment of such a law the one proposed in congress at its last session for instance or something similar to it as will secure peace the equality of all citizens before the law and the ultimate extinguishment of polygamy since the establishment of a territorial government for the district of columbia the improvement of the condition of the city of washington and surroundings and the increased prosperity of the citizens are observable to the most casual visitor the nation being a large owner of property in the city should bear with the citizens of the district its just share of the expense of these improvements i recommend therefore an appropriation to reimburse the citizens for the work done by them along and in front of public grounds during the past year and liberal appropriations in order that the improvements and embellishments of the public buildings and grounds may keep pace with the improvements made by the territorial authorities the report of the commissioner of agriculture gives a very full and interesting account of the several divisions of that department the horticultural agricultural statistical entomological and chemical and the benefits conferred by each upon the agricultural interests of the country the whole report is a complete history in detail of the workings of that department in all its branches showing the manner in which the farmer merchant and miner is informed and the extent to which he is aided in his pursuits the commissioner makes one recommendation that measures be taken by congress to protect and induce the planting of forests and suggests that no part of the public lands should be disposed of without the condition that of it should be reserved in timber where it exists and where it does not exist inducements should be offered for planting it in accordance with the terms of the act of congress approved march 3 1871 providing for the celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of american independence a commission has been organized consisting of two members from each of the states and territories this commission has held two sessions and has made satisfactory progress in the organization and in the initiatory steps necessary for carrying out the provisions of the act and for executing also the provisions of the act of june 1 1872 creating a centennial board of finance a preliminary report of progress has been received from the president of the commission and is herewith transmitted it will be the duty of the commission at your coming session to transmit a full report of the progress made and to lay before you the details relating to the exhibition of american and foreign arts products and manufactures which by the terms of the act is to be held under the auspices of the government of the united states in the city of philadelphia in the year 1876 this celebration will be looked forward to by american citizens with great interest as marking a century of greater progress and prosperity than is recorded in the history of any other nation and as serving a further good purpose in bringing together on our soil peoples of all the commercial nations of the earth in a manner calculated to insure international good feeling an earnest desire has been felt to correct abuses which have grown up in the civil service of the country through the defective method of making appointments to office heretofore federal offices have been regarded too much as the reward of political services under authority of congress rules have been established to regulate the tenure of office and the mode of appointments it can not be expected that any system of rules can be entirely effective and prove a perfect remedy for the existing evils until they have been thoroughly tested by actual practice and amended according to the requirements of the service during my term of office it shall be my earnest endeavor to so apply the rules as to secure the greatest possible reform in the civil service of the government but it will require the direct action of congress to render the enforcement of the system binding upon my successors and i hope that the experience of the past year together with appropriate legislation by congress may reach a satisfactory solution of this question and secure to the public service for all time a practical method of obtaining faithful and efficient officers and employees
transmitting fourth annual message thankfulness giver good nation blessed past year peace home peace abroad general prosperity vouchsafed peoples exception recent devastating fire swept earth breath millions accumulated wealth city boston overshadowing calamity within year record gratifying note like city chicago similar circumstances year earlier citizens boston rallying misfortunes prospect energy perseverance overcome obstacles show prosperity soon would disaster befallen otherwise free pestilence war calamities often overtake nations far human judgment penetrate future seems exist threaten present peace congress adjourned june last question raised great britain pending time seriously imperiled settlement friendly arbitration grave differences government britannic majesty treaty washington referred tribunal arbitration met geneva switzerland arbitrators however disposed question jeoparded whole treaty threatened involve two nations unhappy relations toward manner entirely satisfactory government accordance views policy maintained tribunal convened geneva december concluded laborious session 14th day september last day availed discretionary power given treaty award sum gross made decision whereby awarded sum gold indemnity paid great britain united states satisfaction claims referred consideration decision happily disposes difference two governments connection another award made german emperor reference treaty leaves two governments without shadow upon friendly relations sincere hope may forever remain equally unclouded report agent united states appointed attend geneva tribunal accompanied protocols proceedings arbitrators arguments counsel governments award tribunal opinions given several arbitrators transmitted herewith caused communicated heads three friendly powers complied joint request made treaty thanks government appointment arbitrators made respectively also thanks eminent personages named appreciation dignity patience impartiality great ability discharged arduous high functions majesty government communicated appreciation majesty ability indefatigable industry displayed adams arbitrator named part government protracted inquiries discussions tribunal cordially unite majesty appreciation due agent united states tribunal record high appreciation marked ability unwearied patience prudence discretion conducted responsible delicate duties committed also due learned eminent counsel attended tribunal part government express sense talents wisdom brought bear attainment result happily reached province congress provide distribution among may entitled respective shares money paid although sum awarded payable year date award deemed advisable time lost making proper examination several cases indemnification may due consequently recommend creation board commissioners purpose article treaty washington respective claims united states great britain construction treaty 15th june 1846 defining boundary line respective territories submitted arbitration award majesty emperor germany decide claims accordance true interpretation treaty 1846 majesty emperor germany pleased undertake arbitration earnest thanks government people united states labor pains care devoted consideration difference caused expression thanks communicated majesty bancroft representative government berlin conducted case prepared statement part united states ability past services justified public expecting hands member cabinet date treaty given rise discussion two governments minister great britain construction pronounced unfounded first advanced agent representative government present case receive award associated question phases every stage manifested patriotic zeal earnestness maintenance claim united states entitled much credit success attended submission patient investigation case statements party majesty emperor 21st day october last signed award writing decreeing claim government united states boundary line territories britannic majesty united states drawn haro channel accordance true interpretation treaty concluded 15th june 1846 governments britannic majesty united states copies case presented behalf government statement reply translation award transmitted herewith award confirms united states claim important archipelago islands lying continent vancouvers island years ever since ratification treaty great britain contested leaves us first time history united states nation without question disputed boundary territory possessions great britain continent grateful duty acknowledge prompt spontaneous action majesty government giving effect award anticipation request government reception united states award signed emperor majesty given instructions removal troops stationed cessation exercise claim jurisdiction leave united states exclusive possession lately disputed territory gratified able announce orders removal troops executed military joint occupation san juan ceased islands exclusive possession united states becomes necessary complete survey determination portion boundary line haro channel upon commission determined remaining part line unable agree recommend appointment commission act jointly one may named majesty purpose experience difficulties attending determination admitted line boundary occupation territory settlement owing allegiance respective governments points importance