Full text of "State Papers, Etc., Etc., of Chester A. Arthur"

Google

This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on library shelves before it was carefully scanned by Google as part of a project

to make the world's books discoverable online.

It has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one that was never subject

to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books

are our gateways to the past, representing a wealth of history, culture and knowledge that's often difficult to discover.

Marks, notations and other maiginalia present in the original volume will appear in this file - a reminder of this book's long journey from the

publisher to a library and finally to you.

Usage guidelines

Google is proud to partner with libraries to digitize public domain materials and make them widely accessible. Public domain books belong to the
public and we are merely their custodians. Nevertheless, this work is expensive, so in order to keep providing tliis resource, we liave taken steps to
prevent abuse by commercial parties, including placing technical restrictions on automated querying.
We also ask that you:

+ Make non-commercial use of the files We designed Google Book Search for use by individuals, and we request that you use these files for
personal, non-commercial purposes.

+ Refrain fivm automated querying Do not send automated queries of any sort to Google's system: If you are conducting research on machine
translation, optical character recognition or other areas where access to a large amount of text is helpful, please contact us. We encourage the
use of public domain materials for these purposes and may be able to help.

+ Maintain attributionTht GoogXt "watermark" you see on each file is essential for in forming people about this project and helping them find
additional materials through Google Book Search. Please do not remove it.

+ Keep it legal Whatever your use, remember that you are responsible for ensuring that what you are doing is legal. Do not assume that just
because we believe a book is in the public domain for users in the United States, that the work is also in the public domain for users in other
countries. Whether a book is still in copyright varies from country to country, and we can't offer guidance on whether any specific use of
any specific book is allowed. Please do not assume that a book's appearance in Google Book Search means it can be used in any manner
anywhere in the world. Copyright infringement liabili^ can be quite severe.

About Google Book Search

Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers
discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web

at |http: //books .google .com/I

U5 Cp4'd4 .77.

'^•'♦"f"#"#"#"f"#"f"f' ■♦"♦■♦■♦♦"♦■"♦■#

Harvard CoUege
Library

THE GIFT OF

William Sumner Appleton

OF BOSTON. BfASSACHUSETTS
CLASS OF 1896

4
4

4
4
4
4

4
4

ifj^j^j^J^J^J^J^J^J^J^J^j^J^J^J^J^^

# ,

?X,/,>.. ':4. '^/^//.

/. ,

STATE PAPERS,

ETC., ETC, ETC.,

Chester A. Arthur,

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

I 1^1 I

WASH I NGTON.
1885.

u. ^.

LH-ji.yj^

^{'.i.a UKj^

'y-'' v^ '- >,'^,/U/'-y

I I

'/!«/

LETTER

ACCEPTING

THE REPUBLICAN NOMINATION FOR VICE-PRESIDENT.

JULY 15, 1880.

/^^y/^/ . "^r '¥t/^//^.

j t

■ k

- i»

INAUGURAL ADDRESS

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,

SEPTEMBER 22, 1881.

•* .

INAUGURAL ADDRESS.

For the fourth time in the history of the Republic its Chief
Magistrate has been removed by death. All hearts are filled with
grief and horror at the hideous crime which has darkened our land ;
and the memory of the murdered President, his protracted suffer-
ings, his unyielding fortitude, the example and achievements of his
life, and the pathos of his death will forever illumine the pages of
our history.

For the fourth time the oflScer elected by the people and ordained
by the Constitution to fill a vacancy so created is called to assume
the Executive Chair. The wisdom of our fathers, foreseeing even
the most dire possibilities, made sure that the Government should
never be imperilled because of the uncertainty of human life. Men
may die but the fabrics of our free institutions remain unshaken.
No higher or more assuring proof could exist of the strength and
permanance of popular government than the fact that, though the
chosen of the people be struck down, his constitutional successor is
peacefully installed, without shock or strain, except the sorrow
which mourns the bereavement. All the noble aspirations of my
lamented predecessor which found expression in his life, the meas-
ures devised and suggested during his brief administration to correct
abuses, to enforce economy, to advance prosperity, and to promote the
general welfare, to insure domestic security and maintain friendly
and honorable relations with the nations of the earth, will be gar-
nered in the hearts of the people, and it will be my earnest endeavor
to profit and to see that the nation shall profit by his example and
experience.

Prosperity blesses our country, our fiscal policy is fixed by law, is
well grounded and generally approved. No threatening issue mars
our foreign intercourse, and the wisdom, integrity, and thrift of our

12 LETTERS AND MESSAGES.

people may be trusted to continue undisturbed the present assured
career of peace, tranquillity, and welfare. The gloom and anxiety
which have enshrouded the country must make repose especially
welcome now. No demand for speedy legislation has been heard ;
no adequate occasion is apparent for an unusual session of Congress.
The Constitution defines the functions and powers of the Executive
as clearly as those of either of the other two departments of the
Government, and he must answer for the just exercise of the discre-
tion it permits and the perfonnance of the duties it imposes. Sum-
moned to these high duties and responsibilities, and profoundly
conscious of their magnitude and gravity, I assume the trust im-
posed by the Constitution, relying for aid on Divine guidance and
the virtue, patriotism, and intelligence of the American people.

PROCLAMATION

CONCERNINC;

THE DEATH OF PRESIDENT GARFIELD,

SEPTEMBKR 22, 1881.

PROCLAMATION.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas, in His inscrutable wisdom, it has pleased God to remove
from us the illustrious head of the Nation, James A. Garfield, late
President of the United States ; and

Whereas, it is fitting that the deep grief which fills all hearts
should manifest itself with one accord toward the throne of Infinite
Grace, and that we should bow before the Almighty and seek from
Him that consolation in our affliction and that sanctification of our
loss which He is able and willing to vouchsafe ;

Now, therefore, in obedience to sacred duty and in accordance
with the desire of the people, I, Chester A. Arthur, President
of the United States of America, do hereby appoint Monday, next,
the twenty-sixth day of September — on which day the remains of
our honored and beloved dead will be consigned to their last resting-
place on earth — ^to be observed throughout the United States as a
day of humiliation and mourning ; and I earnestly recommend all
the people to assemble on that day in their respective places of
divine worship, there to render alike their tribute of sorrowful sub-
mission to the will of Almighty God and of reverence and love for
the memory and character of our late Chief Magistrate.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the
seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington the twenty-second day of Sep-
tember, in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and eighty-one,
and of the Independence of the United States of America the one
hundred and sixth.

[sEAi.] CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

By the President:

James G. Blaine,

Secretary of State.

PROCLAMATION

CONVENINC

Special session of the Senate October id, i88i,

SEPTEMBER 23, 1881.

PROCLAMATION.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas objects of interest to the United States require that the
Senate should be convened at an early day to receive and act upon
such communications as may be made to it on the part of the Exec-
utive:

Now, therefore, I, Chester A. Arthur, President of the United
States, have considered it to be my duty to issue this, my proclama-
tion, declaring that an extraordinary occasion requires the Senate of
the United States to convene for the transaction of business at the
Capitol, in the city of Washington, on Monday, the tenth day of
October next, at twelve o'clock noon on that day, of which all who
shall at that time be entitled to act as members of that body are
hereby required to take notice.

Given under my hand and the seal of the United States, at Wash-
ington, the twenty-third day of September, in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and eighty-one, and of the Independence
of the United States the one hundred and sixth.

[seal.] CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

By the President:

James G. Blaine,

Secretary of State.

ADDRESS

AT THE

YORKTOWN CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION,

OCTOBER 19, 1881.

ADDRESS.

Upon this soil, one hundred years ago, our forefathers brought to
a successful issue their heroic struggle for independence. Here and
then was established, and as we trust made forever secure upon this
continent that principle of government which is the very foundation
of our political system — the sovereignty of the people.

The resentments that attended and for a time survived the clash
of arms have long since ceased to animate our breasts. It is with
no feeling of exultation over a defeated foe that we summon up to-
day remembrance of the events that have made holy the ground
whereon we tread. Surely no such unworthy sentiment could find
harbor in our hearts, profoundly thrilled as they are by the expres-
sions of sorrow and sympathy which our national bereavement has
lately evoked from the people of England and from their august
sovereign.

It is well that we have gathered here to refresh our souls with the
contemplation of the unfaltering patriotism, the sturdy zeal, the sub-
lime faith which achieved the results we now commemorate ; for so,
if we learn aright the lesson of the hour, shall we be incited to trans-
mit to the generations that shall follow, the precious legacy which
our fathers transmitted to us — the love of liberty protected by law.

Of the historic scene that was here enacted no feature was more
prominent, and none more inspiring than the participation of our
gallant allies from across the . sea. It was their presence that gave
fresh and vigorous impulse to the hopes of our countrymen when
well nigh disheartened by a long series of disasters. It was their
noble and generous aid, extended in the darkest period of the strug-
gle, that sped the coming of our triumph and made the capitulation
at Yorktown possible a century ago. To their descendants and rep-
resentatives who are present as the honored guests of the Nation, it

n^^

L -■

PROCLAMATION.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

It has long been the pious custom of our people, with the closing
of the year, to look back upon the blessings brought to them in the
changing course of the seasons, and to return solemn thanks to the
All-giving Source from Whom they flow. And although at this
period, when the falling leaf admonishes us that the time of our
sacred duty is at hand, our Nation still lies in the shadow of a great
bereavement, and the mourning which has filled our hearts still
finds its sorrowful expression toward the God before Whom we but
lately bowed in grief and supplication, yet the countless benefits
which have showered upon us during the past twelvemonth call for
our fervent gratitude, and make it fitting that we should rejoice with
thankfulness that the Lord, in His infinite mercy, has most signally
favored our country and our people. Peace without and prosperity
within have been vouchsafed to us; no pestilence has visited our
shores; the abundant privileges of freedom which our fathers left us
in their wisdom are still our increasing heritage; and if, in parts of
our vast domain, sore afiiiction has visited our brethem in their
forest homes, yet even this calamity has been tempered and in a
manner sanctified by the generous compassion for the sufferers which
has been called forth throughout our land. For all these things, it
is meet that the voice of the Nation should go up to God in devout
homage.

Wherefore I, Chester A. Arthur, President of the United States,
do recommend that all the people observe Thursday, the twenty-fourth
day of November instant, as a day of National Thanksgiving and
Prayer, by ceasing, so far as may be, from their secular labors, and
meeting in their several places of worship, there to join in ascribing

28 LETTERS AND MESSAGES.

honor and praise to Almighty God, Whose goodness has been
so manifest in our history and in our lives, and offering earnest
prayers that His bounties may continue to us and to our children.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused t;he
seal of the United States to be aflBxed.

Done at the city of Washington this fourth day of November in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty-one,
and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and
sixth.

[seal.] CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

By the President:

James G. Blaine,

Secretary of State,

MESSAGE

TO THE

SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

DECEMBER 6, 1881.

MESSAGE.

To THE Senate and House of Representatives of the

United States:

An appalling calamity has befallen the American people since
their chosen representatives last met in the halls where you are now
assembled. We might else recall with unalloyed content the rare
prosperity with which throughout the year the nation has been
blessed. Its harvests have been plenteous; its varied industries
have thriven; the health of its people has been preserved; it has
maintained with foreign Governments the undisturbed relations of
amity and peace. For these manifestations of His favor, we owe to
Him who holds our destiny in His hands the tribute of our grateful
devotion.

To that mysterious exercise of His will, which has taken from us
the loved and illustrious citizen who was but lately the head of the
nation, we bow in sorrow and submission.

The memory of his exalted character, of his noble achievements,
and of his patriotic life will be treasured forever as a sacred possess-
ion of the whole people.

The announcement of his death drew from foreign Governments
and peoples tributes of sympathy and sorrow which history will
record as signal tokens of the kinship of nations and the federation
of mankind.

The feeling of good-will between our own Government and that
of Great Britain was never more marked than at present. In recog-
nition of this pleasing fact, I directed, on the occasion of the late
centennial celebration at Yorktown, that a salute be given to the
British flag.

Save for the correspondence to which I shall refer hereafter in
relation to the proposed canal across the Isthmus of Panama, little

32 LETTERS AND MESSAGES.

has occurred worthy of mention in the diplomatic relations of the
two countries.

Early in the year the Fortune Bay claims were satisfactorily set-
tled by the British Government paying in full the sum of ;^i5,ooo,
most of which has been already distributed. As the terms of the
settlement included compensation for injuries suiBfered by our fisher-
men at Aspee Bay, there has been retained from the gross award a
5um which is deemed adequate for those claims.

The participation of Americans in the exhibitions at Melbourne
and Sydney will be approvingly mentioned in the reports of the
two exhibitions, soon to be presented to Congress. They will dis-
close the readiness of our countrymen to make successful competi-
tion in distant fields of enterprise.

Negotiations for an International Copyright Convention are in
Tiopeful progress.

The surrender of Sitting Bull and his forces upon the Canadian
frontier has allayed apprehension, although bodies of British Indians
still cross the border in quest of sustenance. Upon this subject a
correspondence has been opened, which promises an adequate under-
standing. Our troops have orders to avoid meanwhile all collisions
with alien Indians.

The presence at the Yorktown celebration of representatives oi
the French Republic and descendants of Lafayette and of his gallant
compatriots who were our allies in the Revolution, has served to
strengthen the spirit of good-will which has always existed between
the two nations.

You will be furnished with the proceedings of the Bi-metallic
Conference held during the summer at the city of Paris. No accord
was reached, but a valuable interchange of views was had, and the
conference will next year be renewed.

At the Electrical Exhibition and Congress also held at Paris, this
country was creditably represented by eminent specialists who, in
the absence of an appropriation, generously lent their efficient aid
at the instance of the State Department. While our exhibitors in
this almost distinctively American field of achievement have won
several valuable awards, I recommend that Congress provide for the

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 33

repayment of the personal expenses incurred, in the public interest,
by the honorary commissioners and delegates.

No new questions respecting the status of our naturalized citizens
in Germany have arisen during the year, and the causes of com-
plaint, especially in Alsace and Lorraine, have practically ceased
through the liberal action of the Imperial Government in accepting
our often-expressed views on the subject. The application of the
treaty of 1868 to the lately acquired Rhenish provinces has received
very earnest attention, and a definite and lasting agreement on this
point is confidently expected. The participation of the descendants
of Baron von Steuben in the Yorktown festivities, and their subse-
quent reception by their American kinsmen, strikingly evinced the
ties of good-will which unite the German people and our own.

Our intercourse with Spain has been friendly. An agreement
concluded in February last fixes a term for the labors of the Spanish
and American Claims Commission. The Spanish Government has
been requested to pay the late awards of that commission, and will,
it is believed, accede to the request as promptly and courteously as
on former occasions.

By recent legislation onerous fines have been imposed upon Ameri-
can shipping in Spanish and colonial ports for slight irregularities
in manifests. One case of hardship is specially worthy of attention.
The bark ** Masonic," bound for Japan, entered Manila in distress,
and is there sought to be confiscated under Spanish revenue laws for
an alleged shortage in her trans-shipped cargo. Though efforts for
her relief have thus far proved unavailing, it is expected that the
whole matter will be adjusted in a friendly spirit.

The Senate resolutions of condolence on the assassination of the

Czar Alexander II were appropriately communicated to the Russian

Government, which in turn has expressed its sympathy in our late

national bereavement. It is desirable that our cordial relations with

Russia should be strengthened by proper engagements, assuring to

peaceable Americans who visit the Empire tlie consideration which

is due to them as citizens of a friendly state. This is especially

needful with respect to American Israelites, whose classification with

the native Hebrews has evoked energetic remonstrances from this

Government

34 LETTERS AND MESSAGES.

A supplementary consular agreement with Italy has been sanc-
tioned and proclaimed, which puts at rest conflicts of jurisdiction in
the case of crimes on shipboard.

Several important international conferences have been held in
Italy during the year. At the Geographical Congress of Venice, the
Beneficence Congress of Milan, and the Hygienic Congress of Turin,
this country was represented by delegates from branches of the pub-
lic service, or by private citizens duly accredited in an honorary
capacity. It is hoped that Congress will give such prominence to
the results of their participation as they may seem to deserve.

The abolition of all discriminating duties against such colonial
productions of the Dutch East Indies as are imported hither from
Holland has been already considered by Congress. I trust that at
the present session the matter may be favorably concluded.

The insecurity of life and property in many parts of Turkey has
given rise to correspondence with the Porte, looking particularly to
the better protection of American missionaries in the empire. The
condemned murderer of the eminent missionary Dr. Justin W. Par-
sons has not yet been executed, although this Government has re-
peatedly demanded that exemplar^' justice be done.

The Swiss Government has again solicited the good offices of our
diplomatic and consular agents for the protection of its citizens in
countries where it is not itself represented. This request has, within
proper limits, been granted.

Our agents in Switzerland have been instructed to protest against
the conduct of the authorities of certain communes in permitting
the emigration to this country of criminals and other 'Objectionable
persons. Several such persons, through the cooperation of the Com-
missioners of Emigration at New York, have been sent back by the
steamers which brought them. A continuance of this course may
prove a more effectual remedy than diplomatic remonstrance.

Treaties of commerce and navigation, and for the regulation of
consular privileges, have been concluded with Roumania and Servia
since their admission into the family of European states.

As is natural with contiguous states having like institutions and
like aims of advancement and development, the friendship of the
United States and Mexico has been constantly maintained. This

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 85

Govermnent has lost no occasion of encouraging the Mexican Gov-
ernment to a beneficial realization of the mutual advantages which
will result from more intimate commercial intercourse, and from
the opening of the rich interior of Mexico to railway enterprise. I
deem it important that means be provided to restrain the lawless-
ness unfortunately so common on the frontier, and to suppress the
forays of the reservation Indians on either side of the Rio Grande.

The neighboring states of Central America have preserved internal
peace, and their outward relations toward us have been those of inti-
mate friendship. There are encouraging signs of their growing dis-
position to subordinate their local interests to those which are com-
mon to them by reason of their geographical relations. ^

The boundary dispute between Guatemala and Mexico has aJBTordecT
this Government an opportimity to exercise its good offices for pre-
venting a rupture between those states, and for procuring a peace-
able solution of the question. I cherish strong hope that in view
of our relations of amity with both countries our friendly counsels
may prevail.

A special envoy of Guatemala has brought to me the condolences
of his Government and people on the death of President Garfield.

The Costa Rican Government lately framed an engagement with
Colombia for settling by arbitration the boundary question between
those countries, providing that the post of arbitrator should be of-
fered successively to the King of the Belgians, the King of Spain,
and the President of the Argentine Confederation. The King of
the Belgians has declined to act, but I am not as yet advised of the
action of the King of Spain. As we have certain interests in the
disputed territory which are protected by our treaty engagements
with one of the parties, it is important that the arbitration should
not, without our consent, aiffect our rights, and this Government has
accordingly thought proper to make its views known to the parties
to the agreement, as well as to intimate them to the Belgian and
Spanish Governments.

The questions growing out of the proposed interoceanic water-
way across the Isthmus of Panama are of grave national importance.
This Government has not been unmindful of the solemn obligations
imposed upon it by its compact of 1846 with Colombia, as the inde-

36 LETTERS AND MESSAGES.

pendent and sovereign mistress of the territory crossed by the canal,
and has sought to render them effective by fresh engagements with
the Colombian Republic looking to their practical execution. The
negotiations to this end, after they had reached what appeared to be
a mutually satisfactory solution here, were met in Colombia by a
disavowal of the powers which its envoy had assumed, and by a
proposal for renewed negotiation on a modified basis.

Meanwhile this Government learned that Colombia had proposed
to the European powers to join in a guarantee of the neutrality of
the proposed Panama Canal — a guarantee which would be in direct
contravention of our obligation as the sole guarantor of the integ-
rity of Colombian territory and of the neutrality of the canal itself.
My lamented predecessor felt it his duty to place before the European
powers the reasons which make the prior guarantee of the United
States indispensable, and for which the interjection of any foreign
guarantee might be regarded as a superfluous and unfriendly act.

Foreseeing the probable reliance of the British Government on the
provisions of the Clayton-Bulwer treaty of 1850, as affording room
for a share in the guarantees which the United States covenanted
with Colombia four years before, I have not hesitated to supplement
the action of my predecessor by proposing to Her Majesty's Govern-
ment the modification of that instrument and the abrogation of such
clauses thereof as do not comport with the obligations of the United
States toward Colombia, or with the vital needs of the two friendly
parties to the compact.

This Government sees with great concern the continuance of the
hostile relations between Chili, Bolivia, and Peru. An early peace
between these republics is much to be desired, not only that they
may themselves be spared further misery and bloodshed, but because
their continued antagonism threatens consequences which are, in
my jud<^ment, dangerous to the interests of republican government
on this continent, and calculated to destroy the best elements of our
free and peaceful civilization.

As in the present excited condition of popular feeling in these
countries there has been serious misapprehension of the position of
the United States, and as separate diplomatic intercourse with each
throuj^li independent ministers is sometimes subject, owing to the

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 37

want of prompt reciprocal communication, to temporary misunder-
standing, I have deemed it judicious, at the present time, to send a
special envoy, accredited to all and each of them, and furnished with
general instructions, which will, I trust, enable him to bring these
powers into friendly relations.

The Government of Venescuela maintains its attitude of warm
friendship, and continues with great regularity its payment of the
monthly quota of the diplomatic debt. Without suggesting the
direction in which Congress should act, I ask its attention to the
pending questions aflfecting the distribution of the sums thus far
received.

The relations between Venezuela and France, growing out of the
same debt, have been for some time past in an unsatisfactory state,
and this Government, as the neighbor and one of the largest creditors
of Venezuela, has interposed its influence with the French Govern-
ment with the view of producing a friendly and honorable adjust-
ment

I regret that the commercial interests between the United States
and Brazil, from which great advantages were hoped a year ago,
have suffered from the withdrawal of the American lines of com-
munication between the Brazilian ports and our own.

Through the efforts of our minister resident at Buenos Ayres and
the United States minister at Santiago, a treaty has been concluded
between the Argentine Republic and Chili, disposing of the long-
pending Patagonian boundary question. It is a matter of congratu-
lation that our Government has been afforded the opportunity of
successfully exerting its good influence for the prevention of disa-
greements between these republics of the American continent.

I am glad to inform you that the treaties lately negotiated with
China have been duly ratified on both sides, and the exchange made
at Peking. Legislation is necessary to carr>' their provisions into
effect. The prompt and friendly spirit with which the Chinese
Government, at the request of the United States, conceded the modi-
fication of existing treaties, should secure careful regard for the
interests and susceptibilities of that Government in the enactment of
any laws relating to Chinese immigration.

Those clauses of the treaties which forbid the participation of

88 LETTERS AND MESSAGES.

citizens or vessels of the United States in the opium trade will
doubtless receive your approval. They will attest the sincere inter-
est which our people and Government feel in the commendable eflforts
of the Chinese Government to put a stop to this demoralizing and
destructive traffic

In relation both to China and Japan, some changes are desirable
in our present system of consular jurisdiction. I hope at some future
time to lay before you a scheme for its improvement in the entire
East.

The intimacy between our own country and Japan, the most
advanced of the eastern nations, continues to be cordial. I am
advised that the Emperor contemplates the establishment of full
constitutional government and that he has already summoned a
parliamentary congress for the purpose of effecting the change.
Such a remarkable step toward complete assimilation with the west-
em system cannot fail to bring Japan into closer and more beneficial
relationship with ourselves as the chief Pacific power.

A question has arisen in relation to the exercise in that country
of the judicial functions conferred upon our ministers and consuls.
The indictment, trial, and conviction in the consular court at Yoko-
hama of John Ross, a merchant-seaman on board an American ves-
sel, have made it necessary for the Government to institute a careful
examination into the nature and methods of this jurisdiction.

It appeared that Ross was regularly shipped under the flag of the
United States, but was by birth a British subject. My predecessor
felt it his duty to maintain the position that, during his service as a
regularly shipped seaman on board an American merchant vessel,
Ross was subject to the laws of that service and to the jurisdiction
of the United States consular authorities.

I renew the recommendation which has been heretofore urged by
the Executive upon the attention of Congress, that after the reduc-
tion of such amount as may be found due to American citizens, the
balance of tlie indemnity funds heretofore obtained from China and
Japan, and which are now in the hands of the State Department,
be returned to the Governments of those countries.

The King of Hawaii, in the course of his homeward return after
a journey around the world, has lately visited this country. While

LETTERS AND liESSAQES. 39

our relations with that kingdom are friendly, this Government has
viewed with concern the eflforts to seek replenishment of the dimin-
ishing population of the islands from outward sources, to a degree
which may impair the native sovereignty and independence, in
which the United States was among the first to testify a lively
interest

Relations of unimpaired amity have been maintained throughout
the year with the respective Governments of Austria-Hungary, Bel-
gium, Denmark, Hayti, Paraguay and Uruguay, Portugal, and Swe-
den and Norway. This may also be said of Greece and Ecuador,
although our relations with those states have for some years been
severed by the withdrawal of appropriations for diplomatic repre-
sentatives at Athens and Quito. It seems expedient to restore those
missions, even on a reduced scale,- and I decidedly recommend such
a course with respect to Ecuador, which is likely, within the near
future, to play an important part among the nations of the Southern
Pacific.

At its last extra session the Senate called for the text of the Geneva
Convention for the relief of the wounded in war. I trust that this
action foreshadows such interest in the subject as will result in the
adhesion of the United States to that humane and commendable
engagement,

I invite your attention to the propriety of adopting the new Code
of International Rules for the Prevention of Collisions on the high
seas, and of conforming the domestic legislation of the United States
thereto, so that no confusion may arise from the application of con-
flicting rules in the case of vessels of different nationalities meeting
in tidal waters. These international rules differ but slightly from
our own. They have been adopted by the Navy Department for the
governance of the war ships of the United States on the high seas
and in foreign waters; and, through the action of the State Depart-
ment in disseminating the rules, and in acquainting shipmasters
with the option of conforming to them without the jurisdictional
waters of the United States, they are now very generally known and
obeyed.

The State Department still continues to publish to the country
the trade and manufacturing reports received from its officers abroad.

40 LETTERS AND MESSAGES.

The success of this course warrants its continuance, and such appro-
priation as may be required to meet the rapidly-increasing demand
for these publications. With special reference to the Atlanta Cotton
Exposition, the October number of the reports was devoted to a val-
uable collection of papers on the cotton-goods trade of the world.

The International Sanitary Conference, for which, in 1879, Con-
gress made provision, assembled in this city early in January last,
and its sessions were prolonged until March. Although it reached
no specific conclusions aflfecting the future action of the participant
powers, the interchange of views proved to be most valuable. The
full protocols of the sessions have been already presented to the
Senate.

As pertinent to this general subject I call your attention to the
operations of the National Board of Health. Established by act of
Congress approved March 3, 1879, its sphere of duty was enlarged
by the act of June 2 in the same year. By the last-named act the
board was required to institute such measures as might be deemed
necessary for preventing the introduction of contagious or infectious
diseases from foreign countries into the United States or from one
State into another.

The execution of the rules and regulations prepared by the board
and approved by my predecessor has done much to arrest the prog-
ress of epidemic disease, and has thus rendered substantial servdce
to the nation.

The International Sanitary Conference, to which I have referred,
adopted a form of a bill of health to be used by all vessels seeking
to enter the ports of the countries whose representatives participated
in its deliberations. This form has since been prescribed by the
National Board of Health and incorporated with its rules and regu-
lations, which have been approved by me in pursuance of law.

The health of the people is of supreme importance. All measures
looking to their protection against the spread of contagious diseases,
and to the increase of our sanitary knowledge for such purposes,
deserve attention of Congress.

The report of the vSecretary of the Treasury presents in detail a
hirfilv satisfactory exhibit of the state of the finances and the con-
dition of the various branches of the public ser\^ice administered by
that Department.

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 41

The ordinary revenues from all sources for the fiscal year ending
June 30, 1881, were:

From customs $198,159,676 02

From internal revenue : 135)264,385 51

From sales of public lands 2,201,863 17

From tax on circulation and deposits of national

banks '. 8,116,115 72

From repayment of interest by Pacific Railway

Companies 810,833 80

From sinking fund for Pacific Railway Companies 805,180 54

From customs fees, fines, penalties, &c 1,225,514 86

From fees — consular, letters patent, and lands 2,244,983 98

From proceeds of sales of Government property... 262,174 00

From profits on coinage 3,468,485 61

From revenues of the District of Columbia 2,016,199 23

From miscellaneous sources 6,206,880 13

Total ordinary receipts 360,782,292 57

The ordinary expenditures for the same period were:

For civil expenses $17,941,177 19

For foreign intercourse 1)093,954 92

For Indians 6,514,161 09

For pensions 5^)059,279 62

For the military establishment, including river and

harbor improvements and arsenals 40, 466, 460 55

For the naval establishment, including vessels, ma-
chinery, and improvements at navy-yards 15,686,671 66

For miscellaneous expenditures, including public
buildings, light-houses, and collecting the rev-
enue 41,837,280 57

For expenditures on account of the District of Co-
lumbia 3)543)912 03

For interest on the public debt — 82,508,741 18

For premium on bonds purchased 1,061,248 78

Total ordinary expenditures 260,712,887 59

Leaving a surplus revenue of 100,069,404 98

42 LETTERS AND AfESSAGES.

Which was applied as follows:

To the redemption of —

Bonds for the sinking fund $74,371,200 00

Fractional currency for the sinking fund 109,001 05

Loan of February, 1861 7,418,000 00

Ten-forties of 1864 2,016,150 00

Five-twenties of 1862 18,300 00

Five-twenties of 1864 3)400 00

Five-twenties of 1865 37)30o cx>

Consols of 1865 143,150 00

Consolsof 1867 959>i50 00

Consolsof i858 337>4oo 00

Texan indemnity stock 1,000 00

Old demand, compound-interest, and other notes .. 18,330 00

And to the increase of cash in the Treasury i4j 637,023 93

100,069,404 98

The requirements of the sinking fund for the year amounted to
$90,786,064.02, which sum included a balance of $49,817,128.78,
not provided for during the previous fiscal year. The sum of
$74,480,201.05 was applied to this fund, which left a deficit of
$16,305,873.47. The increase of the revenues for 1881 over those
of the previous year was $29,352,901.10. It is estimated that the
receipts during the present fiscal year will reach $400,000,000, and
the expenditures $270,000,000, leaving a surplus of $130,000,000
applicable to the sinking fund and the redemption of the public debt

I approve the recommendation of the Secretary of the Treasury,
that provision be made for the early retirement of silver certificates,
and that the act requiring their issue be repealed. They were issued
in pursuance of the policy of the Government to maintain silver at
or near the gold standard, and were accordingly made receivable for
all customs, taxes, and public dues. About sixty-six millions of
them are now outstanding. They form an unnecessary addition to
the paper currency, a sufficient amount of which may be readily
supplied by the national banks.

In accordance with the act of February 28, 1878, the Treasury
Department has, monthly, caused at least two millions in value of

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 43

silver bullion to be coined into standard silver dollars. One hundred
and two millions of these dollars have been already coined, while
only about thirty-four millions are in circulation.

For the reasons which he specifies, I concur in the Secretary's
recommendation that the provision for coinage of a fixed amount
each month be repealed, and that hereafter only so much be coined
as shall be necessary to supply the demand.

The Secretary advises that the issue of gold certificates should not
for the present be resumed, and suggests that the national banks
may properly be forbidden by law to retire their currency except
upon reasonable notice of their intention so to do. Such legislation
would seem to be justified by the recent action of certain banks on
the occasion referred to in the Secretary's report.

Of the fifteen millions of fractional currency still outstanding, only
about eighty thousand has been redeemed the past year. The sug-
gestion that this amount may properly be dropped from future state-
ments of the public debt seems worthy of approval.

So, also, does the suggestion of the Secretary as to the advisability
of relieving the calendar of the United States courts in the south-
em district of New York, by the transfer to another tribunal of the
numerous suits there pending against collectors.

The revenue from customs for the past fiscal year was $198,-
159,676.02, an increase of $11,637,611.42 over that of the year pre-
ceding. $138,098,562.39 of this amount was collected at the port
of New York, leaving $50,251,113.63 as the amount collected at all
the other ports of the country. Of this sum, $47,977,137.63 was
collected on sugar, melado, and molasses ; $27, 285, 624. 78 on wool and
its manufactures; $21,462,534.34 on iron and steel, and manufactures
thereof; $19,038,665.81 on manufactures of silk; $10,825,115.21 on
manufactures of cotton; and $6,469,643.04 on wines and spirits;
making a total revenue from these sources, of $133,058,720.81.

The expenses of collection for the past year were $6,419,345.20,
an increase over the preceding year of $387,410.04. Notwithstand-
ing the increase in the revenue from customs over the preceding
year, the gross value of the imports, including free goods, decreased
over twenty-five millions of dollars. The most marked decrease
was in the value of unmanufactured wool, $14,023,682, and in that

44 LETTERS AND MESSAGES.

of scrap and pig iron, $12,810,671. The value of imported sugar,
on the other hand, showed an increase of $7,457,474; of steel rails,
$4,345,521; of barley, $2,154,204; and of steel in bars, ingots, &c.,
$1,620,046.

Contrasted with the imports during the last fiscal year, the exports
were as follows:

Domestic merchandise ^ $883,925,947

Foreign merchandise 18,451,399

Total 902,377,346

Imports of merchandise 642,664,628

Excess of exports over imports of merchandise 259,712,718

Aggregate of exports and imports 1,545,041,974

Compared with the previous year, there was an increase of $66,-
738,688 in the value of exports of merchandise, and a decrease of
$25,290,118 in the value of imports. The annual average of the
excess of imports of merchandise over exports thereof, for ten years
previous to June 30, 1873, ^^ $104,706,922; but for the last six
years there has been an excess of exports over imports of merchan-
dise amounting to $1, 180,668, 105, an annual average of $196, 778,017.
The specie value of the exports of domestic merchandise was
$376,616,473 in 1870, and $883,925,947 in 1881, an increase of
$507,309,474, or 135 percent. The value of imports was $435,958,408
in 1870, and $642,664,628 in 1881, an increase of $206,706,220, or
47 per cent.

During each year from 1862 to 1879, inclusive, the exports of spe-
cie exceeded the imports. The largest excess of such exports over
imports was reached during the year 1864, when it amounted to
$92,280,929. But during the year ended June 30, 1880, the imports
of coin and bullion exceeded the exports by $75,891,391 ; and
during the last fiscal year the excess of imports over exports was
$91,168,650.

In the last annual report of the Secretary of the Treasury the
attention of Congress was called to the fact that $469,651,050 in five
per centum bonds and ^203,573,750 in six per centum bonds would
become redeemable during the year, and Congress was asked to

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 4&

authorize the refunding of these bonds at a lower rate of interest.
The bill for such refunding having failed to become a law, the Sec-
retary of the Treasury, in April last, notified the holders of the
$195,690,400 six per centum bonds then outstanding, that the bonds
would be paid at par on the first day of July following, or that they
might be ** continued" at the pleasure of the Government, to bear
interest at the rate of three and one-half per centum per annum.

Under this notice $178,055,150 of the six per centum bonds were
continued at the lower rate, and $17,635,250 were redeemed.

In the month of May a like notice was given respecting the re-
demption or continuance of the $439,841,350 of five per centum
bonds then outstanding, and of these, $401,504,900 were continued
at three and one-half per centum per annum, and $38,336,450
redeemed.

The six per centum bonds of the loan of February 8, 1861, and
of the Oregon war debt, amounting together to $14,125,800, having
matured during the year, the Secretary of the Treasury gave notice
of his intention to redeem the same, and such as have been pre-^
sented have been paid from the surplus revenues. There have also
been redeemed at par $16,179,100 of the three and one-half per
centum ** continued" bonds, making a total of bonds redeemed, or
which have ceased to bear interest during the year, of $123,969,650.

The reduction of the annual interest on the public debt through
these transactions is as follows:

By reduction of interest to three and one-half per

cent $10,473,952 25

By redemption of bonds ^ 6,352,340 oa

Total 16,826,292 25

The three and one-half per centum bonds, being payable at the
pleasure of the Government, are available for the investment of ,
surplus revenue without the payment of premiums.

Unless these bonds can be funded at a much lower rate of interest
than they now bear, I agree with the Secretar\^ of the Treasury that
no legislation respecting them is desirable.

It is a matter for congratulation that the business of the country
has been so prosperous during the past year as to yield by taxation

46 LETTERS AND MESSAGES.

a large surplus of income to the Government If the revenue laws
remain unchanged this surplus must, year by year, increase, on
account of the reduction of the public debt and its burden of interest,
and because of the rapid increase of our population. In 1866, just
prior to the institution of our internal-revenue system, our popula-
tion but slightly exceeded 30,000,000; by the census of 1880 it is
now found to exceed 50,000,000. It is estimated that even if the
annual receipts and expenditures should continue as at present the
entire debt could be paid in ten years.

In view, however, of the heavy load of taxation which our people
have already borne, we may well consider whether it is not the part
of wisdom to reduce the revenues, even if we delay a little the pay-
ment of the debt.

It seems to me that the time has arrived when the people may
justly demand some relief from their present onerous burden, and
that by due economy in the various branches of the public service,
this may readily be aflforded.

I therefore concur with the Secretary in recommending the aboli-
tion of all internal-revenue taxes, except those upon tobacco in its
various forms, and upon distilled spirits and fermented liquors; and
except also the special tax upon the manufacturers of, and dealers
in,, such articles. The retention of the latter tax is desirable as af-
fording the officers of the Government a proper supervision of these
articles for the prevention of fraud. I agree with the Secretary of
the Treasury, that the law imposing a stamp tax upon matches, pro-
prietary articles, playing cards, checks, and drafts, may with propri-
ety be repealed, and the law also by which banks and bankers are
assessed upon their capital and deposits. There seems to be a gen-
eral sentiment in favor of this course.

In the present condition of our revenues the tax upon deposits is
especially unjust. It was never imposed in this country until it was
demanded by the necessities of war, and was never exacted, I believe,
in any other countr}', even in its greatest exigencies. Banks are
required to secure their circulation by pledging with the Treasurer
of the United States bonds of the General Government The interest
upon these bonds, which at the time when the tax was imposed was
6 per cent., is now, in most instances, 3^ per cent. Besides, the

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 47

entire circulation was originally limited by law and no increase was
allowable. When the existing banks had practically a monopoly of
the business, there was force in the suggestion, that for the franchise
to the favored grantees the Government might very properly exact a
tax on circulation; but for years the system has been free, and the
amount of circulation regulated by the public demand.

The retention of this tax has been suggested as a means of reim-
bursing the Government for the expense of printing and furnishing
the circulating notes. If the tax should be repealed it would cer-
tainly seem proper to require the national banks to pay the amount
of such expense to the Comptroller of the Currency.

It is perhaps doubtful whether the immediate reduction of the rate
of taxation upon liquors and tobacco is advisable, especially in view
of the drain upon the Treasury which must attend the payment of
arrears of pensions. A comparison, however, of the amount of taxes
collected imder the varying rates of taxation which have at different
times prevailed, suggests the intimation that some reduction may
soon be made without material diminution of the revenue.

