and regimental courts-martial were for of
fences nlmost frivolous; and thero should, I
think, be n wuv devised to dispose, of these 111
a more summary nml lew inconvenient man
lier than by court-martini.
If sonio of tlie proceedings of courts-mar-tlal
which I havo had occasion to rxanilno
present tho Men of justl which generally
prevail in these tribunal", I am satisfied that
thev should Ik? much reformed, if the honor
and tho honesty of tho army and navy uro by
their instrumentality to bo vindicated and
protected. , ,
Tho board on f ortlflcation or other defences
appointed in pursuance of tho pro( Won of
tho act of Congicss approved March tt,
1SS:, will in a short tinio present
wnorl: mid it is honed that this may
greatly aid tho legislation so necessary to
remedy tho ilcfcnceless condition of our sea
coasts. , , .
There should lo a general law of Congress
prohibiting Ua construction of bridges over
navigable -nxers in such manner ns to ob
struct navigation, with provisions for pre
venting tho same. It seems that under ex
isting statutes the government cannot inter
vene to prevent Such n construction when
entered upon without its conseut,though when
such consent Is asked and granted upon con
dition, tho authority to insist tqion such
condition is clear. Tims it is represented
that w hilo tho olilcers of tho government nro
with great care guarding against the olistruc
tion of navigation by a bridgo across tho Mis
sissippi river at St. Paul, a largo pier for a
bridge has Ikvh built just below thlsplaco
directly In the navigable channel of tho i iver.
If such things nro to bo permitted n strong
argument is presented against the approprla-.
tion of large sums of money to Iniprov e tho
navigation of this and other important high
ways of commerce.
THE NAVY.
The report of the secretary of the navy
gives a history of tho operations of his depart
ment and the prevent condition of tho wotl:
committed to his charge.
Ho details in full tho eourso pursued by him
to protect the rights of tho government in re
spect of certain vessels unilul.-hed nt tho timo
of his accession td olllcc, and also concerning
the despatch lioat Dolphin, claimed to bo
completed nnd awaiting tho acceptaneo
of the department. No ouo can fall
to seo from recitals contained in this
report that only tho application of business
principles has been insisted upon In tho treat
ment of theso subjects, and thr.. whatever
controversy has arisen was caused by tho ex
action on the iart of tho department of con
tract obligations ns they were legally con
strued. In tho enso of tho Dolphin, with en
tire justice to tho contractor, an agreement
has been entered into providing for the ascer
tainment by a judicial inquiry of tho com
plete or paitlal complianco with tho contract
In her construction, nnd further providing
for the assessment of any damages to which
tho government may bo entitled on nccount
of a iwrtlul failuro to perform such contract,
or tho payment of tho sum still remaining un
paid upon her prico, in caso a full perform
ance is Adjudged. Tho contractor, by reason
of his failure in business, lwing uuablo to
complete tho other threo vessels, they w ere
taken possession of by tho government in
their unfinished stnto under a clouso in tho
contract permitting such n course, and are
now in process of completion in the yard of
the contractor, but under tho supervision of
the navy department.
Congress nt its last session authorized tho
construction of two additional new cruisers
nnd two gunlioats, nt a cost not exceeding in
the aggregate Stt.Wj.OOO. The appropriation
for this purpose having become available on
July 1 last, stejis were at once taken for the
procurement of such plans for the construc
tion of theso vessels ns would lw likely to in
sure their usefulness when completed. Theso
arc of tho utmost importance, considering
the constant advnuco in the nrt of building
vessels of this diameter, and tho time is not
lost w hich Is sent in their careful considera
tion nnd selection.
All must ndmlt tho importance of an effec
tive navy ton nation like ours, havingsuehau
extended sen coast to protect. Ana yet w o
havo not a single vessel of war Mint could
keep the sens ngalust a first-clnss vessel of any
important power. Such n condition ought
not longer to continue. Tho nation that can
not resist aggression is constantly exposed to
it. Its foreign licy is of necessity weak,
nnd its negotiations are conducted with
disadvantages, becatuo it is not in condition
to enforce tho terms dietateil by its sense of
right nnd justice.
inspired ns I nm by tlio hope, sbnrcd by nil
patriotic citizens, that the day is not very far
distant when our navy will Ik) such as beilts
our standing uuiong tho nations of tho earth,
and rejoiced at every step that leads In
tho direction of such a consummation, I
deem it my duty to cs)icclnlly direct tho at
tention of Congress to tho close of tho report
of the secretary of tho navy, in which tho
humiliating weakness of the present organi
zation of bis department is exhibited, und
tho k-tartliug iibuses and waste of its
present methods nro exposed. Tho con
viction is forced upon ns with tho
certainty of mathematical demonstration,
mat ueioru wo procooii iurtner m mo rostorn
tion of a navy wo need a thoroughly reorgan
ized navy department. Tho f net that within
seventeen Years more than SiS.IKXUHK) have
been spent ill tho construction, repair, equip
ment, nnd armament of vessels, and the
further fact that, instead of an ell'ectivo and
creelitnblo ilect, wo havo only the discontent
and apprehension of a untiou undefended by
war vessels, addisl to tho disclosures now
made, ilo not permit us to doubt that everv
attempt to revive our navy has thus far, for
tho most isn't, been misdirected, nnd all out
efforts in that direction have bccn little lietter
tiinn blind gropings nnd expensive, aimless
follies.
Unquestionably if wo are content w ith the
maintenance of n navy deiuirtment simply ns
n shabby ornament to tho government, a
constant watchfulness may prevent soma ol
the scandal nnd abuse which have found their
way into our present organization, and it
incurable waste niuv bo reduced to tho mini
mum. Hut if wo desire to build ships tot
pre-ent usefulness instead of naval re
minders of tho dajs that are past, we
must linvo a department organised fot
the work, supplied with all tho talent and in
genulty our country nlfoinU, prepared to
take advantage of tho experience of other na
tions, systematized so that nil effort shall
unite ami ienil in one direction, mid fully im
bued with the conviction that war vessels,
though new, are useless unless they combine
all that tho ingenuity of man has up to this
day brought toi til relating to tueir construc
tion. I earnestly commend tho tuition of the soo
retary's reirt devoted to this subject to tho
attention of Congress, in tho hojw that his
fcuggestions touching tho reorganization of
his department may bo adopted us tho first
step toward vuo reconstruction 01 our navy.