establishing natural objects monuments actual line territory acquired purchase russia adjoining possessions britannic majesty region sparsely occupied conflicting interests individuals jurisdiction likely interfere delay embarrassment actual location line deferred population shall enter occupy territory trivial contest neighbors may array two governments antagonism therefore recommend appointment commission act jointly one may appointed part great britain determine line territory alaska conterminous possessions great britain last annual message recommended legislation necessary part united states bring operation articles treaty washington may 8 1871 relating fisheries matters touching relations united states toward british north american possessions become operative soon proper legislation part great britain possessions legislation part great britain possessions session congress question raised time raised doubt whether action congress direction indicated would become important question since disposed received notice imperial parliament legislatures provincial governments passed laws carry provisions treaty matters referred operation therefore recommend early adoption legislation direction necessary part government joint commission determining boundary line united states british possessions lake woods rocky mountains organized entered upon work desirable force increased order completion survey determination line may sooner attained end recommend sufficient appropriation made france earliest ally russia constant steady friend united states germany whose government people many causes friendship many common sympathies powers europe relations maintained friendly terms since last annual message exchange made ratifications treaty empire relating naturalization also treaty german empire respecting consuls also treaty sweden norway relating naturalization treaties duly proclaimed congress last session made appropriation defray expense commissioners part united states international statistical congress petersburg persons appointed character proceeded destination attended sessions congress report shall due season laid congress meets intervals three years held sessions several countries europe submit consideration propriety extending invitation congress hold next meeting united states centennial celebration held 1876 would afford appropriate occasion meeting preparations making international exposition held next year vienna scale great magnitude tendency expositions direction advanced civilization elevation industry labor increase human happiness well greater intercourse good nations exposition first held eastern europe believed american inventors manufacturers ready avail opportunity presentation productions encouraged proper aid protection last session congress authority given appointment one agents represent government exposition authority thus given exercised absence appropriation danger important benefits occasion offers large degree lost citizens united states commend subject strongly consideration recommend adequate appropriation made purpose aid american exhibitors vienna exposition would recommend addition appropriation money secretary navy authorized fit two naval vessels transport atlantic cities trieste convenient port vienna back articles exhibition since last session president mexican republic distinguished high character services country died temporary successor elected great unanimity people proof confidence part patriotism wisdom believed confirmed results administration particularly desirable nothing left undone government either republic strengthen relations neighbors friends much regretted many lawless acts continue disturb quiet settlements border territory mexico complaints wrongs american citizens various parts country made revolutionary condition neighboring republic long involved degree contributed disturbance hoped settled rule order republic may expected present government acts complaint made cease proceedings commission convention mexico 4th july 1868 subject claims unfortunately checked obstacle removal measures taken two governments believed prove successful commissioners appointed pursuant joint resolution congress 7th may last inquire depredations texan frontier diligently made investigations quarter report upon subject communicated researches necessarily incomplete partly account limited appropriation made congress mexico part government appointed similar commission investigate outrages announced officially press country states fullest investigation desired cooperation parties concerned invited secure end therefore recommend special appropriation made earliest day practicable enable commissioners part united states return labors without delay regret announce continuance disturbed condition island cuba advance toward pacification discontented part population made insurrection gained advantages exhibits elements power prospects ultimate success exhibited year ago spain hand succeeded repression parties stand apparently relative attitude occupied long time past contest lasted four years scene distance neighborhood might indifferent result although humanity could unmoved many incidents wherever might occur however door doubt continued maintenance slavery cuba among strongest inducements continuance strife terrible wrong natural terrible evil abolition slavery introduction reforms administration government cuba could fail advance restoration peace order greatly hoped present liberal government spain voluntarily adopt view law emancipation passed two years since remained unexecuted absence regulations enforcement feeble step toward emancipation recognition right hailed exhibited spain harmony sentiments humanity justice sympathy powers christian civilized world within past weeks regulations carrying law emancipation announced giving evidence sincerity intention present government carry effect law 1870 failed urge consideration wisdom policy justice effective system abolition great evil oppresses race continues bloody destructive contest close border well expediency justice conceding reforms propriety questioned deeply impressed conviction continuance slavery one active causes continuance unhappy condition cuba regret believe citizens united states claiming large holders cuba claimed property forbidden denounced laws united states thus defiance spirit laws contributing continuance distressing sickening contest last annual message referred subject recommend legislation may proper denounce prevent least discourage american citizens holding dealing slaves gratifying announce ratifications convention concluded auspices government spain one part allied republics pacific providing armistice exchanged copy instrument herewith submitted hoped may followed permanent peace parties differences one time threatened maintenance peace brazil argentine republic hoped way satisfactory adjustment states republics central south america continue maintain friendly relations regret however announce government venezuela made payments account awards convention 25th april 1866 republic understood almost quite tranquilized hoped therefore lose time providing unpaid balance debt united states originated injuries citizens venezuelan authorities acknowledged pursuant treaty solemn form known among nations would seem deserve preference debts different origin contracted different manner subject recommended attention congress action may deemed proper treaty relations japan remain unchanged imposing embassy interesting progressive nation visited country year passing unprovided powers signing convention country conclusion direction reached hoped however interchange opinions took place stay country led mutual appreciation interests may promoted revision existing treaty shall undertaken connection renew recommendation one year ago give importance add efficiency diplomatic relations japan china aid retaining good opinion peoples secure united states share commerce destined flow nations balance commercial world appropriation made support least four american youths countries serve part official family ministers representatives would even placed upon equality representatives great britain powers situated representatives japan china depend interpreters translators upon natives countries know language imperfectly procure occasion services employees foreign business houses interpreters foreign ministers renew recommendation made previous occasion transfer department interior seem appropriately belong powers duties relation territories department state charged law custom congress beginning government wisely made provision relief distressed seamen foreign countries similar provision however hitherto made relief citizens distress abroad seamen understood customary governments authorize consuls extend relief citizens subjects certain cases similar authority appropriation carry effect recommended case citizens united states destitute sick circumstances well known citizens resort foreign countries great numbers though able bear expenses incident locomotion accident otherwise become penniless friends home able succor persons situation must either perish cast upon charity foreigners relieved private charge officers usually even benevolent dispositions nothing spare purposes authority appropriation asked granted care taken carry beneficence congress effect shall unnecessarily unworthily bestowed moneys received covered treasury fiscal year ended june 30 1872 net expenditures warrants period foregoing statement appears net reduction principal debt fiscal year ending june 30 1872 source reduction follows statement treats solely principal public debt monthly statement