ggggil
v
,-'
55 J
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:4
SECOND PART. "
t
PLENTY OF
President Harrison's Message to the Newly Oon-
; Tencd Congress Covers a Great
Deal of Ground. .
-"
vA VERY PEW RADICAL DEPARTURES
i
'Suggested, Such as Tariff
5
on Liquors and Tobacco, Restric
tion of Trusts, , .
fflSlTOS FOR, ALL"
-
Education for Negroes,
X and Subsidies
chant
lOBEIGN BELATIONS, SILVER AND THE COMING NAVY
Washington, December 3. The fol
lowing is a complete copy of President Har
rison's first annual message, conveniently
' divided Id its subject matter, so as to be
readily read, either in Its most important
sections or as a whole:
To the Benste and Home of Representatives:
There are few transactions in the adminis
tration of the Government that ore even
temporarily held in the confidence of those
charged with the conduct of the public busi
'sess. Every step taken is tinder the obser
vation ol an intelligent and watchful people.
The state of the Union is known from day
to day, and suggestions as to needed legisla
tion find an earlier voice than that which
speaks in these annnal communications of
the President to Congress.
Good-will and cordiality have character
ized oar relations and correspondence with
oUier Governments, and the year Just closed,
leaves few International questions f im
portance remaining unadjusted. No obstacle
: Js believed to exist that can long postpone
. , the consideration and adjustment of the still
'pending questions upon satisfactory and
"honorable terms.
OUK POBEIQN RELATIONS.
The dealings of this Government with
Other States have been, and should always
be, marned by frankness and sincerity, our
purposes avowed, and our methods free from
intrigue. This course has borne rich fruit
"In the past, and it is our duty as a nation to
preserve the heritage of good repute which
a century of right dealing with foreign Gov
ernments has secured to us.
It is a matter of high significance, and no
leu of congratulation, that the first year of
the second century of our constitutional ex
istence finds, as honored guests within our
borders, the representatives of all the inde
pendent States of North and South America
met together in earnest conference touching
the best- methods of perpetuating and ex
panding the relations of mutual interest and
' friendliness existing among them.
That the opportunity thus afforded for
'promoting international relations and the
increased prosperity of the States represent
ed will be used tor the mutual good of all, I
cannot permit myself to doubt. Our people
will await with 'interest and confidence the
results to flow from so auspicious a meeting
of allied and, in large part, identical inter-
ests.
PAX-AMEBICAN PLANS.
The recommendations of this international
conference of enlightened statesmen will
doubtless have the considerate attention of
.Congress, and its co-operation in the re
moval of unnecessary barriers to beneficial
intercourse to nations of America. But
while the commercial results, which it is
.hoped will follow this conference, are
worthy of pursuit and of the great interest
they have excited, it is believed (bat the
crowning benefit will be found in the better
securities which may be devised for the
maintenance of peace among all American
nations, and the settlement ot all conten
tions by methods that civilization can ap
prove. "While viewing with interest our na
tional resources and product, the delegates
- will, J am sure, find a higher satisfaction in
the evidences ot unselfish friendship which
everywhere attend their intercourse with
our people.
Another international conference, hav
ing great possibilities for good, has lately
assembled and is now in session in tbis Capi
tal, An invitation was extended by the
Government, under the act of Congress of
July 9, 1888, to all maritime nations toTsend
delegates to confer touching the revision
ntfd amendment of the rales and regulations
governing vessels at sea and to adopt a uni
j lorm system of marine signals. The re-
- spouse to this invitation has been very t
very gen-
etal and very cordial.
TWO INTEENATIONAL CONFEEENCES.
Delegates from 26 nations are present
in the conference, and they have en
tered upon their useful work with great .teal,
&nd with nn evident appreciation of its im-
vportance. So far as the agreement to be
readied may require legislation to give it
effect, the co-operation of Congress is confi
dently relied npon. It is an interesting, if
not, indeed, an unprecedented fact that the
two international conferences have brought
together here the accredited representatives
of 33 nations.
Bolivia, Ecuador and Honduras are now
itpretwited by resident envoys of the pleni-
poteoMrr grade. Ail the States of the
lA'meriean system now maintain diplomatic
repascntation at this capital. In tbis con-
"oection it may be noted that all the nations
of the "Western Hemisphere, with one ex
ception, send to "Washington envoys extra
ordinary and Ministers plenipotentiary, be
ing the highest grade accredited to this
Government, The United States, on the
contrary, sends envoys of the lower grade to
tome ot our sister Republics. Our repre
sentative Jn Paraguay and Uruguay is a
Minister resident, while tojtolivia we send
a Minister resident and Consul General.
A HIGHER OIHCE SEEDED.
In view of the importance of our relations
.with the States of the American system, our
diplomatic agents in those countries shnnJdJ
fHE PITTSBURG
POINTERS.
Reform, Abolition of Tax
DEPENDENT YETERMS,
a lull and Free Ballot,
for the Mer
Marine.
be of the uniform rank of Envoy Extra
ordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary.
Certain missions were so elevated by the
last Congress with happy effect. I recom
mend the completion of the reform thus be
gun with the inclusion also of Hawaii and
Hayti, in view of their relations to the
American system of States.
I also recommend that timely provision be
made for extending to Hawaiian invitation
to be represented to the International Con
ference now sitting at this capital.
