The Austin Weekly Statesman. (Austin, Tex.), Vol. 13, No. 14, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 6, 1883 Page: 1 of 8
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THE PRESIDENT'S 5IE.SS GE.
To the Congress or the United States :
At the threshold t rtolinorntlon I coiierntu-
late you on the f;vvor:ille aspect ol the domes-
tic and foreign aff;iir of this Koveninieiit.
Our relations with other countries t-oiiliiiuo to
be upon a rriendly footing. Vt'tli the Art'en-
tine Repuli'.io Austria. Bclcmm. i'ii-
mark Kr.i7.ti Ilavtl Italy Nmlo Uo-
WiiiKo and Sweden mid Norway no in-
cident has occurred ulik-li wills for
upeeial comment. The P-c- it oiynhis of new
.lines of telegraphic comiinni". t;..ii with Cen-
tral America and lirazil pernnll.d lnfr-haiic
of messages of friendship utll Ihe covern-
ments of these countries. Dnrini! the year
there have been perfected and proclaimed con-
sular and commercial treaties with s-ervia and
consular treaty with Itou naiila thus extend-
ing our Intel-course with the D.muliian coun-
tries while the Eastern relations hav- lieen put
uio!i a wiiler basis hj treaties with Con a and
Madagascar.
The new boundary survey treaty with Mexi-
co a tnulesmark convention ainlasupplemeiit-
Kry treatv of extradition with Kpaiii and in
ventions extending tin; duration of the Franco-
American claims couumssioii there has aiso
been proclaliued.
TUE FISIIERIF-S.
Notice of termination f the llslieries articles
of i.-eaty of Washinnton was duly (liven to this
KritLsh covenimeiit. rrivilexes and e:;eni-
tions of the British r.overninenl and the recip-
rwil tin-il...... .....I ti...... t.f lhalr:llV.
accordingly close on July I !-. Ihe lishenes
industry pursuiil by as numerous a class of
our citizens on the northern coasts both o( the
Atlantic and I'acillc oceans are worthy of
the fostering care of Congress whenever
brought into corniM-titiim with the like indus-
tries of other countries. Our fishermen i'.s
well as our manufacturer of llshini? appliances.
ii-k'-.- mm r.v-n H1..HJ ... ..... ....JT
and preparers of lish pnducts have maintain-
ed ft foremost place. I Bluest to Congress
to create a commission to consider
the general question of our ritfliU In osnirt of
erles and the means of op-nimr to our e;rolitii!l
under just mid enduring conditio s they iii-zlc
Htocked llshiiig waters and goaliug rssu
IlrltisU IsorUi America.
PAUPER EMIGRATION.
The question has arisen touching deporta-
tion of the l ulled .Slates from Hie l.iitish
Islands by governmental or municipal aid of
persons unahle there to gain a living and
equally a burden on the community here
huch of these persons as are under the pauper
class as delini d by the law have been sent
back In accordance with the provisions of our
statutes. Her majesty's government has in-
sisted that precautions have been taken before
shipment which has however in so many
cases proven Ineffectual and esneclally so in
certain recent instances of nei-uy emigrants
reaching our territory through Canada that a
revision of our legislation upon this subject
may be deemed advisable. Correspondence
relative to the C.layton-IUilwcr treatv has been
conducted and will he laid before Congress.
I'OUK l'UOUIMTIOX.
Legislation In France against the Importa-
tion of prepared swine products from the
United States has been repealed. That result
has been due no less to the friendly representa-
tions of this government than to a growing
conviction in France that restrictions lira not
demanded by any real danger to health (ier-
mauy still prohibits the introduction of all
swine products from America. 1 extended to
the imperial government a frieudlv invitation
to send experts to the United State's to inquire
whether the use of these products was danger-
ous to the health. This invitation was declined.
1 have believed it of such Importance however
that the exact facts will be. ascertained
and proinulga.ed. I have appointed
a competent commission to make
a thorough investigation of the sul-
Ject. Its members have shown their public
Bpirlt by accepting the trust without pledge of
vonipcusuiiou. i irusi congress win see !n nut
national and international bearing of the mat-
ter sullleieut motive ol 'providing for at least
for reimbursement of such expenses as they
may incur.
RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA.
The coronation of the czar affords this gov-
ernment an occasion for testifying its contin-
ued friendship in sending a special envoy and
a representstive of the navy to attend the
ceremony. While there have arisen during
the year no grave questions alfecting the
status in the Russian empire of American citi-
lzeus or other faith than held by the national
church this government remains linn in its
conviction that the rights of citizens abroad
will be In no way affected by their religious
belief.
OUB RELATIONS WITH SPAIN.
It Is understood til at measures lor removal
ol restriction which now burden our trade wilh
Cuba and l'orto Rico are under consideration
by the Spanish government. The proximate
of Cuba and the neculiar method of adminis
tration which there prevails necessitate a con-
stant discussion and appeal on our part from
me proeeeuiugs oi mo insular autnoi
regret to say the just protests of this
io Insular authorities. I
; protests of this irovern-
inent have not as yet produced a satisfactory
result. The commission annointed to decide
certain claims of our citizens against the Span-
ish government alter the reeoguization of sat-
isfactory rules as to the validity and force of
naturalization of the United Slates finally ad-
journed. Some of its awards though made
two years ago are not yet paid. Xlie specie
payments expected of claims to a large
amount which were held by the late
commission without its jurisdiction
have been diplomatically presented
to the Spanish government as the action of
the colonial authorities which had given rise i
to theso claims was admittedly illegal. Full'
reparation for injury sustained by our citizens
should n no longer dela.ved. The ca o of the
"Masonic" has not yet reached a settlement;
the Manilla court found the proceedings ol
which this government has complained were
unauthorized and it is hoped the government
of Spain will not ' vhold the speed v reparation
which it in a so sc. oi just ice should impel it to
oiler for the ur.usual severity and unjust ac-
tion ol its coordinate colonial otlieer.
In we case of this vessel the ilelvetiim has
proposed the Inauguration of a class of inter-
natioual treuties for Uierel'Ormcn: ;o ai'bitraticn
of grave questions between nations. This gov.
eminent haSjiissentcd to the proposals of lie-I
gotiatiou ol such a treaty wtth Switzerland
BULGARIA.
Under the treaty of Berlin tiie liberty of eon-s-rlpts
and civil rights aro assured to all
strangers in Bulgaria. As the United States
Iiave no distlct convention relations with that
country and Is not a party to the treaty they
should in my opinion maintain diplomatic
representation at Serviti for the improvement
of the intercourse and the proper protection of.
the many Americans who report to that cotin-
as missionaries ami teachers. I suggest
. uiJt 1 be given authority to establish an agency
a..d consulate-general at the liulgai mil capi-
tal. TURKEY.
The United States are now participating In a
revision ol the tariffs of the Ottoman Kinpiro.
They have assented to the application of a li-
cense tax to foreigners doing business in Tur-
key but have opposed the oppressive storage
tax on petroleum brought into the ports ol that
country.
EGYPT.
The government of the Khedive has proposed
that the authority of the mixed tribunals in
ligypt be extended so as to cover the citizens
of the United States accused of prime who are
now tried before consular courts. This gov-
ernment Is not indisposed to accept the change
but believes its terms should be submitted for
criticism to the commissioners appointed to
devise the whole subject.
MEXICO.
' At no time In our national history has there
been more mamlest close relation wilh a
neighboring state than now with respect to
Mexico. The rapid influx of her capital and
enterprise into Mexico sho vs what must be
the vast reciprocal advantages which must at-
tend the progress of its internal development.
Tho treaty of commerce of 1SI8 is sns-
tained by the Mexican government and in the
absence of conventional engagements the
rights of our citizens in Mexico now depend
on the domestic statutes of that leptiblic.
There have been instai ces of harsh enforce-
ment of laws against our residents and citizens
iu Mexico and denial of the diplomatic resort
for their protection.' The Initial step toward a
better understanding has boen taken In the
negotiations by tho commission authorized by
congress of a treaty which is still before the
stale awaiting its approval. The provisions
for the recii rocal crossing of the frontier by
the troops in pursuit ( hostile Indians has
beeu prolonged for another year. The opera-
tion of tile forces of both governments against
the savages has been successful and several
of their most dangerous bands have been
captured and disposed of by the skill and valor
of the United Slates and M-xican soldiers
fighting In a common cause. The convention
lor the re-survey ot the boundary from the Rio
Grande to the Pa" ihe having been ratified anc
exchanged preliminary reeonnoisaiice therein
as stipulated have been effected. It rests with
Connress to make provision for completing the
survey and re-locating the boundary monu
ments a convention signeu wim aiexico oiuy
13. 18S2. rrovidinir for the relicaxiini of the
cases of lien jamln Weilanand the Abra silver
mining company. In whose favor awards were .
made by tin) lato American and Mexican
claims commission. That convention still
awaits the consent ot the senate; in the mean-
while because ol charges of fradulent awards
which have been made a new commission is
necessary. Hie executive has eirected the
suspension ot payments of the distribution
from Mexico.
