Evening Gazette

              /-a z»l*I fcO'l _ „ _ "J r. Juirt nq -I ,.*14 II Owl til U tci NtTltBIB 4 62 ( Weekly Established I860 ( PITTSTQN. PA., WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1883 iitj Cit Just action of its subordinate colonial ofBoars In the case of this vcs«e!. flrted in this republic, we cannot regard with indifference any encroachment on tkeir rights. China, by the payment of a money indemnity, has settled certain of the long pending claims of ou' citizcua, and I have strong hopes that tba remainder will soon be adjusted.| difficulty In carrying tncm into cf/fcct. Since the ! 16th of July last no person, no far as Iain ajvatCe bas teen appointed lo the public nervlo* lai we tluvAnf nr. nnv r\t H«» •,"M j ::ajM± irfiall v:ao 410 las C_a stmOVisi?uT?i NllWffl. THE MESSAGE. any radical revision or modification of existing law. In the interval which must elapse before tbe effects of tho act of March 3, 1083, can be definitely ascertained a portion at least of tho surplus revenues may be wisely applied to the long neglected duty of rehabilitating our nation and providing coast defenses for the protection of our harbors. Ttis is B matter to which I shall again advert. inespag**, at specified rate* and under Government supervision. various such schemes, of the same gon« rtl naMre but widely differing In their special characteristics, bave been suggested In the public prints, and the arguments by which they have been supported and opposed have doubtless attracted your attention. The Helvetian Confederation has proposed the inauguration of a class of international treaties for the referment to arbitration of grave questions between nations. The government has assented to the proposed negotiation of such a treaty with Switzerland. Under the treaty of Berlin, liberty of conscience and civil right? aro assured to all strangers in Bulgaria. As the United States have no distinct conventional relations with that country and are not a parly to the treaty, they should in my opinion maintain diplomatic representation at Sofia for the improvement of intercourse ar.d the proper protection of the many American citizens wno resort to that country as missionaries and teachers. I suggest that I be given authority to establish an agency and consulate general at the Bulgarian capital. The United States are now participating in tho revision of the tariffs of the Ottomau empire. They have assented to the application of a license tax to foreigners doing business in Turkey, but have opposed the oppressive storage tax upon petroleum entering the ports of that country. INTERNATIONAL TREATIES. neen uj.j/.uuLeu to iiio |iuu..v ■ •"lror'" - classified portions thereof nt any of the departments or at any of the post offices and customs i Irlcts above uamed, except those certified by the Commission to be the most competent on the basis of the examinations held in conformity to rules. -M ill* c * HTiCI'J f Nl'a UKi Governor Pattison Vetoes the The President's Annual Presentation to Congress. It Is likely that the whole subject will beconrlderod by you at tbe present session. In the nature of things It Involves ho msny questions of detail that your deliberations would probably be aided slightly, If at all. by any particular suggestions which 1 might now submit. PRESIDENTIAL SUCCESSION. Abir'dMattofi BH1. ; ' «"■ AMERICANS IN CHINA. ▲t the time when the present Exeoutive entered upon the dntleH of his office liis death. removal, resignation or Inability to discharge his duties would have left the Government without a Constitutional head. —- .ItULUil The Clerk* Kxeeptert-Stroiii the KieentWe—The^ApproprlalInn IIP!  Questions have arisen touching tho 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 t reaty is silent, but under the operation of tho most favored national clauso, we have like privileges with those of othor 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 constrain China to admit an interpretation which we liave only nn indirect treaty right to exact. The transference to China of American capital for the employment there of Chinese labor would in effect inaugurate a competition for the contrci oC markets now supplied by our home industries.THE NATIONAL CURRENCY. OOVERHMMENT SUPERVISION S0OOB8TSD. I avow my belief, however, that the Government should beautvrorlzed by law to exercise some sort of supervision over Inter State telegraphic communication. and I express the hone that for attain lug that end some measure may be devised whloh will recelvo your approbation. THE FEES OF JURORS AND W1TNE88RS. The Attorney General criticises in his report the provisions of existing law Axing the fees of Jurors and witnesses In the Federal Courts. These provisions are chiefly contained In the Act of February 2tf. 185M, though some of them were Introduced Into that action from statutes which had been passed many years previous. It Is manifest that such compensation as might when these laws wen» enacted have been Just and reasonable, would 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. Immediately associated with the financial subject just discussed is the important question, what legislation is needed regarding the national currency f The aggregate amount Ol bonds now on deposit in _tho treasury to support the national banlc circulation is about $350,000,000. Nearly $200,000,1X10 of tnis amount consists of three per emits which, as aleeady stated, are payable at the pleasure of the government, and are likely to be called in with in less than four years, unless iu the meantime the surplus revenues shall be diminished. It Is possible, of oourse that a similar contingency may again arifle unless the wisdom C f Congress shall provide against Its recum-ncc. The Senate at Its last session, after full conslderstion, passed an net relating to this subject whlcn will  trust, commend Itself to the approval of both Houses of Congress. The clause of the Constitution upon which must depend any law regulating the Presidential succession presents also for jiolutlon otber questions of paramount Importance. Passed Over the Veto. T*TD OUB FOBEIGN EELATIONS. Haruisburg, Doc. 4.—Govornor 1'aUinoii shortly bofore noon yesterday sent to the House a ineaiwgo vetoing that portion of the Appropriation bill providing pay for Senators and mombers, and approving the portions wliioii provide compensation to the employes for work actually performed. Reform In Federal OfllcesThe Fi- nancial Question DlBcuaseci The Chinese Treaty and Its Infractions — Tbe Postal These questions relate to the proper lnterpreta tlon of the phrase " inability to discharge the powers and duties of said office/' our organic law proving that when the President shall suffer from such Inability, the Presidential office shall devolve upon the Vice-President, who must hJm°elf, under like circumstances, give place to Such officer as Congress may by law appoint to act as President. I need not nerc set fori h the numerous and Interest ing inquiries which arc nuggested by these words of the constitution. Thev were fully stated In my first communication to Congress, and Lave since been the subject of frequent deliberations In that bylY- t  The probable effect of such an extensive retirement of the securities, which are the basis of the national bank circulation, would be suck a contraction of the volume of the currency to produce grave commercial embarrassments.THE VETO MESSAOE. Telegraph. SALARIES, HOT PEES. To tlio House of Representatives of tlto Commonwealth of Pennsylvania — Gentlemen:—In uecordance willi tile authority given to the Governor to disapprove of any items of any appropriatisn bill, 1 disapprove of all the items in the herewith returned bill, except th0E0 items in etolion :i providing for tl.e pay of certain employes of the Senate, and these items iti section 4 for the pay of certain employes of the House, and section 1 for the expense of serving a writ of election to nil a vacancy in the Houao of Representatives. T« all the other items of the bill I decl.no vo givo my approval. 