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'w'mssmgfm fjr- czFT,rs&j- p? !he WLithitz flailij gagle: gtusdau Scorning, gjeamxfcer 7, V886. MESSAGE. Continued from First Page.) i , . ., . . .. ,t , ,, T"! contains a detailed exhibit of the condition of his department, with such a statement of the action needed to improve the same of the action needed to improve the same as should challenge the earnest attention of congress. The pre States, aside from pnnstriiftinn rnnfil single turned monitors, none of whieh are re T' n in commissien nor at the present time st vippjihlH the batteries of these ships a obsolete and they can only be relie unon as auxiuiary snips i.,rKnr Aofonzn nnd then after sue c-h an expenditure upon tliem as might not be deemed justifiable; second, five fourth rate vessels of small tonage, only one of which was designed as a war vessel, and all ot whichjare auxiliary merely; third, twenty seven cruising ships, three of which are built of iron, of small tonage, and tweiitv fourof wood. Of these wooden vessels it is estimated bv the chief constructor of the navv that onlv three will Ik serviceable be yond a period of six years, at which time it inav be said of the present naval force nothing worthy tlie name will remain YU the vessclsJierctofore authorized are under contract or in course of construction except the armored ships, the torpedo and dynamite boats and one cruiser. As to the 1-l.st of these the bids were m excess of the limit fixed bv congress. The production in the United States of armor and gun steel is a question which it seems necessary to settle at au early day if the armored war yessels are to be completed with thoe ma terials of home manufacture. This has been the subject of investigation by two boards and by two special committees of congress within the last three years. The report of the gun foundry board in 1SS7, and of the board on formi cations made 'in January hist, and the re ports of the select committees of the two houses made at the last session of congress, have entirely exhausted the subject, so far as preliminary investigation is involved, and in their recommendations they are sub-lnntially agreed. In the event that the present invitation of tlie department for bids to furnish such of this material as is now authorized shall fail to induce do mestic manufacturers to undertake the large expenditures required to prepare for this new manufacture, and no other stops are taken by congress at its coming session, the secretary contemplates with dissatisfaction the necessity of obtain ing abroad the armor of the gun steel for the authorized ships. It would seem dc sirable that the wants of the army and the navy in this regard should be reasonably met and that bv unitint: their contracts such inducement might be offered as would result in securing the domestication of these important interests. THE I'OSTAI. SFKVICE. The affairs of the postal service shows marked and gratifying improvement during the past year. A particular ac count of its transactions and condi tion is given in the report of the postmaster general which will be laid before vou. Tlie reduction of the rate or letter postage in 3 883, rendering the postal revenues inadequate to sustain the expenditures, and business depression also continuing, resulted 111 an excess of cost for the fiscal year ending June '.50, 1SS.1. of eight and one-third millions of dollars.. An additional check upon the receipts by doubling the measure of weights in rating sealed correspondence and diminishing by one-half the charge for newspaper car riage was imposed bv legislation which took effect with tlie beginning of tho past fiscal year; while the constant demand of our territorial dcvclop mcii and growing population for the ex tension and increase of mail facilities and machinery necessitates a steady annual ad vance in outlay and the careful estimate of a year ago upon the rates of expenditure then existing contemplated the unavoidable augmentation of the deficiency in the last fiscal year by nearly two millions of dol lars. The anticipated revenue for the year failed of realization by about SO 1.000. but proper measures of economy have so satisfactorily limited the Towth of expenditure that the total deficiency in fact fell below that of 1885 and at this time the increase of revenue is on gaining ratio over the increase of cost, demonstrating tho sufficiency of the present ...o ,.f .wi.n ultimately to sustain the sent navy ol the bmtetl mendwi the erection of a penitentiary for the snips hi course 01 , COIlflnement f prisoner convicted una .t? of: J?irst. tourteen i :.. .1... i-..;t. a ;,.,.( courts, ana service. This" is the more pleasing because .mrpojes am ' ' Sn,,",,.! prvatlon of natioiiHl forests, the adju our people enjoy now both cheaper postage l ,mi l.j. ct t , c r:l"!wl ,,V c-!i...itSi ore-! d.eation of grants to hxx. and corpo.a TMvmrtiiiiriti-lv to distance, and a vaster and more costly service than any other up on thu clobe. . Retrenchment has been effected in the cost of siipnlios. Some expenditures un warranted bv law have ceased, the outlaws for mail carriage have been subjected to beneficial scrutiny. At the close of the last fiscal year the expense of transportation on star loutes stood an annual rate of coM less by over $.'iG0.OOO than t the close of the previous year, and steamboat and mail mes-enger service at nearly .-f'200,000 less than the service has beenf in the nw.nnttme enlarged by the establishment of new offices, increase ot .mii ,f oMrrijjrro. oxoansion of carrier de livery, conveniences and additions to the o railway mail. lacilities in nccoioanc-r tl,.. rAwOlfr I'Xi.rf lH'H'S of tllC COUlHrV .'Hid the established policy of the government, The po-t master general cans :iiii-mn -i... .;.ii'nlr lsu' pomiii ns.'i'insr railroads and expresses the opinion that a mcuioti li vt.