CENTRAL AMERICA.
Our geographical proximity to Central Amer-
ica and our political and commercial relations
with the states of that country justify in my
judgment such a material Increase of commer-
cial consular corps as to place at the capital a
consul general.
8OUTH AMERICAN STATES.
The contest between Bolivia Chill and
Peru has passed from the stago of strategic
hostilities to that of the negotiate in which the
counsels of those governments have been ex-
ercised. The demands of Chili for absolute
cession of territory have been nialntsined and
are accepted by the party of General lglesias
t the extent of concluding a treaty ol peace
with the government of the Chilian general in
conformity with the terms of the protocol
signed iu May last between the Chilian com-
mander and General lelesias has beeu form-
ally recognized by Chill as the president of
Peru and his government Instituted at Lima
which has been evacuated bv the Chil-
ians. A call has been Issued by Gen-
eral lglesias for a representative as-
bembly to be elected on tiie 13th of January
and to meet at Lima on the 1st of March uext.
Mr. White the nrovincial governor of Gen.
Iglesias.has applied for recognition to the prin-
cipal powers ol America and Europe. When
the will of the Peruvian neonle shall be mani
fested I shall not hesitate to recognize the
government approved by them.
BOLIVAR AND WASHINGTON.
Diplomatic and naval representatives In this
government anenu iu Lunwas uie iTiitcjiumi
celebration of the birth of the illustrious Boli
var and at the same time the inauguration of
thM siAtne of Washini!tou in the Venezuelan
capital testifying to the veneration of his
niemorv held there. Congress at its last ses
sion authorized tiie executive to pmjiose to tho
Venezuelan government the iqieiiing of the
swards of the mixed commissions of Caracas.
The departure from tins country of the Ven-
ezuelan minister has delayed the ejH'tiing of
negotiations for reviving the commissions. This
government holds that until the establishment
of a treatv upon this subject the Venezuelan
government must continue to make the pay
ments provuieu 111 me convention ui io.
There Is ground for believing tiiat the dispute
growing out 01 tne unpaid oougaiion aue iroin
V enezuela to France will lx satisfactorily ad-
in
basis of settlement which ntii'ts my approval
but as it involves a rirasting of the annual
onotits of Ihe foreign debt it has been deemed
advisable to submit the proxsed question to
ine jutc-;iiieiii 01 uie cjoiii-3 wi "i "i. vviw
luigen the Hague Loudon aud Madrid.
THE
JL JUL 11 J
VOL. XIII.
KING KALAKUA.
At the recent coronation of his majesty. King
Kalakua this government was represented
both diplomatically and by a formal visit of a
vessel of Witr.
TIIH HAWAIIAN TREATY.
The question -it modifying the existing re-
procity treaty with Hawaii is now before con-
gress and I am convinced the charges of abuse
and frauds under that treaty have b-eu exag-
gerated and I nmc-w the suggestion of last year
that the treaty be tnodilied wherever its pro-
visions have pnved onerous to legitimate trade
be; ween the two countries. I am not disposed
to favor the entire cessation of treaty rela-
tions which have fostered good will between
tiie countries and contributed toward the
equality uf Hawaii in the family of uatious.
TERSIA SI AM AND CORE A.
I n pursuance of the policy declared by this
government of extending our interviews with
the Eastern nations negotiations have been
established in Persia. Siam and Corea. It is
probable that permanent missions In these
count ries will ere long.be maintained in Uie
United states. A sjiecial assembly from Siam
is on its way hither. A treaty of relations
wii h Corea was perfected by exchange at See-
oui on the Will of May last of ratifications of
the lately concluded convention and envoys
f.'om the king of Tahchosun have visited
this country and received a cordial wel-
come. Corea is as yet unacquainted with
tiie methods of western civilization and now
Invites the attention of those interested in the
advancement of our foreign trade as it needs
the implements and products which the United
States are ready to supply. We seek no mo-
nopoly over its commerce and no advantages
over other nations but as the Chesunes- in
reaching fora highercivllization have confided
in this icpublic we cannot regard with Indif-
ference any encroachments on their rights.
CHINA.
China by the payment of money indemnity
has settled for certain of the long pending
claims of our cit izens and 1 have strong hopes
that the remainder will soon be adjusted.
Questions have arisen touching tiie rights of
American and other foreign inanufactuiers In
China under the provisions ot treaties which
permit aliens to exercise their industries in
that country. On this point our own
treaty is silent but under the ope-
ration cf the most favored nation clause
we have like privileges witli those of other
powers. While it is the duty of the govern-
ment to see that our citizens have lull enjoy-
ment of every right by treaty I doubt the ex-
jM'diency of leading in a movement to constrain
China toadmit an interpretation of which we
had only an indirect treaty right to exact. The
transference to China of American capital for
the employment there of Chinese labor would
in eifect inaugurate a compendium for the con-
trol of tho markets now supplied by our home
industries. There is good reason to believe
that the law restricting emigration of Chinese
has been violated or otherwise by olllcials of
China upon w hom Is devolved the duty of cer-
tifying that the emigrants belong to the ex-
cepted class. Measures have been taken to
ascertain the facts incident to the supposed in-
fection and it is believed the government of
China will co-operate with the United States
in securing the faithful observance of the law.
JAPAN.
Tho sole considerations which prompted
our Congress at its last session
to return to Japan tho Simonsky indemnity
seems to me to require at its bands like action
in respect to the Canton indemnity now
amounting to $:ioO000. The question ol the
general revision of the foreign treaties of Japan
has been considered in an international con-
ference at Tolkot but without definite result.
As yet this government is disposed to concede
the requests of Japan to determine the duties
to provide such proper judicial tribunal as may
commend themselves to the western powers
for the trial of causes to foreigners and parties
and to assimilate terms and durations of its
treaties to those of civilized states.
libebia.
Through our ministers nt London and Monro-
via this government has endeavored
to aid Liberia in its difference with Great
Britain touching the northwestern boundaries
of the republic. There is a prospect of the ad-
justment of the dispute by the adoption of the
Maurali river as the line. This arrangement
is an accomplishment of the conflicting territo-
rial claims and takes from Liberia no country
over which she has maintained effective juris-
diction. THE CONGO COUNTRY.
The rich valley of the Congo is being opened
to commerce by a society called the Interna-
tional African association of which the king
of Belgium is president and a citizen of the
Untied States the chief executive officer.
Large tracts of hind havo been ceded to the
association by the native chiefs. Roads have
beeu opened up steamboats have been placed
on the river and a nucleus of states estab-
lished at twenty-two stations under one flag
wmcli oners lreeitoin to commerce and prohib-
its the slave trade. The objects of this societv
sre philanthropic. It does not aim at a per
manent political control one seeks tiie neu-
trality of the Congo valley. The United
States cannot be Indifferent to this
work nor to the interests of their
citizens which are involved in it.
It may become ai visable for us to co-operate
witli other powers in promoting the rights of
t
gi
trade and residence
in uie Congo valley tree
from interior or political control to any one
11:1:1011.
SOCIAL AND SCIENTIFIC CONGRESS.
In view of the frenuencv of Invitations from
foreiun governments to participate in a social
and scientific congress for the discussion of
nniHirtaiit matters ot general concern 1 repeat
the suggestion of my last message that pro
vision ne inane ior 1110 exercise 01 atscreuon-
ary power by the executive in appointing dele-
gates to such a congress to reprtsent our na-
tional interest in such a capacity without per-
sonal prolit or other compensation more than
the defrayment of expenses actually incurred
and this a comparatively small annual appro-
priation would sulllce to meet.
RESTRICTIONS TO OUR TRADE.
I have alluded in a previous message to the
Injurious restrictions suffered by our trade iu
the Spanish West Indies and Brazil
whose nature mado the outlet for
its great national product coffee
although the Un.ted States impose a
heavy exDort duty oh that product.
Petroleum exports are hampered with in Tur-
key and in other Eastern ports by restriction
such as storages and enormous tax.
For these mischiefs adequate relief is
not always afforded by reciprocity trea-
ties like tuat with Hawaii or that lately nego-
tiated with Mexico and now waiting the action
of the senate. Is it not advisable to provide
some measure of equitable retaliations with
governments which discriminate against our
own? If for example the executive were em-
powered to supply to the Spanish vessels and
cargoes from Cuba and Porto Rico the same
rules of treatment and scale of penalties for
tropical faults which are applied to our vessels
ami cargoes in the Antilles and resort to that
course it might not be barren of good
results.