80, too, should the laws which regulate the compensation of District-Attorney and Marshals. They should be paid wholly by salaries. Instead of lu part by lees, as Is now thes case. The change would prove to be a measure of economy, and would discourage the institution of needless and opprcpslvc legal proccodlngs, which, It Is to be feared, have In some Instances been conducted for the mere sako of personal pain. Washington, Dec. 4.—To the Congress of the United States:—At tho threshold of your deliberations I congratulate you upou the favorable aspect of the domestic and foreign affairs of this government. CHINESE IMMIGRATION, It is greatly to 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 furniiA cayse for anxiety and alarm. There is good reason to believe that the law restricting tho immigration of Chinese has been violated, intentionaly or otherwise, by the officials of China, upon whom is devolved the duty of certifying that the immigrants belong to the restricted classis. Sleasures have been taken to ascertain the facto incident to this supposed infraction, an.l it is believed that the government of China will cooperate with the United States in securing the faithful observance of the law. HOW CAN THIS DANGER BE OBVIATED? AMERICANS IN EGYPT. The most effectual plan, and one whose adoption nt the earliest practicable opportunity I Rlinll heartily approve, has nlivaily been Indicated. If the revenues of the next four years shall b3 Kept substantially commensurate with the expenseB the volume of circulation will notbellkelT to suffer any material dWturbunue. But If, ou the other band, there sliall be Kr"ut delay In reducing taxation. It w 111 become necessary either to substitute some other form of currency in place of tho National tank notes or to make Important changes in the laws by which their circulation Is now controlled.Our relations with other countries continue to be on friendly footing. With Argentino Republic, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Denmrrk, Hayti, Italy, Santo Domingo and Sweden and Norway, no incident has occurred which calls fur spccial comment. The government of the Khedive has proposed that the authority of the mixed judicial tribunals in Egypt be oxtended so as to cover citizens of the United States accused of crime who are now triable before consular courts. This j .vernment is not indisjxjsed to accept the ch-nge, but believes that its terms should be njuaiitted for criticism to the commission appointed to revise the . whoie subject. Much Interesting and varied Information Is contained In the report of the Secretary of the In terlor. I particularly call your attention to his presentation of certain phases of the Indian question, to hi * recommendation for the repeal of the pre-emption and timber culture acts, and for more stringent legislation to prevent frauds under the pension laws. The statutes which prescribe the definitions and punishments of crimes relating to pensions could doubtless iDe made more effeetfvc by certnln amendments and additions which aie pointed Out lu the Secretary's report. THE INDIAN' QUESTION. For the reasons fully stated In my last annual message, I repeat my recommendation that Congress propose ac amendment to that provision of the Constitution which prescribes the formalities for ihe etactment of laws, whereby. In respect to bills for the appropriation of public rnoueys, the Executive may be enabled, while giving his ap- Sroval to particular Items, to interpose ills veto as D such others as do not commend themselves to his Judgment. HOW TO STOP RIVER AND HARBOR JOBS." In my Judgment the latter course is far preferable. I commend to vour attention the very Interesting and thoughtful suggestions upon thi* subject which appear in the Secretary's report. The objections * lilch ho urges against the acceptance of any other securities |!mn the obligations of the Government itself as a foundation for National bank circulation seen; to me insuperable. DEHAVDIKn PAY FOR UEFVIKQ THR I.A W The recent opening of new lines of telegraphic communication with Central America and Brazil (jermitsed the interchange of mesnges of friendship with the go rcrnments of those countries. The same considerations which prompted congress at its last session to return to Jupan the Simonoseki iudemuity seem to me to require at its hands like action in respect to tne Canton indemnity fund, now amounting to $300,000. The Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution confem the rights of citizenship upon all porn)! iD born or naturalized in the United States and su!» J«ct to the Jurisdiction thereof. It was the special purpose of this amendment to Insure to nu mbers of tIio colored race the full enjoyment of civil and political rights. Certain statutory provisions Intended to secure the endorcmout of those right* have been recently dcclured unconstitutional by tlie Supreme Court. Any legislation whereby Congress may lawfully supplement the guarantees which the Constitution nfrords for the equal enjoyment by all tile citizens of the United States of eveiy right, privilege and Immunity of citizenship will receive my unhesitating approval. Chester a. Arthur. Washington. December E, 1883. Tlie incinliors of tlie (jcnerul Assembly were court uud in tpecial session for tho sola purpose of hpporliotiing ll.o Slam as t* inmuiided by theConstitution. Tim eooiuiai .1 was upon thein to pass such laws at the regular pension, but iliey adjourned a few days after their right to pay ceased with their sworn constitutional duty nnperfoimcd. They were immediately reculled into session tooUy the organic law to keep their oaths, and to accord to ihe people the most impoitant political rights. They again deliberately refuse to perfonn their constitutional duly, and are about to adjourn. After wasting alx months in contemning Ihe Constitution,they now rend me this bill appropriating over half a million dollars to pay themselves for refusing to do what they were electctl and sworn to do. Every consideration of law and the simplest principles of common justice protest against tueli an attempt to take the money of the people without consideration. There is no law authorizing public officers to pay themselves for defying the law. Such an inconsistency could not exist in tho jurisprudence of any enlightened government No citizen in his priratc business capacity would sanction such a principlo as that underlying this bill. The fact Uiat ono has been elected by tho people to an office docs not of itself entitlo liim to pay. He must first perform the duties of his office. At well might a judr« claim his Balary wbo refuses to hold Court or try tho