Our Chinese relations should have the at
tentive consideration which their magnitude
and interest demand. The failure of the
treaty negotiations under the administration
of my predecessor, for the further and more
complete restriction of Chinese immigra
tion, and with it the legislation of the last
session of Congress dependent thereon, leave
some questions open which Congress shonld
now approach in that wise and just spirit
which should characterize the relations of
two great and friendly powers,
THE CHINESE QUESTION.
- "While our supreme-interests demand the
exclusion of a laboring element which ex.
perience has shown to be incompatible with
our social life, all steps to compass this im
perative need should be accompanied with a
recognition of the claim of those strangers
now lawfully among us to humane and Just
treatment.
The accession of the young Emperor of
China marks, we may hope, an era of pro
gress and prosperity for the great country
over which he is called to rule.
THE SAM0AN TROUBLE.
AN ENCOURAGING UTATE OP AFFAIRS
AT PRESENT.
Tue Fisheries Dispute With the Dominion
GoTernment An Enlargement at Ike
Extradltnblo OtTtate Recom
mended Oilier Forelcn
Negotiations.
The present state of affairs in respect tq
the Samoan Islands is encouraging. The
conference which was held in this city in
the summer of 1887 when the representa
tives of the United States, Germany and
Great Britain having been adjourned be
cause of the persistent divergence of views,
which was developed in its deliberations,
the subsequent course of events in the Is
lands gave rise to questions of a serious
character.
On the 4th pf February last, the German
Minister at this Capital, in behalf of his
Government, proposed a resumption of the
conference atBerlin. This proposition was
accepted, as Congress.in February last, was
informed.
Pursuant to the understanding thus
reached, commissioners were appointed by
me, by and with the advice and consent of
the Senate, who proceeded to Berlin, where
the conference was renewed. Tne delibera
tions extended through several weeks, an 4
resulted in the conclusion of a treaty which
will be submitted to the Senate for its ap
proval, I trust that the efforts which have
been made to effect an adjustment of this
question will beproductivepf the permanent
establishment of Ian- and order in Samoa
upon the basis of the maintenance of the
rights and interests of the natives as well as
of the treaty Powers. n
OUB BELATIONS "WITH ENGLAND.
The questions which have arisen during
the past few years between Great Britain
and the United States are in abeyance or in
course of amicable adjustment. On the
part of the Government of the Dominion of
Canada an effort has been apparent dnring
tbe season just ended to administer the laws
and regulations applicable to tbe fisheries
with a; little occasion for friction as was
possible, and tbe temperate representations
of this Government in respect of cases of
undue hardship or of harsh interpretations'
have in most cases met with measures of
transitory reiier. it is trusted tbat tbe at
tainment of our just rights under existing
treaties and in virtue of the concurrent
legislation of the two contiguous countries
will not be long deterred ana tuat all exist
ing causes of difference may bs equitably
adjusted.
I recommend that provision be made by
an international agreement for visiblv
marking the water boundary between the
United States' and Canada in the narrow
channels that join the great lakes. The con
ventional line therein traced by the north
western boundary survey years ago', is not
in all cases readily ascertainable for the set
tlement of jurisdictional questions,
BBOADEB EXTBADITLON LAWS.
A just and acceptable enlargement of the
list of offenses for which extradition may be
claimed and granted is most desirable be
tween this country and Great Britain. Tbe
territory of neither should become a secure
harbor tor the evil-doers of the other through
any avoidable Bhort-coming in this regard.
A new treaty on this subject between tbe two
powers has been recently negotiated and will
soon be laid before the Senate,
The importance of tbe commerce of Cuba
and Porto .Rico with the Upited States, their
nearest and principal market, justifies the
expectation tbat the existing relations may
be beneficially expanded. The impediments
resulting from varying dues on navigation,
and" Irpm the vexatious treatment of our
vessels, on merely technical grounds of com-
PITTSBURG,
plaint, la "West India porls, should be re
moved. The progress toward aa adjustment of
pending claims between the United States
and Spain is not as rapid as should be de
sired. Questions affecting American inter
ests in connection with railways constructed
and operated by our citizens in Peru have
claimed the attention of this Government.
AMEBICANS IK TBOUBLE.
It is urged that other Governments, in
pressing Peru to the payment of their
claims, have disregarded the property rights
of American citizens. The matter will ba
carefully investigated, with a view to secur
ing a-proper and equitable adjustment.
A similar issue is now pending with
Portugal. The Delagoa Bay Bailrcayin
Africa was constructed under a concession
by Portugal to an American citizen. "When
nearly completed the road was seized by the
agents of the Portuguese Government.
Formal protests have been made through
our Minister at Lisbon against this act, and
no proper effort will be spared tq secure
proper relief.
THE NICARAGUA CANAL.
AI.Ii COMPLICATIONS IN THE MATTER
ADJUSTED.
The Good Feeling Existing; Between This
Country and France Tho Interna
tionnl Congress for tbO
Suppression of the
SInve Trade,
In pursuance of the charter granted by
Congress and under the terms of its contract
with the Government of Nicaragua, the
Inter-Oceanio Canal Company has begun
the construction of the important "water-way
between the ooeans, which its organization
contemplates. Grave complications for a
time seemed imminent, in view of a sup
posed conflict of jurisdiction between Nic
aragua and Costa Rica in regard to the ac
cessory privileges to be conceded by the
latter Bepublic toward the construction of
works ou the San Juan river, of which the
right bank is Costa Biean territory.