THE FINANCES.
The secretary of the treasury gives a full and
Interesting exhibit of the financial condition of
the country. It shows the ordinary revenues
from all sources for the ilseal year ended June
SO lsttf to be 83982875819.15 whereof there
was received from customs S214706649.9S;
from internal revenue SlTl.Ta 'S68.8; fiom
sales of public lands $7!558(442; from tan
mid circulation and deposits of national banks
9111008.85; from profits of coinage of bullions
deposits and assajs (416020517; from other
sources If l722tS7.iO; total $3982875819.15. For
the same period the ordinary expenditures
were: for civil expenses ?22343285.76; for
foreign intercourse $234925.24; for Indians
$736259034; for pensions ?9112573.64; for the
military establishment including river
and harbor improvements and arse-
nals 489113S293; for the naval establish-
ment including vessels and improvements at
navy yards S15283437.17; for miscellaneous
expenditures including public buildings light
houses and collecting revenues $40098432.73;
ior expeuuuures 01 ine uistricc 01 coiumuia
i3.8 17 028.48; for interest of the public debt.
iiiin no if tuo uuuv u.&si)
tal. 5265408137.54; leaving a
of If 132879444.41 which vvhh
s.uiboi3i.; louu
siirnlus revenue
an amount drawn from the cash balance in
the treasury $1299312.55 making $134178-
756.96. which was applied to the redemption of
bonds for sinking fuud; 44.850700 of the frac-
tional currency for the sinking fund ; $46556.96
of funded loan of 1881 continued at 3 per
cent; Sia3802i0 of the loan of July and Au
gust itsji coniinueu ai 34 per cent; u2aos
of funded loan of $190721 418.850 funds loaned
in 18S1: S7'.4.1!i0 of loan of Februarv. 1881 :
$180U0 of loan of July and August 1881; $266606
of loan of March 1863; $116-5 loan of July
18SU; $7.650of five twenties of 1862; $10300 of
five twenties of 1864; $7050 of five twenties of
1865; $96000 of ten forties of 1864: 133550 of
consols of 1865: 840.800 of consols of 1867: $235.-
700 ot consols of I81IS; $156650 of
Oregon war debt; $5450 of refunding cer-
tilicates: S109.150 of old demand compound
interest and other notes Siai000; total $134-
178756.96. ine revenue ior tne present nscai
ye.-ir m;iuni aim cmiiiiaicu is naiuiuiws: rim
source from customs. $57402675.67: second.
actual.for the quarter ending oeptember 30.1883
$13759729.33; from internal revenue 337921.40;
third estimate for the remaining three quar-
ters of the year from sales et public lauds
S2.732.K35.17: from tax on circulation and de
posit- ot national Daiuxs $1557 800.88; rrora re-
payment of interest and sinking fund of Pacific
willMml fin m Col . fh.m AiiotAin ta atji fixoa
8179196.78; from fees consular letters patents
and lands yiju.80; from proceeds of sales of
Koverumenc property sii2.5t2.23: from nront
on coinage etc. 90.229.46; from deposits for
Burvvyiuk public lauds 173461.31; from reve
nues 01 me insinci 01 uoiuniDia; $z&.ui7.uu;
from miscellaneous sources l'z37189.63;
Total receipts 95.966917.03: grand total
247.033.082.97. The actual and estimated ex
penses for the same period and for the quarter
ending September 30 1883 and the remaining
third quarter of the year being estimated for
civil and miscellaneous excuses including
public buildings light houses and collecting
the revenue was 4fl5.385.99.42: for the third
quarter $511 tMOOfA for Indians Second
quarter 2623.S9Q.ji: third quarter 412.6ij0-
946. For pensions 162S526.199: for milita
ry estaousiimeiits incoming loruucaiioun
nvpf unrl li:irhor Imnrovements nl arsenal.
125.122933: for naval establishment including
vessels and machinery and improvement at
navy vards 41 9. "2996; for expenditures en
account of the District of Columbia $113883.64:
foriiuereston public debt 14791297.76; total
ordinary expenditures 67942090.33: total re-
Miiita ui.ti.-.i .... 1 ............ ...1 og . noA nm. hlunV
total expenditures actual and estimated 258-
wu.cw; oihuk louu ssa.uo.ooo: oiauK estimate
of amount due siukiun fund. 45.817.741.07
blank leaving a balance of S39.183.258.93: blank
total of the revenue for Uie fiscal vear will end
June 3 1885 ami will bo estimated on abasis of
existing laws. The secretary is of the opinion
that for that year the receipts will exceed
i.notiCOO. Thi ordinary ex;enditures. in-
cluding Uie amount to the sinking fund hither-
to surplus as rapidly as it lm accumulated
has been devoted to the reduction of the na-
tional debt. As a result the only bonds now
outstanding wtich are redeemable at the
pleasure of the government are the 3 per
cents amounting to about 305000.000 4yi
per cents amounting to 250.000000 and
the 137000110 4 per cents which are not
pavahle until 13P1 and 1907 respectively. If the
surplus shall hereafter be as large as the treas-
ury now estimates the 3 jer cent bonds
may ail lie redeemed at least lour years before
any of the 4Vt per cents cau be called in. The
Htter at the same rate of accumulation of sur-
nn
plus can be paid at maturity and the money
requisite for the redemption of the 4 per cents
1 ill be in the treasury many years before this
obligation becomes payable. There are cogent
reasons however why the national indebted-
ness should not be thus rapidly extinguished;
chief among them is the fact that only by ex-
cessive taxation is such rapidity attainable.
INTERNAL REVENUE TAXES.
In a communication to coneress at Its hist
session I recognized that all excise
taxes bo abolished except those relating to
distilled spirits and that substantial reduc-
tions should also be made in revenue from
customs. A statute has been passed bv which
the annual tax aud tariff receipts of the gov-
ernment have been cut down to the extent of
fifty or sixty million dollars. While I have no
doubt that still further reductions may be wise-
ly made I dou't advise the adoption of this
session of any measures for a large diminition
of the national revenues. The result of the
legislation ol the last session of congress Las
not as yet become sufficiently apparent to
justify any radical reduction or sweeping mod-
Ilicatton of existin law. In the internal reve-
nue whicli must elapse before the effects of
the act of March 3 1883 can be definitely as-
certained a portion of the surplus revenues
may be wisely applied to the long needed duty
of providing coast defences for the protection
of our harbors. This is a matter to which I shall
agi-iu advert.
THE NATIONAL CURRENCY.
Immediately associated with the financial
subject is an imortant question on which leg-
islation is needed regarding the national cur
rency. The airirreirate amount ot bonds now on
deposit in the treasury to support the national
bank circulation is about swsn.ooo.ooo nearly
200000000 of this amount consist of three per
cents. which as the treasurer states are pay
able at the pleasure of the government and are
likely to be called in within less than four
vears. unless in the meantime the surplus rev
enue shall be diminished. The probable effect
of such an extensive retrenchment of securities
w hich are based upon the national bank circu-
lation would be such a contraction of the vol-
ume of the currency as to produce grave com-
mercial embarrassment. How can the danger
be obviated? The most effectual iiIhii. and
one whose adoptioa at the e'arliest practicable
opportunity I shall heartily approve has al
ready oeen maicatea. 11 me revenues 01 tne
next four vears shall be kept substantially
commensurate with the expenses the volume
of circulation will not be likely to suffer
any national disturbance but on the
other hand if there shall be great
delay iu reducing the tax it will either be the
substitute of some other form of currency in
place ot tne national uank notes or to make im-
portant chanties iu the laws bv which the cir
culation is now controlled. In my judgment
the latter course is far preferable. I commend
to your attention the very interesting and
thoiigtliful suggestions upon the subject which
appears in the secretary;s report. The objec
tions wuicu lie ures agaiusi. me acceptance 01
any other securities than the objections of Ihe
Dveriimeuii ilscu as a luuuuaiiou 101 national
ank circulation seem to me insenerable for
avoiding the threatened contraction. Two
courses have been suggested either of which
is probably feasible. One is the issuance of
new bonds having many years to run bearing
it low rate 01 interest auu excnaiigeauie upon
lecinea terms oi mose now outsianaing; tne
I her course which commends itself to our judg
ment as the better is the enactment of a law
repealing tne tax on circulation anu permitting
banks to issue nutes for au amount equal to 90
per cent of the market value instead of as
now the face value of their deposit bonds. I
agree with the secretary in the belief that the
adoption of this plan would afford the neces-
sary relief.
THE TRADE DOLLAR.
The trade dollar was coined for the purpose
of traffic in countries where silver passed at its
value as ascertained by its weight and fine-
ness. It never hao. a legal tender quality. A
large number of these coins entered however
into the volume of our currency by common
consent. Their circulation in domestic trade
has now closed and they have thus become a
disturbing element They should not be longer
ermitted to embarrass the currency system
recommend that provision for their receDtion
bv the treasury and tho mints as bullion at a
small per centapte above their market price of
silver of like fairness.
