Wm. 0 Maser
E. B. HAWLEY & CO. I
PUBLISIIERS OF
E. B. Hawley,
THE MONTROSE DEMOCRAT,
AND GENERAL JOB PRINTERS,
Montrose, Susquehanna County, Pa
Orricz—Wert Sido of Public Avenue
Business Cards
BURNS d NICIPILB,
..*/1.5 In Drugs, Medians*, Chemicals Dye.
, Pn luss,olls, Varnish. Liquors. Spica.Pancy
r: cms.Patentltodicince, Psaumayand TolletAr
co,o. ;47 — vrescription• carefully compounded.—
}lnca diock.Moutrose,Pa.
Ream,
••.•b. 21. 1 372
IM:/M3M1
Graduate of the Onleersity of Michigan. Ann Arbor.
v...., and also of Jefferson Medical College of !tills
-1814. has returned to Friendavilleo, where ha
slit attend to all calls to his profession as aSllll.
fieraleaCe to Jessie liosforti's house. Office the same
as hfrCtOtOrC.
Frlendarlile. Pa., April 29th.. IS74.—dm, .
EDGAR A. EURR.ELL
I=l
No. 170 Broadway, Now York City.
Attends to all kinds or Attorney Business, and Con
ducts enures to all the Courts of both the State and the
United Stet es.
Fob :1. 1474 -ty.
DR. W. 41'.311TL1,
Dasrm. Rooms at his dwelling, neattloor norther Dr.
Rainey's, on Old Foandr7 rtrect.,where he would be
happy to see all those in want of Dental ark. Ile
feels confident that he can please all, both Itt coality of
work and to price. OtOce boom from 9 A. l. to 4 r.m.
blontroao. Feb. 11, It TS—lt
VALLEY HOUSE.
hear Beam, PA. Situated near the Erie Railway De
pot le a large and conanoxlions house, has undergone
a thorough repair. Newly furnished rooms and sleep.
log aparunente,Splendid tables,andallthangs compere
mg a hoot class hotel. HENRY ACKERT,
Sept. lath, 1673.-tf. PTODrietOr.
B. T. & CASE,
HARNESS-MARERS. Oak Harness, light and heavy
at lowest cash prices. Also, Blankets, Breast Blau
kets, Whips. and everything pertaining to this line
cheaper than the cheapest. Repairing done prompt
ly and In good style.
Mout:nee, P.. Oct. 29. 1872.
THE PEOPLE'S MARKET.
Printie HAIM Proprietor.
Fresh and Saited Meats, Hama, Pork, Bologna Sau
sage. etc.. of the beet quality, constant!) on hand, at
prices to snit.
Montrote, Pa,. Jan. 14. 16a3.-.lr
BILLINGS STROUD.
IRE AND LIFE INSURANCE AGENT. AD
0 eat oess attended to promptly, on fair terms. Office
drat door east of the bank of Wm. 11. Cooper S Ca.
Public Avenue, Montrose, Pa. [Ang
n ly 17.16723 EttLLoros braoun.
CHARLEY MORRIS
THE HAITI BARBER has moved his shop to the
building occupied by k. McKenzie it Co., where he Is
prepared to do all kinds of work in hie line.sach as ma
king switches, puffs. etc. All work done on short
notice and wee. low. Please call and see me.
LITTLE'S BLAK ESLEE -
ATTORNEYS AT LAW, have removed to their New
Office. opposite the Torben Rouse.
Montro*c,OeL 15, 18T5.
EIMIME
DEALER In Books, Ftationery, Wall Paper. Newt
pore, Pocket Cotirry. Views, Yankee
NotlOne, etc Next door to the Post Omen, Montrose,
dept. 30. 144.
EXCHANGE HOTEL
1. J. 112.11ELNGTON wishes to inform thepublicthat
hating rented the Exchange lintel In Montrose, he
in now prepared Co accommodate the travelthgpobEe
In first-class style.
Montrose. !mg. 23, 15-73.
A H BURRTII
Dealer in Stara and Pancy Dri Caads, Crockery, Hard
lasts. Iron, Stores, Drugs. 01Is, and Paints, Boots
and Shoes, Hats and Cape, Fars, Buffalo ilobea, Gro
ceries, Provisions, dm.
New-Mt/lord, A a, Nor, 6, '79—tf,
DR D. A. LATHROP,
dinsinisters litcorno Toonstat Barns, a the Foot of
Chestnut street Call and consul to a.l Chronic
Diseases.
Montrose. Jan. 17, 'U.—nal—if.
DR S. N. DAYTON,
It SURGEON, tenders Ids service• to
the citizens of Great Bend and vicinity. Officeatnis
residence, opposite Barnum Rouse, 0 t,Bend
Sept.lo2.l9.—tf
LEirIS KNOLL
BRAVING AND HAIR DRESgDIG.
shop In the new PasteMee ballase, where ha will
be Coned ready to &animist' who may want anything
In his line. Montrose Pa. OcL 13 1369.
