Democratic Watchman. -- Supplement. BELLEFONTE, PA., DECEMBER 8 1893. THE MESSAGE. President Cleveland Discusses Pub- lic Affairs. WAITING FOR NLWS FROM BAWAILL Tariff Reform to Be Applied With Discriminating Care. NEED FOR PUBLIC ECONOMY. —_————————— At the opening of Congress today the President’s annual message was delivered and read to both houses. Following is the full text of the message: To the Congress of the United States—The constitutional duty which requires the President from time to time to give to the Congress information of the state of the Union, and recommend to their considera- tion such measures as he shall judge neces- sary and expedient, is fittingly entered upon by commending to the Congress a careful examination of the detailed statements and well-supported recommendations contained in the reports of the heads of Departments, who are chiefly charged with the executive work of the Government. In an effort to abridge this communication as much as is consistent with its purpose, I shall supple- ment a brief reference to the contents of these departmental reports by the mention of such executive business and incidents as are not embraced therein, and by such rec- ommendations as appear to be at this par- ticular time appropriate. Foreign Relations. While our foreign relations have not at all times during the past year been entirely free from perplexity, no embarrassing situa- tion remains that will not yield to the spirit of fairness and love of justice, which, join- ed with consistent firmness, characterize a truly American foreign policy. My predecessor having accepted the office of arbitrator of the long-standing missions boundary dispute, tendered to the President by the Argentine Republic and Brazil, it has been my agreeable duty to receive the special envoys commissioned by those states to lay before me evidence and arguments in behalf of their respective Governments. The outbreak of domestic hostilities in the Republic of Brazil found the United States alert to watch the interests of our citizens in that country, with which we carry on important commerce. Several vessels of our new Navy are now, and for some time have been, stationed at Rio de Janeiro. The struggle being between the established gov- ernment, which controls the machinery of administration, and with which we main- tain friendly relations, and certain officers of the navy employing the vessels of their command in an adde Te o belligerents. : Thus far the position of our Government has been that of an attentive but impartial cbserver of the unfortunate conflict. Em- phasizing our fixed policy of impartial neu- trality in such a condition of affairs as now exists, I deemed it’ necessary to disavow, in a manner not to be misunderstood, the unauthorized action of our late naval com- mander in those waters in saluting the re- volted Brazilian admiral, being indisposed to countenance an act calculated to give gratuitous sanction to the local insurrec- tion. A — >: Chile. The convention between our Government and Chile, having for its object the settle- ment and adjustment of the demands of the two countries against each other, has been wade effective hv the organization of the Claims Commission provided for. The two Governments failing to agree upon the third member of the Commission, the good offices of the President of the Swiss Republic were invoked, as provided in the treaty, and the selection of the Swiss representative in this country to complete the organization was gratifying alike to the United States and Chile. The vxatious question of so-called lega- tion asylum for offenders against the State and its laws was presented anew in Chile by the unauthorized action of the late Unit- ed States minister in receiving into his offi- cial residence two persons who had just failed in an attempt at revolution and against whom criminal charges were pend- ing growing out of a former abortive dis- turbance. The doctrine of asylum as ap- plied to this case is not sanctioned by the best precedents and, when allowed, tends to encourage sedition and strife. Under no circumstances can the representatives of this Government be permitted, under the ill-defined fiction of extraterritoriality, to interrupt the administration of criminal Justice in the countries to which they are accredited. A temperate demand having been made by the Chilean Government for the correction of this conduct in the in- stance mentioned, the minister was in- structed no longer to harbor the offenders. Chinese Legislation. The legislation of last year, known as the Geary law, requiring the registration of all Chinese laborers entitled to residence in the United States, and the deportation of all not complying with the provisions of the act within the time prescribed, met with much opposition from Chinamen in this country. Acting upon the advice of eminent counsel that the law was unconstitutional, the great mass of Chinese laborers, pending judicial inquiry as to its validity, in good faith de- clined to apply for the certificates required by its provisions. A test case upon proceed- ing by habeas corpus was brought before the Supreme Court, and on May 15, 1893, a decision was made by that tribunal sus- taining the law. It is belived that under the recent amend- ment of the act extending the time for registration, the Chinese laborers thereto entitled, who desire to reside in this coun- try, will now avail themselves of the re- newed privilege thus afforded of establish- ing by lawful procedure their right to re- main, and that thereby the necessity of en- forced deportation may to a great degree be avoided. It has devolved upon the United States sminister at Peking, as dean of the diplo- matic body, and in the absence of a repre- sentative of Sweden and Norway, to press upon the Chinese Government reparation for the recent murder of Swedish mission- aries at Sung-pu. This question is of vital interest to all countries whose citizens en- gage in missionary work in the interior. The African Slave Trade. By Article XII of the General Act of Brussels, signed July 2, 1800, for the sup- pression of the slave trade and