CONSOLIDATING CUSTOM DISTRICTS.
The secretarv of the treasury ad
vises a consolidation of certain of
of the customs districts of the
country and suggests that the president be
vested with such power in relation thereto as
Is now given him iu respect to collectors of in-
ternal revenue by section 3111 of revised stat-
utes. The statistics on this subject which are
contained in his report furnish of themselves
a sLioug nrguiiieui iu ueieuse 01 111s views at
the adjournment of congress the number of in-
ternal revenue collect on districts was 126. Bv
executive orders datt d .June 27 1883 1 decided
mat certain 01 tuese districts ue eonsoiiuareu;
the result has been a reduction of one-third of
their number which at present is but eighty-
three. THE INDIANS.
From the report of the secretarv of war It
will be seen that in only a single instance has
there been any disturbance of the quiet condi-
tion of our Indian tribes. A raid from Mexico
into Arizona bv a small nartv of Indians.
which was pursued by Gen. Crook into the
mountain regions from which it had come. It
is confidently honed that such an outbreak
will not again occur and that the Indians who
for many years have disturbed the West will
hereafter remain in peaceable submission.
FORTIFICATIONS.
I again call vour attention to the present
condition of our extended sea coast on which
are so many large cities whose wealth and im-
portance would in time of war suffer from
modern war ships which our insufficient de-
fensive works could give no adequate protec-
tion. These works were built before the intro-
duction of modern heavy rifled guns into mari-
time warfare and if they are not put in an effi-
cient condition we may be subjected to humili-
ation by a hostile power greatly inferior to
ourselves. As germaue to this subject I call
attention to the impirtance of perfecting
our submarine torpedo defenses. The board
authorized by the last congress to report on
the method which should be adopted for the
manufacture of heavy ordnance has
visited the principal. iron and
steel works hi this country and Europe. It is
hoped that its report will soon be made and
that congress will thereupon be disposed to
provide suitable facilities and plans for the
manufacture of such guns as are now impera-
tively needed.
STATE MILITIA.
On several occasions during the last year of
ficers of the army have at the request of state
military authorities visited their military en
campments for the inspection of troops. From
tne reports 01 inese oincers 1 am inaucea 10 ne-
lieve the encouragement of the state imlitarv
organizations by the national government
would be lottowea by veiy grattiying results
and would afford it great assistance in emer-
gencies with the aid of a large body of volun-
teers educated in the performance oi military
duties.
THE NAVY.
The secretary of the naw reports that under
the authority of the act of August 5 1882 and
March 31883 the work of strengthening our
navy by the construction of wooden vessels has
been auspiciously begun. Three cruisers are
in process of construction the Chicago
of 45000 tons and the Boston
and Atlanta each 26000 tons. Tiiey
are to be built of steel with the tensile strength
and duribility prescribed by law and a combi-
nation of speed endurance and armament
are expected to compare favorably with the
test uniformed vessels of other nations. A
fourth vessel the Dolphin is to be constructed
of similar material. It is intended to serve as
fleet dispatch boat. The double turreied
monitors Puritan. Amuhritite and Terror have
been lau iched on the Delaware river and a
contract has been made for the supply of their
machinery. A similar monitor tne nioaanoc.
nas neen launcnea in uaiuonua. xne uavai
advisory board and the secretary recommend
the completion of the monitors the construc
tion of four gun boats and also of three addi
tional steel vessels iixe tne cnicago Boston
and Dolphin as an important measure of mate
rial aetence.
WATER WAYS
The secretary urges also the immediate crea
tion of an Interior coast line of water ways
across tne penensuia 01 j-ionua
alomr the coast from Florida to HamDton
Roads between Cheaoeake bay and the Dela
ware river and through Cape Cod. I feel
bound to impress upon the attention of Con-
tress the necessity 01 continued progress in
the reconstruction of the naw. The condition
of the public treasury as I have intimated
makes the present an auspicious time for put-
ting this branch of service in a state of effi
ciency. 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 conquests aud the peace
which we have so lone enioved is in no seem
ing danger of interruption Dut that our naval
strength should be made adeauate for the de
fense of our harbors the protection of our com
mercial interests ana me mainiainances 01 our
national honor is a proposition from which no
patriotic citizen win wimnoia nis assent.
THE MAIL SERVICE.
The renort of the postmaster general con
tains a urat'.f vine exhibit ot the condition and
prospects of mat interesting branch of public
service in nis care. 11 appears mat on June
30. 1883. the whole number of post offices was
47.863. of wldch 1632 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 419523052 a sum
exceedinc bv 102.189.401 the entire cost of the
carrier service of the country. The rate of
postage on drop letters passing through these
offices is now fixed by law at two cents per
half ounce or fraction thereof. In offices
where the carrier system has not been estab
lished me rate is oniy one-uau as targe. 11
will be remembered that in 1873 when free de-
livery was first established bv law. the uniform
single rate upon local letters war one cent and
so it remained until 1872 when in those
cities where the carrier service was es-
tablished it was increased in order to
defray expense of such service. It seems to
me the old rate may now with propriety be
restored and that too even at the risk ot di-
minishing for a time at least the receipts iroin
postage from local letters. I can see no rea-
son why that particular class of mail matter
should be held accountable for the entire cost
of not only its owu collection and delivery but
the collection and delivery of all other classes.
and I am confident that after full considera
tion of tho subject the reduction of the rate
wonld be followed by such a growing acces-
sion of business as to occasion but a slight and
temporary loss to the revenues of thepost-
ouice.
THE TELEGRAPH SYSTEM
The postmaster-general devotes much of his
report to the consideration In its various as
pects of tiie relations of the government to the
telegraphs. Such reflection as I have been
able to give on this subject since my last an
nual message nas not lea me 10 cnimi
the view which I then expressed
dissenting from the recommendation of the
postmaster general that the government as
sume me same coin roi wit uie teierapii mat
it ha always exercisek over the mail. Admit-
ting its authority in the premises is as ample
as has ever beeu claimed for it it would not be
a wse use of that authority to purchase or as-
A TTC1
-V h rs
JL JL. M n
N WEEKLY
AUSTIN TEXAS
sume the control of existing telecraph lines or
to construct others with a view of entering into
a general competition wifh private enterprise.
The objections which may be justly urged
against any system which would require an
enormous increase in the civil service lists do
not however appear equal to some of the
p'ans winch have lately attracted public com-
ment. It has been claimed lor example mat
Congress munt wisely authorize the postmas-
ter general to contract with some private per-
sons or corporation for the transmission of
messages at specified rates aud
under the supervision of the government
such schemes of the same general nature but
widely differing iu their special characteris-
tics have been susriresled ill the public uriuts.
and the arguments by which they have beeu
supiiorted and opposed have doub less at-
tracted your attention. It is likely that the
whole subject will be considered by you at the
present session. In the nature of things it in-
oives so manv ouestlons ot aetaii mat your
deliberations would be aided but slightly if at
all by any particular suggestion which I might
now SUL-L'cst. I avow mv belief however that
the government should be authorized by law to
exercise some sort of supervision of inter-state
telegraph communication and I express the
hope that for attaining that end some measure
should be adopted which will receive your ap-
probation. The attoruev-eeneral criticise0 in his report
the provisions of exUtiug law fixing the fees of
jurors auu witnesses 111 tuii teuerai courts.
These provisions are chiefly contained in the
act of February 26 1883. though some of them
were introduced into that act from statutes
which had been passed many years previous.
it is manifest tuat sucn compensation uugut
whan these laws were enacted have been lust
aud reasonable but would in many instances
ue ltistiv regaraea at me present uay as in
adequate. I concur witli the attorney-general
In the belief that the statute should be revised
bv which these fees are regulated so too
should the Uws which regulate the compensa-
tion of district attorneys aud of marshals.
They should be paid w holly by salaries instead
of part by tees as is now the case. The change
would prove to be a measure of economy aud
would discourage tiie institution of needless
and oppressive legal proceedings which it is
to be feared have in some instances been con-
ducted for the mere sake of personal gain.
THE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT.
Much Interesting and varied information is
contained in the report of the secretary of in
terior. 1 particularly can jour aie-n"ii lo
his prsesentation of certain phases of Indian
questions. His recommendations for the re-
peal of the preemption and timber culture
acts and for more stringent legislation to pre
vent frauds under tne pension laws uie stat-
utes which prescribe the definitions and pun-
ishments of crimes and relating to pensions
will doubtless be made more effective by cer
tain amendments and additions which are
pointed out iu the secretary's report.