-n"i, ' ----r - t? - anil oxurcssos me oiiiiuiMi m.n ...v......... Sta'dertad whfrh win prov, .noro jm more IIM n; the carriers and benefic ial to the . rn-, men., aud the subject appear wo.tliy ol your early consideration. . The d.tT.rentes which arose ,lunn ; he year with certain of the ocean steams up companies have tcninuatcil u tne ai qim.s cence of all in the policy of the govern inent approved bv the emigres? in the pos tal appropriation' its last -ession. and the department now oujos the utmost service aflonied bv all vessels which sail from our porta upon either ocean, a service gener ally adequate to the m-eds of our intercourse. Petitions have, however, been presented to the department by numerous merchants and manufacturers for the establishment of a direct service to the Argentine Republic for semi-monlhh dijpatches to the empire of Brazil, and the subject is commended to your considera tion It is an obvious duty to pro. ide the m...,Tis nf postal communication which our tmuincatLm wmcii .ir commerce requires u.i i.- ....- ;",.-, r......m ,,f .-,,. uncestors amt ! propnations of our p unic unu ttiimiui of results. The wise extetwon ot i iu. h J mi V ." ' " lpr '. l ' ' ".'. i M,ua fide settler or cul.ivi:.n. and .,. lead to stimulating intercourse ""' ' ' "J 1: i'SStirc. m ! only without intention of residence, but harbinger of a profitable traffic which w, 11 u-.. ge s o: l'fluc .ur of their aggregation in open new revenues for the dispo . .1 ces press , "- j l J ,1,-J Jn cx U1 ltie handi sition of the products of m-1 irliariMi ..ml t,l'",lI orf:,rei dustrv The circumstances ot the In e ogethcr. it is in j "-f .l,r..n,iu f the con-'res--. The ener- counirics at tile far south of our continent , to" S dirt-nent lure bn le - are such as to invite our enterpiiMi and at- co-exist on tin Miim. . sw . mej arc i i r -, ',,rt..rat administration fm. promfeiof Millicient advantages to lyn of 1. ZJ?Tlt1JS 1 correct abuses 5!;.. i ..r,-t tfi hrniir about lot our government auu uavc n jh. ' . l- ". t .. .n. iMiiii.nii mrci" s -r .-...: ..i.i t,. d tn pstabhsh. hi CMHUiiuuiraiiiiH "'" " " . , I suggest that. as. distinguished from a JC! ,-,,., ". l.nm.fit Of rraui. or t-ubsidv. for the mere ucnciu ' may be roctivcl In tl-cm- the I'i'u not otherwise attamahfe, should be regard cd as within limi( legitimate compensation for neh service. The extension of the free delivery service :is stiirgcstcd by the postmaster general has heretofore received my sanction and it isto be hoped .suitable action may soon be agreed upon. The request for au appro priation sufficient to enable the general in spection of fouith class offices, has my ap proval, and of the recommendation of the postmaster general that another assistant be provided for the,pootlice department, and L invite your attention to the several other recommendations in his report. DEPARTMEKT OF JU6TICB. The conduct of the department of justice for the last fiscal year is fully detailed m the report of the attorney general ami nui earnest attention of the congress to tlie . d consideration of their com- satue and due consideration of their com- munfl.iiinnc llinrwin fontnined. In tile rC- t suom'Uwi i)V this officer to the last ":(m of tnc con"Tess he strongly recom- oenienceu in uju i-"'"-" .,.... . he repeats the recommendation in lus re-. port for the hist year. This is a matter of l . "!. .wl Llrill(l !lt I1I1PH verv great importance J.lMU a"" ".. , j, , 7 receive congressional action.. United dtates prisoners are now connncu iu mum than thirty (tniereni suuc 01. s ons and penitentiaries scattered in every part of the country. They are , i..t t nMrlv .-is many different modes of treatment and discipline and are far too much removed from tlie control aim regu lation of tl e government, bo far as tliey are entitled to nuuiauc treatment aim im portunity s.or improvement and reforma tion the "government is responsible to them and society, but these tilings are iorincom ing. liut tins duty can scarcely oe dis charged without more absolute control and disci etion than is pos-ible uuder the pres ent system. Many of our good citizens have'inl crested themselves with the most beneficial results in the question of prison reform. The general gov ernment should be in a situation. since there must le United btules prisoners to furnish importaut aid in this movement and should be able to illustrate what may be practically done in the direction ot tins w.form imil tn nreaent an example in the treatment and improvement of its piisoners worthy of imitation. With pri-ons under its own control, the government could deal with tlie somewhat vexed question or con vict labor, so far a its convict weru con cerned, according to a plan of its own adoption and with due regain to tne ngnis and interests of our laboring citizens, instead of sometimes adding, in the operation of a system which causes among them irrita tion and discontent. Upon consideration of this Biibject it ungut be thount wise 10 erect more than one of these institutions located in Mich places as would best sub- .,.rm tin. mii-TVK.fR of convenience and I ffMiwimv in tntiisnurtatiou. The consid- erable cost of maintaining these convicts as at present in state institutions woum saved by the adoption of the plan proposed and bv employing them in the manufac ture of Biich "articles as were needed for use for the government. Quite a large pe cuniary benefit would be realized in partial return for our outlay. 1 again urge a change in the federal ju dicial svbtem to meet the wants of the peo pie and" obviate the delays necessarily at tending the pre-ent conditions of affairs iu our courts. All nre agreeu nun suuiu thing should be done, and much favor is shown by those well able to advise, to the plan suggerted by the attorney general at the lat bession of congress and recom mended in my last annual message. This recommendation is here renewed, together with another made at the same time touching a change in the manner of compensating district attorneys and marshals and the latest subject is commended to the congress for its action in the intei est of economy to the govern ment and humanity, fairness and justice to our people. THU INTEIHOK nUFAJlT-VENT. The repoit of the secretary of the inter ior presents a comprehensive Mimmary of the work of the various branches of the public service connected vilh his depait ments. and the suggestions and recommen dations which it contains for the improve ment of the service bhould leceive your careful consideration. The exhibits made of the conduct of oui Indian population and the progress of the work 'or their en lightenment, notwithstanding the many embarrassments which hinder the better administration of this department branch of the service is a gratifying aud hopeful one. The funds appropriated for the Indian service for the fiscal year just parsed, with lhe available income from In dian lands and trust moneys, amounting in all to $7S.r).0;sS,rl2, were ample for the ser vice under the conditions- and restrictions of laws regulating their expenditures. Ti...r. riiminff n balance on nanu eu a Danuitu ' ii on June 150, 1S30, of $l,uU0.02..JU. ot whic S S37 70S 21 an- permanent f. .mis for fulfillment of trc.ieJ and other like .. ., np .M22 '.'