the restric- tion of certain injurions commerce in the Independent State of the Congo and in the adjacent zone of central Africa, the United States and the other signatory powers agreed to adopt appropiiate means for the punishment of persoas selling arms and ammunition to the natives and for the con- fiscation of the inhibited articles. It being the plain duty of this government to aid in suppressing the nefarious traffic, impair- ing as it does the praiseworthy and civi- lizing efforts now in progress in that region, I recommend that an act be passed prohib- iting the sale of arms and intoxicants to natives in the regulated zone by our citi- zens. Costa Rica has lately testified its friend- liness by surrendering to the United States, in the absence of a «onvention of extradi- tion, but upon duly submitted evidence of criminality, a noted fugitive from justice. It is trusted that the negotiation of a treaty with that country to meet recurring cases of this kind will soon be accomplished. In my opinion treaties for —eciprocal extradi- tion should be concluded with il those countries with which the United States bas not already conventional arrangements of that character. I have deemed it fitting to express to the Governments of Costa Rica and Colombia the kindly desire of the United States to see their pending boundary dispute finally closed by arbitration in conformity with the spirit of the treaty concluded hetween them some years ago. Our relations with the ¥rench Republic continue to be intimate and cordial. I sin- cerely hope that the extradition treaty with that country, as amended by the Senate, will soon be operative. ‘While occasional questions affecting our naturalized citizens returning to the land of their birth, have arisen in our inter- course with Germany, our relativns with that country continue satisfactory. Great Britian. The questions affecting our relations with Great Britain have been treated in a spirit of friendliness. : Negotiations are in progress between the two Governments with a view to sach con- current action as will make the award and regulations agreed upon by the Behring Sea Tribunal of Arbitration practically effect- ive; and it is not doubted that Great Brit- ain will co-operate freely with this country for the accomplishment of that purpose. The dispute growing out of the discrim- inating tolls imposed in the Welland Canal, upon cargoes of cereals bound to and from the lake ports of the United States, was adjusted by the substitution of a more equitable schedule of charges, and my pre- decessor thereupon suspended his procla- mation imposing discriminating tolls upon British transit through our canals. A request for additions to the list cf ex- traditable offenses covered by the existing treaty between the two countries, is under consideration. During the past year an American citi- zen, employed in a subordinate commercial position in Haiti, after suffering a pro- tracted imprisonment on an unfounded charge of smuggling, was finally liberated on judicial examination. Upon urgent rep- resentation to the Haitian Government, a suitable indemnity was paid to the sufferer. By a law of Haiti, a sailing vessel, hav- ing discharged her cargo, is refused clear- ance until the duties on such cargo have been paid. The hardship of this measure upon American shipowners who conduct the bulk of the carrying trade of that conntrv has heen ingistad on with » ecto. touching at the port of Amapala, because her captain refused to deliver up a pas- senger in transit from Nicaragua to Guate- mala upon demand of the military authori- ties of Honduras, our minister to that country under instructions protested against the wanton act and demanded sat- isfaction. The Government of Honduras, actuated by a sense of justice, and in a spirit of the utmost friendship, promptly disavowed the illegal conduct of its officers, and expressed sincere regret for the oc- currence, It is confidently anticipated that a sat- isfactory adjustment will soon be reached of the questions arising out of the seizure and use of American vessels by insurgents in Honduras and the subsequent denial by the successful Government of commercial privileges to those vessels on that account. A notable part of the southeasterly coast of Liberia between the Cavally and San Pedro rivers, which for nearly half a cen- tury has been generally recognized as be- longing to that Republic by cession and purchase, has been claimed to be under the protectorate of France in virtue of agreements entered into by the native tribes over whom Liberia's control has not been well maintained. More recently, negotiations between the Liberian representative and the French Government resulted in the signature at Paris of a treaty whereby as an adjust- ment, certain Liberian territory is ceded to France. This convention at last advices had not been ratified by the Liberian legis- lature and executive. Feeling a sympathetic interest in the fortunes of the little commonwealth, the establishment and development of which were largely aided by the benevolence of our countrymen, and which constitutes the only independently sovereign state on the West Coast of Africa, this Government has suggested to the French Government its earnest concern lest territorial impairment in Liberia should take place without her unconstrained consent. Our relations with Mexico continue to be of that close and friendly nature which should always characterize the intepgourse of two neighboring republics. The work of relocating the monuments marking the boundary between the two countries from Paso del Norte to the Pacific is now nearly completed. The Commission recently organized under the conventions of 1884 and 1889 it is ex- pected will speedily settle disputes growing out of the shifting currents of the Rio Grande River east of El Faso, Nicaragua and the Canal. Nicaragua has recently passed through two revolutions, the party at first success- ful having in turn been displaced by anoth- er. Our newly appointed minister, by his timely good offices, aided in a peaceful ad- justment of the controversy involved in the first conflict. The