VOL. XXI.
A. TEOUTMAN.
DEALER IN
DRY GOODS, NOTIONS. TRIMMINGS.
Carpets, Oil Cloths, Rugs, Mats, Druggets, Stair Rods, Etc,
(u)
FOR FALL. FOR FALL.
New Black Silks.
New Colored Silk?.
New Colored Cashmeres.
New Black Cashmeres.
New Black Silk \ elvets.
New Colored Silk Velvets.
New Colored Silk Plushes.
Black Silk Plushes
New Shades Ladies' Cloths
New Dress Goods.
SEW RIBBONS, FISCIICS, TIES, HAND §ATCHELS,
Gloves, Handkerchiefs, Towels, Corsets, Velvet Ribbons, Knitting Silks,
Embroidery Silk on spools, all colors.
New Fall Hosiery, j
Underwear for men, ladies and chil-1
dren. Largest assortment, lowest }
prices.
CARPETS AND OIL CLOTHS
Carpet Room Enlarged. Stock En
largedj Prices the Lowest*
NEW FALL STYLES.—We are now prepared and showing our entire Fall
Stock of Carpets and Oil Cloths, in all the Newest Designs.
Olli CLOTHS, 1 to 2.YARDS WII»E, IS;All QUALITIES.
Please call and examine stock and prices.
A, TROUTMAN.
BUTLER, PA.
HENRY 111 HI IL ig CO,
Dealers in
AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.
Remington Clipper Plow.
IMPROVED KELLER GRAIN, SEED AND FER
TILIZING DRILL,
TOLEDO I. X. L WOOD PUMPS.
The Celebrated American
Fruit Dryer, or
PNEUMATIC EVAPORATOR,
It Is portable, durable, absolutely flre-proof. economical and will cure frnit and vegetables in
lese time and with less fuel than ai.y Dryer in the market. It will pay for iti elf in less than
thirtj davs if jropcrly attended. Its products are unsu irateed as to quality and color, and a-e
in great demand at high prices. Full instructions how to dry, bleach, pack and market the pro
ducts, accompany each machino.
WILL EVAPORATE 8 BUSHELS OF ANY FRUIT PER DAY.
ROOFING dealers i\
aiv,> house FURN
SPOUTING IMMX. HARD
DONE TO ORDER * WARE.
I tn( lei - ,
WHERE TO BUY MENS' AND BOYS' CLOTHING,
At the Store of the undersigned, the acknowledged leader in
CARPETS, CLOTHING
AND
GENTS' FURNISHING GOODS.
We wish to say to the trade this fall that we have a larger and more varied stock of Carpet"
Clothing, v '
HATS AND CAPS,
and GenU' Furnishing Goods than ever before.
REMEMfiiI WE HAVE THE LARGEST STOCK
The LATEST STYLE 3, tna LOWEST PRICES. We have all grades and all prices, from
the Cheapest to the Best male.
D- ,A_. HEC K,
The Leading One Price Clothier and Gents' Outfitter,
2nd DOOR, DUFFY'S BLOCK, BUTLER, PA,
B, BARRETT & CO,,
238 and 240 LIBERTY STREET, Pittsburgh, Penn'a.
Watches, Diamonds, Jewelry, Claoks, Bronzes, Silver and Plated Ware, Watch !
Material, Etc. Wholesale Only.
Bepts,l6t
FOR FALL. FOR FALL.
New Flannels, White Blankets, lied
Blankets, Blue Blankets, Bed Comforts,
White Quilts.
Canton Flannels.
Yarns ofall kinds. Germantown Yarns,
Midnight Yams, German Worsted
Yarns, Cashmere Yarns, Saxony arns,
Country Factory Yarns, Zephyrs.
Tne above Yarns in all colors.
I
| Ladies' Sacquss
In new Fall Shades, Ladies' Jersey
Jackets, Lace Curtains, Lace Lambre-
I quins. Large stock, prices low.