THE POSTAL BKHVtCK,
Thenffnlrsof the iiostal servico uro ex
hibited by the report of the postmaster
f'Hni.rnl. which will lie laid licfnla von.
The lKtetiU tevenue, whoso ratio of gain
upon the rising prosperity of 1WJ nnd lbs:!
outstripped the increasing oxiieuses of our
growing service, wns checked oy the reduo
tiou in the rata of letter Hostage w hich took
elfect with tlio licginulng of October in tho
Jotter year; nun it iiiinuitstied during the tw o
past llsial years W.V.HMKKJ In about
tin proiKiiilou of $',', 270,000 in 1834 to
(SjU,UiO in IBM. Natural growth and devel
opment have meantime increased exiiendlture,
resulting in a deficiency In tho revenue to
meet thuexjieiisesof tho dcuiitmeut of live
nul n quarter million dollars for tho year
,lbS4, and eight and a third million in tlio last
-fiscal year, Tho antieijiatod and natural re
vival of tho revenuo has Iwen oppressoel und
retarded by tho unfavorable business couill
itioncif tho country, of which the jiostnlser
vico is a faithful Indicator. Tho gratifying
fact Is shown, however by the reiKirt, that
our returning prosperity is marked by a gain
of 3sO,OU0 in the revenue of the latter half of
'tho last year over the corresponding period of
ithe preceding yenr.
The cliaugo In tho wolght cf flrst- 'Inss mat
ter w hich may lw carried for a tiuglo rate of
postage, f i out a lialf ounce to on ounce, and
'the reduction by ono-half of the rate of uewe
iiaper iKtago whleli, under mint legisla
tion, begun with tho current year, will oper
ato to restrain the augmentation of receipts
which otherwise might havo been exiwotod,
to such u degree that the scale of er.iu .
Lnay g
rrense
fVeto
B-aln unon the revenue nnd canso an In-
wed deficiency to lio shown at its close,
t nfler no lonir period of rcawakeneil pros
perity, by proper economy it is confidently
anticipated tunc even ine present low
mow as favornblo as any country alTords, will
bo adeiiunte to sustain tho cost of tho service.
1 Tho operation of tho post-offlro department
!is for tlio convenience nnd lwneflt of tlio iieo
Ijilo; and the method by which they pay tho
'olmrfps nf this useful nrniof their ptiulic ser
vice, so thnt It lw just and Impartial is of less
'importance to them Uian tho economical ex
penditure of the menus they provide for itfl
maintenance nnd the due Improvement of its
ngenelrs, so that they inny enjoy its highest
usefiihnt-l A proper attention has been di
rected to the prevention ot waste or extrava
gance, nnd pxl results appear from the re
port to havo already lioeu accompli died.
I nnnrovo the recommendation of the post-
inastcr-general to redueo tho charges on
ilomestle money onif rs ot live eiouars unci less
from eight to Ave cents. This change will
iiiaterl.illr nlil ihosrt of our lxsonle who most
V)f nil avail themselves of this iustntmentnll-
tv. but to whom tho element or eliennnoss is
jof the greatest Importance. With tills reduc
tion tho system would still remain belf-sup-mrttng.
Tho free-delivery system has been extenel
ed to nluctoen additional cities during tho
year, nnd ITS now enjoy Its conveniences.
Expericnco has commendeel it to thoso w ho
niov Its bene flts. and further enlargement of
its facilities is duo to other comniunltka to
which it Is adapted. In the cities wneie it
has been established, taken together, tho locnl
imstngo exceeds its mnlntenanco by ncnrly
1 ,rX),0OO. The limit to which this system is
now connneet oy law nns neen neurt rcue-ntsi,
nud tho reasons given justify its extension,
wlilcli is proposeei.
It was decided, with my approbation, after
a suHicleut examination, to bo Inexpedient
for the postoflleo department to contract for
arrying our toreign mniis unacr ine noui
ional authority crivon by the last Congress.
The nmonnt limited was Inailequnto to pay
nil within tho mirvlew of tho law tho full rato
of fifty cents per mile, and It would havo
.lieen unjust and unwiso to havo given It to
so nenndelcniod it to others. Iior could con
.trncts havo been let under tho law to nil
nt a iafo to havo brought tho aggregate
'wleMn llm nnnrnnrlntinn. without such Timc-
Iticnl prenrrangement of terms ns would havo
violated it.
The rate of sea and Inland postage, which
w as proffered under another statute, clearly
nniimrs to lie a fair comDeusatlon for tho de
sired service, beinc thnw times the prico nec
essary to secure transportation oy otner ve-s-
,wls upon any rouw, aim iime-u wjuuu mu
charges inaefo to private persons for services
not cs ourilensonio.
fsomo of tho steamshin coniDanies. upon tho
refusal of tlio postmaster-generui to nttempt,
dy tho means provided, the distribution of
the sum appropriated as an extra compensa
tion, withdrew 1 10 services ot tueir vessels
nnd tliprebv occasioned slight inconvenience.
though no considerable injury, tho mails
having been dlspatehed by other menus.
Whatever may bo thought of the policy of
subsidizing nny line of public conveynnco or
travel, I nm satisfied that it should not bo
elnno under cover of an cxnendituro incident
to tho administration ot a department, nor
should there lie nny uncertainty as to tho re
cipients of tho subsidy, or any discretion left
to au executive uiueei us iu iis umiiiuuiiuu.
If such eifts of the nubile money are to be
made for the purposo of aiding anj-enter
prise, in tlio Fupnosett interest ot tne puouc, i
cannot but think that the amount to bo paid,
nnd the beneficiary, might better be deter-
m neet nyuoniress man anvoiner way.
The Tutcruationnl congress of delegates
from tho postal-union countries con
vened nt Lisbon, in Tortugnl, in Feb
ruary last, and nfter a session of somo
weeks, tho delegates signetl a conven
tion nmendatorv of the present postal-
union convention in somo particulars ileslcmod
to advance its purposes. Ibis additional act
has had my njiproval anel will lw laid before
you with tho departmental report.
I approve the recommendation ot tho postmaster-general
that another assistant bo pro
vided lor nis department, x invito your con
sideration to the soveral other recommenda
tions contained in his report.
THE DEl'AIlTME.NT OP JUSTICE.