large American interests established in that country in connection with the Nicaragua Canal were not molested. The canal company has, unfortunately, become financially seriously embarrassed, but a generous treatment has been extended to it by the government of Nicaragua. The United States are especially interested in the successful achievement of the vast un- dertaking this company has in charge. That it should be accomplished under distinctive- ly American auspices, and its enjoyment assured not only to the vessels of this coun- try as a channel of communication between our Atlantic and Pacific seaboards, but to the ships of the world in the interests of civilization, is a proposition which, in my judgment, does not admit of question. Guatemala has also been visited by the political vicissitudes which have afflicted her Central American neighbors; but the disso- lution of its legislature and the proclama- tion of a dictatorship have been unattended with civil war. An extradition treaty with Norway has recently been exchanged and proclaimed. The extradition treaty with Russia, signed in March, 1887, and amended and confirmed by the Senate in February last, was duly proclaimed last June. The Samoan Protectorate. Led by a desire to compose differences and contribute to the restoration of order in Samoa, which for some years previous had been the scene of conflicting foreign preten- sions and native strife, the United States, departing from its policy consecrated by a century of observance, entered four years ago into the treaty of Berlin, thereby be- coming jointly bound with England and Germany to establish and maintain Malie- toa Laupepa as King of Samoa. The treaty provided for a foreign court of justice; a municipal council for the district of Apia, with a foreign president thereof, author- ized to advise the king; a tribunal for the settlement of native and foreign land titles, and a revenue system for the king- dom. It entailed upon the three powers that part of the cost of the new govern- ment not met by the revenue of the islands. Early in the life of this triple protectorate the native dissensions it was designed to quell revived. Rivals defied the authority of the new king, refusing to pay taxes and demanding the election of a ruler by native suffrage. Mataafa, an aspirant to the throne, and a large number of his native adherents were in open rebellion on one of the islands. Quite lately, at the request of the other powers, and in fulfillment ofgits treaty obligation, this government ag d to unite in a joint military movement of such dimensions as would probably secure the surrender of the insurgents without bloodshed. The war ship Philadelphia was accord- ingly put under orders for Samoa, but be- fore she arrived the threatened conflict was precipitated by King Malietoa’s attack upon the insurgent camp. Mataafa was de- feated and a number of his men killed. The British and German naval vessels present subsequently secured the surrender of Mataafa and his adherents. The de- feated chief and ten of his principal sup- porters were deported to a German island of the Marshall group, where they are held as prisoners under the joint responsibility and cost of the three powers. This incident and the events leading up to it signally illustrate the impolicy of en- tangling alliances with foreign powers. Claims Against Spain. More than fifteen years ago this govern- ment preferred a claim against.Spain, in behalf of one of our citizens, for property seized and confiscated in Cuba. In 1886 the claim was adjusted, Spain agreeing to pay, unconditionally, as a fair indemnity, $1,500,000. A respectful but earnest note was recently addressed to the Spanish gov- ernment insisting upon prompt fulfillment of its long-neglected obligation. Other claims, preferred by the United States against Spain, in behalf of Ameri- can citizens for property confiscated in Cuba, have been pending for many years. At the time Spain’s title to the Caroline Islands was confirmed by arbitration, that Government agreed that the rights which had been acquired there by American mis- sionaries should be recognized and re- spected. It is sincerely hoped that this pledge will be observed by allowing our missionaries, who were removed from Pon- ape to a place of safety by a United States war ship during the late troubles between the Spanish garrison and the natives, to return to their field of usefulness. The reproduced caravel, Santa Maria, built by Spain and sent to the Columbian the sincere friendship which prompted it. Important matters have demanded atten- tion in cur relations with the Ottoman Porte. The firing and partial destruction, by an unrestrained mob, of one of the school buildings of Anatolia College, ‘established by citizens of the IUnited States at Mar- sovan, and the apparent indifference of the Turkish Government to the outrage, not- withstanding the complicity of some of its officials, called for earnest remonstrance, which was followed by promises of repara- tion and punishment of the offenders. Indemnity for the injury to the buildings has already been paid, permission to re- build given, registration of the school prop- erty in the name of the American owners secured, ani efficient protection guaran- teed. Missionaries in Turkey. Information received of maltreatment suffered by an inoffensive American woman engaged in missionary work in Turkish Koorlistan was followed by such represen- tations to the Porte as resulted in the is- suance of orders for the punishment of her assailants, the removal of a delinquent official, and the adoption of measures for the protection of our citizens engaged in mission and other lawful work in that quarter. Turkey complains that her Armenian subjects obtain citizenship in this country, not to identify themselves in good faith with our people, but with the intention of returning to the land of their birth and there engaging in sedition. This complaint is not wholly without foundation. A jour- nal published in this country in the Arme- nian language openly counsels its readers to arm, organize, and participate in move- ments for the subversion of