public debt adds together principal interest due unpaid interest accrued date due deducts cash treasury ascertained day publication reduction source reduction follows basis last table statements show reduction public debt 1st march 1869 present time follows great reduction taxation acts congress last session expenditure government collecting revenue much reduced next fiscal year doubtful however whether reduction vexatious burden upon people practicable present events measure justice holders nation certificates indebtedness would recommend legislation subject unless correct errors omission commission present laws sufficient time elapsed prove done still leave sufficient revenue meet current expenses government pay interest public debt provide sinking fund established law preservation national credit highest importance next importance comes solemn duty provide national currency fixed unvarying value compared gold soon practicable due regard interests debtor class vicissitudes trade commerce convertible gold par report secretary war shows expenditures war department fiscal year ending june 30 1871 fiscal year ending june 30 1872 showing reduction favor last fiscal year estimates military appropriations next fiscal year ending june 30 1874 estimates chief engineers submitted separately fortifications river harbor improvements public buildings grounds washington aqueduct affairs freedmen bureau transferred war department regulations put execution speedy payment bounty pay due colored soldiers properly coming bureau war accounts money property prior 1871 examined transmitted treasury final settlement fiscal year paid transportation railroads pacific railroads transportation water stage purchase transportation animals wagons hire teamsters collected southern railroads year leaving still due quartermaster examined transmitted accounting officers settlement claims loyal citizens quartermaster stores taken war subsistence supplies amount issued indians annual average mean strength army white colored soldiers total deaths year reported 367 white 54 colored distribution medical surgical history war yet ordered congress exists absolute necessity medical corps full number established act congress july 28 1866 vacancies number successful candidates rarely exceeds eight ten one year river harbor improvements carried energy economy though many partially completed results saved commerce many times amount expended increase commerce greater depths channels greater security navigation saving time adds millions wealth country increases resources government bridge across mississippi river rock island completed proper site determined upon bridge la crosse able exhaustive report made commission appointed investigate sutro tunnel transmitted congress observations reports signal office continued stations maintained principal lake seaport river cities ten additional stations established united states arrangements made exchange reports canada similar exchange observations contemplated west india islands favorable attention congress invited following recommendations secretary war discontinuance appointment extra lieutenants serve adjutants quartermasters adoption code providing specific penalties offenses inequality sentences adjudged may adjusted consolidation accounts expenditures made measure economy reappropriation money construction depot san antonio title site perfected special act placing cemetery city mexico basis national cemeteries authority purchase sites military posts texas appointment commissary sergeants noncommissioned officers measure securing better care protection supplies appropriation publication catalogue tables anatomical section army medical museum reappropriation amount manufacture arms selection delayed board officers leave former appropriation unexpended close fiscal year sale arsenals east mississippi spared proceeds applied establishment one large arsenal construction repair upon atlantic coast purchase suitable site proving experimental ground heavy ordnance abrogation laws deprive inventors united states service deriving benefit inventions repeal law prohibiting promotions staff corps continuance work upon coast defenses repeal seventh section act july 13 1866 taking engineer soldiers per diem granted troops limitation time presentation old war claims subsistence supplies act july 4 1864 modification mode selection cadets military academy order enhance usefulness academy impaired reason large amount time necessarily expended giving new cadets thorough knowledge elementary branches learning acquire entering academy also appropriation philosophical apparatus increase numbers pay military academy band attention congress called present session various enterprises certain cheaper transportation constantly increasing surplus western southern products atlantic seaboard subject one force upon legislative branch government sooner later suggest therefore immediate steps taken gain available information insure equable legislation one route connect mississippi valley atlantic charleston savannah water way ohio tennessee rivers canals navigation savannah ocmulgee rivers surveyed report made accomplished engineer officer army second third new routes proposed consideration congress namely extension kanawha james river canal ohio extension chesapeake ohio canal prepared recommend government aid enterprises clearly shown national interest completed value commensurate cost production increases rapidly means transportation country demonstrated past experience unprecedented growth population products whole country require additional facilities cheaper ones bulky articles commerce reach tide water market demanded near future equally demonstrable would therefore suggest either committee commission authorized consider whole question report congress future day better guidance legislating important subject railroads country rapidly extended last years meet growing demands producers reflect much credit upon capitalists managers engaged construction addition project facilitate commerce building ship canal around niagara falls united states side agitated many years doubt called attention session looking great future growth country increasing demands commerce might well subject examined reported upon various practicable routes connecting mississippi tide water atlantic feasibility almost continuous landlocked navigation maine gulf mexico route along coast would great value times inestimable value ease foreign war nature provided greater part route obstacles overcome easily within skill engineer alluded subject view expenditure public money time may necessary procure place necessary information congress authentic form enable hereafter deemed practicable worthy legislate subject without delay report secretary navy herewith accompanying explains fully condition branch public service wants deficiencies expenses incurred past year appropriations also gives complete history services navy past year addition regular service evident unless early steps taken preserve navy years united states weakest nation upon ocean great powers energetic progressive business people like penetrating forming business relations every part known world navy strong enough command respect flag abroad necessary full protection rights recommend careful consideration congress recommendations made secretary navy accompanying report furnishes full satisfactory exhibit operations department year ordinary revenues department fiscal year ending june 30 1872 amounted expenditures compared previous fiscal year increase revenue per cent increase expenditures per cent adding ordinary revenues annual appropriation free matter amounts paid subsidized mail steamship lines special appropriations deficiency paid general treasury excess deficiency year 1871 interesting statistical information relating rapidly extending postal service furnished report total length railroad mail routes 30th june 1872 miles additional miles service put operation year eight new lines railway established aggregate length miles number letters exchanged mails foreign countries increase 20 per cent number 1871 postage thereon amounted total weight mails exchanged european countries exceeded 820 tons cost united states transatlantic mail steamship service total cost united states ocean steamship service including amounts paid subsidized lines mail steamers following steamship lines receiving subsidies mail service special acts congress pacific mail steamship company receive per annum conveying monthly mail san francisco japan china increased per annum semimonthly mail october 1 1873 united states brazil mail steamship company receive per annum conveying monthly mail new york rio de janeiro brazil california oregon mexican steamship company receive per annum conveying monthly mail san francisco honolulu hawaiian islands making total amount mail steamship subsidies present per annum postal communications parts civilized world placed upon advantageous footing improved postal conventions arrangements recently concluded leading commercial countries europe america gratifying statement made conclusion satisfactory convention france details definitely agreed head french postal department subject approval minister finance little remains accomplished treaty time come respect either reduction rates improved facilities postal intercourse favorable consideration respectfully invited recommendations made increase service monthly semimonthly trips mail steamship route brazil subsidy aid establishment american line mail steamers san francisco new zealand australia establishment savings banks increase salaries heads bureaus heretofore recommended