Tho renort of tho nttorney-ccneral contains
a history of tlio conduct of tlio department of
justice during tho lost year, nud a number of
vniuaoie suggesiious as w uwue-u je-gisiauuu,
nud I invito your enreful attention to tho
nine.
The condition of business in tho courts of
tho Uultesl States is such that there
seems to lw nn Imperativo necewsity
for remedial legislation on tuo sutiiect.
Some of thoso courts uro so over
burdened with pending causes thnt the de
lays iu determining litigation amount often
to a denial of jnstico. Among tho plans sug
gested lor renei is one submitted uy tuonir
tornev-m-neral. Its main features are: Tho
transfer of all the original jurisillctiou of tho
circuit courts to tne district; courts nnn an
increase of judges for the latter where neces
sary; nn addition of judges to tho circuit
courts ot appeal, constituting them exclu
sively courts of appeal, and i eusonably limit
ing appeals thereto; further restric
tions of tne right to remove causes from tlio
State to Federal courts; permitting appeals
to the supreme court from tho courts of tho
District ot uoiuinuia and mo lerriiorics oiuy
in the same cases us they are allowed from
State courts, and guarding against an un
necessary number of appeals from the circuit
courts. I approve tho plan thus outlined, and
recommend tlio legislation necessary for its
application to our judicial system.
ine present mode oi compensating uuueu
States marshals anil district attorneys should
in lny opinion bo changed. They ure allowed
to charge against tho government certain
fees for services, their income being measures 1
by tho amount of such fees within H llxeel
limit as to their annual aggregate. Tills is a
direct inducement for them to make their
feed in criminal cases us largo as possible
in an effort to reach tho maximum
sum permitted. As nn entirely natu
ral consequence, unscrupulous marshals nro
found encouraging frivolous prosecutions,
arresting people on petty charges of crime
nud transporting thorn to distant places for
examination anel trial, for tlio purposo of
earning mileage and other fees. And dis
trict attorneys uselessly nttenel criminal
examinations far from their places of resi
lience for the express puqiose of swelling
their uccoimU ngninst tho government.
The actual expenses incurred iu these trans
actions are also charged ogalnst tho govern
ment. Thus the rights and freedom ot our
citizens are outraged and public exieuditures
Increased for tho puqiose of furnishlug pub
lic olilcers pretexts for increasing the metis-
ure ot tneir couqieusaiiou.
I think marshals nud district attorneys
should Ik) raid salaries adjusteel by n rule
which will make them commensurate with
services fairly rendered.
In connection with this subject I desire to
suggest tho advisability, it it be found not
obnoxious to constitutional objection, of in
vesting Uuiteel Statvs Commissioners with the
power to try nud determine certain violations
of law w ithln tho gnulo ot misilemeanors.
Such trials might bo made to deiend upon
tlio option ot the accused, Tho multiplica
tion of small unel technical ofTeuccs, especially
uuder the provisions ot our luterual-revenue
law, render some changes incur present system
verv desirable, in the intoiestu of Immuni
ty us well ns ectinoiny, Tho district comts
mo uow crowilod with potty prosecutions, in
volving a punisumeni, in cusos ot conviction,
nf ntilv ii siifrlit line, while thetmrtiesi nccUst
nrn liHriLssetfby an enforced ufteudanca noon
courts held hundreds of miles from their
homes. If poor and frieuelless they tiro
obliged to remain iu jail during months, per-
liaps, mat ciapso neioro a session oi
the court is held, and are finally
brought to trial surrounrteid by strangers
and with but little real opportuulty
for defence. In tho meantime frequently
tho marshal has charged against tho govern
ment his fees for nn arrest, the transporta
tion of tho accused, and the expense of tho
same, and for summoning witnesses before a
conunisslouer, a grand jury, and a court; tho
witnesses havo been palcl from tho puhlio
f uuds largo fees and traveling expenses, nnd
the) conunUsioner und district attorney have
nLso made tneir ctinrges uguutst tno govern
ment. This abuse lu tho administration of our
criminal law should bo remedied; nnd It tho
plan above suggested is not practicable, somo
other should bo devised.
THE INDIANS.
The report ot tho secretary of the Interior,
containing nn account ot tho operations of
this important department, nnd much inter
esting infoimntlon will bo submitted for your
consideration.
Tho most Intricate nnd dlflleult snbiort in
charge- of this department Is tho trentiiicnt
nnd management ot tne Indians, i nm saiis
lleel that somo progress may lw noted in their
condition as n result of a prudent administra
tion of tho present laws und regulations for
their control.
Hut it is submitted thnt there Is lack of n
fixed purposo or policy on this subject which
shoulel lie supplied. It Is useless to dilate
upon the wrongs of tho Indians, and as use
less to indulge in tno nearness iienei mat uei
cnuso their wrongs nro revenged in their own
ntroclous manner, therefore they shoulel be
exterminated,
They nro within the care of our govern
ment, nuil their rights are, or should be, pro
tecteel from invasion by the most solemn obli
gations. They are properly enough railed
tne wnrds oi tne government! nnuitsnouiu
bo liorue In mind that this guardianship In
volves, on our pat t, eiTorts for tho improve
ment of their condition nnd tho enforcement
ot their rights. There seems to bo general
concurrence in tho proposition that the
ultimate object of tueir treatment should
bo their civilization nnd citizenship. Fitted
by these to keep paco in tho march ot pro
gress with tho advanced civilization about
them, they will readily assimilate with tho
mass of our population, assuming tho respon
sibilities ami receiving tho protection inci
dent to this condition. TliodlHlculty appears
to bo in the selectio.1 of tho means to bo nt
present employed t jvvnrd tho nttalument of
this result.
Tho history ot all tho progress which hns
lieen made in the civilization of tho Indian, I
think, will dlscloso tlio fact that tho begin
ning has been religious teaching, followed by
or accompanying secular education. While
tho solf-sacrificing nnd pious men anil women
who havo nidod in this good wort hy their
independent endeavor havo for thoir reward
tho beneticcnt results of their labor nnd tho
consciousness of Christian duty well per
formed, their vnlunb'o services should boluiiy
acknowledged by ah who under tho law are
charged with tho control nnd management of
our Iudlnn w nrds.
What has lieen said indicates that in tho
present condition of th Indians, no attempt
shnuM lm miedo to nnnlv a fixed and unyield
ing plan of nction to their varied and varying
needs nml circumstances.