I am happy to learn that a friendly ar
rangement has been effected between the
two nations. This Government has held
itself ready to promote, in every proper
way, the adjustment of all questions that
might present obstacles to the completion of
a work of such transcendent Importance to
thecommerce of this countrv, and. Indeed,
to the commercial interests of" the world.
AMERICA AND FRANQE.
The traditional good feeling between this
country and the French Bepublic has re
ceived additional testimony in the partici
pation of our Government and people in tbe
International Exposition held at Paris dur
ing the past summer. The success of our
exhibitors has been gratifying, Tbe report
of the Commission will be laid before Con
gress in due season.
This Government has accepted, under
proper reserve as to its policy in foreign ter
ritories, tbe Invitation of the Government of
Belgium to take part in an international
congress, which opened at Brussels on the
10th of November, for the purpose of devis
ing measures to promote the abolition of
slave trade in Africa and to prevent tbe
shipment of slaves by sea. Our interest In
the extinction ot this crime against human
ity in the regions where it still survives has
been increased by the results of emancipa
tion within our own borders.
With Germany the most cordial relations
continue. The questions arising from the
return to the empire of Germans natural
ized in this country are considered and dis
posed of in a temperate spirit, to the entire
-satisfaction of both Governments.
IUTO ALT. BIGHT,
It is a source of great satisfaction that
the internal disturbances of the Bepublio
of Hayti are at last happily ended, and that
an apparently stable government has been
constituted. It has been duly recognized
by tbe Upited States.
A mixed commission is now in session in
tbis capital for tbe settlement of long
standing claims against the Bepublio of
Venezuela, and it is hoped that a satisfac
tory conclusion will be speedily reached.
This Government has not hesitated to ex
press its earnest desire tbat the boundary
dispute now pending between Great Britain
and Venezuela may be adjusted amicably
and in strict accordance with tbe historic
uue oi me parlies.
The advancement of the Empire of Japan'
has been evidenced by the recent promul
gation of a new constitution, containing
valuable guaranties of liberty and provid
ing for a responsible ministry to conduct
the Government It is earnestly recom
mended that our judicial rights and pro
cesses in Corea be established on a firm
basis, by providing (he machinery neces
sary to carry out treaty stipulations in that
regaru.
the 'oriental poweps,
The friendliness of the Persian Govern
ment continues to ba shown by it? generous
treatment of Americans engaged in mission
ary labors, and by the cordial disposition of
the Shah to encourage the enterprise of our
citizens in tbe development of Persian re
sources. A discussion is in progress touch
ing tbe jurisdictional treaty rights of the
United States in Turkey. An earnest efT
fort will be made to define those rights to
the satisfaction of both Governments.
Questions continue to arise in our rela
tions with several countries in respect to the
rights ot naturalized citizens. Especially
is tbis the, ease with France, Italy, Bussia
and Turkey, and to a Jess extent jfjth Swit,
zerland. Prom time to time earnest efforts
have been cade (o regulate (his subject by
conventions win tnose countries. An im
proper use of naturalization should not be
permitted, but it is most important tbat
those who have been dnly naturalized should
everywhere be accorded recognition of the
rights pertaining to the citizenship of the
country -of tbeir adoption. The appropri
ateness of special conventions for tbat pur.
pose is recognized in treaties which this
Government has concluded with a number
of European States, and it is advisable that
the difficulties which now arise ip oqr rela
tions with other countries on the same sub
ject should be similarly adjusted.
THE NEW EEPOBLIC.
The recent revolution in Brazil in favor
of the establishment of a Republican form
of government is an event ot great interest
to the United States. Our Nlnister at Bio
de Janeiro was at once instructed to main
tain friendly diplomatic relations with the
provisional government, and the Brazilian
representatives at this -capital were in
structed by the provisional government to
continue their functions; Our friendly in.
tercourse withiBrazil has, therefore, suffered
no interruption.
uur .Minister nas pcen mrtner instructed
to extend on thepart of tbis Government a
formal and cordial recognition of the new
Bepublic so soon as the majority of the peo
ple of Brazil shall have signified their as
sent to its establishment and maintenance.
- WITHIN OUR GATES.
TEACE AND PKOSPEUITY REIGN UPON
EVERY SIDE.
The Condition of the National Treninrr
acc(lona at to tbe Snrplas Prob
lem Nfl.no of tbe rnblle
Money to bo Loaned
to Banks,
"Within our own borders a general condi
tion of prosperity prevails. The harvests
of the last summer -were exceptionally
abundant, and the trade conditions now pre
vailing seem to promise a successful season
to the merchant and tbe manufacturer, and
general employment to our working people.
The report of the Secretary of the Treas
ury for the fiscal year ending June 30, IB89,
has hfcen prepared, and trill be presented to
Congress. It presents 'with clearness the
"WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1889.
fiscal operations of tha Government, and I
avail myself of it to obtain some facts for
use here.
The aggregats TeceipU from all sources
for the vear were $387,050,068 84, derived as
follows: From customs; $223,832,74169;
from Internal revenue, $130,881,813 93; from
miscellaneous sources, $32,833,803 23. Tna
ordinarv expenditures lor the same period
were $281,996 .615 60, and the total expendit
ures, including the sinking fund, wera
$329,579,929" 25.