abolition franking privilege see reason changing views subject favorably regarded congress however suggest modification privilege correct glaring costly abuses would recommend also appointment committee commission take consideration best method equitable private corporations invested time capital establishment telegraph lines acquiring title telegraph lines operation connecting service postal service nation probable subject could receive proper consideration limits short session congress may initiated future action may fair government private parties concerned three lines ocean steamers namely pacific mail steamship company san francisco china japan provision made semimonthly service october 1 1873 united states brazil line monthly california new zealand australian line monthly plying united states foreign ports owned operated flag earnestly recommend liberal contracts carrying mails authorized lines insure continuance expediency extending aid government lines steamers hitherto received deemed worthy consideration congress political commercial objects make advisable bestow aid line flag panama western south american ports means much trade diverted countries might brought us mutual advantage country lying quarter continent america report secretary treasury show alarming falling carrying trade last ten twelve years even past year believe public treasure better expended interest whole people trying recover trade expenditure per annum next five years would restore us proportion carrying trade world would profitably expended price labor europe much enhanced within last years cost building operating ocean steamers united states much greater europe believe time arrived congress take subject serious consideration detailed statements disbursements department justice furnished report though somewhat increased recent acts congress enforce rights citizens united states vote several states union enforce provisions fourteenth amendment constitution united states amendments thereto question necessity salutary effect enactments reckless lawless men regret say associated together localities deprive citizens rights guaranteed constitution united states end committed deeds blood violence prosecution punishment many persons tended greatly repression disorders doubt great majority people parts country favor full enjoyment classes persons rights entitled constitution laws invoke aid influence good citizens prevent organizations whose objects unlawful means interfere rights look confidence time far distant obvious advantages good order peace induce abandonment combinations prohibited acts referred unnecessary carry prosecutions inflict punishment protect citizens lawless doings combinations applications made pardon persons convicted violation said acts upon ground clemency cases would tend tranquilize public mind test virtue policy disposed far sense justice permit give applications favorable consideration action thereon construed indicating change determination enforce vigor acts long conspiracies combinations therein named disturb peace country much regretted regretted one necessity ever existed execute enforcement act one desire necessity applying may never demanded secretary interior reports satisfactory improvement progress several bureaus control interior department excellent condition work years arrears brought recent date current business promptly dispatched policy adopted beginning administration regard management indians successful ardent friends anticipated within short time reduced expense management decreased forays upon white settlements tended give largest opportunity extension great railways public domain pushing settlements remote districts country time improved condition indians policy maintained without change excepting experience may show necessary render efficient subject converting indian territory south kansas home indian erecting therein territorial form government one great importance complement existing indian policy question removal territory within past year presented many tribes resident upon less desirable portions public domain generally received favor preliminary step organization territory necessary confine indians resident therein farms proper size secured fee residue used settlement friendly indians efforts made immediate future induce removal many peaceably disposed indians indian territory settled properly without disturbing harmony already location available people endeavoring acquire knowledge pastoral agricultural pursuits well accommodated upon unoccupied lands indian territory territorial government however protect indians inroads whites term years become sufficiently advanced arts civilization guard rights disposal lands held period last fiscal year disposed public lands acres quantity greater acres disposed previous year amount acres sold cash acres located military warrants acres taken homesteads acres located college scrip acres granted railroads acres granted wagon roads acres given states swamp land acres located indian scrip cash receipts sources land office amounted period acres public lands surveyed added quantity surveyed amounts acres leaving acres public lands still unsurveyed reports subordinates land office contain interesting information regard respective districts uniformly mention fruitfulness soil past season increased yields kinds produce even states territories mining principal business agricultural products exceeded local demand liberal shipments made distant points year ending september 30 1872 issued patent office patents 233 extensions 556 certificates registries time applications patents including reissues designs received caveats filed fees received period amounted total expenditures making net receipts expenditures since 1836 applications patents filed patents issued office conducted laws general organization adopted original inauguration 100 500 applications made per annum commissioner shows office outgrown original plan new organization become necessary subject presented congress special communication february last approval approval secretary interior suggestions contained said communication embraced bill reported house committee patents last session subject reorganization patent office contemplated bill referred one importance industrial interests country commend attention congress commissioner also treats subject separation patent office department interior subject also embraced bill heretofore referred commissioner complains want room model gallery working force necessary files office impossible transact business office properly without room arrange files drawings must consulted hourly transaction business whole patent office building soon needed already accommodation business patent office amount paid pensions last fiscal year amount larger paid preceding year amount paid act congress february 17 1871 survivors war 1812 annual increase pensions legislation congress kept pace natural yearly losses rolls act congress june 8 1872 added estimated amount per annum rolls without increasing number pensioners therefore look substantial decrease expenditures department time come long congress continues change rates pension whole number soldiers enlisted war rebellion total number claims invalid pensions 6 per cent whole number enlisted men total number claims hand beginning year number received year number disposed making net gain number claims file 30th june 1872 rolls names invalid military pensioners widows orphans dependent relatives making aggregate army pensioners time rolls names navy pensioners widows orphans dependent relatives making whole number naval pensioners received since passage act provide pensions survivors war 1812 applications prior june 30 1872 allowed last fiscal year claims rejected year leaving claims pending date number pensions classes granted last fiscal year period dropped rolls various causes names leaving grand total pensioners rolls 30th june 1872 thought claims pensions account war 1812 disposed 1st may 1873 estimated required pension service next fiscal year ninth census completed early completion subject congratulation inasmuch use made statistics therein contained depends greatly promptitude publication secretary interior recommends census taken 1875 recommendation receive early attention congress interval present established federal census long information obtained decennial period material condition wants resources nation little practical value expiration first half period would probably obviate constitutional provision regarding decennial census census taken 1875 divested political character reapportionment congressional representation made census coming would last year first century national existence would furnish noble monument progress united states century rapidly increasing interest education encouraging feature current history country doubt true due great measure efforts bureau education office continually receiving evidences abundantly prove efficiency various institutions learning educators kinds throughout country report commissioner contains vast amount educational details great interest bill pending congress providing appropriation net proceeds sales public lands educational purposes aid states general education rising generation measure great importance real progress unanimously approved leading friends education commend favorable attention congress affairs territories generally satisfactory energy business capacity pioneers settling vast domains yet incorporated states keeping pace internal improvements civil government older communities one utah condition affairs unsatisfactory except far quiet citizen may disturbed real imaginary danger