The tariff laws also need revision ; but, that a due regard may be
paid to the conflicting interests of our citizens, important changes
should be made with caution. If a careful revision cannot be made
at this session, a commission such as was lately approved by the
Senate and is now recommended by the Secretary of the Treasur>'
would doubtless lighten the labors of Congress whenever this subject
shall be brought to its consideration.

The accompanying report of the Secretary of War will make
known to you the operations of that Department for the past year.

He suggests measures for promoting the efficiency of the Army
without adding to the number of its officers, and recommends the
legislation necessary to increase the number of enlisted men to thirty
thousand, the maximum allowed by law.

This he deems necessary to maintain quietude on our ever-shifting
frontier; to preserve peace and suppress disorder and marauding in
new settlements; to protect settlers and their property against In-
dians, and Indians against the encroachments of intruders; and to
enable peaceable immigrants to establish homes in the most remote
parts of our country.

48 LBTTRR8 AND MESSAQB8.

The Amiy is now necessarily scattered over such a vast extent of
territory that, whenever an outbreak occurs^ reinforcements must be
hurried from many quarters, over great distances, and always at
heavy cost for transportation of men, horses, wagons, and supplies.

I concur in the recommendations of the Secretary for increasing
the Army to the strength of thirty thousand enlisted men.

It appears by the Secretary's report that in the absence of disturb-
ances on the fixmtier the troops have been actively employed in col-
lecting the Indians hitherto hostile, and locating them on their
proper reservations; that Sitting Bull and his adherents are now
prisoners at Port Randall; that the Utes have been moved to their
new reservation in Utah; that during the recent outbreak of the
Apaches it was necessary to reinforce the garrisons in Arizona by
troops withdrawn from New Mexico; and that some of the Apaches
are now held prisoners for trial, while some have escaped, and the
majority of the tribe are now on their reservation.

There is need of legislation to prevent intrusion upon the lands
set apart for the Indians. A large military force, at great expense,
is now required to patrol the boundary line between Kansas and the
Indian Territory. The only punishment that can at present be in-
flicted is the forcible removal of the intruder and the imposition of
a pecuniary fine, which, in most cases, it is impossible to collect.
There should be a penalty by imprisonment in such cases.

The separate organization of the Signal Service is urged by the
Secretary of War, and a full statement of the advantages of such per-
manent organization is presented in the report of the Chief Signal
OflGicer. A detailed account of the useful work performed by the
Signal Corps and the Weather Bureau, is also given in that report.

I ask attention to the statements of the Secretary of War regard-
ing the requisitions frequently made by the Indian Bureau upon tlie
Subsistence Department of the Army for the casual support of bands
and tribes of Indians whose appropriations are exhausted. The War
Department should not be left, by reason of inadequate provision
for the Indian Bureau, to contribute for the maintenance of Indians.

The report of the Chief of Engineers furnishes a detailed account
of the operations for the improvement of rivers and harbors.

I commend to your attention the suggestions contained in this

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 49

report in regard to the condition of our fortifications, especially our
coast defenses, and recommend an increase of the strength of the
Engineer Battalion, by which the efficiency of our torpedo system
would be improved.

I also call your attention to the remarks upon the improvement of
the South Pass of the Mississippi River, the proposed free bridge
over the Potomac River at Georgetown, the importance of complet-
ing at an early day the north wing of the War Department building,
and other recommendations of the Secretary of War which appear
in his report.

The actual expenditures of that Department for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 1881, were $42,122,201.39. The appropriations for
the year 1882 were $44,889,725.42. The estimates for 1883 are
$44,541,276.91.

The report of the Secretary of the Navy exhibits the condition of
that branch of the service, and presents valuable suggestions for its
improvement. I call your especial attention also to the appended
report of the Advisory Board, which he convened to devise suitable
measures for increasing the efficiency of the Navy, and particularly
to report as to the character and number of vessels necessary to place
it upon a footing commensurate with the necessities of the Govern-
ment.

I cannot too strongly urge upon you my conviction that every
consideration of national safety, economy, and honor imperatively
demands a thorough rehabilitation of our Navy.

With a full appreciation of the fact that compliance with the
suggestions of the head of that Department and of the Advisory
Board must involve a large expenditure of the public moneys, I
earnestly recommend such appropriations as will accomplish an end
which seems to me so desirable.

Nothing can be more inconsistent with true public economy than
withholding the means necessar>- to accomplish the objects intrusted
by the Constitution to the national legislature. One of those ob-
jects, and one which is of paramount importance, is declared by our
fundamental law to be the provision for the ^^ common defense.''
Surely nothing is more essential to the defense of the United States

and of all our people than the efficiency of our Navy.
4*

50 LETTERS AND MESSAGES.

We have for many years maintained with foreign Governments the
relations of honorable peace, and that such relations may be perma-
nent is desired by every patriotic citizen of the Republic.

But if we heed the teachings of history we shall not forget that in
the life of every nation emergencies may arise when a resort to arms
can alone save it from dishonor.

No danger from abroad now threatens this people, nor have we
any cause to distrust the friendly professions of other Governments.

But for avoiding as well as for repelling dangers that may threaten
us in the future, we must be prepared to enforce any policy which
we think wise to adopt.

We must be ready to defend our harbors against aggression, to pro-
tect, by the distribution of our ships of war over the highways of
commerce, the varied interests of our foreign trade, and the persons
and property of our citizens abroad, to maintain everywhere the
honor of our flag, and the distinguished position which we may
rightfully claim among the nations of the world.

The report of the Postmaster-General is a gratifying exhibit of
the growth and efficiency of the postal ser\dce.

The receipts from postage and other ordinary' sources during the
past fiscal year were $36,489,816.58. The receipts from the money-
order business were $295,581.39, making a total of $36,785,397.97.
The expenditure for the fiscal year was $39,251,736.46. The deficit
supplied out of the general Treasury was $2,481,129.35, or 6^^^y per
cent, of the amount expended. The receipts were $3,469,918.63 in
excess of those of the previous year, and $4,575,397.97 in excess of
the estimate made two years ago, before the present period of busi-
ness prosperity had fairly begun.

The whole number of letters mailed in this countr>' in the last
fiscal year exceeded one thousand millions.

The registry system is reported to be in excellent condition, having
been remodeled during the past four years, wdth good results. The
amount of registration fees collected during the last fiscal year was
$712,882.20, an increase over the fiscal year ending June 30, 1877,

of $345, 443- 40-

The entire number of letters and packages registered during the

year was 8,338,919, of which only 2,061 were lost or destroyed in

transit.

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 51

The operations of the money-order system are multiplying yearly
under the impulse of immigration, of the rapid development of the
newer States and Territories, and the consequent demand for addi-
tional means of intercommunication and exchange.

During the past year, 338 additional money-order oflSces have been
established, making a total of 5,499 in operation at the date of this
report

During the year the domestic money orders aggregated in value

*io5,o75,769-35-

A modification of the system is suggested, reducing the fees for

money orders not exceeding $5 from ten cents to five cents, and

making the maximum limit $100 in place of $50.

Legislation for the disposition of unclaimed money orders in the
possession of the Post-OflSce Department is recommended, in view
of the fact that their total value now exceeds one million dollars.

The attention of Congress is again invited to the subject of estab-
lishing a system of savings depositories in connection with the Post-
Office Department.

The statistics of mail transportation show that during the past
year railroad routes have been increased in length 6,249 iiiil^s, and
in cost $1,114,382, while steamboat routes have been decreased in
length 2,182 miles, and in cost $134,054. The so-called star routes
have been decreased in length 3,949 miles, and in cost $364,144.

Nearly all of the more expensive routes have been superseded by
railroad service. The cost of the star service must therefore rapidly
decrease in the Western States and Territories.

The Postmaster-General, however, calls attention to the constantly
increasing cost of the railway mail service as a serious diflSculty in
the way of making the Department self-sustaining.

Our postal intercourse with foreign countries has kept pace with
the growth of the domestic service. Within the past year several
coimtries and colonies have declared their adhesion to the Postal
Union. It now includes all those which have an organized postal
service, except Bolivia, Costa Rica, New Zealand, and the British
colonies in Australia.

As has been already stated, great reductions have recently been
made in the expense of the star-route service. The investigations

m LETTERS AND ME8SAQE8.

of the Department of Justice and the Post-Office Department have
resulted in the presentation of indictments against persons formerly
connected with that ser\'ice, accusing them of offenses against the
United States. I have enjoined upon the officials who are charged
with the conduct of the cases ou the part of the Government and
upon the eminent counsel who, before my accession to the Presi-
dency, were called to their assistance, the duty of prosecuting with
the utmost vigor of the law all persons who may be found chargeable
with frauds upon the postal ser\'ice.

The Acting Attoraey-General calls attention to the necessitj- of
modifying the present system of the courts of the United States — a
necessity due to the large increase of business, especially in the
Supreme Court. Litigation in our Federal tribunals became greatly
expanded after the close of the late war. So long as tliat expansion
might be attributable to the abnormal condition in which the com-
munity found itself immediately after the return of peace, prudence
required that no change be made in the constitution of our judicial
tribunals.

But it has now become apparent that an inmiense increase of liti-
gation has directly resulted from tho woiidcrt'ul growth and develop-
ment of the country. There is no ground for belief that the business
of the United States courts will ever be less in volume than at pres-
ent. Indeed, that it is likely to be much greater is generally recog-
nized by the bench and bar.

In view of the fact that Congress has already given much consid-
eration to this subject, I make no suggestion as to detail, but express
the hope that your deliberations may result in such legislation as
will give early relief to our overburdened courts.

The Acting Attorney-General also calls attention to the disturb-
ance of the public tranquillity during the past year in the Territory
of Arizona. A band of armed desperadoes, known as "Cow Boys,"
probably numbering from fifty to one hundred men, have been
engaged for months in committing acts of lawlessness and brutality
which the local authorities have been unable to repress. The dep-
redations of these "Cow Boys" have also extended into Mexico,
which the marauders reach from the Arizona frontier. With e\'ery
disposition to meet the exigencies of the case, I am embarrassed by

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 53

lack of authority to deal with them effectually. The punishment of
crimes committed within Arizona should ordinarily, of course, be
left to the Territorial authorities. But it is worthy consideration
whether acts which necessarily tend to embroil the United States
with neighboring Governments should not be declared crimes against
the United States. Some of the incursions alluded to may perhaps
be within the scope of the law (Revised Statutes, section 5286) for-
bidding *' military expeditions or enterprises" against friendly
states ; but in view of the speedy assembling of your body, I have
preferred to await such legislation as in your wisdom the occasion
may seem to demand.

It may, perhaps, be thought proper to provide that the setting on
foot within our own territory, of brigandage and armed marauding
expeditions against friendly nations and their citizens, shall be pun-
ishable as an offense against the United States.

I will add that in the event of a request from the Territorial gov-
ernment for protection by the United States against *^ domestic vio-
lence," this Government would be powerless to render assistance.

The act of 1795, chapter 36, passed at a time when Territorial
governments received little attention from Congress, enforced this
duty of the United States only as to the State governments. But
the act of 1807, chapter 39, applied also to Territories. This law
seems to have remained in force until the revision of the statutes,
when the provision for the Territories was dropped. I am not ad-
vised whether this alteration was intentional or accidental, but, as
it seems to me that the Territories should be offered the protection
which is accorded to the States by the Constitution, I suggest legis-
lation to that end.

It seems to me, too, that whatever views may prevail as to the
policy of recent legislation by which the Army has ceased to be a
part of the posse comitatiis^ an exception might well be made for
permitting the militar>' to assist the civil Territorial authorities in
enforcing the laws of the United States. This use of the Army
would not seem to be within the alleged evil against which that leg-
islation was aimed. From sparseness of population and other
circumstances it is often quite impracticable to summon a civil posse

54 LETTERS AND MESSAGES.

in places where officers of justice require assistance, and where a
military force is within easy reach.

The report of the Secretary of the Interior, with accompanying
documents, presents an elaborate account of the business of that
Department. A summary of it would be too extended for this place,
I ask your careful attention to the report itself.

Prominent among the matters which challenge the attention of
Congress at its present session is the management of our Indian
aflfairs. While this question has been a cause of trouble and embar-
rassment from the infancy of the Government, it is but recently that
any eflFort has been made for its solution, at once serious, determined,
consistent, and promising success.

It has been easier to resort to convenient makeshifts for tiding over
temporary difficulties than to grapple with the great permanent prob-
lem, and, accordingly, the easier course has almost invariably been
pursued.

It was natural, at a time when the national territory seemed almost
illimitable and contained many millions of acres far outside the
bounds of civilized settlements, that a policy should have been
initiated which more than aught else has been the fruitful source of
our Indian complications.

I refer of course to the policy of dealing with the various Indian
tribes as separate nationalities, of relegating them by treaty stipula-
tions to the occupancy of immense reser\^ations in the West, and of
encouraging them to live a savage life, undisturbed by any earnest
and well-directed efforts to bring them under the influences of civili-
zation.

The unsatisfactory results which have sprung from this policy are
becoming apparent to all.

As the white settlements have crowded the borders of the reser\^a-
tions, the Indians, sometimes contentedly and sometimes against
their will, have been transferred to other hunting-grounds, from
which they have again been dislodged whenever their new-found
homes have been desired by the adventurous settlers.

These removals, and the frontier collisions by which thev have
often been preceded, have led to frequent and disastrous conflicts
between the races.

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 55

It is profitless to discuss here which of them has been chiefly
responsible for the disturbances whose recital occupies so large a
space upon the pages of our history.

We have to deal with the appalling fact that though thousands of
lives have been sacrificed, and hundreds of millions of dollars
expended in the attempt to solve the Indian problem, it has until
within the past few years seemed scarcely nearer a solution than it
was half a century ago. But the Gk)vemment has of late been cau-
tiously but steadily feeling its way to the adoption of a policy which
has already produced gratifying results, and which, in my judgment,
is likely, if Congress and the Executive accord in its support, to
relieve us ere long from the difficulties which have hitherto beset us.

For the success of the efibrts now making to introduce among the
Indians the customs and pursuits of civilized life, and gradually to
absorb them into the mass of our citizens, sharing their rights and
holden to their responsibilities, there is imperative need for legisla-
tive action.

My suggestions in that regard will be chiefly such as have been
already called to the attention of Congress, and have received to some
extent its consideration:

First I recommend the passage of an act making the laws of the
various States and Territories applicable to the Indian reservations
within their borders, and extending the laws of the State of Arkansas
to the portion of the Indian Territory not occupied by the five civil-
ized tribes.

The Indian should receive the protection of the law. He should
be allowed to maintain in court his rights of person and property.
He has repeatedly begged for this privilege. Its exercise would be
very valuable to him in his progress toward civilization.

Second. Of even greater importance is a measure which has been
frequently recommended by my predecessors in office, and in further-
ance of which several bills have been from time to time introduced
in both Houses of Congress. The enactment of a general law per-
mitting the allotment in severalty, to such Indians, at least, as desire
it, of a reasonable quantity of land secured to them by patent, and
for their own protection made inalienable for twenty or twenty-five

LETTERS ASb UE88A»E8.

years, is demanded for their present welfare and their pennaueiit
advancement.

In return for such considerate action on the part of the Govern-
ment, there is reason to believe that the Indians in large numbers
would be persuaded to sever their tribal relations and to engage at
once ill agricultural pursuits. Many of them realize the fact that
their Iiuuting days are over, and that it i.s now for their best interests
to conform their manner of life to the new order of things. By no
greater inducement than the assurance of penuanent title to the soil
can they be led to engage in the occupation of tilling it.

The well-attested reports of their increasing interest in husbandrj'
justify the hope and belief that the enactment of such a statute as I
recommend would be at once attended with ffratif>-ing results. A
resort to the allotment system would have a direct and powerful
influence in dissolving the tribal bond, which is so promiuent a
feature of savage life, and which tends so strongly to perpetuate it.

Third. I advise a liberal appropriation for the support of Indian
schools, because of my confident belief that such a course is con-
sistent with the wisest economy.

Even among the most uncultivated Indian tribes there is reported
to be a general and m^nt desire on the part of the chiefs and older
members for the education of their cliildren. It is unfortunate, in
view of this fact, that during the past year the means which have
been at the command of the Interior Department for the purpose of
Indian instruction have proved to be utterly inadequate.. The suc-
cess of the schools which are in operation at Hampton, Carlisle, and
Forest Grove should not only encourage a more generous provision
for the support of those institutions, but should prompt the estajj-
lishment of others of a similar character.

They are doubtless much more potent for good than the day
schools upon the reservation, as the pupils are altogether separated
from the surroundings of savage life, and brought into constant con-
tact with civilization.

There are many other phases of this subject which are of great
interest, but which cannot be included within the becoming limits
of this communication; they are discussed ably in the reports of the
Secretary of the Interior and the Commissioner of Indian Affairs.

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 57

For many years the Executive, in his annual message to Congress,
has urged the necessity of stringent legislation for the suppression of
polygamy in the Territories, and especially in the Territory of Utah.
The existing statute for the punishment of this odious crime, so re-
volting to the moral and religious sense of .Christendom, has been
persistently and contemptuously violated ever since its enactment.
Indeed, in spite of commendable efforts on thq part of the authori-
ties who represent the United States in that Territory, the law has
in very rare instances been enforced, and, for a cause to which refer-
ence will presently be made, is practically a dead letter.

The fact that adherents of the Mormon church, which rests upon
polygamy as its comer-stone, have recently been peopling in large
numbers Idaho, Arizona, and other of our Western Territories, is
well calculated to excite the liveliest interest and apprehension. It
imposes upon Congress and the Executive the duty of arraying
against this barbarous system all the power which, under the Con-
stitution and the law, they can wield for its destruction.

Reference has been already made to the obstacles which the United
States oflScers have encountered in their efforts to punish violations
of law. ^Prominent among these obstacles is the difficulty of procur-
ing legal evidence sufficient to warrant a conviction even in the case
of the most notorious offenders.

Your attention is called to a recent opinion of the Supreme Court
of the United States, explaining its judgment of reversal in the case
of Miles, who had- been convicted of bigamy in Utah. The court
refers to the fact that the secrecy attending the celebration of mar-
riages in that Territory makes the proof of polygamy ver>' difficult;
and the propriety is suggested of modifying the law of evidence
which now makes a wife incompetent to testify against her husband.

This suggestion is approved. I recommend also the passage of an
act providing that in the Territories of the United States the fact
that a woman has been married to a person charged with bigamy
shall not disqualify her as a witness upon his trial for that offense.
I further recommend legislation by which any person solemnizing a
marriage in any of the Territories shall be required, under stringent
penalties for neglect or refusal, to file a certificate of such marriage
in the supreme court of the Territory.

1^ lAlTEBS All|> MBSSMBS.

Doubtless Cotigrass may ^fvise otiier ptacticaUe meastties for
diviatmg thie cUfficttltifis wliidi liave hitherto attended the effinls to
si3^I»:ess this iaiquity. I assure you ci my detennined pufpose to
CKyc^ptmte with you in any lawful aud discreet measmes which may
be proposed to tibat ea4

Although our system of govenmiait does not contem^te that
the nation sdiould provide or support a system for the educatimi ci
our people, no measures calculated to pcomote that graeral intdili*
genoe and virtue upon which the perpetuity of our institii^ions so
greatly dq>endS| have ever been r^;arded with indiffer^Kse hy Con-
gress or the Bncutive.

A large portion <tf the public domain has been, from time to timet
4evcrt«d to the promotion of education.

* 1!liere iuinow a q>ecial reason why, by setting apart the p t oceeda
dTits saks of puMic lands, or by some other course, tiie QofvemmexA
diotdd aid the wosik of education. Many who now ^terebe the r%ht
of suffi!age are unable to read the ballot which they cast Upott
many who had just emeij^^ed from a condition of slavery, weie sud-
denly devolved the responsibilities of dtiasenship in tbaA jfot&m of
the country most impoverished by war. I have been pleased to
learn from the report of the Commissioner of Education that there
has lately been a commendable increase of interest and eflfort for their
instruction; but all that can be done by local legislation and private
generosity should be supplemented by such aid as can be constitu-
tionally afforded by the National Gk)vemment.

I would suggest that if any fund be dedicated to this purpose it
may be wisely distributed in the different States according to the
ratio of illiteracy, as by this means those localities which are most
in need of such assistance will reap its special benefits.

The report of the Commissioner of Agriculture exhibits the results
of the experiments in which that Department has been engaged dur-
ing the past year, and makes important suggestions in reference to
the agricultural development of the country.

The steady increase of our population, and the consequent addition
to the number of those engaging in the pursuit of husbandry, are
giving to this Department a growing dignity and importance. The
Commissioner's suggestions touching its capacity for greater useful-

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 59

ness deserve attention, as it more and more commends itself to the
interests which it was created to promote.

It appears from the report of the Commissioner of Pensions that,
since i860, 789,063 original pension claims have been filed; 450,949
of these have been allowed and inscribed on the pension-roll; 72,539
have been rejected and abandoned, being 13+ per cent, of the whole
number of claims settled.

There are now pending for settlement 265,575 original pension
claims, 227,040 of which were filed prior to July i, 1880. These,
when allowed, will involve the payment of arrears from the date of
discharge in case of an invaKd, and from date of death or termina-
tion of a prior right in all other cases.

From all the data obtainable it is estimated that 15 per cent, of the
number of clainjip now pending will be rejected or abandoned. This
would show the probable rejection of 34,040 cases, and the probable
admission of about 193,000 claims, all of which involve the payment
of arrears of pensions.

With the present force employed, the number of adjudications
remaining the same and no new business intervening, this number
of claims (193,000) could be acted upon in a period of six years; and
taking January i, 1884, as a near period from which to estimate in
each case an average amount of arrears, it is found that every case
allowed would require, for the first payment upon it, the sum of
$1,350. Multiplying this amount by the whole number of probable
admissions gives $250,000,000 as the sum required for first pay-
ments. This represents the sum which must be paid upon claims
which were filed before July i, 1880, and are now pending, and
entitled to the benefits of the arrears act. From this amount
($250,000,000) may be deducted from ten to fifteen millions, for
cases where, the claimant dying, there is no person who, under
the law, would be entitled to succeed to the pension, leaving
$235,000,000 as the probable amount to be paid.

In these estimates, no account has been taken of the 38,500 cases
filed since June 30, 1880, and now pending, which must receive
attention as current business, but which do not involve the payment
of any arrears beyond the date of filing the claim. Of this number
it is estimated that 86 per cent, will be allowed.

60 LETTERS AND MESSAGES.

As has been stated, with the present force of the Pension Bnreau,
675 clerks, it is estimated that it will take six years to dispose of the
claims now pending.

It is stated by the Commissioner of Pensions that by an addition
of 250 clerks (increasing the adjudicating force rather than the
mechanical) double the amount of work could be accomplished, so
that these cases could be acted upon within three years.

Aside from the considerations of justice which may be urged for
a speedy settlement of the claims now on the files of the Pension
Office, it is no less important on the score of economy, inasmuch as
fully one-third of the clerical force of the office is now whplly occu-
pied in giving attention to correspondence with the thousands of
claimants whose cases have been on the files for the past eighteen
years. The fact that a sum so enormous must be expended by the
Government to meet demands for arrears of pensions, is an admoni-
tion to Congress and the Executive to give cautious consideration to
any similar project in the future. The great temptation to the pre-
sentation of fictitious claims aflforded by the fact that the average sum
obtained upon each application is $1,300, leads me to suggest the
propriety of making some special appropriation for the prevention of
fraud.

I advise appropriations for such internal improvements as the wis-
dom of Congress may deem to be of public importance. The neces-
sity of improving the navigation of the Mississippi River justifies a
special allusion to that subject. I suggest the adoption of some
measure for the removal of obstructions which now impede the navi-
gation of that great channel of commerce.

In my letter accepting the nomination for the Vice-Presidency, I
stated that in my judf>;ment ''no man should be the incumbent of
an office, the duties of which he is for any cause unfit to perform;
who is lacking in the ability, fidelity, or integrity which a proper
administration of such office demands. This sentiment would
doubtless meet with general acquiescence, but opinion has been
widely divided upon the wisdom and practicabilit\' of the various
reformatory schemes which have been suggested and of certain pro-
posed regulations governing appointments to public office.

"The efficienc}' of such regulations has been distrusted, mainly

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 61

because they have seemed to exalt mere educational and abstract
tests above general business capacity and even special fitness for the
particular work in hand. It seems to me that the rules which should
be applied to the management of the public service, may properly
conform in the main to such as regulate the conduct of successful
private business:

*' Original appointments should be based upon ascertained fitness.

*'The tenure of office should be stable.

''Positions of responsibility should, so far as practicable, be filled
by the promotion of worthy and efficient officers.

''The investigation of all complaints and the punishment of all
official misconduct should be prompt and thorough."

The views expressed in the foregoing letter are those which will
govern my administration of the Executive Office. They are doubt-
less sharecj by all intelligent and patriotic citizens, however diver-
gent in their opinions as to the best methods of putting them into
practical operation.

For example, the assertion that "original appointments should be
based upon ascertained fitness ' ' is not open to dispute.

But the question how in practice such fitness can be most effect-
ually ascertained, is one which has for years excited interest and dis-
cussion. The measure, which, with slight variations in its details,
has lately been urged upon the attention of Congress and the Exec-
utive, has as its principal feature the scheme of competitive exami-
nation. Save for certain exceptions, which need not here be speci-
fied, this plan would allow admission to the service only in its low-
est grade, and would accordingly demand that all vacancies in higher
positions should be filled by promotion alone. In these particulars
it is in conformity with the existing civil-service system of Great
Britain. And indeed the success which has attended that system in
the country of its birth is the strongest argument which has been
urged for its adoption here.

The fact should not, however, be overlooked that there are cer-
tain features of the English system which have not generally been
received with favor in this countr}', even among the foremost advo-
cates of civil-service reform.

62 LETTERS AND MESSAOEB.

Among them are :

1. A tenure of office which is substantially a life-tenure.

2. A limitation of the maximum age at which au applicant can
enter the service, whereby all men in miSdle life or older, are, with
some exceptions, rigidly excluded.

3. A retiring allowance upon going out of office.

These three elements are as important factors of the problem as
any of the others. To eliminate them from the English system
would effect a most radical change in its theory and practice.

The avowed purxjose of that system is to induce the educated
young men of the countrj- to devote their lives to public employ-
ment by an assurance that having once entered npon it they need
never leave it, and that after voluntary retirement they shall be the
recipients of an annual pension. That this system as an entirety
has proved very successful in Great Britain seems to be generally
conceded even by those who once opposed its adoption.

To a statute which should incorporate all its essential features, I
should feel bound to give my approval. But whether it would be
for the best interests of the public to fix upon an expedient for
immediate and extensive appHcatiou, which embraces certain feat-
ures of tie English system but excludes or ignores others of equal
importance, may be seriously doubted, even by those who are im-
pressed, as I am myself, with the grave importance of correcting
the evils which inhere in the present methods of appointment.

If, for example, the English rule which shuts out persons above
the age of twenty-five years from a large number of public employ-
ments is not to be made an essential part of our own system, it is
questionable whether the attainment of the highest number of marks
at a competitive examination should be the criterion by which all
applications for appointment should be put to test. And under
similar conditions, it may also be questioned, whether admission to
the service should be strictly limited to its lowest ranks.

There are very many characteristics which go to make a model
civil servant. Prominent among them are probity, industry, good
sense, good habits, good temper, patience, order, courtesy, tact, self-
reliance, manly deference to superior officers and manly considera-
tion for inferiors. The absence of these traits is not supplied by

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 63

wide knowledge of books or by promptitude in answering questions,
or by any other quality likely to be brought to light by competitive
examination.

To make success in such a contest, therefore, an indispensable
condition of public employment, would very likely result in the
practical exclusion of the older applicants, even though they might
possess qualifications far superior to their younger and more brilliant
competitors.

These suggestions must not be regarded as evincing any spirit of
opposition to the competitive plan, which has been to some extent
successfully employed already, and which may hereafter vindicate
the claim of its most earnest supporters. But it ought to be seri-
ously considered whether the application of the same educational
standard to persons of mature years and to young men fresh from
school and college would not be likely to exalt mere intellectual
proficiency above other qualities of equal or greater importance.

Another feature of the proposed system is the selection by promo-
tion of all officers of the Government above the lowest grade, except
such as would fairly be regarded as exponents of the policy of the
Executive and the principles of the dominant party.

To aflford encouragement to faithful public servants by exciting in
their minds the hope of promotion, if they are found to merit it, is
much to be desired.

But would it be wise to adopt a rule so rigid as to permit no other
mode of supplying the intermediate walks of the service ?

There are many persons who fill subordinate positions with great
credit, but lack those qualities which are requisite for higher posts
of duty; and, besides, the modes of thought and action of one whose
service in a govenunental bureau has been long continued are often
so cramped by routine procedure as almost to disqualify him from
instituting changes required by the public interests. An infusion of
new blood, from time to time, into the middle ranks of the sen^ice
might be very beneficial in its results.

The subject under discussion is one of grave importance. The
evils which are complained of cannot be eradicated at once ; the
work must be gradual.

64 LETTERS AND MESSAGES.

The present English system is a growth of years, and was not
created by a single stroke of executive or legislative action.

Its beginnings are found in an order in council, promulgated in
1855, and it was after patient and cautious scrutiny of its workings
that fifteen years later it took its present shape.

Five years after the issuance of the order in council, and at a time
when resort had been had to competitive examinations as an experi-
ment much more extensively than has yet been the case in this coun-
try, a select committee of the House of Commons made a report to
that house, which, declaring its approval of the competitive plan,
deprecated, nevertheless, any precipitancy in its general adoption as
likely to endanger its ultimate success.

During this tentative period the results of the two methods of
pass examination and competitive examination were closely watched
and compared. It may be that before we confine ourselves upon this
important question within the stringent bounds of statutory enact-
ment, we may profitably await the result of further inquiry and
experiment.

The submission of a portion of the nominations to a central board
of examiners selected solely for testing the qualifications of appli-
cants may, perhaps, without resort to the competitive test, put an
end to the mischiefs which attend the present system of appointment,
and it may be feasible to vest in such a board a wide discretion to
ascertain the characteristics and attainments of candidates in those
particulars which I have already referred to as being no less impor-
tant than mere intellectual attainment.

If Congress should deem it advisable at the present session to
establish competitive tests for admission to the service, no doubts
such as have been suggested shall deter me from giving the meas-
ure my earnest support.

And I urgently recommend, should there be a failure to pass any
other act upon this subject, that an appropriation of $25,000 per
year may be made for the enforcement of section 1753 of the Revised
Statutes.

With the aid tlin.^ afforded nie, I sliall strive to execute the pro-
visions of that law according to its letter and spirit.

I am unwilling, in jnstice to the present civil servants of the

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 65

Government, to dismiss this subject without declaiing my dissent
from the severe and almost indiscriminate censure with which they
have been recently assailed. That they are as a class indolent,
inefficient, and corrupt, is a statement which has been often made
and widely credited. But when the extent, variety, delicacy, and
importance of their duties are considered, the great majority of the
employes of the Government are in my judgment deserving of high
commendation.

The continuing decline of the merchant marine of the United
States is greatly to be deplored. In view of the fact that we furnish
so large a proportion of the freights of the commercial world and
that our shipments are steadily and rapidly increasing, it is cause of
surprise that not only is our navigation interest diminishing, but it
is less than when our exports and imports were not half so large as
now, either in bulk or value. There must be some peculiar hin-
derance to the development of this interest, or the enterprise and
energy of American mechanics and capitalists would have kept this
country at least abreast of our rivals in the friendly contest for ocean
supremacy. The substitution of iron for wood and of steam for sail
have wrought great revolutions in the carrying trade of the world ;
but these changes could not have been adverse to America if we had
given to our navigation interests a portion of the aid and protection
which have been so wisely bestowed upon our manufactures. I
commend the whole subject to the wisdom of Congress, with the
suggestion that no question of greater magnitude or farther-reaching
importance can engage their attention.

In 1875 ^h^ Supreme Court of the United States declared uncon-
stitutioual the statutes of certain States which imposed upon ship-
owners or consignees a tax of one dollar and a half for each passenger
arriving from a foreign country, or, in lieu thereof, required a bond
to indemnify the State and local authorities against expense for the
future relief or support of such passenger. Since this decision the
expense attending the care and supervision of immigrants has fallen
on the States at whose ports they have landed. As a large majority
of such immigrants, immediately upon their arrival, proceed to the
inland States and the Territories to seek permanent homes, it is

manifestly unjust to impose upon the State whose shores they first
5*

LETTERS AND MESSAGES,
reach, tlie burden which it now bears. For this reason, r.nd because
of the national importance of the subject, I recommend legislation
regarding the supervision and transitorj' care of immigrants at the
ports of debarkation.

I regret to state that the people of Alaska have reason to complain
that they are as yet unprovided with any form of government by
which life or property can I>e protected. While the extent of its
population does not justify the application of the costly machinery
of Territorial administration, tliere is immediate necessity for con-
stituting such a form of government as will promote the education
of the people and secure the administration of justice.

The Senate, at its last session, passed a bill providing for the con-
struction of a building for the Library' of Congress, but it failed to
become a law. The provision of suitable protection for this great
collection of books, and for the copyright department connected witli
it, has become a subject of national importance and should receive
prompt attention.

The report of the Commissioners of the District of Columbia,
herewith transmitted, will inform yon fully of the condition of the
affairs of the District.

The}' urge the vital importance of legislation for the reclamatiou
and improvement of the marshes and for the establishment of the
harbor lines along the Potomac River front.

It is represented that in their present condition these marshes
seriously affect the health of the residents of the adjacent parts of
the city; and that they greatly mar the general aspect of the park
in which stands the Washington Monument. This improvement
would add to that park and to the park south of the Executive Man-
sion a large area of valuable land, and would transform what is now
believed to be a dangerous nuisance into an attractive landscape
extending to the river front.

They recommend the removal of the steam railway lines from the
surface of the streets of the city, and the location of the necessary
depots in such places as may be convenient for the public accommo-
dation; and they call attention to the deficiency of the water supply,
which seriously affects the material prosperity of the city and the
health and comfort of its inhabitants.

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 67

I commend these subjects to your feivorable consideration.

The importance of timely legislation with respect to the ascertain-
ment and declaration of the vote for Presidential electors was sharply
called to the attention of the people more than four years ago.

It is to be hoped that some well-defined measure may be devised
before another national election, which will render unnecessary a
resort to any expedient of a temporary character, for the determina-
tion of questions upon contested returns.

Questions which concern the very existence of the Government
and the liberties of the people were suggested by the prolonged
illness of the late President, and his consequent incapacity to per-
form the functions of his office.

It is provided by the second article of the Constitution, in the
fifth clause of its first section, that * ' in case of the removal of the
President from office, or of his death, resignation, or inability to
discharge the powers and duties of said office, the same shall devolve
on the Vice-President''

What is the intendment of the Constitution in its specification of
*' inability to discharge the powers and duties of said office," as one
of the contingencies which calls the Vice-President to the exercise of
Presidential functions?

Is the inability limited in its nature to long-continued intellectual
incapacity, or has it a broader import?

What must be its extent and duration?

How must its existence be established?

Has the President, whose inability is the subject of inquiry, any
voice in determining whether or not it exists, or is the decision of
that momentous and delicate question confided to the Vice-President,
or is it contemplated by the Constitution that Congress should pro-
vide by law precisely what should constitute inability, and how and
by what tribunal or authority it should be ascertained?

If the inability proves to be temporary in its nature, and during
its continuance the Vice-President lawfully exercises the functions
of the iExecutive, by what tenure does he hold his office?

Does he continue as President for the remainder of the four years'
term?

68 LBTTER8 AND MB8SAQEB.

Or would the elected President, if his inability should cease in the
interval, be empowered to resume his office?

And if having such lawful authority be should exercise it, would
the Vice-President be thereupon empowered to resume his powers
and duties as such?

I cannot doubt that these important questions will receive your
early and thoughtful consideration.

Deeply impressed with the gravity of the responsibilities which
have so unexpectedly devolved upon me, it will be my constant pur-
pose to co-operate with you in sudi measures as will promote the
glory of the country and the prosperity of its people.

t CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

MESSAGE.

USE OF UNITED STATES TROOPS IN NEBRASKA

MARCH I 8, 1882.

part of section four of article four of the Constitution which pro-
vides that the United States shall, on application of the legislature
or of the executive (when the legislature cannot be convened), pro-
tect each of the States against domestic violence.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
Executive Mansion, Mai-ch i8, 1882.

MESSAGE

RETURNING

BILL ENTITLED "AN ACT TO EXECUTE CERTAIN TREATY
STIPULATIONS RELATING TO CHINESE," WITH

OBJECTIONS THERETO,

APRIL 4, 1882.

MESSAGE.

To THE Senate of the United States:

After careful consideration of Senate bill No. 71, entitied "An act
to execute certain treaty stipulations relating to Chinese, ' ' I here-
with return it to the Senate, in which it originated, with my objec-
tions to its passage.

A nation is justified in repudiating its treaty obligations only when
they are in conflict with great paramount interests. Even then all
possible reasonable means for modifying or changing those obliga-
tions by mutual agreement should be exhausted before resorting to
the supreme right of refusal to comply with them.

These rules have governed the United States in their past inter-
course with other powers as one of the family of nations. I am per-
suaded that if Congress can feel that this act violates the faith of the
nation, as pledged to China, it will concur with me in rejecting this
particular mode of regulating Chinese immigration, and will en-
deavor to find another which shall meet the expectations of the people
of the United States without coming in conflict with the rights of
China.

The present treaty relations between that power and the United
States spring from an antagonism which arose between our para-
mount domestic interests and our previous relations.

The treaty commonly known as the Burlingame Treaty conferred
upon Chinese subjects the right of voluntary emigration to the
United States for the purposes of curiosity or trade, or as permanent
residents, and was in all respects reciprocal as to citizens of the
United States in China. It gave to the voluntary emigrant coming
to the United States the right to travel there or to reside there, with
all the privileges, immunities, or exemptions enjoyed by the citizens
or subjects of the most favored nation.

Under the operation of this treaty it was found that the institu-
tions of the United States and the character of its people and their
means of obtaining a livelihood might be seriously affected by the
unrestricted introduction of Chinese labor. Congjess attempted to
alleviate this condition by legislation, but the act which it passed
proved to be in violation of our treaty obligations, and, being
returned by the President with his objections, failed to become a law.

Diplomatic relief was then sought. A new treaty was concluded
with China. Without abrogating the Burlingame treaty, it was
agreed to modify it so far that the Government of the United States
might regulate, limit, or suspend the coming of Chinese laborers to
the United States, or tlieir residence therein; but that it should not
absolutely prohibit them, and that the limitation or suspensioo
should be reasonable, and should apply only to Chinese who might
go to the United States as laborers, other classes not being included
in the limitations. This treaty is unilateral, not reciprocal. It is
a concession from China to the United States, in limitation of the
rights which she was enjoying under the BurHugame treaty. It
leaves us by our own act to determine when and how we will enforce
those limitations. China may therefore fairly have a right to expect
that in enforcing them we will take good care not to overstep the
grant and take more than has been conceded to us.