CHARLES STODDARD,
/eat erin Boots and Sbo, Hata and Caps, Leather and
Findings, 'Main Street, let door below Boyd 's store.
Work made to order. and repairing done neatly.
11tot.troae Jun. 1 11170.
DR. IV. L. RICILARDSON,
PHYSICL&N S 30110E01 4 .1, tenders hle professions
vorlicoe Le the citizens of Montrose and e
0 dice et hteresider t•e, on the comer east of Sayre &
Bre..Found,. fAh.C.I. 1569.
WOULD d DEWITT.
Attorneys at Law and Solicitors in Bankruptcy. Office
No. 49 Court Strect,orer City National Bank, Bing
hamton, N. Y. . W. 11. Scont.t.,
Jane 199. h, LtITJ. Jrnoas Dzwlrr.
ABEL TERRELL
Dealer In Drn Medicines, Chemicals. Paints, Oils,
Dye-strills, T.... Spices, Fancy Goods, Jewelry, Prr-
Brlck Block, Montrosa , Pa. Kstabllshed
ISAS. 1573._
LAW OFFICE.
?ITCH rt WATSON, Attorneys at Law, at the old office
of Bentley & Fitch. 2dontroee,
PITCH. [Jan.ll, '11.4 V. W. ....MX.
A. 0. WARREN,
TTORNEY A • LAW. Bounty, Bank Pay, Pension
and Ezeum .on Claims attended to. Office dr..i
loos below Boyd's Store. Idontrose.Ps. [An. 1.'69
W. A. CROSSIION,
Attorney at Law. °Mee at the Court Bonne, le the
Cotrouterlorter's °Moe. W. A. Caosaaton.
Montrose. Sent. . IS7L—tL
.7. C. WHEATON.
Clr6, ENODIEND ►ND L►ND SrnmOn,
P. 0. address. Frauklin Forks,
Susquehanna Co.. Pa.
GROVES <1 TOCOG
.I'I•tHIONABLETAELORS, Montrose, Pa. Shop over
Chandler's Store. AD orders flied in glist-rstestylt.
•t,ttlngtlone on abort notice. and 'warranted tout.
• WY. W. MUTH,
CABINET AND CHAIR 3LANDFACTITRE'RB.—Poo ,
of Main wee. Itonthase, Pa. ,Isug. 1.1669.
C. SUTTON,
CCTIONEER, and lascasaca
sal fiat( ErrleadavUle, Pa:
D. W. SIZABLE,
& ITORNEY AT LAW. once ores the Store of M.
if rime er.ln the Brick Iflock.Montrose Xe• Dna 69
J. B. of A. IL ifeCOLLUM,
Iv - rouesre AT Lit Office o'er the Bark, Maitre's
Pa. Montrose, May 10, ISM. Of
AM! EL Y,
Address, Brooklyn, Fs-
AUCTIONEER
Jdne
IPIZCZI
JOB PRINTING
lEls.eatztocil
•T TDIS OFFICE. CREW.
wain 17 ap.
. 3 ,\1 ONTROSE DEMOCRAT.
TWO DOLLARS PER YEAR IN ADVANCE
VOLUME 31
-PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE,
To the Senate and House of It'epregen•
fallen : Since the convening of congress
one year ago, the nation has undergone a
prostration in business and industries
such as has not been witnessed with us
for many years. Speculation as to the
causes for this prostration might be in
dulged in without prolit,hecause as many
theories would be advanced as there
Would be independent writers who ex
pressed-their own views, without borrow
ing, upon the subject. Without iudulg
ing in theories as to the cause of this
prostration, therefore, I will call your at •
tention only to the fact and to same plain
questions atoowhich it would seem there
should be no disagreement: During this
prostration two essential elements of pros
perity have been most- abundant—tabor
and capital. Both have been largely un
employed. Where security has bees un
doubted capital has been attainable at
very moderate rates compared with the
amount of necessaries and comforts of
life to be purchased with the wages de
manded. Two great elemmis of pros
perity, therefore, have not been denied
us. A third might be added—our soil.
unequalled within the limits of any con
tiguislis territory under one nation fur its
variety of produce to feed and clothe a
people and in the amount ot surplus to
spare to feed less favored people.
Therefore, with these facts in view it
seems that wise statesmanship at this ses
sion of congress would dictate legislation
ignoring the past and directing into pro
per marine's these great elements of pros
perity to our people.. The dabt abroad is
the only element that can, with always a
sound currency, enter into our affairs to
cause any continued depression in the in
dustries and prosperity of our people. A
great conflict for uatioaal existence made
necessary for temporary purposes the rais
ing of large sums of money from what
ever source attainable. It made it neces
sary in the wisdom of congress—and 1 do
not doubt their wisdom in the premises
regarding the necessity of the times—tn
devise a system of national currency
which it proved to be impossible to keel
un a par with the recognized currency of
the civilized world. This begot a spirit
of speculation, extravagance and luxury,
not required for the happiness or prosper
ity of a people and in volving,both direct
ly and indirectly, foreign indebtedness.