indian hostilities seemed policy legislature utah evade responsibility government united states even hold position hostility recommend careful revision present laws territory congress enactment law one proposed congress last session instance something similar secure peace equality citizens law ultimate extinguishment polygamy since establishment territorial government district columbia improvement condition city washington surroundings increased prosperity citizens observable casual visitor nation large owner property city bear citizens district share expense improvements recommend therefore appropriation reimburse citizens work done along front public grounds past year liberal appropriations order improvements embellishments public buildings grounds may keep pace improvements made territorial authorities report commissioner agriculture gives full interesting account several divisions department horticultural agricultural statistical entomological chemical benefits conferred upon agricultural interests country whole report complete history detail workings department branches showing manner farmer merchant miner informed extent aided pursuits commissioner makes one recommendation measures taken congress protect induce planting forests suggests part public lands disposed without condition reserved timber exists exist inducements offered planting accordance terms act congress approved march 3 1871 providing celebration one hundredth anniversary american independence commission organized consisting two members states territories commission held two sessions made satisfactory progress organization initiatory steps necessary carrying provisions act executing also provisions act june 1 1872 creating centennial board finance preliminary report progress received president commission herewith transmitted duty commission coming session transmit full report progress made lay details relating exhibition american foreign arts products manufactures terms act held auspices government united states city philadelphia year 1876 celebration looked forward american citizens great interest marking century greater progress prosperity recorded history nation serving good purpose bringing together soil peoples commercial nations earth manner calculated insure international good feeling earnest desire felt correct abuses grown civil service country defective method making appointments office heretofore federal offices regarded much reward political services authority congress rules established regulate tenure office mode appointments expected system rules entirely effective prove perfect remedy existing evils thoroughly tested actual practice amended according requirements service term office shall earnest endeavor apply rules secure greatest possible reform civil service government require direct action congress render enforcement system binding upon successors hope experience past year together appropriate legislation congress may reach satisfactory solution question secure public service time practical method obtaining faithful efficient officers employees
transmit fourth annual message thankfulness giver good nation bless past year peace home peace abroad general prosperity vouchsafed people exception recent devastating fire sweep earth breath million accumulate wealth city boston overshadow calamity within year record gratify note like city chicago similar circumstance year earlier citizens boston rally misfortune prospect energy perseverance overcome obstacle show prosperity soon would disaster befall otherwise free pestilence war calamity often overtake nation far human judgment penetrate future seem exist threaten present peace congress adjourn june last question raise great britain pending time seriously imperil settlement friendly arbitration grave difference government britannic majesty treaty washington refer tribunal arbitration meet geneva switzerland arbitrator however disposed question jeoparded whole treaty threaten involve two nation unhappy relation toward manner entirely satisfactory government accordance view policy maintain tribunal convene geneva december conclude laborious session 14th day september last day avail discretionary power give treaty award sum gross make decision whereby award sum gold indemnity pay great britain united state satisfaction claim refer consideration decision happily dispose difference two government connection another award make german emperor reference treaty leave two government without shadow upon friendly relation sincere hope may forever remain equally unclouded report agent united state appoint attend geneva tribunal accompany protocol proceeding arbitrator argument counsel government award tribunal opinion give several arbitrator transmit herewith cause communicate head three friendly power comply joint request make treaty thanks government appointment arbitrator make respectively also thanks eminent personage name appreciation dignity patience impartiality great ability discharge arduous high function majesty government communicate appreciation majesty ability indefatigable industry display adams arbitrator name part government protract inquiry discussion tribunal cordially unite majesty appreciation due agent united state tribunal record high appreciation mark ability unwearied patience prudence discretion conduct responsible delicate duty commit also due learn eminent counsel attend tribunal part government express sense talent wisdom bring bear attainment result happily reach province congress provide distribution among may entitle respective share money pay although sum award payable year date award deem advisable time lose make proper examination several case indemnification may due consequently recommend creation board commissioner purpose article treaty washington respective claim united state great britain construction treaty 15th june 1846 define boundary line respective territory submit arbitration award majesty emperor germany decide claim accordance true interpretation treaty 1846 majesty emperor germany please undertake arbitration earnest thanks government people united state labor pain care devote consideration difference cause expression thanks communicate majesty bancroft representative government berlin conduct case prepared statement part united state ability past service justify public expect hand member cabinet date treaty give rise discussion two government minister great britain construction pronounce unfounded first advanced agent representative government present case receive award associate question phase every stage manifest patriotic zeal earnestness maintenance claim united state entitle much credit success attend submission patient investigation case statement party majesty emperor 21st day october last signed award write decree claim government unite state boundary line territory britannic majesty united state draw haro channel accordance true interpretation treaty conclude 15th june 1846 government britannic majesty united state copy case present behalf government statement reply translation award transmit herewith award confirms united state claim important archipelago island lie continent vancouver island year ever since ratification treaty great britain contest leaf u first time history united state nation without question dispute boundary territory possession great britain continent grateful duty acknowledge prompt spontaneous action majesty government give effect award anticipation request government reception unite state award sign emperor majesty give instruction removal troop station cessation exercise claim jurisdiction leave unite state exclusive possession lately dispute territory gratify able announce order removal troop execute military joint occupation san juan cease island exclusive possession united state becomes necessary complete survey determination portion boundary line haro channel upon commission determine remain part line unable agree recommend appointment commission act jointly one may name majesty purpose experience difficulty attend determination admit line boundary occupation territory settlement owe allegiance respective government point importance establish natural object monument actual line territory acquire purchase russia adjoin possession britannic majesty region sparsely occupy conflict interest individual jurisdiction likely interfere delay embarrassment actual location line defer population shall enter occupy territory trivial contest neighbor may array two government antagonism therefore recommend appointment commission act jointly one may appoint part great britain determine line territory alaska conterminous possession great britain last annual message recommend legislation necessary part united state bring operation article treaty washington may 8 1871 relate fishery matter touch relation united state toward british north american possession become operative soon proper legislation part great britain possession legislation part great britain possession session congress question raise time raise doubt whether action congress direction indicate would become important question since dispose receive notice imperial parliament legislatures provincial government pass law carry provision treaty matter refer operation therefore recommend early adoption legislation direction necessary part government joint commission determine boundary line unite state british possession lake wood rocky mountain organize enter upon work desirable force increase order completion survey determination line may sooner attained end recommend sufficient appropriation make france early ally russia constant steady friend unite state germany whose government