capes beforo him. The members of this Legislature have refused to do their duty in compliance with the command of the Constitution, tho vow of i heir official oath and the purpose of their election. THE MEXICAN REPUBLIC. I have prevloufilv referred to the alarming state of illiteracy in certain portions of the cbun ry, and again s.ihniit f« r the consideratkn of Congress wnether some federal aid snoutd not be extended to public primary edueati u where adequate pro vision therefore nas not already been made. TUB GOVERNMENT AND ILLITERACY. At no time in our national history 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 aud enterprise into that country shows liy what has already been accomplished, the vast reciprocal advantages which must attend the progress of its internal development. The treaty of commerce and navigation of 1843 has been terminated by the Mexican government, and in tlio absence of conventional engagements the rights of our citrons 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 that diplomatic resort for tneir protection. The initial step toward a better understanding has been taken iu the negotiation by the commission authorized by congress, of a treaty which is still beforo the senate awaiting its approval. Tho provisions for the reciprocnl crossing of the frontier by tho troops in persuit of hostile iudians have been prolonged for another year. TtI*operation» of the forces of both governments against these savages have been successful, ami several of their most dangerous bands have been captured or dispersed by the skill und valor of United States and Mexican solditrs lighting iu a common cause. 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 countries, while our eastern relations have been put upon a wider basis by treatios with Corea and Madagascar. The new boundary survey treaty with Mexico, a trade mark convontion and a supplementary treaty of extraditiou with Spain, and conventions extending the duration of the Franco-American claims commission have also been proclaimed. JAPANESE TREATIES. For averting tao threatened contraction two ooursea have lDeen suggested, either of which is Krobably feasible. One is the issuing of new bonds avlng many years tD run, lDeariug a low rule of Interest aud exchangeable upon specified terms of these now outstanding. The other course, which coinmenda Itself to i*»y own judgment as the better, Is the enaotmcnt of u law repealing the tax on circulation and permitting the banks to Issr.e notes for an amount equal to 00 per cent, of the tn tr&et value, instead of. as now, the fnoe value of tnelrdc- Eositcd bonds. I agree with the Secretary in tho ellef that the adoption of this plan would afford the necessary relief. The question of the goneral revision of the foreign treaties of Japan has been considered in an international conference held at Tokio, but without a definite result as yot. This government is disposed to concede the requests of Japan to determine its own tari if duties, to provide such proper judicial tribunals as may commend themselves to the western powers for the trial of causes to which foreigners aro ]»rties, and to assimilate the terms and duration of its treaties to those of other civilized states. The Utah Commission has submitted to the sec rotary of the Interior Cts second annual report. As s , result of its labors in supervising the recent elect ion in that Territory, pursuant to the act of March !!. 1882, it appears that persons by that act dipouali!l"d, to the number of about 12,000, were excluded from the rolls. This fact, however, affords little c iuscfor congratulation, and I fear that it is far pom indicating any real and substantial progress inwards the extirpation of polygamy. All the members-elect of the Legislature are Mormons. I here is grave reason to believe that they are in nympathy with the practices that this Government 1* seeking to suppress, and that its efforts in that regard will be mere likely to encounter their opposition than to receive their ncouragenient and •support. Even if this view should happily be erroneous, the law under which the Commissioners I ave been acting should be made more effective by the iucorporatWn of some sach stringent amendinents as they recommended, and as were included In Hill No. 2,2.% on the calendar of the Senate at last session. POLYGAMY IX UTAH. PRESS COMMENTS. The trade dollar was coined for the purpose of traffic in countries where silver passed at its vulue as ascertained by its weight and fineness. It never had a legal tender quality. Large numbers of these coins en tored, however, into the volume of our currenojr. Hjr common ••nsent their circulation In domestic trade has now ceased, and they have thus become a disturbing element. They should not lie longer permitted to embarrass our currency system. I recommexd that provision be made for their reception by |he 1 roasury and tho mints as bullion at a small percentage above thecurront market price of silver of like fineness. TnE TRADE DOLLAR. Opinions of Leading Journals on the President's Message. Through our ministers at London and at Monrovia, this government has endeavored to aid Liberia in its differences with Great Britain touching the northwestern boundary of that republic. There is a prospect of adjustment of the dispute by the adoption of tho Mannah river as the line. This arrangement is a compromise of the conflicting territorial cluftns, and takes from Liberia no country over which it has maintained effective jurisdiction. LIBERIA AND GREAT BRITAIN. 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 ceaso on July 1, 1885. The fisheries industries pursued by a numerous class of our citizens on the northern coasts, both of the Atlantic and Pacific ocean, are worthy of the fostering care of congress. Whenever brought; into competition with the like industries of other countries our fishermen as well as our manufacturers of fishing appliances and preparers of flsh 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 aud enuring conditions, the richly stocked fishing waters and sealing grounds of British North America. , THE FISHERIES TREATIES. KSngllalt Crltlrimii not Altogether Favorable—The Thuudcr- POLYOAMT STRONGLY ENTRENCHED. er'a View* on the The Secretary of the Treasury advises a consolidation of certain of the Customs districts of tho country, and suggests that the Prosldent be vestod wiui such power in relation thereto as is now given him in respect to Collectors of Internal Revenue by Section 8,141 of the Revised Statutes. The statistics upon this subject which are contained in his report furnish of themsolves a strong argument in defence of his views. THE CUSTOMS DISTRICTS. I am convinced, however, that polygamy has beeome so strongly entrenched In tbo Territory of Utah that it is profitless to attack it with any *Dut I he stoutest weapons which constitutional legislation cau fashion. I favor, therefore tho repeal of the act upon which the existing Government depends, the assumption by the National legislature of the entire p lilh-al contiol of the Territory, and tho establishment of a commission with such itowers and duties as shall be delegated to it by law. AI outage. New York, Dec. 5.