The currency being of fluctuating value.
and therefore, unsafe t hold for legiti
mate transactions requiring money, be
came a subject of speculation in itself.—
These two causes, however, Live involved
us in a foreign indebtedness, contracted
in good faith by borrower awl lender,
which should be paid in coin ; and ac
cording to the bond agreed upon when
-the- debt was contracted, gold- oe its
equivalent. The goad ratth or the gov
ernment cannot be violated towards cred
itors without national disgrace; but our
commerce should be encouraged. Ameri
can shipbuilding and carrying capacity
increased, foreign markets sought for the
products of the soil and of manufactories
to the end that we may be able to pay
these debts. Where a new market can be
created for the sale of our products,either
ot the soil, the mine or the mantifttetOry.
a new means is discovered of utilizing out
idle capital and labor, to the advantage of
the whole people. But in my tudgment
the first step towards the accomplishment
of this object is to secure a currency.good
wherever civilization reigns, one which
becoming superabundant with one people
will find a market with some otner—a
currency which has tis its bxsis the labor
necessary to produce it, which will give
to it value. Gold and silver are now the
recognized mediums of exchange the civ
ilized world over, and to this we should
return with the least possible delay.
In view of the pledges of the American
congress when our present legal tender
system was adopted, there should be no
delay, certainly no unnecessary delay. in
fixing by legislation a method by which
we will return to specie. To the ac
complishment of this end I invite your
special attention. I believe firmly there
can be no prosperous and permanent re
vival of business and industries until a
policy is ado l iteel, with legislation to car
ry it out, looking to a return to specie ba
sis. It is easy to conceive that the debtor
and speculative classes may think it of
value to them to make so called money
abundant, until they east throw a portion
of their burdens on others. But even
these I believe would he disappointed in
the result if a course should be pursued
which will keep in doubt the value of the
legal tender insdium of exchange. A re
vival of productive industry is needed by
all classes, by none more titan holders of
property of whatever sort, with debts to
liquidate for realization upon its sale.—
But admitting that these two classes of
citizens are to be benefitted by expansion
wool] it be honest to give it? Would
not tae general loss be too great to justy
such relief? Would it not be just as
honest and prudent to authorize each
debtor to issue his own legal tenders to
the extent of his liabilities? Then to do
1 this would it not be safer, for fear of
ov
er issues by unscrnpulout creditors,to say
that all debts and obligations are obliter
ated in the United States, and now we
commence anew, each possessing all he
has at the time free from incumbrunce ?
Alio* Nionots
Gao. P. Luria,
E. L. BLaissiza
These positions are too absurd to be
entertained for a moment by thinking or
honest people. Yet every delay in the
preparation for the final resumption par
takes of this dishonesty and is only les
sened by the hope that a convenient time
will at last arrive for the good work of
redeeming our pledges to commerce. It
will never come in my opinion, excetut by
positive action by cong,ress or by national
disasters, which will destroy for a time,at
least, the credit of the individual and the
state at large. A sound currency might
be reached by total bankruptcy and dis
credit of the integrity of the nation, and
of individuals.
I believe it is the duty of congress at
this session to devise such legislation as
will renew confluence, revive industries,
start ns on a career of propriety, to last
for many years and.save the credit of the
nation and of the people % Steps towards
the return to a speciebasts are great re
1=2:21
MONTROSE, PA., WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1874
qmsites and devoutly to be sought for as
an end. There awe others which I may
touch upon hereafter.
A nation dealing in a currency below
that of specie in value labors under two
great disadvantages: Irast,having no use
for the world acknowledged mediums of
exchange, gold and siiver,which are driv•
en out of the country because there is no
demand for their use; second, the medi
um of exchange in use being of fluctuat
ing value for after all it is only worth
jest what it will purchase of gold and sil
ver metak, having an intrinsic value just
to proportion to the honest labor it takes
to produce tl•em. A larger margin must
be allowed ft.r profit by the manufacturer
and producer. It is months from the date
of production to the date of realization.
Interest upon capital must be charged
and risk of fluctuation in the value of
that. which is to be received in payment
added, hence high prices, acting as a pro
tection to the foreign producer who re
ceives nothing in exchange for the pro
ducts of his skill and labor except a cur
rency good at a stable value the world
over.
It seems to me that nothing is clearer
than that the greater part of tile burden
of existing prostration for the want of a
sound financial system falls on the work
ing man, who must after all produce the
wealth, and the salaried man, who super•
intends and conducts business. The bur
den falls upon them in two ways by the
deprivation of employment and by the
decreased pnrclusing power of their sal
aries.