people many cause friendship many common sympathy power europe relation maintain friendly term since last annual message exchange make ratification treaty empire relate naturalization also treaty german empire respect consul also treaty sweden norway relate naturalization treaty duly proclaim congress last session make appropriation defray expense commissioner part unite state international statistical congress petersburg person appoint character proceed destination attend session congress report shall due season lay congress meet interval three year hold session several country europe submit consideration propriety extend invitation congress hold next meeting united state centennial celebration hold 1876 would afford appropriate occasion meeting preparation make international exposition hold next year vienna scale great magnitude tendency exposition direction advance civilization elevation industry labor increase human happiness well great intercourse good nation exposition first hold eastern europe believe american inventor manufacturer ready avail opportunity presentation production encourage proper aid protection last session congress authority give appointment one agent represent government exposition authority thus give exercised absence appropriation danger important benefit occasion offer large degree lose citizen united state commend subject strongly consideration recommend adequate appropriation make purpose aid american exhibitor vienna exposition would recommend addition appropriation money secretary navy authorize fit two naval vessel transport atlantic city trieste convenient port vienna back article exhibition since last session president mexican republic distinguish high character service country die temporary successor elect great unanimity people proof confidence part patriotism wisdom believe confirmed result administration particularly desirable nothing leave undone government either republic strengthen relation neighbor friends much regret many lawless act continue disturb quiet settlement border territory mexico complaint wrong american citizen various part country make revolutionary condition neighbor republic long involved degree contribute disturbance hop settle rule order republic may expect present government act complaint make cease proceeding commission convention mexico 4th july 1868 subject claim unfortunately check obstacle removal measure take two government believe prove successful commissioner appoint pursuant joint resolution congress 7th may last inquire depredation texan frontier diligently make investigation quarter report upon subject communicated research necessarily incomplete partly account limited appropriation make congress mexico part government appoint similar commission investigate outrage announce officially press country state fullest investigation desire cooperation party concern invited secure end therefore recommend special appropriation make early day practicable enable commissioner part united state return labor without delay regret announce continuance disturb condition island cuba advance toward pacification discontent part population make insurrection gain advantage exhibit element power prospect ultimate success exhibit year ago spain hand succeed repression party stand apparently relative attitude occupy long time past contest last four year scene distance neighborhood might indifferent result although humanity could unmoved many incident wherever might occur however door doubt continue maintenance slavery cuba among strong inducement continuance strife terrible wrong natural terrible evil abolition slavery introduction reform administration government cuba could fail advance restoration peace order greatly hop present liberal government spain voluntarily adopt view law emancipation pass two year since remain unexecuted absence regulation enforcement feeble step toward emancipation recognition right hail exhibited spain harmony sentiment humanity justice sympathy power christian civilized world within past week regulation carry law emancipation announce give evidence sincerity intention present government carry effect law 1870 fail urge consideration wisdom policy justice effective system abolition great evil oppresses race continue bloody destructive contest close border well expediency justice concede reform propriety question deeply impressed conviction continuance slavery one active cause continuance unhappy condition cuba regret believe citizen united state claim large holder cuba claim property forbidden denounce law united state thus defiance spirit law contribute continuance distress sicken contest last annual message refer subject recommend legislation may proper denounce prevent least discourage american citizen hold deal slave gratify announce ratification convention conclude auspex government spain one part ally republic pacific provide armistice exchange copy instrument herewith submit hop may follow permanent peace party differences one time threaten maintenance peace brazil argentine republic hop way satisfactory adjustment state republics central south america continue maintain friendly relation regret however announce government venezuela make payment account award convention 25th april 1866 republic understand almost quite tranquilized hop therefore lose time provide unpaid balance debt united state originate injury citizen venezuelan authority acknowledge pursuant treaty solemn form know among nation would seem deserve preference debt different origin contract different manner subject recommend attention congress action may deem proper treaty relation japan remain unchanged impose embassy interesting progressive nation visit country year pass unprovided power sign convention country conclusion direction reach hop however interchange opinion take place stay country lead mutual appreciation interest may promote revision exist treaty shall undertake connection renew recommendation one year ago give importance add efficiency diplomatic relation japan china aid retain good opinion people secure united state share commerce destine flow nation balance commercial world appropriation make support least four american youth country serve part official family minister representative would even place upon equality representative great britain power situate representative japan china depend interpreter translator upon natives country know language imperfectly procure occasion service employee foreign business house interpreter foreign minister renew recommendation make previous occasion transfer department interior seem appropriately belong power duty relation territory department state charge law custom congress begin government wisely make provision relief distressed seaman foreign country similar provision however hitherto make relief citizen distress abroad seaman understand customary government authorize consul extend relief citizen subject certain case similar authority appropriation carry effect recommend case citizen united state destitute sick circumstance well know citizen resort foreign country great number though able bear expense incident locomotion accident otherwise become penniless friend home able succor person situation must either perish cast upon charity foreigner relieve private charge officer usually even benevolent disposition nothing spare purpose authority appropriation ask grant care take carry beneficence congress effect shall unnecessarily unworthily bestow money receive covered treasury fiscal year end june 30 1872 net expenditures warrant period forego statement appear net reduction principal debt fiscal year end june 30 1872 source reduction follow statement treat solely principal public debt monthly statement public debt add together principal interest due unpaid interest accrue date due deduct cash treasury ascertain day publication reduction source reduction follow basis last table statement show reduction public debt 1st march 1869 present time follow great reduction taxation act congress last session expenditure government collect revenue much reduce next fiscal year doubtful however whether reduction vexatious burden upon people practicable present event measure justice holder nation certificate indebtedness would recommend legislation subject unless correct error omission commission present law sufficient time elapse prove do still leave sufficient revenue meet current expense government pay interest public debt provide sink fund establish law preservation national credit high importance next importance come solemn duty provide national currency fix unvarying value compare gold soon practicable due regard interest debtor class vicissitude trade commerce convertible gold par report secretary war show expenditure war department fiscal year end june 30 1871 fiscal year end june 30 1872 show reduction favor last fiscal year estimate military appropriation next fiscal year end june 30 1874 estimate chief engineer submit separately fortification river harbor improvement public building ground washington aqueduct affair freedmen bureau transfer war department regulation put execution speedy payment bounty pay due color soldier properly come bureau war account money property prior 1871 examine transmitted treasury final settlement fiscal year pay transportation railroad pacific railroad transportation water stage purchase transportation animal wagon hire teamster collect southern railroad year leave still due quartermaster examine transmitted accounting officer settlement claim loyal citizen quartermaster store take war subsistence supply amount issue indian annual average mean strength army white color soldier total deaths year report 367 