SIZE Or THE STJBPItTS.
The excess of receipts over expenditures
was, after providing for the sinking fund,
$57,470,129 69, l?or the current fiscal year
the total revenues, actual and estimated, are
$385,000,000 and. the ordinary expenditures,
actual and estimatedrnre $29.5,000,000, mak
ing, with the sinking fund, a total expendi
ture of $341,321,116 99. leaving an estimated
surplus of $43,678,883 01.
During the hscai year there was appnea
to the purchase of bonds, in addition to
those for the sinking fund, $90,456,172 33,
and during the first quarter of the current
year the sum of $37,838,037 77, all of which
were credited to tho sinking fund. Tha
revenues for the fiscal year ending June 30,
1891, are estimated by the Treasury Depart
ment at $385,000,000, and tbe expeditures
forthe same period, including the sinking
fund, at $341,f30.477 70, This show3 an es
timated surplis for tbat vear of $13,569,
622 30, which,1 is more likely to be inoreased
than reduced when the actual transactions
are written up.
SOMETHING SHOULD BE BONE.
The existence of so large an actual and
anticipated surplus should have the Im
mediate attention of Congress, with a view
to reducing tpa receipts of tha Treasury to
tha needs of the Government as closely as
maybe. The jwllection of moneys not needed
for public uses imposes an uunecesiary bur
den upon ouf people, and the presence of so
large a surplus in the publio vaults is a dis
turbing element in the conduct of private
business.
It has called into use expedients for put
ting it into circulation of veryquestionable
propriety. "We should not collect revenue
for the purpose, of anticipating our bonds,
beyond the requirements of the sinking
fund, but any unappropriated surplus in the
Treasury should be so used, as there is no
other lawful way of returning the money to
circulation, and the profit realized by the
Government offers a substantial advantage.
A DANGEROUS EXPEDIENT.
The loaning of public funds to the banks
without interest UDOn the securitv of Gov
ernment bopds, I regard as an unauthorized
and dangerius expedient. It results in a
temporary ind unnatural increase of the
banking cajiital of favored localities, and
compels a cautious and gradual recall of the
deposits to kvoid injury to the commercial
interests, it is not to be expected that the
banks having tbeir deposits will sell their
bonds to the Treasury so long as the present
highly beneficial arrangement is continued.
They now practically get interest both upon
tbe bonds tnd their proceeds.
No further use should, ba made or this
method of get ting the surplus into circula
tion, and the deposits now outstanding
should bepradually withdrawn and applied
to the purchase of bonds. It is fortunate
that such i use can be made of the existing
surplus, tnd for some timo to coma of any
casual su: plus that may exist alter Congress
has taken the necessary steps for a reduction
of the rev mue. Suoh legislation should be
promptly but very considerately, enacted.
VIEWS 0NJTHE TARIFF.
INEQrAITTIES OF THE I.AW SHOULD
BE ADJUSTED.
All XieeUt itlon Upon tbe Subject Should ba
In tbe Lino of Projection Tbe
Ttx Upon Tobacco and
Spirit Sbonld be
' AbolUhtd.
I recommend a revision of our tariff law,
both in its administrative features and in the
schedules Tbe need of the former is gener
ally conceded, and an agreement upon tbe
evils and; inconveniences to be remedied and
the best methods for their correction will
probably be difficult. Uniformity of valua
tion at all our ports is essential, and effec
tive measures should ba taken to secure it.
It is equally desirable tbatquestioQgaffeatipg
rates and classifications should be promptly
decided.
The preparation of a new schedule of
customs duties is a matter of great delicacy,
because of its direct effect upon the business
of the country, and of great difficulty by
reason of the wide divergence of opinion
as to tha objects that may properly be pro
moted by such legislation,
PROMPT ACTION NEEDED.
Soma disturbances of business may per
haps 'result irom the consideration of this
subject by Congress, but this temporary ill
effect will be reduced to the minimum by
prompt aotion, and by the assurance which
the country already enjoys that any neces
sary changes will be so made as not to im
pair the just and reasonable protection of
our hope industries, The inequalities of
the law should be adjusted, but tbe protect
ive principle should be maintained and
fairly applied to tho products of our farms
as weJl as of our sKops.
Those dpties necessarily have relations to
other things besides the publio revenues.
"We cannot limit their effects by fixing our
eyes on the public treasury alone. They
haye a direct relation to home production,
work and wages, and the commercial inde
pendence of our country, and the wise and
patriotic legislator should enlarge the field
of his vision to include all of these.
EXTEND THE FREE LIST.
The necessary reduction in our public
revenues can, 1 am sure, be made without
making the smaller burden more onerous
than the larger by reason pr the disabilities
and limitations which the process of reduc
tion puts upon both capital and labor. The
free list can very safely be extended by
placine thereon articles that do not offer in
jurious competition to such domestic pro
ducts as our home labor can supply.
The removal of the internal tax upon to
bacco would relieve an important agricul
tural product from a burden which was im
posed only because our revenue from
customs duties was insufficient for tbe pub
lic needs. If safe provision against fraud
can be devised the removal of tha tax upon
spirits used in the arts and in manufactures
would also offer an unobjectionable method
of reducing the surplns.
financIalTffairs.
SILVER COINAGE UEVEIVES A SPARE
OP ATTENTION.