It is but a year since this new treaty, under the operation of the
Constitution, became part of the supreme law of the land ; and the
present act is the first attempt to exercise the more enlarged powers
which it relinquishes to the United States.

In its first article the United States is empowered to decide
whether the coming of Chinese laborers to the United States, or their
residence therein, affects or threatens to affect our interests, or to
endanger good order, either within the whole country or in any part
of it. The act recites that "in the opinion of the Government of
the United States the coming of Chinese laborers to this country
endangers the good order of certain localities thereof. ' ' But the act
itself is much broader than the recital. It acts upon residence as
well as immigration, and its provisions are effective throughout the
United States. I think it may fairly be accepted as an expression
of the opinion of Congress that the coming of such laborers to the

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 77

United States, or their residence here, affects our interests, and
endangers good order throughout the country. On this point I
should feel it my duty to accept the views of Congress.

The first article further conveys the power upon this Government
to regulate, limit, or suspend, but not actually to prohibit, the com-
ing of such laborers to, or their residence in, the United States.
The negotiators of the treaty have recorded with unusual fullness
their understanding of the sense and meaning with which these
words were used.

As to the class of persons to be affected by the treaty, the Amer-
icans inserted in their draft a provision that the words ''Chinese
laborers'' signify all immigration other than that for ''teaching,
trade, travel, study, and curiosity." The Chinese objected to this
that it operated to include artizans in the class of laborers whose
immigration might be forbidden. The Americans replied that they
"could" not consent that artizans shall be excluded from the class
of Chinese laborers, for it is this very competition of skilled labor, in
the cities where the Chinese labor immigration concentrates, which
has caused the embarrassment and popular discontent. In the sub-
sequent negotiation5 this definition dropped out, and does not appear
in the treaty. Article II of the treaty confers the rights, privileges,
immunities, and exemptions which are accorded to citizens and sub-
jects of the most favored nation upon Chinese subjects proceeding
to the United States as teachers, students, merchants, or from curi-
osity. The American commissioners report that the Chinese Gov-
ernment claimed that in this article they did, by exclusion, provide
that nobody should be entitled to claim the benefit of the general
provisions of the Burlingame treaty but those who might go to the
United States in those capacities, or for those purposes. I accept
this as the definition of the word "laborers," as used in the treaty.

As to the power of legislating respecting this class of persons, the
new treaty provides that we "may not absolutely prohibit" their
coming or their residence. The Chinese commissioners gave notice
in the outset that they would never agree to a prohibition of volun-
tary emigration. Notwithstanding this the United States commis-
sioners submitted a draft in which it was provided that the United
States might "regulate, limit, suspend, or prohibit" it. The

LETTERS AND XBSBAOES.

■ Chinese refused to accept tliis. The Americans replied that they
were "willing to consult the wishes of the Chinese Government in
preserving the principle of free intercourse between the people of
the two countries, as established by existing treaties, provided that
the right of the United States Government to use its discretion in
guarding against any possible evils of immigration of Chinese
laborers is distinctly recognized. Therefore, if such concession
remo^'es all difficulty on the part of the Chinese commissioners (but
only in that case), the United States commissioners will agree to
remove the word "prohibit" from their article, and to use the
words ' ' regulate, limit, or suspend. ' ' The Chinese reply to this can
only be inferred from the fact that in the place of an agreement, as
proposed by our commissioners, that we might prohibit the coming
or residence of Chinese laborers, there was inserted in the treaty an
agreement that we might not do it-

The remaining words "regulate, limit, and suspend," first appear
in the American draft. When it was submitted to the Chinese they
said, "We infer that of the phrases regulate, limit, suspend, or pro-
hibit, the first is a general expression referring to the others." "We
are entirely ready to negotiate with your Excellencies to the end
that a limitation either in point of time or of numbers may be fixed
upon the emigration of Chinese laborers to the United States." At
a subsequent interview they said, that "by limitation in number
they m^nt, for example, that the United States having, as they
supposed, a record of the number of immigrants in each year, as well
as the total number of Chinese now there, that no more should be
allowed to go in any one year in future than either the greatest
number which had gone in any year in the past, or that the total
number should never be allowed to exceed the number now there.
As to limitation of time they meant, for example, that Chinese
should be allowed to go in alternate years, or every third year, or,
for example, that they should not be allowed to go for two, three,
or five years." At a subsequent conference the Americans said,
" The Chinese commissioners have in their project explicitly recog-
nized the right of the United States to use some discretion, and
have proposed a limitation as to time and number. This is the
right to regulate, limit, or suspend."

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. Id

In one of the conferences the Chinese asked the Americans
whether they could give them any idea of the laws which would
be passed to carry the powers into execution. The Americans
answered that this could hardly be done, ''that the United States
Government might never deem it necessary to exercise this power.
It would depend upon circumstances. If Chinese immigration con-
centrated in cities where it threatened public order, or if it confined
itself to localities where it was an injury to the interests of the
American people, the Government of the United States would
undoubtedly take steps to prevent such accumulations of Chinese.
If, on the contrary, there was no large immigration, or if there
were sections of the country where such immigration was clearly
beneficial, then the legislation of the United States, under this
power, would be adapted to such circumstances. For example,
there might be a demand for Chinese labor in the South, and a sur-
plus of such labor in California, and Congress might legislate in
accordance with these facts. In general, the legislation would be
in view of, and depend upon the circumstances of the situation at
the moment such legislation became necessary. ' ' The Chinese com-
missioners said this explanation was satisfactory; that they had not
intended to ask for a draft of any special act, but for some general
idea how the power would be exercised. What had just been said
gave them the explanation which they wanted.

With this entire accord as to the meaning of the words they were
about to employ, and the object of the legislation which might be
had in consequence, the parties signed the treaty, in Article I of
which "the Government of China agrees that the Government of
the United States may regulate, limit, or suspend such coming or
residence, but may not absolutely prohibit it. The limitation or
suspension shall be reasonable, tod shall apply only to Chinese who
may go to the United States as laborers, other classes not being
included in the limitations. Legislation taken in regard to Chinese
laborers will be of such a character only as is necessary to enforce
the regulation limitation or suspension of immigration.''

The first section of the act provides that ' ' from and after the expi-
ration of sixty days next after the passage of this act, and until the
expiration of twenty years next after the passage of this act, the

coiniug of Chinese laborers be, and the same is hereby, suspended,
and during such suspension it shall not be lawful for any Chinese
laborer to come, or having so come after the expiration of said sixty
days, to remain within the United States."

The examination which I have made of the treaty, and of the
declarations which its negotiators have left on record of the meaning
of its language, leaves no doubt in my mind that neither contract-
ing party in concluding the treaty of 1880 contemplated the passage
of an act prohibiting iinraigration for twenty years, which is nearly
a generation, or thought that such a period would be a reasonable
suspension or limitation, or intended to change the provisions of the
Burlingame treaty to that extent. I regard this provision of the act
as a breach of our national faith; and being unable to bring myself
in harmony with the views of Congress on this vital point, the
honor of the country constrains me to retxim the act with this objec-
tion to its passage.

Deeply convinced of the necessity of some legislation on this sub-
ject, and concurring fully with Congress in many of the objects
which are sought to be accomplished, I avail myself of the opportu-
nity to point out some other features of the present act which, in
my opinion, can be inodilled to adyaiilagc.

The classes of Chinese who still enjoy the protection of the
Burlingame treaty are entitled to the privileges, immunities, and
exemptions accorded to citizens and subjects of the most favored
nation. We have treaties with many powers which permit their
citizens and subjects to reside within the United States and carry on
business under the same laws and regulations which are enforced
against citizens of the United States. I think it may be doubted
whether provisions requiring personal registration and the taking
out of passports which are not imposed upon natives can be required
of Chinese. Without expressing an opinion on that point, I may
invite the attention of Congress to the fact that the system of per-
sonal registration and passports is undemocratic and hostile to the
spirit of our institutions. I doubt the wisdom of putting an enter-
ing wedge of this kind into our laws. A nation like the United
States, jealous of the liberties of its citizens, may well hesitate be-
fore it incorporates into its polity a system which is fast disap-

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 81

pearing in Europe before the progress of liberal institutions. A
wide experience has shown how futile such precautions are, and
how easily passports may be borrowed, exchanged, or even forged
by persons interested to do so.

If it is nevertheless thought that a passport is the most convenient
way for identifying the Chinese entitled to the protection of the
Burlingame treaty, it may still be doubted whether they ought to
be required to register. It is certainly our duty under the Burlin-
game treaty to make their stay in the United States, in the operation
of general laws upon them, as nearly like that of our own citizens
as we can consistently with our right to shut out the laborers. No
good purpose is served in requiring them to register.

My attention has been called by the Chinese minister to the fact
that the bill as it stands makes no provision for the transit across the
United States of Chinese subjects now residing in foreign countries.
I think that this point may well claim the attention of Congress in
legislating on this subject

I have said that good faith requires us to suspend the immigration
of Chinese laborers for a less period than twenty years; I now add
that good policy points in the same direction.

Our intercourse with China is of recent date. Our first treaty
with that power is not yet forty years old. It is only since we
acquired California and established a great seat of commerce on the
Pacific that we may be said to have broken down the barriers which
fenced in that ancient monarchy. The Burlingame treaty naturally
followed. Under the spirit which inspired it, many thousand Chi-
nese laborers came to the United States. No one can say that the
country has not profited by their work. They were largely instru-
mental in constructing the railways which connect the Atlantic with
the Pacific. The States of the Pacific slope are full of evidences of
their industry. Enterprises profitable alike to the capitalist and to
the laborer of Caucasian origin would have lain dormant but for
them. A time has now come when it is supposed that they are not
needed, and when it is thought by Congress and by those most ac-
quainted with the subject that it is best to tr>' to get along without
them. There may, however, be other sections of the country where

this species of labor may be advantageously employed without inter-
6*

82 LETTERS AND MESaAOEa.

fering with the laborers of our own race. In making the proposed
experiment, it may be the part of wisdom as well as of good faith to
fix the lengtli of the experimental period with reference to this fact.

Experience has shown that the trade of the East is the key to
national wealth and influence. The opening of China to the com-
merce of the whole world has benefited no section of it more than
the States of our own Pacific slope. The State of California, and
its great maritime port especially, have reaped enormous advantages
from this source. Blessed with an exceptional climate, enjoying an
unrivaled harbor, with the riches of a great agricultural and mining
State in its rear, and the wealth of the whole Union pouring into it
over its lines of railway, San Francisco has before it an incalculable
future, if our friendly and amicable relations with Asia remain undis-
turbed. It needs no argument to show that the policy which we
now propose to adopt must have a direct tendency to repel Oriental
nations from us, and to drive their trade and commerce into more
friendly lands. It may be that the great and paramount interest of
protecting our labor from Asiatic competition may justify us in a
permanent adoption of this policy. But it is wiser, in the first place,
to make a shorter experiment, with a view hereafter of maintaining
permanently only such features as time and experience may com-
mend.

I transmit herewith copies of the papers relating to the recent
treaty with China, which accompanied the confidential message of
President Hayes to the Senate of the loth January, 1881, and also
a copy of a memorandum respecting the act herewith returned, which
was handed to the Secretary of State by the Chinese minister in
Washington.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

Executive Mansion,

Washingion^ April ^, 1882.

MESSAGE.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER COMMISSION.

APRIL I 7, I 882.

MESSAGE.

To THE Senate and House of Representatives :

I transmit herewith a letter, dated the 29th iiltimo, from the Sec-
retary of War, inclosing copy of a communication from the Missis-
sippi River Commission, in which the Commission recommends that
an appropriation may be made of $1,010,000 for ''closing existing
gaps in levees, ' ' in addition to the like sum for which an estimate
has already been submitted.

The subject is one of such importance that I deem it proper to
recommend early and favorable consideration of the recommenda-
tions of the Commission. Having possession of and jurisdiction over
the river. Congress, with a view of improving its navigation and
protecting the people of the valley from floods, has for years caused
surveys of the river to be made, for the purpose of acquiring knowl-
edge of the laws that control it and of its phenomena. By act
approved June 28, 1879, ^^^ Mississippi River Commission was
created, composed of able engineers. Section 4 of the act provides
that '4t shall be the duty of said Commission to take into consider-
ation and mature such plan or plans and estimates as will correct
permanently, locate and deepen the channel, and protect the banks
of the Mississippi River; improve and give safety and ease to the
navigation thereof; prevent destructive floods; promote and facili-
tate commerce, trade, and the postal service."

The constitutionality of a law making appropriations in aid of
these objects cannot be questioned. While the report of the Com-
mission submitted and the plans proposed for the river's improve-
ment seem justified as well on scientific principles as by experience
and the approval of the people most interested, I desire to leave it to
the judgment of Congress to decide upon the best plan for the per-

LETTERS AND MESBAQB8.

manent and complete improvement of the navigation of the river,
and for the protection of the valley.

The immense. losses and widespread suffering of the people dwell-
ing near the river induce me to urge upon Congress the propriety- ot
;itot only makhig an appropriation to close the gaps in the levees
lOccasioned by the recent floods, as recommended by the Commission,
'but that Congress should inaugurate measures for tlie permanent
■toiprovement of the navigation of the river and security of the
■valley. It may be that such a system of improvement would as it
progressed require the appropriation of twenty or thirty millions of
dollars; even such an expenditure, extending as it must over several
years, cannot be regarded as extrav^^nt in view of the immense
interest involved. The safe and convenient navigation of the Mis-
sissippi is a matter of concern to all sections of the country; but to
the Northwest with its immense harvests needing chief transporta-
tion to the sea, and to tlie inhabitants of the river valley whose
lives and property depend upon the proper construction of the safe-
guards which protect them from the floods, it is of vital importance
that a well-matured and comprehensive plan for improvement should
be put into operation with as little delay aa possible. The cotton
product of the region subject to the devastating floods is a source of
wealth to the nation and of great importance in keeping the balances
of trade in our favor.

It may not be inopportune to mention that this Government has
imposed and collected some seventy millions of dollars by a tax on
cotton, in the production of which the population of the Lower Mis-
sissippi is largely engaged, and it does not seem inequitable to return
a portion of this tax to those who contributed it, particularly as such
an action will also result in an important gain to the country at
large, and especially so to the great and rich States of the Northwest
and the Mississippi Valley-

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
Executive Mansion, April ly^ 1882.

MESSAGE

CONCERNING THE

BOUNDARY BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICO,

APRIL I 8, 1882.

MESSAGE.

To THE Senate and House of Representatives:

I transmit herewith, for the consideration of Congress, a note ad-
dressed by the minister plenipotentiary of Mexico to the Secretary
of State, proposing the conclusion of a convention between the two
countries for defining the boundary between the United States and
Mexico from the Rio Grande westward to the Pacific Ocean, by the
erection of durable monuments. I also lay before Congress a letter
on the same subject with its accompaniment, from the Secretary of
War, to whom the proposition was referred by the Secretary of State
for the expression of his views thereon.

I deem it important that the boundary line between the two coun-
tries, as defined by existing treaties and already once surveyed,
should be run anew and defined by suitable permanent monuments.
By so doing uncertainty will be prevented as to jurisdiction in crim-
inal and municipal affairs, and questions be averted which may at
any time in the near future arise with the growth of population on
the border.

Moreover, I conceive that the willing and speedy assent of the
Government of the United States to the proposal thus to determine
the existing stipulated boundary with permanence and precision will
be in some sense an assurance to Mexico that the unauthorized sus-
picion which of late years seems to have gained some credence in
that republic that the United States covets and seeks to annex
neighboring territory is without foundation. That which the United
States seeks, and which the definite settlement of the boundary in
the proposed manner will promote, is a confiding and friendly feeling
between the two nations, leading to advantageous commerce and
closer commercial relations.

I have to suggest that, in accepting this proposal, suitable pro-
vision be made for an adequate military force on the frontier to
protect the surveying parties from hostile Indians, The troops
so employed will, at the same time, protect ihe settlers on the
border and help to prevent marauding on botJi sides by the nomadic
Indians.

I CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

I Executive Mansion,

MESSAGE.

AMERICAN PEACE CONGRESS

APRIL I 8, 1882.

MESSAGE.

To THE Senate and House of Representatives:

I send herewith a copy of the circular invitation extended to all
the independent countries of North and South America to partici-
pate in a general congress, to be held in the city of Washington on
the 22d of November next, for the purpose of considering and dis-
cussing the methods of preventing war between the nations of
America.

In giving this invitation I was not unaware that there existed
differences between several of the republics of South America which
would militate against the happy results which might otherwise be
expected from such an assemblage. The differences indicated are
such as exist between Chili and Peru, between Mexico and Guate-
mala, and between the States of Central America.

It was hoped that these differences would disappear before the
time fixed for the meeting of the congress. This hope has not been
realized.

Having observed that the authority of the President to convene
such a congress has been questioned, I beg leave to state that the
Constitution confers upon the President the power, by and with the
advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties, and that this
provision confers the power to take all requisite measures to initiate
them, and to this end the President may freely confer with one or
several commissioners or delegates from other nations. The con-
gress contemplated by the invitation could only effect any valuable
result by its conclusions eventually taking the form of a treaty of
peace between the States represented ; and, besides, the invitation to
the States of North and South America is merely a preliminary act
of which constitutionality or the want of it can hardly be affirmed.

It has been suggested that while the International Congress would

LETTERS AND MESSAGES.

have no power to affect the rights of nationalities there represented,
still Congress might be unwilling to subject the existing treaty
rights of the United States on the Isthmus and elsewhere on the
continent to be clouded and rendered uncertain by the expression of
the opinions of a congress composed largely of interested parties.

I am glad to have it in my power to refer to the Congress of the
United States, as I now do, the propriety of convening the suggested
International Congress, that I may thus be informed of its views,
which it wil! be my pleasure to carry out. Inquiry having been
made by some of the republics invited whether it is intended that
this International Congress shall convene, it is important that Con-
gress should, at as early a day as is convenient, inform me, by reso-
lution or otherwise, of its opinion in the premises. My action will
be in harmony with such expression.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

Executive Mansion,

Washington, April i8, 1882.

MESSAGE

IN RELATION TO

DISORDERS AND LAWLESSNESS IN ARIZONA.

APRIL 26, 1882.

MESSAGE.

To THE Senate and House of Representatives:

By recent information, received from oflScial and other sources, I
am advised that an alarming state of disorder continues to exist
within the Territory of Arizona, and that lawlessness has already
gained such head there as to require a resort to extraordinary means
to repress it

The governor of the Territory, under date of the 31st ultimo,
reports that violence and anarchy prevail, particularly in Cochise
County, and along the Mexican border; that robbery, murder, and
resistance to law have become so common as to cease causing
surprise; and that the people are greatly intimidated and losing
confidence in the protection of the law. I transmit his communi-
cation herewith, and call especial attention thereto.

In a telegram from the General of the Army, dated at Tucson,
Arizona, on the nth instant, herewith transmitted, that oflScer states
that he hears of lawlessness and disorders, which seem well attested,
and that the civil officers have not sufficient force to make arrests
and hold the prisoners for trial, or punish them when convicted.

Much of this disorder is caused by armed bands of desperadoes
known as cowboys, by whom depredations are not only committed
within the Territory, but it is alleged predatory incursions made
therefrom into Mexico. In my message to Congress at the begin-
ning of the present session, I called attention to the existence of
these bands, and suggested that the setting on foot, within our own
Territor)', of brigandage and armed marauding expeditions against
friendly nations and their citizens be made punishable as an ofiFense
against the United States. I renew this suggestion.

To effectually repress the lawlessness prevailing within the Ter-
ritory, a prompt execution of the process of the courts and vigorous
7* 97

LETTERS AND MESSAGES.

enforcement of the laws against offenders are needed. This the
civil authorities there are unable to do, without the aid of other
means and forces than they can now avail themselves of

To meet the present exigencies, the governor asks that provision
be made by Congress to enable him to employ and maintain, tem-
porarily, a volunteer militia force, to aid the civil authorities, the
members of which force to be invested with the same powers and
authority as are conferred by the laws of the Territory upon peace
officers thereof.

On the ground of economy, as well as effectiveness, however, it
appears to me to be more advisable to permit the co-operation with
the civil authorities of a part of the Army as a posse comitatus.

Believing that this, in addition to such use of the Arm>- as may-
be made imder the powers already conferred by section 5298, Revised
Statutes, would be adequate to secure the accomplishment of the
ends in view, I again call the attention of Congress to the expedi-
ency of so amending section 15 of the act of June iS, 1878, chapter
263, as to allow the militarj- forces to be employed as a posse comi-
tatus to assist the civil authorities within a Territory to execute the
laws therein. This use of the Army, as I have in my former mes-
sage observed, would not seem to be within the alleged evil against
which that legislation was aimed.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

Executive Mansion, April 26, 1882.

PROCLAMATION

CONCERNING

LAWLESSNESS IN ARIZONA.

MAY 3, 1882.

PROCLAMATION.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas it is provided in the laws of the United States that
*' whenever, by reason of unlawful obstructions, combinations, or
assemblages of persons, or rebellion against the authority of the
Government of the United States, it shall become impracticable, in
the judgment of the President, to enforce, by the ordinary course of
judicial proceedings, the laws of the United States within any State
or Territory, it shall be lawful for the President to call forth the
militia of any or all the States, and to employ such parts of the land
and naval forces of the United States as he may deem necessary to
enforce the faithful execution of the laws of the United States, or to
suppress such rebellion, in whatever State or Territory thereof the
laws of the United States may be forcibly opposed, or the execution
thereof forcibly obstructed ' ' ;

And whereas it has been made to appear satisfactorily to me, by
information received from the governor of the Territory of Arizona,
and from the General of the Army of the United States, and other
reliable sources, that in consequence of unlawful combinations of
evil-disposed persons who are banded together to oppose and obstruct
the execution of the laws, it has become impracticable to enforce,
by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, the laws of the
United States within that Territory, and that the laws of the United
States have been therein forcibly opposed and the execution thereof
forcibly resisted;

And whereas the laws of the United States require that whenever
it may be necessar>% in the judgment of the President, to use the
military forces for the purpose of enforcing the faithful execution of
the laws of the United States, he shall forthwith, by proclamation,

101

102 LETTERS AND MESSAGES.

command such insurgents to disperse and retire peaceably to their
respective abodes, witliin a limited time:

Now, therefore, I, Chester A. Arthur, President of the United
States, do hereby admonish all good citizens of the United Stntes,
and especially of the Territory of Arizona, against aiding, counte-
nancing, abetting, or taking part in any such unlawful proceedings,
and I do hereby warn all persons engaged in or connected wit]; said
obstruction of the laws, to disperse and retire peaceably to their
respective abodes on or before noon of the fifteenth day of May.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the
seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington this third day of May, in the year
of our Lord eighteen hundred and eighty-two, and of the Independ-
ence of the United States the one hundred and sixth.

[seal,] CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

By the President ;

Frbd'k T. Frelinghuysen,

Secretary of State.

MESSAGE.

CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS BY SEA.

JULY I, 1882.

103

MESSAGE.

To THE House of Representatives

OF THE United States:

Herewith I return House bill No. 2744, entitled *'An act to regu-
late the carriage of passengers by sea,'' without my approval. In
doing this, I regret that I am not able to give my assent to an act
which has received the sanction of the majority of both houses of
Congress.

The object proposed to be secured by the act is meritorious and
philanthropic. Some correct and accurate legislation upon this sub-
ject is undoubtedly necessary. Steamships that bring large bodies
of emigrants must be subjected to strict legal enactments, so as to
prevent the passengers from being exposed to hardship and sufiering;
and such legislation should be made as will give them abundance of
space and air and light, protecting their health by afibrding all
reasonable comforts and conveniences, and by providing for the
quantity and quality of the food to be furnished, and all of the other
essentials of roomy, safe, and healthful accommqdations in their
passage across the sea.

A statute providing for all this is absolutely needed, and in the
spirit of humane legislation must be enacted. The present act by
most of its provisions will obtain and secure this protection for such
passengers, and were it not for some serious errors contained in it,
would be most willingly approved by me.

My objections are these: In the first section, in lines from 13 to
24 inclusive, it is provided ''that the compartments or spaces," &c.,
''shall be of sufficient dimensions to allow for each and any passen-
ger," &c., ''a hundred cubic feet, if the compartment or space is
located on the first deck next below the uppermost deck of the vessel, ' '
&c., "or one hundred and twenty cubic feet for each passenger,"

106 LETTERS AND MESSAGES.

&c., "if the compartment or space is located on the second deck
below the uppermost deck of the vessel," &c. "It shall not be
lawful to carry or bring passengers on any deck otlier than the two
^ decks mentioned," &c.

Nearly all of the new, and most of the improved ocean steamers,
have a spar-deck, which is above the main deck. The main deck
was, in the old style of steamers, the only uppermost deck. The
spar-deck .is a comparatively new feature of the large and costly
steamships, and is now practically the uppermost deck; below this
spar-deck is the main deck. Because of the misuse of the words
" uppennost deck " instead of the use of the words "main deck," by ,
this act, the result will be to exclude nearly all of the large steamships
from carrying passengers anywhere but on the main deck and on the
deck below, which is the steerage-deck, and to leave the orlop, or
lower deck, heretofore used for passengers, useless and unoccupied
by passengers. This objection, which is now presented in connec-
tion with others that will be presently explained, will, if this act is
enforced as it is now phrased, render useless for passenger traffic and
expose to heavy loss all of the great ocean steam lines; and it will
also hinder emigration, as there will not be ships enough that could
accept these conditions to carry all who may now wish to come.

The use of the new and the hitherto unknown term "uppermost
deck" creates this difficulty, and I cannot consent to have an abuse
of terms like this to operate thus injuriously to these large fleets of
ships. The passengers will not be benefited by such a statute, but
emigration will be hindered, if not for a while almost prevented, for
many.

Again, the act in the first section, from line 31 to line 35 inclusive,
provides: "And such passengers shall not be carried or brought in
any between-decks, nor in any compartment, ' ' &c. , ' ' the clear height
of which is less than seven feet. " Between the decks of all ships are
the beams; they are about a foot in width. The legal method of
ascertaining tonnage for the purpose of taxation is to measure be-
tween the beams from the floor to the ceiling. If this becomes a
law, the space required would be 8 feet from floor to ceiling; and
this is impracticable, for in all ships the spaces between decks are
adjusted in proportion to the dimensions of the ship; and if these

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 107

spaces between decks are changed so as not to correspond in their
proportions with the dimensions of the vessel the ship will not work
well in the sea, her sailing qualities will be injured, and she will be
rendered unfit for service.

It is only in great ships of vast tonnage that the height between
decks can be increased. All the ordinary-sized ships are necessarily
constructed with 7 feet space in the interval between the beams from
the floor to the ceiling. To adopt this act, with this provision, would
be to drive out of the service of transporting passengers most of all
the steamships now in such trade, and no practical good obtained by
it, for really, with the exception of the narrow beam, the space be-
tween the decks is now 7 feet. The purpose of the space commanded
by the act is to obtain sufficient air and ventilation, and that is act-
ually now given to the passenger by the 7 feet that exists in all of
these vessels between floor and ceiling.

There is also another objection that I must suggest. In section
12, from line 14 to line 24, it is provided: *' Before such vessel shall
be cleared or may lawfully depart, &c., the master of said vessel
shall furnish, &c., a correct list of all passengers who have been or
are intended to be taken on board the vessel, and shall specify,"
&c. This provision would prevent the clearing of the vessel.
Steam vessels start at an appointed hour, and with punctuality.
Down almost to the ver>' hour of their departure new passengers,
other than those who have engaged their passage, constantly come
on board. If this provision is to be the law they must be rejected,
for the ship cannot, without incurring heavy penalties, take passen-
gers whose names are not set forth on the list required before such
vessel shall be cleared. They should be allowed to take such new
passengers upon condition that they would furnish an additional list
containing such persons' names. There are other points of objec-
tion of a minor character that might be presented for consideration
if the bill could be reconsidered and amended, but the three that I
have recited are conspicuous defects in a bill that ought to be a code
for such a purpose, clear and explicit, free from all such objections.
The practical result of this law would be to subject all of the com-
peting lines of large ocean steamers to great losses. By restricting
their carrying accommodations it would also stay the current of em-

108

LETTERS AND MESSAGES.

igration that it is our policy to encourage as well as to protect A
good bill, correctly phrased, and expressing and naming in plain,
well-known technical terms the proper and usual places and decks,
where passengers are and ought to be placed and carried, will receive
my prompt and immediate assent as a public necessity and blessing.
CHESTER A, ARTHUR.
L Executive Mansion, July /, 1882.

MESSAGE

TRANSMITTING

THE CLAIMS OF BENJAMIN WEIL AND LA ABRA SILVER

MINING COMPANY AGAINST MEXICO

JULY 20, 1882.

109

MESSAGE.

To THE Senate of the United States:

I transmit herewith to the Senate for its consideration, with a
view to ratification, a convention between the United States and
Mexico, providing for the reopening and retrying of the claims of
Benjamin Weil and La Abra Silver Mining Company against Mex-
ico, which was signed on the 13th instant.

A report of the Secretar>' of State with its accompanying corre-
spondence, transmitted to the Senate this day in response to the
resolution of December 21, 1881, will show the antecedents of the
negotiation which resulted in the accompanying convention. In
view of the accumulation of testimony presented by Mexico relative
to these two claims, I have deemed it proper to avail myself of the
authority given to the Executive by the Constitution, and of which
authority the act of Congress of June 18, 1878, is declarative, to
eflFect a rehearing of these cases. I therefore empowered the Secre-
tary of State to negotiate with the minister of Mexico a convention
to that end.

The more important correspondence preliminary to the treaty is
herewith transmitted.

It will be seen by the stipulations of the treaty that the rehearing
will have no retroactive effect as to payments already distributed,
that the bona fide interests of third parties are simply secured, and
that the Government of the United States is fully guarded against
any liability resulting from the rehearing.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

Executive Mansion, July 20^ 1882.

Ill

MESSAGE.

APPROPRIATIONS FOR RIVERS AND HARBORS.

AUGUST I, 1882.

^* 113

MESSAGE.

To THE House of Representatives:

Having watched with much interest the progress of House bill
No. 6242, entitled **An act making appropriations for the construc-
tion, repair, and preservation of certain works on rivers and harbors,
and for other purposes,'' and having, since it was received, care-
fully examined it, after mature consideration I am constrained to
return it herewith to the House of Representatives, in which it
originated, without my signature, and with my objections to its
passage.

Many of the appropriations in the bill are clearly for the general
welfare, and most beneficent in their character. Two of the objects
for which provision is made were by me considered so important
that I felt it my duty to direct to them the attention of Congress.
In my annual message in December last I urged the vital impor-
tance of legislation for the reclamation of the marshes and for the
establishment of the harbor lines along the Potomac iEront. In
April last, by special message, I recommended an appropriation for
the improvement of the Mississippi River. It is not necessary that
I say that, when my signature would make the bill appropriating
for these and other valuable national objects a law, it is with great
reluctance and only under a sense of duty that I withhold it

My principal objection to the bill is that it contains appropriations
for purposes not for the common defense or general welfare, and
which do not promote commerce among the States. These pro-
visions, on the contrary, are entirely for the benefit of the particular
localities in which it is proposed to make the improvements. I
regard such appropriation of the public money as beyond the powers'
given by the Constitution to Congress and the President

I feel the more bound to withhold my signature from the bill
because of the peculiar evils which manifestly result from this

115

LETTERS AND MESSAGES.

infraction of the Constitution. Appropriations of this nature, to be
devoted purely to local objects, tend to an increase in number and
in amount. As the citizens of one State find that money, to raise
which they in common with the whole countrj' are taxed, is to be
exf)ended for local improvements in another State, they demand

■ similar benefits for themselves; and it is not unnatural that they
should seek to indemnify themselves for such use of the public
funds by securing appropriations for similar improvements in their
own neighborhood. Thus as the bill becomes more objectionable it
secures more support, This result is invariable, and necessarily
follows a neglect to observe the constitutional limitations imposed
upon the law-making power.

The appropriations for river and harbor improvements have, under
the influences to which I have alluded, increased year by year, out
of proportion to the progress of the country, great as that has been.
In 1870 the aggregate appropriation was ^^3,975,900; in 1875,
$6,648,517.50; in 1S80, $8,976,500; and in 1881, $11,451,300; while
by the present act there is appropriated $18,743,875.

I While feeling every disposition to leave to the Legislature the
responsibility of determining what amount should be appropriated
for the purposes of the bill — so long as the appropriations are con-
fined toobjects indicated by the grant of power — I cannot escape the
conclusion that, as a part of the law-making power of the Govern-
ment, the duty devolves upon me to withhold my signature from a
bill containing appropriations which, in my opinion, greatly exceed
in amount the needs of the countrj' for the present fiscal year. It
being the usage to provide money for these purposes by annual ap-
propriation bills, the President is in efiect directed to expend so
large an amount of money within so brief a period that the expendi-
ture cannot be made economically and advantageously.

The extravagant expenditure of public money is an evil not to be
measured by the value of that money to the people who arc taxed
for it. They sustain a greater injury in the demoralizing effect pro-
duced upon those who are intrusted with official duty through all
the ramifications of Government.

These objections could be removed and every constitutional pur-
pose readily attained should Congress enact that one-half only of

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 117

the aggregate amount provided for in the bill be appropriaied for
expenditure during the fiscal year, and that the sum so appropriated
be expended only for such objects named in the bill as the Secretary
of War under the direction of the President shall determine; pro-
vided that in no case shall the expenditure for any one purpose
exceed the sum now designated by the bill for that purpose.

I feel authorized to make this suggestion because of the duty
imposed upon the President by the Constitution ''to recommend to
the consideration of Congress such measures as he shall judge
necessary and expedient," and because it is my earnest desire that
the public works which are in progress shall suffer no injur>'.
Congress will also convene again in four months, when this whole
subject will be open for their consideration.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

Executive Mansion, August /, 1882.

ADDRESS

BOSTON, OCTOBER ii, 1882.

119

ADDRESS.

I can scarcely trust myself to utter in this historic hall, whose
walls have so oft resounded with the eloquence of orators and states-
men, the words by which I must attest my gratitude for your cordial
and enthusiastic welcome.

If I looked within myself to find its cause, I should indeed be op-
pressed by a sense of my own undeserving. But I well know that
the flattering demonstrations with which this day has been crowded
are attributable in but small measure to the prompting of personal
regard. They but serve to give voice to the unstinted loyalty- of
Boston and Massachusetts to the Government of the United States.
They betoken the respect which is entertained by the people of
this grand old Commonwealth and of this magnificent city for the
Federal authority which they themselves have aided to constitute.
It is in this spirit that I accept and thank you for your gracious
greetings.

121

ADDRESS

COMMENDING

THE PURPOSES OF THE WEBSTER HISTORICAL SOCIETY,

MARSHFIELD, OCTOBER 13, 1882.

123

ADDRESS.

Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen :

It is fortunately in accord with the proprieties of this occasion,
no less than my own inclination, that I should confine within nar-
row limits my acknowledgment of your flattering salutation. I am
deeply moved by the warmth of your greeting; it is but a fresh dis-
play of that splendid hospitality which since I came within the
borders of Massachusetts has everywhere obstructed my way with
demonstrations of courtesy and respect.

I trust that neither my gratitude nor my sympathy with the pur-
poses which have turned our reverent footsteps hitherward to-day
will be measured by my poor endeavor to give them expression.
The character and genius of that illustrious man whose life moved
grandly among so many fields of eminence, in commemoration of
whose birth a hundred years ago we have gathered to-day amid the
beautiful scenes where he found rest from the fret and worr\' of life,
have for more than a generation been the theme of discussion and
eulogy.

I shall not attempt to labor in the field over which so many flash-
ing sickles have swept and which has so long been crowded with
illustrious gleaners. But I may perhaps be permitted to declare
my approval of what has been accomplished by this society for the
object for which it is founded. It is asserted upon what I suppose
to be trustworthy authority that Mr. Webster expressed the wish
near the close of his life that for aiding to transmit his fame to
future generations of his countr>'men, for kindling in their hearts
the flames of patriotism, for arousing their devotion to the princi-
ples of constitutional government, there should be disseminated far
and wide among them such recorded efforts of his genius as seemed
most worthy to be thus preserved. Many of the loftiest and most

125

LETTEBS AND UESSAGES.

inspiring of Mr, Webster's utterances have long been as familiar as
household words in the mouth of every school-boy in the land, but
it is doubtless true that many others, scarcely less dignified in spirit,
masterly in reasoning, and splendid in diction, are comparatively
nnknown.

In all that you have hitherto done, in all that you may henceforth
do, to secure the result which Mr. Webster wished to bring about
by the collection and circulation of all his works which have per-
manence — and which of them has not — I assure you of my earnest
Sympathy. Not one of the rising generation of our countrymen
who seeks to be instructed in those political doctrines which are the
basis of our Federal Government, to acquaint himself with the Cou-
stitution of his country and the origin, progress, and significance of
its institutions, can by any other course so surel>-, so speedily attain
that end as by resorting to that great storehouse of eloquence and
wisdom, the published writings of Daniel Webster. And so, gen-
tiemen of the Webster Historical Society, I bid you God-speed in
this and in all other work which you have set yourselves to
accomplish.

Let me once more tender my thanks to you for your hospitality
and express the hope that this noble Commonwealth, its cities, its
villages, its hamlets, and all that dwell within its borders may be
blessed by the abiding presence of prosperity and peace.

PROCLAMATION

APPOINTING

NOVEMBER 30, 1882, AS A DAY OF NATIONAL THANKSGIVINa

OCTOBER 25, 1882.

127

PROCLAMATION.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

In conformity with a custom the annual observance of which is
justly held in honor by this people, I, Chester A. Arthur, Presi-
dent of the United States, do hereby set apart Thursday, the thirtieth
day of November next, as a day of public thanksgiving.

The blessings demanding our gratitude are numerous and varied.
For the peace and amity which subsist between this Republic and
all the nations of the world; for the freedom from internal discord
and violence ; for the increasing friendship between the different
sections of the land; for liberty, justice, and constitutional govern-
ment; for the devotion of the people to our free institutions and their
cheerful obedience to mild laws ; for the constantly increasing
strength of the Republic while extending its privileges to fellow men
who come to us; for the improved means of internal communication,
and the increased facilities of intercourse with other nations; for the
general prevailing health of the year; for the prosperity of all our
industries, the liberal return for the mechanic's toil, affording a
market for the abundant harvests of the husbandman; for the preser-
vation of the national faith and credit; for wise and generous pro-
vision to effect the intellectual and moral education of our youth;
for the influence upon the conscience of a restraining and transform-
ing religion; and for the joys of home; for these, and for many other
blessings, we should give thanks.