S jMARm\
/ K FAILS> . l
f \f
\ lUfR® /
\ (CONQUEROR?] I
A SPECIFIC FOR
am- EPILEPSY, SPASMS, ***
CONVULSIONS, FALLING SICKNESS,
ST. VITUS DANCE, ALDHOHOLISM,
' OPIUM EATING, SYPHILLIS,
SCROFULA, KINGS EVIL,
UGLY BLOOD DISEASES, DYSPEPSIA,
NERVOUSNESS, SICK HEADACHE,
RHEUMATISM, NERVOUS WEAKNESB,
NERVOUS PROSTRATION,
BRAIN WORRY, BLOOD SORES,
BILIOUSNESS, COSTiVENESS,
KIDNEY TROUBLES AND IRREGULARITIES.
SHT $1.50 per bottle at druggists.
Tie Dr. S. A. Riclmofld Mel Co, Proprietors
6t. Tcsopla., *£©. (1)
Correspondence freely answered by Physlclnu.
S C. N. CRITTENTON, Agent. New York.
TUTFS
PILLS
taammmammmmammmmm ■
TORPID BOWELS,
DISORDERED LIVER,
and MALARIA.
From these sources arise thi ce- urths of
the diseases of the l.uman rue . These
symptoms imlicute their existence: Lu>i ol
Appetite, Howel« costive, Mick Head
ache, fullness after eutiiijf, aversion to
ez«rtioi| of body or mind, Kruetatiou
of food, Irritability of temper, Low
spirits, A frelilljl of having neglected
some dm; , Dizziness, Fluttering at the
Heart, Dots before the eyes, highly col
ored Urine, t O.\STIPATIOfIf, H n(l de
mand the use of # remedy tliat acts directly
on the Liver. As aLiver medicine TUTT'S
I'll,!,'" have no equal. Tlieir action on the
Kidneys and Skin is also prompt; removing
all impurities through these three " scav
engers of the system," producing nppe
tite, sound digestion, regular stools, a clear
sklnand a vigorous body. TTTT'S PI 1.1.N
cause no nausea or giiping nor intevft-'fo
with daily work ami are a perfect
ANTIDOTE TO MALARIA.
IIF. FEEI.S MKE A NEW NAN.
"I have had Dyspepsia, with Constipa
tion, two years, and have tried ten different
kinds of pills, and TTTT'S are the first
that have done me any good. They have
Cleaned me out nicely. Sly appetite is
spleudidi food digests readily, and I now
have natural passages. I feel like a new
man." W. I). EDWARDS, Palmyra, O.
.Sold every alien', 23c. Offii-e,41 MurTayßt.,N.y,
TUTTS HAIR DYE.
Grat Hair ok Whiskkrs changed in
stantly to a GLOSSV If lack l»y a singlu up,
plication of this DTE. Sold by Druggists,
or sent by express 011 receipt of 81 •
Office, 44 Murray Street, New York.
TUTT'S MANUAL OF USEFUL RECEIPTS FREE.
EXPOSITION
Visitors should not fail to call and examine
the largest and finest stock of Imported and
Domestic Liquors in the State, at
Ntu Klein, 82 Federal Street,
Allegheny City, Pa. Opposite Fort Wayne
Passenger Depot.
PEBTIAX EXT ST AM PING
FOR KENSINGTON, ARRASENE
AND OUTLINE WORK DONE,
Also lc?sous in same given by ANNIE M.
LOW MAN, North i-treet, liutler, Pa.
jne2o-ly
FARM FOR SALE!
The undersigned ofTers for sale ln's fine farm
situate in Franklin township, iiutler counts*. Pa.,
about two miles east of the borough of Prospect,
and containing
SKVEffTY-FIVE ACRES,
more or less, of good tillable ground, having
erected thereon two frame dwellings, and all
necessary out buildings; two springs of never
failing waier. two orchards, farm in good repair,
etc. Convenient to schools, churches, nostomee,
etc. WILLIAM McUKEW.
novT-tf. Prospect, Butler Co.. Pa.
Withsrspoon Institute.
The Winter Term ol twelve weeks will begin
MONDAY, DEC. 3, iu
GERSIAXIA BAND HALL.
The Con sof Teachers is efficient. The
Course < ! .«':inly, thorough and comprehensive.
The Tui'ion, low; and boarding, cheap.
ExcelN i: 1 . facilities for sell-boarding are offer
ed by u ! i ii .1 student's expeuses may be great
ly reduei d.