—The president's message has generally been favorably commented on by the leading papers in this country. COMMERCE UN THE CONOO. The rich and populous valley of the Congo is being opened to commerce by a society called tho International African Association, of which the king of the Belgians is president, and a citizen of the United States the chief executive oilier. Large tracts o£ territory have been ceded to the association by native chiefs, roads have been openod, steamboats placed on the river, and the nucles of states established at twenty two stations, uuder one flag, which offers freedom to commerce and prohibits the slavo trade. The objects of thesociety are philanthropic. It does not aim at permanent political power, but seeks the neutrality of the valley. The United States cannot be indifferent to this work, nor to the interests of their citizens involved iu it. It may become advisable for us to cooperate with other commercial powers in promoting the rights of trade and residence in the Congo Valley free from the interfereuoe or political control of any one nation. The Sun says: The document sent to congress contains much evidence that the president thinks for himself. His opinions and recommendations on important questions of policy are often wholly different from those which he transmits in the reports of his cabinet advisers. He conveys from the departments without expressed or implied approval some schemes with which we should be sorry to And him in agreement. His assent to measures which meet his own views is sufficiently distinct; his silence in regard to other measures proposed by the members of his cabinet, so far from meaning consent, is quite as eloquent as the most energetic phrase of disapproval. INTERNAL REVENUE DISTRICTS. THE CATTLE INDUSTRY. At the adjournment o.f Congress the number of Internal Revenue collection districts was 120. Ry Executive order, dated June 26, 1888. I directed that certain of these districts be consolidated. The result has been a reduction of one-third their number, whioh at present Is but 85. At the Instance of tho Commissioner of Agriculture a convention of those Interested In the cattle Industry 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 ol di ousslon. A Committee of the Convention will invite your co-operation in investigating the causes of toene diseases and providing juetliods for their prevention and cure. The convention for tho resurvey of the boundary from the Rio Grande to the Pacific having been ratified a .d exchanged, the preliminary reconuaissanoe therein stipulated has been affected. It now rests with congress to make provision for completing the survey and relocating the boundary monuments.THE SECRETARY OK WAR'S REPORT. From the report of the Secretary of War H will bo seen that in only a tingle instance has there been any disturbance of the quiet condition of Indian tribes. A raid from Mexico li;to Arizona was made in March last by a small party of Indians, Which was pursued by General Crook into tho mountain regions from which it hod come. It 1# confidently hoped tuat serious outbreaks will not aKald occur, and tbat the Indian tribes which have for so many years disturbed the West will hereafter remain In peaceful submission. I trust that Congress will not fail at its present session to put Alaska undir the protection of law. Its people have repeatedly remonstrated against our neglect to afford them the maintenance and protection expressly guaranteed by the terms of the treaty whereby that Territory was ceded to tho United States. For sixteen years they have pleaded In vain for that which they should nave received without the asking. They have no law for tho collection of debts, the pupport of education, 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 ai:d navigation acts. LAW WANTED IN ALASKA. A convention was signed with Mexico an July 13, 188'J, providing for the cases of Benjamin Weil and the Abra SUver Mining company, in whoso favor awards were made by tho la te American aud Mexican claims commissioner. That convention still awaits the consent of the senate meanwhile, because of the charges of fraudulent awaitis which have made a new commission necessary, the executive has directed the suspension of paymests of the distributive quotu received from Mexico. Our geographical proximity to Central America and our political and commercial relations with the states of tliat cotuitry justify, in my judgement, such a material increase of our consular corps as will place at each (capital a consul general. has arisen touching the deportation to the United States from tho British islands, by governmental or municipal aid, of persons unable there to gain a living, and equally a burden ban. Such of these persons as fall undel' the pauper class as defined by law have bean sent back in accordance with the provisions of statutes. Her majesty's government has insisted that precautions have been taken before shipment to prevent these objectionable visitors from coming hither without guarantee of support by their relatives in this country. The action of the British authorities in applying measures for relief has, however, in so many rosea proved ineffectual and especially so in certain recent instances of needy emigrants reaching our territory through Canada, that a revision of our legislation upon this subject may be deemed advisable. Correspondence relative to the Clayton Bulwer treaty has been continued and will be laid before congress. THE IRISH PAUPER QUE8TON When this session was convened, instead of proceeding at one© to perform tht ir duty the members of tho Legislature, for thoir personal convenience, immediately took a recess for eleven days. By thin bill every legislator is itiven of the people's money $10 a day for each day of that recess. For over one-half of the time since the Legislature was convened, the Senate had not been in session at all. On many of the days when it did hold ■sessions but a few minutes were occupied.and no single official act was dmio looking to a performance of duty. The record of the House of Representatives upon this subject, while it i* not so culpable is yet highly rcpru hensiblc, it not huvu g held sessions for many lays. Yet for ihe wholo 182 days, from Juno 7 to Decernbt r 5, whether days of session, no session, or sham sensiwii, Lord's days and holidays, for all alike, $J0 a day for tlie entire lime is given by this bill to crery Senator and THE UNWARRANTED RECESSES. I again call your attention to the present condition of our extended seacoast, upon which are so many large cities whose wealth and importance to t'lo country would in time of war invite attack from modern armored ships, against which our existing defensive works could give no adequate protection. Those works were built before tho lutroductlon of modern heavy rifled guns into maritime warfare, and If they are not put in an efficient condition we may be subjected to humiliation by a hostile inferior to ourselves. As germane to this subject I call your attention to the importance of perfecting OUR DEFENCELESS SEACOAST. The Times r. marks: The annual message of the president exhibits a calm tone and a moderate temper throughout. While it contains no marks of profound statesmanship, it is a business like document and in the main all the occasion calls for. It is a matter for congratulation that our internal condition is quiet and prosperous, and our relations with foreign countries so tranquil, that no question exist which demand vigorous