It is the duty of congress to devise the
method of correcting the evils which are
acknowledged to exist and not mine, but
I will venture to suggest two or three
things which seem to me as absolutely
necessary to a return to specie payment,
the first grand requisite in a return to
prosperity.
The legal tender clause to the law au
thorizing the issue of currency by the
national government should be repealed
to take effect us to all contracts entered
into alter a day fixed in the repealing net
not to apply however to the payment of
salaries by the government or for other
expenditures now provided for by law to
be paid in currency in the interval pend
ing between repeal and final resumption.
Provision should be made by which the
see. etary oz the treasury may obtain gold
as it may become necessary from time to
time, front the date when specie resump
tion commences. To this might and
should be added 3 revenue sufficiently in
excess of expenses to inure an accumu
lation cf gold, in the treasury to sustain
redemption.
I commend the subject to your careful
consideration, believing that a favorable
solution is attainable and that if reached
by this congress that the present and fu
ture generatiolics will ever gratefully re•
member It as their tiettsrerer xrum a Of t.i
dom o evil and disgrace. With resump
tion. fre? banking may be authorized with
safety, giving the full protection to bill
holders, which they have untie r existing
laws. Indeed, I w ould regard free bank•
ing as essential. It would give proper
elasticity to the currcncy,as more currency
should he required for the transaction of
legitimate business. New banks would he
started and in turn banks would wind
up their business when it was found that
their was a superabundance of currency.
The experience and judgment of the
people can best &cal° just how much
currency is required for the transaction
of the business of the country. It is un•
safe to leave the settlement of this ques
tion to congress, the secretary of the
treasury or the executive. Congress
should make the regulations under which
banks may exist, but should not make
basking a monopoly by limiting the
amount of redeemable paper currency
that shall`be authorized. Such impor
tance do I attach to Ibis subject, and so
earnestly do I commend it to your atten
tion that I give it prominence by intro
ducing it at the beginning of this mes
sage.
- During the past year nothing has oc
cured to disturb the general friendship
and cordial relations of the United States
with other powers. The correspondence
submitted herewith between the govern.
ment and its diplomatic representatives,
as also with the representatives of other
countries, shows a satisfactory condition
of ail questions between the United
States and the most of these countries.
and with few exceptions to which refer
ence is hereafter made, the absence of any
paints of difference to be adjusted The
notice directed by the resolution of con
gress of June 17, 1871, to be given to
terminate the convention of July 17th,
1858, between the United States and
Belgium has beea given, and the treaty
will accordingly terminate on the Ist day
of July, 1875. This convention secured
to certain Belgium vessels entering the
ports of the United States, exceptional
privileges, which are not accorded to our
own vessels. Other features of thacon•
vention have
the
satisfactory,and have
tended to the cultivation of mutual ben
efit, commercial Intercourse and friendly
relations between the two countries. I
hope that negotiations which have been
invited will result in the celebration of
another treaty which may tend to the in
terests of both countries.
Onr relations with China continue to
be friendly. During the past year the
fear of hostilities between China and
Japan growing out of the landing or an
armed force upon the island of Formosa
by the latter had occasioned uneasiness.
It is earnestly hoped, however, that the
difficulties arising from this cause will be
adjusted, and that the advance of civila
ization in these empires may not be re
tarded by a state of war. in consequence
of the part taken by certain citizens of
the United States in this expedition, our
representatives in those countries I have
been instructed to impress upon the goy
ernment of China and Japan the firm
intention of this country to maintaib
strict neutrality in the events pt hostil
ities, and to carefully prevent any infrac
tion of law on the part of our country
in connection with this subject. I call
the att,ntion of congress to a generally
conceded fact, that the great proportion
of the Chinese immigrants who have
come to our shores do not come volunta
rilly to make their homes with ua and
Devoted to the Interests of our Town and County.
their labor productive of general pros
perity tut come under contract with
head men who own them almost abso
lutely. In a worse form does this apply
to Chinese women ; hardly a percentage
perform any honorable labor; but they
are brought for shameful purposes to the
disgrace of the communities where they
lirr settled, and to the great demoralize•
tion of the youth of those localities. If
this evil practice can be legislated against
it will be my pleasure,as well as my duty,
to force any regulation to secure so desir
able an end.
It is hoped that negotiations between
the government of Japan and the tmaty
powers looking to the further opening of
the empire, and to the removal of varions
restrictions upon trade and travel Miy
soon produce the result desired, which
cannot fail to ensure to the benefit of all
the parties. Having on previous occa
sions submitted to the consideration of
congress the propriety of the release of
the Japanese government from the future
payment of the indemnity under the
convention of October 20, 1864, and as
no action has been taken thereon, it be
came my duty to regard the obligations
of the convention as in force, and as the
other powers interested had received their
proportion of the indemnity in full the
minister of the United States in Japan
has, in behalf of this government, receiv
ed the remainder of the amount due to
the United States under the convention
of Simonoscki.