The Indinn bureau, burdened as It is w ith
their general oversight aud with the details
of the establishment, can hardly possess itself
of tlio minute phases ot tlio particular cases
needing treatment; nud thus tho propriety of
rrentiug nn Instrumentality auxiliary to
thoso already established for tho care of tho
Indians suggests ltsen.
I recommend tho passage of a law author
I?!,,, th nnnnintonont of six commissioners,
threo of whom sliall bo detailed from tho
army, to bo cliarged with the duty of a care
ful inspection from timo to timo of all tho
Indians upon our reservations or subject to
the care nnd control of the government, with
a view of discovering their exact condition
und neeels.nnd determining what steps shnll bo
t.iVnn nn iwhnlf of tlio government to imnrovo
their situation in the direction of their self-
support nnel complete civilization; mat tney
nai.nrfnln frnm such iiisoeotion w hat. if any.
of tlio reservations may bo reduced in area,
n.i in w,i.li mvq wlmh part, not nesadod for
Indinn occiqiatlon, may bo purchased by tlio
government from the Iudinas nnd disposed of
for their benefit; what, it any, Indians may,
with their consent, lw removed to other re-
trtrs'ntiniYS. wi Ih ii view of their concentra
tion and tho salo on their behalf of their
abandoned reservations; what Indian
lanels now held in common should
bo nllotted in severalty; in what
manner nnd to what extent the Indians upon
the reservations can bo placed under the pro
tection of our laws and subjected to their
Eenalties; and which, if any, Indians should
e invested with the right of citizenship. The
powors nud functions of the commissioners in
regard to theso subjects should lw clearly de
fined, though tliey should, iu conjunction
with tho secretary of tlio interior, lw given
all tho authority to deal definitely w ith tho
questions presented, eiecnioei suie uuu cuu
Sl'.tMlt L
They should 1 also charged with the duty
of ascertaining the Indians who might pro
erly be furnished with implements of agricul
ture, and of what kind; in what cases tlio
supiwrt of tlio government should lw with
tlmwn; where tho present plan of distributing
Tnrttnn tnnnllcs should lw chanced: where
schools may bo established, aud w hero discon
tinued; tho couduct, methods, nud fitness of
ngents in charge of reservations; tho extent
to which such reservations nro occupied or
intruded upon by unauthorized persons; and
generally ull matters relutwl to tho welfare
unit imnrovemant of the Indians.
Tlioy should advisowith tho secretary of
tho interior concerning theso matters of do
tall in management, and he should bo given
iwwer to ileal with them fully, If ho is not
now Invested with such power. This plan
contemplates tho selection of persons for com
missions who nro lnteresieti in ine muiuii
question, aud who have practical ideas upon
elm siibiwt. nf ilipii treatment
Tho expense of the Indian Bureau during
the last fiscal year was more than tO,.M0,OK.
I believo much of this expenditure might bo
saved uudor the plan proposed; that is eco
nniniciil effects would bo increased with its
continuance; that tho safety ot our frontier
u.it1i-K w-niild lw sulisorved under its opera
tion, and that tho nation would lw saved
liuougn its results iioiu tuo nupuuuiuu ut m-
nuinanity, injustice, and iiiisniiiiiageiiieui.,
THE PUBLIC LANDS.
Tho public domain had its origin lu cessions
of land by tlio States to tho general govern
ment. Tlio lli"st cession was made oy tho
State of New York, and tho largest, which in
nrea cxceeelesl nil tho others, by tho State of
Virgliua. Tlie territory, tno proprii'iorsiup
of which became thus esteel iu the general
crovernment extended from tho western lino
of Pennsylvania to tho Mississippi river. Theso
patriotic donations of tho States were
encumlwrod with no condition, ox
eept that they should be held nnel
usee! "lor llie common neiiem- oi tne uuueu
States." By purchase, with the common film
of all the jwople, additions were made to this
domain until it extended to the northern lino
of Mexico, the rneillc Ocean and the l'olar
riea, ine original inisi, --ior tno common
lirneflt of the United States." attached to all
In tho execution of thnt trust the policy of
many homes, rather than largo estates, was
udoptetl by tho government That theso
might lw easily obtained, and lw the
uboelo of security and contentment, the lawi
for their acquisition were few, easily
understood, und ceneral In their character.
Hut tho pressure of local interests, comblnesl
w itli n sjweuiauvo spirit, uavo in jnany in
stances procures! tho pnvuino of laws which
marred tho harmony of the general plan, aud
encumlwred tlio system with a multitude of
general and special enactments, w hich render
the land law complicated, subject tho titles
to uncertainty, and purchasers often to o;
pressiou ami wi ong. Ijiws w hich were in
tended for the "common l'neflt" havo lx-en
perverted so that larce eiuiintltles of land uri
vesting In single ownerstiliis. From tlio mul
tltuile and character of tho laws, tills coiw
quenco seems iucniuible of correction by men
administration.
It is not for tho "common beuieflt of tho
Uuiteel States" thnt a lariro area of tho pub
lio lands should lw acquired, directly or
tlirougu I raud, m mo imuds ot n single indi
vidual. The nation's strength Is in thopeo
nlrt Tlirt ,mHnni lrnsiurlt- is ill 1 heir pros.
iwritv. Tlio nation's eiorv Is In tho equality
of her justlev, The nation's perpetuity is iu
the patriotism of nil her people. Hence, ns
fur as practicable, the plan adopted in tho
disposal of the public lauds should hale In
view the original policy, nhich encourages
many purchasers of those lands for h mies
and discouraged tho massing of largo
areas. Kxcluslvo of Alaska, nbout thivo
lifths ot the national domain has been sold or
lU'wectod to contract or grunt. Uf tho re-
inniiiiiur two-filths n considerable portion
either mountain or ilesert. A rapidly in
ri-Fusiiur population creates n inowinir do-
maud for homos, und the accumulation of
wealth inspires nu euger conqictition to ot
tain the puhlio land for siieciilath"? purposes,
in mo iiiiuro tins collision ot micros! win iki
more markeel than In tho post, nud tho cxecu
t Ion ot tho nation's trust In behalf of our settlers
will Ira moro illlllcnlt I therefore commend
to your attention the rocominen Mons euii
talneel In tho report ot tho secretary of the
Interior with reference to tho re)ical aud
modification ot certain of our hind laws.