For lurtl er information, address
P. 8. BANCROFT, Prin.
nov.2:H:. ; ::t
FOUND THAT
D, I. CLEELAND, JEWELER,
Is again better prepared than ever|hefore to
furni>li Ins customers with Holiday Goods
in his line. Silverplated ware of the
very best makes and
Watchep, Clocks, Jewelry,
AND
—SPECTACLES—
of all kinds and prices. Everything warranted
just as represented. Please call and ex
amine goods and price which will be
as low as goods of the same qual
ity can he sold.
Fine U.ifcli Repairing 11 Spec
laity.
Don't forget the place, one square South of
Court House, BI'TLEB, I'A.
Butler's New Departure
For Pianos, Organs, Violins and other Musi
cal Instruments, call at the
NEW MUSIC STORE.
OF
Kleber Bros. &. Stauffer,
Main Street, Butler, Pa.
Sheet Mu-ic and Music Books always ou hand,
or furnished to order. Orders i'cr Piano and
Organ tuning and repairing promptly attended
to by John B. Eyth of Pittsburgh', I'a.
Nov. 14, \s'J, 3m.
# m 198 LIBERTY ST. fl
PITTSETTRGK. PA.
BUTLER. i'A., WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12. 1883
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
To the Congress of the United States :
At the threshold of your deliberations
I congratulate you upon tbe favorable
aspect of the domestic and foreign
affairs of this Government.
OUR RELATIONS.
Our relations with other countries
continue to be upon a friendly footing.
With tbe Argentine Republic, Belgium,
Brazil, Denmark, Hayti, Italy, Santa
Domiugo, Sweden and Norway no in
cident has occurred which calls for
special c mment. The recent opening
of telegraphic communication with
Central America and Brazil permitted
the interchange of messages of friend
ship with the Governments of those
countries. During the year they have
been perfected and proclaimed consular
and commercial treaties with Servia
and a consular treaty with Iloumania,
thus extending our intercourse with
the Danubian countries while our East
ern relations have been put upon a
wider basis by treaties with Corea and
Madagascar. Tbe new boundary sur
vey treaty with Mexico, a trades mark
convention and a supplementary treaty
of extradition with Spain and conven
tions extending tjie duration .of the
Franco-American Claims Commission
have also been proclaimed.
PAUPER IMMIGRATION.
The question has arisen touching
the deportation to the United States,
from the British Islands, by Govern
mental or municipal aid, of persons un
able there to gain a living and equally
a burden on tbe community here. Such
of these persons as will come under the
pauper class, as defined by law, have
been sent back in acoordance with the
provisions of our statutes. Her Ma
jesty's Government has insisted that
precautions have been taken before
making shipments. It ha 9, however,
iu many cases proven ineffectual and
especially so in certain recent instances
of needy emigrants reaching our terri
tory through Canada that some revis
ion of our legislation upon this sub
ject may be deemed advisable.
SWINE PRODUCTS.
The legislation of France against the
importation of prepared swine products
from the United States has been repeal
ed. That result has been due no less
to the friendly representations of this
Government than to a growing convic
tion in France that the restriction is
not demanded by any real danger to
health. Germany still prohibits the
introduction of all swine products from
America. I extended to the Imperial
government friendly invitation to send
experts to the Uuited States to inquire
whether the use of these products was
dangerous to health. This invitation
was declined. I have believed it of
such importance, however, that the ex
act facts should be ascertained and pro
mulgated that I have appointed a com
petent commission to make a thorough
investigation of the subject. Its mem
bers have shown their public spirit by
accepting their trust without pledge of
compensation; but I trust that Con
gress will see in the Natioual and in
ternational bearings of the matter a
sufficient motive of providing at least
for reimbursement of such expenses as
they may necessarily incur.
THE HELVETIAN CONFEDERATION.
The Helvetian Confederation has
proposed the inauguration of a class of
international treaties fo tbe arbitration
of grave questions between nations.
This Government has assented to the
proposal, and negotiations of such a
treaty with Switzerland, under tbe
treaty of Berlin, liberty of conscience
and civil rights are assured to all
strangers in Bulgaria. As the United
States have no distinctive mentioned
relations with that country and are not
a party to the treaty, they should, in
my opinion, maintain diplomatic repre
sentation for the improvement of inter
course and the proper protection of the
many American citizens who resort to
that country a3 missionaries and teach
ers.
I suggest that I be given authority
to establish an agency and a Consulate
General at the Bulgarian capital.