I submit the propriety of applying the
income of a part, if not of the whole of
this fund to the education in the Japan
ese language of a number of young men to
be under obligations' to serve the govern
ment for a specified time as interpreters
at the legation and the consulates in
Japan. A limited number of Japanese
youths might at the same time be educa
ted in our own vernacular and mutual
benefits would result to both governments.
The importance of having our own citi
zees competent' and familiar with the
l angua n.- of Japan and act as interpre
t-re and in other capacities connect with
the legislation and the consulates in that
country cannot readily be ovkrestimated.
The amount awarded to the govern•
mint of Great Britain by the mixed cum
missiou organized under the provisi tus
of the treaty of Washington in settlement
of claims of British subjects arising from
acts committed between April 13, 1861
and April 9, 1863, became payable under
the terms of the treaty within the past
year and was paid upon the 21st day of
September 18741. In this connection I
renew my recommendation made at the
opening of the last session of congress,
that a special coon be created to hear
and determine all claims of aliens against
the United States, arising from acts com
mitted against their persons or property
during the insurrection. It appears
..o i onome 111:41. an UN,. tj < 'WU IQ UV
offered to citizens of other states to pre
sent their claims, as welt as those of the
British subjects whose claims were not
admissible under the late commission, to
th, , final decision of some competent
tribunal. To reach this end I recom
mend tne necessary legis'ation to organ
ize a court to dispose of all claims of
aliens of the rn,fture referred to in an
equitable and satisfactory manner and to
relieve congres.e. and the departments
from the coifsideration of these questions.
The legislation necessary to extend to
the colony, of New Foundland, certain
articles of the treaty of Xashington of
the Bth day of May 1874, having been
had, protocol to that effect was signed in
behalf of the United States and u - 1 Great
Britain on the 28th day of May last, and
.as duly proclaimed on the day follow
ing. A copy of the proclamation sub
mitted herewith. A copy of the report
of the commissioner appointed under the
act or March 19, 1872, for surveying and
making the boundry between the United
States and the British possessions from
the Lake of the Woods to the summit of
the Rocky Mountains has been run and
marked on the face of the earth. It is
believed that the amount remaining un
expended of the appropriation made at
last session. of congress will be sufficient
to complete the office work. I recom
mend that the authority of congress be
given to the unexpended balance of the
appropriation in the completion of the
work of the commission in making and
preparing the necessary maps.
The court known as the court of com
missioners of Alabama claims created by
an act of congress of the last session has
organized and commenced its work and
it is to be hoped that the claims admissa
hie under the provisions of the act may
be speedily ascertained and paid.
It has been deemed advisable to exer
cise the discretion conferred upon the
executive at the last session by accepting
the conditions required by the govern.
ment of Turkey for the privilege of al
lowing citizens of the United States to
hold real estate in the former country,
and by assenting to a certain charge of
jurisdiction of the cotiit in question. A
copy of the proclamation on these sub
jects is herewith communicated.
There has been no material change in
our relations with the independent states
of this hemisphere which were formerly
under the dominion of Spain. Maraud
ing en the frontier between Mexico and
Texas frequently takes place, despite the
vigilance of the civil and military author
ites in that quarter. The difficulty of
checking such trespasses along the course
of .a ricer of such length as the Rio
Grande, and so often fordable, is obvious.
It is hoped that the efforts of the govern
ment will be seconded by those of Mexi
co to the effectual suppression of the acts
of wrong.
From a report nron the condition of
business before the American and Mexi
can joint claims commission, made by
the agent on the part of the United States
aul dated October 28 1874, it appears
that of the one thousand and seventeen
claims tiled on the part of the citizens of
the United States 483 had been finally
decided and seventy five were in the
hands of the umpire leaving 462 to be
disposed of ; and of the 998 claims filed
against the United States 726 have been
finally decided,one was before the•umpire
and 271 remained to ba disposed of.—
Since the date of such report other claims
have been disposed of reducing somewhat
the number still pending and others have
been passed upon by the arbitrators. It
has become apparent iu view of these
figures and of the fact that the work de
volving upon the umpire is particularly
laborious that the commission would be
unable to dispose of the entire number of
claims pending prior to the Ist of Feb
ruary, 1875, the date fixed for its expira
tion. Negotiations
,are pending looking
to the securing of the results of the de
cisions which have been reached and to
a further extention of the commission
fur a limited time which it is confidently
hoped will suffice to bring, all the busi
ness now before it to a final close.
The strife in the Argentine republic is
to be deplorel both on account of the
parties thereto and from the probable ef
feettr on the interests of those engaged in
the Uniteu States are among the princi
pal. As yet so far as lam aware there
has been no vio:ation of our neutrality
rights which as well as our duties in that
respect, it shall be my endeavor to main
tain and observe.