.'i.i Oil. s ieouired bv law. 1 ne esiunnn.3 l ,s iiiiuiiLu .j ... . H'lited for aporopnaiions i.ir uir ra-uui ", " " r - --- fisc 1 vear a'molmt to $W.HVl 04. or in.-reuM.Hl efflcu-ncv of the public am s, r ? 142 3S7 20 l.-s than thoe laid befoie the I vice, are commended to he at.e .tion of cc , -VrSs last x ear. The present system of , congress to secure the wide-t distribution i tt hil,. :ll,-olute y m ce-nrv and of public lands in limite. quan.it.e, among 5 C 5 management of our Indian ' M-ttler, for reMdence and cult. vat.on and 'itSs ad for the ends in view wlien thus make the g.eatot number of mdiv.d fSAiuihK'VU'aenl& I" Uial homes was the primary object of the dKUimmiauem 1!1 hti ':irl-V ' of the done for the accompli-hment of an object republic. i 1. hhaU.eeomepre.Mnir in iu, impor- fnis system wa, a, s,mpl one; it co n tance. the nioie mpid transition fromtr.b,l menced with au admirable sc hem,- of pub organizations to citizenship of, uch portions, he surveys by wlm-li the humblest cit . The Indians as are camble of civilized ien ctild identify the tact upon life When the cxiMiuK -Mem was ,dopt ' which he wi.hed to e-tab ii. his home; the . . , "....: :.i.. . .r,i... i;..fc ni nf l.-md-. was i hieed within n ach ol it tlie mucin race was hhinui- "i mi ium'o if or-anied states and h rntories and be-. ,! tne unnuiliale reacn aim operauon . vilization. and all ettorts were mamiy u- cted to th- miiinteiiiuice of friendly rein- .m and the nictation of peace ami n ouict on the lroutier. All tins is - -- . .; U,e h, ,,,,; m.nm-n m .anon !" tMI'iriiri'll Ill-ll- 1- 1111 ."111,11 lllitl- .Mil. ilMiir i.iii '" ................ the buy hum of nidus vy am, ne in mence p c n-im .-a u, .. . r ! l,w , n li 1 ini ; sale of the bo ui of o g ui , , - " J men s a c, e . . .. ... v ..... swemhasiiot been extended over that . later me nomesieau m . ..c.Vi , portion of thecountrv known a the Indian ' m..re sureh plaee actual homes in poes Territory As- a race, the Indians are no ! sion of actu.d culnyators ot .he sod 1 ,.e Iou-er hostile, but mav be couriered as I lmui was given tth-ut price, lift.- sole c.n snb7nissivc to the conlrol of the govern- I dii.o.is Ik. ug resi.lence. .aiprovemeti and ....... ..., r... ,,f ti...m n..u- I.-. en nvatiou Other law-, li.iv- nHinwi-ii. I i'.i ... i?.-.,t ti... fr,rmp..is ..f several bunds. all arc now jathored up on reservations It is n lousier passible for them to subsist by the chascof the spontaneous productions nf the earth. With an aoundantc ot land it lurnisiieti wuii uie menus ! i.jjic...i... lor profitable husbaudrv. their life of en - tire dependence hhi government reKf.ors - , i .! .i... ..f ;....,!. .,...,.- tltlll i ill' T( 1' V 1 Itfl II III' CI IHTllil "ll i '....'' r7w..r i ' hv-'. ,L i -- ?; " . r ..t V i. ;TlYV , t , Their inclination in nc .-"i -iiiu "i win" -- --,.--.-- care and proieeiion oi i.a iuiuou. '"i ..,...,..T rannnt rsifvi i's,lt of tills I ern, . rCsIKUlsIUUUV lllllll ukm iocs iui ..n..... " t . ... r . . , -,. i,n,. , ,.,... ; . ;.,,,. ,. w,k mll., Ile ch,.i. .....i-tist on? for them, ami thev m-ist be led or guided until thev are familiar w ith the vay and competent jo assume the duties aud responsibilities ol our citizens Progress iu this great work will continue onlv at the present si,,.-.- pace and at great expense unless the svttem and method's of innimsemeiii are improved to meet the changed conditions ami unmnt demand of the service. The agents lining the central management and suixrvision in nfjinv cases of more than o.OOU Indians scattered over large reservations and bur dened with the details of accirtintalMliiv for funds and supplies, have time to look after the industrial training and improve ment of a few Indians only; the many are neglected and remain idle and in dependent conditions not favorable forpro .rn.j riviiir:iti(n. The comoensation allowed these agents and the conditions of the service are not calculated to secure for the workmen who are fitted by ability and skill to properly plan and intelligently di rect the method best adapted to produce the mostspeedy results and permanent ben efits; hencs the necessity for a supple mental agency or system directed to the end of promoting the general welfare and more rapid transition of the tribes from habits and customs of barbarism to the ways of civilization. With an anxious desire to devise some plan of operation by which to secure the welfare of the Indians and to relieve the treasury as far as possi ble from the support of au idle and depend ent population, 1 recommend in my previ ous annual message the passage of a law authorizing the appointment of a commis sion as an instrumentality, auxiliary to these alreadv established, for the care of tlie Indians." It was designed that this fnmmUsion should be eoniDOsed of six in telligent and capable persons, three to be . detailed from tlie army uavmg piiiuiic.u ideas upon the subject of the treatment of the Indians aud interested in their welfare, and that it should be charged under the direction of the sec retary of the interior with the management of such matter of detail as cannot with the nr..cr.nt nnrtmiJitioil 1)L' nrODCrlV and SUC- cessfully directed aud which the pre-eut different phases as the lntiiaus inemsenes ,uir..r in tlifir nr.rress. needs, disposition and capacity for improvement or imme diate self support, riy tne aid 01 suuu commission much unwise aud useless ex penditures of money, waste of material and unavailing efforts might be avoided, anil it is hoped that this, or some measure which the wisdom of congress may better devise ir s-imnlr the. deficiency of the present system, may receire your consider in. may receire your consider- le appropriate legislation he) ation, and th provided. The time is ripe for the work . of such an agency. There is less opposi , tion to their education, and training i.i tho i Jlltt.I1(acu u,K)n the schools," and there is a ... ... 