REVISION OF THE TARIFF OF OTTOMAN
EMPIRE.
The United States are now partici
pating in a revision of the tariff of the
Ottoman Empire. They have assented
to the application of a license tax to
foreigners doing business in Turkey,
but have opposed the oppressive storage
tax upon petroleum entering the ports
of that country.
LEGAT.'ONS ro EASTERN COUNTRIES.
In pursuance of the policy declared
by this Government of extending our
interests with Eastern nations lega
tions have during the past year been
established in Persia, Siam and Corea.
It is probable that permanent missions
of these countries will ere long be
maintained in tbe United Siates.
A special embassy from Siam is now
on its way hither, and treaty relations
with Corea were perfected by exchange
at Leoul on the 19th of May last of
ratifications of the lately concluded con
vention, and envoys from the King of
Tab Chosun have visited this country
and received a cordial welcome.
Corea, as yet unacquainted with the
methods of Western civilization, now
invites the attention of those interested
in the advancement of our foreign trade,
as it needs the implements and pro
ducts which the United States are
ready to supply. We seek no monopo
ly of its commerce and no advantage
over other nations, but as the Chosuns
in reaching for a higher civilization
have confided in this Republic, we can
not regard with indifference any en
croachment on their rights.
AFRICAN SETTLEMENTS.
The rich and populous valley of the
Congo is being opened to commerce by
a society called the Interna
tional African Association, of
which the King of the Belgians is
President, and a citizen of the United
States the chief executive officer.
Large tracts of territory have been
ceded to the association by the native
chiefs, roads have been opened, steam
boit9 placed on the river and the neu
clu3 of seats estai lished at twenty
two stations under one flag, which of
fers freedom to commerce and prohibits
the slave trade The objects of the so
ciety are philanthropic. It does not
aim at permanent political control but
seeks the ncutralitv of the valley.
The United States cannot be indif
ferent to this work, nor to the interests
of their citiieus involved iu it. It may
become advisable for us to co-operate
with other commercial powers in pro
moting the rights of trade and resi
dence in tbe Congo valley free from the
interference or political control of any
one Nation.
FOREIGN TRADE HAMPERED. *
Our petroleum exports are hampered
in Turkey and in other Eastern ports
by restriction as to storage and by tax
ation; and the free outward movement
of our great food products is in some
quarters clogged with like impedi
ments. For these mischiefs adequate
relief is not always offered by recipro
city treaties like that with Hawaii or
that negotiated with Mexico and now
awaiting the action cf the Senate.
NATIONAL FINANCES.
The report of the Secretary of the
Treasury gives full and interesting ex
hibits of the financial condition of the
country. It shows that the ordinary
revenue from all sources for fiscal year
ended June 30, 1883, amounted to
$398,287,581.95, whereof of these was
received from the customs $214,706,-
396.93; trom internal revenues $144,-
723,368.98; from sales of public lands
7,955,864 42; from tax on circulation
and deposits on National bands $9,111,-
008.85; for profit on coinage, bullion
deposits and assays $4,460,206.17;
from other sources, $17,333,637.60;
total, $398,287,581.95. For the same
period the ordinary expenditures were:
For civil expenses, $22,363,285.76; for
foreign intercourse, $2,419,275.24; for
claims, $7,362,590.34; for pensions,
$66,012,573.61; for the military estab
lishments, including river and harbor
improvements and arsenals, $48,911,-
382.93; for the naval establishment,
including vessels and improvements at
navy yards, $15,283439.17; for miscel
laneous expenditure, including public
buildings, light houses and collecting
revenues, $40,098,432.73; for expendi
tures on account of District of Colum
bia, $6,381,778.48; for interest on the
public debt, 59,160,131.25; total, $265,-
408,137 54, leaving a surplus revenue
of $132,879,444.41, which with an
amount drawn from the cash balance
in the Treasury of $1,299,312.55, mak
ing $134,178,756.96, wasappliedto tbe
redemption of bonds for the sinking
fund, $44,850,700;0f fractional currency
for the sinking fund, $16,556.96 of
funded loan of 1881, and continued at 3£
per cent, $65,380,250 of the loan of
July and August, 1881; continued at
3| per cent, $20,594,600 of funded
loan of 1907; $1,418,850 of funded loan
of 1881: $719,150 of loan of February,
1861; $28,000 of loan of July and Au
gust, 1861; $266,600 of loan of March,
1863; $116,850.00 of loan of July,
1882; $47,650.00 of five-twenties of
1862; $10,300.00 of five-twenties of
1864; $7,050.00 of five-twenties of
1865; $9,600.00 of ten-forties of 1864;
$133,550.00 of consols of 1865; $40,-
800.00 of consols of 1867; $235,700.00
of consols of 1868; $154,650.00 of con
sols; Oregon war debt $545,000; of
refunding certificates $109,150.00; of
old demand compound interest, and
other notes, $13,390; total, $134,178,-
756,96.