It is with regret I announce that n o
further payment has been received from
the government of Venezuela on account
of the awards in favor of the citizens of
the United States and hopes have been
entertained that if that republic could
escape both foreign and civil war for a
few years. its great natural resources
would enable it to honor its obligation.
Though it is now understood to be at
peace with other countries, a serious in
surrection is reported to be in progress
in an important region of that republic
and this may be taken advantage of an
other reason to delay the payment of the
losses of our citizens.
The deplorable strife in Cuba contin
ues without wry marked change in the
relative advantages of contending forces.
The insurrection continues but Spain has
gained no superiority. Six years of strife
given the it surrection a significance
which cannot be denied ; its duration
and the tenacity of its advantage togeth
er with the absence or a manifested pow
er of suppression on the piirt of Spain
cannot be contradicted and may make
some positive steps on the part of other
powers a matter of self necessity.
I had confidently hoped at this time
to be able to announce the arrangment
of some of the important questions be
twt en this government and that of Spain
but the negotiations have been prof.. cted
and the unhappy intestine dissensions of
Spain command our profound sympathy
arid must he accepted, as perhaps a cause
of sonic thirty. An early settlement in
part at least of the questions between the
governments is hoped. In the meantime,
awaiting the results 01 immediately pend
ing negotiations I defer a future and fur.
ther communication on the subject of
the relations of this country and Spain.
I have again to call the attention of
tr•ts Al CO. "/
of the existing laws with reference to ex
patriatiou and the election of nationality.
Formerly amid conflicting opinions and
decisions it was difficult to exactly deter
mine luov for the doctrine of perpetual
allegiance applicable to the citizens of
the United States. Congress, by the act
of the 27th of July, 1868, asserted the
abstract right of expiration as a funda
mental principal of this government not
withstanding which assertion and the
necessity of formal application of the
principle, no legislation has been had de
fining what acts or formalities shah work
expatriation or when a citizen shall be
deemed to have renounced or to have lost
his citizenship. The importance of such
definition is obvious. The representa
tives of the United States in foreign
countries are continually called upon to
lend their aid and the protection of the
United States to persons concerning the
good laith or the reality of whose citizen
ship there is at Iraq a quesrion. In some
cases the provisions of the treaties fur
nish some guide ; in others it seems as
left to the persons claiming the benefit of
citizenship while living in a foreign coon
try,contributing in no manner to the per.
formance of the duties of a citizen of the
United States and without intention at
airy time to return and undertake those
duties, to use the claims of citizenship
of the United States simply as a shield
from the performance of the obligations
of a citizen elsewhere. The status of
children born of American parents re
sidence in a foreign country.oi American
women who have been married to aliens,
of Amerienn citizens residing abroad,
where such questions is not regulated try
treaty, are all qur scions of frequent ..liffi
culty and discussion. Legislation on
these and similar questions, and particu
larly defining when and under what cir
cumstances expatriation can be accom
plished, it is to be presumed is especially
needed in this connection.
I earnestly call the attention of con
gress to the difficulties arising from
fraudulent naturalization. The United
States wisely, freely and liberally offers
its citizenship to all who may come in
good laith to relide within its limits, or
their complying with certain prescribed,
reasonable and simple formalities and
conditions. Among the highest duties
of the government is that to afford uni
form, efficient and equal protection to all
its citizens, whether native born or nat
uralized. Care should be taken that a
right carrying with it such support from
the government should not be fraudu
lently obtained, and should be bestowed
only upon full proof of a compliance
with the law ; and yet frequent instances
occur of illegal and fraudulent naturaliz
ation and of the unauthorized use of cer
tificates thus improperly obtained. In
some cases the fraudulent character of
the naturalization has appeared upon
the face of the certificate itself, in others
examination discloses that the holaer has
not complied with the law, and in other
certificates have been obtained where the
persons holding them not only were en
titled to he naturalized, bat had not even
oven within the United States at the
time of the pretended naturalization.—
Instances of each of these classes of
fraud are discovered at our legations
where the certificates of naturalization
are presented, either for obtaining pass-
ports or in demanding the protection of
the legation. When the 'fraud is. spar
ent on the f of such certificates they
are taken n ' by the representatives of
140
) ,
FIFTY CTS. EXTRA IF NOT IN ADVANCE
the government and forwarded to the de.
partment of state, but even then the rec
ord of the court in which the fraudulent
naturalization occurred remain; and du
plicate certificates are readily obtainable.
Upon the presentation of these for the
issue of pasports or in demanding pro
tectum of the government, the fraud
sometimes escapes notice and such eel ,
titia.ttes are not infrequently used in the
transaction of business to the deception
and injury of innocent porde; With
out placing any additional obstruction
on the obtainment of citizenship by the
worthy and well intentioned foreigner
who comes in good faith to cast his lot
with ours, I earnestly recommend fur
ther legislation to punish fraudulent nat
uralization and to secure the ready can
cellation of the record of every natural
ization made in fraud.