Turkish author- ity in the Asiatic provinces. The Ottoman Government has announced its intention to expel from its dominions Armenians who have obtained naturalization in the United Stafes since 1868. The right to exclude any or all classes of aliens is an attribute of sovereignty. It is a right asserted and, to a limited extent, enforced by the United States, with the sanction of our highest court. There being no naturalization treaty between the United States and Turkey, our minister at Constan- tinople has been instructed that, while rec- ognizing the right of that government to en- force its declared policy against natural- ized Armenians, he is expected to protect them from unnecessary harshness of treat- ment. In view of the impaired financial resources of Venezuela, consequent upon the recent revolution there, a modified arrangement for the satisfaction of the awards of the late revisory Claims Commission, in pro- gressive installments, has been assented to, and payments are being regularly made thereunder. The boundary dispute between Venezuela and British Guiana is yet unadjusted. A restoration of diplomatic intercourse between that republic and Great Britain and reference of the question to impar- tial arbitration would be a most gratify- ing consummation. The ratification by Venezuela of the con- vention for the arbitration of the long-de- ferred claim of the Venezuelan Transporta- tion Company is awaited. Waiting for News From Hawaii. It is hardly necessary for me to state that the question arising from our relations with Hawaii have caused serious embarrass- ment. Just prior to the installation of the present administration the existing govern- ment of Hawaii had been suddenly over- thrown, and a treaty of annexation had been negotiated between the provisional government of the islands and the United States, and submitted to the Senate for ratification. This treaty 1 withdrew for examination, and dispatched Hon. James H. Blount of Georgia to Honolulu as a special commissioner to make an impar- tial investigation of the circumstances at- tending the change of government, and of all the conditions bearing upon the sub- ject of the treaty. After a thorough and exhaustive examination Mr. Blount sub- mitted to me his report, showing beyond all question that the constitutional govern- ment of Hawaii had been subverted with the active aid of our representative to that government and through the intimidation caused by the presence of an armed naval force of the United States which was land- ed for that purpose at the instance of our minister. Upon the facts developed it seemed to me the only honorable course for our government to pursue was to undo the wrong that had been done by those repre- senting us and to restore as far as prac- ticable the status existing at the time of our forcible intervention. With a view of accomplishing this result within the con- stitutional limits of executive power, and recognizing all our obligations and respon- sibilities growing out of any changed con- ditions brought about by our unjustifiable interference, our present minister at Hono- lulu has received appropriate instructions to that end. Thus far no information of the accomplishment of any definite results has been received from him. Additional advices are soon expected. When received they will be promptly sent to the Congress, together with all other in- formation at hand, accompanied by a spe- cial executive message fully detailing all the facts necessary to a complete under- standing of the case, and presenting a his- tory of all the material events feading up to the present situation. The Arbitration Movement. By a concurrent resoiution, passed by the Senate February 14, 1890, and by the House of Representatives on the 3d of April fol- lowing, the President was requested ‘to in- vite, from time to time, as fit occasions may arise, negotiations with any Govern- ment with which the United States has or may have diplomatic relations, to the end that any differences or disputes arising between the two Governments which can not be adjusted by diplomatic agency may be referred to arbitration and be peaceably adjusted by such means.” April 18, 1890, the International American Conference of Washington, by resolution expressed the wish that all controversies between the re- publics of America and the nations of Eu- rope might be settled by arbitration and recommended that the government of each nation represented in that conference should communicate this wish to all friendly pow- ers. A favorable response has been re- ceived from Great Britain in the shape of a resolution adopted by Parliament July 16 last, cordially sympathizing with the pur- pose in view, and expressing the hope that Her Majesty's Government will lend ready co-operation to the Government of the United States upon the basis of the con- current resolution above quoted. It affords me signal pleasure to lay this parliamentary resolution before the Con- gress and to express my sincere gratifica- tion that the sentiment of two great and kindred nations is thus authoritatively man- ifested in favor of the rational and peace- able settlement of international quarrels by honorable resort to arbitration. Since the passage of the act of March 3, 1893, authorizing the President to raise the grade of our envoys to correspond with the rank in which foreign countries accredit their agents here, Great Britain, France, Italy, and Germany have conferred upon their representatives at this capita! the title of ambassador, and 1 have responded by ‘accrediting the agents of the United States ermmer mess vue savas as WMT family of nations. The Consular Service. Puring my former administration 1 took occasion to recommend a re-cast of the laws relating to the consular service, in order that it might become a more efficient agency in the promotion of the interests it was intended to subserve. The duties and powers of consuls have been expanded with the growing requirements of our foreign trade. Discharging important duties affect- ing our commerce and American citizens abroad, and in certain countries exercising judicial