Wherefore, I do recommend that the day above designated be
observed throughout the country as a Day of National Thanksgiving
and Prayer, and that the people, ceasing from their daily labors and
meeting in accordance with their several forms of worship, draw
near to the Throne of Almighty God, offering to Him praise and
9* 129

LETTEBS ANT) ME8BAQEB.

gratitude for the manifold goodness which He has vouchsafed to us
and praying that His blessings and His mercies may continue.

And I do further recommend that the day thus appointed be made
a special occasion for deeds of kindness and charity to the suffering
and the needy, so that all who dwell within* the land may rejoice
and be glad in this season of national thanksgiving.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the
seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington this twenty-fifth day of October,
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eight}--two,
and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and
seventh.

[seal.] CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

By the President :

I'red'k T. Fbelinghuysen,

Secretary of State.

MESSAGE

TO THE

SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

DECEMBER 4> 1882.

131

MESSAGE.

To THE Senate and House of Representatives

OF THE United States:

It is provided by the Constitution that the President shall from
time to time give to the Congress information of the state of the
Union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he
shall judge necessary and expedient.

In reviewing the events of the year which has elapsed since the
commencement of your sessions, I first call your attention to the
gratifying condition of our foreign affairs. Our intercourse with
other powers has continued to be of the most friendly character.

Such slight differences as have arisen during the year have been
already settled or are likely to reach an early adjustment. The ar-
rest of citizens of the United States in Ireland under recent laws
which owe their origin to the disturbed condition of that country
has led to a somewhat extended correspondence with the Govern-
ment of Great Britain. A disposition to respect our rights has been
practically manifested by the release of the arrested parties.

The claim of this nation in regard to the supervision and control
of any inter-oceanic canal across the American Isthmus has continued
to be the subject of conference.

It is likely that time will be more powerful than discussion in
removing the divergence between the two nations whose friendship
is so closely cemented by the intimacy of their relations and the
community of their interests.

Our long-established friendliness with Russia has remained un-
shaken. It has prompted me to proffer the earnest counsels of this
Government that measures be adopted for suppressing the proscrip-
tion which the Hebrew race in that country has lately suffered. It
has not transpired that any American citizen has been subjected to

134 LETTEK8 AND MESSAGES.

t
arrest or injury, but our courteous remoustrance has nevertlieless

been courteously received. There is reason to believe that the time
is not far distant when Russia will be able to secure toleration to all
faiths withiu her borders.

At an international convention held at Paris in 1880, and attended
by representatives of the United States, an agreement was reached
in respect to the protection of trade-marks, patented articles, and the
rights of manufacturing finns and corporations. The formulating
into treaties of the recommendations thus adopted is receiving the
attention which it merits.

The protection of submarine cables is a subject now under con-
sideration by an international conference at Paris. Believing that
it is clearly the true policy of this Government to favor the neutral-
ization of this means of intercourse, I requested our minister to
France to attend the convention as a delegate. I also designated
two of our eminent scientists to attend as our representatives at
the meeting of an international committee at Paris, for considering
the adoption of a common unit to measure electric force.
[ In view of the frequent occurrence of conferences for the consider-
ation of important matters of common interest to civilized nations, I
respectfully suggest that the Executive be invested by Congress
with discretionary powers to send delegates to such conventions,
and that provision be made to defray the expenses incident thereto.

The difference between the United States and Spain as to the
effect of a judgment and certificate of naturalization has not yet been
adjusted ; but it is hoped and believed that negotiations now in
progress will result in the establishment of the position which seems
to this Government so reasonable and just.

I have already called the attention of Congress to the fact that in
the ports of Spain and its colonies onerous fines have lately beeu
imposed upon vessels of the United States for trivial technical of-
enses against local regulations. Efforts for the abatement of these
exactions have thus far proved unsuccessful.

I regret to inform you also that the fees demanded by Spanish
consuls in American ports are in some cases so large, when com-
pared with the value of the cargo, as to amount in effect to a con-

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 135

siderable export duty, and that our remonstrances in this regard
have not as yet received the attention which they seem to deserve.

The German Government has invited the United States to par-
ticipate in an international exhibition of domestic cattle, to be held
at Hamburg in July, 1883. If this country is to be represented, it
is important that, in the early days of this session, Congress should
make a suitable appropriation for that purpose.

The death of Mr. Marsh, our late minister to Italy, has evoked
from that Government expressions of profound respect for his exalted
character and for his honorable career in the diplomatic service of
his country. The Italian Government has raised a question as to
the propriety of recognizing in his dual capacity the representative
of this country recently accredited both as secretary of legation and
as consul-general at Rome. He has been received as secretary, but
his exequatur as consul-general has thus far been withheld.

The extradition convention with Belgium, which has been in
operation since 1874, has been lately supplanted by another. The
Senate has signified its approval, and ratifications have been duly
exchanged between the contracting countries. To the list of extra-
ditable crimes has been added that of the assassination or attempted
assassination of the chief of the state.

Negotiations have been opened with Switzerland looking to a set-
tlement by treaty of the question whether its citizens can renounce
their allegiance and become citizens of the United States without
obtaining the consent of the Swiss Government.

I am glad to inform you that the immigration of paupers and
criminals from certain of the cantons of Switzerland has substan-
tially ceased and is no longer sanctioned by the authorities.

The consideration of this sutject prompts the suggestion that the
act of August 3, 1882, which has for its object the return of foreign
convicts to their own countr>^, should be so modified as not to be
open to the interpretation that it affects the extradition of criminals
on preferred charges of crime.

The Ottoman Porte has not yet assented to the interpretation
which this Government has put upon the treaty of 1830 relative to
its jurisdictional rights in Turkey. It may well be, however, that
this difference will be adjusted by a general revision of the system

■"ISe Wnzm AND MESSAGES.

of jurisdiction of the United States in the countries of the East — a
subject to which your attention has been already called by the Sec-
retar>- of State.

In the interest of justice towards China and Japan, I trust that the
question of the return of the indemnity fund to the Governments of
those countries will reach, at the present session, the satisfactorj-
solution which I have already recommended, and which has recently
been foreshadowed by Congressional discussion.

The treaty lately concluded with Corea awaits the action of the
Senate.

During the late disturbance in Egypt the timely presence of Amer-
ican vessels served as a protection to the persons and property of
many of our own citizens and of citizens of other countries, whose
Governments have expressed their thanks for this assistance.

The recent legislation restricting immigration of laborers from
China has given rise to the question whether Chinese proceeding to
or from another country may lawfully pass through our own.

Construing the act of May 6, 1883, in connection with the treaty
of November 7, 1880, the restriction would seem to be limited to
Chinese immigrauts coming to the United Stales as laborers, and
would not forbid a mere transit across our territory. I ask the atten-
tion of Congress to the subject for such action, if any, as may be
deemed advisable.

This Government has recently hai occasion to manifest its interest
in the Republic of Liberia by seeking to aid the amicable settlement
of the boundary dispute now pending between that republic and the
British possession of Sierra, Leone.

The reciprocity treaty with Hawaii will become terminable after
September 9, 1883, on twelve months' notice by either party. While
certain provisions of that compact may have proved onerous, its
existence has fostered commercial relations which it is important to
preser\'e. I suggest, therefore, that early consideration be given to
such modifications of the treaty as seem to be demanded by the
interests of our people.

In view of our increasing trade with both Hayti and Santo Do-
mingo I advise that provision be made for diplomatic intercourse

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 137

with the latter, by enlarging the scope of the mission at Port au
Prince.

I regret that certain claims of American citizens against the Gov-
ernment of Hayti have thus far been urged unavailingly.

A recent agreement with Mexico provides for the crossing of the
frontier by the armed forces of either country in pursuit of hostile
Indians. In my message of last year I called attention to the prev-
alent lawlessness upon the borders and to the necessity of legislation
for its suppression. I again invite the attention of Congress to the
subject.

A partial relief from these mischiefs has been sought in a conven-
tion, which now awaits the approval of the Senate, as does also
another touching the establishment of the international boundary
between the United States and Mexico. If the latter is ratified, the
action of Congress will be required for establishing suitable com-
missions of survey. The boundary dispute between Mexico and
Guatemala, which led this Government to proffer its friendly coun-
sels to both parties, has been amicably settled.

No change has occurred in our relations with Venezuela. I again
invoke your action in the matter of the pending awards against that
republic to which reference was made by a special message from the
Executive at your last session.

An invitation has been received from the Government of Venezu-
ela to send representatives in July, 1883, to Caracas, for participating
in the centennial celebration of the birth of Bolivar, the founder of
South American independence. In connection with this event it is
designed to commence the erection at Caracas of a statue of Wash-
ington, and to conduct an industrial exhibition which will be open
to American products. I recommend that the United States be rep-
resented, and that suitable provision be made therefor.

The elevation of the grade of our mission in Central America to
the plenipotentiary rank, which was authorized by Congress at its
late session, has been since effected.

The war between Peru and Bolivia on the one side and Chili on
the other began more than three years ago. On the occupation by
Chili in 1880 of all the littoral territory of Bolivia, negotiations for
peace were conducted under the direction of the United States. The

■TSS IfTTERS AND HESSA0B8.

allies refused to concede any territory, but Chili hassince becomt.- mas-
ter of the wholecoast of both countries and of the capital of Peru. A
year since, as yott have already been advised by correspondence trans-
mitted to you in January last, this Government sent a special mission
to the belligerent powers to express the hope that Chili would be dis-
posed to accept a money indemnity for the expenses of the war and
to relinquish her demand for a portion of the territorj- of her antag-
onist.

This recommendation, which Chili declined to follow, this Gov-
ernment did not assume to enforce; nor can it be enforced without
resort to measures which would be in keeping neither with the tem-
per of our people nor with the spirit of our institutions.

The power of Peru no longer extends over its whole territory, and,
in the event of our interference to dictate peace, would need to be
supplemented by the armies and navies of the United States. Such
interference would almost inevitably lead to the establishment of a
protectorate — a result utterly at odds with our past policy, injurious
to our present interests, and full of embarrassments for the future.

For effecting the termination of hostilities upon terms at once just
to the victorious nation and generous to its adversaries, this Gov-
ernment has spared no efforts save such as might involve the com-
plications which I have indicated.

It is greatly to be deplored that Chili seems resolved to exact such
rigorous conditions of peace and indisposed to submit to arbitration
the terms of an amicable settlement. No peace is likely to be lasting
that is not sufficiently equitable and just to command the approval
of other nations.

About a year since, invitations were extended to the nations of
this continent to send representatives to a peace congress to assemble
at Washington in November, 1882. The time of meeting was fixed
at a period then remote, in the hope, as the invitation itself declared,
that in the mean time the disturbances between the South American
republics would be adjusted. As that expectation seemed unlikely
to be realized, I asked in April last for an expression of opinion
from the two houses of Congress as to the advisability of holding
the proposed convention at the time appointed. This action was
prompted in part by doubts which mature reflection had su^ested

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 139

whether the diplomatic usage and traditions of the Government did
not make it fitting that the Executive should consult the represent-
atives of the people before pursuing a line of policy somewhat novel
in its character, and far-reaching in its possible consequences. In
view of the fact that no action was taken by Congress in the prem-
ises and that no provision had been made for necessary expenses, I
subsequently decided to postpone the convocation, and so notified
the several Governments which had been invited to attend.

I am unwilling to dismiss this subject without assuring you of my
support of any measures the wisdom of Congress may devise for the
promotion of peace on this continent and throughout the world, and
I trust that the time is nigh when, with the universal assent of civ-
ilized peoples, all international differences shall be determined with-
out resort to arms by the benignant processes of arbitration.

Changes have occurred in the diplomatic representation of sev-
eral foreign powers during the past year. New ministers from the
Argentine Republic, Austria-Hungary, Brazil, Chili, China, France,
Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Russia have presented their
credentials. The missions of Denmark and Venezuela at this capital
have been raised in grade. Switzerland has created a plenipoten-
tiary mission to this Government, and an embassy from Madagascar
and a minister from Siam will shortly arrive.

Our diplomatic intercourse has been enlarged by the establish-
ment of relations with the new Kingdom of Servia, by the creation
of a mission to Siam, and by the restoration of the mission to Greece.
The Shah of Persia has expressed his gratification that a charge
d'affaires will shortly be sent to that country, where the rights of
our citizens have been hitherto courteously guarded by the repre-
sentatives of Great Britain.

I renew my recommendation of such legislation as will place the
United States in harmony with other maritime powers with respect
to the international rules for the prevention of collisions at sea.

In conformity with your joint resolution of the 3d of August last,
I have directed the Secretary of State to address foreign Govern-
ments in respect to a proposed conference for considering the subject
of the universal adoption of a common prime meridian to be used
in the reckoning of longitude and in the regulation of time through-

out the civilized world. Their replies will, in due time, be laid
before you,

Au agreement was reached at Paris in 1875 between the principal
powers for the interchange of official publications through the
medium of their respective foreign departments.

The admirable system which has been built up by the enterprise
of the Smithsonian Institution affords a practical basis for our co-
operation in this scheme, and an arrangement has been effected by
which that institution will perform the necessary labor, under the
direction of the Department of State. A reasonable compensatiou
therefor should be provided by law.

A clause in the act making appropriations for the diplomatic and
consular service contemplates the reorganization of botli branches of
such service on a salaried basis, le-iving fees to inure to the benefit
of the Treasury. I cordially favor such a project, as likely to correct
abuses in the present system. The Secretary of State will present
to you at an early day a plan for such reorganization.

A full and interesting exhibit of the operations of the Treasury
Department is afforded by the report of the Secretary.

It appears that the ordinary revenues from all sources for the fis-
cal year ended June 30, 1882, were a^ follows :

From customs $220,410,730 25

From interna] revenue - 146,497,595 45

From sales of public lands 4,753,140 37

From tax on circulation and deposits of national

banks 8,956,794 45

From repayment of interest by Pacific Railway

Companies 840>554 37

From sinking fund for Pacific Railway Companies.. 796,271 42

From customs fees, fines, penalties, &c 1,343,348 00

From fees — consular, letters patent, and lands 2,638,990 97

From proceeds of sales of Government property.. 3i4i959 85

From profits on coinage, bullion deposits, and

assays 4,116,693 73

From Indian trust funds 5,705,243 22

From deposits by individuals for sur\'eying public

)and> 2,052,306 36

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 141

From revenues of the District of Columbia $i, 715, 176 41

From miscellaneous sources 3»383,445 43

Total ordinary receipts 403)525,250 28

The ordinary expenditures for the same period were —

For civil expenses $18,042,386 42

For foreign intercourse 1)307,583 19

For Indians 9)736,747 40

For pensions 61,345,193 95

For the military establishment, including river

and harbor improvements, and arsenals 43,570,494 19

For the naval establishment, including vessels,

machinery, and improvements at navy-yards.... 15,032,046 26
For miscellaneous expenditures, including public
buildings, light-houses, and collecting the reve-
nue 34)539)237 50

For expenditures on account of the District of

Columbia 3)33^)543 §7

For interest on the public debt 71,077,206 79

V Total ordinary expenditures 257,981,439 57

Leaving a surplus revenue of 145,543,810 71

Which, with an amount drawn from the cash

balance in the Treasury of. 20,737,694 84

Making 166,281,505 55

Was applied to the redemption —

Of bonds for the sinking fund 60,079,150 00

Of fractional currency for the sinking fund 58,705 55

Of loan of July and August, 1861 62,572,050 00

Of loan of March, 1863 4,472,900 00

Of funded loan of 1881 37,194,450 00

Of loan of 1858 1,000 00

Of loan of February, 1861 303,000 00

Of five-twenties of 1862 2,100 00

Of five-twenties of 1864 7)4oo 00

Of five-twenties of 1865 6,500 00

LBTIEBS AND JIESBAQEB.

Of ten-forties of 1864 $254,550 00

Of consols of 1865 86,450 00

Of consols of 1867 408,250 00

Of consols of 1868 141,400 00

Of Oregon war debt 675,250 00

Of old demand, compound-interest, and other

notes 18,350 00

166,281,505 55

The foreign commerce of the United States during the last fiscal
year, including imports and exports of merchandise and specie, was
as follows :

Exports: Merchandise $750,542,257

Specie 49,417,479

Total 799,959,736

Imports: Merchandise 724,639,574

Specie 42,472,390

■ Total 767,111,964

Excess of exports over imports of merchandise 25,902,683

This excess is less than it has been before for any of the previous
six years, as appears by the following table:

During the year there have been organized 171 national banks,
and of those institutions there are now in operation 2,269, a larger
number than ever before. The value of their notes in active circu-
lation on July I, 1882, was $324,656,458.

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 148

I commend to your attention the Secretary's views in respect to
the likelihood of a serious contraction of this circulation, and to the
modes by which that result may, in his judgment, be averted.

In respect to the coinage of silver dollars and the retirement of
silver certificates I have seen nothing to alter but much to confirm
the sentiments to which I gave expression last year.

A comparison between the respective amounts of silver-dollar circu-
lation on November i, 1881, and on l^'ov ember i, 1882, shows a slight
increase of a million and a half of dollars. But during the interval
there had been in the whole number coined an increase of twenty-
six millions. Of the one hundred and twenty-eight millions thus
far minted, little more than thirty-five millions are in circulation.
The mass of accumulated coin has grown so great that the vault
room at present available for storage is scarcely sufficient to contain
it It is not apparent why it is desirable to continue this coinage,
now so enormously in excess of the public demand.

As to the silver certificates, in addition to the grounds which
seemed last year to justify their retirement may be mentioned the
effect which is likely to ensue from the supply of gold certificates,
for whose issuance Congress recently made provision, and which
are now in active circulation.

You cannot fail to note with interest the discussion by the Secre-
tary as to the necessity of providing by legislation some mode of
freeing the Treasury of an excess of assets, in the event that Con-
gress fails to reach an early agreement for the reduction of taxation.

I heartily approve the Secretary's recommendation of immediate
and extensive reductions in the annual revenues of the Government.

It will be remembered that I urged upon the attention of Congress
at its last session the importance of relieving the industry and enter-
prise of the country from the pressure of unnecessary taxation. It
is one of the tritest maxims of political economy that all taxes are
burdensome, however wisely and prudently imposed. And though
there have always been among our people wide differences of senti-
ment as to the best methods of raising the national revenues, and,
indeed, as to the principles upon which taxation should be based,
there has been substantial accord in the doctrine that only such taxes
ought to be levied as are necessary for a wise and economical admin-

istration of the Government. Of late the public revenues have far
exceeded that limit, and unless checked by appropriate legislation
such excess will continue to increase from year to year. For the
fiscal year ended June 30, 1881, the surplus revenue amounted to one
hundred millions of dollars; for the fiscal year ended on the 30th of
June last the surplus was more thau one hundred and forty-five
millions.

The report of the Secretary shows what disposition has been made
of these moneys. They have not only answered the requirements
of the sinking fund, but have aflforded a large balance applicable to
other reductions of the public debt.

But I renew the expression of m\- conviction that such rapid extin-
guishment of the national indebtedness as is now taking place is by
no means a cause for congratulation; it is a cause rather for serious
apprehension.

If it continues, it must ^eedily be followed by one of the evil
results so clearly set forth in the report of the Secretary.

Either the surplus must lie idle in the Treasury, or the Government
will be forced to buy, at market rates, its bonds not then redeema-
ablc, and which, under such circumstances, cannot fail to command
an enormous premium, or the swollen revenues will be devoted to
extravagant expenditure, which, as experience has taught, is ever
the bane of an overflowing treasury.

It was made apparent in the course of the animated discussions
which this question aroused at the last session of Congress that the
policy of diminishing the revenue by reducing taxation commanded
the general approval of the members of both houses.

I regret that because of conflicting views as to the best methods
by which that policy should be made operative none of its benefits
have as yet been reaped.

In fulfillment of what I deem my constitutional duty, but with
little hope that I can make valuable contribution to this vexed ques-
tion, I shall proceed to intimate briefly my own views in relation
to it.

Upon the showing of our financial condition at the close of the
last fiscal year, I felt justified in recommending to Congress the
abolition of all intenial-revenue taxes except those upon tobacco in

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 145

its various forms and upon distilled spirits and fermented liquors;
and except also the special tax upon the manufacturers of and dealers
in such articles.

I venture now to suggest that, unless it shall be ascertained that
the probable expenditures of the Government for the coming year
have been underestimated, all internal taxes, save those which relate
to distilled spirits, can be prudently abrogated.

Such a course, if accompanied by a simplification of the machinery
of collection, which would then be easy of accomplishment, might
reasonably be expected to result in diminishing the cost of such
collection by at least two millions and a half of dollars, and in the
retirement from oflBce of from fifteen hundred to two thousand
persons.

The system of excise duties has never commended itself to the
favor of the American people, and has never been resorted to except
for supplying deficiencies in the Treasury when, by reason of special
exigencies, the duties on imports have proved inadequate for the
needs of the Government. The sentiment of the country doubtless
demands that the present excise tax shall be abolished as soon as
such a course can be* safely pursued.

It seems to me, however, that, for various reasons, so sweeping a
measure as the total abolition of internal taxes would for the present
be an unwise step.

Two of these reasons are deserving of special mention :

First, it is by no means clear that even if the existing system of
duties on imports :s continued without modification, those duties
alone will yield suflBcient revenue for all the needs of the Govern-
ment It is estimated that one hundred millions of dollars will be
required for pensions during the coming year, and it may well be
doubted whether the maximum annual demand for that object has
yet been reached. Uncertainty upon this question would alone jus-
tify, in my judgment, the retention for the present of that portion
of the system of internal revenue which is least objectionable to the
people.

Second, a total abolition of excise taxes would almost inevitably
prove a serious if not an insurmountable obstacle to a thorough

revision of the tariff and to any considerable reduction in import
duties.

The present tariff system is in many respects unjust. It makes
unequal distributions both of its burdens and its benefits. This fact
was practically recognized by a majority of each house of Congress
in the passage of the act creating the Tariff Commission. The re-
port of that Commission will be placed before you at tlie beginning
of this session, and will, I trust, afford you such information as to
the condition and prospects of the various commercial, agricultural,
manufacturing, mining, and other interests of the countrj- and con-
tain such suggestions for statutory revision as will practically aid
your action upon this important subject.

The revenue from customs for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1879,
amounted to $137,000,000.

It has in the three succeeding years reached, first, $186,000,000;
then,$i98, 000, 000; and final!y,as has been already stated, $2 30, 000, 000,

The income from this source for the fiscal year which will end on
June 30, 1883, will doubtless be considerably in excess of the sum
last mentioned.

If the tax on domestic spirits is to be retained, it is plain there-
fore that large reductions from the customs revenue are entirely
feasible. While recommending this reduction I am far from advis-
ing the abandonment of the policy of so discriminating in the adjust-
ment of details as to afford aid and protection to domestic labor. But
the present system should be so revised as to equalize the public
burden among all classes and occupations, and bring it into closer
harmony with the present needs of industry.

Without entering into minute detail, which, under present circum-
stances, is quite unnecessarj', I recommend an enlargement of the
free list so as to include within it the numerous articles which yield
inconsiderable revenue, a simplification of the complex and incon-
sistent schedule of duties upon certain manufactures, particularly
those of cotton, iron, and steel, and a substantial reduction of the
duties upon those articles, and upon sugar, molasses, silk, wool, and
woolen goods.

If a general revision of the tariff shall be found to be impracticable
at this session, I express the hope that at least some of the moi^

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 147

conspicuous inequalities of the present law may be conecled before
your final adjournment. One of them is specially referred to by the
Secretary. In view of a recent decision of the Supreme Court, the
necessity of amending the law by which the Dutch standard of color
is adopted as the test of the saccharine strength of sugars is too
obvious to require comment

From the report of the Secretary of War it appears that the only
outbreaks of Indians during the past year occurred in Arizona and
in the southwestern part of New Mexico. They were promptly
quelled, and the quiet which has prevailed in all other parts of the
country has permitted such an addition to be made to the military
force in the region endangered by the Apaches that there is littlie
reason to apprehend trouble in the future.

Those parts of the Secretary's report which relate to our sea-coast
defenses and their armament suggest the gravest reflections. Our
existing fortifications are notoriously inadequate to the defense of
the great harbors and cities for whose protection they were built.

The question of providing an armament suited to our present
necessities has been the subject of consideration by a board, whose
report was transmitted to Congress at the last session. Pending the
consideration of that report, the War Department has taken no steps
for the manufacture or conversion of any heavy cannon, but the
Secretary expresses the hope that authority and means to begin that
important work will be soon provided. I invite the attention of
Congress to the propriety of making more adequate provision for
arming and equipping the militia than is aflforded by the act of 1808,
which is still upon the statute-book. The matter has already been
the subject of discussion in the Senate, and a bill which seeks to
supply the deficiencies of existing laws is now upon its calendar.

The Secretary of War calls attention to an embarrassment grow-
ing out of the recent act of Congress making the retirement of offi-
cers of the Army compulsory at the age of sixty-four. The act of
1878 is still in force, which limits to four hundred the number of
those who can be retired for disability or upon their own applica-
tion. The two acts, when construed -together, seem to forbid the
relieving, even for absolute incapacity, of oflBcers who do not fall
within the purview of the later statute, save at such times as there

I 148 LETTERS AND MESSAGES.

chance to be less than four hiindred names on the retiied lisL
There are now four hundred and twenty. It is not likely that Con-
gress intended this result, and I concur with the Secretary, that the
law ought to be amended.

The grounds that impelled me to witlihold my signature from the
bill entitled ' 'An act making appropriations for the construction,
repair, and preservation of certain works on rivers and harbors,"
which became a law near the close of your last session, prompt me
to express the hope that no similar measure will be deemed neces-
sary during the present session of Congress, Indeed, such a measure
would now be open to a serious objection in addition to that which
was lately urged upon your attention. I am informed by the Secre-
tary of War that the greater portion of the sum appropriated foi
the various items specified in that act remains unexpended.

Of the new works which it authorized, expenses have been in-
curred upon two only, for which the total appropriation was $2io,-
ooo. The present available balance is disclosed by the following
table:

Amount of appropriation by act of August 2, 1882 518,738,875

Amount of appropriation by act of June 19, 1882 io,ocx>

Amount of appropriation for payments to J. B. Eads ... 304,000
Unexpended balance of former appropriations 4, 738, 263

23,791,138
Less amount drawn from Treasury' between July i, 1882,
and November 30, 1 882 6, 056, 194

i7.734>944
It is apparent by this exhibit that, so far as concerns most of the
items to which the act of August 2, 1882, relates, there can be no
need of further appropriations until after the close of the present
session. If, however, any action should seem to be necessary in
respect to particular objects, it will be entirely feasible to provide
for those objects by appropriate legislation. It is possible, for ex-
ample, that a delay until the assembling of the next Congress to
make additional provision for the Mississippi River improvements
might be attended with serious consequences. If such should ap-

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 149

pear lo be the case, a just bill relating to that subject would com-
mand my approval.

This leads me to pflFer a suggestion which I trust will commend
itself to the wisdom of Congress. Is it not advisable that grants of
considerable sums of money for diverse and independent schemes of
internal improvement should be made the subjects of separate and
distinct legislative enactments? It will scarcely be gainsaid, even
by those who favor the most liberal expenditures for such purposes
as are sought to be accomplished by what is commonly called the
river and harbor bill, that the practice of grouping in such a bill
appropriations for a great diversity of objects, widely separated,
either in their nature or in the locality with which they are con-
cerned, or in both, is one which is much to be deprecated unless it
is irremediable. It inevitably tends to secure the success of the bill
as a whole, though many of the items, if separately considered, could
scarcely fail of rejection. By the adoption of the course I have
recommended, every member of Congress, whenever opportunity
should arise for giving his influence and vote for meritorious appro-
priations, would be enabled so to do without being called upon to
sanction others undeserving his approval. So also would the Exec-
utive be afforded thereby full opportunity to exercise his constitu-
tional prerogative of opposing whatever appropriations seemed to
him objectionable, without imperiling the success of others which
commended themselves to his judgment.

It- may be urged in opposition to these suggestions that the num-
ber of works of internal improvement which are justly entitled to
governmental aid is so great as to render impracticable separate
appropriation bills therefor, or even for such comparatively limited
number as make disposition of large sums of money. This objec-
tion may be well founded, and, whether it be or not, the advantages
which would be likely to ensue from the adoption of the course I
have recommended may perhaps be more effectually attained by
another, which I respectfully submit to Congress as an alternative
proposition.

It is provided by the constitutions of fourteen of our States that
the Executive may disapprove any item or items of a bill appro-
priating money; whereupon the part of the bill approved shall V^

150 LETTERS AND MESSAGES.

law, and the part disapproved shall fail to become law, unless
repassed according to the provisions prescribed for the passage of
bills over the veto of the Executive, The States wherein some
such provision as the foregoing is a part of the fundamental law
are, Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Min-
nesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania,
Texas, and West Virginia. I commend to your careful considera-
tion the question whether an amendment of the Federal Constitution
in the particular indicated would not afford the best remedy for what
is often a grave embarrassment both to members of Congress and to
the Executive, and is sometimes a serious public mischief.

The report of the Secretary of the Navy states the movements of
the various squadrons during the year, in home and foreign waters,
where our officers and seamen, with such ships as we possess, have
continued to illustrate the high 'character and eotcellent discipline of
the naval organization.

On the 2ist of December, 1881, information was received that the
exploring steamer Jeaunette had been crushed and abandoned in the
Arctic Ocean. The officers and crew, after a journey over the ice,
embarked in three boats for the coast of Siberia. One of the parties,
under the command of Chief Engineer George W. Melville, reached
the land, and, falling in with the natives, was saved. Another,
under Lieutenant- Commander De Long, landed in a barren region
near the mouth of the Lena River. After six weeks had elapsed all
but two of the number had died from fatigue and starvation, ■ No
tidingo have been received from tlie party in the third boat, under
. the command of Lieutenant Chipp, but a long and fruitless inves-
tigation leaves little doubt that all its members perished at sea. As
a slight tribute to their heroism I give in this communication the
names of the gallant men who sacrificed their lives on this expedi-
tion: Lieutenant-Commander George W. De Long, Surgeon James
M. Ambler, Jerome J. Collins, Hans Halmer Erichsen, Heinrich H,
Kaacke, George W. Boj'd, Walter Lee, Adolph Dressier, Carl A.
GCrtz, Nelse Iversou, the cook Ah Sam, and the Indian Alexy.
The officers and men in the missing boat were Lieutenant Charles
W. Chipp, commanding; William Dunbar, Alfred Sweetinan, Wal-

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 151

ter Sharvell, Albert C. Kuehne, Edward Star, Henry D. Warren,
and Peter E. Johnson.

Lieutenant Giles B. Harber and Master William H. Scheutze are
now bringing home the remains of Lieutenant De Long and his
comrades, in pursuance of the directions of Congress.

The Rodgers, fitted out for the relief of the Jeannette, in accord-
ance with the act of Congress of March 3, 1881, sailed from San
Francisco June 16, under the command of Lieutenant Robert M.
Berry. On November 30 she was accidentally destroyed by fire,
while in winter quarters in Saint Lawrence Bay, but the oflELcers
and crew succeeded in escaping to the shore. Lieutenant Berry
and one of his oflELcers, after making a search for the Jeannette along
the coast of Siberia, fell in with Chief Engineer Melville's party,
and returned home by way of Europe. The other oflficers and the
crew of the Rodgers were brought from Saint Lawrence Bay by the
whaling steamer North Star. Master Charles F. Putnam, who had
been placed in charge of a depot of supplies at Cape Serdze, return-
ing to his post from Saint Lawrence Bay across the ice in a blinding
snow-storm, was carried out to sea and lost, notwithstanding all
efforts to rescue him.

It appears by the Secretary's report that the available naval force
of the United States consists of thirty-seven cruisers, fourteen sin-
gle-turreted monitors, built during the rebellion, a large number of
smooth-bore guns and Parrott rifles, and eighty-seven rifled cannon.

The cruising vessels should be gradually replaced by iron or steel
ships, the monitors by modem armored vessels, and the armament
by high-power rifled guns.

The reconstmction of our Navy, which was recommended in my
last message, was begun by Congress authorizing, in its recent act,
the construction of two large unarmored steel vessels of the character
recommended by the late Naval Advisory Board, and subject to the
final approval of a new advisory board to be organized as provided
by that act. I call your attention to the recommendation of the
Secretary and the board, that authority be given to construct two
more cruisers of smaller dimensions, and one fleet dispatch vessel,
and that appropriations be made for high-power rifled cannon, for
the torpedo service, and for other harbor defenses.

LETTEitS ANi> HESSAGES.

Pending the consideratiou by Congress of the policy to be here-
after adopted in conducting the eight large navy-yards and their
expensive establishments, the Secrctarj' advocates the reduction of
expenditures therefor to the lowest possible amounts.

For the purpose of affording the ofEcers and seamen of the Navy
opportunities for exercise and discipline in their profession, under
appropriate control and direction, the Secretary- advises that the
Light-House Ser\'ice and Coast Survey be transferred, as now organ-
ized, from the Treasury to the Navy Department; and he also sug-
gests, for the reasons wliich he assigns, that a similar transfer may
wisely be made of the cruising revenue vessels.

The Secretary forcibly depicts the intimate connection and inter-
dependence of the Navy and the commercial marine, and invites
attention to the continued decadence of the latter and the corre-
sponding transfer of our growing commerce to foreign bottoms.

This subject is one of the utmost importance to the national wel-
fare. Methods of reviving American ship-building and of restoring
the United States flag in the ocean carrying trade should receive the
, immediate attention of Congress. We have mechanical skill and
abundant material for the manufacture of modem iron steamships
in fair competition with our commercial rivals. Our disadvantage
in building ships is the greater cost of labor, and in sailing them,
higher taxes, and greater interest on capital, while the ocean high-
ways are already monopolized by our formidable competitors. These
obstacles should in some way be overcome, and for our rapid com-
munication with foreign lands we sliould not continue to depend
wholly upon vessels built in the yards of other countries and sailing
under foreign flags. With no United States steamers on the prin-
cipal ocean lines or in any foreign ports, our facilities for extending
our commerce are greatly restricted, while the nations which build
and sail the ships and carry the mails and passengers obtain thereby
conspicuous advantages in increasing their trade.

The report of the Postmaster-General gives evidence of the satis-
factory condition of that Department, and contains many valuable
data and accompanying suggestions which cannot fail to be of in-
terest.

The information which it affords that the receipts for the fiscal'

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 153

year have exceeded the expenditures must be very gratifying to Con-
gress and to the people of the country.

As matters which may fairly claim particular attention, I refer
you to his observations in reference to the advisability of changing
the present basis for fixing salaries and allowances, of extending the
money-order system, and of enlarging the functions of the postal
establishment so as to put under its control the telegraph system of
the country, though from this last and most important recommen-
dation I must withhold my concurrence.

A t the last session of Congress several bills were introduced into
the House of Representatives for the reduction of letter postage to
the rate of two cents per half ounce.

I have given much study and reflection to this subject, and am
thoroughly persuaded that such a reduction would be for the best
interests of the public.

It has been the policy of the Government from its foundation to
defray, as far as possible, the expenses of carrying the mails by a
direct tax in the form of postage. It has never been claimed, how-
ever, that this service ought to be productive of a net revenue.

As has been stated already, the report of the Postmaster-General
shows that there is now a very considerable surplus in his Depart-
ment, and that henceforth the receipts are likely to increase at a
much greater ratio than the necessary expenditures. Unless some
change is made in the existing laws the profits of the postal servdce
will in a very few years swell the revenues of the Government many
millions of dollars. The time seems auspicious, therefore, for some
reduction in the rates of postage. In what shall that reduction
consist ?

A review of the legislation which has been had upon this subject
during the last thirty years discloses that domestic letters constitute
the only class of mail matter which has never been favored by a sub-
stantial reduction of rates. I am convinced that the burden of
maintaining the service falls most unequally upon that class, and
that more than any other it is entitled to present relief.

That such relief may be extended without detriment to other pub-
lic interests will be discovered upon reviewing the results of former
reductions.

► 164 LETTERS AND MESSAQEB.

Immediately prior to the act of 1845, the postage upon a letier
composed of a single sheet was as follows:

If conveyed Cents.

30 miles or less 6

Betw-een ;^o and 80 miles 10

Between 80 and 150 mites iz}4

Between 150 and 4cx> miles 18 J^

Over 400 miles . 25

By the act of 1845 the postage upon a single letter conveyed for
any distance under -300 miles was fixed at five cents, and for any
greater distance at ten cents.

By the act of 1851 it was provided that a single letter, if prepaid.
■ should be carried any distance not exceeding three thousand miles
for three cents and any greater distance for six cents.

It will be noticed that both of these reductions were of a radical
character and relatively quite as important as that which is now
proposed.

In each case there ensued a temporary loss of revenue, but a sud-
den and large influx of business, which substantially repaired that
loss within three years.

Unless the experience of past legislation in this country and else-
where goes for naught, it may be safely predicted that the stimulus
of 33^ per centum reduction in the tax for carriage would at once
increase the number of letters consigned to the mails.

The advantages of secrecy would lead to a very general substitu-
tion of sealed packets for postal cards and open circulars, and in
divers other ways the ^'olume of first-class matter would be enor-
mously augmented. Such increase amounted in England, in the
first year after the adoption of penny postage, to more than 125 per
cent '

As a result of careful estimates, the details of which cannot be
here set out, I have become convinced that tlie deficiency for the
first year after the proposed reduction would not exceed 7 per cent,
of the expenditures, or $3,000,000, while the deficiency after the
reduction of 1S45 was more than 14 per cent., and after that of 1851
was 37 per cent.

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 155

Another interesting comparison is aflforded by statistics furnished
me by the Post-Office Department.

The act of 1845 was passed in face of the fact that there existed a
deficiency of more than $30,000. That of 1851 was encouraged by
the slight surplus of $132,000. The excess of revenue in the next
fiscal year is likely to be $3,500,000.

If Congress should approve these suggestions it may be deemed
desirable to supply to some extent the deficiency which must for a
time result, by increasing the charge for carrying merchandise,
which is now only sixteen cents per pound. But even without such
an increase I am confident that the Receipts under the diminished
rates would equal the expenditures after the lapse of three or four
years.

The report of the Department of Justice brings anew to your
notice the necessity of enlarging the present system of Federal
jurisprudence so as effectually to answer the requirements of the
ever-increasing litigation with which it is called upon to deal.

The Attorney-General renews the suggestions of his predecessor
that in the interests of justice better provision than the existing
laws afford should be made in certain judicial districts for fixing the
fees of witnesses and jurors.

In my message of December last I referred to pending criminal
proceedings growing out of alleged frauds in what is known as the
star-route service of the Post-OflBce Department, and advised you
that I had enjoined upon the Attorney -General and associate counsel,
to whom the interests of the Government were intrusted, the duty of
prosecuting with the utmost vigor of the law all persons who might
be found chargeable with those offenses. A trial of one of these
cases has since occurred. It occupied for many weeks the attention
of the supreme court of this District, and was conducted with great
zeal and ability. It resulted in a disagreement of the jury, but the
cause has beei; again placed upon the calendar and will shortly be
retried. If any guilty persons shall finally escape punishment for
their offenses it will not be for lack of diligent and earnest efforts on
the part of the prosecution.