THE EXCESS OF REVENUE.
If the revenue for the fiscal year,
which will end on June 30, 1884, be
estimated upon the basis of existing
laws, the Secretary is of the opinion
that for that year the receipts will ex
ceed by sixty millions the ordinary ex
penditures including the amount de
voted to the sinking funds. Hitherto
the surplus as rapidly as it has accumu
lated has been devoted to the reduction
of the National debt. As a result the
only bonds now outstanding which are
redeemable at the pleasure of the gov
ernment are the three per cents.,
amounting to about $305,000,000, four
and one-half per cents, amounting to
$250,000,000, and the $737,000,000
four per cents are not payable until 1891
and 1907, respectively. If the surplus
shall hereafter be as large as the Treas
ury estimates now indicate, the three
per cent, bonds may all be redeemed at
least four years before any of the four
and one-halt per cents, can be called in.
The latter, at the same rate of accumu
lation, can be paid at maturity and the
money requsite for the redemption of
the four per cents, will be in the Treas
ury many years before those obligations
become payable.
PAYING THE DEBT TOO FAST.
There are cogent reasons, however,
why the National indebtedness should
not be thus rapidly extinguished.
Chief among them is the fact that only
by excessive taxation is such rapidity
attainable. In a communication to the
Congress at its last session I recom
mended that all excise taxes be abolish
ed except those relating to distilled
spirits, and that substantial reductions
also be made iu the revenues from cus
toms. A statute has since been enact
ed by which the annual tax and tariff
receipts of the Government have been
cut down to the extent of at least fifty
or sixty millions of dollars.
NO FURTHER REDUCTION.
While I have no doubt that still
further reduction may be made I do not
advise the adoption at this session of
any measures for a large diminution of
National revenues. The results of the
legislation of the last session of Con
gress have not as yet become sufficient
ly apparent to justify any radical re
vision or sweeping modifications of the
existing law.
DISPOSING OF THE SURPLUS.
In tbe interval which must elapse
before the effects of the act of March 3,
1883, can be definitely ascertained a
portion at least of the surplus revenues
may be wisely applied to tbe long neg
lected duty of rehabilitating our Nation
and providing* coast defenses for the
protection of our harbors.
THE NATIONAL CURRENVY.
This is a matter to which I shall
again revert. Immediately associated
with the financial subject just discuss
ed is the important question. What
legislation is needed regarding Nation
al currency? The aggregate amount
of bonds now on deposit in the Treas
ury to support the National bauk cir
culation is $350,000,000. Nearly
two hundred millions of this amouut
consists of three per cents., which, as
already stated, are payable at the pleas
ure of the Government and are likely
to be called in within less than four
years unless the surplus revenues shall
be diminished.
CONTRACTING THE CURRENCY
The probable effect of such an ex
tensive retirement of the securities
which are the basis of the National
bank circulation would be such a con
tractioa of the volumn of currency as
to produce grave commercial embar
rassments. How can tbe danger be
obviated? The most effectual plan,
and one whose adoption at the earliest
practicable oportunity I shall heartily
approve, has already been indicated.
If the revenues of the next four years
shall be kept substantially commensur
ate with the expenses the volumn of
circulation will uot be likely to suffer
any material disturbance, but if on the
other hand, there shall be great delay
iu reducing taxation it will become
necessary either to substitute some
other form of currency in place of the
National bank notes, or make impor
tant chauges in the laws by which
their circulation is now controlled.
THE LEGISLATION NEEDED.