functions, these officers should be men of character, intelligence, and ability. Upon proof that the legislation of Den- mark secures copyright to American citi- zens on equal footing with its own, the privileges of our copyright laws have been extended by proclamation to subjects of that country. : The Treasury. The Secretary of the Treasury reports that the receipts of the Government from all sources during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1893, amounted to $461,716,561.94 and its expenditures to $459,374,674.29. There was collected from customs $205,355,016.73 and from internal revenue $161,027,623.93. Our dutiable imports amounted to $421,856,- “711, an increase of $52,453,907 over the pre- ceding year, and importations free of duty amounted to $444,5644,211, a decrease from the preceding year of $13,455,447. Internal- revenue receipts exceeded those of the pre- ceding year by $7,147,445.32. The total tax collected on distilled spirits was $94,720,260.55, on manufactured tobacco, $31,859,711.74, and on fermented liquors, $32,548,983.07. We exported mer- chandise during the year amounting to $847,665,194, a decrease of $182,612,954 from the preceding year. The amount of gold exported was larger than any previous year in the history of the Government, amount- ing to $108,680,844, and exceeding the amount exported during the preceding year by $58,485,517, The sum paid from the Treasury for sugar bounty was $9,375,130.88, an increase over the preceding year of $2,033,053.09. Jt is estimated upon the basis of present revenue laws that the receipts of the Gov- ernment for thé year ending June 30, 1894, will be $430,121,365.38 and its expenditures $458,121,365.38, resulting in a deficiency of $28,000,000. On the first day of November, 1893, the amount of money of all kinds in circula- tion, or not included in Treasury holdings, was $1,718,644,682, an increase for the year of $112,404,947, Estimating our population at 67,426,000 at the time mentioned the per capita circulation was $25.49. On the same date there was in the Treasury gold bul- lion amounting to $96,657,273 and silver bullion which was purchased at a cost of $126,261.553. Silver Purchases. The purchases of silver under the law of July 14, 1890, during the last fiscal year, aggregated 054,008,162.59 fine ounces, which cost $45,531,374.53. The total amount of sil- ver purchased from the time that law be- came operative until the repeal of its pur- chasing clause, on the 1st day of November, 1803, was 168,674,590.46 fine ounces, which cost $155,030,940.84, Between the 1st day of March, 1873, and the 1st day of November, 1893, the Government purchased, under all laws, 503,003,717 fine ounces of silver at a cost of $516,622,048. The silver dollars that have been coined under the act of July 14, 1890, number 386,087,285. The seigniorage arising from such coinage was $6,977,098.39, leaving on hand in the mints 140,699,760 ge ounces of silver, which cost $126,758, Our total coinage of all metals during the last fiscal year consisted of 97,280,875 pieces valued at $43,685,178.80, of which there was $30,038,140 in gold coin, $5,343,715 in silver dollars, $7,217,220.90 in subsidiary silver coin, and $1,086,102.90 in minor coins. During the calendar year 1802 the pro- duction of precious metals in the United States was estimated to be 1,596,375 fine ounces of gold of the commercial and coin- age value of $33,000,000, and 58,000,000 fine ounces of silver of the bullion or market 3 value of $50,750,000 and of the coinage value of $74,989,900, It is estimated that on the first day of July, 1893, the metallic stock of money in the United States, consisting. of coin and bullion, amounted to $1,213,559,169, of which $597,697,685 was gold and $615,861,484 was silver. One hundred and nineteen national banks were organized during the year ending October 31, 1893, with a capital of $11,230,- 000. Forty-six went into voluntary liquida- tion and one hundred and fifty-eight sus- pended. Sixty-five of the suspended banks were insolvent, eighty-six resumed busi- ness, and seven remain in the hands of bank examiners, with prospects of speedy resumption. Of the new banks organized 44 were located in the Eastern States, 41 west of the Mississippi River, and 34 in the Central and Southern States. The total number of national banks in existence on the 31st day of October, 1893, was 3,796, having an aggregate capital of $695,558,120. The net increase in the circulation of these banks during the year was $36,886,972. Effect of the Silver Repezl. The recent repeal of the provision of law requiring the purchase of silver bul- lion by the government as a feature of our monetary scheme has made an entire change in the complexion of our currency affairs. I do not doubt that the ultimate result of this action will be most salutary and far-reaching. In the nature of things, however, it is impossible to know at this time precisely what conditions will be brought about by the change, or what, if any, supplementary legislation may, in the light of.such conditions, appear to be es- sential or expedient. Of course, after the recent financial perturbation, time is neces- sary for the re-establishment.of business confidence. When, however, through this restored confidence the money which has been frightened into hoarding places is returned to trade and enterprise, a survey of the situation will probably disclose a safe path leading to a permanently sound currency, abundantly sufficient to meet every requirement of our increasing popu- lation and business. In the pursuit of this object we should resolutely turn away from alluring and temporary expedients, determined to be content with nothing less than a lasting and comprehensive financial plan. In these circumstances I am convinced that a rea- sonable delay in dealing with this subject, instead of being injurious, will increase the probability of wise action. The Monetary Conference which assem- bled at Brussels upon our invitation was adjourned to the 30th day of November in tha present year. The considerations just stated and the fact that a definite proposi- tion from us seemed to