I trust that some agreement may be reached which will speedily

LETTERS AM> ME8SA0BB.

enable Congress, with the concurrence of the Executive, to afford
the commercial community the benefits of a national bankrupt law.

The report of the Secretarj' of the Interior, with its accompanying
documents, presents a full statement of the varied operations of that
Department. In respect to Indian affairs nothing has occurred
Which has changed or seriously modified the views to which I de-
voted much space in a fonner communication to ConE;ress, I renew
the recommendations therein contained as to extending to the In-
dian the protection of the law, allotting land in severalty to such as
desire it, and making suitable provision for the education of youth.
Such provision, as the Secretary forcibly maintains, will prove una-
vailing uuless it is broad enough to include all those who are able
and willing to make use of it, and should not solely relate to intel-
lijectual training, but also to instructiou in such manual labor and
iple industrial arts as can be made practically available.

Among other important subjects which are included within the
Secretary's report, and which will doubtless furnish occasion for
Congressional action, may be mentioned the neglect of the railroad
companies to which large grants of land were made by the acts of
1862 and 1864 to take title thereto, and their consequent inequitable
exemption from local taxation.

No survey of our material condition can fail to suggest inquiries
as to the moral and intellectual progress of the people.

The Census returns disclose an alarming state of illiteracy in cer-
tain portions of the country- where the provision for schools Is grossly
inadequate. It is a momentous question for the decision of Congress
whether immediate and substantial aid should not be extended by
the General Government for supplementing the efforts of private
beneficence and of State and Territorial legislation in behalf of edu-
cation.

The regulation of inter-state commerce has already been the sub-
ject of your deliberations. One of the incidents of the marvelous
extension of the railway system of the country has been the adop-
tion of such measures by the corporations which own or control the
roads as has tended to impair the advantages of healthful competi-
tion and to make hurtful discriminations in the adjustment of
freightage.

LETTERS AND BiESSAGES. 157

These inequalities have been corrected in several of the States by
appropriate legislation, the eflFect of which is necessarily restricted
to the limits of their own territory.

So far as sucii mischiefs aflfect commerce between the States, or
between any one of the States and a foreign country, they are sub-
jects of national concern, and Congress alone can aflFord relief.

The results which have thus far attended the enforcement of the
recent statute for the suppression of polygamy in the Territories are
reported by the Secretary of the Interior. It is not probable that
any additional legislation in this regard will be deemed desirable
until the eflfect of existing laws shall be more closely observed and
studied.

I congratulate you that the commissioners under whose supervis-
ion those laws have been put in operation are encouraged to believe
that the evil at which they are aimed may be suppressed without
resort to such radical measures as in some quarters have been
thought indispensable for success.

The close relation of the General Government to the Territories
preparing to be great States may well engage your special attention.
It is there that the Indian disturbances mainly occur and that polyg-
aiuy has found room for its growth. I cannot doubt that a careful
survey of Territorial legislation would be of the highest utility.
Life and property would become more secure. The liability of out-
breaks between Indians and whites would be lessened. The public
domain would be more securely guarded and better progress be made
in the instruction of the young.

Alaska is still without any form of civil government. If means
were provided for the education of its people and for the protection
of their lives and property the immense resources of the region
would invite permanent settlements and open new fields for industry
and enterprise.

The report of the Commissioner of Agriculture presents an ac-
count of the labors of that Department during the past year, and in-
cludes information of much interest to the general public.

The condition of the forests of the country and the wasteful man-
ner in which their destruction is taking place give cause for serious
apprehension. Their action in protecting the earth's surface, in
modifying the €.\:tremes of climate, aIidmT^^o\'a^l\TL<^^x^^^^^s^2^^

LETTERS AND MESSAOES.

the flow of Springs and streams is now well understood, and iheir
importance in relation to the growth and prosperity of the country
cannot be safely disregarded. They are fast disappearing before
destructive fires and the legitimate requirements of our increasing
population, and their total extinction cannot be loug delayed unless
better methods than now prevail shall be adopted for their protection
and cultivation. The attention of Congress is invited to the necessity
■ .■of additional legislation to secure the preservation of the valuable
forests still remaining on the public domain, especially in the ex-
treme Western States and Territories, where the necessity for their
preservatioa is greater than in less mountainous regions, and where
the prevailing dryness of the climate renders their restoration, if
they are once destroyed, well nigh impossible.

The communication which I made to Congress at its first session
in December last contained a somewhat full statement of my senti-
ments in relation to the principles and rules which ought to govern
appointments to public service.

Referring to the various plans which had theretofore been the
subject of discussion in the National Legislature (plans which in the
main were modeled upon the system which obtains in Great Britain,
but which lacked certain of the prominent features whereby that
system is distinguished), I felt bound to intimate my doubts whether
they, or any of them, would afford adequate remedy for the evils
which they aimed to correct.

I declared, nevertheless, that if the proposed measures should
prove acceptable to Congress, they would receive the unhesitating
support of the Executive.

Since these suggestions were submitted for your consideration
there has been no legislation upon the subject to which they relate,
but there has meanwhile been an increase in the public interest in
that subject, and the people of the country, apparently without dis-
tinction of party, have in various ways, and upon frequent occasions,
given expression to their earnest wish for prompt and definite action.
In my judgment, such action should no longer be postponed.

I may add that my own sense of its pressing importance has been
quickened by observation of a practical phase of the matter, to
which attention has more than once been called by my predecessors.

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 159

The civil list now comprises about one hundred thousand persons,
far the larger part of whom must, under the terms of the Constitu-
tion, be selected by the President either directly or through his own
appointees.

In the early years of the administration of the Government, the
personal direction of appointments to the civil service may not have
been an irksome task for the Executive; but, now that the burden
has increased fully a hundred-fold, it has become greater than he
ought to bear, and it necessarily diverts his time and attention from
the proper discharge of other duties no less delicate and responsible,
and which, in the very nature of things, cannot be delegated to
other hands.

In the judgment of not a few who have given study and reflection
to this matter, the nation has outgrown the provisions which the
Constitution has established for filling the minor offices in the pub-
lic service^

But whatever may be thought of the wisdom or expediency of
changing the fundamental law in this regard, it is c^tain that much
relief may be afforded, not only to the President and to the heads of
the Departments, but to Senators and Representatives in Congress,
by discreet legislation. They would be protected in a great measure
by the bill now pending before the Senate, or by any other which
should embody its important features, from the pressure of personal
importunity and from the labor of examining conflicting claims and
pretensions of candidates.

I trust that before the close of the present session some decisive
action may be taken for the correction of the evils which inhere in
the present methods of appointment, and I assure you of my hearty
co-operation in any measures which are likely to conduce to that end.

As to the most appropriate term and tenure of the official life of
the subordinate employes of the Government, it seems to be generally
agreed that, whatever their extent or character, the one should be
definite and the other stable, and that neither should be regulated
by zeal in the service of party or fidelity to the fortunes of an in-
dividual.

It matters little to the people at large what competent person is

LETTERS AND ME8SAQB8.

at the head of this Departmeut or of that Bureau, if they feel assured
that the removal of one and the accession of another will not involve
the retirement of honest and faithful subordinates, whose duties are
purely administrative and have no legitimate connection with the
triumph of any political principles or the success of any political
party or faction. It is to this latter class of officers that the Senate
bill, to which I have already referred, exclusively applies.

While neither that bill nor any other prominent scheme for im-
proving the civil service concerns the higher grade of officials, who
are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, I feel
bound to correct a prevalent misapprehension as to the frequency
with which the present Executive has displaced the incumbent of
an office and appointed another in his stead.

It has been repeatedly alleged that he has in this particular sig-
nallj' departed from the course which has been pursued under recent
administrations of the Government. The facts are as follows :

The whole number of Executive appointments during the four
years immediately preceding Mr. Garfield's accession to the Presi-
f dency was 2,696.

Of this number 244, or 9 per cent. , involved the removal of pre-
vious incumbents.

The ratio of removals to the whole number of appointments was
much the same during each of those four years.

In the first year, with 790 appointments, there were 74 removals,
or 9,3 per cent. ; in the second, with 917 appointments, there were
85 removals, or 8. 5 per cent. ; in the third, with 480 appointments,
there were 48 removals, or 10 per cent.; in the fourth, with 429
appointments, there were 37 removals, or 8.6 per cent In the four
months of President Garfield's administration there were 390 ap-
pointments and 89 removals, or 22,7 per cent. Precisely the same
number of removals (89) has taken place in the fourteen months
which have since elapsed, but they constitute only 7.8 per cent, of
the whole number of appointments (1,118) within that period, and
less than a.6 of the entire list of officials (3,459), exclusive of the
Army and Navy, which is filled by Presidential appointment.

I declare iny approval of such legislation as may be found neces-

LETTERS AND llESSAGES. 161

sary for supplementing the existing provisions of law in relation to
political assessments.

In July last I authorized a public announcement that employds of
the Government should regard themselves as at liberty to exercise
their pleasure in making or refusing to make political contributions,
and that their action in that regard would in no manner aflfect their
official status.

In this announcement I acted upon the view which I had always
maintained and still maintain, that a public officer should be as ab-
solutely free as any other citizen to give or to withhold a contribu-
tion for the aid of the political party of his choice. It has, however,
been urged, and doubtless not without foundation in fact, that by
solicitation of official superiors and by other modes such contribu-
tions have at times been obtained from persons whose only motive
for giving has been the fear of what might befall them if they refused.
It goes without saying that such contributions are not voluntary,
and in my judgment their collection should be prphibited by law.
A bill which will eflfectually suppress them will receive my cordial
approval.

I hope that however numerous and urgent may be the demands
upon your attention, the interests of this District will not be for-
gotten.

The denial to its residents of the great right of suffi-age in all its
relation to national, State, and municipal action imposes upon Con-
gress the duty of aflfording them the best administration which its
wisdom can devise.

The report of the District Commissioners indicates certain meas-
ures whose adoption would seem to be very desirable. I instance
in particular those which relate to arrears of taxes, to steam rail-
roads, and to assessments of real property.

Among the questions which have been the topic of recent debate
in the halls of Congress none are of greater gravity than those relat-
ing to the ascertainment of the vote for Presidential electors and
the intendment of the Constitution in its provisions for devolving
Executive functions upon the Vice-President when the President
suflfers from inability to discharge the powers and duties of his

office.

11*

LETTERS AND UESBAQE8.

I Irust that no embarrassments may result from a failure to deter-
mine these questions before another national election.

The closing year has been replete with blessings for which we
owe to the Giver of all Good our reverent acknowledgment For
the uninterrupted harmony of our foreign relations, for the decay of
sectional animosities, for the exuberance of our harvests and the
triumphs of our mining and manufacturing industries, for the preva-
lence of health, the spread of intelligence and the conservation of
the public credit, for the growth of the country in all the elements
of national greatness — for these and countless other blessings — we
should rejoice and be glad. I trust that, under the inspiration of
this great prosperity, our counsels may be harmonious, and that the
dictates of prudence, patriotism, justice, and economy may lead to
the adoption of measures in which the Congress and the Executive
may heartily unite.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

WASHiNtJTON, December 4, iSHz.

MESSAGE

CONCSRNTNG THE

f REFERENCE OF CERTAIN CLAIMS TO THE COURT OF CLAIMS,

*i JANUARY 26, 1883.

163

MESSAGE.

To THE House of Representatives:

It is hereby announced to the house of Congress in which it orig-
inated that the joint resolution (H. Res. 190) ** to refer certain claims
to the Court of Claims ' ' has been permitted to become a law under
the constitutional provision.

Its apparent purpose is to allow certain bankers to sue in the
Court of Claims for the amount of internal-revenue tax collected
from them without lawful authority, upon showing aa matter of
excuse for not having brought their suits within the time limited
by law that they had entered into an agreement with the district
attorney, which was in substance that they should be relieved of
that necessity.

I cannot concur in the policy of setting aside the bar of the statute
in those cases on such ground, but I h^ve not deemed it necessary
to return the joint resolution with my objections for reconsideration.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

Executive Mansion, January 26^ i88j.

165

MESSAGE

CONCERNING

COMMERCIAL RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES

AND MEXICO,

FEBRUARY 3, 1883,

1«7

MESSAGE.

To THE Senate of the United States:

I transmit to the Senate for consideration, with a view to ratifica-
tion, the treaty of commerce which was signed in duplicate January
20, 1883, by commissioners on the part of the United States and
Mexico, with accompanying^ papers.

The attention of the Senate is called to the statement in the third
protocol as to the insertion of the word ''steel" in item No. (35) 66
of the list appended to article 2 of the treaty. No further informa-
tion as to the possible correction therein referred to has yet reached
me; but as the session of the Senate will soon terminate, I deem it
advisable to transmit the treaty as signed, in the hope that its ratifi-
cation may be assented to.

While the treaty does not contain all the provisions desired by the
United States, the difficulties in the way of a full and complete set-
tlement of matters of common interest to the two countries were
such as to make me willing to approve it as .an important step
towards a desirable result, not doubting that, as time shall show the
advantages of the system thus inaugurated, the Government will be
able by supplementary agreements to insert the word ** steel" and
to perfect what is lacking in the instrument.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

Executive Mansion,

Washington^ February j^ 1883.

169

MESSAGE

NOMINATING A

CHIEF EXAMINER OF THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION.

MARCH I, 1883.

171

MESSAGE.

To THE Senate of the United States:

Having approved the act recently passed by Congress ' * to regulate
and improve the civil service of the United States, ' ' I deem it my
duty to call your attention to the provision for the emplojonent of a
''chief examiner" contained in the third section of the act, which
was the subject of consideration at the time of its approval.

I am advised by the Attorney-General that there is great doubt
whether such examiner is not properly an officer of the United States
because of the nature of his employment, its duration, emolument,
and duties. If he be such, the provision for his employment (which
involves an appointment by the Commission) is not in conformity
with section 2, article 2 of the Constitution. Assuming this to be
the case, the result would be that the appointment of the chief
examiner must be deemed to be vested in the President, by and with
the advice and consent of the Senate, since in such case the appoint-
ment would not be otherwise provided for by law. Concurring in
this opinion, I nominate Silas W. Burt, of New York, to be chief
examiner of the Civil Service Commission.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

Executive Mansion, March /, 1883.

173

LETTER

CONCERNING

THE SOUTHERN EXPOSITION AT LOUISVILLE,

JUNE 9, 1883.

176

LETTER.

Executive Mansion,

Washington^ June p, /<?<?J.

My Dear Sir: I trust that my delay in answering your com-
munication touching the proposed Southern Exposition at Louis-
ville in August next has not been misinterpreted. It is in nowise
attributable to lack of interest in the great undertaking to which
you have invited my attention. That undertaking, on the contrary,
richly deserves approval. It commands and will receive my per-
sonal and efficient encouragement. It seems to me, indeed, that its
importance to the whole country, and especially to the South, can
scarcely be overestimated.

Such exhibitions have come to be among the most marked feat-
ures and the most instructive agents of our modern civilization;
for they enhance the dignity of labor, and show to both labor and
capital how inextricably their interests are interwoven. They ele-
vate the standard of industrial attainment and give fresh and endur-
ing impetus to inventive genius and skill. No time was ever more
auspicious than the present for such an enterprise nor could it find
a home in any more fitting spot than that which has been chosen
for it. You are not misled by enthusiasm; you but speak ''the
words of truth and soberness'' when you say that the South has
entered upon a new era, in which, as I believe, it is destined to dis-
play, in the development of its marvelous resources, such zeal and
energ\' as have never yet been exhibited in any region of our coun-
\xy at any period of our national life.

The proposed exhibition will disclose how vast a field the South
now offers for every phase of industrial effort, in the mine, the field,
the factory, ever>'where, indeed, where art and skill can find room
for employment ; and the influences of this noble undertaking will

12* 177

LETnSBS AHD MESBAQES.

by no means be limited to its more material consequences. It will
assist in quenching the spirit of sectional antagonism, already, by
God's blessing, well nigh extinct. It will bring the people of the
land into more intimate acquaintance and sympathy ; it will bind
them together in closer devotion to the sentiment which now dwells
in every patriotic breast, "One Union, one Constitution, one des-
tiny. ' '

I am truly yours,

CHESTER A. .-VRTHUR.
J. M. Wright, Esq.,

firsf I 'ice-President^ General Manager^ &c. , Louhville, A'y.

ADDRESS

DELIVERED AT THE

OPENING OF THE SOUTHERN EXPOSITION AT LOUISVILLE

AUGUST 2, I 883.

179

ADDRESS.

I count myself fortunate that I am within the borders of this
beautiful city of the South on a day which must be henceforth
famous in its history. For a great undertaking, an undertaking of
national interest and importance, enters here and now upon its
career. I congratulate the promoters and managers of this Expo-
sition that, even at the very threshold of its existence it gives
abundant pledges of success. The zeal and enthusiasm which they
have displayed in their labors of preparation ; the frequent tidings
of encouragement and cheer by which those labors have been light-
ened and made glad ; the splendid triumphs of American genius,
activity, and skill that are arrayed within these walls ; the presence
of the eager multitudes who throng these hospitable streets ; all are
tokens that the enterprise here inaugurated will be crowned with
brilliant, far-reaching, enduring results.

It will multiply the aims of industry, better its operations, and
elevate its standard of attainment. By suggesting new wants it
will incite new activities. It will disclose natural resources as yet
almost unexplored, and point the way to their prompt ^d profitable
development. In countless ways it will promote the arts of peace
and help to bring about the works of peace, proclaiming harmony
and good- will and brotherly kindness throughout all the land unto
all the inhabitants thereof

I now declare that the Southern Exposition is open, and may God
speed the fulfillment of all its lofty and ennobling purposes !

181

PROCLAMATION

CONCERNING

THE WORLD'S INDUSTRIAL AND COTTON CENTENNIAL

EXPOSITION AT NEW ORLEANS.

SEPTEMBER lo, 1883.

183

PROCLAMATION.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas by the eighth section of an act entitled '*An act to en-
courage the holding of a World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial
Exposition in the year eighteen hundred and eighty-four, ' ' approved
February lo, 1883, it was enacted as follows:

''That whenever the President shall be informed by the said
board of management that provision has been made for suitable
buildings, or the erection of the same, for the purposes of said exhi-
bition, the President shall, through the Department of State, make
proclamation of the same, setting forth the time at which the exhi-
bition will open and the place at which it will be held, and such
board of management shall communicate to the diplomatic repre-
sentatives of all nations copies of the same and a copy of this act
together with such regulations as may be adopted by said board of
management for publication in their respective countries."

And whereas the duly constituted board of managers of the afore-
said World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition has in-
formed me that provision has been made for the erection of suitable
buildings for the purposes of said Exposition:

Now, therefore, I, Chester A. Arthur, President of the United
States of America, by authority of and in fulfillment of the require-
ments of said act approved February 10, 1883, do hereby declare and
make known that the World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial
Exposition will be opened on the first Monday in December, 1884,
at the city of New Orleans, in the State of Louisiana, and will there
be holden continuously until the 31st day of May, 1885.

185

LBTTBRS AND MEBSAQES.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused
the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington this tenth day of September, one
thousand eight hundred and eight>--three, and of the Independence
of the United States the one hundred and eighth,

[seal.] CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

By the President :

Fred'k T. Frelinghi'ysen.

Secretary oj State.

ADDRESS

\T THE

UNVEILING OF THE BURNSIDE MONUMENT,

BRISTOL, RHODE ISLAND, SEPTEMBER 25, 1883.

187

ADDRESS.

I heartily join with you in paying tribute to the memory of that
distinguished citizen of Rhode Island whose name yonder structure
is henceforth privileged to bear. So long as it shall endure it will,
in some degree, serve to perpetuate the fame of a soldier faithful to
his trusts, whose courage found its only rival in his modesty; of a
statesman whose every act was prompted by the loftiest patriotism,
and of an earnest, sincere, and manly gentleman who abounded in
all courtesy, who scorned all deceit, and who never failed to follow
in the path of duty whithersoever it led.

lap

PROCLAMATION

DESIGNATING

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1883, AS A DAY OF NATIONAL

THANKSGIVING.

OCTOBER 26, 1883.

191

PROCLAMATION.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

In furtherance of the custom of this people at the closing of each
year to engage, upon a day set apart for that purpose, in a special
festival of praise to the Giver of all good, I, Chester A. Arthur,
President of the United States, do hereby designate Thursday, the
twenty-ninth day of November next, as a day of national thanks-
giving.

The year which is drawing to an end has been replete with
evidences of Divine goodness.

The prevalence of health, the fulness of the harvests, the stability
of peace and order, the growth of fraternal feeling, the spread of
intelligence and learning, the continued enjoyment of civil and
religious liberty — all these and countless other blessings are cause
for reverent rejoicing.

I do therefore recommend that on the day above appointed the
people rest from their accustomed labors, and meeting in their sev-
eral places of worship, express their devout gratitude to God that
He hath dealt so bountifully with this nation and pray that His
grace and favor abide with it forever.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the
seal of the United States to be aflSxed. Done at the city of Wash-
ington this 26th day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousancj
eight hundred and eighty-three, and of the Independence of the
United States the one hundred and eighth.

[seal.] CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

By the President:

Fred'k T. Frelinghuysen,

Secretary of State,
13* ^^^

Address

AT THE

UNVEILING OF THE STATUE TO WASHINGTON ON THE STEPS

OF THE TREASURY IN NEW YORK CITY,

NOVEMBER 26, 1883,

195

ADDRESS.

The President said:

Mr. President and fellow-citizens, it is fitting that other lips than
mine should give voice to the sentiments of pride and patriotism
which this occasion cannot fedl to inspire in every heart. To myself
has been assigned but a slight and formal part in the day's exercises,
and I shall not exceed its becoming limits. I have come to this
historic spot where the first President of the Republic took oath to
preserve, protect, and defend its Constitution, simply to accept in
behalf of the Government this tribute to his memory, hong may
the noble statue you have here set up stand where you have placed
it, a monument alike to your own generosity and public spirit, and
to the wisdom and virtue and genius of the immortal Washington!

197

MESSAGE

TO THE

SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

DECEMBER 4, 1883.

199

MESSAGE

TO THE

SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

DECEMBER 4, 1883.

199

MESSAGE.

To THE Congress of the United States :

At the threshold of your deliberations I congratulate you uix>n
the favorable aspect of the domestic and foreign aflfeiirs of this Gov-
ernment.

Our relations with other countries continue to be upon a friendly
footing.

With the Argentine Republic, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark,
Hayti, Italy, Santo Domingo, and Sweden and Norway no incident
has occurred which calls for special comment. The recent opening
of new lines of telegraphic communication with Central America
and Brazil permitted the interchange of messages of friendship with
the Governments of those countries.

During the year there have been perfected and proclaimed consular
and commercial treaties with Serbia and a consular treaty with
Roumania, thus extending our intercourse with the Danubian coun-
tries, while our Eastern relations have been put upon a wider basis
by treaties with Corea and Madagascar. The new boundary-survey
treaty with Mexico, a trades-mark convention and a supplementary
treaty of extradition with Spain, and conventions extending the
duration of the Franco-American Claims Commission have also
been proclaimed.

Notice of the termination of the fisheries articles of the Treaty of
Washington was duly given to the British Government, and the
reciprocal privileges and exemptions of the treaty will accordingly
cease on July i, 1885. The fisheries industries, pursued by a nu-
merous class of our citizens on the northern coasts, both of the
Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, are worthy of the fostering care of
Congress. Whenever brought into competition with the like in-

201

LETTEB6 AND MESSAGES,
dustries of other countries, our fishermen, as well as our manufact-
urers of fishing appTiances and preparers of fish products, have
maintained a foremost place. I suggest that Congress create a
commission to consider the general question of our rights in the
fisheries and the means of opening to our citizens, under just and
enduring conditions, the richly stocked fishing waters and sealing
grounds of British North America.

Question has arisen touching the deportation to the United States
from the British Islands, by governmental or municipal aid, of per-
sons unable there to gain a liWng and equally a burden on the com-
munity here. Such of these persons as fall under Uie pauper class
as defined by law have been sent back in accordance with the pro-
visions of our statutes. Her Majesty's Goverumeut has insisted that
precautions have been taken before shipment to prevent these objec-
tionable visitors from coming hither without guarantee of support
by their relatives in this countrj'. The action of the British authori-
ties in applying measures for relief has, however, in so many cases
I proved ineffectual, and especiall)' so in certain recent instances of
I needy emigrants reaching our territor>* through Canada, that a
revision of our legislation upon this subject may be deemed advisable.
Correspondence relative to the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty has been con-
tinued and will be laid before Congress.

The legislation of France against the importation of prepared
swine products from the United States has been repealed. That
result is due no less to the friendly representations of tliis Govern-
ment than to a growing conviction in France that the restriction
was 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 a friendly
invitation to send experts to the United States to inquire whether
the use of those products was dangerous to health. This invitation
was declined. I have believed it of such importance however that
the exact facts should be ascertained and promulgated that I have
appointed a competent commission to make a thorough investiga-
tion of the subject. Its members have shown their public spirit by

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 203

accepting their trust without pledge of compensation, but I trust
that Congress will see in the national and international bearings of
the matter a suflBcient motive for providing at least for reimburse-
ment of such expenses as they may necessarily incur.

The coronation of the Czar at Moscow aflForded to tnis Gk)vemment
an occasion for testifying its continued friendship by sending a spe-
cial envoy and a representative of the Navy to attend the ceremony.

While there have arisen during the year no grave questions aflFect-
ing the status in the Russian Empire of American citizens of other
faith than that held by the national church, this Government re-
mains firm in its conviction that the rights of its citizens abroad
should be in no wise aflfected by their religious belief.

It is understood that measures for the removal of the restrictions
which now burden our trade with Cuba and Puerto Rico are under
consideration by the Spanish Government.

The proximity of Cuba to the United States and the peculiar
methods of administration which there prevail necessitate constant
discussion and appeal on our part from the proceedings of the insular
authorities. I regret to say that the just protests of this Govern-
ment have not as yet produced satisfactory results.

The commission appointed to decide certain claims of our citizens
against the Spanish Government, after the recognition of a satisfac-
tor\' rule as to the validity and force of naturalization in the United
States, has finally adjourned. Some of its awards, though made
more than two years ago, have not yet been paid. Their speedy
payment is expected.

Claims to a large amount which were held by the late commission
to be without its jurisdiction have been diplomatically presented to
the Spanish Government. As the action of the colonial authorities,
which has given rise to these claims, was admittedly illegal, full rep-
aration for the injur\' sustained by our citizens shouldbe no longer
delayed.

The case of the Masonic has not yet reached a settlement. The
Manila court has found that the proceedings of which this Govern-
ment has complained were unauthorized, and it is hoped that the

[ 2!U4 LKTTEH8 AND MESSAGES.

Government of Spain will not withhold the speedy reparation which
its sense of justice should impel it to offer for the unusual severity
and unjust action of its subordinate colonial officers in the case of
this vessel,

I The Helvetian Confederation has proposed the inauguration of a
1 class of international treaties for the referment to arbitration of grave
questious between nations. This Government has assented to the
proposed negotiation of such a treaty with Switzerland.

Under the Treaty of Berlin, liberty of conscience and civil rights
are assured to all strangers in Bulgaria. As the United States have
no distinct conventional relations with that country and are not a
party to the treaty, they should in my opinion maintain diplomatic
representation at Sofia for the improvement of intercourse and the
proper protection of the many American citizens who resort *o Chat
country as missionaries and teachers. I suggest that I be given
authority to establish an agency and consulate-general at the Bul-
garian capital.

The United States are now ■ partidpating in a revision of the
tariffs of the Ottoman Empire. They have assented to the applica-
tion 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.

The Government of the Khedive has proposed that the authority
of the mixed -judicial tribunals in Egypt be extended so as to cover
citizens of the United States accused of crime, who are uow triable
before consular courts. This Government is not indisposed to ac-
cept the change, but believes that its terms should be submitted
for criticism to the commission appointed to revise thewhole subject.

At no time in our national liistorj' has there been more manifest
need of close and lasting relations with a neighboring state than
now exists with respect to Mexico. The rapid influx of our capital
and enterprise into that country shows, by what has already been
accomplislied, the vast reciprocal advantages which must attend the
progress of its internal development. The treaty of commerce and

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 205

navigation of 1848 has been terminated by the Mexican Govern-
ment, and in the absence of conventional engagements the rights of
our citizens in Mexico now depend upon the domestic statutes of
that Republic. There have been instances of harsh enforcement of
the laws against our vessels and citizens in Mexico, and of denial of
the diplomatic resort for their protection. Th^ initial step toward
a better understanding has been taken in the negotiation by the
commission authorized by Congress of a treaty which is still before
the Senate awaiting its approval.

The provisions for the reciprocal crossing of the frontier by the
troops in pursuit of hostile Indians have been prolonged for another
year. The operations of the forces of both Governments against
these savages have been successful, and seveial of their most dan-
gerous bands have been captured or dispersed by the skill and valor
of United States and Mexican soldiers fighting in a common cause.

The convention for the resurvey of the boundary from the Rio
Grande to the Pacific, having been ratified and exchanged, the pre-
liminar}'^ reconnaissance therein stipulated has been effected. It
now rests with Congress to make provision for completing the sur-
vey and relocating the boundary monuments.

A convention was signed with Mexico on July 13, 1882, providing
for the rehearing of the cases of Benjamin Weil and the Abra Silver
Mining Company, in whose favor awards were made by the late
American and Mexican Claims Commission. That convention still
. awaits the consent of the Senate. Meanwhile because of those
charges of fraudulent awards which have made a new commission
necessar}', the Executive has directed the suspension of payments of
the distributive quota received from Mexico.

Our geographical proximity to Central America and our political
and commercial relations with the states of that country justify, in
my judgment, such a material increase of our consular corps as will
place at each capital a consul-general.

The contest between Bolivia, Chile, and Peru has passed from the
stage of strategic hostilities to that of negotiation, in which the
counsels of this Government have been exercised. The demands of
Chile for absolute cession of territory have been maintained and

accepted by the party of General Iglesias to the extent of concluding
a treaty of peace with the Govemoient of Chile in general conformity
with the terms of the protocol signed in May last between the
Chilean commander and General Iglesias. As a result of the con-
clusion of this treaty, General Iglesias hasbeen formally recognized
by Chile as President of Peru, and his Govertiment installed at Lima
which has been evacuated by the Chileans. A call has been issued
by General Iglesias for a representative assembly, to be elected on
the 13th of January, and to meet at Lima on the 1st of March next.
Meanwhile the provisional government of General Iglesias has ap-
plied for recognition to the principal powers of America and Europe.
When the will of the Peruvian people shall be manifested I shall
not hesitate to recognize the Government approved by them.

Diplomatic and naval representatives of this Government attended
at Caracas the centennial celebration of the birth of the illustrious
f Bolivar. At the same time the inauguration of the statue of Wash-
B in the Venezuelan capital testified to the veneration in which
nory is there held.

) at its last session authorized the Executive to propose
to Venezuela a reopening of the awards of the Mixed Commission
of Caracas. The departure from this countr>' of the Venezuelan
minister has delayed the opening of negotiations for reviving the
commission. This Government holds that until the establishment
of a treaty upon this subject the Venezuelan Government must con-
tinue to make the payments provided for in the convention of 1866.

There is ground for believing that the dispute growing out of the
unpaid obligations due from \'encznela to France will be satisfac-
torily adjusted. The French cabinet has proposed a basis of settle-
ment which meets my approval, but as it involves a recasting of the
annual quotas of the foreign debt it has been deemed advisable to
submit the proposal to the judgment of the cabinets of Berlin, Co-
penhagen, The Hague, London, and Madrid.

At the recent coronation of His Majesty King Kalakaua this Gov-
ernment was represented both diplomatically and by the formal visit
of a vessel ol war.

The question of terminating or modifying the existing reciprocity
treaty with Hawaii is now before Congress. I am convinced that

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 207

the charges of abuses and frauds under that treaty have been ex-
aggerated, and I renew the suggestion of last year's message that
the treaty be modified wherever its provisions have proved onerous
to legitimate trade between the two countries. I am not disposed
to favor the entire cessation of the treaty relations which have fos-
tered good-will between the countries and contributed toward the
equality of Hawaii in the family of nations.

In pursuance of the policy declared by this Government of extend-
ing our intercourse with the Eastern nations, legations have during
the past year been established in Persia, Siam, and Corea. It is
probable that permanent missions of those countries will ere long be
maintained in the United States. A special embassy from Siam is
now on its way hither.

Treaty relations with Corea were perfected by the exchange at
Se6ul, on the 19th of May last, of the ratifications of the lately con-
cluded convention, and envoys from the King of Tah 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 products which the United
States are ready to supply. We seek no monopoly of its commerce
and no advantages over other nations, but as the Chosunese, in
reaching for a higher civilization, have confided in this Republic, we
cannot regard with indifference any encroachment on their rights.

China, by the payment of a money indemnity, has settled certain
of the long-pending claims of our citizens, and I have strong hopes
that the remainder will soon be adjusted.

Questions have arisen touching the rights of American and other
foreign manufacturers in China under the provisions of treaties
which permit aliens to exercise their industries in that country. On
this specific point our own treaty is silent, but under the operation
of the most-favored-nation clause, we have like privileges with those
of other powers. While it is the duty of the Government to see
that our citizens have the full enjoyment of every benefit secured
by treaty, I doubt the expediency of leading in a movement to con-
strain China to admit an interpretation which we have only an in-

208 LBTTKRS AND MESSAGES.

direct treaty right to exact The transference to China of American
capital for the eniployinent there of Cliinese labor would in effect
inaugurate a competition for the control of markets now supplied
by our home industries.

There is good reason to believe that the law restricting the im-
migration of Chinese has been violated, intentionally or otherwise,
by the officials of China upon whom is devolved the duty of certify-
ing that the immigrants belong to the excepted classes.

Measures have been taken to ascertain the facts incident to this
supposed infraction, and it is belie\'ed that the Government of China
will co-operate with the United States in securing the faithful ob-
servance of the law.

The same considerations which prompted Congress at its last ses-
sion to return to Japan the Simouoseki indemnity seem to me to
require at its hands like action in respect to the Canton indemnity
fund, now amounting to $300,000.

The question of the general revision of the foreign treaties of Japan
has been considered in an international conference held at Tokio,
but without definite result as yet. This Government is disposed to
concede the requests of Japan to determine its own tariff duties, to
provide such proper judicial tribunals as may commend themselves
to the Western Powers for the trial of causes to which foreigners are
parties, and to assimilate the terms and duration of its treaties to
those of other civilized States.

Through our, ministers at London and at Monrovia, this Govern-
ment has endeavored to aid Liberia in its differences with Great
Britain touching the northwestern boundary- of that republic. There
is .1 prospect of adjustment of the dispute by the adoption of the
Mannali River as the Hue. This arrangement is a compromise of
the conflicting territorial claims, and takes from Liberia no country
over which it has maintained effective jurisdiction.

The rich and populous valley of the Congo is being opened to
■commerce by a society called the International African Association,
jf which the King of the Belgians is the president and a citizen 01

LETTERS. AND MESSAGES. 209

the United States the chief executive oflSicer. Large tracts of terri-
tory have been ceded to the association by native chiefs, roads have-
been opened, steamboats placed on the river, and the nuclei of states
established at twenty-two stations under one flag which offers free-
dom to commerce and prohibits the slave trade. The objects of the
society are philanthropic. It does not aim at permanent political
control but seeks the neutrality of the valley. The United States
cannot be indifferent to this work nor to the interests of their citi-
zens involved in it. It may become advisable for us to co-operate
with other commercial powers in promoting the rights of trade and
residence in the Congo Valley free from the interference or political
control of any one nation.

In view of the frequency of invitations from foreign Governments
to participate in social and scientific congresses for the discussion of
important matters of general concern, I repeat the suggestion of my
last message, that provision be made for the exercise of discretionary
power by the Executive in appointing delegates to such convoca-
tions. Able specialists are ready to serve the national interests in
such capacity' without personal profit or other compensation than
the defrayment of expenses actually incurred, and this a compara-
tively small annual appropriation would suffice to meet.

I have alluded in my previous messages to the injurious and vexa-
tious restrictions suffered by our trade in the Spanish West Indies.
Brazil, whose natural outlet for its great national staple, coffee, is in
and through the United States, imposes a heavy export duty upon
that product. Our petroleum exports are hampered in Turkey and
in other Eastern ports by restrictions as to storage and by onerous
taxation. For these mischiefs adequate relief is not always afforded
by reciprocity treaties like that with Hawaii or that lately negotiated
with Mexico and now awaiting the action of the Senate. Is it not ad-
visable to provide some measure of equitable retaliation in our rela-
tions with Governments which discriminate against our own? If, for
example, the Executive were empowered to apply to Spanish vessels
and cargoes from Cuba and Puerto Rico the same rules of treatment
and scale of penalties for technical faults which are applied to our

LenXKS AND HE8SAOE8.

vessels and cargoes in the Antilles, a resort to that course might not
be barren of good results.

The report of the Secretary of the Treasury gives a full and in-
teresting exhibit of the financial condition of the country.
It shows that the ordinarj* revenues from all

sources for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1883,

amounted to 8398,287,581 95

Whereof there was received —

From customs $2 1 4, 706, 496 93

From internal revenue 144,720,368 98

From sales of public lands... 7i955.864 42

From tax on circulatiou and

deposits of uatioual banks.. 9,111,008 85

From profits on coinage, bull-
ion deposits, and assays 4,460,205 17

From other sources ^7t333^^37 ^

Total 398,287,561 95

For the same period the ordinary expenditures
were:

For civil expenses $22,343,285 76

For foreign intercourse 2,419,275 24

For Indians 7,362,590 34

For pensions 66,012,573 ^4

For the military establishment, including river

and harbor improvements and arsenals 48,911,382 93

For the naval establishment, including vessels,

machinery, and improvements at navy-yards.. 15,283,437 17
For miscellaneous expenditures, including pub-
lic buildings, light-houses, and collecting the

revenue 40,098,43a 73

For expenditures on account of the District of

Columbia 3,817,028 48

For interest on the public debt 59,160,131 25

Total 365,408.137 54

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 211

Leaving a surplufi revenue of $132,879,444 41

Which, with an amount drawn from the cash

balance in the Treasury of 1,299,312 55

Making '. 134,178,756 96

Was applied to the redemption —

Of bonds for the sinking-fund 44,850,700 00

Of fractional currency for the sinking-fund 46,556 96

Of funded loan of 1881, continued at 3^ per

cent 65,380,250 00

Of loan of July and August, 1861, continued at

3 >^ per cent 20,594,600 00

Of funded loan of 1907 1,418,850 00

Of funded loan of 1881 719,150 00

Of loan of February, 1861 18,000 00

Of loan of July and August, 1861 266,600 00

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 i33,550 00

Of consols of 1865 40,800 00

Of consols of 1867 235,700 00

Of consols of 1868 154,650 00

Of Oregon-war debt 5,450 00

Of refunding certificates 109,150 00

Of old demand, compound-interest, and other

notes 13,300 00

Total 134,178,756 96

212 IB^ERS AND HE8SA0E8.

The revenue for the present fiscal year, actual and estimated, is
as follows:

I Tol

S«roe.

ended Scptcm-
b.r 3», ,88,,

Pm Ibe ninla.
ienofibere«r.