In my judgment the latter course is
far preferable. I commend to your at
tention the very interesting and
thoughtful suggestions upon this sub
ject which appear in the Secretary's
report. The objections which he urges
against the acceptance of any other se
curites than tbe obligations of the Gov
ernment itself as a foundation for Na
tional bank circulation, seems to me in
superable.
THE TWO PLANS.
For averting the threatened contrac
tion two courses have been suggested,
either of which is probably feasible
One is the issuance of new bonds, hav
ing many years to run bearing a low
rate of interest exchangeable upon
specified terms of those now outstand
ing. The uther course which com
mends itself to my own judgment as
the better, is the enactment of a law
repealing the tax on circulation and
permitting the banks to issue notes for
an amount equal to ninety per cent, of
the market value, instead as of now,
the face value of their deposited bonds.
I agree with the Secretary in the be
lief that the adoption of this plan
would afford the necessary relief.
THE TRADE DOLLAR.
The trade dollar was coined for the
purpose of traffic in countries where
silver passed at its value, as ascertain
ed by its weight and fineness It never
had a legal tender quality. Large
numbers of these coins entered, how
ever, into tbe volume of our currency.
By common consent their circulation
in domestic trade has now ceased and
they have thus become a disturbing
element and they should not be longer
permitted to embarrass our currency
system. I recommend that provision
for their reception by the Treasury and
the mints as bullion at a small per
centage above the current market price
of silver for like fineness.
INDIAN RELATIONS.
From the report of the Secretary of
War it will be seen that iu only a
single instance has there been any dis
turbance of the quiet condition of our
Indian tribes—a raid from Mexico to
Arizona by a small party of Indians,
which was pursued by General Crook
into the mountain regions from which
it had come. It is confidently hoped
that serious outbreaks will not again
occur and that the Indian tribes which
have for so many years disturbed the
West will heareafter remain in peace
able submission.
GUNS AND TORPEDOES.
As germain to this subject, I call
your attention to the importance of
perfecting our submarine torpedo de
fenses. The board authorized by the
last Congress to report on the method
which should be adopted for the manu
facture of heavy ordnance adapted to
modem warfare has visistcd the princi
pal iron and steel works in this country
and in Europe. It is hoped that its
report will be soon made and that Con
gress will thereupon be disposed to
provide suitable facilities and plans for
the manufacture of such guns as are
now temporarily needed
POSTAL AFFAIRS.
The report of the Postmaster Gen
eral contains a gratifying exhibit of the
condition and prospects of the interest
ing branch of the public service com
mitted to his care. It appears that, on
June 30, 1883, the whole number of
post-offices was 47,836 ; of which 1,632
were established during the previous
fiscal year.
The number of offices operating under
the system of free delivery was 154.
At these latter offices the postage on
local matter amounted to $419,523,032,
a sum exceeding by $105,189,401 the
entire co3t of the carriers service of the
country. The rate of postage on drop
letters passing through these offices is
now fixed by iaw at two cents per half
ounce or fraction thereof.
ONE CENT POSTAGE.
In offices where the carrier system
has not been established the rate is
only half as large. It will be remem
bered that in 1863, when free delivery
was first established by law, the uni
form single rate postage upon local let
ters was one cent, and so it remained
until 1872, when iu those cities where
carrier service was established it was
increased in order to defray tbe expense
of such service.
It seems to me the old rate may now
with propriety be restored ; and that
too even at the risk of diminishing for
a time at least the receipts from postage
upon local letters, I can see no reason
why the particular class <>f mail matter
should Ins held accountable for the en
tire cost of not only its own collection
and delivery, but the collection and de
livery of ail other classes, and 1 am
confident after full consideration of the
subject that a reduction of the rate
would be followed by such a growing
accession of business as to occasion but
slight and temporary loss to the revenue
of the postoffice.
GOVERNMENT TELEGRAPHS.
The Postmaster General devotes
much of his report to the consideration,
in its various aspects, of the relations
of the Government to the telegraph.
As such reflection as I have been able
to give to this subject since my last an
nual message has not led me to change
the view which 1 there expressed in
dissenting from the recommendation of
the Postmaster General, that the Gov
ernment assume some control over the
telegraph which it has always exercis
ed over the mail, admitting that its
authority in the premises is as ample
as has ever been claimed for it, it would
not in mv judgment be wise to use. If
that authority to purchase or assume
the control of existing telegraph lines
or to construct others with a view of
entering into a general competition
with private enterprises.