be expected upon the reassembling of the conference, led me to express a willingness to have the meet- ing still further postponed. It seems to me that it would be wise to give general authority to the President to invite other nations to such a conference at any time when there should be a fair prospect of accomplishing an international agreement on the subject of coinage. The Bond Question. I desire also to earnestly suggest the wisdom of amending the existing statutes in regard to the issuance of government bonds. The authority now vested in the Secretary of the Treasury to issue bonds is not as clear as it should be, and the bonds authorized are disadvantageous to tha onvarmmant has 4 aiiiveu atl uur Pores 440,98 1mmigrants. Of these 1,063 were not permitted to land under the limitations of the law, and 577 were returned to the countries from whence they came by reason of their having be- come public charges. The total arrivals were 141,034 less than for the previous year. National Quarantine, The Secretary in his report gives an ac- count of the operation of the Marine-Hos- pital Service and of the good work done under its supervision in preventing the en- trance and spread of contagious diseases. The admonitions of the last two years touching our public health and the demon- strated danger of the introduction of con- tagious diseases from foreign ports have in- vested the subject of national quarantine with increased interest. A more general and harmonious system than now exists, acting promptly and directly everywhere, and constantly operaling by preventive means to shield our country from the inva- sion of disease, and at the same time hav- ing due regard to the rights and duties of local agencies, would, I believe, add greatly to the safety of our people. The Army. The Secretary of War reports that the strength of the Army on the 30th day of September last was 25,778 enlisted men and 2,144 officers. The total expenditures of the Department for the year ending June 30, 1893, amounted to $51,966,074.89. Of this sum, $1,992,581.95 was for salaries and contingent expenses, $23,377,828.35 for the support of the military establishment, $6,077,033.18 for miscellaneous objects, and $20,518,631.41 for public works. This latter sum includes $15,296,876.46 for river and harbor improvements and $3,266,- 141.20 for fortifications and other works of defense. . The total enrollment of the militia of the several States was, on the 31st of October of the current year, 112,597 officers and en- listed men. The officers of the Army de- tailed for the inspection and instruction of this reserve of our military force report that increased interest and marked prog- ress are apparent in the discipline and efficiency of the organization. Neither Indian outbreaks nor domestic violence have called the Army into service during the year, and the only active mili- tary duty required of it has been in the Department of Texas, where violations of the neutrality laws of the United States and Mexico were promptly and efficiently dealt with by the troops, eliciting the warm approval of the civil and military authori- ties of both countries. The operation of wise laws and the in- fluences of civilization constantly tending to relieve the country from the dangers of Indian hostilities, together with the increas- ing ability of the States, through the effi- ciency of the National Guard organizations, to protect their citizens from domestic vio- lence, lead to the suggestion that the time is fast approaching when there should be a reorganization of our Army on the lines of the present necessities of the country. This change contemplates neither increase in number nor added expense, but a redistri- bution of the force and an encouragement of measures tending to greater efficiency among the men and improvement of the service. The adoption of battalion formations for infantry regiments, the strengthening of the artillery force, the abandonment of smaller and unnecessary posts, and the massing of the troops at important and accessible sta- tions, all promise to promote the usefulness of the Army. In the judgment of Army officers, with but few exceptions, the opera- tion of the law forbidding the re-enlist- ment of men after ten years’ service has not proved iis wisdom, and while the argu- ments that led to its adoption were not without merit, the experience of the year constrains me to join in the recommenda- tion for its repeal. Sea Coast Defenses. It is gratifying to note that we have be- gun to attain completed results in the com- prehensive scheme of sc¢acoast defense and: fortification, entered upon eight years ago. A large sum has been already expended, but the cost of maintenance will be inconsider- | able as compared with the expense of con- struction and ordnance. At the end of the current calendar year the War Department will have nine 12-inch guns, twenty 10-inch, and thirty-four 8-inch guns, ready to be mounted on gun lifts and carriages, and seventy-five 12-inch mortars. In addition to the product of the Army Gun Factory, now completed at Watervliet, the Govern- ment has contracted with private parties for the purchase of one hundred guns of these calibers, the first of which should be delivered to the Department for test before July 1, 1894. The manufacture of heavy ordnance keeps pace with current needs; but to render these guns available for the purposes they are de- signed to meet, emplacements must be pre- pared for them. Progress has been made in this direction, and it is desirable that Con- gress by adequate appropriations should provide for the uninterrupted prosecution of this necessary work, After much preliminary work and ex- haustive examination in accordance with the requirements of the law, the board ap- pointed to select a magazine rifle of mod- ern type with which to replace the obsolete Springfield rifle of the infantry service, completed its labors during the last year, and the work of manufacture is now in progress at the National Armory at Spring- field. It is confidently expected that by the end of the current year our infantry will be supplied with a weapon