treatment. There is nothing In the message to indicate serious differences of opinion of any kind either among our own people or between our government and that of any other nation. In foreign affairs there is nothing calling for discussion more serious than the luture regulation of fishery rights, the slight friction occasioned by assisted emigration, and commercial discriminations against our products here and there, and the evasion of the restrictions upon Chinese immigrants. In general the president had only to speak of movements for more extended relations with distant countries and closer relations with our immediate neighbors. Iu view of the frequency of invitations from foreign governments to participate in social and scientific Congratses for the discussion of important matters of general concern I repeat the suggestion of my last message that, provision tie .. ade for the exercise of discretionary power by the executive appointing delegates to such convocations. Able specialists are ready to servo the national interests in such capacity without personal profit or other compensation than the defrayment of expenses actually incurred, and this a comparatively small annual appropriation would suffice to meet. INTERNATIONAL CONGRESSES, The resources of Alaska, especially in fur, mines and lumber, are considerable In extent and capable of large development, while its geographical situation is ono of political and oommerclal 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. OUR SUBMARINE TORPEDO DEFENCES. The Board authorized by the lost Congress to re port upon the method which should be adopted for the maoufacture of heavy ordnance adapted to modern warfare has visited the principal Irqn and steel works in this country and In Europe. It Is booed that Its report will soon be mude, and that Congress will thereupon be disposed to provide suitable facilities and plans for the manufacture of such guns as are now imperatively needed. THE SOUTH AMERICAN WAR. ComDlalnts have lately beon numerous and urgent that certain corporations, controlling In whole or in part the facilities for the lnt*r-8taie carriage of persons and merchandise over the gtt'at railroads of the country, have resorted In tneir dealings with the public to divers measures unjust and oppressive in their character. In some instances the State governments have attacked and suppressed these evils, but In others they have been unable to afford adequate relief because of tho jurisdictional limitations which are Imposed upon them by the Federal Constitution. INTER-STATE COMMERCB. The contest between Bolivia, Chili and Pern has passed from the stage of strategic hostilities to that of negotiations, in which the councils of this government have been exercised. The demands of Ohjli for absolute cession of territory have been maintained and accepted by the party of Gen. Iglesias to the extent of concluding a treaty of peace with the government of Chili in general conformity with the terms of the protocol signed in May taut between the Chilian commander and lien. Iglesias. As a result of the conclusion of this treaty, Gen. Iglesias has been formally recognized by Chili as president of Peru, and his government installed at Lima, whicii lias been evacuated by the Chilians. A call has been issued by lien. Iglesias for a representative assembly to be elected on the 13th of January, and to meet at Lima 011 tho 1st of March next. Meanwhile the provisional government of Gen. Iglesias has applied 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 Carracas the centennial celebration of tho birth of the illustrious Bolivar. At the same timo the inauguration of the statue of Washington iu the Venezuelan capital testified to the veneration in which his meniorv is there held. ENCOURAGING MILITIA ORGANIZATIONS. OUn TRADES WITH WEST INDIES AND SOUTH On several occasions during the past year officers of tho army have at the request of the State authorities visited their militia cncampgionts for In •pection of the troops. From the reports of these officers I am induced to believe that, the encouragement of the State militia organizations by tho N atlonal Government wonld be followed by very gratifying results, and would afford It, In sudden emergencies, the aid of a largo body of volunteers educated in the performance of military duties. AMERICA. member. The legislation of France against the importation of prepared swine products from .the United States has been repealed. That is due no less to the friendly represoaitatio.i of this government than to a growing conviction in France that the restriction wa« mot dmanriad by any real danger to health. •Germany still prohibits the introduction of ;aU swine products from America. I extended {to the Imperial government • friendly invitation to send experts to the United States to iinquire 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 investigation of the subject Its members have shown their public spirit by accepting their trust without pledge or compensation, but I trust that congress will see in the national and international bearing of the matter a sufficient iqotive for providing at least for reimbursement of such expenses as they may necessarily incur. AMERICAN PORK IN FRANCS. 1 have alluded in my previous messages to the injurious and vexatious restrictions suffered by our trade in the Spanish West Indies. Brazil, whose natural outlet for its a reat national staple, coffee,is in and through oie United States, imposes a heavy export duty upon that product. Our petroleum exparts are hampered in Turkey aud in other eaBtern ports Dy restrictions as to storage and by onerous Taxation. For these mischiefs adequate relief is not always afforded by reciprocity treaties like that with Hawaii 01- that lutely negotiated with Mexico and now awaiting the action of the senate. Is it not advisible to provide some measure of equitable retaliation in our relations with governments discriminate against our own} If, for example, the executive were empowered to apply to Spanish vessels and cargoes from Cuba and Porto Rico the same rules of treatment and scale of penalties for technical faults which aro applied to our vessels and cargoes in the Antilles, a resort to that course might not be barren of good results. The question how far the National Govern - meutmay lawfully interfere in the premises, and what, if any. supervision or control It ought to exercise IS one which merits your careful consideration.JlEXAl'lXO THE CONSTITUTION Monstrous ur fuch a claim would be under iny circtm-tances, it is yet more repugnant (o law, tquity and common seupo when asserted • »y officials who menace the very existence of Republican Government by refusing to obey ho plainest and most imperative of constitutional commands and give to the people the iiost sacred and valuable of political rights. The bill exacts to the last penny all the compensation that the moHt faithful, industrious, r*atrioticf and law-abiding Legislators could xet for the performance of every duty imposed pon them, and the realization of every public benefit that could be expected from them. STRENGTHENING THE NAVY. The Secretarv of the Navy reports that under tho authority of the acts of August 6, 1SS2, and Mnrch a, 188:1. tne work of strengthening our navy by the construction of modern vessels has been auspiciously begun. Three