Souio Safe Legislation Fpon- tbe BnrJect
Necessary Thp Amount of Bloner
Now in Circulation A Farther
Ceminunlcntlon on Tbs
OIntter Probable. '
A table presented by tbe Secretary of the
Treasury, showing the amount of money of
all kinds In circulation each year from 1873
to the present time is of interest. It ap
pears that the amount of national bank
note? in circulation has decreased during
that period $114,109,729, of which $37,799,229
is chargeable to the last year, Tbe with
drawal of bank circulation will necessarily
continue under existing conditions.
It is probable tbat the adoption of the
suggestions made by the Controller of tbe
Currency, viz: That the minimum deposit
of bonds ior tbe establishments banks be
reduced, and that an issue of notes to the
par value of the bonds be allowed, would
help to maintain tbe bank circulation.
But, while this withdrawal of bank notes
has been going on, there has been a large in
ertfse ia the amount of gala and silver coin
DISPATCH'
In oirculatlon and in the issues of gold and
silver certificates.
INCREASE 07 CIRCULATION.
" Tha totafamount of money of all kinds in
circulation March 1, 1878,'was $805,793,807,
while on October 1, 1889, the total was
$1,405,018,000. There was an increase of
8293,417,653 in gold coin, of $37,654,100 in
standard silver dollars, of $72,311,249 in
gold certificates, of $276,619,710 in silver
certificates, and of $14,073,787 in United
States notes, making a total of $713,970,403.
There was during the saraa period a de
crease of $114,109,729 in bank circulation,
and of $642,481 in subsidiary silver. The
net increaso was $599,224,193. Tha circula
tion per capita hrts increased about $3 dur
ing the time covered by the table re
ferred to.
The total coinage of silver dollars was
on November 1, 1889, $343,638001, of which
$283,639,621 Were in the Treasury vaults and
$60,098,480 were in circulation. Of the
amount in the vaults, $277,319,944 were rep
resented by outstanding silver certificates,
$6,219,577 not in circulation and not repre
sented by certificates.
THE SILVER PROBLEM.
Tbe law requiring the purchV' by the
Treasury of $2,000,000 worth of silver bullion
each month to be coined into silver dollars
of 412K grains, has been observed by the de
partment, but neither tho present Secretary
nor any of his predecessors has deemed it
safe to exeroise the discretion given by law
to increase the monthly purchases to $4,
000,000. "Wnea the law was enacted ("Febru
ary 28, 1878,) the price of silver In tha
market was $1 20 4-10 per ounce, making
the bullion value of the dollars 93 cents.
Since that time the price has fallen as low
as 91.2 cents per ounce, redncing tha bullion
valueot the dollar to 70.6 cents. Within the
last few months the market price has some
what advanced, and on the first day of No
vember last (he bullion value of the silver
dollar was 72 cents.
The evil anticipations which have accom
panied the coinage and use of the silver dol
lar have not been realized. As a coin it has
not had general use, and tbe publio Treas
ury has been compelled to store it. But this
is manifestly owing to tbe fact that its pa
per representative is more convenient The
general acceptance and use of the silver cer
tificate shows that silver has not been other
wise discredited. Some favorable conditions
have contributed to maintain this practical
equality in their commercial use between
the gold and silver dollars, but some of
these are trade conditions that statutory en
actments do not control, and of tha continu
ance of which we cannot be certain.
PEAKS FOB THE BTJTDEB.
I think it is clear that if wo should make
the coinage of silver at the present ratio
free, we must expect that the difference in
tbe bullion values of the gold and silver
dollars will ba taken account of in commer
cial transactions, and I fear the same result
would follow any considerable increase of
the present rate of coinage. Such a result
would be discreditable to our financial man
agement and disastrous to all business inter-,
ests. "We should not tread the dangerous
edge of such a peril. And, Indeed, nothing
more harmful could happen to the silver in
terests. Any safe legislation upon this sub
ject must secura tbe equality oi the two
coins jn their commercial uses,
"I hava always been an advocate of the use
of silver in our currency. "Wt are large
producers of that metal, and should pot dis
credit it. To the plan which will be pre
sented by tha Secretary of tha Treasury for
the issuance of notes or certificates upon the
deposit of silver bullion at its market value.
I have been able to give only a hasty ex
amination, owing to the press ol other mat
ters and to tho fact that it has been so re
cently formulated. The details of such a
law.require careful consideration, but the
general, plan suggested by him -seems to
satisfy the purpose to continue the use of
silver in connection with our currency, and
at tha same time avoid the danger
of which I have spoken. At a later day 1
may communicate further with Congress
upon this subject.
A DIFFICULT TASK.
TBE CHINESE CONTINUE TO CROSS
THE BOR.DEB,
Homo Now Uenre W1 Have tobo Adopt
ed if Tber Are to bo Entirely Ex
cluded NoceIIT of Coast
Defenses River nnd
Harbor, Etc.
The enforcement of the Chinese exclusion
act has been found to bs very difficult on
the Northwestern frontier. Chinamen land
ing at Victoria find it easy to pass our bor
der, owing to tbe impossibility, with tbe
force at the command of the custom officers,
of guarding so long an inland line. The
Secretary of the Treasury has authorized the
appointment of additional officers, who will
be assigned to tbis duty, and every effort
will be made to enforce the law,
Tbe Dominion exacts a head tax of $50 for
each Chinaman, and when these persons, in
fraud of ouy law, cross Jnto our territory
and are apprehended, opr officers do pot
know what to do with them, as the Domin
ion authorities will not suffer them to be
sent back without a second payment of a tax,
An effort will be made to reach an under
standing that will remove this difficulty.