THE INDIAN QUESTION.
Much interesting and varied infor
mation is contained in the report of the
Secretary of Interior. I particularly
call your attention to his presentation
of certain phases of the Indian ques
tions, to his reccomendation for the r-j- I
peal of the pre-emption and timber cul
tivation acts ard for more stringent
legislation to prevent frauds under the
pension laws.
PENSION FRAUDS.
The statutes which jtrescribe the
definitions and punishment of crimes
relating to pensions could doubtless be
made more effective by certain amounts
and additions which are pointed out in
the Secretary's report.
ILLITERACY.
I [have previously referred to the
alarming state of illiteracy in certain
portions of the country and again sub
mit for the consideration of Congress
whether some Federal aid should be
extended to public primary education
wherever adequate provision therefore
has not already beeu made.
THE POLYGAMY PROBLEM.
The Utah Commission has submit
ted to the Secretary of the Interior its
second annual report. As a result of
its labors in supervising the recent
election in that Territory pursuant to
the act of March 22, 1882, it
that the persons 'oy that act disquali
fied, to the number ot about 12,000,
were excluded from the polls. This
fact, however, affords little cause for
congratulation, and I fear that it is far
from indicating any real and substan
tia! progress toward the extirpation of
polygamy. All of the members of the
Legislature are Mormons. There is
grave reason to believe that they are in
sympathy with the practices that this
Government is seeking to suppress, and
that its efforts in that regard will be
more likely to encounter opposition
than to receive encouragement and sup
port. Eyen if this view should happi
ly be erroueous the law under which
the Commissioners have beeu acting
should be made more effective by the
incorporation of some such stringent
measures as they recommend as were
iucluded in bill Xo. 2238 on the calen
dar of the Senate at its last session. I
am convinced, however, that polygamy
has become so strongly entrenched in
the Territory of Utuh that it is profit
less to attack it with any but the stout
est weapons which constitutional legis
lation can fashion. I favor therefore
the repeal of the act upon which the
existing government depends, the as
sumption by the National Legislature
of the entire political control of the
Territory and the establishment of a
commission with such powers and du
ties as shall be delegated to it by
law.
AtSRICCLTURAI. AFFAIRS.
The Department of Agriculture is
accomplishing much in the direction of
the agricultural development of the
country and the report of the Commis
sioner giving the results of his investi
gations and experiments will be found
interesting and valuable. At his in
stance a convention of those interested
in the cattle industry of the country
was lately held at Chicago. The pre
valence of pleuro pneumonia and other
contagious diseases of animals was one
of the chief topics of discussion. A
committee of the convention will in
vite your co-operation in investigating
the cause of these diseases and provid
ing methods for their prevention and
cure.
INTER-STATE COMMERCE.
Complaints have lately been nnrner
otis ami urgeut that certain corporations
controlling in whole or in part the facil
ties for the inter-State carriage of per
sons and merchandise over the great
railroads of the country have resorted
in their dealings with the public to
•livers measures unjust and oppressive
in their character.
In some instances the State govern
' meats have attacked and suppressed
these evils, but in others they have
j been unable to afford adequate relief
because of the jurisdictional limitations
which are imposed upon them by the
I Federal Constitution. The question
how far the National government may
| lawfully interfere in the premises, and
i what, if any supervision or control it
| ought to exercise, is one which merits
i your careful consideration.
CHECKING MONOPOLY.
I While we cannot fail to recognize the
importance of the vast railway systems
of the country and their great and ben
eficial influences upon the development
of our material wealth, we should on
the other hand remember no individual
and no corporation ought to be invest
ed with absolute power orer the inter
est of any other citizen or class of citi
zens. The right of the railway corpor
ations to award a profitable return upon
their investments and to reasonable
freedom in their regulations must, be
re ogn'zed. But it seems only just
that so far its constitutional authori
ty will permit Congress should |v ct
the people at large in their intcr-S-.ito
treflic against acts of injustice which
State Governments are powerlt to
protect
THE PRESIDENTIAL SUCCESSION
At the time when the present Exe
j cutive entered his office his death, re
moval, resignation or inability to dis
charge his duties would ha.e i- f: the
Government without a constitutional
head. It is possible, of course, that a
similar coutigency may again arise un
, ,e . ?s lll( ' wisdom of Congress sll pro
| vide against its recurrence. The Sen
ate at its last session, after full consid
eration, passed an act relating to this
subject, which will now, 1 trust, com
mend itself to the approval of both
Houses of Congress. The clause of the
Constitution upon which must depend
any law regulating the Presidential
succession presents also for solution
other questions of paramount import
ance. These questions relate to the
proper interpretation of the phrase ' In
ability to discharge the powers and
duties of said office.'' Our organic law
providing tl at, when the President
shall suffer from such inability, tha
Presidential office shall devolve upon
the \ ice President, who must himself,
under like circumstances, give place to'
such officer as Congress may by law
appoint to act as President. 1 need
not here set forth numerous and inter
esting inquiries which are suggested
by these words of the constitution.