Tho nation has mailo princely crams nnd
subsidies to a system of railroads pVojected ns
greatnatlon.il highways to commit thol'n-
ciue ritates wiuime i.iist. linns ueen cnni-gin
that theso donations from the people have
been diverted to private gain nnd corrupt
uses, nnd thus public Indignation has Ihvii
iirousod nud suspicion engendered, Our great
nation does not liegrttilgo Its generosity, but
it minors iiecumtion nnd irauu; nnu tne
fnvorablo resard of our Peonlo for tlr
great corporations to whleli theso grant.--
ere inane, can only iw revived uvj i resnua
ion of confidence, to'lw securcA by their
constant, unequivocal, and clearly pinui-
iis-teet integrity. j lamina application ot
tho uudlmiiilshisl proceeds of the grants to
tho construction and pjifectlu? of their
roads, nu honest dlschnriro of tliOT. obliga
tions, nml entire justice to nil the jwople In
the enjoyment of their rights on thoso high
ways of travel, is nil tho public nsks, nnd it
will bo content with no less. To secure theso
tiilnrrs siinnlil lm tlio rnlnmnll pnrriciaa of tho
nicvrs or tno government, ns well as ot tno
corporations. With this accomplishment,
prosiierity would lw permanently secured to
tuo roans, nnu nntionui pride would uiko tue
place of national complnint.
TENSIONS.
It nnnenrs from tho report of tho commis
sioner of pensions that thero were, on July 1,
iw.,, stigUii persons iwruo upon tuc pension
rolls, who were classified as folio s: Army
Invalids, 311,4.7); willows, minor chUdreiijind
tepondent relatives ot deceased soirucrs,
Ms.Svll , nn vv inviittils. o-it. ...vr widows.
minor children and dependents, l.itjll: survi-voi-s
ot tho war of 1812. 2.9(5: nnd widows of
those who served In that war, 17,2137 About
ono man in ten of nil those enlisteil in tho Into
war nro retwrtod ns receiving pensions, ex
clusive of tlio dependents of deceased soldicisi.
On July 1. 1S7G. tlio number of pensioners wns
!SH,82I, aud tho increase within the ton years
next merenfterwnsllu.oiH.
nuo mere )s no oxtwniuturo oi tno puuno
funds which the. people, more cheerfully np-
provo than that mado In recognition ot the
services of our soMicrs living nnd dead, the
. .....
sentiment underlying tho subjoct should not,
uuTiirawu iij uiii i iimmiicii.muiiiiij ii.iu i-
ulent practices. Therefore it is fully ns im
portant that tho rolls should bo clesiuseel of
nil those who by fraud have secured a place
tliereon, as that meritorious claims ttTould lw
specially examined nnd adjusted. The re
forms in tho methods of doing tho business ot
tills bureau which havo lately Iwcn inaugur
ated promise better lvsults in both these di-
eiciions. -
THE PATENT OFFICE.
The operations of tho patent ofllco elemon-
strata the activity of the inventive genius of
tho country. For tho year ended Juno 30,
1SS5, tho applications for patents, including
reissues, and for tho registration of trade
marks and labels, numbered ."!S,0H8. During
tho same km1x1 thero were !J,rtiS patents
granted and reissued, nnd 1,439 trndeMiiarks
nnd Ialwls registered. Tho number of pntcnts
issued in tho year 18SU was 14,837. Tho re
ceipts during tho last fiscal year were $1,074,
071.it.", and the total expenditures, not includ
ing contingent expenses, t'i,i.J. n.
There were 1I.7SS applications for patents
pending on July l,ls8(, and5,7MJ on tho samo
date in tho year 1SS.,. Thero has been con-
sidcrame improvement mado in tne prompt
determination of applications, and a conse
quent relief to expectant inventors.
A number of suggestions nnd recommenda
tions nro contained in the report of the com
missioner of patents which are well entitled
to tho consideration of Congress.
THE StOlUION QUESTION.
Iii tho Territory of Utah tho lnw of tho
ITnited States passed for tho suppression of
polygamy has been energetically nnd faith
fully executed diiiiug tho past J-enr, with
measurably good results. A number of con
victions navo oeen secured lor uuiaujiui co
habitation, nud in somo cases pleas of guilty
havo been entered nnd a slight punishment
inqwseJ, uiion n promiso by tho accused that
they would not again offend nguinst tho lnw,
nor advise, counsel, nld, or abet, ill any way,
its violation by others.
Tho Utah commissioners cxprcs.1 tho opin
ion, based upon such information ns they nro
ablo to obtain, that but few polygamous j forinauco of their duties, nud yet insist that
marriages have taken place in the Territory they shall rely, in confidential and Important
during tho last year. They further report places , uiion tho work of thoso not only op
that while thero cannot lw found upon tho i posed to them in political limitation, but so
registration lists of voters the name ot n man stceiied iu partisan prejudice nud rancor that
UI.-IUU1IJ Kuut.? ul lij , iu uwm
ot tho class nro holding office, yet nt tho last
election in tho 'territory nil
tho olilcers elected except in ono
county were men who, though not
actually living in tho practice, of polygamy,
subscribe to tho doctrlno of polygamous mar
riages as a diviuo revelation and a law unto
nil, higher and more binding upon tho con
science than any human law, local or national.
Thus is n strange spoctaclo presented of a
community protected by a llepuhlicau form
of government, to which they owo allegiance,
sustaining by their suffrages a prlncipl-iand n
ueuet which sets nt naugnt mat oniigntion ot
absolute obedience to tlio law of tho laud
w hich lies at the foundation of Republican
institutions.
The strentrth. the perpetuity, nnd tho des
tiny of tho nation rest upon our homes, es-
tauusneei oy tuo law ot uou, guareioa oy
purental care, regulated by parental niithorl
ly, and sanctified by parental love. Those
are not tho homes of jwlj'gauiy. The mothers
of our laud, who rule tlio nation ht they
mold tho characters and guide the actions of
their sons, 111 e necoining to noil's holy ordi
nances, anil each, secure nud happy in the
exclusivo love of tlio father of her children,
sheels tlio warm light of truo womnuhood,
unpervertod nnd undiluted, upon nil with
her pure and w holesome family circle. These
are not tho cheerless, crushed, nud unwoman
ly momers oi polygamy,
The fathers of our families nro the lwst citi
zens of tho republic. Wife and children are
tlio sources of patriotism, and conjugal and
pnrental affection lieget devotion to the coun
try. The man who, undeiiled with plural
mirrlnffe. is surrounded in his slnilu home
with his wife aud children, bus n stakotn the
country which inspires '111111 witn respect for
its laws aud courage fur its defence. Tluso
are not tho fathers of polygamous families.