ACtaBi

K-BiOBted,

FraDcmWrni

.»,Mj.D7S te
"■93».63S '7
l.iW.Boo 88

^,*96 J8
.■..rt.«l

f]0,l.l>, 46
.T»,4«> 3.

...37. ■8? Sj

tiJ7.SW,«« 31
J.C*J.J«4 83

■.47S.W= 4«

.,436.«« -
>«7,<1T 77

..381,6.03,

From iiil« of public Undi...

FromptoSwoacoimge.Ac

From dcpoBlBfoiMirvej-ing public Unds

Fr™Hvi:nuaoflh.Di«iicni(CoIuiobi«

ToUUrewlmii

M.9«.<1.7 "J

"47.033.<«»97

The actual and estimated expenses for the same period are:

Foi the quEiter | For the Rnnlo.
ended Septcm- In( Ifam qiKT-

lishmcnl , including f wtlfiiii

Total receipts, actual and estimated $343,000,000 00

Total expenditures, actual and estimated 258,000,000 00

Estimated amotiut due the sinking-fund .
Leaving a balance of

05,000,000 00
45.816,741 07

39,183,258 93

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 213

If the revenue for the fiscal year which will end on June 30, 1885,
be estimated upon the basis of existing laws, the Secretary is of the
opinion that for that year the receipts wifl exceed by $60,000,000
the ordinary expenditures including the amount devoted to the
sinking-fund.

Hitherto the surplus as rapidly as it has accumulated 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 Government are the three per cents, amounting
to about $305,000,000.

The 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 Treasury estimates
now indicate, the three per cent bonds may all be redeemed at least
four years before any of the four and one-half per cents can be called
in. The latter at the same rate of accumulation of surplus can be
paid at maturity and the moneys requisite for the redemption of the
four per cents will be in the Treasury many years before those obli-
gations become payable.

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 abolished except those relating to
distilled spirits and that substantial reductions be also made in the
revenues from customs. A statute has since been enacted h^ which
the annual tax and tariflf receipts of the Government have been cut
down to the extent of at least fifty or sixty millions of dollars.

While I have no doubt that still further reductions may be wisely
made I do not advise the adoption at this session of any measures
for large diminution of the national revenues. The results of the
legislation of the last session of the Congress have not as yet become
suflBciently apparent to justify any radical revision or sweeping modi-
fications of existing law.

In the interval which must elapse before the eflfects of the act of
March 3, 1883, can be definitely ascertained a portion at least of the

214 LETTERS AND ME8SAQE8.

surplus revenues may be wisely applied to the long- neglected duty of
rehabilitating our Navy and providing coast defenses for the protec-
tion of our harbors. This is a matter to which I shall again advert.

Immediately associated with the financial subject just discussed is
the important question what legislation is needed regarding the na-
tional currency.

The aggregate amount of bonds now on deposit in the Treasury to
support the national-bank circulation is about $350,000,000. Nearly
$200,000,000 of this amount consists of three per cents, which, as
already stated, are payable at the pleasure of the Government and
are likely to be called in within less than four years unless meantime
the surplus revenues shall be diminished.

The probable effect of such an extensive retirement of the securi-
ties which are the basis of the national-bank circulation would be
such a contraction of the volume of the currency as to produce grave
commercial embarrassments.

How can this danger be obviated? The most effectual plan, and
one whose adoption at the earliest practicable opportunity I shall
heartily approve, has already been indicated.

If the revenues of the next four years shall be kept substantially
commensurate with the expenses, the volume of circulation will not
be likely to suffer any material disturbance.

But if, on the other hand, there shall be great delay in reducing
taxation, it will become necessary- either to substitute some other
fonn of currency in place of the national-bank notes or to make
important changes in the laws by which their circulation is now
controlled.

In my judgment the latter course is far preferable. I commend
to your attention the very interesting and thoughtful suggestions
upon this subject which appear in the Secretary's report.

Tlie objections which he urges against the acceptance of any other
securities than the obligations of the Goveniment itself as a founda-
tion for national-bank circulation seem to nic insuperable.

For a\-erting the threatened contraction two courses have been
suggested, either of which is probably feasible. One is the issuance
of new bonds, having many years to run, bearing a low rate of inter-
est, and exchangeable upon specified terms for those now outstaiid'

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 216

ing. The other course, which commends itself to my own judgment
as the better, is the enactment of a law repealing the tax on circula-
tion and permitting the banks to issue notes for an amount equal to
90 per cent, of the market value instead of as now the face value of
their deposited bonds. I agree with the Secretary in the belief that
the adoption of this plan would aflFord the necessary relief.

The trade-dollar was coined for the purpose of traffic in countries
where silver passed at its value as ascertained by its weight and fine-
ness. It never had a legal-tender quality. Large numbers of these
coins entered, however, into the volume of our currency. By com-
mon consent their circulation in domestic trade has now ceased, and
they have thus become a disturbing element They should not be
longer permitted to embarrass our currency system. I recommend
that provision be made for their reception by the Treasury and the
mints, as bullion, at a small percentage above the current market
price of silver of like fineness.

The Secretary of the Treasury advises a consolidation of certain
of the customs districts of the country, and suggests that the Presi-
dent be vested with such power in relation thereto as is now given
him in respect to collectors of internal revenue by section 3 141 of
the Revised Statutes. The statistics upon this subject which are
contained in his report furnish of themselves a strong argument in
defense of his views.

At the adjournment of Congress the number of internal-revenue
collection districts was 126. By Executive order dated June 25,
1883, I directed that certain of these districts be consolidated. The
result has been a reduction of one-third their number, which at
present is but 83.

From the report of the Secretary of War it will be seen that in
only a single instance has there been any disturbance of the quiet
condition of our Indian tribes. A raid from Mexico into Arizona
was made in March last by a small party of Indians, which was pur-
sued 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 dis-
turbed the West will hereafter remain in peaceable submission.

I again call your attention to the present condition of our ex-
tended seacoast, upon which are so many large cities whose wealth
and importance to the country would in time of war invite attack
from modem afmored ships against which our existing defensive
works could give no adequate protection. Those works were built
before the introduction of modem heavy rifled guns into maritime
warfare, and if they are not put in an efficient condition we may
easily be subjected to humiliation by a hostile power greatly inferior
to ourselves. As germane to this subject, I call your attention to
the importance of perfecting our submarine-torpedo defenses. The
board authorized by the last Congress to report upon the method
which 'should be adopted for the manufacture of heavy ordnance
adapted to modem warfare has visited the principal iron and steel
works in this country and in Europe. It is hoped that its report
will soon be made, and that Congress will thereupon be disposed to
provide suitable facilities and plant for the manufacture of such
guns as are now imperatively needed.

On several occasions during the past year officers of the Army
have at the request of the State authorities visited their militia
encampments for inspection of the troops. From the reports of
these officers I am induced to believe that the encouragement of the
State militia organizations by the National Government would be
followed by very gratifying results, and would afford it in sudden
emergencies the aid of a large body of volunteers educated in the
performance of militan.' duties.

The Secretary of the Navy reports that under the authority of the
acts of August 5, 1882, and March 3, 18S3, the work of strengthen-
ing our Navy by the construction of modem vessels has been aus-
piciously begun. Three cruisers are in process of construction — the
Chicago, of 4,500 tons displacement, and the Boston and Atlanta,
each of 2,500 tons. They are to be built of steel, with the tensile
strength and ductility prescribed by law, and in the combination of
speed, endurance, and armament are expected to compare favorably
with the best unamiored war vessels of other nations. A fourth

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 217

vessel, the Dolphin, is to be constructed of similar material and is
intended to serve as a fleet dispatch boat.

The double-turreted monitors Puritan, Amphitrite, and Terror
have been launched on the Delaware River and a contract has been
made for the supply of their machinery. A similar monitor, the
Monadnock, has been launched in California.

The Naval Advisory Board and the Secretary recommend the com-
pletion of the monitors, the construction of four gunboats, and also
of three additional steel vessels like the Chicago, Boston, and Dolphin.

As an important measure of national defense the Secretary urges
also the immediate creation of an interior coast-line of water-ways
across the Peninsula of Florida, along the coast from Florida to
Hampton Roads, between the Chesapeake Bay and the Delaware
River, and through Cape Cod. , ,

I feel bound to impress upon the attention of Congress the neces-
sity of continued progress in the reconstruction of the Navy. The
condition of the public treasury, as I have already intimated, makes
the present an auspicious time for putting this branch of the service
in a state of efficiency.

It is no part of our policy to create and maintain a Navy able to
cope with that of the other great powers of the world.

We have no wish for foreign conquest, and the peace which we
have long enjoyed is in no seeming danger of interruption.

But that our naval strength should be made adequate for the de-
fense of our harbors, the protection of our commercial interests, and
the maintenance of our national honor, is a proposition from which
no patriotic citizen can withhold his assent.

The report of the Postmaster-General contains a gratifying exhibit
of the condition and prospects of the interesting branch of the public
service committed to his care.

It appears that on June 30, 1883, the whole number of post-offices
was 47,863, 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
$4,195,230.52, a sum exceeding by $1,021,894.01 the entire cost of
the carrier service of the country.

218 LBTTERS AND ME8SAr.ES.

The rate of postage on drop letters passing through these offices
is now fixed by law at two cents per half ounce or fraction thereof.
In offices where the carrier system has not been established the rate
is only half as large.

It will be remembered that in 1863, when free delivery was first
established by law, the uniform single-rate postage upon local let-
ters was one cent; and so it remained until 1872, when in those
cities where carrier service was established it was increased in order
to defray the expense of such service.

It seems to me that the old rate may now with propriety be re-
stored, 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 that particular cla.ss of mail matter should
be held accountable for the entire cost of not only its own collection
and delivery but the collection and deliver}' of all other classes; and
I am confident, after full consideration of the subject, that the re-
duction of rate would be followed by such a growing accession of
business as to occasion but slight and temporarj' loss to the reve-
r nues of the Post-Office. The Postmaster-General devotes much of
hi.s report to the consideration, iu its various aspects, of the rela-
tions of the Government to the telegraph. Such reflection as I
have been able to give to this subject since my last annual message
has not led nie to change the views which I there expressed in dis-
senting from the recommendation of the then Postmaster-General
that the Government assume the same control over the telegraph
which it has always exercised over the mail.

Admitting that its authority in the premises is as ample as has
ever been claimed for it, it would not, in my judgment, be a wise
use of that authority to purchase or a.ssunie the control of existing
telegraph lines, or to construct others with a view of entering into
general competition with private enterprise.

The objections which may be justly urged against cither of those
project-^, and indeed against any system which would require an
enormous increase in the civil-ser\'icc list, do not, however, apply
to some of the plans which have lately provoked public comment
and discussion. It has been claimed, for example, that Congress
miiylit wisely authorize the Postmaster-General to contract with

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. * 219

some private persons or corporation for the transmission of mes-
sages, or of a certain class of messages, at specified rates and under
Government supervision. Various isuch schemes, of the same gen-
eral nature but widely differing in their special characteristics, have
been suggested in the public prints, and the arguments by which
they have been supported and opposed have doubtless attracted your
attention.

It is likely that the whole subject will be considered by you at the
present session.

In the nature of things it involves so many questions of detail
that your deliberations would probably be aided slightly, if at all,
by any particular suggestions which I might now submit.

I avow my belief, however, that the Government should be author-
ized by law to exercise some sort of supervision over interstate tele-
graphic communication, and I express the hope that for attaining
that end some measure may be devised which will receive your
approbation.

The Attorney-General criticises in his report the provisions of
existing law fixing the fees of jurors and witnesses in the Federal
courts. These provisions are chiefly contained in the act of Febru-
ary 26, 1853, though some of them were introduced into that act
from statutes which had been passed many years previous. It is
manifest that such compensation as might, when these laws were
enacted, have been just and reasonable would in many instances be
justly regarded at the present day as inadequate. I concur with the
Attorney-General in the belief that the statutes should be revised
by which these fees are regulated.

So, too, should the laws which regulate the compensation of dis-
trict attorneys and marshals. They should be paid wholly by sala-
ries, instead of in part by fees, as is now the case.

The change would prove to be a measure of economy, and would
discourage the institution of needless and oppressive legal proceed-
ings, which, it is to be feared, have in some instances been conducted
for the mere sake of personal gain.

Much interesting and varied information is contained in the report
of the Secretary of the Interior.

I parlicularly call your attention to his presentation of certain
phases of the Indian question, to his recommendations for the repeal
of the pre-emption and timber-cnlture acts, and for more stringent
legislation to prevent frauds under the pension laws. The statutes
■which prescribe the definitions and punishnients of crimes relating
to pensions could doubtless be made more effectiv'e by certain amend-
ments and additions which are pointed out in the Secretary's report.

I have previously referred to the alarming state of illiteracy in
certain portions of the coimtry, and again submit for the considera-
tion of Congress whether some Federal aid should not be extended
to public primary education wherever adequate provision therefor
has not already been made.

The Utah Commission has submitted to the Secretary of the In-
terior its second annual report. As a result of its labors in supervis-
ing the recent election in that Territory, pursuant to the act of
March 22, 1882, it app)ears that persons by that act disqualified, to
the number of about 12,000, were excluded from the- polls. This
feet, however, affords little cause for congratulation, and I fear that
it is far from indicating any real and substantial progress toward the
extirpation of polygamy. All the members-elect of the legislature
arc Monnons. There is grave reason to believe that they are in
sympathy with the practices that this Goveniment is seeking to
suppress, and that its efforts in that regard will be more likely to
encounter their opposition than to receive their encouragement and
support. Even if this view should happily be erroneous, the law
under which the Comnii.ssioners have been acting should be made
more effective by the incorporation of some such stringent amend-
ments as they recounuend, and as were iuchided in bill Xo. 2238 on
the Calendar of the Senate at its last session.

I am convinced, however, that polygani}- has become so strongly
intrenched in the Tcriitory of Utah that it is profitless to attack it
with any but the stoutest weapons which constitutional legislation
can fashion. I favor therefore the repeal of the act upon which the
existing government dejwnds, the assumption by the national legis-
lature of the entire political control of the Territory, and tlic estab-
li.shiiicnt of a commission with such powers and duties as shall be
delegated to it by law.

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 221

The Department of Agriculture is accomplishing much in the
direction of the agricultural development of the country, and the
report of the Commissioner giving the results of his investigations
and experiments will be found interesting and valuable.

At his instance a convention of those interested in the cattle in-
dustry" of the country was lately held at Chicago. The prevalence
of pleuro-pneumonia and other contagious diseases of animals was
one of the chief topics of discussion. A committee of the conven-
tion will invite your co-operation in investigating the causes of these
diseases and providing methods for their prevention and cure.

I trust that Congress will not fail at its present session to put
Alaska under the protection of law. Its people have repeatedly re-
monstrated against our neglect to aflford them the maintenance and
protection expressly guaranteed by the terms of the treaty whereby
that Territory was ceded to the United States. For sixteen years
they have pleaded in vain for that which they should have received
without the asking.

They have no law for the collection of debts, the support of edu-
cation, the conveyance of property, the administration of estates or
the enforcement of contracts ; none indeed for the punishment of
criminals except such as offend against certain customs, commerce
and navigation acts.

The resources of Alaska, especially in fur, mines, and lumber, are
considerable in extent and capable of large development, while its
geographical situation is one of political and commercial importance.

The promptings of interest, therefore, as well as considerations of
honor and good faith, demand the immediate establishment of civil
government in that Territory.

Complaints have lately been numerous and urgent that certain cor-
porations, controlling in whole or in part the facilities for the interstate
carriage of persons and merchandise over the great railroads of the
country, have resorted in their dealings with the public to divers
measures unjust and oppressive in their character.

In some instances the State governments have attacked and sup-
pressed these evils, but in others they have been unable to afford
adequate relief because of the jurisdictional limitations which are
imposed upon them by the Federal Constitution.

LETTERS AND MESaAOBS.

The question how far the National Government may lawfully in-
terfere in the premises, and what, if any, supervision or control it
ought to exercise, is one whicli merits 5'our careful consideration.

While we cannot fail to rect^nize the importance of the vast rail-
way systems of tlie country and their great and beneficent influences
upon the development of our material wealth, we should, on the
other hand, remember that no individual and no corporation ought
to be invested with absolute power over the interest of any other
citizen or class of citizens. The right of these railway corporations
to a fair and profitable return upon their investments, and to reason-
able freedom in their regulations, must be recognized ; but it seems
only just that, so far as its constitutional authority will permit. Con-
gress should protect the people at large in their interstate traffic
against acts of injustice which the State governments are powerless
to prevent.

In my last annual message I called attention to tlie necessity of
protecting by suitable legislation the forests situated upon the pub-
lic domain. In many portions of the West the pursuit of general
agricitltnre is only made practicable by resort to irrigation, while
successful irrigation would itself be impossible without the aid af-
forded by forests in contributing to the regularity and constancy of
the supph- of water.

During the past year severe suffering and great loss of property
have been occasioned by profuse floods followed by periods of un-
usually low water in many of the great rivers of the country.

These irregularities were in great measure caused by the removal
from about the sources of the streams in question of the timber by
which the water supply had been nourished and protected.

The preser\-ation of such portions of the forests on the national
domain as essentially contribute to the equable flow of important
water-courses is of the highest consequence.

Important tributaries of the Missouri, the Columbia, and the
Sa.'ikatchewan rise in the mountain region of Montana, near the
northern boundary of the United States, between the Blackfeet and
Flathead Indian reservations. This region is unsuitable for settle-
ment, but upon the rivers which flow from it depends the future

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 223

agricultural development of a vast tract of country. The attention
of Congress is called to the necessity of withdrawing from public
sale this part of the public domain and establishing there a forest
preserve.

The industrial exhibitions which have been held in the United
States during the present year attracted attention in many foreign
countries where the announcement of those enterprises had been
made public through the foreign agencies of this Government.
The Industrial Exhibition at Boston and the Southern Exposition
at Louisville were largely attended by the exhibitors of foreign
countries, notwithstanding the absence of any professed national
character in those undertakings.

The Centennial Exposition to be held next year at New Orleans,
in commemoration of the centenary of the first shipment of cotton
from a port of the United States bids fair to meet with like gratify-
ing success. Under the act of Congress of the loth of February,
1883, declaring that exposition to be national .and international in
its character, all foreign Governments with which the United States
maintain relations have been invited to participate.

The promoters of this important undertaking have already received
assurances of the lively interest which it has excited abroad.

The report of the Commissioners of the District of Columbia is
herewith transmitted. I ask for it your careful attention, especially
for those portions which relate to assessments, arrears of taxes, and
increase of water supply.

The Commissioners who were appointed under the act of January
16, 1883, entitled **An act to regulate and improve the civil service
of the United States," entered promptly upon the discharge of their
duties.

A series of rules, framed in accordance with the spirit of the statute,
was approved and promulgated by the President.

In some particulars wherein they seemed defective those rules
were subsequently amended. It will be perceived that they dis-
countenance any political or religious tests for admission to those
offices of the public service to which the statute relates.

ff224 LETTERS AND ME88AOE8.

The act is limited in its original application if the classified
clerksiiips in the several Executive Departments at Wiishington
(numbering about 5,600) and to similar positions in customs districts
and post-offices where as many as fifty persons are employed.

A classification of these positions analogous to that existing in
» the Washington offices was duly made before the law went into
J effect

Eleven customs districts and twenty-three post-offices were thus
' brought under the immediate operation of the statute.

The annual report of the Ci\*il Service Commission which will
soon be submitted to Congress will doubtless afford the means of a
[ more definite judgment than I am now prepared to express as to the
I merits of the new system. I am persuaded that its effects have thus
far proved beneficial. Its practical methods appear to be adequate
for the ends proposed, and there has been no serious difficulty in
carrying them into effect. Since the i6th of July last no person,
so far as I am aware, has been appointed to the public service in the
classified portions thereof at any of the Departments, or at any of
the post-offices and customs districts above uamed, except those
certified by the Commission to bo the most competent on the basis
of the examinations held in conformity to the rules.

At the time when the present Executive entered upon his office
his death, removal, resignation, or inability to di.scharge his duties
would have left the Govenimeut without a constitutional head.

It is possible of course that a similar contingency may again arise
unless the wisdom of Congress shidl provide against its recurrence.

The Senate at its last session, after full consideration, passed an
act relating to this subject which will now, I trust, commend itself
to the approval of both bouses 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 importance.

These questions relate to the proper interpretation of the phrase
" inability to discharge the powers and duties of said office," our
organic law provichng that, when the President shall suffer from
such inability, the Presidential office sliai! devolve upon tlie Vice-

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 225

President, who must himself under like circumstances give place to
such officer as Congress may by law appoint to act as President.

I need not here set forth the numerous and interesting inquiries
which are suggested by these words of the Constitution. They were
fully stated in my first communication to Congress and have since
been the subject of frequent deliberations in that body.

It is greatly to be hoped that these momentous questions will find
speedy solution, lest emergencies may arise when longer delay will
be impossible, and any determination, albeit the wisest, may furnish
cause for anxiety and alarm.

For the reasons fully stated in mv last annual message I repeat
my recommendation that Congress propose an amendment to that
provision of the Constitution which prescribes the formalities fo^ the
enactment of laws, whereby, in respect to bills for the appropriation
of public moneys, the Executive may be enabled, while giving his
approval to particular items, to interpose his veto as to such others
as do not commend themselves to his judgment.

The Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution confers the rights
of citizenship upon all persons bom or naturalized in the United
States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof. It was the special
purpose of this amendment to insure to members of the colored race
the full enjoyment of civil and political rights.

Certain statutory provisions intended to secure the enforcement
of those rights have been recently declared unconstitutional by the
Supreme Court.

Any legislation whereby Congress may lawfully supplement the
guaranties which the Constitution aflfords for the equal enjoyment
by all the citizens of the United States of every right, privilege, and
immunity of citizenship will receive my unhesitating approval.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

Washington, December 4^ f88j,

15*

PROCLAMATION

CONCERNING THE

COMMEMORATION OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY

OF THE SURRENDER. BY GEORGE WASHINGTON, OF

HIS COMMISSION AS COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

OF THE PATRIOT FORCES OF AMERICA

DECEMBER 21, 1883.

227

PROCLAMATION.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PJ^OCLAMATION.

Whereas both houses of Congress did, on the twentieth instant,
request the commemoration on the twenty-third instant of the one
hundredth anniversary of the surrender, by George Washington, at
Annapolis, of his commission as commander-in-chief of the patriot
forces of America; and

Whereas it is fitting that this memorable act, which not only sig-
nalized the termination of the heroic struggle of seven years for
independence, but also manifested Washington's devotion to the
great principle that ours is a civic Government of and by the people,
should be generally observed throughout the United States:

Now, therefore, I, Chester A. Arthur, President of the United
States, do hereby recommend that either by appropriate exercises in
connection with the religious services of the twenty-third instant,
or by such public observances as may be deemed proper on Monday,
the twenty-fourth instant, this signal event in the history of Ameri-
can liberty be commemorated; and, further, I hereby direct that at
12 o'clock noon on Monday next the national salute be fired from
all the forts throughout the country.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the
seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done this twenty-first day of December, in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and eighty-three, and of the Independ-
ence of the United States the one hundred and eighth.

[seal.] CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

By the President :

Fred'k T. Frelinghuysen,

Secretary of State.

229

MESSAGE.

REPORT OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER COMMISSION.

JANUARY 8, 1884.

231

MESSAGE.

To THE Senate and House of Representatives:

I transmit herewith to the House of Representatives a communi-
cation from the Secretary of War submitting the annual report of
the Mississippi River Commission.

I take this occasion to invite the early attention of Congress to
the continuation of the work on the Mississippi River, which is
being carried on under the plans of the Commission. My sense of
the importance of the improvement of this river, not only to the
people of the Northwest, but especially to the inhabitants of the
Lower Mississippi Valley, has already been expressed in a special
communication to the last Congress. The harvests of grain and
cotton produced in the region bordering upon the Mississippi are so
vast as to be of national importance, and the project now being exe-
cuted for their cheap transportation should be sufficiently provided
for.

The Commission report that the results due to the still uncom-
pleted works have been remarkable, and g^ve the highest encourage-
ment for expecting the ultimate success of the improvement

The act of August 2, 1882, appropriated $4,123,000 for the work
on that part of the river below Cairo. The estimates of the Com-
mission already transmitted to Congress call for $3,000,000 for the
continuation of the work below Cairo ; and it appears from their
report that all of the last appropriation available for active operations
has been exhausted, and that there is urgently needed an immediate
appropriation of $1,000,000 to continue the work without loss of
time, in view of the approach of the flood season with its attendant
dangers. I therefore recommend to Congress the early passage of a
separate bill on this subject.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

Executive Mansion, January <?, 1884.

233

MESSAGE.

CESSION OF THE ILLINOIS AND MICHIGAN CANAL

JANUARY 8, I 884.

2:)5

MESSAGE.

To THE Senate and House of Representatives:

I submit a communication from the governor of the State of
Illinois, with a copy of an act of the general assembly of that State,
tendering to the United States the cession of the Illinois and Mich-
igan Canal, upon condition that it shall be enlarged and maintained
as a national water-way for commercial purposes.

The proposed cession is an element of the subject which Congress
had under consideration in directing, by the act of August 2, 1882,
a survey for a canal from a point on the Illinois River at or near the
town of Hennepin, by the most practicable route, to the Mississippi
River at or above the city of Rock Island, the canal to be not less
than seventy feet wide at the water line, and not less than seven
feet in depth of water, and with capacity for vessels of at least two
hundred and eighty tons burden ; and also a survey of the Illinois
and Michigan Canal, and an estimate of the cost of enlarging it to
the dimensions of the proposed canal between Hennepin and the
Mississippi River.

The surveys ordered in the above act have been completed, and
the report upon them is included in the last Annual Report of the
Secretary of War, and a copy is herewith submitted. It is esti-
mated in the report that by the enlargement of the Illinois and
Michigan Canal, and the construction of the proposed canal, by the
shortest route, between Hennepin and the Mississippi River, a direct
and convenient thoroughfare for vessels of two hundred and eighty
tons burden may be opened from the Mississippi River to Lake
Michigan, at a cost of $8,110,286.65, and that the annual charge
for maintenance would be $138,600.

It appears from these papers that the estimated yield of corn,
wheat, and oats for 1882, in the States of Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa,

238 LETTERS AND_ MESSAGES.

Minnesota, Kansas, and Nebaska, was more than a thousand million
bushels. Jt is claimed that if the cheap water transportation route
which is now continuous from the Atlantic Ocean to Chicago is ex-
tended to the Upper Mississippi by such a canal a great benefit in
the reduction of freight charges would result to the people of the
Upper Mississippi Valley, whose productions I have only partly
noted, not only upon their own shipments, but upon the articles of
commerce used by them which are now taken from the Eastern
States by water only as far as Chicago.

As a matter of great interest, especially to the citizens of that part
of the country, I commend the general subject to your consideration.
CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

Executive Mansion, January 8, 18S4.

MESSAGE

RELATIVE TO

THE RELIEF OF THE LADY FRANKLIN BAY EXPEDITION TO

THE ARCTIC REGIONS.

JANUARY 17, 1884.

239

MESSAGE.

To THE Senate and House of Representatives :

I transmit, for the consideration of Congress, a communication
from the Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Navy on the
subject of an expedition for the relief of Lieut A. W. Greely and his
party, composing what is known as the '*Lady Franklin Bay Expe-
dition," which was sent to the Arctic regions in 1881, under the
provisions of the acts of Congress approved May i, 1880, and March
3, 1881.

In the plans for the relief of this party, as arranged with Lieuten-
ant Greely, it was contemplated that an e£Fort would be made to
communicate with him and furnish him any needed assistance in
1882, and again in 1883. Subsequently, legislation was enacted
which required the expedition of 1883 to bring that party home.
It was a part of the arrangement that if communication should not
be made with him on or before the ist of September, 1883, ^^ should,
with his party, abandon his station at Lady Franklin Bay not later
than the above-mentioned date, and proceed southward, and would
find a well-supplied relief-station at the entrance to Smith's Sound,
a point where it would not be difficult to reach him during a part of
each year.

The expeditions of 1882 and 1883 were sent ; but neither one of
them was able to communicate with Lieutenant Greely, and the last
one failed to accomplish any part of its object beyond leaving a very
small quantity of stores in the neighborhood of the entrance to
Smith's Sound.

The situation of Lieutenant Greely and his party, under these cir-
cumstances, is one of great peril, and in presenting the preliminary
views of the Board appointed by me to take into consideration an
16* 241

LETTERS AMD UES8A0E8.

expedition for their relief, I urgently recommend prompt action by
Congress to enable the recommendations of the Secretary of Wai
and the Secretary of the Navy to be carried out without delay.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
Executive Mansion,

January ly^ 1S84.

> Executive Mansio.n, December ij, i88j.

The following-named officers of the Army and Navy will consti-
tute a Board to consider an expedition to be sent for the relief of
Lieutenant Greely and his party, composing what is known as the
I^dy Franklin Bay Expedition, and to recommend to the Secretaries
of War and tht Navy, jointly, the stejjs the Board may consider
necessary to be taken for the equipment and transportation of the
relief expedition, and to suggest such plan for its control and con-
duct, and for the organization of its personnel^ as may seem to them
best adapted to accomplish its purpose:

Brigadier-General William B. Hazen, Chief Signal Officer. United
States Army.
Captain James A, Greer, United States Navy.
Lieu tenant- Commander B. H. McCalla, United States Navy.
Captain George W, Davis, Fourteenth Infantrj-, United States
Army.

The Board will niuet in Washington, 1). C, on the 20th instant.
CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

PROCLAMATION

CONCERNING

COMMERCIAL RELATIONS WITH SPAIN AND PORTO RICO.

FEBRUARY 14, 1884.

243

PROCLAMATION.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas by a memorandum of an agreement executed at Madrid
on the thirteenth day of February, A. D. one thousand eight hun-
dred and eighty-four, by and between the duly authorized agents
and representatives of the Government of the United States of
America and of the Government of His Majesty the King of Spain,
satisfactory evidence has been given to me that the Government of
that country has abolished the discriminating customs duty hereto-
fore imposed upon the products of, and articles proceeding from, the
United States of America, imported into the islands of Cuba and
Porto Rico, said abolition to take eflfect on and after the first day of
March next :

Now, therefore, I, Chester A. Arthur, President of the United
States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by section
four thousand two hundred and twenty-eight of the Revised Statutes,
do hereby declare and proclaim that, on and after the said first day
of March next, so long as the products of, and articles proceeding
from, the United States, imported into the islands of Cuba and Porto
Rico, shall be exempt from discriminating customs duties, any such
duties on the products of, and articles proceeding from Cuba and
Porto Rico under the Spanish flag, shall be suspended and discon-
tinued.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the
seal of the United States to be affixed.

246

LETTERS AND MESSAGES.

Done at tlie city of Washington this fourteenth day of February,
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty-four,
and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and
eighth.

[seal.] CHESTER A.

By the President:

Fred'k T. Frelinghdysen,

Secretary of State.

MESSAGE

RELATIVE TO

THE GIFT BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT OF THE STEAMER
ALERT FOR THE GREELY RELIEF EXPEDITION.

FEBRUARY 21, 1884.

247

MESSAGE.

To THE Senate of the United States:

I transmit herewith a report of the Secretary of State of the 21st
instant whereby your honorable body, and through you the people
of the United States may become apprised of the generous contri-
bution made by Her Britannic Majesty's Government towards the
efforts for the relief of Lieutenant Greely's Arctic exploring party
by presenting to the United States the Arctic steamship Alert

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
Executive Mansion,

February 21 y 1884.

249

MESSAGE

REPORT OF THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION.

FEBRUARY 29, 1884,

S51

MESSAGE.

To THE Senate and House of Representatives:

In compliance with the act of Congress approved January i6,
1883, entitled **An act to regulate and improve the civil service of
the United States, ' ' the Civil Service Commission has made to the
President its first annual report

That report is herewith transmitted, together with communica-
tions from the heads of the several Executive Departments of the
Government, respecting the practical working of the law under
which the Commission has been acting.

Upon the good results which that law has already accomplished I
congratulate Congress and the people, and I avow my conviction
that it will henceforth prove to be of still more signal benefit to the
public service.

I heartily commend the zeal and fidelity of the Commissioners
and their suggestions for further legislation, and I advise the mak-
ing of such an appropriation as shall be adequate for their needs.

. CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
Executive Mansion,

February -?p, 1884..

253

MESSAGE

CONCERNING

SWINE PRODUCTS OF THE UNITED STATES,

FEBRUARY 29, 1884.

256

MESSAGE.

To THE House of Representatives:

I transmit herewith for the consideration of Congress a report of
the Secretary of State, accompanying a report made by the Commis-
sion lately designated by me to examine and report upon the asserted
unhealthfulness of the swine products of this country. The views
and conclusions of the Commission deserve the most careful consid-
eration of Congress, to the end that, if any path be legitimately open
for removing the prohibition which closes important foreign markets
to those products, it may be followed and appropriate legislation
devised.

I earnestly recommend that Congress provide for reimbursing the
expenses incurred by the Commissioners in this praiseworthy serv-
ice, and I should be glad also if some remunerative recognition of
their public-spirited action in accepting the onerous and responsible
duties imposed on them were to suggest itself to Congress. At all
• events, in view of the conflicting theories touching the origin and
propagation of trichiniasis and the means of isolating and extirpat-
ing it among domestic swine, and considering the important bearing
which precise knowledge on these points would have on the com-
mercial aspects of the matter, I recommend provision for special

research in this direction.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
Executive Mansion,

Washington^ February ^p, 1884.,

257

17»

MESSAGE.

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF

INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY.

MARCH II, 1884.

259

ME.SSAGE.

The Senate of the United States :

I submit herewith for the consideration of the Senate, with a view
to obtaining its advice and consent thereto, a draft of a proclamation
whereby the United States accede and adhere to an International
Convention for the protection of industrial property, signed at Paris,
March 20, 1883, and in explanation of the purport of that conven-
tion and the proposed mode of eflfecting the adhesion of the United
States thereto, I subjoin a report of the Secretary of State.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

Executive Mansion,

Washington^ March 11 y 1884.

261

MESSAGE.

RECONSTRUCTION OF THE NAVY.

MARCH 26, 1884.

963

MESSAGE.

To THE Senate and House of Representatives:

In my annual message I impressed upon Congress the necessity of
continued progress in the reconstruction of the Navy. The recom-
mendations in this direction of the Secretary of the Nav>' and of the
Naval Advisory Board were submitted by me, unaccompanied by
specific expressions of approval. I now deem it my duty to advise
that appropriations be made at the present session toward designing
and commencing the construction of at least the three additional
steel cruisers and the four gun-boats thus recommended, the cost
of which, including their armament, will not exceed $4,283,000, of
which sum one-half should be appropriated for the next fiscal year.

The Chicago, Boston, Atlanta, and Dolphin have been designed
and are being built with care and skill, and there is every reason
to believe that they will prove creditable and serviceable modem
cruisers. Technical questions concerning the details of these or of
additional vessels cannot wisely be settled except by experts ; and
the Naval Advisory Board organized by direction of Congress, under
the act of August 5, 1882, and. consisting of three line oflBcers, a
naval constructor, and a naval engineer, selected **with reference
only to character, experience, knowledge, and skill," and a naval
architect and a marine engineer from civil life, **of established
reputation and standing as experts in naval or marine construc-
tion, " is an appropriate authority to decide finally all such ques-
tions. I am unwilling to see the gradual reconstruction of our na-
val cruisers, now happily begun in conformity with modem require-
ments, delayed one full year for any unsubstantial reason.

Whatever conditions Congress may see fit to impose in order to
secure judicious designs and honest and economical construction
will be acceptable to me ; but to relinquish or postpone the policy
already deliberately declared will be, in my judgment, an act of na-
tional imprudence.

IETTEB8 AND MESSAGES.

Appropriations should also be made without delay for finishing

the four double-turreted monitors, the Puritan, Amphitrite, Terror,
and Moiiadnock, and for procuring their armament and that of the
Miantonomoh. Their hulls are built, and their niachiner\' is under
contract and approaching completion, except that of the Monadnock
■on the Pacific coast. This should also be built, and the armor and
heavy guns of all should be procured at the earliest practicable
moment

The total amount appropriated up to this time for the four vessels
is $3,546,941.41. A sum not exceeding $3,838,769.62, including
$866,725 for four powerful rifled cannon and for the remainder of
the ordnance outfit, will complete and equip them for service. Of
the sum required only two millions need be appropriated for the
next fiscal year. It is not expected that one of the monitors will
be a match for the heaviest broadside iron-dads which certain
other Governments have constructed at a cost of four or five mill-
ions each. But thej' will be armored vessels of an approved and
useful tj-pc, presenting limited surfaces for the shot of an enemy,
and possessed of such sea-going capacity and offensive power as
fully to answer our immediate necessities. Their completion hav-
ing been determined upon in the recent legislation of Congress, no
time should be lost in accomplishing the necessary object.

The (jun Foundry Board, appointed by direction of Congress,
con.'iisting of three Army and three Navy officers, has submitted its
report, duly transmitted on the 20th day of February, 18S4, recom-
mending that the Government should promote the production at
private .steel works of the required material for heavy cannon, and
that two Government factories, one for the .'Vnny and one for the
Navy, should be established for the fabrication of gtms from such
material. -'\u early consideration of the report is recommended,
together with such action as will enable the Government to con-
struct its ordnance upon its own territory and so to provide the
armaments demanded by considerations which concern the national
safet)' and honor.

CHESTER A. .\RTHUR.

Ex!':ct"Ti\'i: Man-.-^idn,

.\fatr/! >6, 1SS4.

MESSAGE.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER LEVEES.

APRIL 2, 1884.

267

MESSAGE.

To THE Senate and House of Representatives:

I transmit to Congress a communication from the Secretary of
War, embodying the views of the President of the Mississippi River
Commission upon a report from Major Stickney, of the Engineer
Corps, in relation to the protection of existing levees from destruc-
tion by the floods in the lower part of the Mississippi River. It ap-
pears that there is an urgent need of an appropriation of $100,000 to
be used for this purpose, and that an enormous destruction of prop-
erty may be thereby averted.

I recommend an immediate appropriation of the sum required for

the purpose, to be expended under the direction of the Mississippi

River Commission.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
Executive Mansion,

April 2. 1884.

269

EXECUTIVE ORDER

CONCERNING

THE WORLD'S INDUSTRIAL AND COTTON CENTENNIAL

EXHIBITION.

APRIL 9, 1884.

271

EXECUTIVE ORDER.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

EXECUTIVE ORDER.