They were fully stated in my first com
munication to Congress and have since
been the subject of frequent delibera
tions in that body. It is greatly to bo
hoped that these momentous questions
will find speedy solution, lest emer
gencies may arise when longer delay
will be impossible and any determina
tion, albeit the wisest, may furnish
causes for anxiety and alarm."
CONCLUSION.
Fof the reasons fully stated in my
last annual message I repeat my re
commendation that Congress propose
an amendment to that provision of the
Constitution which prescribed the for
malities for the enactment of laws
whereby, in respect to bills for the ap
propriation of public moneys, the Exe
cutive may be enabled, while giving
his approval to particular items, to in
terpose his veto as to such other as do
not commend themselves to his judg
ment. The Fourteenth amendment of
the Constitution confers the rights of
citizenship upon all persons born or
naturalized in the United States and
subject to the jurisdiction thereof. It
was the special purpose of this amend
ment to insure to members of the col
ored race the full enjoyment of civil and
political rights. Certain statutory pro
visions intended to secure the enforce
ment of those rights have been recent
ly declared unconstitutional by the Su
preme Court, any legislation whereby
Congress may lawfully supplement the
guarantees which the Constitution af
fords for the equal enjoyment of all the
citizens of the United States of every
right, privilege and immunity of citizen
ship will receive my unhesitating ap
proval.
(Signed) CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
Washington. Dec. 3, 18S3.
Origin of the Term "John Bull."
Dr. .John Bull was the first Gresham
Professor of music, and organist and
composer to Queen Elizabeth. John,
like a true Englishman, traveled for
improvement; aud having heard of a
famous musician at St. Omcrs, he plac
ed himself under him as a novice. But
a circumstance soon convinced the
master that he was inferior to the
scholar. The musician showed John a
song which he had composed in forty
parts! telling him at the same time
that he defied all the world to produce
a person capable of adding another part
to bis composition. Bull desired to be
left alone, and to be indulged for a
short time with pen and ink. !u less
tban three hours he added forty parts
more to the song, upon which the
Frenchman was so surprised tifat he
swore, in great ecstacy, he must bo
cither the devil or John Hull: which
has ever since been proverbial in Eu
gland.
Too Well Educated.
"Well, Col. 8.," said a friend of edu
cation in Kentucky to a member of the
Legislature, "I suppose we can have
your support this winter."
"What fur?"
"In your educational interests, of
course."
"Doggone your educational ifr
osts. "
"My dear Colonel, you surprise me!"
"What makes you talk that way?
are you not in favor of education ?"
"No, siree, 1 hain't."
"Why not?"
"Well, because I hain't. It makes
more work for me ; You see, before I
was eddicated all I had to do was to
make a cross mark fur my name, but
now I've got to wrassle with a penpint
half an hour, and run mv tongue out
like a slice of liver, just because I'm
eddicated and kan sign my name. (!o
and try some of them ignorant mem
bers. I'm too well eddicated myself to
be be fooled any furder."— Men-hunt
Traveler.
—Bring out your skates.
—A foot rig—One stuck in the mud.
A blackmailer—The colored letter
carrier.
—The hen is the only creature that
takes an interest now in scratching.
—When an author is on a ram-page
his works should be bound in sheep.
—A word to the Y's : You cau't
ho!p being cold, for you are next to
Z-row.
—Mr. John X. Manger, l'ottsdam,
I*n., says: "Brown's Irou Bitters com
pletely cured me of dyspepsia and geu*
eral debility."
NO.