FEDERAL AID TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
I have previously referred to the alarming
state of Illiteracy in certain portions of the
country and again submit for the considera-
tion of Congress whether some federal aid
should be extended to pnblic primary educa-
tion wherever adequate provision therefore
have not been made.
THE MORMONS.
The Utah commission has submitted to the
secretary of the interior its second an
nual report. As a report of its labors in
that territory pursuant to the act ot the nrst
of March it appears the persons by that act
disqualified to the number of about 12000 were
excluded from the polls. This fact however
affords little cause for congratulation and I
fear that it is far from indicating any real and
subtantial progress toward the extirpation of
polygamy. All of the members of the legisla
ture are Mormons mere is grave reason to
believe they are in sympathy with the prac-
tices that this government is seeking to sup-
press and that its effort in that regard will be
more likely to encounter their opposition thau
to receive meir encouragement auu support.
Even if this view should happily be unfounded
the law under which the Utah commissioners
have been acting should be made more effect-
ive by the incorporation of some such string-
ent measures as were included in bill No. 2238
on the calender of the Senate at its last session.
I am convinced however.polyganiy has become
so strongly entrenched in the territory of
Utah that it is profitless to attack with any
but the stoutest weapons which the constitu-
tional legislation can fashion. I favor there-
fore a repeal of the act upon which the exist-
ing government depends and the assumption
bv the national legislature of the entire polit-
cal control in the territory and the establish-
ment of a commission witli such powers and
duties as shall be delegated to it by law.
AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT.
The department of agriculture is accomplish
ing much in the direction of the agricultural
ueveiopment 01 tne country anu tue report 01
the commissioner giving the results of his in-
vestigation and experiments will be found in-
teresting and valuable. At his instance a con
ventionof those interested in the cattle indus-
try was latel v held at Chicago. The prevalence
of pleuro-piieumonia and other contagious d s-
eases 01 animals was one 01 tne ciuei topics 01
discussion. A commission of the convention
will invite your co-operation in this investiga-
tion of the causes of diseases and providing
methods for their prevention aud cure.
ALASKA.
I trust that Congress will not fail at the pres
ent session to put Alaska under the protection
of law. Its people have repeatedly remon-
strated against our neglect to afford them the
maintenance and protection expressly guar-
anteed byterus of the treaty whereby that
territory was ceded to the United States. For
sixteen years they have pleaded iu vain fw
that which they should have received without
the asking. They have no law for the collec-
tion of debts the support of education the
conveyance of property the administration of
estates or enforcement of contract; 110 law for
punishment of criminals except such as are
offered by certain customs of the country and
navigation. The resources of Alaska especial-
ly in furs mines and timber are
considerable in extent and capable
of large developments while its geographical
situation is one of political and commercial
tmimrtauce. The protection of Intei est there
in e :ts well as considerations of honor and
good faith demand the Immediate establish-
ment ol civil government hi that territory.
RAILWAY LEGISLATION.
ComDlaints have lately b-?en numerous and
agents controlling a whole or a part of the
facilities for the inter-state carriage of persons
and merchandise for the great railways of the
country have resorted in the dealing with the
public to diverse measures unjust and oppres-
sive iu their character. In some instances the
state government have attached and oppressed
these evils but in others jthey have been
unable to afford adequate relief because of the
jurisdictional limitations which are imposed
on them by the federal constitution. The
question how far the national government may
lawfully Interfrre in the premises and what if
aliy supervision or contract it ought to exercise
is one win 11 merits your careiui consiuci unuu
While we cannot fail to recognize the impor
tance of the vast railway system in its great
anil beneficial influences upon the development
of our material wealth we should on the other
nana reniemoer tiiat 110 iiiuivmuai anuuuvui-
poration ought to be interested in the absolute
power over the interests of any citizen or class
of citizens. The rights of these rati way com-
panies to award and profitable returns upon
their investments and to reasonable freeuom
in their regulations must be economized but it
seems only just that so far as its constitutional
authority will permit Congress should protect
the people at large in their state traffic against
acts of injustice which the state governments
are powerless to prevent.
PROTECTION OF THE FORESTS.
Tn mwlast annual messatre I called attention
to the necessity of protectiug by suitable legis-
lation the forests situated on public domain.
In a great many portions 01 tne west
the pursuit of general agriculture is
only made practicable by resort to irrigation
While successful irrigation would be impossi-
ble without aid afforded by the forest in con
tributing to the regular ana constant suppiy
of water. During the past year severe suffer
ing and great loss of property nas Deen occa-
sioned by profuse floods f llowed by periods
of unusually low water in many of the great
rivers of tne country. The3e irregularities
were in a great measure caused by removal
irom aoout tne sources 01 me rivers 01 innoci
hv which th water snnnlv had been nourished
and protected. The preservation of such por-
tion of forests on the national domain as es-
sentially contribute to the flow of important
water courses are of the highest importance.
The important tributaries of the Missouri
Columbia and the Saskatchevan rie in
t.hfl mountains ot Montana near me norm
ern boundary of the United States
between the Blackfoo and Rathead Indian
reservation. This region is unsuitable for
commerce but on the rivers which flow from
it rinnnnris the future airricultural development
of a vast tract of country. The attention of
Congress is called to the necessity of witli-
drawimr from nubile sale this part of the pub
lic domain and establishing there a forest
serve.
INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITIONS.
The industrial exhibitions which have been
held in the United States during the present
year have attracted attention in many foreign
countries where the announcements of these
enterprises nave Deen maae Known uirouKu
tne foreien agencies of this government. The
industrial exhibition at Boston ana me soum-
ern Exposition at Louisville were largely at-
tended bv exhibitors of foreign countries not-
witnstanding tne aosence 01 any pruiessiomu
character in tnese unaertaiungs.
THE NEW ORLEANS CENTENNIAL.
The centennial exhibition to be held next
year at New Orleans in commemoration
of the centenary of the first shipment
Ol col toil irom auy port 01 tue uuiwaiouiira
bids fair to meet with like eratifving success.
Under the act of Congress of the 10th of Feb
ruary 1883 declaring that exposition to be na-
tional aud international in its character all
foreicm governments to which the United
States maintains relations have b -en invited to
participate. The promoters of this important
undertaking have already received assurances
01 the lively interest it excited aDroaa.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
The report ol the commissioners of the Dis
trict ot Columbia is herewith transmitted.
ask for it your careful attention especially for
those portions which allude to the arrears of
taxes ana me water suppiy.
CIVIL SERVICE.
The commissioners who were appointed nn
der act of January 16 1883 entitled "an act to
regulate and improve the civil service of the
United States" entered promptly on the dis-
charge of their duties. A series of rules were
framed in accordance with the spirit of the
statutes and approved and promulgated by
the president.
in some particulars wn
icmed defective. these
rules were' subseauentrv amended.
It will be perceived they discountenance any
political or religious tests for admission to the
offices of the public service which statutes re-
lates to the act aud is limited in its original ap-
tuieaiiiuu iiu uie viosie. o -.- .-i&ajups ill me stfv
Mmt ATn.ntiva (toimrl nr-iila n WashinMn.
numbering about SOUi and to similar positions
in customs districts aud postotliees. Where as
manv as nftv persons are employed a classi
fication of these persons analogious to that ex-
isiiiie in the wasiiiurton offices wasdulv made
before the law weut into effect and eleven cus
toms districts and twenty-three postotliees
THURSDAY DECEMBER 6 1883.
were thereby brought wider imtpe-liate oper-
ation of the statute. Tiie annual ;ort of the
civil service commission whie i itl soon be
subuutted to Congress will d- it'less afford
the means of a more detuiitw v ent than I
am now prepared to expressW-s to the merits
of the new system. I am persuaded that its
effects havetlius far proven beneficial. Its prac-
tical methods appear to be adequate for tho
ends proposed and there has been no serious
ilitlieullies in carrying them iuto effect. Since
theethof July last 110 person hs far as I am
av.t're h;us been appointed to public servic
in tiie classified portions thereof Iu any of the
departments or at any of the postotliees and
custom districts above named except they
were certified by the commissioner to be the
mivt competent. The basis of all examinations
were had in conformity of rules.
PRESIDENTIAL SUCCESSOR.
At the time when the present executive en-
tered uK)ii the duties. Ills death resignation or
inability to discharge the duties of office it
would have left the government without a con-
stitutional head. It is possible of course that
a similar contingency may again arise unless
the wisdom of Congress shall provide against
its recurrence. The Senate at its last session
af ter full consideration passed an act relating
to tills subject which will now I trust
commend itself to the approval of
both houses of Congress. The
clause of the constitution upon which
must depend on any law regulating the presi-
dential succession and present also Ior solu-
tion oilier questions of paramount importance.