TO PROTECT THE SEAL.
The proclamation required by section 3 of
the act of March 2, 1889, relating to the
killing of seals and other fur-bearing ani
mals, was issued by me on the 21st day of
March, and a revenue vessel was dispatched
to enforce the laws and protect the interest
of the United States. The establishment of
a refuge station at Point Barrow, as di
rected by Congress, was successfuIlytaccom
plished. Judged by modern standards, we are
practically without coast defenses. Many
of the structures we haye would ephance
rather than diminish the perils of their
garrisons if subjected to the fire of im
proved guns; and yery few ars so located as
to give lul effect to the greater range ol
such gnno as we are now making for coast
defense uses. This general subject has had
consideration in Uongress ior some years,
and the appropriation for the construction
of large rifled guns, made one yearagp, was,
I am sure, the expression of a purpose to
provide suitable worku Inf which these guns
mi?ht be mounted. An appropriation now
made for that purpose would uot ad
vance tha completion of tbe .works
beyond our ability to supply tbem, wi(h
.fairly effective gpqs, Thp security of our
'coast cities 'against foreign attack should
cot rest altogether in the friendly disposi
tion of other nations. There shpujd be a
second line wholly ip our own keepjng.I very
urgently recommend an appropriation at
this sessiqn lor the constructipn of such
works in our most exposed harbors.
THE NATIONAL OUAED.
I approve the snsgestion of the Secretary
of War that provision be made for encamp
ing powpanies of the National gpard in our
coast works for a specified time each year
and for their traipipg in tbe use of heavy
guns. His .suggestion that an increase of
the artillery force of the army is desirable
is also in this connection commended to the
consideration ol Congress.
Tbe Improvement of our important rivers
and harbors should be prompted by tbe
necessary appropriations. Care should ba
taken that the Government is not committed
to the prosecution of works not of a publio
and general advantage sod that the relative
usefulness oi works of that class is not over
looked. So far as this work can ever be said
to be completed, I do pot doubt tout the end
would be sooner and more economically
reached if fewer separata works were under
taken at the same time, and those selected
for their greater geoewl interest were mora
rapidly pushed to completion,
A work once considerably begun should
npt be subjected to the risks and deteriora
tion which interrupted orinsufiicient appro
priations Beceswrily occasion
tfSj
THE TERRYJNCIDENT
SHOWS THE NECESSITY FOR JUBI.
CIAL PROTECTION.
Tbe InilnridaUim of Wltnenies la tha id
rat Courts SfcosU be Stopped-Moro
Speedy Methods Needed
In the Snpreiao
Court,
The assault made by David S, Terry upon
the person of Justice Field, of the Supreme
Court of tha United States, in Lathrop,
Cal., in August lost, and tha kilting of tha
assailant by a Deputy United States Mar
shal who had been deputed to accompany
Justice Field and to protect him from an
ticipated violence at tha hands of Terry,
in connection with the legal proceedings
which have followed, suggest questions
which, in my judgment, are worthy the at
tention of Congress.
I recommend that more definite provision
be made by law, not only for the protection
of Federal officers, but for a full trial of
such eases In tha United States Courts. Iu
recommending such legislation I do not at
all impeach either the general adequacy of
the provision made by the State laws forthe
protection of all citizens or the general good
disposition of those charred with the execu
tion of such laws to cive protection to the
officers of the United'States.
MOBE PEOTECTION NEEDED.
The duty of protecting its officers, as such,
and punishing those who assault them on
account of their official acts should not be
developed expresslv or by acquiescence)
upon the local authorities. Events.Vhich
have been brought to my attention happen
ing in other parts of the country, have also
suggested tha propriety of extending, by
legislation, fuller protection to those who
may ba called as witnesses in tha courts of
tbe United States.
The law compels those who are supposed
to have knowledge of publio offenses to at
tend upon courts and grand juries, and to
give evidence. There is a manifest resulting
duty that these witnesses shall be protected
irom injury on account of tbeir testimony.
Tbe investigations of criminal offenses aia
often rendered futile, and the punishment of
crime Impossible, by tha intimidation of
witnesses.
THE SUPREME COURT,
The necessity of providing some more
speedy method for disposing of tha cases
wbioh now come for final adjudication to the
Supreme Court becomes every year more ap
parent and urgent. The plan of providing
some intermediate courts, having final ap
pellate jurisdiction of certain classes of ques
tions and cases, has, I think, received a more
ceneral approval from the Bench and bar of
tbe country than any other. "Without at
tempting to discuss details, I recommend
that provision be made for the establish
ment of such courts.
Tha salaries of the Jndgesof the District
Courts in many of the districts are, in my
judgment, inadequate. I recommend that
all such salaries now below $3,000 per an
num be increased to that amount. It is
quite true that the amount of labor per
formed by these Judges is very unequal;
bu,t as they cannot properly engage in other
pursuits to supplement their incomes, the
salary should be such in all cases as to
provide an independent and comfortable
support.
TO RESTRAJNTRUSTS,
THEY ARE A SDBJCUT FOR FEDERAL
LEGISLATION.