1. .. . ,i.. r,. ., ;.wi;v;lnil luild- AtllliaU TIMUH '" " "' ' T..,i;.., -,titlt ic clinwn hi fm inPr:iiLU I yielding tendency for tho individual hold ing of lands. Development aim aa aug ment in these directions are essential and should hare every encouragement. As the rising generation are taught the language of civilization and trained in habits of in dustry, they should a.unw tho duties, privileges and responsibilities of citi zenship. No obstaclu should hinder the location and settlement of any Indian willing to take land iu severalty; on the contrary, the inclination to do so should be stimulated at all times when proper aud expedient, but there is no authority of law for making allotments on some of the res ervations aud on others the allotments pro vided for arc so small that the Indians, tlimih i-fsulv Hiid de-irimr to settle down, are not willing to accept such small areas when iheir re-ervationij contiin am,le lands to afford them homesteads of suffi cient size to meet their present and future needs. The inequalities of existing special laws and treaties should be corrected and some "ener.il legislation on tho subject should be provided so that the more progressive mem bers of the diiTcrent tribew may be settled upon homesteads, and by their example lead others to follow, breaking away from tribal customs and substituting therefor the love of home, the interest of the family and the rule of tho state. The Indian char acter and nature are such that they are not easily led while brooding over unadjusted wronirs. This is especially so regarding their "lands. Matters arising from the construction and operation of rail roads across some ot the reservations and claims of title and right of occupancy set up by while persons to some of the best land wit kin their reserrations, require legislation for their final adjustment. The settlement f these matters will remove many embarrassineuU to progress iu the work of leading the Indians to the adop tion of our institutions and bringing them under the operation, the intiueuce aud the protection of the universal laws of our country. our. I'um.io domain. Tho rrnmmundations of the secretary of .. --- - . f', me uiitnor mm ure Wu,.,mW.. general land office. looking to the better protection of publ.- lanns aim uitu """' .-........, " , . , , , r ,i f , l.,MI cIhiius nnil lie , j"- - . all the eute. prisin,'. ind.istrious and hotiet '-.- ; y - s iun, ,i....v .. ., .-.. .,j-. ...- law perverted, under the sjmf cash sales, from a distribution of lands amomr the peop-e. to an amimuiun.,.. ... ..mu .,.. ". - . I - ' check this tendency, a prderence right of , - ...ItlfTs, mi -- - ?,. lunicA - Jicl of Wl The foundation of this system Vi:ipM1 , re :dcneeJU11 cllltlr;ttion. Years , homA luW was devi . t-iu'h desiirtied to ene-.urage the ;us.i nrn .in-lit :i!id u.ii of laud iu linuled individu.il quantities; b.it m later years these law. turiuigh vicious administrative method-, and under changed communication and inmsiKirtation. hare been so evaded and i-iniM that tneir ueneucmi yuiu""c ...-..-- -- -- . , U threate.icl with entire defeat The metimd- of such ev.ii.,n an.i " . 4v v.-v .-..--- . 'seeretarv of the mu-ri-r and com.ni-siouer of the ..er.U t:i:ul ..ttiee. The rapid ap . - .. .i nw. .,...... o,,.i ' in tlie nature Ol reionu; iu j.-..cv ........... -.. -- r J of tke U:ui . system ,s to stricted xo ca pres.nUug hese fenlur methods of the public land sTstem v. to prevent adequate csiinmte. but it appear- t.- n c-.innil.iii.iu fr.m the rcjvuts of the commissioner .f thfi c-aeral l.in 1 office that u'iJ"" ' . . . .. .. i.,..i. .. . .-r ... ... i j..... ...- vt.tii.-i. have come to definite termination hare been the vstorawm to the m tss of puOhc limloftwo million seven hundred aud fiftv th.Hisnnd aervs; thnt two mdl.on three hvndredandsev my thousand a are i..,.bradin invotisati-.a, now patliog- lvf..m the dcixtrtmerit or the courts, kiki lutKZ has been nskexl to cir-t the rtontuun of 2.7SO.U0O cres ad- du.ot.al. lkie.s which 4.UU0.0OD acres lm;e ben withheld fnmi resections , thr ,ght of entry there, .umtmcl. , 1 iw iintaiiuL I rec ommendthercpe-lof the JyT! tirabercultureactJ ami uiai tne uoujctKx 1 pliance with the requirements of residence, imn.ntAiviAnf nnA sti!ttiro fnr thn noF-ii nf five years from date of entry, without s.n.n......?vn . rrf Ticin "friT" c rofii 1 o 1 1 vt commutation or provision for speculative ralinriiiiahmnt T nlso rprommenri thf. repeal of desert land laws, unless it shall be the pleasure of congress to so amend these gain3 as to render them less liable to abuse. As the chief motive for an evasion of the laws and the principal cause of their result in land accumulation in void of land distribution is the facility with which transfers are made of the right intended tn be secured to settlers. It may be advis able to provide by legislation some guards and checks upon the alienation of home stead rights and lands covered thereby un til patents are issued. Last year an execu tive proclamation was issued directing the removal of fences which enclosed the pub tie donaan. Many of these were removed in obedieuce to such order. That much of the public land still remains within the lines of these unlawful fences, the in genious methods resorted to in order to continue these tresp:isses and the hardi hood of pretenses, by which iu some cases such inelooure- are justified, are fully de tailed iu the report of tho secretary of the interior. I he removal of the fences still remaining which inclose public lands will be enforced with all the authority and means with which the executive branch of the government is, or shall be invested by the congress for that purpose. PENSIONS. The report of the commissioner of pen sions contains a detailed aud most satisfac tory exhibit of the operations of the pen sion bureau during the hist fiscal year. The amount of work done was the largest in any year siuce the organization of the bureau, and it has been at less cost than during the previous year iu every division. On the 30th day of June, 18S6, there were 305,783 pensioners on the rolls of the hiircio Sinee. 