Thero is no feature ot this practice, or tho
system which sanctions it, w hich is not op
posed 10 an mat is 01 vuiue iu our institutions.
There should lw no relaxation in tlio linn but
just execution of tho law now iu oiierntiou,
nnel I should be glud to approve such further
discreet legislation ns will rid the country of
tins hiot upon its iiur uume. muco tue peopio
upholding polygamy in our Territories ure re-
eniorcesi uy immigration irem otner lauds, 1
recommend that n lnw be passed to preveut
the importation of Mormons into tho country,
AOniCULTUltE.
Tho agricultural interest of the country
demands just recognition and lilieral encour
agement. It sustains with cei tnluty nud tin
failing strength our nation's prosiwrlty by
the product of its steady toil, nnd boars Its
lull share of the burden of taxation without
complulut, Our agriculturists havo but
slight (wrsonal representation iu the councils
ot the untiou, und nre generally con
tent with tho htuubler duties of sKtl
zenshlp and willlug to trust to the bounty of
nature for 11 reward of their labor. But the
magnitude and valuo of this industry is np
preclirteel, when the statement Is mndo that
of our total annual exwrts more than iree
fourthsnm tho products of agriculture, and
of our total population nearly one-half are
exclusively eugage.1 in that occupntlou.
The ileurtmeut of agriculture was created
for the purpose of aeiiulrlug and diffusing
among tlio twoplo useful information respect
ing tho subjects It has III charge, und utdlng
in the cjuso ot intelligent aud progressive
funning, by tho collection of statistics, by
testing tha ulue and usefulness ot now seeds
nnel prints, nnd elUtributing such ns nre
found desirable unioug ngrlculturittr, This
nnd other Jiowers nud duties witli which this
dopartmeut Is invested nre of the utmost lni
wrtance, und if w lsely exercised must lw of
great benefit to the country. The ulm of our
lienelleent government Is tuo Improvement of
tho people iu every station, !Hid tho nmellpra.
tion of their condition. Surely our agricul
turists should not lw neglected. Tho Instru
niontallty established in aid of the farmers of
tlio laud should not only be well oqulpped for
tho accomplishment ot its ujirpose, but those
for whoso benefit it lias iwen niio)Mii
bo encouraged lo avail themselves fully of its
advantages. ,, , ,
Tho prohibition ot tho importation Into
several countries of certain of our nnlmals
und their products, Iwsesl tqWn tho suspicion
that health is endangered lu their use nnel
coiusumptlon, ruggests the lintwrtanco ot
sn h precautions tor the protection "t our
sto k of nil kinds ngninst disease, as w 111 dis
arm suspicion ofdnnger nu-U nuso the remov
al of sii'h nu Injiiiioui prohtliitlon.
It the Inws now in opomliou nro insulllclcnt
to accomplish this protection, I recommend
their nmcudment to moot the no-eslile-i ot the
situation, nud I commend to tho considera
tion of Congress tho suggestfsas contained iu
tlio report of tho commissioner of agriculture
calculated to itrreivso tho voluo aud efilcncy
of this department.
THE CIVIL SEUVICE.
Tho rciiort of tho civil servico commission,
which will bo submitted, contains nn nccount
ot the manner in which tho civil servico law
has !ecn executed during tho lost year, and
much ahtablo iuformatlou on this imimrtant
suliject. . . , ,
I nm Inellneil to think that thero
Is no sentiment more general in tho
mlitdii ot tho peoplo of our country
than n conviction of tho correctness
ot the principle upon which tho lnw enforcing
cil II service refonn is ba-sert. In its present
condltlou tho law regulates only n part of tho
subordinate) public positions throticjiout tho
country. It applies the test of fitness to ap
plicants for theso plnecs by means of a com
petitive examination, nnd gbWs largo discre
tion to tho commissioners us to tho character
of the examination nnd many other matters
connected with its execution. Thus tho rules
and regulations adopted by tho commission
have much to do with tho pin ticnl usefulness
of the statute and with tho' results of its ap
plication. The peoplo may well trust tho commission
to exocute tlio law with perfect fairness and
..111, littln irrit.-llinil lis possible. Dllt of
course no relaxation ot the priuciplo which
underlies it aud no wakening of tho safe
guards which surround it ctiu bo oxpoctoel.
T'xiinriimco iu its administration will proba
bly suggort amendment of tlio methods of ox-
t,(.utOU uut L venture, u iiojw tunc wo
fhaU 'neve,. n emitted to
, aytcm wllicll distributes puq
Ho positions purely ns rewards for
urtLsan servico. Doubts may well bo enter
tained whether our government could sur
vive the strajn of u contiuualico of this sys
tem, whleli upon every change of nu admin
istration insp.res an immense army of claim
ants for of'Iee to lay siege to tho patronage
of government, engrossing tho timo of tho
publioolllecrs with their ii.TlR)rtiiuities,spreail
lug nbroad tho contagion of their
disappointment and filling tills idr with
tho tumult of their discontent.
Tho allurements of nn iunneuso number of
offices nud places, exhibited to tlio voters of
tho laud, nnd the promise of their Iwstowul in
recognition of partisan activity, debauch tho
sulfrago and rob political notion of its
thoughtful ami deliberative character. The
evil would increnso witli tho multiplication
of offices consequent upon our extension,
nnd tho mania for ofticc-holdlng.
growing from its indulgence, would
pervade our population so generally that
Jiatriotic purpose, tho support of principle,
tho desira for tho-pnblie good nud' solici
tude for tho nation's welfare would bo
nearly banished from tho activity of our
party contests nnel cnuso them to ilegenerate
into ignoble, selllsli nnd disgraceful straggles
for the jiossossion of ufiico nud public plnce.