cruisers are in process of construction ; the Chicago of 4,600 tons displacement, and the Boston and Atlanta, each or 2.6o0 tons. They are built of steel, with the -/ensile strength and ductility prescribed by law. and In the combination of speed, endurance and armament are expected to compare favorably with the best unarmored war vessels of other nations. A fourth vessel, the Dolphin, Is to be constructed of similar material, and is intended to serve as a fleet despatch boat. While we cannot fall to recognize the Importance of the vast railway systems of the country aod their great and ben'Acient Influences upon tne 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 citizens or class of cltlcens. The right of these railway corporations to a fair and profitable return upon their Investments ant to reasonable freedom In their regulations must be recognized, but It seems only ju t that so far as lts constitutional authority will permit, Congress should protect the people at largo In their inter-State traffic against acts of Injustice which the State Governments are powerless to prevent.The World says: "Prosideut Arthur write® a good state paper because he says what he has to say in a direct, business manner, and does not waste time and s|Dace in embellishment. «In his present message to congress he maintaius his reputation for clearness and concisement of statement. There is necessarily much of a stereotyped character about a president's message. In the main it is a rehash of the department reports. The solid chunks of presidential wisdom found in spots throughout the document in the form of suggestions are the lumps of green meat in the turtle soup of statistics. On the whole, the message is an interesting document. The double turreted monitors Puritan, Amphitrite, and Terror have been launched on the Delaware Itfver, and a contract lias been nfode for the supply of tneir machinery. A similar monitor, the MnnadnocK. has been launched In California. The Naval Advisory Board and the Secretary recommend the completion of the monitors, the construction ot foiDr aunboats, and also of three additional steev vessels like the Chicago, Boston. and Dolphin. As an Important measure of national defence, 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 Koaus. between the Chesapeake Bay and the Delaware River, and through Cape Cod. I feel bound to impress upon the attention of Congress the necessity of continued progress in the reconstruction of the navy- Tho 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. In my last annual message I called attention to the necessity of rrotectlnK by suitable legislation the forests situated upon the public domain. In many portions of the West the pursuit of general agriculture is only made practicable by resort to Irrigation, wlille successful irrteatien would Itself be impossible without tho alu afforded by forests in contribution .o the regularity and constancy of the supply of water. THE FLOODS. raoTEcnsa the forests. AM UNLAWFUL RAID OH THK TREASURY. It would lDe useless for me to go over this bill and (liM UHs its unjust provisions in detail. It is * most indefensible attempt to take money out •Df the public treasury without warrant of law, shadow of justice, or possibility of ripht, by u body of officials which, as the Executive of the ommonwealth, I am obliged to say resists, defies, and assault** the constitutional government of the people. There often comes times*in 'he history of popular Governments, whin the only hope of tlieir preservation rests, not in the functional power given to officials, but in that last and mightiest of resources, the intelligent and resoiute action of a free people at tbe ballot-box. Tuis nope alone is let t to I he lovers of tree government in Pennsylvania for the enforcement of the laws and tbe preservation of the Constitution. I have exhausted all my power to that end without avail, and confess the futility of my * fforts. Not only may I be unable to secure obedience to. the Constitution and see that the laws be faithrully executed, but I may be also powerless to prevent ihe gross injustice attempted against the people in this bill, bo far as lam able, however, I shall thwart the wrong by this disapproval. THE VENEZUELA CLAIMS. During the past year severe suffering and great los* of property has been occasioned by profuse floods, followed by periods of unusually low wateff in many of the great rivers of the oountry. These Irregularities were in a great measure erased by the removal from about the sources of the streams In question of tho timber by which the water supply has been nourished and protected. The preservation of such portions of the forests on the National ilomaiu as essentially ccontributo to the equable flow of Important water courses is of the highest consequence. Important tributaries of the Missouri, the Columbia and the Saskatchewan rise in the mountain region of Montana near the northern boundary of t«ie United States, between the Blackfeet and Flathead rcsorvatlons. This region Is unsuitable lor settlement, but upon the rivers wnlch flow from it depends the future aitrlcultural development of a vast tract of country. The attention of Congress is call ed to the necessity of withdrawing from public sale this part of the public domain, and establish there a forest preserve. Washington, Dec. 5.—The Post in its editorial comment on the message says: In various respects it is commendable, in various others merely negative; in a financial regard not so clear as to be altogether satisfactory. Its silence in respect to the Mississippi rivpr and other improvements is suggestive of a radical recoasideration of the views transmitted in his remarkable special message to the first session of the last congress. Its omission of any reference to he alleged reigu of terror in Virginia bears but one interpretation—and that not calculated to buoy up the sinking fortunes of William Mahone. It is not a strong document in any sense of the term, and to pronounce it an evidence of high statesmanship would be a cruel reflection on the memory of more than one of our earlier presidents. All in all, it does not constitute a powerful .bid for the suffrages of the next republican liatioual convention. Congress at its last session authorized the executive to propose to Venezuela a reopening of tho awards of the mixed commission of Caracas. The departure from this country of the Venezuelan minister has delayed the o|)ening of negotiations for reviving tho commission. I'll is government holds that un.il th establishment of a treaty upon this subject the Venezuelga govern ment must continue to make the payments provided for in ttie convention of 1SOO. There ■ ground for believing that the dispute growing out of the unpaid obligations due from Venezuela to France will be satisfactorily adjusted. The French cabinet has proposed a basis of settlement 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, Copenhagen, the Hague, London and Madrid. The report of the secretary of the treasury gives a full and interesting exhibit of this financial condition of the country. It shows that the ordinary revenue from all sourcos for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1883, amounted to $308,287,581.95, whereof there was received from customs, $214,700,406.03 from internal revenue, $144,720,308.08; from