These questions relate to the proper interpre-
tation of the phrase iu ability to discbarge to
powers and duties of said officer. Our organ-
ic law providing when the president shall suf-
fer from such inability the presidential office
shall devolve upon the vice president who
must himself nnder like circumstances give
place to such office as Congress may by law
apioint to act as president. I need not here
set forth numerous and Interesting inquiries
which is suggested by the werds of the consti-
tution; they were fully stated in my first mes-
sage to Congress and have since been
the subject of frequent deliberation of
that body. It is now to be hoped
these momentous questions will find
speedy solution lest emergence may arsse
w hen longer delay will be impossible hnd any
determination albeit the wise may furnish any
cause for anxiety for reasons fully stated in
my last annual message.
THE VETO POWER.
I repeat my recommendation that congress
propose an amendment to that provision of the
constitution which prescribed the enactment
of the formalities for the enactment of laws
whereby iu respect to bills for the application
of public moneys the executive may be en-
abled while giving his approval to particular
items to interpose ids veto as to such others as
do not conimeud themselves to his judgment.
THE FOURTEENTH AMENDMENT.
The fourteenth amendment to the constitu-
tion confers the rights of citizenship on all per-
sons born or naturalized in the United States
and subject to the jurisdiction thereof. It
was the Sjjecial purpose of this amend-
ment to insure to members of the
colored race the full enjoyment of civil and
political rights. Certain statutory provisos in-
tended to secure the enforcement of these
rights have been recently declared unconstitu-
tional by the Supreme Court. Any legislation-
whereby Congress may lawfully supplement
the Kuarantee which the constitution affords
for the equal enjoyment by all the citizens of
the United States of every right privilege and
immunity of citizenship will receive my un-
hesitating approval.
CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
Waslilngton D. C December 3 1883.
TYLEK.
ISpecial to The Statesman.!
Tyler Dec. 4. Supremo court affirmed:
Jones vs. Jones from Camp; Wilhelm et aLvs.
Lynch et al. from Shackelford; Nance vs.
Liudsey from Milam. On briefs und oral ar
gument for both parties: Lorahie et al. vs.
But'eretal. from Smith. Reversed and re-
manded: Smith vs. Warren from Williamson:
Texas & Pacilic railway vs. Measler et al.
froniManon.
JSUKXET.
Special to Tho Statesman.)
Subnet. Dec. 4. The Mabel Norton combi
nation is registered at the Slaton Hotel. They
play to a full bouse to-night as all the seats
have been sold. This is the Crst troupe that
lias visited us this season. .
Dame rumor has it that the long talked of
wedding wiii tane piace on me um 111st.
Fifteen cars of freight arrived to-day the
greater part of it being for western merchants.
lsusuiess goou auu weatiier line.
MARSHALL.
fSpecial to The Statesman.
Marshall Dec. 4. The city council met
last night aud elected M. R. Giier mayor to fill
the unexpired term caused by the resignation
of Mayor Starr.
Gravson Rowe. au enpioye ci me lexas &
Pacific railway shops had his arm terribly
crushed to-day in a nying wueei. lie win lose
Ms arm.
District court is in sesslor and Is working on
the criminnl doeket. There ?.re efeht murder
cases to be tried.
Burglars entered John Dahnier's saloon last
night and broke open the safe. They procured
about i'25.
6ALVEST0X.
GALVESTON Dec. 4. The controversy be
tween the business agent of Rev. Henry Ward
Beecher and Manager Spencer of this city
growing out of the late lecturing tour of Mr.
Beecher has been compromised privately.
ine lucreascu municipal cApeiiuituie tor iuo
comine vear contains au item of SW100. to pro
vide for electric lights in streets.
The foreign clearings to-day consisted of
barks Dispoudent for Havre with 1670 bales
of cotton weighing 838064 pounds and valued
at 879t6; and the Matilda for Liverbool with
si464 bales of cotton weighing 1255569 pounds
aud valued at $134833.
WASHINGTON.
Special to The Statesman.J
Washington D. C Dec. 4. Senator Coke
to-day introduced a u.emorial from district at-
torney Jack Evans setting forth summary
charges against Judges of the eastern and
western ieaerai districts 01 uexas 10 ine enect
that they fail to hold court as provided by law
notkinir a pretense to do so. but civine as ex
cuses sickness or some casualty citing as in
stances the falling out 01 tue Duggy Dy the
wife of one of the judges name not given. He
uses the words "cousins sisters and aunts
sons brothers-in-law. nephews and neices" in
charging nepotism against the judges. The
document is remarkable and is a riaorous ar-
raignment and the Republicans through In-
alls ob ectmg to having it pnniea coKe maae
it a part of his remarks which insures It a
place on tue congressiomu recorus.
Applying for a Respite.
TiOTrnoi. Dec. 4. Gen. Prior to-dav reouest-
ed United State Minister Lowell to apply for a
respite for O'Donnell. Howell will apply to
American authorities at Washington for in-
structions. Russell will wait upon Lowell to-
morrow to submit legal grounds upon which
he has based an application for commutation.
Sunt Down.
CnicAGO. Dec. 4. The Daily .News'
Joliet special says: "All the depart-
ments of the Joliet rollinsr mills have
been shut down until the 15th instant.
The reasons are not given.
A Fire in Lynchburir.
Nashville Dec. 4. An American
special says a fire at Lynchburg
Tenn. tnis morning destroyed iwen-ty-two
houses including1 the Sentinel
office and several stores. Loss 25000;
insurance $15000.
Failures.
Chicago Dec. 4. Cameron & Mar-
cur knit goods wholesale r n commis-
sion failed. Liabilities $30000; as
sets 17000. Alattson as jueipni tan-
ners failed. Liabilities $25000; as
sets nearly as much.
Surrendered.
Providence B. I. Dec. 4. The
Quid Nunc mills passed into the pos
session or lteceiver a arnswortn to-
dav. in accordance with an order of
the court witnout trouoie &prague
declaring he could not fight the court.
Another Kailroad War.
Chicago Dec 4. "Scalpers" to-day
were- offering regular unlimited tick-
ets stamped to-day over the Burling
ton and the Chicago & Alton rail
ways. Chicago to Kansas City for
$11 the regular rate being $14.80.
Mine Explosion.
Pittsburg Dec 4. mere was a
mine explosion at Stamburgh ' this
morning. Wm. Harm was killed and
six others seriously hurt. Ilann en
tered the mine with an open lamp
and explosion followed. The concus-
si n was terrific
Frank James' Trial.
Kansas City Dec 4. Frank
James trial i3 set for January 14. and
bail fixed at $3000. It is said that
James will offer bond in a few days
and be released.
The trial of Chas. Ford on a charge
of complicity in the same robbery is
set for tne same a ate.
A Veto.
Harrisburg Pa. Dec 4. A mes-
sage from the governor vetoing all of
the appropriation bill excepting that
portion relating to the pay of em-
ployes was presented to the legisla-
ture to-dav. The governor bases his
action on the ground that the busi
ness for which the legislature was
called in extra session has not been
attended to.
TIIE F0KTY-EIGHTH C0XGRESS.
SENATE.
Washington Dec 4. Bills were
introduced by Senator In galls to amend
the arrear pension law by. removing
certain limitations in that act.
By Senator Beck Providing for the
removal of all disabilities imposed by
the fourteenth amendment to the con-
stitution; also authorizing American
citizens to purchase foreign built
ships and engage in foreign carrying
trade
By Senator Edmunds To provide
for f ourther protection of colored cit-
izens of the United States; also to es-
tablish a postal telegraph system.
By Senator Sherman To provide
an issue of circulation of national
banks allowing the circulation to be
issued for 90 per cent market value of
bonds instead of face value.
By Senator Beck To repeal the act
of July 2 1862 and such sections of
the revised statutes of the United
States as perpetuate the oath pre-
scribed by the fourteenth amendment;
also to authorize the payment of cus-
toms duties in legal tender.
ay &enator Juirnunds To amend
sections 1756 and 1751 of the revised
statutes; it abolishes the ironclad oath
and fixes one oath for all officers
alike.
Senator Coke presented a petition
from the United States attorney of
the western district of Texas praying
legislation to correct the evil of judges
appointing relatives to offices of their
courts.
Senator Blair introduced a bill to
establish a bureau of statistics for
labor under the department of in-
terior and also a bill to regulate the
hours of labor for workmen and me-
chanics in the employ of the United
Stftte limiting the hours to constitute
a day's work to eight.
By Senatoi Logan To appropriate
a nd expend $50000000derivedfrom the
internal revenue .tax and the sale of
public lands for the education of all
children living in the United States.
By Senator Hoar To provide tor
the performance of the duties of the
office of president in case of death
resignation or inability of both presi-
dent and vice-president.
A number of other bills were also
introduced.