Civil-service reform enforced by law camo
none too soou to check tho progress of demor
alization. Ouo of its elfe-cts, not enough re
garded, is tho freedom it brings to tlio politi
cal action of thoso conservativo and sober
men who, in fear of Tfio confusion aud risk
attending au arbitrary and sudden change in
all the public offieeTS with a change of party
rule, cast their ballots against such a change.
l'lirtie-s seem to be neeossury, and will long
continuo to exist; uoresrtii it bo now eleuied
thut there uro legitimate advantages, not
elisesonuectisl with olllco holding, which follow
party supremacy. Whilo partisanship con
tinues bitter and pronounced, and supplies
so much of tnotivo to sentiment nnd nction,
it is not fair to holiTpubIio olllcinls in
charge of imiwrtnut public trusts, re-
spousiblo for tho lxt results in the per-
they havo no loyalty to their chiefs nnd
no desire for their success. Civil servico
reform does not exact this, nor does it
require that tho-so in subordinate ixisi
tlous who fall In yielding their best service,or
who aro incompetent, should bo retained
simply because they aro in place. Tho whin
ing ot n clerk discharged for lueloleneo or in
competency, who, though ho"gainod his placo
by tho worst possible oiierntiou of tho spoils
system, suddenly discovers that ho is entitled
to protection under the suuetion of civil ser
vico reform, represeute nu idea no loss absurd
than tho clamor of the appliiwit who claims
tlio vacant positiou ns his compensation for
tho most quest iotiable party work.
Tho civil servico law iloes not prevent tho
discharge of tho indolent or iiicomiietent
clerk, but it does prevent supplying his placo
with tho unfit party worker. Thus, in both
theso phases, is seen benefit to tho public ser
vice. And the jieoplo who desire good gov
ernment hiving secured this statute will not
relinquish its benefits without protest. Nor
are they uumiudful ot the fact tliat its full
advantages can only lw gained through tho
complete good faith of those having its exe
cution lu charge. And this they will insist
upon.
T recommend that the salaries of the
civil servico commissioners bo increased
to n sum moro nearly com
mensurate to their important duties.
bUCCESSIOX TO THE PRESIDENCY.
The present condltlou of thcftiw relating to
tho succession to the presidency iu tho event
ot tho deuth, disability, or removal of both
tho President uud Vlco-I'resideut Is such as to
reiuilro immediate ameudnient. Tills sub-
ject has repeatedly been cotujldered by Con
ress. nut no result nos neon renenesii
Tho recent lamentable death of the Vice
President, and vacancies nt tho same
time iu all other ollieos the incumbents of
wljich might Immediately exercise the func
tions of the preddcutial office, lias consent
public nuxiety uud n just demand thnt a re
currence of such u condition of ulfairs should
not bo iermltteel.
In conclusion, I commend to the wlso care
and thoughtful attention" of Congress
tho iiesnls, tho welfare, and tho aspira
tions of an intelligent and gener
ous nation. To subordinate theso to the
narrow advantages ot partisanship, or the
accomplishment of selfish nlnu, is to violate
the people's trust and lietray tho jieoplo's in
terests. But an Individual sense of responsi
bility on the part ot eacli of us, nud a stern
iletermitiatiou to perform our duty well. must
give us placo among those who havo allied in
their elay and generation to tho glory and
prosperity of our beloved lnnil.
IIiioveh Cleveland.
Washington, December S, 1S5.
Dreams nml lte.ility.
The small boy dreams of summer,
When now he drifts to Sluuiborland,
Where he's sttmj by the golden hummer.
And clmsoj all through Cucumb?rlnnd;
And he wnkos while thu bull is llanltlng him,
To liud his father yanking him
Out of bed
By the hair of his head,
And then Iwgln a-pianklng him,
And dancing on htm for not being good,
And chopping, as requestej, kindling wood.
Everyone who has to do with hordes should
know how to detect nud tieut dlsenses which
the tiuiiiiul is snbjoct to. Send 25 cents In
stumps to tho Jf, V, Horo Book Co., Vil
Leonard street, New York city, nnd receive
(postpaid) nn illustrated lUO-pngo book tilled
with valuable information oil this sjbjevt.
THE TREASURY,
First Annual llcport oi' Secretary
31 iiini i ny.
Receipt and Exponilituro3--Silvor
nnel Tariff Questions,
The minimi report of tho secretary of tho
trtnsury embracers fltty-clglit pnges of printed
mitter, nnd Is accompanied by a simx-'oI re
port of Htty-slx pages ou tho collection of
customs duties.
Tho ordinary revenues of tho government
for tho fiscal yenr Wi wero fS23,0'.H),700, anil
tho ordinary exiiouillturcs (including sinking
fund, 9 4.nu-f , K) wero M,830,U70, leaving a
surplus of J17,S.'tl,73,'i. As compared with
the preceding yenr thero wns n decrenso of
$M,b),Hi.1 iu revenuo nnd nn increase of
JIll.lUtyi'.K) in expenditures.
The estimated revenues of the year lssrt are
J315,W)0,(J00, nud the estimated expenditures,
including sinking fund $'..id,750,(KJiJ. For tho
yenrisn, however, tho secretary isslinintes
that there will lw a ileltcit of 34,.0,B51!, tho
revenuo remaining nt Sil.i.WXMKX) and the
cxtieuditures rcnelilng iiSR),bU,a.V. Of this
estimated increnso ol fil',000,(XX) in expendi
tures, $W,lHJO,U0O Is for pensions, $15,1100,000
for the navy, and $ I,U00,(KI0 feir fortifications.
Tho interest bearing debt has been reduced
during tho fiscnl yenr JI0,:SU!I.750, nud now
stanils lit $l,a!0,7;8,1(a. including tho I'ncifio
ltnllrond boniis ($tX,n),aiS). Tho bnlaneo in
tlio treasury of assets over linbilities bus beu
inennsed f&,Su,i:),T(H since Jlnrch 1, lst."i, ot
which J3i),OOD,0OD is silver coin, $10,000,000
gold coin, nnd iti,(XK),IKJU legnl tender uoten.
Klghteen tinges of tho secretary's report are
given to a theoretical nnd histoiicul discus
sion of tho silver question. Tho secretary
argues thnt tho continued coinage of silver
dollnrs by arbitrary purchases of bullion
without reference to the public demand for
such dollnrs must eventually make the
United States a silver lnouo-metnlllc nation,
and put ti3 out ot harmony w itli the commer
cial world, nud tend to defeat international
bi-metalism. Ho opposes the project for
makiug a heavier dollar, slnro thnt would nlso
operate against international bi-metalisin by
enrrying us further nwny from tlio Kuieijran
ratio, nnd becnuso tho ndoptiou of n new
ratio would involvo tho coining of moro dol
lars, whereas wo havo more than enough ul
rendy. Stoppngo of tho coinage, iu tho sec
retary's opinion, is the cll'ectuul and only
remedy for tho evils existing and thivntencil.