sales of public lands, $7,055,804.42; from tax 011 circulation and deposits of national banks, $0,111,008.85; from profits 011 coinage, bullion, deposits and assays, $4,400,205.17; from other sources, $16,333,037.00; total, $308,287,- 501.05. CONDITION Or THE TREASURY. OUR RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA. The coronation of the czar at Moscow afforded to this government an occasion for testifying its continued friendtl ip by sending a special envoy and a representative of the navy to attend the ceremony. While there have arisen during the year no grave questions affecting the status in the Russian empire of American citizens of other faith 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 the peace which we have long enjoyed Is in  danger of Interruption. Bui that our naval strength should be made adequute for the defeuee 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. ■.than that held by the national church, this government remains firm in its conviction ithat the rights of its citizens abroad should Ibe in no wise affected by their religious beilief.THE SURPLUS REVENUE. If the revenue for the fiscal year which will eud on June 30, 1886, bo estimated upon the basis of existing laws, the secretary is of tho opinion that for that year the receipts will exceed $00,000,000, the ordinary exjwnnitures including the amount devoted to the sinking fund. Hitherto the surplus as rapidly as it lias accumulated has been devoted to tho reduction of the national debt. As a result the only bonds now outstanding which ore redeemable at the pleasure of the government are the ii per cents., amounting to abput 9806,000,000. The per cents., amounting to $2o0,000,- 000, and the $787,000,000 4 per cents, are now payable until 1881 and 1907, respectively. If the surplus shull hereafter be as largo as the treasury now indicato, tho three per eeuu 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 accumulation of surplus can be |«iid at maturity, ami i he moneys requisite tor the redemption of the four per cents, will bo jn the treasury many years before the#*) obligations become payable. There are cogent reasons, however, why the iational indebtedness should not thus rapidly be extinguished. Chief among tliom is the fuct that only by excessive taxation is such rapidity attainable. In a communication to the congress at it* last session 1 recommended that all excise taxes bo abolished, except those relating to distilled spirits, and that substantial reductions also be made in tho revenues from customs. A statute has since been enacted by which the annual tax and tariff receipts of the government have been cut down to the extent of at least fifty or sixty millions of dollars. THE POST-OFOTCE DEPARTMENT. INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITIONS. Tbo report of the Postmaster-General contains ftgratify lng exhibit of Ihe condHion and prospects of the lutt rosting branch of the public service committed to his care. The Industrial exhibitions which have been held In the United States during the present yew attractedittteutlon In malty foridgn countries, where the anuounceiuent of those enterprises bad been mude public through the foreign agencies of this Government. The luTiustrlal bxtiibitlo* ut Boston and the Southern Exposition at Louisville were largely attende i by the exhibitors of foreign countries, notwithstanding the absence of auy professed National character In those undertakings. ALLOWING PAT FOR EMPLOYES. OUR TRADE WITH CUBA. It Is only right for me to say tbac there ate, I know, many member* of tile Assembly who have faithfully striven to perfoim their duty. and who by such t (torts have equitably earned their pay. They are in no wise chargeable with the default of this seeslon. I regret Hint they should suffer by this veto It la their misfortune to be mem- Iters ot a bo 'y whose acts I must D lew as a whole. They wlli have the consciousness, luwever.'of having honestly strlveu to serve their Slate and the people. The people. It Is certain, will not fall In tue end lo recognize and rewaid upright servant*, and separate them from the faithless and avxrlclou*. I have no power to distinguish the worthy from the unworthy, the deserving from the reprehensible. The fault of the gross, not the mei its of the Individuals, Is all of which I can take notice. it is understood that measures for the removal of the restrictions which now burden our trade with Cuba and Puerto Rico are ■ivier consideration by tho (Spanish government. The proximity of Cuba to tho United States and the peculiar methoCls 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 government have not as yet producod satisfactory result* THE IL.MV1IIIAN TREATY it appears that on June SO, 1883, the whole number of post offices wos 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 $4,196,230.52, a sum exceeding »Dy §1,021.804.01 the entire cost of the carrier service of the country. Tbe rate of postage on drop letters passim; through these offices Is now fixed by law at i cents per half ounce or fraction thereof. In offices where the carrier system has not been established the rate Is only half as large. At the recent coronation of his majesty King Kalakaua this government was represented both diplomatically and by the formal visit of a vessel of wut The question of terminating or modifying tho existing reciprocity treaty with Hawii is now before congress. I am convinced that the charges of abuses and frauds under that treaty have been exaggerated, and I renew the suggestion of last year's message that the treaty be modified wherever its provisions have proved injurious to legitimate trade between the two countries. I am not disposed to favor the entire cessation of treaty relations which lias fostered good will between the countries and contributed toward the equality of Hawaii in tho family of nations. The Republican will say: There are few recommendations in it that will more thoroughly engago the attention and approbation of the country than the one relating to the Mormon problem. The people, without respect to party, are ready to back the president and congress to any extent in measures for the repression of this growing and anomalous evil. The Centennial Exposition to be held next year at New Orleans in commemoration #Df the centenary of the first shipment of cotton from a port of the United States bids fair to meet with like i;ratlfytng success. Under the act of Congress of the lotn or Pebruanr, 188 i. declaring that exposition to be national and lnternathual in lt9 character, all foreign Governments with which t e United  malutaln relations bave been Invited to participate. The promoters of this Important undertaking have already received assurances of the lively interest which It excited abroad. NEXT TEAR'S EXHIBITION it will be remembered that in 186b, when free delivery *was first established by law, the uniform single postage upon local letters 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 nov with propriety be restored, and that, too, even a* the risk of diminishing for a time, at least, tfle receipts from postage upon local letters. London, Dec. 5.