Messrs. Sherman and Bayard the
committee appointed with the com-
mittee of the House to wait upon
the president and inform him that
both houses were organized and ready
to receive any communication he
might make returned to the Senate.
and Mr. Sherman announced that the
committee had performed their dutv.
The president in reply requested the
committee to convey to botn nouses.
on his behalf the compliments of the
season and his congratulation upon
their organization and to say that he
would at once communicate in writ-
ing. Within a few minutes the mes-
sage was received and read when the
senate adjourned.
house.
Air. converse ssud ne nad been re-
questfjd by Mr. Manning to ask the
unanimous consent that the question
or his prima facie right to a seat be
referred to the committee on elections
with instructions to report at the
earliest day possible.
Mr. Keif er asked that the case of
Mr. Chalmers be al3o referred and Mr.
Converse put the request In a resolu-
tion referring to the committee on
elections all papers in the case with
instructions to report at once whether
on prima facie the case is presented
and either Manning or Chalmers be
entitled to be sworn in as member
pending the contest on the merits of
and final right to the seat. Adopted.
Delegates from the territories ap-
peared at the bar of the House and
were sworn it.
Mr. Springer offered a resolution
referring to the committee on ele&
tions when appointed the memorial
of the governor of Kansas and
others presented yesterday and the pa
pers presented to the clerk of the
House in regard to the election and
qualifications of Peters of Kansas
witn instructions to report whether
Peters is eligible and if not whether
the contestant. Wood is entitled to
the seat. Adopted.
A resolution was adopted providing
that the rules of the Forty-seventh
Congress be the rules of the Forty-
eighth until two weeks from the ap
pointment ot tne committee on rules.
The Democratic caucus nominees
for minor offices were elected and
sworn in.
A committee consisting of Messrs.
Curtin Blackburn and Hiscock was
appointed to wait on the president
and inform him that the House was
organized and ready to receive any
communication he may be pleased to
transmit.
The business of drawing seats was
proceeded with.
Upon completion of drawing. Mr.
Dunn offered a resolution for the ap-
pointment of a committee of five
members to be known a3 tne commit-
tee to which will be referred all prop
ositions for the improvement of rivers
and harbors. Referred to the commit-
tee on rules when appointed.
Tne speaker appointed as a commit
tee on mileage Messrs. Moulton Well
born uiasscock. iiainey and Mill of
Pennsylvania.
At this pome tne commute that
waited upon the president announced
that the president would communi
cate a message in writing.
The president s secretary at 3K)o
o'clock appeared and presented the
president's message. The reading
cierk read tne presidents message
which was ordered printed and refer
red to the committee of the whole.
Adjourned.
Combined to Bob.
New York Dec 4. Some of the
grocers' clerks formed the B. C. union
the object of which is to systemmat-
ically rob their employers. A rule of
the associatian is that each member
should by fair means or foul possess
himself of $125 a month and deposit
it with Christian Krosse of Brooklyn
treasurer. Members would be given
$2500 from the funds at the end of the
year if they wished to go into busi-
ness. If sick they were to be paid $2
a Hav T?.fit.ail o-rrwflrshavn roused the
arrest of Krosse and a number of fl
clerks. It is said Krosse must have
received something like $7000 from
members of the society. Two clerks
who robbed a grocery store were to4
day held for trial.
The Eiots.
Dublin Dec. 4. The rioting at!
Wexford is said to be greatly exag
gerated. The broken windows are
confirmed but nobody was seriously
injured. Whittle the Chicago evan
gelist held two services in the theatre!
yesteraay anu was not tusturueu
Another report says riotous distur-f
bances were renewed at midnight!
when the Methodist rooms of the
Christian association the county
court and some houses of the Pro
testant population were again at-;
tacked. All is quiet to-day. Police
patrol the streets leading to the thea-i
trc : j
Burned.
Winters Me. Dec 4. The Whit-
man agricultural works burned. Loss
$30000; insurance $10000.
A Damage Salt Against Carl Schnrz.
New York Dec 4. Chas. D.Gil-
mour recently brought suit for $300-
000 damages against Carl Schnrz in
the supreme court this city. Gilmour
was formerly a practicing lawyer in
Washington and alleges that when
Schurz was secretary of the interior
in 1880 he maliciously and by the ex-
ercise ot arbitrary authority had the
plaintiff debarred and prohibited from
practicing in any of the departments
of the interior where Gilmour alleges
he had a practice of $1500 a year. The
suit was removed to-day to the United
States court.
ATE
1C11 IT A 11
r
PECCLlAiai A TEXAS CEAZE
All things now new under the sub
take unto themselves a period of fash-y
ion. Base ball has its run tho craze
having marched its army of followers
up hill with flying colors while it nbw
begins to march down again. Things
unknown a year or two ago are nbw
all the rage. . A shallow pated Eng
lish fool without form or beauty
wore a sunflower as an ornament find
in less than six months every fop j in
the land had a sunflower in the lapbel
of his coat. Colors have their rase:
and so do flowers. The chrysanthe-
mum craze has now two continent in
its grasp.while every pretty girl in iu-
rope and America wears the jauntv
(derby) jacket. Even crimes have
their period of fashion and
sometimes have been known to
assume the relation of a
craze. Incindiarism often has it3
period of prevalence; robbery becomes
at times a thing of every day occur-
rence. Even murder takes in periods
of prevalence.and the hand that strikes
to-day presents a pashion to bo
followed to-morrow. Tho most re
cent craze in critna is fenco cutting.
The first man who applied the nippers
to a wire fence is unknown but
the thing like magic when once be
gun spread from one end of Texas to
the other. It is a Texas institution
inaugurated in 1883. and destined to
occupy the widest range while civil
authority is loosely exercised. It took
like fire takes an untrodden prairie in
dry weather and no matter where it
began it has swept with devastating
effect over Texas. As long as pres-
ent material last3 it will exist. A
legislature has been called to check
it but with the same officers
that now control the execution of
law the legislature with all its sta-
tutes will be powerless. Jt is grown
into a craze and will have its run. It
is getting just as natural now to cut
a barbed wire as it is to want to eat.
It is only necessary for one to look at
a barbed wire for the craze to seize
him. A peaceable and lawabidlng cit-
izen going down Pecan street has his
fingers begin to work like a pair of
nippera as he passes those stacks of
wire at Firebaugh's. He would just
like to try a cut and were he in the
country.beside one of those long strings
of wire fences he would speedily bo a
fenco cutter. This craze is nothing
more nor less than the presence for a
season of Satan in the confines of Tex
as. The spirit of the devil has taken
hold of people and the fence is dese-
crated around the homes of the dead
as well as around the ranges of the
long-horns. Why this one fence cu t-
ter who was convicted Travis
county did not plead mental insanity
is not understood. The devil took
possession of him and intuitively
he cut just like the madman who
thirsts for human blood would brain
a helpless babe. Fence-cutting is a
fearful crime. Some say it should be
expiated in the penitentiary under a
sentence of ten years; some say a life-
time while the Waco Examiner urges
it be made a capital offense. So-
ciety when is overtaken with these
crazes is weak and therefore suscep
tible; communities that take on any
criminal craze is possessed of an inate
immorality that is fond of lawless
ness. Two elements combine to create
morbid desire for crime one being
possessed of the desire to commit
crime the other to induce crime.
This is the condition that has led to
the prevalence of fence-cutting. A
lawless element was ready to insult
law and order; another offered the in.
centive; and so the nippers were started
by lawless men as a means of retalia-
tion on the lawless. The evil begun
it has spread until the present entire
military power of the United States
would be found inadequate-to deal
with it. Wires are cut around the large
pastures; they are cut around small
farms; they.are cut around residence
enclosures and gravo yard3 even do
not produce ghosts enough to frighten
"nesters" away. . Fence cutting
was started so we where
informed by the military
department of the state government
mostly to open ways to water aud it
was announced that the end of the
drouth had put an end to fence cut
ting. This declaration was made the
subject of ridicule by lawless men
who thereupon redoubled their efforts
to destroy property. Kich and poor
the strong and the weak men and
widows and orphaned children are at
tacked alike and even the winds that
have played silently over graves
have been made lively with
the strike of the nippers and the tone
of the falling wires. Law is insulted
and it is predicted it will be insulted
even after the legislature makes fence-
cutting a felony. The officers who
fail to catch the law breaker now will
fail to hunt him down then. This
lawless condition will prevail until
the moral disease runs its course.
Fortunately for its duration the evil
has become a craze and it will the
sooner reach its end through the ab
surdities and excesses of it3 own exis
tence.
IU TEE-STATE COaJttEKCE.