1SB1 there have been 1.10S.- 1 7.J5 pension applications filed, of which 1J g34 wenj b;isw, ?ervicc in lhe war .-,. .., , , licalilins iui,)Wtid, including G0.17S to the soldiers ()f lgl2 and Ujc;r widows. The . , d for I)L.nsiou3 sinCe lSu"l . - . . ... . -- . t is SS0d.o24.oll 7. The uumbtr ot new peusions allowed during the year ended June 30, 1SSG, is 40,8.17, a larger number than has been allowed in any year save one siuce 1801. Tho names of 2,220 pensioners which had been previously dropped from the rolls, were restored dur ing the ear, aud after deducting those dropped within the same time for various causes, a net increase remains for the year of 20,038 names. From January 1st, 1S01, to December 1st, 1883, 1,967 private pen sion acts had been passed. Since the last mentioned date, and during the last session of congress, 044 such acts became laws. It seems that no one can imagine our pension establish meut and its operation without being con vinced that through its instrumentality jiiolice can be very nearly done to all who are entitled, under tne present laws, io tue pension bounty of the government; but it is undeniable that cases exist well entitled to iclief in which the pension bureau is powerless to relieve. The really worthy cases of this class are such as only lack by misfortune tho kind or quantity of proof which the law and regulations of the bur eau require, or which though their merits, apparent for some other reason, cannot be justly dealt with through general laws These conditions fully justify application to the congress and special enactments, but resort to the congress for a special pension act to overrule the deliberate and careful determination of tho bensiou bureau on the merits or to secure favorable action when it could not be be expected under the most liberal execution of general laws, it must be admitted opens the doors to the allow ance of questionable claims and presents to the legislative and executive branches of tho government applications conceededly not within the law aud plainly devoid of merit, but so surrounded by sentiment and patriotic feeling that they are hard to resist. I suppose it will not bo denied that raunv claims for pensions aro made with out merit, and that many have been al lowed upon fraudulent representations. This has been declared from lhe pension bureau not only in this but in prior admin i-traiions. lhe usefulness and the justice of any system for the distribution of pen sions'depends upon the equality and uni formity of its operation. It will bo seen from tiie report of the commissioner that there are now paid by the government 131 different rates of pension. Estimates from the best information he can obtain show that nine thousand of these who have served in the amy aad navy of the United States are now sup ported in whole or iu part from public funds or by organized charities. Exclu sive of those in soldiers homes under the direction and control of the government only 13 per cent, of these pensioners, while nf the biitire number of men furnished from the late war something like 20 per cent, including their widows and relatives, have been or are now in receipt of pen sions. The American people with a patriotic, "ratcful regard for our ex-soldiers too oroad and too sacred to ha monopolized by any special advocates, are not only willing but anxious that equal and exact justice should be done to all honest claimants for pensions in their srnt uie inenciess anu destitute soldier, dependent upon public charity if otherwise entitled had precisely the same right to snare in tne provision made for those who fought their country's battles as tlmp better able through friends and inll'ience to push their claims. Even pension that is granted under our present plan upon any other grounds than actual service and injury or disease incurred in such service and every instance of the many in which jeu .ions are increased on other grounds than the men's of the claim wo-ksan injury to the brave and crippled, but poor and friendless soldier who is entirely neglected r who must be couieiit with the smallest .nm allowed under L'tneral Jaws There are far ton m.inv neightorhoixis in winc.'i ch l,f nd are found gknng cases of inequality ir..iitm.-Ei in fie matter of pensions, and ti...i- -in. l-ir.'.lv dun to a yielding m the g m the i tho P3rt pensioner pension bureau to importunity on of those other than the who tr. ..nffMMllT interested, or thev arise .. .w ...w f.-. - - , from special acts passed for the tieneni ol I individuals. The men who fought side by Nide shouldsLtnd suit -Or sMe wnen tney t .; ; ......-..&?, ti n.m n . cimii r-. , unu-iM: lu ,.... . - - ! memhruncc Evrry consideration ol fa.rni. . and j.istic- to our c.v-sIdiers and the pro . ; tectiou of the patriotic instincts of our j , citizens from perTewon aar wtom. broad and comprehensive enough to cor.r 1 ery c.3t,ng,ucy uad which snail make ; j unnecea-aiy an objectionable volume of al IMU.in A; l..c - we .lh .to ,i.JrTn. ioU.-f mntmieEsionsforservicc. . iw,n.s. of nnwota should be re - J stneted to c- preeutiQg these lealcres. j Every patriotic heart rtrsKniicd to a lender ! consideration tor those who havnag served , their amntry long and well, are reduced to . ... ,:.i; .) l-n..mlMn not lit met - , tKi::i!ii.in riii iii-!ndence. not as an met- dent of their services, but with advancing ge, or through Hcknt or misfortune - are all tempted by ;he ctwtemplaiion of M.ch a rami.ti.mu. s ,pp ly rrlirf aixi are often imptwt of tic hm Jf Jj"" duty. iddia? to no one uv tl dbiretr .in - dulgethis leehngcoosjdenition. Icanno. nd m.vf of the -1 soldier, xrr to bs rel ev ed ther d I their cau are -W ; jj j". actual JW""! ; a, " " -" "- r - ", CTZ :Z1X" s r ngfct 3mt tnai .