white 54 colored distribution medical surgical history war yet order congress exists absolute necessity medical corp full number establish act congress july 28 1866 vacancy number successful candidate rarely exceed eight ten one year river harbor improvement carry energy economy though many partially complete result save commerce many time amount expended increase commerce great depths channel great security navigation save time add million wealth country increase resource government bridge across mississippi river rock island complete proper site determine upon bridge la crosse able exhaustive report make commission appoint investigate sutro tunnel transmit congress observation report signal office continue station maintain principal lake seaport river city ten additional station establish united state arrangement make exchange report canada similar exchange observation contemplate west india island favorable attention congress invite follow recommendation secretary war discontinuance appointment extra lieutenant serve adjutant quartermaster adoption code provide specific penalty offenses inequality sentence adjudge may adjust consolidation account expenditures make measure economy reappropriation money construction depot san antonio title site perfect special act place cemetery city mexico basis national cemetery authority purchase sit military post texas appointment commissary sergeant noncommissioned officer measure secure good care protection supply appropriation publication catalogue table anatomical section army medical museum reappropriation amount manufacture arm selection delay board officer leave former appropriation unexpended close fiscal year sale arsenal east mississippi spar proceeds apply establishment one large arsenal construction repair upon atlantic coast purchase suitable site prove experimental ground heavy ordnance abrogation law deprive inventor united state service derive benefit invention repeal law prohibiting promotion staff corp continuance work upon coast defense repeal seventh section act july 13 1866 take engineer soldier per diem grant troop limitation time presentation old war claim subsistence supply act july 4 1864 modification mode selection cadet military academy order enhance usefulness academy impair reason large amount time necessarily expend give new cadet thorough knowledge elementary branch learn acquire enter academy also appropriation philosophical apparatus increase number pay military academy band attention congress call present session various enterprise certain cheap transportation constantly increase surplus western southern product atlantic seaboard subject one force upon legislative branch government sooner later suggest therefore immediate step take gain available information insure equable legislation one route connect mississippi valley atlantic charleston savannah water way ohio tennessee river canal navigation savannah ocmulgee river survey report make accomplished engineer officer army second third new route propose consideration congress namely extension kanawha james river canal ohio extension chesapeake ohio canal prepared recommend government aid enterprises clearly show national interest complete value commensurate cost production increase rapidly mean transportation country demonstrate past experience unprecedented growth population product whole country require additional facility cheaper one bulky article commerce reach tide water market demand near future equally demonstrable would therefore suggest either committee commission authorize consider whole question report congress future day well guidance legislate important subject railroad country rapidly extend last year meet grow demand producer reflect much credit upon capitalist manager engage construction addition project facilitate commerce build ship canal around niagara fall united state side agitate many year doubt call attention session look great future growth country increase demand commerce might well subject examine report upon various practicable route connect mississippi tide water atlantic feasibility almost continuous landlocked navigation maine gulf mexico route along coast would great value time inestimable value ease foreign war nature provide great part route obstacles overcome easily within skill engineer allude subject view expenditure public money time may necessary procure place necessary information congress authentic form enable hereafter deem practicable worthy legislate subject without delay report secretary navy herewith accompany explains fully condition branch public service want deficiencies expense incur past year appropriation also give complete history service navy past year addition regular service evident unless early step take preserve navy year united state weak nation upon ocean great power energetic progressive business people like penetrate form business relation every part know world navy strong enough command respect flag abroad necessary full protection right recommend careful consideration congress recommendation make secretary navy accompany report furnishes full satisfactory exhibit operation department year ordinary revenue department fiscal year end june 30 1872 amount expenditure compare previous fiscal year increase revenue per cent increase expenditures per cent add ordinary revenue annual appropriation free matter amount pay subsidized mail steamship line special appropriation deficiency pay general treasury excess deficiency year 1871 interesting statistical information relate rapidly extend postal service furnish report total length railroad mail rout 30th june 1872 mile additional mile service put operation year eight new line railway establish aggregate length mile number letter exchange mail foreign country increase 20 per cent number 1871 postage thereon amount total weight mail exchange european country exceed 820 ton cost united state transatlantic mail steamship service total cost united state ocean steamship service include amount pay subsidized line mail steamer follow steamship line receive subsidy mail service special act congress pacific mail steamship company receive per annum convey monthly mail san francisco japan china increase per annum semimonthly mail october 1 1873 united state brazil mail steamship company receive per annum convey monthly mail new york rio de janeiro brazil california oregon mexican steamship company receive per annum convey monthly mail san francisco honolulu hawaiian island make total amount mail steamship subsidy present per annum postal communication part civilize world place upon advantageous footing improve postal convention arrangement recently conclude leading commercial country europe america gratify statement make conclusion satisfactory convention france detail definitely agree head french postal department subject approval minister finance little remain accomplish treaty time come respect either reduction rate improve facility postal intercourse favorable consideration respectfully invited recommendation make increase service monthly semimonthly trip mail steamship route brazil subsidy aid establishment american line mail steamer san francisco new zealand australia establishment saving bank increase salary head bureau heretofore recommend abolition franking privilege see reason change view subject favorably regard congress however suggest modification privilege correct glare costly abuse would recommend also appointment committee commission take consideration best method equitable private corporation invest time capital establishment telegraph line acquire title telegraph line operation connect service postal service nation probable subject could receive proper consideration limit short session congress may initiate future action may fair government private party concern three line ocean steamer namely pacific mail steamship company san francisco china japan provision make semimonthly service october 1 1873 united state brazil line monthly california new zealand australian line monthly plying united state foreign port own operated flag earnestly recommend liberal contract carry mail authorize line insure continuance expediency extend aid government line steamer hitherto receive deemed worthy consideration congress political commercial object make advisable bestow aid line flag panama western south american port mean much trade divert country might bring u mutual advantage country lie quarter continent america report secretary treasury show alarm fall carry trade last ten twelve year even past year believe public treasure well expend interest whole people try recover trade expenditure per annum next five year would restore u proportion carry trade world would profitably expend price labor europe much enhance within last year cost building operate ocean steamer unite state much great europe believe time arrived congress take subject serious consideration detail statement disbursement department justice furnish report though somewhat increased recent act congress enforce right citizen united state vote several state union enforce provision fourteenth amendment constitution unite state amendment thereto question necessity salutary effect enactment reckless lawless men regret say associate together locality deprive citizen right guarantee constitution united state end commit deed blood violence prosecution punishment many person tend greatly repression disorder doubt great majority people part country favor full enjoyment class person right entitle constitution law invoke aid influence good citizen prevent organization whose object unlawful mean interfere right look confidence time far distant obvious advantage good