—The London Times treats the president's message as a commonplace document, and says explicitly that it cannot be regarded abroad as important. If; traces through it a desire on the part the republican party to spend money, and sees ppestbilities of extravagant expenditures. The commission appointed to decide certain claims of our citizens against tho Spanish government, after the recognition of a satisfactory 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 ita jurisdiction have been diplomatically ITosented to the Spanish government. As the action of the colonial authorities, which has given rise to there claims, was admittedly Illegal, full reparation for the injury sustained by our citisons should no longer be delayed. The case of the Masonic has not yot reached a settlement The Manila court has {mind that the proceeding* of which this government lias complained were unauthorised, and it is hoped that the govermnent of Satin will not withhold the speedy reparation which ita sense of justice should injpel it to oflar for the unusual severity and Uu- CLAIMS AGAINST HTAOI. The report of the Coinmlsdoners of the District of Columbia Is herewith transmitted. 1 ask for It your caroiul attention, especially those portions v* hlch relate to assessments, arrears of taxes and Increase of water supply. TIIK DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. Seeing no lrpul reasons, however, for depriving ot their pay the employes of the two houses, whose attendance was compulsory, and who afro in no way bliunablo for the failure of this session. I have approved the Items for tr.elr compensation, I wish to understood however. In allow ipg these items, to approve of the compensation'fef those employes only for the days when they were necessarily employed i liout the duties or thel" offices: They inay have had official service to perform upon days on wh'ch the Legislature whs not In De son. If so they should be paid. But for those days on which they "ere alweot from attendance upon dutleD pertaining to the Ijp»Imla ure. ami unen ployed I do not give my unction ro their drawing any ct mpensatloii; I regard the words "fixed by law." in the clause of the bill making the appropriation for litem as recognizing this limitation, whirh, In my judgmeLt, Is aproper Interpretation of the act of 1X74. I can see no reason why tbut particular class of mall matter should be held accountable for the en tire cost of not only Its own collection and delivery, but the collection and delivery of all other slasses ; and I am confident, after rull consideration of the subject, that the reduction of rate would oe followed by such a growing accession of business as to occasion but Mlnbt and temporary loss to the revenues of the Post-office. THB CIVIL SERVICE. In pursuance of the policy declared by this government of extending our intercourse with the eastern nations, legations have duriug the past year been established in Persiir, Yam and (Jorea. It is probable that permanent mission of those countries will ere 'long bo maintained thr United States. A special embassy from biain is now on its way hither. THE FAR HAST. The Commissioners who were appointed under (fie act of January 16, 1883. entitled "An Act to Regulate and Improve the Civil Service of the United States," entered promptly upon tbe discharge of their C#.itles. 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 per* celved that they dlscountenanco any polltloal or religious tests for admission to those offices of the public service to which this statute relates. :•*. The act is limited in Its original application to the classified clerkships in ihe slfceral Executive Departments at Washington (numbering about 6,600). and to similar positions In customs districts and post-offices, where as m»ny as fifty persons are employed.Tho Standard regards as the most important part of the message that referring to the Mormons. The Postmaster *eucral devotes much of his report to the consideration In lta various aspects of tbe relations of the Government to the telegruph. Suoh reflection as 1 have been able to give to thin subject since my last annual menage, has not led me to change the views which I there expressed In dissenting from the recommendation or the then Postmaster General, thnt tbe Government assume tile same control over the telegraph which It has always exercised over the mall. Admitting that Its authority In the promises Is as ample as has ever been claimed for It, fct would not In my Judgment boa wise use of that authority to purchase or assume the control of existing Hitgraph Hues or to construct others with lx view-of entering Into competition with private enterprise. Tho objections which may be Justly urged Against either of those projects, untftndeed against •my system which would require an enormous Increase in the olvll service list, do not, however ap-4»ly to some of the plans width have latejy provoked public comment ami discussion. It has been •Ialined, for example, that Congress might wlselv luthorlze the Postmaster-General to contract with (ome private persons or corporations for the •-anpmission off messages, or of a certain cIms of THE POSTAL TELEUUAPIL The Telegraph touching on the same point suggests the possibilities of the ere tion of a political despotism on the ruins of a proscribed religion, a precedent which ouly follows a policy already adopted by the Irish in Amet ica as well as at home. Treaty relations with Corea were perfected by the exchange at Seoul, on tho 10th of May last, of the ratification of the lately concluded 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 invitee the attention of those interested in tho advancement of our foreign trndo, ns it needs the implements and products which the United States are roady to supply. We seek no monopoly of its commerce and no advantages over other nations, but as the Chosunese, in reaching for a higher civilisation have coif A classification of these positions abalagons to thitf existing in the Washington offices was duly made before the law went Into effect. Eleven customs districts and twenty-three post-offices were thus brofigbt under the immediate operation of the statute. And Slavery Society's Celebration. Hubert E. Pattison. Philadelphia, Dec. 5.—Tho semi enteunial anniversary of tho anti slavery wciety has been held, at which there were present many distinguished persons from different parts of tlie country. Letters of regret' were read from many prominent men. The poet Whittier Mat a character* istic totter. The approprluiion bIM wu« pia*ed in hoth houses )a»t evening, not* undine the Governor's object ions--in the veiinte by a vote of 87 yean to 4 nays ; ai-il in the House by a vote of 105 yeas to £3 nays. PASSED OVER THE VETO, While I have no doubt that still further reductions may be wisely mado, I do not advise the adoption at this session of any measure for large diminution of the national revenues. The results of the legislation of the last session of the congress have not, aI yet, become sufficiently apparent to justify The annual report of the Civil Service Commission, which will soon be submitted to Congress, will doubtless afford the means of vmore definite judgment than I am now prepared to express as to the merits of the new system. I am persuaded that Its effects have thus far proved beneficial. Its practloal mothoda appear to Inadequate for Ike ends proposed, and there has twin no serloufl Mr. Simon Wortz, Milletsville, Pa., says 'Brown's Iron Bitters did me more good than all other medicine I e?er took,"