-cni ., - -w. .---. law be so amended as to better secure com- care, alfequallv entitled, be subject" to the unequal operation of sympathy nor to the tnti.!.? mnrnloc nF coriol onrl rtnlitirvil in lluence, with their unjust discriminations. Th a H i.-fr n t-.i n-tt1 cnlflioisa onrl cnilnr fif th country are our fellow citizens, and i"v-"'-""'"a'-" uiv.w ..w.- . .. interested with us in the passage and faithful execution of wholesome laws. They cannot be swerved from their duty of citizenship by artful appeals U their spirit of brotherhood, born of common peril and suffering, nor will they exact as a test of devotion to their welfare a willing ness to neglect public duty on their behalf. THE PATENT OFFICE. Oa the 4th of March, 1SS3, the current business of the patent office was on an av erage five and a half months behind. At the close of the last fiscal year such current work was but three months in arrears, and it is asserted and believed that in the next few mouths the delay in ob taining an examination of an application for a patent will be but nominal. The number of applications for patents during the last fiscal year including reissues, de signs, trademarks and labels equal 40.67S, which is considerably in excess of the number received during any preceding vear. The receipts of the patent office during the vear aggregate $1,203,107 SO, enabling the office to turn into the treas ury as surplus revenue over and above all" expenditures about 103.710.30. The number of patents granted during the last fiscal year including reissues, trade marks, designs and labels, was 23.019; a number also quite largely in excess of that of any preceding year. The report of the comtnissioncrs shows the office to be in a prosperous condition and constantly in creasing in its business. 2so increase of force is asked for. The amount estimated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 18S0, was $S90,7G0"; the amount estimated for the year ending June 30, 1887, was S333.G90. The amount estimated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1SS3. is $77S,770. SUBSIDIZED UAILKOADS. The secretary of the interior suggests a change in the plan for the payment of the indebtedness of the Pacific subsidized roads to the government. His suggestion has the unanimous endorsement of the persons se lected by the government to act as direc tors of the roads and protect the interests of the United States in the board of direc tion. In considering the plan proposed the sole matters which should be taken into ac count in my opinion are the situation of the government as a creditor and the surest way to secure the payment of the principal and interest of its debt. By a recent de cision of the supreme court of the Lnited States it has been judged that the laws of the several state, are imperative to regulate r-.To.. nf truimnnriiition unon railroads if such regulation interferes with the rate of carriage from one state into auother. Theseimportant fields of control and regu lation having been thus entirely left unoc cupied, the expediency of federal action upon the subject is worthy of considera tion. CAI'ITAL AND LAIiOIl. The relations of labor and capital, and of laboring men to their employers are of tho utmost concern to everv "patriotic citizen. "When thoso are strained aud distroyed, unjustifiable claims aro apt to be iusisted upon by Iwth inter ests, and in tho controversy which results tho wellfare of all aud the prosperity of the country are jeopardized. Any inter vention of'the general government within the limits of its constitutional autaor.ty to avert hiich a condition should bo willingly accorded. In a special message transmitted to the congress at its -t session I suggest ed tho enlargement of our present la lor bureau, and the adding to its present functions the power of arbitration in cases where differences arise between employer and employed. When these differences reach such a stage as to result in the interruption of commerce be tween the states, the application of this remedy by the general government might be regarded as entirely within its constitu tional powers, aud I think that wo might reasonably hope that such arbitrators, if carefully selected, and it entitled to mo coufidwico of tho parties to be affected, would be voluntarily called to the settle ment of less extent and not necessarily within the domain of federal regulation. I am of the opinion that this suggestion, is worthy the attention of the congress, but after nil "has been done by the passage of laws, either federal or state, to relievo a sit uation full of solicitude, more remains to be accomplished by tho reinstatement and cultivation of a true American sentiment which lecoguizes the equality of American citizenship. This in the light of our tradi tions and in loyalty to the spirit of our in stitutioiu, would teach that a hearty co-op oration on the part of all interests is the surest path to national greatness and the happiness of all our people. That ctpital should' 1 in recognition of tlie brotherhood of our citizenship, and iu aspiiit of American fairness generously accord to labor its just compensation and consideration, aud that contented ialnir is capital's best protection aud laituiui any capital s best protection ami iiuiuiui anv it'.ouldteacL.too. that the divers ,!- lions ot our people are uuepaiuuiu iium our civilization, that every ciit.en should fill h s pl1-'re b; a c mtnbutioti to the gen ......l .,.,m.i thiii i-jioital does not neces-sardy teiidlo the oppression of Ir.bor, and th if j violeut disturbances ami uuonieri a.ienate from their promoters the true American sv mp.nlhy aud kindlv feeling. TIIK DEPAI'.MENT OV AOIilCULTUItE, representing the oldest and largest of our nnuoiia! industries is subserriug well the purpose of its organization by the introduc tion of new subjects of farming enterprise, and bv opening new sources of agricul tural 'vealth and the dissemination of early iuliirmation concerning production and prices it has contributed largely to the rountry's prospvrity. Through this agency xdvanced thought and investigation touching the subjects it ti is in charge should among other things i. ..r.iirv.'ilv-p.Tv.ilie.l to the home nrod.ic- j .. ,. ,, i,.,v (s.