equal to that of the most progressive armies of the world. The work on the projected Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park has been prosecuted with zeal and judg- ment, and its opening will be celebrated during the coming year. Over nine square miles of the Chickamauga battle field have been acquired, twenty-five miles of roadway have been constructed and permanent tab- lets have been placed at many historical points, while the invitation to the states to mark the positions of their troops partic- ipating in the battle has been very gener- ally accepted. . The work of locating and preserving the lines of battle at the Gettysburg battle field is making satisfactory progress on the plans directed by the last Congress. The reports of the Military Academy at West Point and the several schools for special instruction of officers, show marked advance in the education of the army and a commendable ambition among its officers to excel in the military profession and to fit themselves for the highest service to the country. Under the supervision of Adjt. Gen. Rob- ert Williams, lately retired, the bureau of military information has become well estab- lished, and 1s performing a service that will put in possession of the government in time of war most valuable information, and at all times serve a purpose of great utility in keeping the army advised of the world’s progress in all matters pertaining to the art of war. The Department of Justice. The report of the Attorney General con- tains the usual summary of the affairs and proceedings of the Department of Justice for the past year, together with certain recommendations as to needed legislation on various subjects. I cannot too heartily indorse the proposition that the fee system as applicable to the compensation of United Qtatac attawmarro. tama ray Cuma toy UIA LaviL Glu Cliiuag, sudll ve as small and as inexpensively transacted as the ends of justice will allow. The system is therefore thoroughly vi- cious which makes the compensation of court officials depend upon the volume of such business, and thus creates a conilict between a proper execution of the law and private gain, which can not fail to be dan- gerous to the rights and freedom of the citizen and an irresistible temptation to the unjustifiable expenditure of public funds. If in addition to this reform another was inaugurated which would give to United States commissioners the final disposition of petty offenses within the grade of mis- demeanors, especially those coming under the internal revenue laws, a great advance would be made toward a moré decent ad- ministration of the criminal law. In my first message to Congress, dated December 8 1885 I strongly recommended these changes and referred somewhat at length to the evils of the present system. Since that time the criminal business of the Federal courts and the expense attend- ing it have enormously increased. The number of criminal prosecutions pending in the circuit and district court§ of the United States on the first day of July, 1885, was three thousand eight hundred and eight, of which one thousand eight hundred and eighty-four were for violations of the internal-revenue laws, while the number of such prosecutions pending on the first day of July, 1893, was nine thousand five hun- dred, of which four thousand two hundred were for violations of the internal-revenue laws. The expense of the United States courts, exclusive of judges’ salaries, for the year ending July 1, 1885, was $2,874,733.11, and for the year ending July 1, 1893, $4,5628,- 676.87. It is therefore apparent that the reasons given in 1885 for a change in the manner of enforcing the. Federal criminal law, have gained cogency and strength by lapse of time. 1 also heartly join the Attorney-General in recommending legislation fixing degrees of the crime of murder within Federal ju- risdiction, as has been done in many of the States; authorizing writs of error on behalf of the Government in cases where final judgment is rendered against the sufficiency of an indictment or against the Government upon any other question arising before ac- tual trial; limiting the right of review in cases of felony punishable only by fine and imprisonment to the circuit court of ap- peals, and making speedy provision for the construction of such prisons and reforma- tories as may be necessary for the confine- ment of United States convicts. The Postal Service. The report of the Postmaster-General con- tains a detailed statement of the operations of the Post-Office Department during the last fiscal year and much interesting in- formation touching this important branch of the public service, The business of the mails indicates with absolute certainty the condition:of the busi- ness of the country,and depression in finan- cial affairs inevitably and quickly reduces the postal revenues. Therefore a larger discrepancy than usual between the.post office receipts and expenditures is the ex- pected and unavoidable result of the dis- tressing stringency which has prevailed throughout the country during much of the time covered by the Postmaster Gen- eral’'s report. At a date when better times were anticipated it was estimated by his predecessor that the deficiency on the 30th day of June, 1803, would be but a little over a million and a half dollars. It amounted, however, to more than five millions. At the same time, and under the influence of like anticipations, estimates were made for the current fiscal year ending June 30, 1894, which exhibited a surplus of revenue over expenditures of $872,245.71, but now, in view of the actual receipts and expendi- tures during that part of the cur- rent fiscal year already expired, the pres- ent Postmaster-General estimates that at its close instead of a surplus there will be a deficiency of nearly eight million dollars. The post-office receipts for the last fiscal year amounted to $75,806,033.16 and its ex- penditures to $81,074,104.90. This post-office — en ml on We deficiency would disappear or be immensely decreased if less matter was carried free through the mails, an item of which is up- ward of three hundred