order peace induce abandonment combination prohibit act refer unnecessary carry prosecution inflict punishment protect citizens lawless doings combination application make pardon person convict violation say act upon ground clemency case would tend tranquilize public mind test virtue policy dispose far sense justice permit give application favorable consideration action thereon construe indicate change determination enforce vigor act long conspiracy combination therein name disturb peace country much regret regretted one necessity ever exist execute enforcement act one desire necessity applying may never demand secretary interior report satisfactory improvement progress several bureau control interior department excellent condition work year arrears bring recent date current business promptly dispatch policy adopt begin administration regard management indian successful ardent friend anticipate within short time reduce expense management decrease foray upon white settlement tend give large opportunity extension great railways public domain push settlement remote district country time improved condition indian policy maintain without change except experience may show necessary render efficient subject convert indian territory south kansa home indian erect therein territorial form government one great importance complement exist indian policy question removal territory within past year present many tribes resident upon less desirable portion public domain generally receive favor preliminary step organization territory necessary confine indian resident therein farm proper size secure fee residue use settlement friendly indians effort make immediate future induce removal many peaceably dispose indian indian territory settle properly without disturb harmony already location available people endeavor acquire knowledge pastoral agricultural pursuit well accommodate upon unoccupied land indian territory territorial government however protect indian inroads white term year become sufficiently advanced art civilization guard right disposal land held period last fiscal year dispose public land acre quantity great acre dispose previous year amount acre sell cash acre locate military warrant acres take homestead acre locate college scrip acre grant railroad acre grant wagon road acre give state swamp land acre locate indian scrip cash receipt source land office amount period acre public land survey added quantity survey amount acre leave acre public land still unsurveyed report subordinate land office contain interesting information regard respective district uniformly mention fruitfulness soil past season increase yield kind produce even state territory mine principal business agricultural product exceed local demand liberal shipment make distant point year end september 30 1872 issued patent office patent 233 extension 556 certificate registry time application patent include reissue design receive caveat file fee receive period amount total expenditure make net receipt expenditure since 1836 application patent file patent issue office conduct law general organization adopt original inauguration 100 500 application make per annum commissioner show office outgrown original plan new organization become necessary subject present congress special communication february last approval approval secretary interior suggestion contain say communication embrace bill report house committee patent last session subject reorganization patent office contemplate bill refer one importance industrial interest country commend attention congress commissioner also treat subject separation patent office department interior subject also embrace bill heretofore refer commissioner complains want room model gallery work force necessary file office impossible transact business office properly without room arrange file drawing must consult hourly transaction business whole patent office building soon need already accommodation business patent office amount pay pension last fiscal year amount large pay precede year amount pay act congress february 17 1871 survivor war 1812 annual increase pension legislation congress keep pace natural yearly loss roll act congress june 8 1872 add estimate amount per annum roll without increase number pensioner therefore look substantial decrease expenditures department time come long congress continue change rate pension whole number soldier enlist war rebellion total number claim invalid pension 6 per cent whole number enlist men total number claim hand begin year number receive year number dispose make net gain number claim file 30th june 1872 roll names invalid military pensioner widow orphan dependent relative make aggregate army pensioner time roll names navy pensioner widow orphan dependent relative make whole number naval pensioner receive since passage act provide pension survivor war 1812 application prior june 30 1872 allow last fiscal year claim reject year leave claim pending date number pension class grant last fiscal year period drop roll various cause names leave grand total pensioner roll 30th june 1872 thought claim pension account war 1812 dispose 1st may 1873 estimate require pension service next fiscal year ninth census complete early completion subject congratulation inasmuch use make statistic therein contain depends greatly promptitude publication secretary interior recommend census take 1875 recommendation receive early attention congress interval present establish federal census long information obtain decennial period material condition want resource nation little practical value expiration first half period would probably obviate constitutional provision regard decennial census census take 1875 divested political character reapportionment congressional representation make census come would last year first century national existence would furnish noble monument progress united states century rapidly increase interest education encourage feature current history country doubt true due great measure effort bureau education office continually receive evidence abundantly prove efficiency various institution learn educator kind throughout country report commissioner contain vast amount educational detail great interest bill pending congress provide appropriation net proceeds sale public land educational purpose aid state general education rise generation measure great importance real progress unanimously approve leading friend education commend favorable attention congress affair territory generally satisfactory energy business capacity pioneer settle vast domain yet incorporate state keep pace internal improvement civil government old community one utah condition affair unsatisfactory except far quiet citizen may disturb real imaginary danger indian hostility seem policy legislature utah evade responsibility government unite state even hold position hostility recommend careful revision present law territory congress enactment law one propose congress last session instance something similar secure peace equality citizens law ultimate extinguishment polygamy since establishment territorial government district columbia improvement condition city washington surroundings increase prosperity citizen observable casual visitor nation large owner property city bear citizen district share expense improvement recommend therefore appropriation reimburse citizen work do along front public ground past year liberal appropriation order improvement embellishments public building ground may keep pace improvement make territorial authority report commissioner agriculture give full interest account several division department horticultural agricultural statistical entomological chemical benefit confer upon agricultural interest country whole report complete history detail working department branch show manner farmer merchant miner inform extent aid pursuit commissioner make one recommendation measure take congress protect induce plant forest suggest part public land dispose without condition reserve timber exists exist inducement offer plant accordance term act congress approve march 3 1871 provide celebration one hundredth anniversary american independence commission organize consist two member state territory commission hold two session make satisfactory progress organization initiatory step necessary carry provision act execute also provision act june 1 1872 create centennial board finance preliminary report progress receive president commission herewith transmit duty commission come session transmit full report progress make lay detail relate exhibition american foreign art product manufacture term act hold auspices government united state city philadelphia year 1876 celebration look forward american citizen great interest mark century great progress prosperity record history nation serve good purpose bring together soil people commercial nation earth manner calculated insure international good feeling earnest desire felt correct abuse grow civil service country defective method make appointment office heretofore federal office regard much reward political service authority congress rule establish regulate tenure office mode appointment expect system rule entirely effective prove perfect remedy exist evil thoroughly test actual practice amend accord requirement service term office shall earnest endeavor apply rule secure great possible reform civil service government require direct action congress render enforcement system bind upon successor hope experience past year together appropriate legislation congress may reach satisfactory solution question secure public service time practical method obtain faithful efficient officer employee