Since my last annual message the ex
change has been made of the ratification
of treaties of extradition with Belgium,
Ecuador,Pern and San Salvidor ; also of a
treaty of commerce and navigation with
Peru, and one of commerce with Salvador.
all of which have beer. duly proclaimed,
as also a declaration with Russia, with
reference to trade marks.
The report of the secretary of the
treasury, which is made directly to con
gress and forms oo part of this message,
will show the receipts and expenditures
of the government for the last fiscal year
the amount received from each source of
revenue and the amount paid out for each
of the departments of the government--
le will be observed from this report that
the amount of receipts over expenditures
nas neen but 82,344,882 for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 1875, and that for the
current fiscal year he estimates that the
receipts over the expenditures will not
much exceed $9,000,000. In view of the
large national debt existing, and the obli
gation to add one per cent. per annum to
the sinking fund, a sum amounting
to now over 630,000,000 per annum, I
submit whether revenues should not be
increased or expenditures diminished to
reach this amount of surplus. Not to
provide for the sinking fund is a partial
failure to comply with the contracts and
obligations of the government. At the
lust session of congress a very consdera
ble reduction was made in rates of taxa
tion and in the number of articles sub
jected to taxation. The qnestion may
well be aski•d whether or not iu some in
stances this was unwire. In connection
with this subject I am of the opinion that
the means of collecting the revenue, es
pecially from imports, have been so em
oarrassed by kgislation as to make it
questionable whether or not large amounts
are not lost by failures to collect, to the
direct loss of the treasury and to the pre
judice of the interests, of honest import
ers and tax payers. The secretary of the
treasury in his report favors legislation
oo cooly vottatoo to aptvio pay
!milts, thus supporting views previously
expressed in this message. He also rec
ommends economy in appropriations,calls
attention to the loss of revenue from re
pealing the tax ou tea and coffee without
benefit to the consumer, recommends an
increase of ten cents a gallon on whisky,
and further,that no modification be made
iu the banking and currency bill -passed
at the last session of congress unless
modification should become necessary by
reason of the adoption of measures for
returning to specie payments. Iu these
recommendations I cordially join.
I would suggest to congresss the pro.
priety of readjusting the tariff so as to
increase the revenue and at the same
time to decrease the number of articles
upon which duties are levied, because ar
ticles whic:i, in our manufactures,are not
produced at home, it seems to me should
be treated free. Those urticles of menu
facture which we produce a constituent
part of, but do not produce the whole,
that part which we do not produce should
enter free also. I will instance fine wool,
dyes, etc. These articles must be import
ed to form a part of the manufacture of
the higher grades of woolen goods, chem
icals used as dyes, compounded in medi
cines, and used in various ways in manu
factures come under this class. The in
troduction, free of duty, of such wools as
we do not produce should stimulate the
manufacture of goods requiring the use
we do prudnce, and tl.erefore would be a
oenefit to home production. There are
many articles entering into home mann
factures which we do not produce our
selves, the tariff upon which increases the
cost of producing the manufactured arti
cle. All corrections in this regard are in
the direction of bringing labor and capi
tal in harmony with each other, and of
supplying one of the elements of pros•
verity so much needed, •
The report of the secretary of war here
with attached and forming a part of the
message, gives all the information con•
cerning the operatiotutwants and necessi
ties of the army, and contains many sug•
gestions and recommendations which I
commend to your special attention. There
is no class of government employees who
are harder worked than the army officers
and men. None who perform their tasks
more cheerfully and efficiently and under
circumstances of greater 'privations and
hardships. Legislation is desirable to ren
der more efficient this branch of the pub
lic service. All the recommendations of
the secietary of war I regard as judicious
and I especially commend to your atten
tion the following: The consolidation of
the government arsenals,-the restoration
of mileage to officers traveling under or
ders, the exemption of money received
from the sale of subsistence stores from
being covered auto the treasury, the use
of appropriations for the purchase of sub
sistence stores without waiting for the
beginning of the fiscal year for which the
appropriation is made for additional ap
propriations, for the collection of torpedo
material, for increased uppropriations,for
the manufacture of arms, for relieving
the various states from indebtedness for
arms nailed to them during the rebel-
lion, for dropping officers from the rolls
of the army without trial for the offense
of drawing pay more than once for the
period, for the discouragement of the
plan to pay soldiers by checks, and for,
establishment of a professorshiP t riftlief:-
uric and English literature at West Point:
The reasons for these recommendations
are obvious,and are set forth sufficiently in
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NUMBER 50.
the report attached. I alie'lecommend
that the'status of staff corps of the army
be fixed, where this has not already been
done, so that promotions may be made
and vacancies filled as they occur in each
grade, when reduced beldw the number
to be fixed by law. The necessity for such
legislation is specially felt now in the pay
department. The number of officers in
that department,is below the number ad
equate to the performance of the duties
required of them by law.