Whereas it has been brought to the notice of the President of the
United States that in the World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial
Exhibition of Arts, Manufactures, and Products of the Soil and
Mines, to be held in the city of New Orleans, commencing Decem-
ber I, 1884, for the purpose of celebrating the one hundredth anni-
versary of the production, manufacture, and commerce of cotton, it
is desirable that from the Executive Departments of the Government
of the United States in which there may be articles suitable for the
purpose intended, there should appear such articles and materials as
will, when presented in a collection exhibition, illustrate the func-
tions and administrative faculties of the Government in time of
peace, and its resources as a war power, and thereby serve to dem-
onstrate the nature of our institutions and their adaptation to the
wants of the people : Now, for the purpose of securing a complete
and harmonious arrangement of the articles and materials designed
to be exhibited from the Executive Department of the Government,
it is ordered that a Board, to be composed of one person to be named
by the head of each of the Executive Departments which may have
articles and materials to be exhibited, and also of one person to
be named in behalf of the Smithsonian Institution, and one to be
named in behalf of the Department of Agriculture, and one to be
named in behalf of the Bureau of Education, be charged with the
preparation, arrangement, and safe-keeping of such articles and ma-
terials as the heads of the several Departments and the Commis-
sioner of Agriculture, the Director of the Smithsonian Institution,
and the Commissioner of Education may respectively decide, shall
be embraced in the collection; that one of the persons thus named,

18» 273 •

I£TTER8 AND UE8SA0ES.
to be designated by the President, shall be diairman of such Boaidy!
and that the Board appoint from their number such other officers as
they may think necessary; and that the said Board when organized
shall be authorized, under the direction of the President, to confer
with the executive officers of the World's Industrial Cotton Centen-
nial Exhibition in relation to snch matters connected with the sub-
ject as may pertain to the respective Departments having articles
and materials on exhibition; and that the names of the persons thus
selected by the beads of the several Departments, the Commissioner
of Agriculture, the Director of the Smithsonian Institution, and the
Commissioner of Education, shall be submitted to the President for
designation.

Done at the city of Washington this ninth day of April, one thou-
sand eight hundred and eighty-four, and of the Independence of the
United States the one hundred and eighth.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

By the President:

Frbd'k T. Frelinghia'sen,

Secretary of State.

MESSAGE

CONCERNING

SEA-COAST DEFENSES AND THEIR ARMAMENT.

APRIL I I, 1884.

275

MESSAGE

To THE Senate and House of Representatives:

The condition of our sea-coast defenses and their armament has
been brought to the attention of Congress in my annual messages,
and I now submit a special estimate of the Chief of Ordnance, United
States Army, transmitted by the Secretary of War, for a permanent
annual appropriation of $1,500,000 to provide the necessary arma-
ment for our fortifications.

This estimate is fotmded upon the report of the Gtm Foundry
Board, recently transmitted, to which I have heretofore invited the
early attention of Congress.

In presenting this estimate I do not think it necessary to enumer-
ate the considerations which make it of the highest importance
that there should be no unnecessary delay in entering upon the
work, which must be commensurate with the public interests to be
guarded and which will take much time.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

Executive Mansion,

April II y 1884.

277

MESSAGE.

DEPARTMENT EXHIBIT FOR WORLD'S EXPOSITION

AT NEW ORLEANS.

JUNE 9, 1884.

279

MESSAGE.

To THE Senate and House of Representatives:

I transmit herewith, for the consideration of Congress, a letter and
its accompanying estimate, submitted by the Board charged with
preparing a Departmental exhibit for the World's Industrial and
Cotton Centennial Exposition, to be held at New Orleans, beginning
December i, 1884. This Board was appointed by Executive order,
of May 13, 1884, and is composed of representatives of the several
Executive Departments, the Department of Agriculture, and the
Smithsonian Institution. It is charged with the important and re-
sponsible duty of making arrangements for a complete and harmon-
ious collection of the articles and materials deemed desirable to place
on exhibition in illustration of tl^e resources of the country, its
methods of governmental administration, and its means of offense
and defense.

The Board submits an estimate calling for an appropriation of
$588, OCX) to accomplish the desired end. That amount is distributed
among the Departments as shown in the table. The War, Navy,
and Interior Departments call for the largest share, representing, as
they do, the national defenses by land and sea, the progress of naval
architecture and ordnance, the geological survey and mineral wealth
of the Territories, the treatment of the Indians and the education of
the masses, all of which admit of varied and instructive exhibits.
The Smithsonian Institution, having under its general care the Na-
tional Museum and the Fish Commission, is prepared to make a
display second in interest to none of modem days. The remaining
Departments can present instructive and interesting exhibits, which
will attract popular attention and convey an idea of their extensively
ramified duties, and of the many points where they beneficially affect
the life of the people, as a nation and as individuals.

LETTERS AND MESBAGEa.

The exhibit of the Government at the Centennial Exhibition held
at Philadelphia iu 1876 was admitted to be one of the most attractive
features of that great national undertaking, and a valuable addition
to it. From men of intelligence and scientfic attainments at home
and abroad it received the highest encomiums, showing the interest
it awakened among those whose lives are given to the improvement
of tlie social and material condition of the people.

The reproduction of such a display now on a more instnicti\'e plan
is rendered possible by the advancement of science and invention
during the eight years that have passed since the Philadelphia ex-
hibit was collected.

The importance, purposes, and benefits of the New Orleans Ex-
hibition are continental in their scope. Standing at the threshold
of the almost unopened markets of Spanish and Portuguese America,
New Orleans is a natural gateway to tlieir trade, and tlie Exhibition
offers to the people of Mexico and Central and South America an
adequate knowledge of our farming implements, metal manufact-
ures, cotton and woolen goods, and the like necessities of existence
' in respect to which those countries are either deficient or supplied
to a limited extent. The breaking do\^Ti of the barriers which still
separate us from the Republics of America, whose productions so
entirely complement our own, will aid greatly in removing the dis-
parity of commercial intercourse, under which less than 10 percent,
of our exports goes to American countries.

I trust that Congress will realize the urgency of this recommenda-
tion :md make its appropriation immediately available, so that the
Board may lose no time in undertaking the extensive preparations
necessary to spread a more intimate knowledge of our governmental
institutions and national resources among the people of our country-
and of neigliboriug states, in a way to command the respect due it
in the family of nations.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

Executive Mansiox.

Jiuic <;. iS8f.

MESSAGE.

SPECIAL LEGISLATION CONCERNING TAXATION IN THE

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

JUNE 21, 1884

383

MESSAGE.

To THE Senate:

I have permitted House bill No. 4689, entitled ' 'An act for the
relief of Eliza W. Patterson, ' ' to become a law by withholding action
upon it for ten days after it was presented to me.

The affairs and interests of the District of Columbia are committed
to Congress as its Legislature. I do not question the constitutional
right of Congress to pass a law relieving the family of an oflScer, in
view of the services he had rendered his country, from the burdens
of taxation, but I submit to Congress that this just gift of the nation
to the family of such faithful officer should come from the national
Treasury rather than from that of this District, and I therefore recom-
mend that an appropriation be made to reimburse the District for
the amotmt of t^xes which would have been due to it had this act

not become a law.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

Executive Mansion,

June 21^ 1884.

285

MESSAGE.

THE FITZ-JOHN PORTER BILL.

JULY 2, 1884.

287

MESSAGE.

To THE House of Representatives:

After careful consideration of the bill entitled ' 'An act for the
relief of Fitz-John Porter, ' ' I herewith return it with my objections
to that house of Congress in which it originated. Its enacting
clause is in terms following:

'*That the President be, and he is hereby, authorized to nomi-
nate and, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to ap-
point Fitz-John Porter, late a major-general of the United States
volunteers, and a brevet brigadier-general and colonel of the Army,
to the position of colonel in the Army of the United States, of
the same grade and rank held by him at the time of his dismissal
from the Army by sentence of court-martial, promulgated January
27, 1863," &c.

It is apparent that should this bill become a law it will create a
new oflSice, which can be filled by the appointment of the particular
individual whom it specifies, and can not be filled otherwise; or it
may be said with perhaps greater precision of statement that it will
create a new ofiice upon condition that the particular person desig-
nated shall be chosen to fill it. Such an act, as it seems to me, is
either unnecessary and ineffective, or it involves an encroachment
by the legislative branch of the Government upon the authorit}^ of
the Executive. As the Congress has no power under the Constitu-
tion to nominate or appoint an officer, and cannot lawfully impose
upon the President the duty of nominating or appointing to office
any particular individual of its own selection, this bill, if it can
fairly be construed as requiring the President to make the nomina-
tion and, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, the
appointment which it authorizes, is in manifest violation of the
Constitution. If such be not its just interpretation, it must be re-
garded as a mere enactment of advice and counsel, which lacks in
19* 289

LETTGRB AND UES8A0E8.

the very nature of things the force of positive law, and can serve no
useful purpose upon the statute-books.

Xhere are other causes that deter me from giving this bill the sanc-
tion of my approval. The judgment of the court-martial by which
I more than twenty years since General Fitz-Johu Porter was tried and
' convicted was pronounced by a tribunal composed of nine general
officers of distinguished character and abilily. Its investigation of
the charges of which it found the accused guilty was thorough and
conscientious, and its findings and sentence were in due course of
I law approved by Abraham Lincoln, then President of the United
States. Its legal competency, its jurisdiction of the accused and of
the subject of the accusation, and the substantial regularitj- of all its
proceedings, are matters which have never been brought in question.
Its judgment, therefore, is final and conclusive in its character.

The Supreme Court of the United States lias recently declared
that a court-martial such as this was is the organism provided by law
and clothed with the duty of administering justice in this class of
cases. Its judgments, when approved, rest on the same basis and are
M-$urrouuded by the same considerations wliich give conclusiveness to
the judpnents of other legal tribunals, including as well the lowest
as the highest. It follows, accordingly, that when a lawfully consti-
tutt-d cmirt-inarlial hiis duly ck'clarcd its findings and its sentence,
and iIr' same have been duly approved, neither the President nor
tlic C'liigress lias any power lo scl them aside. The existence of
siicJi ])o\ver is not openly asserted, nor perhaps is it necessarily im-
plied, in the provisions of the bill which is before me, but when its
enacting clauses are read in the light of the recitations of its pream-
ble it will be seen that it seeks in efiect IJie practical annuhneiit of
the findings and IJic sentence of a coini)etent court-martial.

A coiK-hision at variance with these findings has been reached after
ird consisting of lluee oflicers of the Arniv.
.aied in pursuance of any stattitory authorit\-,
:-oni]n.] the attendance of witnesses or to pro-
iicli could ha\e been lawfully enforced. The
d it in tJKJr report to tlie Secretary of War,
slate that in their opinion "justice requires
IS luav be necessary to auntil and set aside the

invest

igatiou b>- a i)OLi

Til is 1

:ioa]-d was not crt

and w

r,-. powerless lo (

nonnt

■e a judgment wl

ofiicei

s who constitute.

dated

March uj. iS;,^,

* ■'■■

sueli action ;

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 291

findings and sentence of the court-martial in the case of Maj. Gen.
Fitz-John Porter, and to restore him to the positions off which that
sentence deprived him, such restoration to take eflFect from the date
of his dismissal from the service."

The provisions of the bill now under consideration are avowedly
based on the assumption that the findings of the court-martial have
been discovered to be erroneous. But it will be borne in mind that
the investigation which is claimed to have resulted in this discovery
was made many years after the events to which that evidence related,
and under circumstances that made it impossible to reproduce the
evidence on which they were based.

It seems to me that the proposed legislation would establish a dan-
gerous precedent, calculated to imperil in no small measure the bind-
ing force and effect of the judgments of the various tribunals estab-
lished under our Constitution and laws.

I have already, in the exercise of the pardoning power with which
the President is vested by the Constitution remitted the continuing
penalty which had made it impossible for Fitz-John Porter to hold
any office of trust or profit under the Government of the United
States. But I am unwilling to give my sanction to any legislation
which shall practically annul and set at naught the solemn and de-
liberate conclusions of the tribunal by which he was convicted and
of the President by whom its findings were examined and approved.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

Executive Mansion,

July 2^ 1884.

PROCLAMATION

APPOINT INC

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1884, AS A DAY OF NATIONAL

THANKSGIVING.

NOVEMBER 7, 1884.

393

PROCLAMATION.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERK A.

A PROCLAMATION.

The season is nigh when it is the yearly wont of this people to
observe a day appointed for that purpose by the President, as an
especial occasion for thanksgiving unto God:

Now, therefore, in recognition of this hallowed custom, I, Chester
A. Arthur, President of the United States, do hereby designate as
such day of general thanksgiving, Thursday the 27th day of this
present November.

And I do recommend that throughout the land, the people ceas-
ing from their accustomed occupations, do then keep holiday at their
several homes and their several places of worship, and with heart
and voice pay reverent acknowledgment to the Giver of all good
for the countless blessings wherewith He hath visited this nation.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the
seal of the United States to be aflSxed.

Done at the city of Washington this seventh day of November, in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty-four,
and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and
ninth.

[seal.] CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

By the President:
Fred'k T. Freunghuysen,

Secretary of State.

295

MESSAGE

TO THE

SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

DECEMBER i, i 884.

'JSn

MESSAGE.

To THE Congress of the United States:

Since the close of your last session the American people, in the
exercise of their highest right of suffrage, have chosen their Chief
Magistrate for the four years ensuing.

When it is remembered that at no period in the country's history
has the long political contest which customarily precedes the day of
the national election been waged with greater fervor and intensity,
it is a subject of general congratulation that after the controvers}* at
the polls was over, and while the slight preponderance by which the
issue had been determined was as yet unascertained, the public peace
suffered no disturbance, but the people ever>^where patiently and
quietly awaited the result.

Nothing could more strikingly illustrate the temper of the Amer-
ican citizen, his love of order, and his loyalty to law — nothing could
more signally demonstrate the strength and wisdom of our political
institutions.

Eight years have passed since a controversy concerning the result
of a national election sharply called the attention of the Congress to
the necessity of providing more precise and definite regulations for
counting the electoral vote. \

It is of the gravest importance that this question be solved before
conflicting claims to the Presidency shall again distract the country,
and I am persuaded that, by the people at large, any of the measures
of relief thus far proposed would be preferred to continued inaction.

Our relations with all foreign powers continue to be amicable.

With Belgium a convention has been signed whereby the scope
of present treaties has been so enlarged as to secure to citizens of

299

RgOO LETTERS AND MESBAOBS.

I either countp,' within the jurisdiction of the othe; equal rights and
privnleges in the acquisition and alienation of property. A trade-
marks treaty has also been concluded.

The war between Chili and Peru is at an end. For the arbitra-
tion of the claims of American citizens who during its continuance
suffered through the acts of the Chilian authorities a convention
will soon be negotiated.

The state of hostilities between France and China coutiiiues to be
an embarrassing feature of our Eastern relations. The Chinese
Government has promptly adjusted and paid the claims of American
citizens whose property was destroyed in the recent riots at Canton.
1 renew the recommendation of my last annual message, that the
Canton indemnity fund be returned to China,

The true interpretation of the recent treaty with that country,
permitting the restriction of Chinese immigration, is likely to be
again the subject of your deliberations. It may be seriously ques-
tioned whether the statute passed at the last session does not violate
■ ■ the treaty rights of certain Chinese who left this country with return
certificatce valid under the old law and who now seem to be debar-
red from relaiiding for lack of the certificates required by the new.

Tliu rccont purchase by citizens of the United States of a large
trading fifct heretofore under the Chinese flag has considerably en-
hanced our commercial importance in the East. In view of the
large number of vessels built or piirchased by American citizens in
other comitries and exchisively employed in legitimate traffic be-
tween foreign ports nnder the recognized protection of our flag, it
might be well to provide a uniform rule for their registration and
documentation, so that the bona fuic property rights of our citizens
therein shall be duly evidenced and properly guarded.

Pursuant to the advice of the Senate at the last session, I recog-
nized the flag of the International Association of the Congo as that
of a friendly Government, avoiding in so doing any prejudgment of
conflicting territorial claims in that region. Sub;.eqnently, in e.\e-
ciition of the expressed wish of the Congress, I appointed a com-
mercial agent for the Congo Basin.

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 301

The importance of the rich prospective trade of the Congo Valley
has led to the general conviction that it should be open to all nations
upon equal terms. At an international conference for the considera-
tion of this subject called by the Emperor of Germany, and now in
session at Berlin, delegates are in attendance on behalf of the United
States. Of the results of the conference you will be duly advised.

The Government of Corea has generously aided the eflforts of the
United States minister to secure suitable premises for the use of the
legation. As the conditions of diplomatic intercourse with Eastern
nations demand that the legation premises be owned by the repre-
sented power, I advise that an appropriation be made for the acqui-
sition of this property by the Government. The United States
already possess valuable premises at Tangier as a gift from the Sul-
tan of Morocco. As is stated hereafter, they have lately received a
similar gift from the Siamese Government. The Government of
Japan stands ready to present to us extensive grounds at Tokio
whereon to erect a suitable building for the legation, court-house,
and jail ; and similar privileges can probably be secured in China
and Persia. The owning of such premises would not only effect a
large saving of the present rentals but would permit of the due as-
sertion of extraterritorial rights in those countries, and would the
better serve to maintain the dignity of the United States.

The failure of Congress to make appropriation for our representa-
tion at the autonomous court of the Khedive has proved a serious
embarrassment in our intercourse with Egypt ; and in view of the
necessar\- intimacy of diplomatic relationship due to the participa-
tion of this Government, as one of the treaty powers, in all matters
of administration there affecting the rights of foreigners, I advise
the restoration of the agency and consulate-general at Cairo on its
former basis. I do not conceive it to be the wish of Congress that
the United States should withdraw altogether from the honorable
position they have hitherto held with respect to the Khedive, or that
citizens of this Republic residing or sojourning in Egypt should here-
after be without the aid and protection of a competent representative.

With France, the tiaditional cordial relationship continues. The
colossal statue of Liberty enlightening the World, the generous gift

I of the people of France, is expected to reach New York in May next.
I suggest that Congressional action be taken iu recognition of the
spirit which has prompted this gift, and in aid of the timely com-
pletion of the pedestal upon which it is to be placed.

Our relations with Germany, a country which contributes to our
own some of the best elements of citizenship, continue to be cordial.
The United States have extradition treaties with several of the Ger-
man states, but by reason of the confederation of those states under
the Injperial rule, the application of such treaties is not as unifonn
and comprehensive as the interests of the Iwo countries require. 1
propose, therefore, to open negotiationa for a single convention of
extradition to embrace all the territory of the Empire.

It affords me pleasure to say that our intercourse with Great Brit-
V Bin continues to be of a most friendly character.

The Government of Hawaii has indicated its willin'gness to con-
tinue for seven years the provisions of the existing reciprocity treaty.
• Such continuance, in view of the relations of that country to the
American system of States, shonld in my judgment be favored.

The revolution in Hayti asjainst the established Government has
It'rniiii^Ui'il- Whilrit was in [iio-rfss it bccanicj necessary to enforce
our iifiitraiiiy laws h\ in.-^tiuuin;.; iiruccL-dings a^'ainst individual?
;incl \i,-<--cls rli.ii-cd with llicir i^rriIl.^'^.■nn.■nt. These prosecution^
wcn.-iii all casts Miccvs-^fnl.

Much aiixiily lias lately Ik-cu displayed by various European
Goveniuieiils, and especially by tlie ("kivernment of Italy, for the
abiililiim uf our iui]wrt duties upon wiuks of art. It is well to con-
sider wIkiIkt tliL- jirestul (liscriuiinatioii in favor of the production.^
of AiiKriean anisi.s abroad is not likeh' to result, as they theiii.sc-Ivcs
scL'Ui very j.;cnerally to believe it may, in the ]iractical exclusion of
our painters and seulptors from the rich fields for observation, .study,
and labor which they have hitherlu enjoyed.

There 1-- pmspeet llial llie Inu^^-iKiidin;; revision of the foreign
iTk-atie-. nf J.t]iaii luav be coneliided at a new eoiilercncc to be held
at 'i'okio. Wliile tlii-^ C.owrniDeiit t"u!l>' reco<^uizcs the equal ai'd

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 303

independent station of Japan in the community of nations, it would
not oppose the general adoption of such terms of compromise as
Japan may be disposed to oflfer in furtherance of a uniform policy of
intercourse with Western nations.

During the past year the increasing good-will between our own
Government and that of Mexico has been variously manifested.
The treaty of commercial reciprocity concluded January 20, 1883,
has been ratified, and awaits the necessary tariflf legislation of Con-
gress to become effective. This legislation will, I doubt not, be
among the first measures to claim your attention.

A full treaty of commerce, navigation, and consular rights is much
to be desired, and such a treaty I have reason to believe that the
Mexican Government stands ready to conclude.

Some embarrassment has been occasioned by the failure of Con-
gress at its last session to provide means for the due execution of the
treaty of July 29, 1882, for the resurvey of the Mexican boundary
and the relocation of boundary monuments.

With the Republic of Nicaragua a treaty has been concluded
which authorizes the construction by the United States of a canal,
railway, and telegraph line across the Nicaraguan territory.

By the terms of this treaty sixty miles of the river San Juan, as
well as Lake Nicaragua, an inland sea forty miles in width, are to
constitute a part of the projected enterprise.

This leaves for actual canal construction seventeen miles on the
Pacific side and thirty-six miles on the Atlantic. To the United
States, whose rich territor>' on the Pacific is for the ordinary pur-
poses of commerce practically cut off* from communication by water
with the Atlantic ports, the political and commercial advantages of
such a project can scarcely be overestimated.

It is believed that when the treaty is laid before you the justice
and liberality of its provisions will command universal approval at
home and abroad.

The death of our representative at Russia while at his post at St.
Petersburg afforded to the Imperial Government a renewed opportu-
nity to testify its sympathy in a manner befitting the intimate friend-
liness which has ever marked the intercourse of the two countries.

The course of this Go\'eminent in raising its representation at
Bangkok to the diplomatic rank has evoked from Siam evidences of
wann friendship and augurs well for our enlarged intercourse. The
Siamese Govenmient has presented to the United States a commodi-
ous mansion and grounds for the occupancy of the legation, and I
suggest that by joint resolution Congress attest its appreciation of
this generous gift.

This Government has more than once been called upon of late to
take action in fulfillmeut of its international obligations toward
Spain. Agitation in the island of Cuba hostile to the Spanish Crown
having been fomented by persons abusing the sacred rights of hos-
pitility which our territory affords, the officers of this Government
have been instructed to exercise vigilance to prevent infractions of
our neutrality laws at Key West and at other points near the Cuban
coast. I am happy to say that in the only instance where these pre-
cantionarj- measures were successfully eluded, the offenders when
found in our territory were subsequently tried and convicted.

The growing need of close relationship of intercourse and traffic
"between the Spanish Antilles and their natural market in the United
States led to the adoption, in January last, of a commercial agree-
iiK'tit lookini^ to tliat end. This agreement has since been siiper-
SLciwl by a more carufully framed and comprehensive convention,
which 1 shall suljiiiit to the Senate for approval. It has been the
aim of iliis negotiation to open such a favored reciprocal exchange
of productions carried under tJie lla^ of either country, as to make
the intercourse Ijetwecii Cuba and I'orto Kico and ourselves .-^carceh-
nnercial movement between our domestic
iio\al of the burdens on shippinjr in tlu-
iii tile past our ship-owners and sliijj-uia-^-
sc lo cninplain.

comeutiou lias for a time postponed the
nis <•( our citizens which were declared to
he without the jari'^dictioii of the late Spanish -.American Claim';
Conmiission, and which are tlKTufore remitted to diplomatic chan-
nels for adjustment. The -jn'ccb settlement c)f these claims will iiow
Ix- m-'^L-a h\- this C.ntTniiient,

k-s. iutii

■nate than tlie com

port., ai

1(1 to insure a ren'

Spanish

Indies, of whicli i

tei-s hav.

L> so oflcu had call^

The n

e^olialioii .jf this

]jraseeut

ion iif certain claii

LETTERS AND BIESSAGES. 305

Negotiations for a treaty of commercial reciprocity with the Do-
minican Republic have been successfully concluded, and the result
will shortly ie laid before the Senate.

Certain questions between the United States and the Ottoman
Empire still remain unsolved. Complaints on behalf of our citizens
are not satisfactorily adjusted. The Porte has sought to withhold
from our commerce the right of favored treatment to which we are
entitled by existing conventional stipulations, and the revision of
the tariffs is unaccomplished.

The final disposition of pending questions with Venezuela has not
as yet been reached, but I have good reason to expect an early set-
tlement, which will provide the means of re-examining the Caracas
awards in conformity with the expressed desire of Congress, and
which will recognize the justice of certain claims preferred against
Venezuela.

The Central and South American Commission appointed by au-
thority of the act of July 7, 1884, will soon proceed to Mexico. It
has been furnished with instructions which will be laid before you.
They contain a statement of the general policy of the Government
for enlarging its commercial intercourse with American States.
The commissioners have been actively preparing for their roepon-
sible task by holding conferences in the principal cities with mer-
chants and others interested in Central and South American trade.

The International Meridian Conference, lately convened in Wash-
ington upon the invitation of the Government of the United States,
was composed of representatives from twenty-five nations. The
conference concluded its labors on the ist of November, having
with substantial unanimity agreed upon the meridian of Greenwich
as the starting point whence longitude is to be computed through
one hundred and eighty degrees eastward and westward, and upon
the adoption, for all purposes for which it may be found convenient,
of a universal day which shall begin at midnight on the initial
meridian and whose hours shall be counted from zero up to twenty-
four.

20*

LETTEBS AND UBB8A0EB.

The formal report of the transactions of lliis coiifereuce will be
' hereafter transmitted to the Congress.

This Govenimenl is in frequent receipt of iuvitatioiis from foreign
states to participate in international exhibitions, often of great inter-
est and importance. Occupying as we do an advanced position in
the world's production, and aiming to secure a profitable share for
our industries in the general competitive markets, it is a matter of
serious concern that the want of means for participation in these
exhibitions should so often exclude our producers from advantages
enjoyed by those of other countries. During the past year the atten-
tion of Congress was drawn to the formal invitations in this regard
tendered by the Governments of England, Holland, Belgium, Ger-
many, and Austria. The Executive has in some instances appointed
honorary commissioners. This is, however, a most unsatisfactory-
expedient, for without some provision to meet the necessary- working
expenses of a commission it can effect little or nothing in behalf of
exhibitors. An international inventions exhibition is to be held in
London next May. This will cover a field of special importance, in
' which our country holds a foremost rank, but the Executive is at
present powerless to organize a proper representation of our vast
nalioual interests in this direction.

! have in scvlt;i1 previous niessaj^es referred to this subject. It
sec-nis to nic tliat a statnU-, i,'iviuij lu the Kxecntive general discre-
tionary authority to accept -such invitations, and to appoint honorary
commissi oners, without salar\-, and placing at the disposal of the
Secretary of Stale a sma!! fund for defraying their reasonable ex-
penses, would be of great ]nibUc utility.

This Crovernnieut has received official notice tiiat the Revised
IiUeriiational Regulations for preventing collisions at sea have been
adopted by all the loading maritime powers except the United
Stales, and came into force on the ist of September last. For the
due protection of our shipping interests, the provisions of our stat-
utes should at once be brought into confoniiity with these Regula-
tions.

The question of securing to authors, composers, and artists copy-
right privileges in this cotuitrj- in return for reciprocal rights

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 307

abroad is one that may justly challenge your attention. It is true
that conventions will be necessary for fully accomplishing this re-
sult, but until Congress shall by statute fix the extent to which
foreign holders of copyright shall be here privileged, it has been
deemed inadvisable to negotiate such conventions. For this reason
the United States were not represented at the recent conference at
Berne.

I recommend that the scope of the neutrality laws of the United
States be so enlarged as to cover all patent acts of hostility com- -
mitted in our territory and aimed against the peace of a friendly
nation. Existing statutes prohibit the fitting out of armed expedi-
tions and restrict the shipment of explosives, though the enactments
in the latter respect were not framed with regard to international
obligations, but simply for the protection of passenger travel. All
these statutes were intended to meet special emergencies that had
already arisen. Other emergencies have arisen since, and modem
ingenuity supplies means for the organization of hostilities without
open resort to armed vessels or to filibustering parties.

I see no reason why overt preparations in this country for the
commission of criminal acts, such as are here under consideration,
should not be alike punishable, whether such acts are intended to be
committed in our own country or in a foreign country with which
we are at peace.

The prompt and thorough treatment of this question is one which
intimately concerns the national honor.

Our existing naturalization laws also need revision. Those sec-
tions relating to persons residing within the limits of the United
States in 1795 and 1798 have now only a historical interest. Sec-
tion 2172, recognizing the citizenship of the children of naturalized
parents, is ambiguous in its terms and partly obsolete. There are
special provisions of law favoring the naturalization of those who
serve in the Army or in merchant vessels, while no similar privileges
are granted those who serve in the Navy or the Marine Corps.

''An uniform rule of naturalization," such as the Constitution
contemplates, should, among other things, clearly define the status
of persons bom within the United States subject to a foreign power

308 lETTERa AND MBSSAQES.

(section 1992} and of minor children of fathers who have declared
their intention to become citizens but have failed to perfect their
naturalization. It might be wise to provide for a central bureau of
registry, wherein should be filed authenticated transcripts of e\er>"
record of naturalization in the several Federal and State courts, and
to make provision also for the vacation or cancellation of snch record
in cases where fraud had been practiced upon the court by the appli-
cant himself or where he had renounced or forfeited his acquired cit-
izenship, A just and uniform law in this respect would strengthen
the hands of the Government iu protecting its citizens abroad, and
would pave the way for the conclusion of treaties of naturalization
with foreign countries.

The legislation of the last session effected in the diplomatic and
consular service certain changes and reductions which have been
productive of embarrassment. The population and commercial
activity of our countr>' are steadily on the increase, and are gi^ang
rise to new, varying, and often delicate relationships with othei
countries. Our foreign establishment now embraces nearly double
the area of operations that it occupied twenty years ago. The con-
finement of such a service within the limits of expenditure then
established is not, it seems to me, in accordance with true econom>'.
A community of sixty millions of people should be adequately rep-
reseutetl in its iiilerconrsc with foreif;u nations.

A project for thu' rcorgnniKation of the consular service and for
rcc;islin<; the scheme of c\tr:itcrriton'al jurisdiction is now before
you. If lliL- limits of a short session will not allow of its full con-
sideration, I trust that you will not fail to make suitable prov-ision
for the present needs of the service.

It has been customary to define iu the appropriation acts the rank
of each diplomatic office to which a salar\- is attached. I suggest
that this course be abandoned and that it be left to the President,
with the advice and consent of the Senate, to fix from time to time
the diplomatic grade of the representatives of this Government
abroad as may seem advisable, pro\-ision being definitelj- made,
howevLT, as now for the amount of salar,' attached to the respective
stations.

LETTEBS AND* MESSAGES. 309

The condition of our finances and the operations of the various
branches of the public service which are connected with the Treas-
ury Department are very fully discussed in the report of the Secre-
tary.

It appears that the ordinary revenues for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1884, were —

From customs $195,067,489 76

From internal revenue 121,586,072 51

From all other sources 3i>866,307 65

Total ordinary revenues 348,519,869 92

The public expenditures during the same period were —

For civil expenses $22,312,907 71

For foreign intercourse .• 1,260,766 37

For Indians 6,475,999 29

For pensions 55,429,228 06

For the military establishment, including river

and harbor improvements and arsenals 39) 429, 603 36

For the naval establishment, including vessels,

machinery, and improvements at navy-yards ... 17,292,601 44
For miscellaneous expenditures, including public
buildings, light-houses, and collecting the rev-
enue 43)939»7io 00

For expenditures on account of the District of

Columbia 3,407,049 62

For interest on the public debt 54)578,378 48

For the sinking fimd 46,790,229 50

Total ordinary expenditures 290,916,473 83

Leaving a surplus of 57,603,396 09

As compared with the preceding fiscal year there was a net de-
crease of over $21,000,000 in the amount of expenditures. The
aggregate receipts were less than those of the year previous by about
$54,000,000. The falling ofi* in revenue from customs made up
nearly $20,000,000 of this deficiency, and about $23,000,000 of the
remainder was due to the diminished receipts from internal taxation.

The Secretary estunates the total receipts for the fiscal year which
will end June 30, 1S85, at $330,000,000, and the total exi>enditures
at 3290,620,201.16, in which siim are included the interest on the
debt and the amount payable to the sinking fund. This would
leave a surplus for the entire year of about $39,000,000,

The value of exports from the United States to foreign countries
during the year ending June 30, 1884, was as follows:

Domestic merchandise $724,964,852

Foreign merchandise ,, I5i548i757

Total merchandise 740,513,609

Specie 67,133,383

Total exports of merchandise and specie 807,646,992

The cotton and cotton manufactures included in tliis statement
were valued at $208,900,415; the breadstuffs at $162,544,715; the
provisions at $114,416,547, and the mineral oils at $47,103,248-

During the same period the imports were as follows:

y.Merchaadise $^71697,693

Gold and silver 37,426,26;

1'otai 705.133,955

More ihan (">; per cenl. of tlic entire value of imported merchan-
dise consisted <•( the foHowiuj; articles:

Su,i;aranil molasses $103,884,274

Wool and woolen manufactures 53,542,292

Silk and iK mauit fact ores 49,949,138

Coffee 49,686,705

Iron ami steel ami uiaiiufaeUires thereof 41,464,51)9

Clieniicals 38,464,965

h'Jax, lienip, jnle, ami like siihstanees. ami manufactures

t'l^''^-"!" 33>463.3C|S

Coliun ami iiiamifactiires of cotton 30,454,476

Hides and skins other than fnr-skins 22,350,906

I concur witli tiie Secret.n y .if llie 'rreasur\- in recommending^ the
iunnediate suspension of the coinage of sll'.'er dollars and of the

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 311

issuance of silver certificates. This is a matter to which, in former
communications, I have more than once invoked the attention of
the National Legislature.

It appears that annually for the past six years there have been
coined, in compliance with the requirements of the act of February
28, 1878, more than twenty-seven million silver dollars. The num-
ber now outstanding is reported by the Secretary to be nearly one
hundred and eighty-five million, whereof but little more than forty
million, or less than 22 per cent, are in actual circulation. The
mere existence of this fact seems to me to furnish of itself a cogent
argument for the repeal of the statute which has made such fact
possible.

But there are other and graver considerations that tend in the
same direction.

The Secretary avows his convict on that unless this coinage and
the issuance of silver certificates be suspended, silver is likely at no
distant day to become our sole metallic standard. The commercial
disturbance and the impairment of national credit that would be thus
occasioned can scarcely be overestimated.

I hope that the Secretary's suggestions respecting the withdrawal
from circulation of the one-dollar and two-dollar notes will receive
your approval. It is likely that a considerable portion of the silver
now encumbering the vaults of the Treasury might thus find its way
into the currency.

While trade-dollars have ceased, for the present at least, to be an
element of active disturbance in our currency system, some provision
should be made for their surrender to the Government. In view of
the circumstances under which they were coined and of the fact that
they have never had a legal-tender quality, there should be offered
for them only a slight advance over their bullion value.

The Secretar>', in the course of his report, considers the propriety
of beautifying the designs of our subsidiar\' silver coins and of so
increasing their weight that they may bear their due ratio of value
to the standard dollar. His conclusions in this regard are cordially
approved.

In my annual message of 1882, I recommended the abolition of
all excise taxes except those relating to distilled spirits. This rec-

LETTEB8 AND MSBAOSS.

ommendation is now renewed. In case these taxes shall be abol
ished, the revenues that will still remain to the Government will,

in my opinion, not only suffice to meet its reasonable expenditures,
but will afford a surplus large enough to permit such tariff reduction
as may seem to be advisable, when the results of recent revenue laws
and commercial treaties shall have shown in what quarters those
reductions can be most judiciously effected.

One of the gravest of the problems which appeal to the wisdom
of Congress for solution is the ascertainment of the most effective
means for increasing our foreign trade and thus relieving the de-
pression under which our industries are now languishing. The
Secretary of the Treasurj' ad\-ises that the duty of investigating tliis
subject be intrusted in the first instance to a competent commission.
Wliile fully recognizing the considerations that may be urged against
this course, I am nevertheless of the opinion that, upon the whole,
no other would be likely to effect speedier or better results.

That portion of the Secretar>''s report which concerns the condi-
tion of our shipping interests cannot fail to command your attention.
f Me emphatically recommends that as an incentive to the investment
of American capita! in Auicrican steamships, the Government shall
by liberal payments for mail transportation, or otherwise, tend its
active assistanct- tu individual cnlcrprisf. and declares his belief that
unless that course he jdirsucd our foreitpi carn-ing trade must re-
main, as it is to-daj', almost exclusively in the hands of foreijpiers.

One jiliase of this subject is now especially prominent, in \'iew of
the repeal by the act of June ;6, 1SS4, of all statutory provisions
arbiinirilv euiupelliu'; .\nierican vessL-ls lo carry the mails to and
from the I'liitvd Slater. As it is necessary to make provision to
eonipeiisate llie nwucrs ul" such vessels for iDerforming that service
after .\pril. I'SSs. it is )iupi.-d that the wliole subject will receive
earh eonsideraliuu that will lead to the enaciiiiL'ut of such measures
for the iv\ival of mir uicrchaut marine as the wisdom of Cou^tcss
ma> devise.

Tlie three per cent, bonds of the Governiiient to the amount of
more tlian $ifxi,(xxxo'.)' 1 have, since my last annual message, been
reileenied by the Treasury. The bonds uf that issue still outstand-
ing amount to little over $200,o<.)0,ooo, abont one-fourth of which

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 313

will be retired through the operations of the sinking fund during
the coming year. As these bonds still constitute the chief basis for
the circulation of the national banks, the question how to avert the
contraction of the currency, caused by their retirement, is one of
constantly increasing importance.

It seems to be generally conceded that the law governing this
matter exacts from the banks excessive security, and that, upon their
present bond deposits, a larger circulation than is now allowed may
be granted with safety. I hope that the bill which passed the Sen-
ate at the last session, permitting the issue of notes equal to the face
value of the deposited bonds, will commend itself to the approval of
the House of Representatives.

In the expenses of the War Department the Secretary reports a
decrease of more than $9,000,000. Of this reduction $5,600,000 was
effected in the expenditures for rivers and ha:rbors, and $2,700,000
in expenditures for the Quartermaster's Department.

Outside of that Department the annual expenses of all the Army,
bureaus proper (except possibly the Ordnance Bureau) are substan-
tially fixed charges, which can not be materially diminished without
a change in the numerical strength of the Army. The expenditures
in the Quartermaster's Department can readily be subjected to ad-
ministrative discretion, and it is reported by the Secretary of War
that as a result of exercising such discretion, in reducing the num-
ber of draught and pack animals in the Army, the annual cost of
supplying and caring for such animals is now $1,108,085.90 less
than it was in 1881.

The reports of military commanders show that the last year has
been notable for its entire freedom from Indian outbreaks.

In defiance of the President's proclamation of July i, 1884, certain
intruders sought to make settlements in the Indian Territory. They
were promptly removed by a detachment of troops.