On tho subject of reform taxation the
secretary snys:
"Beside tlio reforms which are dcsirablo for
the ell'ectivo administration of any system of
taxation levied through importeel merchan
dise, nnd nro indisiiensnbio tor the adminis
tration of custom inws, which, liko our own,
nre a chaos rather than a system, I enttiro
to hoiw that in eke season it will be the pleas
ure ot Congress to consider somo other 10
forms, tqwii which, ns is lequislte, nil parties
may ngiee and that nro of 11 different scopo.
Liko our currency laws, our tarlll laws nret a
legacy of war. If exigencies excuse their
origin, their defects nro unnecessary after
tw euty years of peace. They liave been re
tained without sitting nnd discrl1ninalit.11, al
though ennctal without legislative delsitc,crit
icisni or oianinntiou. A horizoutnl reduction
of ten ier tent, wns made in 1S73, but wus
repealed In 1S75 nnd rejected in ISM. They
respiiro nt our custom houses tho employment
of n force sufficient toexniuiue, appraise, uud
levy duties uiwii more than 4,1M dilK-rent ar
ticles. Many rates of duty bi-gim in war
have been incrensesl since, nlthuugh the lato
tarlll conuiiisiion dcclnretl tlieni 'injurious to
tW: Interests supposed to bo beuelited,' und
said tl.nt a 'reduction would lie conducive to
tlio gene! nl pi cspcrlty.' They havo been re
tained, although the long era of tailing pi ices,
in the case of siie-cific duties, hns oiKTuted a
largo increase nf rates. They have been re
tainesl nt nn average nil valorem rate Icr tho
last yenr of ei er lorty-slx K'r cent., w hich is
but two and a half per cent, less tl.nn tho
highest rate of the war jK'rioel, nnd is nearly
four per cent, moro than the rato betoie tlio
latest revision. Tlio highest endurable rates
of duty, which wero adopted lsiij-t to fiset
internal taxes upon almost every taxable arti
cle, hn 0 iu most ciues been retniniil now
from fourteen to twenty years alter such In
ternal tax hns len removed. They havo
lieen retained while purely ivveuuo ditties
iikjii articles not competing with nnj thing
produced iu tlio thirty-eight States have been
cliscardiHl. They huve U'cu rctniuetl tqwn
articles ti'cd as matm'nU for our own manu
factures (iu U8I milling 10,110(1,(100 to their
cost) which, if exported, coinjieto iu other
countries nguinst similar ninnuftictiires from
untaxed mnterials. Some rates have lieen re
tained nfter ruining the industries they wero
meant to advantage. Other rates ha e Ueu
retaiueel nfter nllecting u higher price for a
tlei.-.estio pioelttct nt homo tiinn it wns sold
nbroad for. Tho general high level of rates
has been retained on the theory of counter
vailing lower wnges abroad, when, in tact,
tho higher wnges of American labor are at
once the secret nnd the security of our cn
pnelty to distance all competition from 'imu
jier labor' iu any market. All changes havo
left unchanged, or chuigisl for the worse, by
new schemes of classification nnd otherwise,
n complicated, cumbrous, intricate group of
laws w hich nre not cnpublo of lieing adminis
tered with impartiality to all our merchants.
As nothing iu tlio ordinary course of busi
ness Is tnipoitcsl unless tho prico hero of tlio
domestic, ns well as the imjioitel, artieleCls
higher by tho nmount of tho duty nnd tlio
cost of sen-transit tiinn tho price nbroKd, tlio
preference of tho taxpayer for' duties upon
ni tii lcs not produced in tho United States Is
justified by tho fact that such dfitie.s cost lilm
no more than tho treasury of his country
gets. As for duties nll'ecting articles that are
nlso produced in tho United States, tho first
lo be safely discarded aro those, upon mate
rials used by our own manufactures, which
now subject them to a hopeless competition at
homo and abroad, with the manufacturing
nations, none of which tuxcs raw materials.
It Is not to bo doubted that in any reform
which shall finally reccivo tho approval of the
two houses of Congress, they will maturely
consider and favorably regard the Interests
which can only gradually nnd carefully bo
adjusted, without loss, to changes iu tho leg
islative conditions for their ndiaucing pros
jierity. With this viaw, I havo invited iu
some 3,000 circular letters to onr manufac
turers and merchants, their cuilghteuesl co
operation iu tlio improvement o our fiscal
policy, and tho replies received will hereaf
ter lw submitteel to tho coiisidc ration of Con
gress. life-savi.no snnvicE.
Tho usual lwneficent results have attended
tho operat ions of this service during tho year.
Tho uiimlier of stations In commission at the
close of the year wns 2u:t, Tlio number of
dlsnsters to documented vessels reiKivted by
tho district officers to hnve occurred wlthlii
their Held of action Is L'.'il), The number ot
persons ou bnnrd theso vessels was 2,-,'(S,
of whom '.',1ml wero saved nud ten lost.
The vnluo of tho property involved is
estimated at Sl.liui.-IV), of which ),!5J,7('iO
wussaviHlnud 1 1, '-2.il, 0115 lost. The number
of vessels totally lost was lifty-six. There
were Iwsldei US dlsnsters to smaller craft,
such as mllbonts, rowlwuts, etc., on which
wereliil persons, 'Sis of whom were saved
and ouo lost. Tho value of property in vol veil
in theso minor dlsnsters was J'U,035, of which
0,(01 w as saved and $3,103 lost
ruiiLia BUILDINGS.
During tho last year work has been in
progress upon forty-nlno buildings, under tho
direction of tho supervising architect. Con
gress nt its Inst session authorized the erection
of, and made appropriation for, thirty-one
new buildings In various parts of tho coun
try, making, practically eighty new build
ings, ranging In cost of construction
from Sil.ouo to $1,500,000, ujwu which pre
iiarntory or aetlvo work of construction has
Iies.ii prosecuted. Tho total expenditures
during the yrur upon new buildings, includ
ing slfos, aggregate tl,4'tf,70l.l.li;ltor repairs
und preservation of publlo buildings, $175,
OOl.tfJ; for heating npjiaiutus and repairs to
same, elevntots, vuults, safes, locks, storage
of silver dollars, etc., ilW.bUiS.71.