The efficiency of the navy has been
largely increased during the last year un
der the impulse of the foreign complica
tions which threatened us at the com
mencement of the last session of congress
Most of our efficient wooden ships were
put in condition for immediate service,
and the repairs - of our iron clad fleet, were
pushed with the utmost vigor. The
result is that most of these are now in
an effective state, and need only to be ,
manned and put in commission to go at
once into service. Some of the new
sloops authorized by congress are already
in commission and moat of the remain
der are launched and only wait the com
pletion of their machinery to enable them
to take their place us part of our effective
force. Two iron torpedo ships have been
completed during the last year and four
of our large double turreted iron clads
are now undergoing repair. When these
are finished everything that is useful of
our navy, as now authorized, will be in
condition for service, and with the ad
vance in the science of torpedo warfare
the American navy, comparatively small
as it Is, will be found at any time suffi
ciently powerful for the parpose of a
peaceful nation. Much has also been as
during the year in aid of
science, and to increase the sum of gen
eral knowledge, and further the interest •
of commerce and civilization. Extensile
and much needed soundings have been •
made for hydrograpic purposes, and to
fix the proper routes of ocean telegraphs.
Further surveys of the great isthmus
route have been undertaken and com
pleted, and two vessels of the navy are
now employed in conjunction with those
of England. France, Germany and Rus
sia in observations connected with the
transit of Venus, a matter interesting to
rite scientific world. The estimates for
this branch of the public, service do not
differ materially from those of last year,
those for the general support of the ser
vice being somewhat less, and those for
permanent improvements at the various
stations rather larger than the correspon
ding estimate madea year ago. Regular
maintenance and a steady increase in the
efficiency of this most important arm, in
proportion to the growth of our maritime
intercourse and Interests, is recommend•
ed to the attention of congress. ' The use'
of the navy in time of peace might be
further utilized by a direct authorization
of the employment of naval vessels in
explorations and surveys of the supposed
navigable waters of other nationalities
on this continent,specially the tributaries
of the two great rivers of South Ameri
ca,the Oronoco and the Amazon. Noth
ing prevents. under existing lags, such
exploration except that expenditures
must be made in such expeditions beyond
those usually provided for iii the appro.
priatioas. The field designated is un
questionably one of interest and one of
large development of commercial inter
ests, advantageous to the peoples reached.
and to those who may establish relations
with them.
Education of the people entitled to
exercise the right of franchise is regard
ed as essential to general prosperity every
where, and especially so in repnblice
where both education and previous condi
Lion do not enter into account in giving
the right of suffrage. Next to the pub.
lic sehool,the postolfiee is the great agent
of education. Over our vast territory the
rapidity with which new sections are be
ing settled, thus increasing the carrying
of mails in a more rapid ratio than the
increase of receipts, is not alarming.
The report of the postmaster general,
herewith attached, shows that there was
an mom axe of revenue in his department
in 1873 over the previous year of $1,674-
411, and an increase of cost in carrying
the mails and paying employees of $3,.
042,467.91. The report of the postmast.
er general gives interesting statistics of
his department and comparing them with"
the corresponding statistics of 6 year ago
shows It growth in every branch of the
department. A postal convention has
been concluded with New South Wales -
an exchange ofpostal cards '
established
with Switzerland, and the negotiations
pending for several years past with France
have terminated in a convention with
that country which went into effect last
August An international postal congress
was convened in Berne, Switzerland, in
September last, at which the United'
States was 'represented by an officer of
the post office department of much exps 7 t
rience and qualification for the position.
A convention for the establishment of an
international postal union was agreed up
on and signed' by the delegates of the
countries rep:esented, subject to. the ap
proval of the priper authorities of those
countries. I respectfully direct your at- '
Lennon to the report of the postmaster.
ger.eral and to his suggestions in' regard
to an equitable adjustment of the ques
tion of compensation to railroads for car.
rying the mails.
Your attention will be drawn to the -
unsettled condition of affairs in some of
the southern states. On the 14th of Sep.
tember last the governor of Louisiana
called upon me, as provided by the con
stitution and laws of the United States,
to aid in suppressing domestic violence
in that state. This call was made iu view
of a proclamation issued on that day by
D. B. Penn, claiming that he was elected
lieutenant govenior in 1872, and calling
upon the militia of the state to arm and
assemble and drive from power' the neut.
pens, as he designated the officers.of the
state government on the next. day I issu
ed my proclamation commanding the in.'
surgeota to disperne with five days from
the date thereof, and subsequently learn
ed that on that day they had taken forci
ble possession of the state house. Steps
were taken by me to support the existing
and recognized state government, but be.
fore the expiration of the five days the
ins urrectionaq movement was practically
P1:11111311XD Emir Vinussum Mciartge.
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