An International Copyright tnyr Beeom-
- unndr'd-VKrvUloti of tbe Naturally
lotion Apt--Hil3MtIoni m
to Neeosnrr Pontnl
Improvement!.
Earnest attention should be given by
Congress to a consideration of the question
how fur the restraint of those combinations
of capital commonly called "trusts" is,
matter of Federal jurisdiction. When or
ganized, as they often are, to crushjont all
healthy competition and to monopolize the
production or sale of an article of comjnerce
and general necessity, they are dangerous,
conspiracies against the public good, and
should be made the subject of prohibitory
and even penal legislation.
The subject of an international copyright
has been frequently commended to the atten
tion of Congress by- my predecessors. The
enactment of such a law would beeminently
wise and just. ,
IN NEED OP REVISION.
Our naturalization laws should be so re
vised as- to make inquiry into the moral
character and good disposition toward our
gpvernnjent-of the persons applylpg for citi
zenship more thorough. This oanpnlybedone
by takipg fuller control of the examination,
by fixing the time for hearipg such applica
tions, and by requiring tbe presence of some
one who shall represent the Government iq
the inquiry. Those who are the avowed en
emies of social order, or who can come tq
our shores to use injurious influence that de
fies our laws, should not only be denied citi
zenship, but a domicile,
The enactment of a national bankrupt
law of a character to be a, permanent part of
our general legislation is desirable. It
should be simple in its methods and inex
pensive in its administration.
The report of the Postmaster General not
only exhibits the operations of the depart
ment for tbe last fiscal year, but contains
many valuable suggestions for the Improve
ment and extension of tbe service, wbioh
are commended to your attention. No other
branch of tbe Government has so close a,
contact with the daily life of the people.
AJmos everyone uses the service it offers
and every hour gained in the transmission
of the great commercial mails has an actual
and possible value that only those engaged
in tr4de can unaerstanu.
PAST MAIL PEBVIfJB.
The saving of one day in the transmission
of the mails betweeu New York apd San
Francisco, which has recently been accom
plished, is an incident worthy of mention.
The plan suggested of a supervision of the
postofficcs in separate districts that shall in
volve instruction and suggestion, and a
rating of the efficiency of the postmasters,
would, I have no doubt, greatly improve the
service.
A pressing necessity exists for the erection-Pf
a building for the joint use of the
department ana oi tue oity-postoince. xne
department was partially relieved by rent
ing outside quarters for a part of its force,
but it is again overcrowded. The building
used by the city office never was fit for the
purpose, and is now inadequate and un
wholesome. The unsatisfactory condition of the law
relating to tbe transmission through the
mails of lottery advertisements and remit
tances is clearly stated by tbe Postmaster
General, and his suggestion as to amend
ments should have your favorable consider
ation. NEW' MENOF WAR,
SIXTEEN aiORE NAVAL ESTRQXPRS
BECQJIJIENDBD.
Tbo Dobbin's Pproflf of the ClaloM pf
Her Critics Too blow nn Increaso
, la Protection Upon tbe 6eai
Lessons of tha Samoan
Disaster,
The report of the Secretary of the Navy
shows n reorganization of the bureaus of
that department that will, I ,do not doubt,
promote the efficiency of each.
Ip general, satisfactory progress. has been
made ip the construction of the new ships of
wr authorized by Congress. The first ves
sel of the new navy, the Dolphin, was sub
jected to very severe trial tastr, asd to very
ssBc'h adverse oritkisa. -Sat it gratify-
jfPGES9T0lM,j
ingtobeablato state that s cruise around the
world, from which she has recently returned,
tins demonstrated that she is It first-class
vessel of her rate.
The report of the Secretary shows that,
while the effective force of the navy is
rapidly Increasmgbyreaion of the improved
build and armament of the new ships, the
number of our ships fit for sa duty grows
Very slowly. "We had on March 4 last 37
serviceable ships, and though 4 have since
been added to the list the total has not been
increased, because in the meantime 4 have
been lost or condemned. Thirty-six addi
tional vessels have been authorized and ap
propriated for; but It is probable that when
they are completed our list will only be in
creased to 42, a gain of 5. The old wooden
sbips are disappearing almost as fast as
the new vessels are added. These facts
carry their own argument. One of
the hew ships may, in fighting strength,
be equal to two of tha old, but it cannot do
the cruising duty of two. It is important,
therefore, that we should have a more rapid
increase in the number of serviceable ships.
I concur in the recommendation of the Secretary-
that the construction of 8 armored
ships, 3 gunboats and 6 torpedo boats be au
thorized. An appalling calaraity'bafell three of our -naval
vessels on duty at the Samoan Islands,
in tbe harbor of Apia, in March last, In
volving the lass of 4 officers and 47 seamen,
of two vessels. thoTrentonandtbeVandaiia,
ana tne disabling ot atoirj, the Nipsic.
Three vessels of the German navy, also in
tbe harbor, shared with our ships the farce
of the hurricane and suffered even more
heavily. "While mourning the brave officers
and men who died facing with high resolve
perils greater than those of battle, it is most
gratifying to state that tbe credit of tbe
American navy for seamanship, courage and
generosity was magnificently sustained in
the storm-beaten harbor of Apia.
TO ELEVATETHE INDIAN.
A COMPLETE PROGRAMME FOR RE.
FORM OF OLD AND YOUNG.