tons of seeds and grain from the Agricultural Department. The total number of post-offices in the United States on the 30th day of June, 1893, was 68,403, an increase of 1,284 over the preceding year. Of these 3,360 were Presi- dential, an increase in that class of 204 over the preceding year. Forty-two free-delivery offices were added during the year to those already existing, making a total of six hundred and ten cit- ies and towns provided with free delivery on June 30, 1803. Ninety-three other cities and towns are now entitled to this service under the law, but it has not been accorded them on account of insufficient funds to meet the expense of its establishment. I am decidedly of the opinion that the provisions of the present law permit as general an introduction of this feature of mail service as is necessary or justifiable, and that it ought not to be extended to smaller communities than are now desig= nated. The expense of free delivery for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1894, will be more than $11,000,000, and under legislation now existing there must be a constant increase in this item of expenditure. There were 6,401 additions to the domes- tic money-order offices during the last fiscal year, being the largest increase in any year since the inauguration of the system. The total number of these offices at the close of the year was 18,434. There were 13,300,- 735 money orders issued from these offices, being an increase over the preceding year of 1,240,293, and the value of these orders amounted to $127,576,433.65, an increase of $7,509,632.58. There were also issued during the year postal notes amounting to $12,- 903,076.73. During the year 195 international money- order offices were added to those already provided, making a total of 2,407 in opera- tion on June 30, 1893. The number of in- ternational money orders issued during the year was 1,055,999, an increase over the preceding year of 72,525, and their value was $16,341,837.86, an increase of $1,221, 506.31. The number of orders paid was 800,917, an increase over the preceding year of 13,5603, and their value was $5,283, 375.70, an increase of $94,094.83. From the foregoing statements it appears that the total issue of money orders and postal notes for the year amounted to $156,821,3 48.24. The number of letters and packages mailed during the year for special delivery was 3,375,693, an increase over the preced- ing year of nearly 22 per cent. The spec- ial-delivery stamps used upon these let- ters and packages amounted to $337,569.30, and the messengers’ fees paid for their de- livery amounted to $256,592.71, leaving a profit to the Government of $80,976.59. The Railway. Mail Service not only adds to the promptness of mail delivery at all offices, but it is the especial instrumental- ity which puts the smaller and way places in the service on an equality in that re- gard with the larger and terminal offices. This branch of the postal service has there- fore received much attention from the Postmaster-General, and though it is grat- ifying to know that it is in a condition of Office establishment 28,324 employes who are in the classified service. The head of this great Department gives conclusive evi- dence of the value of civil service reform when, after an experience that renders his judgment on the subject absolutely re- liable, he expresses the opinion that with- out the benefit of this system it would be impossible to conduct the vast business intrusted to him. I desire to commend as especially worthy of prompt attention the suggestions of the Pcstmaster-General relating to a more sensible and business-like organization and a better distribution of responsibility in his Department. The Navy. The report of the Secretary of the Navy contains a history of the operations of his Department during the past year, and ex- hibits a most gratifying condition of the personnel of our Navy. He presents a satis- factory account of the progress which has been made in the construction of vessels, and makes a number of recommendations to which attention is especially invited. During the past six months the demands for cruising vessels have been many and urgent. There have been revolutions calling for vessels to protect American interests in Nicaragua, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Hon- duras, Argentina, and Brazil, while the con- dition of affairs in Honolulu has required the constant presence of one or more ships. With all these calls upon our Navy, it be- came necessary, in order to make up a sufficient fleet to patrol the Behring Sea under the modus vivendi agreed upon with Great Britain, to detail to that service one vessel from the Fish Commission and three from the Revenue Marine. Progress in the construction of new ves- sels has not been as rapid as was antici- pated. There have been delays in the com- pletion of unarmored vessels, but for the most part they have been such as are con- stantly occurring even in countries having the largest experience in naval ship-build- ing. The most serious delays, however, have been in the work upon armored ships. The trouble has been the failure of con- tractors to deliver armor as agreed. The difficulties seem now, however, to have been all overcome, and armor is being delivered with satisfactory promptness. As a result of the experience acquired by ship builders and designers and material men, it is be- lieved that the dates when vessels will be completed can now be estimated with rea- sonable accuracy. Great guns, rapid-fire guns, torpedoes, and powder are being promptly supplied. New Ships. The following vessels of the new Navy have been completed and are now ready for service: The double-turreted coast-defense monitor Miantonomoh, the double-turreted coast- defense monitor Monterey, the armored cruiser New York, the protected cruisers Baltimore, Chicago, Philadelphia, Newark, San Francisco, Charleston, Atlanta, and Boston, the cruiser Detroit, the gunboats Yorktown, Concord, Bennington, Machias, Castine, and Petre: the dispatch vessel Dol- phin, the practice vessel Bancroft, and the dynamite gunboat Vesuvius. Of the