During the past session of Congress a bill to provide a suitable
fire-proof building for the Army Medical Museum and the library
of the Surgeon-General's Office received the approval of the Senate.
A similar bill, reported favorably to the House of Representatives
by one of its committees, is still pending before that body. It is

LETTEBB AND MEBSAQES.

■hoped that during the coming session the measure niaj- become a
law, and tliat thereafter immediate steps may be taken to secure a
place of safe deposit for these valuable collections, now in a state of
insecurity.

The funds with which the works for the improvement of rivers
and harbors were prosecuted during the past year were derived from
the appropriations of the act of August 2, 1882, together with such
few balances as were on hand from previous appropriations. The
balance in the Treasury subject to requisition July i, 18S3, was
$10,021,649,55. The amount appropriated during the fiscal year
1S84 was $1,319,634.62, and the amount drawn from the Treasury
during the fiscal year was $8,228,703.54, leaving a balance of
$3,112,580.63 in the Treasury subject to requisition July i, 1884.

The Secretary of War submits the report of the Chief of Engi-
neers as to the practicability of protecting our important cities on
the sea-board by fortifications and other defenses able to repel
modern methods of attack. The time has now come when such
defenses can be prepared with confidence tliat they ^viU not p^o^tr
•rtive ; and, when the possible result of delay in making such
preparation is seriously considered, delay seems inexcusable. For
the most important cities — those whose destruction or capture would
be a national liuiiiiliatiou — adequate defenses, inchisive of guns, ina>
Ik? uiadu by the j^nidual expenditure of ?6o,ooo,ooo, a sum much
less than a victorious enemy could levy as a contribution. An ajj-
pruprialion of about ouc-tcuth of that amount is asked to begin
the work, and I concur with tlie Secretary of War in urging that it
be i;mulcd.

Till.' War DL'p:iitini.'nl is proceed iii;^ will] ihe conversion of lO-
iucli smootli-bore y;nns into S-iiicli liflcs, by lining the former with
tuhe.^ of fori^ed steel or of coiled wmught-iron. Fifty f^uns will be
thus converted within the year. This, however, does not obviate

tllL- lKTC<Mt>

„r p„„-i,li

"K in

iL'iins lor till

coiistniclion of guns of the

l,:al,C-.[ IHAV

L-r, bolli f.ii

- Ur-

]niri)osc< of

coast defense and for the

ariiKiiiicnt of

■ war ^x■ss^■l

TlK- rc,,ur

K.f theOui

1 l-'n

iimlci-v ]■.,:•■:

), appointed April 2. 1S83,

in ir.ii ■.■■aiii-.

■ot"llR- :k-1i

-1" M:

iroli ,;, 1,SS;„ ^

va.- Iraiisiiiiued to L'oiiii;rcss

ill a si.i-ci.il 1

iiessn.i,'^- of ]

:-\'l>n

larviS, i.«|.

Inniynressaseof March

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 315

26, 1884, 1 called attention to the recommendatiou of the Board that
the Government should encourage the production at private steel
works of the required material for heavy cannon, and that two Gov-
ernment factories, one for the Army and one for the Navy, should
be established for the fabrication of guns from such material. No
action having been taken, the Board was subsequently reconvened
to determine more fully the plans and estimates necessary for car-
rying out its recommendation. It has received information which
indicates that there are responsible steel manufacturers in this
country who, although not provided at present with the necessary
plant, are willing to construct the same and to make bids for con-
tracts with the Government for the supply of the requisite material
for the heaviest guns adapted to modem warfare, if a guaranteed
order of sufficient magnitude, accompanied by a positive appropri-
ation extending over a series of years, shall be made by Congress.
All doubts as to the feasibility of the plan being thus removed, I
renew my recommendation that such action be taken by Congress
as will enable the Government to construct its own ordnance upon
its own territory, and so to provide the armaments demanded by
considerations of national safety and honor.

The report of the Secretary of the Navy exhibits the progress
which has been made on the new steel cruisers authorized by the
acts of August 5, 1882, and March 3, 1883. Of the four vessels
under contract, one, the Chicago, of 4,500 tons, is more than half
finished; the Atlanta, of 3,000 tons, has been successfully launched,
and her machiner>' is now fitting; the Boston, also of 3,000 tons, is
ready for launching, and the Dolphin, a dispatch steamer of 1,500
tons, is ready for delivery.

Certain adverse criticisms upon the designs of these cruisers are
discussed by the Secretary, who insists that the correctness of the
conclusions reached by the Advisory Board and by the Department
has been demonstrated by recent developments in ship-building
abroad.

The machiner>' of the double-turreted monitors Puritan, Terror,
and Amphitrite, contracted for under the act of March 3, 1883, is in
process of construction. No work has been done during the past

I.EXTEItB AND HESBA0E8.

year ou their armor for lack of the necessary appropriations. A
fourth mouitor, the Monadnock, still remains unfinished at the navy-
yard in California. It is recommended that early steps be taken to
complete these vessels and lo provide also an armament for the mon-
I itoi Miantonomoh.

F The recommendations of the Naval Advisory- Board, ajjproved by

the Department, comprise the construction of one steel cniiser of

4,5iXJ tons, one crniser of 3,000 tons, two heavily-armed gunboats,

. one light cruising gunboat, one dispatch-vessel armed with Hotch-

I kiss cannon, one armored ram, and three torpedo boats. The gen-

P era] designs, all of which are calculated to meet the existing wants

of the ser\'jce, are now well advanced, and the construction of the

vessels can be undertaken as soon as yon shall grant the necessary

. authority.

■ The act of Congress approved August 7, 1882, authorized the

■ •temoval to the United States of the bodies of Lieuteuant-Com-
niaandeT George W. De Long and his companions of the Jeannctte
t Expedition. This removal has been successfully accomplished by
Klfienteiiants Harber and Schuetze. The remains were taken from

their grave in the T,eiia Delta in March, 1S83, and were retained at
Yakutsk until the following winter, the season being too far ad-
vaiiCL'd lo admit of their iiiiim-diale Inmspurtatioii. Tlu'v arrived
at \\-\v York l-Vbniary :'o, 1SS4, where lliey wi.-re received with
suitable honors.

In jHirsuauce of the joint ru^ulutiun of Congress ap])roved Keb-
niar> i,^, iS8.(. a na\-iil expcditiuii was fitted out for the relief of
IJi^ut. A. W. C.rech , Viiited States Army, and of the party who had
been eii:,>a,L;ed uuikr his eonimaiid in scientific obstTvatious at Lady
Franklin Ikiv. 'I'Jic fleet consisted of IJie steam scaler Thetis, pur-
chased in Knylaud, tlie lUar, purchased at St. Ji)hn's, Newfoundland,
and the .\lert. which was -encroush- provided bv the British Gov-
ernment. I'repaialions fnr tile CNpcdlliou were promptly made by
the .SecretaiA- of the X:i\;,-, with the active co-operation of the Sccre-
tar> of \Var. Coiinuaiuier Crcorgc W. Coffin was jilaced in com-
mand of llio .\krt, and I^ieut, William II. F.niory in command of
the Bear. The Thetis was intrusted to Commander Winfield S.

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 317

Schley, to whom also was assigned the superintendence of the en-
tire expedition.

Immediately upon its arrival at Upemavik, the fleet began the
dangerous navigation of Melville Bay, and in spite of evety obstacle
reached Littleton Island on June 22, a fortnight earlier than any
vessel had before attained that point On the same day it crossed
over to Cape Sabitie, where Lieutenant Greely and the other sur-
vivors of his party were discovered. After taking on board the living
and the bodies of the dead, the relief ships sailed for St. John's,
where they arrived on July 17. They were appropriately received
at Portsmouth, N. H., on August i, and at New York on August 8.
One of the bodies was landed at the former place. The others were
put on shore at Governor's Island, and, with the exception of one
which was interred in the National Cemetery, were forwarded thence
to the destinations indicated by friends. The organization and con-
duct of this Relief Expedition reflects great credit upon all who
contributed to its success.

In this, the last of the stated messages that I shall have the honor
to transmit to the Congress of the United States, I cannot too
strongly urge upon its attention the duty of restoring our Navy as
rapidly as possible to the high state of eflSciency which formerly
characterized it. As the long peace that has lulled us into a sense
of fancied security may at any time be disturbed, it is plain that the
policy of strengthening this arm of the service is dictated by con-
siderations of wise economy, of just regard for our future tranquillity,
and of tnie appreciation of the dignity and honor of the Republic.

The report of the Postmaster-General acquaints you with the pres-
ent condition and needs of the postal service.

It discloses the gratifying fact that the loss of revenue from the
reduction in the rate of letter-postage recommended in my message
of December 4, 1882, and effected by the act of March 3, 1883, has
been much less than was generally anticipated. My recommenda-
tion of this reduction was based upon the belief that the actual fall-
ing oflf in receipts from letter-postages for the year immediately suc-
ceeding the change of rate would be $3,000,000. It has proved to
be only $2,275,000.

1:318 LETTERS AND MESSAGES.

I This ii. a trustworthy indicattoa that the revenue will soon te
I restored to its former volume by the natural increase of sealed coi
I respoudence.

f I confidently repeat, therefore, the recommendation of my last

b annual message that the single-rate postage upon drop letters be

^ reduced to one cent wherever the payment of two cents is now

required by law. The double rate is only exacted at offices where

the carrier system is in operation, and it appears that* at those offices

the increase in the tax upon local letters defrays the cost not oiily

i of its own collection and delivery, but of the collection and delivery

I of all other mail matter. This is an inequality that ought no longer

I to exist

I approve the recommendation of the Postmaster-General that the
imit of weight in the rating of first-class matter should be one ounce
instead of one-half ounce as it now is. In view of the statistics fur-
nished by the Department it may well be doubted whether the change
L would result in any loss of revenue; that it would greatly promote
I the convenience of the public is beyond dispute,
^^ The free-delivery system has been lately applied to five cities, and
the total number of offices in which it is now in operation is one
hundred and fifty-nine. Experience shows that its adoption, under
projjer conditions, is equally an accommodation to the public and
an advantage to the postal service. It is more than self-sustaining,
and for the reasons urged by the Postmaster-General may properly
be exit; 11 [led.

In the opinion of that officer it is important to provide means
whcreb)' t."vceptional dispatch in dealing with letters in free-del iverj'
ofiiccs may be secured by payment of extraordinary postage. This
scheme might be made effective by employment of a special stamp
whose cost should be commensurate with the expense of the extra
service.

In some of the large cities private express companies have under-
taken to outstrip the Government niail-carricrs by affording, for the
prompt iransniission of letters, belter facilities than have hitherto
been at the command of the Post-Office.

It has always been the policy of the Government to discourage
such enterprises, and in no better mode can that policy be main-

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 319

tained than in supplying the public with the most eflficient mail
service that, with due regard to its own best interests, can be fur-
nished for its accommodation.

The Attorney-General renews the recommendation contained in
his report of last year touching the fees of witnesses and jurors.

He favors radical changes in the fee bill, the adoption of a system
by which attorneys and marshals of the United States shall be com-
pensated solely by salaries, and the erection by the Government of
a penitentiarv' for the confinement of offenders against its laws.

Of the varied governmental concerns in charge of the Interior
Department, the report of its Secretary presents an interesting
summar>'. Among the topics deserving particular attention I refer
you to his observations respecting our Indian aflfairs, the pre-emption
and timber-culture acts, the failure of railroad companies to take
title to lands granted by the Government, and the operations of the
Pension Office, the Patent Office, the Census Bureau, and the Bureau
of Education.

Allusion has been made already to the circumstance that, both as
between the different Indian tribes and as between the Indians and
the whites, the past year has been one of unbroken peace.

In this circumstance the President is glad to find justification for
the policy of the Government in its dealing with the Indian ques-
tion, and confirmation of the views which were fully expressed in
his first communication to the Forty-seventh Congress. '

The Secretary urges anew the enactment of a statute for the
punishment of crimes committed on the Indian reservations, and
recommends the passage of the bill now pending in the House of
Representatives for the purchase of a tract of 18,000 square miles
from the Sioux reservation. Both these measures are worthy of
approval.

I concur with him also in advising the repeal of the pre-emption
law, the enactment of statutes resolving the present legal complica-
tions touching lapsed grants to railroad companies, and the funding
of the debt of the several Pacific railroads under such guaranty as
shall effectually secure its ultimate payment.

The report of the Utah Commission will be read with interest.

LErrEOS AND lHB8gAQB8.

It discloses the results of recent legislation looking to the preven-
tion and punishment of polygamy in that Territon'. I still believe
I that if that abominable practice can be suppressed by law it can
only be by the niost radical legislation consistent with the restraints
of the Constitution.

I again recommend, therefore, that Congress assume absolute po-
litical control of the Territory of Utah, and provide for the appoint-
ment of commissioners, with such governmental powers as in its
judgment may justly and wisely be put into their hands.

I In the course of this communication reference has more thau once
been made to the policy of this Government as regards the exten-
sion of our foreign trade. It seems proper to declare the genera!
principles that should, in my opinion, underlie our national efforts
in this direction.

The main conditions of the problem may be thus stated: |

We are a people apt in mechanical pursuits and fertile in inven-
tion; we cover a vast extent of territory rich in agricultural prod-
ucts and in nearly all the raw materials necessary for successful
manufacture; we have a system of productive establishments more
than sufficient to supply our own demands; the wages of labor are
nowhcff dsc so great; the scale of living of our artisan classes is
such as tends to secure their personal comfort and the develoi>nient
of those higher moral and intellectual qualities that go to the mak-
ing of good citizens. Our system of lax and tariff legislation is
yielding ■■) revenue which is in excess of the present needs of the
Goverinnciit.

Tlicse are the elements from which it is sought to devise a scheme
by which, without nnfavuralily changing the condition of the \vork-
iii,s,nnan, our merchant marine shall be raised from its enfeebled con-
dition and new markets provided for the sale, beyond our borders,
of the manifold fruits of our industrial enterprises.

The jiroblcni is complex, and ean be solved by no single measure
of innovation or reform.

The countries of the .\inerican continent and the adjacent islands
are U'V ilic Tiiited .Stales llu- natural iiiarts of supply and demand.
Il is Irom llieiu thai we slimild obtain what we do not produce or do

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 321

not produce in sufficiency, and it is to them that the surplus proc^uc-
tions of our fields, our mills, and our workshops should flow, under
conditions that will equalize or favor them in comparison with for-
eign competition.

Four paths of policy seem to point to this end.

First, a series of reciprocal commercial treaties with the countries
of America which shall foster between us and them an unhampered
movement of trade. The conditions of these treaties should be the
free admission of such merchandise as this country does not produce,
in return for the admission free or under a favored scheme of duties,
of our own products — the benefits of such exchange to apply only to
goods carried under the flag of the parties to the contract ; the remo-
val, on both sides, from the vessels so privileged of all tonnage dues
and national imposts so that those vessels may ply unhindered be-
tween our ports and those of the other Contracting parties, though
without infringing on the reserved home coasting trade ; the remo-
val or reduction of burdens on the exported products of those coun-
tries coming within the benefits of the treaties ; and the avoidance
of the technical restrictions and penalties by which our intercourse
with those countries is at present hampered.

Secondly, the establishment of the consular service of the United
States on a salaried footing, thus permitting the relinquishment of
consular fees not only as respects vessels under the national flag, but
also as respects vessels of the treaty nations carrying goods entitleS
to the benefits of the treaties.

Thirdly, the enactment of measures to favor the construction and
maintenance of a steam carrying marine under the flag of the United
States.

Fourthly, the establishment of an uniform currency basis for the
countries of America, so that the coined products of our mines may
circulate on equal terms throughout the whole system of common-
wealths. This would require a monetary union of America, whereby
the output of the bullion-producing countries and the circulation of
those which yield neither gold nor silver could be adjusted in con-
fonnity with the population, wealth, and commercial needs of each.

As many of the countries furnish no bullion to the common stock,
21*

LETtEBS AND UESaAOEli.

the surplus production of our mines and mints might tlins be uti!
ized and a step taken toward the general remonetization of silver.

To the accomplishment of these ends, so far as they can be at-
tained by separate treaties, the negotiations already concluded and
now in progress liave been directed, and the favor which this en-
larged policy has thus far received warrants the belief that its oper-
ations will ere long embrace all, or nearly all, the countries of this
hemisphere.
It is by no means desirable, however, that the policy under con-
H sideration should be applied to these countries alone. The healthful
V enlargement of our trade with Europe, Asia, and Africa should be
sought by reducing tariff burdens on such of their wares as neither
we nor the other American States are fitted to produce, and thus
enabling ourselves to obtain in return a better market for our sup-
plies of food, of raw umteriais, and of the manufactures in which we
excel.

It seems to me that many of the embarrassing elements in the
great national conflict between protection and free trade may thus
^_iK turned to good account — that the revenue may be reduced so as
no longer to overtax the people, that protective duties may be re-
tained without becoming burdensome, that our shipping interests
mnv be judiciously encouraged, the currency fixed on firm bases,
and above all such an unity of interests established among the stales
of l!ic American system as will be of great and ever increasing ad-
v:inta;;-e to them ail.

.Vll treaties in the line of this policy wliieli have been negotiated
or are in process of negotiation contain a provision deemed to be re-
quisite under the clause of the Coustitutioii limiting to tlie House of
Representatives the authority to originate bills for raising revenue.

On the 29tli uf I"ebruary last I Irausiuitled to the Congress the
first annual report of the Civil Service Commission, together with
coinunniicalions from the heads of the several Executive Depart-
ments of the Governmeul, respecting the practical workings of the
law under which the Comiiiissioii had been acting. The good re-
sults therein foreshadowed have been more than realized.

The svstem has fully answered the expectations of its friends in

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 323

securing competent and faithful public servants and in protecting
the appointing officers of the Government from the pressure of per-
sonal importunity and from the labor of examining the claims and
pretensions of rival candidates for public employment.

The law has had the unqualified support of the President and of
the heads of the several Departments, and the members of the Com-
mission have performed their duties with zeal and fidelity. Their
report will shortly be submitted, and will be accompanied by such
recommendations for enlarging the scope of the existing statute as
shall commend themselves to the Executive and the Commissioners
charged with its administration.

In view of the general and persistent demand throughout the
commercial community for a national bankrupt law, I hope that the
differences of sentiment which have hitherto prevented its enact-
ment may not outlast the present session.

The pestilence which for the past two years has been raging in
the countries of the East recently made its appearance in European
ports with which we are in constant communication.

The then Secretary of the Treasury, in pursuance of a proclama-
tion of the President, issued certain regulations restricting, and for
a time prohibiting, the importation of rags and the admission of
baggage of immigrants and of travelers arriving from infected quar-
ters. Lest this course may have been without strict warrant of law,
I approve the recommendation of the present Secretary that the
Congress take action in the premises, and I also recommend the
immediate adoption of such measures as will be likely to ward off
the dreaded epidemic, and to mitigate its severity in case it shall
unhappily extend to our shores.

The annual report of the Commissioners of the District of Co-
lumbia reviews the operations of the several departments of its
municipal government. I ask your careful consideration of its sug-
gestions in respect to legislation — especially commending such as
relate to a revision of the civil and criminal code, the performance
of labor by persons sentenced to imprisonment in the jail, the con-
struction and occupation of wharves along the river front, and the
erection of a suitable building for District offices.

LETIERS AKD HBSSAOES.

I recommend that, in recognition of the eminent services of
Ulysses S. Grant, late General of the Annies of the United States
and twice President of this nation, the Congress confer upon him a
suitable pension.

Certain of the measures that seem to me necessary' and expedient
I have now, in obedience to the Constitution, recommended for your
adoption.

As respects others of no less importance, I shall content myself
with renewing the recommendations already made to the Congress,
without restating the grounds upon which such recommendations
were based.

The preservation of forests on the public domain, the granting
of Government aid for popular education, the amendment by the
Federal Constitution so as to make eflFective the disapproval by the
President of particular items in appropriation bills, the enactment
of statutes in regard to the filling of vacancies in the Presidential
office, and the determining of vexed questions respecting Presiden-
tial inabilit)- are measures which may justly receive your serious
consideration.

As the time draws nigh when I am to retire from the public
service, I Ciuinut refrain from exprcs.sing" to the members of the
National Legislature with whom I have been brought into personal
and official intercourse my sincere appreciation of their unfailing
courtei^y and of tlieir liarnioiiious co-operation with the Exccuti\e
ill so many measures calculated lo promote the best interests of the
Nation,

And to niv fcliow-cilizens generally I acknowledge a deep sense
of oblii^.iliou fur the support wliicli lliey have accorded me in inv ad-
mini-^tnUioii of tin- Ivxecutive Department of this Goveniment.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

\V.\siiin(;tux, Dcc-mbcr i, iSSp

MESSAGE

TRANSMITTING

A CONVENTION FOR COMMERCIAL RECIPROCITY BEl'WEEN
THE UNITED STATES AND THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC.

DECEMBER 9, 1884.

325

MESSAGE.

To THE Senate of the United States:

I transmit herewith, for the consideration of the Senate, with a
view to obtaining its advice thereon and consent thereto, a Conven-
tion for commercial reciprocity between the United States and the
Dominican Republic, which was signed in this Capital on the fourth
instant

This Convention aims to carry out the principles which, as ex-
plained in my last annual message to the Congress, should, it is
conceived, control all commercial arrangements entered into with
our neighbors of the American system with whom trade must be
conducted by sea. Santo Domingo is the first of the independent
Republics of the Western Hemisphere with which an engagement
of this character has been concluded, and the precedent now set will
command your fullest attention, as affecting like future negotiations.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
Executive Mansion,

Washington^ December g^ 1884,.

337

MESSAGE

TRANSMITTING

A CONVENTION FOR COMMERCIAL RECIPROCITY BETWEEN

THE UNITED STATES AND SPAIN, PROVIDING FOR AN

INTIMATE AND FAVORED EXCHANGE OF PRODUCTS

WITH THE ISLANDS OF CUBA AND PORTO RICO.

DECEMBER lo, 1884.

329

MESSAGE.

To THE Senate op the United States:

I transmit herewith, for consideration by the Senate with a view
to advising and consenting to its ratification, a convention for com-
mercial reciprocity between the United States and Spain, providing
for an intimate and favored exchange of products with the islands of
Cuba and Porto Rico, which convention was signed at Madrid on the
i8th ultimo.

The negotiations for this convention have been in progress since
April last, in pursuance of the understanding reached by the two
Governments on the 2d of January, 1884, ^^ ^^^ improvement of
commercial relations between the United States and the Spanish
Antilles, by the eighth article of which both Governments engaged
**to begin at once negotiations for a complete treaty of commerce
and navigation between the United States of America and the said
provinces of Cuba and Porto Rico." Although this clause was by
common consent omitted from the substitutionary agreement of Feb-
ruary 13, 1884 (now in force until replaced by this convention being
carried into effect), the obligation to enter upon such a negotiation
was deemed to continue. With the best desire manifest on both
sides to reach a common accord, the negotiation has been necessarily
protracted, owing to the complexity of the details to be incorporated
in order that the convention might respond to the national policy of
intercourse with the neighboring communities of the American sys-
tem, which is outlined in my late annual message to the Congress,
in the following words:

**The conditions of these treaties should be the free admission of
such merchandise as this country does not produce, in return for
the admission free, or under a favored scheme of duties, of our own
products — the benefits of such exchange to apply only to goods

331

'832 LETTEHS AND MESSAGES.

carried under the flag of the parties to the contract ; the removal,
on both sides, from the vessels so privileged of all tonnage dues and
national imposts so that those vessels may ply unhindered between
our ports and those of the other contracting parties, though without
infringing on the reserved home coasting trade; the removal or re-
duction of burdens on the exported products of those countries com-
ing within the benefits of the treaties, and the avoidance of the tech-
nical restrictions and penalties by which our intercourse with those
countries is at present hampered."

A pentsal of the convention now submitted will suffice to show
how fully it carries out the policy of intercourse thus announced.
I commend it to you in the confident expectation that it will receive
your sanction.

It does not seem necessary to my present purpose to enter into
detailed consideration of the many immediate and prospective ad-
vantages which will flow from this convention to our productions
and our shipping interests. ■

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.. J
f Executive Mansion, ^^^B^^^IB^^^^^^B

IVaskuigton, December lo, 1884.

MESSAGE.

INTEROCEANIC CANAL ACROSS THE STATE OF NICARAGUA

DECEMBER lo, 1884.

3:»

MESSAGE.

To THE Senate of the United States:

I transmit herewith to the Senate for consideration with a view
to ratification, a treaty signed on the first of December with the
Republic of Nicaragua, providing for the construction of an inter-
oceanic canal across the territory of that State.

The negotiation of this treaty was entered upon under a convic-
tion that it was imperatively demanded by the present and future
political and material interests of the United States.

The establishment of water communication between the Atlantic
and Pacific coasts of the Union is a necessity, the accomplishment
of which, however, within the territory of the United States is a
physical impossibility. While the enterprise of our citizens has
responded to the duty of creating means of speedy transit by rail
between the two oceans, these great achievements are inadequate to
supply a most important requisite of national union and prosperity.

For all maritime purposes, the States upon the Pacific are more
distant from those upon the Atlantic than if separated by either
ocean alone. Europe and Africa are nearer to New York, and Asia
nearer to California, than are these two great States to each other
by sea. Weeks of steam voyage, or months under sail, are con-
sumed in the passage around the Horn, with the disadvantage of
traversing tempestuous waters, or risking the navigation of the
Straits of Magellan.

A nation like ours cannot rest satisfied with such a separation of
its mutually dependent members. We possess an ocean border
of considerably over ten thousand miles on the Atlantic and Gulf of
Mexico, and, including Alaska, of some ten thousand miles on the
Pacific. Within a generation the western coast has developed into
an empire, with a large and rapidly-growing population, with vast

335

but partially developed resources. At the present rate of increase,
the end of the centur>- will see us a commonwealth of perhaps nearly
one hundred millions of inhahitants, of which the West should have
a considerably larger and richer proportion than now. Fomiing
one nation in interests and aims, the East and the West are more
widely disjoined for all purposes of direct and economical inter-
course by water, and of national defense against maritime aggres-
sion, than are most of the colonies of other powers from their
mother country.

The problem of establishing such water communication has long
attracted attention. Mauj' projects have been formed and sur\'eys
have been made of all possible available routes. As a knowledge of
the trne topical conditions of the Isthmus was gained, insuperable
difficulties in one case and another became evident, until by a pro-
cess of elimination only two routes remained within range of profit-
able achievement, one by way of Panama, and the other across
Nicaragua.

The treaty now laid before you provides for such a waterway,
jflirough the friendly territory of Nicaragua.

I invite your special attention to the provisions of the convention
itself as best evidencing its scope.

From respect to tlic indepeiulcnt sovcrcignt)- of the Republic,
tliniui^h wliost co-opt-raliou the project can alone be realized, the
sti])u]ati<>iis of the treaty look to the fullest recognition and protec-
tion uf Niearatjiuiu right-; in the premises. Tlie United States liavc
iio inulive or desire for territorial acquisition or political coiitiol
beyond their present borders, and nonesuch is contemplated bv this
treaty. The two CJovorunieuts unite in framing this scheme as the
sole means by which the wurk, as indispensable to the one as to the
iilliev, can be acconipli>hed nnder .such circmiistances as to pre\'ent
alike the possilDilily of conilict between them and of interference
from ^vi^h..nl.

Tin- canal is jiriniarily ;i domestic means of water coniiuuiiicaticm
bei\\\eii llii- Allanlic and Pacific shores of the two countries which
unite for its construction, tlie one contributing the territory and the
other fniiiishiiii; the money iliercfor. Recognizing the advantages
wliicli llie world's connnerce ninst derive from the work, appreci-

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 337

ating the benefit of enlarged use to the canal itself by contributing
to its maintenance and by yielding an interest return on the capital
invested therein, and inspired by the belief that any great enterprise
which inures to the general benefit of the world is in some sort a
trust for the common advancement of mankind, the two Govern-
ments have by this treaty provided for its peaceable use by all na-
tions on equal terms, while reserving to the coasting trade of both
countries (in which none but the contracting parties are interested)
the privilege of favoring tolls.

T^he treaty provides for the construction of a railway and tele-
graph line, if deemed advisable, as accessories to the canal, as both
may be necessary for the economical construction of the work and
probably in its operation whe;n completed.

The terms of the treaty as to the protection of the canal, while
scrupulously confirming the sovereignty of Nicaragua, amply secure
that State and the work itself from possible contingencies of the
future which it may not be within the sole power of Nicaragua to
meet.

From a purely commercial point of view the completion of such
a waterway opens a most favorable prospect for the future of our
countr>'. The nations of the Pacific coast of South America will,
by its means, be brought into close connection with our Gulf States.
The relation of those American countries to the United States is
that of a natural market, from which the want of direct communi-
cation has hitherto practically excluded us. By piercing the Isth-
mus, the heretofore inseparable obstacles of time and sea distance
disappear, and our vessels and productions will enter upon the
world's competitive field with a decided advantage of which they
will avail themselves.

When to this is joined the large coasting trade between the
Atlantic and Pacific States which must necessarily spring up, it
is evident that this canal affords, even alone, an efficient means of
restoring our flag to its fonner place on the seas.

Such a domestic coasting trade would arise immediately, for even

the fishing vessels of both seaboards, which now lie idle in the winter

months, could then profitably carr>' goods between the Eastern and

the Western States.
22»

838 LETTBBS AND MSaSAOES.

The political effect of the canal will be to knit closer the States
now depending upon railway corporations for all commercial and
personal intercourse, and it will not only cheapen the cost of trans-
portation but will free individuals from the possibility of unjust dis-
criminations.

It will bring the European grain markets of demand within easy
distance of our Pacific States, and will give to the manufacturers on
tlie Atlantic seaboard economical access to the cities of China, thus
breaking down the barrier which separates the principal manufact-
uring centers of the United States from tlie markets of the vast
population of Asia, and placing tlic Eastern States of the Union for
all purposes of trade midway between Europe and Asia. In point
of time the gain for sailing vessels would be great, amounting from
New York to Sau Francisco to a saving of seventy-five days, to Hong-
Kong of twenty-seven daj'S, to Shanghai of thirty-four days, and to
Callao of fifty-two days.

Lake Nicaragua is about 90 miles long and 40 mites in greatest
width; the water is fresh and affords abundant depth for vessels of
■the deepest diauglit. Several islands give facilities for establishing
co^iHng stations, Mlpplv depots, harbors, and places for ri.'pair'i. The
advaiita^^t- of this vast inland harbor is evident,

Tlu- l.iki.' is J JO fill :il>o\i,' lidc-watcr. Six locks, or five iutcrme
iliaii- kvt I,-, ari' r<.i|iiiri,il for the I'acific end of the canal. On the
Ailaiuii,- --idf lull Tivi- locks, (ir iVmr iiilfnuL'diate levels, are proposed.
'1'Irm-' lock^. woulil, ill practici.'. nonioro limit the number of vessels
pa.-siii;^ Unon^li llic faiial than would iIr- shv^h- tide-lock on the
Tacilk' iiid, which i-- ii<.>.x-.>ar\' l<. any l^wu or sca-kvvi route.

,V\ciiiiTii and a li.ilf niik-s nf ^aiial lie ht-twcoii the Pacific and
tlR- lakr, 'riir di-.lauci. aLio^s llic lake is 56 miles, and a dam at
ihi- iii.iaiii n!" i1r- San Ca,iln> la irihularv of the San Juan), raising
tlu- w.iU-r U-vl1 \'j fra, ].racliL-ally extends tlic lake 63 miles to that
pi,inL ]i\ a clianiie! fiuiii <,!>•> to i.2i«t feel wide, with an alnindant
<ki>th nf water.

l-'roiii ihe iiinnih of ihe San Cario.s (where the canal will leave
Ihe vSaii Jiiaii) to Uk' liarkor of Cievlowii the distance is 36 miles,
wJiieii it i~- liuped ni.n I'v new ■iiii-\-e\s be sJiorlcncd 10 miles.

The lotal c.iiial e.xe.ivaliuii would lhn> Ik- from 43;:^ to 53 Ij miles.

LETTERS AND MESSAGES. 339

and the lake and river navigation, amounting to 119 miles by the
present survey, would be somewhat increased if the new surveys
are successful.

From New York to San Francisco by this route, for sailing ves-
sels, the time is ten days shorter than by the Panama route.

The purely pecuniary prospects of the canal as an investment are
subordinate to the great national benefits to accrue from it; but it
seems evident that the work, great as its cost may appear, will be a
measure of prudent economy and foresight if undertaken simply to
afford our own vessels a free waterway, for its far-reaching results
will, even within a few years in the life of a nation, amply repay
the expenditure by the increase of national prosperity. Further,
the canal would unquestionably be immediately remunerative. It
offers a shorter sea voyage with more continuously favoring winds
between the Atlantic ports of America and Europe and the coun-
tries of the east than any other practicable route; and with lower
tolls, by reason of its lesser cost, the Nicaragua route must be the
interoceanic highway for the bulk of the world's trade between
the Atlantic and the Pacific.

So strong is this consideration that it offers an abundant guarantee
for the investment to be made, as well as for the speedy payment of
the loan of four millions which the treaty stipulates shall be made
to Nicaragua for the construction of internal improvements to serve
as aids to the business of the canal.

I might suggest many other considerations in detail, but it seems
unnecessary' to do so. Enough has been said to more than justify
the practical utility of the measure. I therefore commit it to the
Congress in the confident expectation that it will receive approval,
and that by appropriate legislation means may be provided for in-
augurating the work without delay after the treaty shall have been
ratified.

In conclusion, I urge the justice of recognizing the aid which has
recently been rendered in this matter by some of our citizens. The
efforts of certain gentlemen connected with the American company
which received the concession from Nicaragua (now terminated and
replaced by this international compact) accomplished much of the
preliminary labors leading to the conclusion of the treaty.

You may liave occasion to examine the matter of their services,
when such further information as you may desire will be furnished
you.

I may add that the canal can be constructed by the able Engineer
Corps of our Army, under their thorough system, cheaper and better
than any work of such magnitude can in any other way be built,
CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
Executive Mansion,

IfasAifigton, December lo, i88f.

ADDRESS,

THE WORLD'S INDUSTRIAL AND COTTON CENTENNIAL

EXPOSITION.

DECEMBER i6, 1884.

341

ADDRESS.

In the name of the people of the Republic, I congratulate the citi-
zens of the Southwest in their advancing prosperity as manifested
by the great International Exposition now about to open.

The interest of the nation in that section of our commonwealth
has found expression in many ways and notably in appropriations
for the improvement of the Mississippi and in the national loan to
promote the present Exposition.

Situated as it is, at the gateway of the trade between the United
States and Central and South America, it will attract the attention
of the people of the neighboring nations of the American system
and they will learn the importance of availing themselves of our
products as we will of theirs, and thus, not only good feeling but a
profitable intercourse between the United States, the States of Cen-
tral and South America, will be promoted.

The people also of our own country, thus brought closer together,
will find, in this Exposition of competitive industries, motives for
strengthening the bonds of brotherhood.

Railroads, telegraph lines, and submarine cables have drawn much
nearer the nations of the earth, and an assembly like this of the rep-
resentatives of diflferent nations is promotive of good- will and peace,
while it advances the material welfare of all. The United States
extend, to those from foreign countries who visit us on this occa-
sion, a cordial welcome.

And now, at the Executive Mansion in Washington, in the pres-
ence of the assembled representatives of the friendly nations of the
world, of the President of the Senate, of the Speaker of the House
of Representatives, the Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the
Supreme Court, of a Committee from each House of Congress and
of the Members of my Cabinet, I again, and in th^,ir name, congrat-

343

344 LETTERS AND MES3A0ES.

ulate the promoters of the" Exposition upon the auspicious inaugu-
ration of an enterprise which promises such far-reaching results.

With my best wishes for the fulfilhneut of all its great purposes,
1 now declare that the World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial
, Exposition is open.

ExECUTi\'K Mansion.

iVaikingiorty December 16, 1884.

MESSAGE

CONCERNING THE

MILITARY AND CIVIL TKSTIMONIALS TO GENERAL GRANT.

FEBRUARY 3, 1885.

345

MESSAGE.

To THE Senate:

I take especial pleasure in laying before Congress the generous
oflFer made by Mrs. Grant to give to the Government, in perpetual
trust, the swords and military and civil testimonials lately belonging
to General Grant. A copy of the deed of trust, and of a letter ad-
dressed to me by Mr. William H. Vanderbilt, which I transmit
herewith, will explain the nature and motives of this offer.

Appreciation of General Grant's achievements and recognition of
his just fame have in part taken the shape of numerous mementos
and gifts, which, while dear to him, possess for the nation an ex-
ceptional interest. These relics, of great historical value, have
passed into the hands of another whose considerate action has re-
stored the collection to Mrs. Grant as a life trust, on the condition
that at the death of General Grant, or sooner at Mrs. Grant's option,
it should become the property of the Government, as set forth in the
accompanying papers. In the exercise of the option thus given her,
Mrs. Grant elects that the trust shall forthwith determine, and asks
that the Government designate a suitable place of deposit and a re-
sponsible custodian for the collection.

The nature of this gift and the value of the relics which the gen-
erosity of a private citizen, joined to the high sense of public regard
which animates Mrs. Grant, have thus placed at the disposal of the
Government, demand full and signal recognition, on behalf of the
nation, at the hands of its representatives. I therefore ask Congress
to take suitable action to accept the trust and to provide for its secure
custody, at the same time recording the appreciative gratitude of the
people of the United States to the donors.

In this connection, I may pertinently advert to the pending legis-
lation of the Senate and House of Representatives, looking to a

347

LETTERS AND MESSAOES.

national recognition of General Grant's eminent services by pro-
viding the means for his restoration to the Army on the retired list.
That Congress, by taking such action, will gi\'e expression to the
almost universal desire of the people of this nation, is evident, and
I earnestly urge the passage of au act similar to Senate bill Ko,
2530, which, while not interfering with the Constitutional prerog-
ative of appointment, will enable the President in his discretion to
nominate General Grant as General upon the retired list.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
Executive Mansion,

February j, 188^.

MESSAGE

TRANSMITTING

THE SECOND ANNUAL REPORT OF THE UNITED STATES

CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION.

FEBRUARY ii, 1885.

349

MESSAGE

To THE Senate and House of Representatives:

In compliance with the act of Congress approved January i6, 1883,
entitled * * An act to regulate and improve the civil service of the
United States," the Civil Service Commission has made to the Pres-
ident its second annual report.

That report is herewith transmitted.

The Commission is in the second year of its existence. The

President congratulates the country upon the success of its labors,

commends the subject to the favorable consideration of Congress,

and asks for an appropriation to continue the work.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
Executive Mansion,

Washington^ February 11^ 1885.

351

11. ,

H ■ ! .

1 -I

r i

! 1

I 'J

This book ahoald be TOtumed to
Che Iiibrar7 on or before the last date
fltunped below.

A fine of five oente a day U Inourred

by retaining it beyond the specified

ne.

Flease return promptly.