-,t .f articles of f'KxJ wniefi I ' re now imported irom abroad. Such an in- , novation wdi necessarily .of course.ia the b i .....,..., iu. vv-iilnn tin- domain of intelligent i... ..-ni. in flu. ilnmuJ!! of mti-lli.'enl ; e,cnmnts. and the subjVct in every stage i 3i,ould receive nil possible encouragement j frorn lJje government. The later sta of , ,.,..u .. ........... ?- ... t, ,,,. nf r f itirj-ns eiiKged in agri 111 U .. J V ... , J f.:1i..,rfi nre invested m an enlrtrgement aud , miproTemua; of the result, of thrir Mf. . ud R Zertlmls rcg,lP, IOr Uieir weiarv - . ii: . ..- rkr nvC . u(1uf 3:lllU!ti oe a ww.ing uluulBv- -- pro.iucUYe returns are s. mam Krce of our procrerf and power, TJe xutoace of plenro-jjneuinonia tbeCl,ucof stiit ha? Wtobur- some c diwtroB, re- stric;j,mi; iB ka important branch of our L. to etlect the , lT aad quantity of our ;upplT. This is a matter of ?uch ,m :. -a a? .,.h fr nirfi!n cott 1 .......,,..;.. f thf rrm7e.-. to the end i (,u u......" . ...- o - - j lbal ,ucl a remedy may b, apphed a. Ik. j lbal urh j ,mib of j JO , j u j CT ! . . ihe renrral govermeat will per- ..... i .mv..rwi m ine raNSMJt2.nttt n ,i. ,,,, t- rorvirtot tae amitssiooer Rml hfc, .u:r::s.5tiotts cotxxrnlag the interest j (Hhu care. crrri.SBP.rjCB. ntjai i of th kw rr hiSrn te aided t tb , t, ot il5 acofe co.v,"'L. ' ,. is a fct by J ! z 0 -.1 of tbfe 'r- Iu ftJ3Wdt . fl -n,onS Unh. ! -Sn nWrod b -- -".,., -. . r- - ... -" requirements. The meaning of such re- straint and protection is thrvu wrin xrnnt nlafsaa 1' nrntwlinn i not nnnrwistwl bv ttinA artin wnnt nlfsa lindftr thf! fOVCm- ment regardless of merit and efficicncy.nor by those who insist that the selection for such places should rest upon a proper cre dential showing active partizan work They mean lo public officers, if not their lives, the only opportunity af orried them to attend to public business, anil tliev mran tn tht ood neonle of the country" the better performanceof the woik ! 01 tneir government, ti is exceeuingiv strange that the scope and nature of this reform are so little understood, and that so many things not included witum its plan Uingsi hoi iiii'iuuni uuju n-s jiiau j xl by its name. "When cavil yields lly to examination the system" will ge additions to the number of its are caneo ov its name. more fully linrfl lorir. friends Our civil service reform may lie imperfect in some of its details; it may be misunderstood aud opposed; it may" not always be faithfully applied; its designs may sometime miscarry lurougu j m!rt- nr ivillfnl iritpnt? 1T1.1V sometimes ! hiLnI-m nr willful intent tremble under the assaults of its enemies or languish under the misguided zeal of im practicable friends, but" if the people of this country ever submit to the banishment of its underlying principles from the opera tion of their government they will abandon fhosnrpst unranteeof the safetT and sue , cess of American institutions I invoke for this reform the cheerful and ungrud;. lg- i irv snnnort ot uie comzTcss. i . .-.. .-..r.... r.4 tl... iatifrrS , ., I I renew my rccommendatiou made last J vear that the commissioners i in.iue equal to other officers of the government having like duties and responsibilities, aud I hope that such reasonable appropriations mav be made as will enable them to in crease the usefulness of the cause they have in charge. THE FKEEDMAN'S BANK. I desire to call the attention of the con gress to the plain duty which the govern ment owes to the debitors in the Freed man's Saving and Trust Co. This com pany was chartered by the congress for the benefit of the most illiterate aud humble of our people with the intention of encourag ing in them industry aud thrift Most of its brauches were presided over by officers holnitH' the commissions and clothed in tho irnnii in I ill. uniform of the United States. ti.... ...wi I i hu-; un.i , other circumstances reasonably. I think, led these simple people to suppose that the invitation to deposit their hard earned savings in this institution involved an undertaking on the part of the govern ment that their money should be safely kept for them. When this compiny failed it was liable in tho sum of .sHOJUtl.'i'jr. -J2 to 611 depositors. Dividends amounting in the aggregate to 92 per cent have been declared and the miui called for ..n.l nid of such 'dividends seems to be 4ifit mi 7? This deducted from the en tire amount of deposits leaves $1,291,717 still unpaid. 1'ast experience nas suovvn that (piite a large part ot ttus sum win noi be called for. There are assets still on hand amounting to the estimated sum of $10, 000. I think the remaining lb per cent of such of these deposits as have claims should be p dd by the government upon the principle of equity and fairness. The report of the commissioner soon to be laid bofore congress will give satisfactory details upon this subject. THIS DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The conduct of the affairs of the District of Columbia having been placed iu the hands of purely executive officers whilu tho congress stifl retains all legislative au thoritv relating to its general government, it becomes my duty to make known the most pressing needs of the district anil recommend their consideration. The laws of the district appear to Iks in an uucertaiu and unsatisfactory condition, and their codification or iovision is much needed. During the past year one of the bridges leading from the district to the state of Virgmia tweame un fit for use. and travel upon it was forbid den. This leads me to suggest that the improvement of all the budges crossing tnu Potomac and its branches, from the citv of Washington, are worthy of the at tention of congress. The commissioners of the district Represent that the laws regu lating the sale of liquor and granting licenses therefor should be at once amend ed, and that legislation is needed to coiwl ldate, define and enlarge the scope and power of charitable and penal institutions within the district. I suggest that the commissioners be clothed witliTho power to make within fixed limi tations police regulations. I believe this power tirauted and carefully guarded would tend to subserve the good order ot the municipality. It seems that trouble still i xists, growing out of the occupation of the streets and avenues by certain rail roads, their terminus m the city. It verv important that such laws should be enacted upon this subject as will m.cure to the railroads all the facilities the require fr the transaction of their i.nii...j nnil at the same time protect citizens from injury to their person or property. ... 