Substantial Froartu With Papoose Indi
vidual Treatment Belter Than Tribal
ITnele 8am n a missionary
Lo, and tbe AeqaUUloa
of m Lands.
The report of the Secretary of the Interior
exhibits tbe transactions of the Government
with the Indian tribes. Substantial prog
ress has been made in the education of the
children of school age and in the allotment
of lands to adult Indians. It is to be regret
ted that tbe policy of breaking'up the tribal
relation and of dealing with the Indian as
an individual did not appear earlier in our
legislation. Large reservation?,, held in
common, and the maintenance of the author
ity of the chiefs and head men, have de
prived the individual of every incentive to
the exeroise of thtllt, and the annuity has
contributed an affirmative Impulse toward a
state gfconfirmed pauperism.
Our treaty stipulations should be observed
with fidelity, and our legislation should be
highly considerate of the best interests of
(-an ignorant and helpless people. The reser
vations are now generally surrounded by
white settlements, we eau na longer push
the Indjaa back into the wilderness, and it
remains only, by every suitable agency, to
push him upward-into the estate of a self
supporting and responsible citizen. Forthe
adult, tbe first step is to locate him upon a
farm, and for the child, to pjaue him in a
school. School attendance should be pro
moted by every moral agency, and those
failing, should he compelled.
MORE 1NDIAX SCHOOLS.
The national sphopjs for Indians have
been very successful, and should be multi-
Slied, and, as rapidly as they can be rep
ered responsible, should be so organized
and conducted as to faciliate tbe transfer of
tbe schools to the States and Territories Jn
which they are located (when the Indians
in a neighborhood haye accepted citizenship,
and have become otherwise fitted for such
a transfer). This condition of things will
be attained slowly; but it will be hastened
by keeping It jn mind. And in, tbe mean
time, that co-operation between the Govern
ment and the niissjoa schools, which has
wrought much good, should be cordially
and impartially maintained.
The last Congress enacted two distinct
laws relating to negotiations with the Sioux
Indians of Dakota for a relinquishment of a
portion of their lands to the United States,
and for dividing the remainder ipto separ
ate reservations. Both were approved on
the same day March 2, The one submitted
to the Indian, 3 a specific proposition! the
other (section S of tbe Indian Appropriation
act) authorized the President to appoint
three commissioners to negotiate with these
Indians fpr (he accomplishment of the same
general purpose, and required that any
agreements made should be submitted to
Congress for ratification,
EMINENT rNTERHEDIABIES.
On April 16 last. I appointed Hon.
Charles Foster, of Ohio, Hon. "William
"Warner, of Missouri, and Major General
George Crook, of tbe United States Army,
commissioners under the last named law.
They were, however, authorized and di
rected, first, to submit to tbe Indians the
definite proposition made to them by tbe act
first mentioned, and, only in tha event of a
failure to secure the assent pf the requisite
number to that proposition, to open nego
tiations for modified terms under tbe other
act. The WPrk of the commission was pro
longed and arduous; but the assent of the
requisite number was, it is understood,
finally ob'aiped to the proposition made by
Congress, though the report of the commis
sion has pot yet been submitted. In view
of thesa facts I shall not, as at present ad
vised, deem it necessary to submit tbe agree
ment to Congress for ratification, but it will
in due course be submitted for information.
This agreement releases to the United
States about 9,000,000 acres of land.
The commission provided for by seetion
14 of the Indian appropriation bill to nego
tiate with the fJnerpkee Indians, and all
other Indians owning or claiming lands
lying west of tha ninety-sixth degree of
longitude, for the cession tq tha United
States of all suoh lands, was constituted by
tbe appointment gf Hon, Lucius Faircbild,
of Wisconsin; Hon. Jpbn F. Hartranit, of
Pennsylvania, and Hon, Alfred M. "Wilson,
pf Arkansas, and organized, on June 29 last.
SLOW "WOBK AND DEATH'S VISIT.
The first conference withithe representa
tives of the Cberokees was held at Table
qnah, July 29, with no definite results.
General John F. Hartranft, of Pennsyl
vania, was prevented by ill-health from tak
ing part in the conference. His death,
which oocurred recently, is justly and gen
erally lamented by a people he had served .
with eonspiouous gallantry in war, and with
great fidelity in peace. The vacancy thus
created was filled by the appointment of
Hon. "Warren G. Sayre, of Indiana. A sec
ond conference between the commission and
tbe Cherokees was begun November (i; but
no results have yet been obtained, nor is it
believed that a conclusion eon be immedi
ately expeoted.
Tbe cattle syndicate now occupying the
lands for grazlne purposes is clearly one of
the agencies responsible for the obstruction
of our negotiations with the Cherokees. The
large body of agricultural lands constitut
ing what is known as the "Cherokee Out
let" ought not to be, and indeed, cannot,
long be "held for grazing, and forthe ad
vantage of a few against the public inter
ests and the best advantage of the Indians
themselves. The United States has now
Under the treaties certain Tights in these
lands. These will sot be used oppressively;
but it cannot be allowed that those who by -sufferance
occupy these lands shall inter
pose1 to defeat the wise and beneficent pur
poseof the Government. I cannot but be
lieve that the advantageous character of the
terms made by the United States to tbe
Cherokee Nation, fcr a fall release of thesa
t--j- & aaasnAred wiib. oAhM SACSJesiiflaf
"-.-