'flu. tuitnissioncrs flfain romnutlti that the accommodations afforded iln-ni for the ...- hit-ifuwa ncry o.Uces fu the J? :ind for the safe keepmg of valuable buoks are entirely lnstiinrieiu. i reconMM.-wi that this condition of affairs be con.-.dnsl bv congros Htu that nuiuble qurter lie ft'iniihei for the wxd of the dbtrict gv ernment. In concliwion, I earnestly invoke men wi-e aetkin on the jwrt of th- people's legislators as will suhifrre the public ttnl ami drmon-fctmte during the renmialng Any of the ougreaa at prtjat orgwaizwl U abihiv arnl inrliiwtion u s.o mm the peo ple's nreds that it shthl le gratefully re membered by an expectant coostilutacy. (Jhovkr Ct.VSLA3t. Wcshingfn DC. Dc 4. lt8. Mulhniton in rlcnli. i:va.ssvili.b. lad.. Dec. 0. Toene ia ......!. axMtfnumi tl Pafiurh. Kir.. oerl the report !ht n dbwiood 6W eite 8r there. The arrets of tbe cit. it i '. .. .v.4 VLtth wht b. kjK.Q R Wtt'.OM- I emle "Hiel hicii i-t cJipoel Of oofe j V I S!ati ",. ..- . - f .ini ira ulion aoa cmrvtm. I "". K . . . ...u ... .1 r , ..., m rnuarn ve " smw.. .. ' ,rnanl(fi t tba mam: ehh.w i,m.iv.n! (nr rxamilialloTl Tht M . w . . .. . i iz. . m .1..... ...imI thi ttw mupdIk) hauei to him are sirailnr to deports fwl te tbe rai dutmood fihU of Auiriu aad Africa; tnt he hd 4iMorcrw! mienmrttopk pttrticlc of dhunood aod gmrwU. but io onser t give the Mibject retody be bad forrded tbe gravrl to the Saiihsoauui lasiitute fT cl: nnlyMi No irpurt ba vet been reocived. ?ut tbe eitizms of Fda cab are emjTinnti rfnrt 4.immt&i fe in ex LsJeace in lbt Uxxtity, aad will paf no expense to dwreiop tbtan. Criminal Irccefdingj. KA.y.vs Citt. Der. 6 Tbr jodf of tb crimiaul court mna Terai wawr ad tdar f'r faihtre to ipxi mmrugm to tbe bocrd of braJ'b. A JrSferoa Crtr pcialarswpr' -.,- noKrtiu.1 tiu vnitct of ifer ami rt c.ori ol CfirMtm cooatj. -rctcS w W. V .. ' -wm. Conn CH CS imfm tmm-j , - 9 --- Ifc PeUo. aged 1. V be haa! f tbe .., . ' tK .f Afii too of x urizhtosr i . r.Al,i Mo . tbe xtmaA tarr i- HkXcJ rilu. Mwrfeoo. d Ifl. mm tA PrcOJast 5forr. f P"7 a-4ii?f tbe murder rA JaJia PaiUcstoa. a dtaaeauc ia th faaaiiy. Jtqua Hn.'taia tn VirKlnla. tnot rtJOUftMc fir yer fa o"r dMc mof orm exprlewwt eom&mntmutf for W low, Tfce i-MU ao 1 3 b 15 deep. Unknown Schooner Asbore. Point Pleasant. N. J., Doc. 6. A schooner came ashore on the south bar of Townsend Inlet yesterday. - The life sav ing crew went as near as whs safe, but could not board her as she was fully a mile out at sea. A waU-rcask which was driven ashore was stamped with the name Emily Shepherd, Middletotu There was a strong gale blowing from north-northeast and a heavy sea broke on shore. None- of the crew" were to be seen t the riirging, and it thought all on board have perished. Snow iu North Carolina. vsuv tii,u, . u. uiv. u. c;iu . fallen to the depth of sixteen inches and Ls stili falling Trains are blockaded. The weight of the snow crushed in the roof of AsuviLi.n. N. C . Dec. 0. Snow has the Ashville tob.cco works and a larire stock of smoking tobacco was ruined. The lo-vs is heavy. The old Shelton factory with a large stock of tobacco stored in it was crusiica to lucgmumt. ftio me wiuue- ? nmn'.inn lw.iw.. nf Hit s'-.m A'. Wnlsnn. o Truth In It. Ft. Scott. Kan . Pop 0.X party of stockholders from Philadelphia and ttlen- nril MnTi'im.r Knelt nf til. tTtmT 'NmIiTSIS- v.... '.... p.i a...... V ...v -. , -.. . . ka it Dakota railroad nre m the city, and .1 .1 .. ::....!.. . ,...;..l .. thev deny most Dositivt-lv the succtnl re ports telegraphed fnm Tnpekn that tBeir road has been sold tn Jav Gnnhi or the A , -. r r. .-. .r.. x fL i . i vy; r. me iv a. : u, inv av it is not for sale. ThoMe Chestnut Ivolls. Kmi'OUIa. Kan. Dec. G Thu Kmporin Daily Republican will contain an article to morrow morning Iwsed upon what it dt ems to be good authority that the A.. T. it S. F. railroad coni'Kin is to withdraw it pro posed lino to Chicago, in consideration ot which the Clicae;i Rock Island & IV-ific is to withdraw from Kans-.. All other Chicago lines to the Missouri river aro probably iucluded in the arningemcnt. Obituary. TopkkX, Kan . Dec 6 Mrs. Ymtj K. Xeff. daughter of James Secr. oneof the oldest citizens of Kansas, died iit this city tnnii'lit Tho rcmniiis vrill b illterirMl lit --... - - - the family burial lot at Oak Hill cemetery - ... , , at Lawrence. Katias. the funcrnl occur ring from the 3leihiKlist church in that citv at 11 o'clock Tlmi'day. Sunday Obsurvauce. iNDi.vNAroi.ia, I ml., Dec 6 Some thing toeat and rofilns were about the only thinsis that it was possible to buy in Indian apolis vesterday Tin liquor letuiuu had men keeping watch over all placos of Imsi ness aud in couM-quenco there whs nothing done that would warrant prosecution for violation Of the bundav law. Down They Gi. San FitAncisco, Dec. 7 Two more failures of stockbrokers have been an nounced: C. E. Anderson MisiHiiided wish SlfiO.OoU liabilities, assests nominal. V V. Franks assigned to Henry I' Wood with liabili ies estimated tit $-200,000. Jack FroMt in Alabama. .Miiiii.it. Ala.. Dec. fi There a considerable fall of snow from daylight to dark yeskterday FINANCE AND COMMERCE. MAllKUTd Y TBMtOUAl'U. Vr Jloni.'. H' YoWK, P.SS.I111MT C Jlotiy oncnM jnlt t 5 5(ir snlal.liM -t 6 aknl. Trlrnc inronnUU put" i. 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