Mr. Beagan announces his pur
pose to push his inter-state commerc
bill. He is satisfied the measure wii
have fair consideration this winter
because he can now have a fair com
niittee not one packed against him aa
was the case under the administration
of Keifer. He insists he has been
much misrepresented; that he is not
against the railways but is simpH
against wrong and is trying to pre
vent the railroads from doing wrongi
that he fully recognizes the value o
the railroads in the development of the
South and the West; but that this isj
no reason for permitting them to ex-
ercise a tyrannical and arbitrary pow
er of discrimination. He says his In
terstate commerce measures does not
seek to regulate the rate paid for the
freight and passenger traffic of the
country bui to prevent extortion and
make the roads charge a uniform rate
to every one for equal service. The
constitution he thinks clearly gives
the power to Congress to regulate inter-state
commerce and that is all the
bill proposes to cover. Discriminating
1 rates and treatment when entirely
within the states must be left to the
tates to remedy. "It nasi been
aid" says Jur. jtteagan" in oppo-
ition to my plan: ' How can
ou tell which is which without in
ning the danger of serious delays?"
y answer to that is very simple. The
ck of the bill of shipment tells all
that is necessary to be known. The
trouble with all state legislation upon
the subject in the past has been the
msuOicient means furnished for the
punishment for violating tho laws
passed. My bill provides punishment;
of a severe character and in some
cases imprisonment. I further guard
against the intimidation of the poor
people or those loath to fight corpo-!
rations by giving the United States i
tiistrict attorneys power to proceed
igamst roads upon information." The
Statesman has not been so sure as
lr. Reagan that his bill is not uncon-
titutional; and it s quite sure that
ts tendency is to lay violent hands on
lhe nghts of states. i)
1 HOMESTEADS FOB '
The ppenmg of the Indian Terri
tory to white settlement is not a mat-
ter of immediate necessity and we do
not think Congress will be disposed
to legislate at once in behalf of such
purpose. It can not be denied how-
ever that the policy of herding the
Indians together in reservations con
tiguous to each other has been a wise
one. It would be far better to put
tho Indians on the same footing us
the homestead settler. Force the dif
ferent tribes to make their selections
of homes on unappropriated domain
and make the head of each family ao
quire title on the same conditions as
other actual settlers. The propo-
sition has been made to
give each head of a family
one section of land but why the Inr
dian should bo given preference
over all other settlers Is not under-
stood. It might be well for Congress.
if the purpose be to place all the un
settled Indiana in the Indian territory
to provide for their settlement there
within a given time say five years
The best plan would be to sequestrate
the lands not giving them to tribes
but to individuals and require all to
make selections of homesteads within
that time. Let it be understood that
after five years they would be given
no more lands but that they would
then bo allowed to acquire them
in no other way than by pur-
chase. The Indian bureau is a
heavy item of expense to the govern-
ment and its early abolition ought to
be contemplated. By settling the In-
dians in a given time on homesteads
not reservations the surplus lands
now set apart for tribes could then be
opened to settlement for whites. Of
course where the government has
parted with title to large bodies of
lands to tribes the sales or contracts
should be respected. The right
of eminent domain even in
such cases might bo resurttd
to and the Indians after being forced
to take homesteads could be paid for
lands condemned. These condemned
lands could then be placed at the ilis
position of whites. .We do not be
lieve in dealing too hastily with the
Indians but the government has been
dilly dallying with them to long and
should place a limit of time when
their relations of the government
should be . definitely settled. Five
years is long enough. At that time
the Indian territory might be opened
for settlement and until it is opened
Texas will not be the looser by its
being closed against white settlers.
There is no end to faiths
the last . claiming attention be-
ing the Faithists who held
a meo ng in New York a' few
days ago. There were 100 delegates
present representing eleven states.
They claim to accept all that is good
in all faiths Christianity Judaism
Islamism Brahminism and Confu-
cianism. Their particular creed is said
to be founded on the book of
"Oahspe" which they say is a direct
revelation from heaven received
through the medium of a type-writer
700 copies of which they have sold at
$7.50 each. Their plan is to reform
the world by taking children into
their communities and raising them
up in purity away from the tempta-
tions of life. The Faithists are also
vegetarians.
A Washington special to the
New York Herald says:: "The
report comes from Now York
that Mr. Tilden very recently
called to him some of his
closest political friends and formally
discharged them from further service
to himself. It Is asserted on what
seems to be good authority that the
old gentleman has definitely given up
not only all purpose of political ad
vancement for himself but also all
attempts to exercise the influence he
undoubtedly has in tho party for the
advancement of others. If this re-
port may be trusted he has bidden a
cheerful but definite and complete
good-bye to politics."
Toe anticipated attempt to count
out some of the Virginia state sena
tors was not made. The returning
board acted squarely not going out
side the original returns but per
forming its functions merely as a min-
isterial body. The beaten Keadjuster
candidate for senator in the Danville
district tried to get in a contest but
his impudence was not rewarded.
The boss now seems to have no one
so low as to do his bidding. The
Democrats in the legislature will have
24 majority on joint ballot.
Correspondence between Wash-
ington and the City of Mexico is said
to be going on with a view of having
the president of the United States and
the president of the Mexican republic
meet upon the international bridge
which spans the Eio Grande half way
between El Paso and Paso del Norte
on the 5th of May Mexican independ
ence day. The occasion will be in
onor of the completion of the Mexi-
can central railway and the conse
quent linking of the capitals of the
wo republics with iron rails.
The president's message delivered
yesterday to the two houses of the
Forty-eighth congress is presented in
full this morning to the readers of
iHE Statesman. It was received
by wire yesterday aud contains over
10003 wordu. The operators' copy
supplied in this instance whs one of
the best pieces of mnauscript ever
sent The Statesman from the West-
ern Union office in this city.
i
I When Gen. Rosecrans presents his
constitutional amendment against
pplygamy he might present another
against religious liberty since the
Mormons defend themselves and
lygamy on religious grounds.
Why WeareSt!-!..
IsTo dfviao that ran aihl to th" cot;- -fort
aud convia.ii are of n-iiweHii g is
omitted in our modern sirchitcciure
and money is not rrgj-.lftl v. ru:i the
luxury of clothing or Lc;i.'.y cf per-
sonal adornment in quest '.!. llmcn
we all live in better hous. s.nd v.-rm-better
clothes than did our iorrf..th-
trs. AVhy should we u t.iU the
same lietter care of our heiilth V V hv
should dyupt-psia and the train ot
tlisesuM-s tnat fellow it ""'jnost un-
known in the olden time ie so pr? a-
fcnt now i Simply because of the .
poisonous trail luiligestibie trash
which in these ilays is forced upon
(pie public as genuine loot! or used to
; adulterate those articles that go to
! iuake up the daily bill of fare of every
household. Our forefathers were con-
lent to make money by plain and
honest methods; but the hot competi-
tion of the present day ar.d tlw strife
for rapid riches have called forth all
the ingenuity of inoi'ern science to
devise eunnirg deceptions that shall
enable the avaricious dealer to more
rapidly increase his profits even
though he destroy tho health of the
public thereby. The consequence is
adulterated impure poisonous and
bogus iood on every n;md.
The people buy these aduiteratta
articles ot food because they are
cheap entirely ignorant of their pois
onous qualities. A lew years ago
this evil had reached such alarming
proportions in KDglaud that the pub
lic sentiment demanded legislative in-
terference aud parliament enacted
the most severe repressive laws. .ur.
Small U. S. A. after an examination
recently made under tho directiou of
the war department concludes that
the adulteration of food is as great
in this countrv to-dav. and of as dan
gerous a character as it was in Ellw
and at tho time reicrreu io. jno ur-
ticle entering so generally into the
food of every launiy has been iounu
more villainously adulterated than
baking powder. For the purpose of
underselling an absolutely pure pow
der liko the "Itoyal" which has be
come tho standard for purity and
strength in baking powders hun-
dreds of dealers are putting up baking
powders with cheap and adulterated
cream of tartar containing lime earth
etc. adding strength by the free use of
alum. These powders aro sold cheap
but their use in extensive for they aro
one of the chief causes of tho dyspep-
sia from which the American people
are suffering. This species of adultera-
tion at least can be avoided by fol-
lowing the advice of Prof. MoU tho
chemist to the government who rec
ommends customers "vnen purchas-
ing baking powders to select onu
standard powder as tho '.Royal Bak-
ing Powder.' niftier than to risk pur-
chasing adventurous compounds put
upon the marker; oy persons wuu
have no higher motive than dollars
and cent;?."
We hope to see Congress take how
of this important matter in a suai-
ciently viguious manner io pur. au
end to the whole nefarious business.
In the moan time if people will ba
as careful to buy the best and pu ibt
food as they are to wear the best
clothes and build the most comfort-
able houses it will not bo necessary
to ask so frequently the question
"Why are we sick?" Every scientific
test has proven tho "Jloyal' to be pure
and wholesome.
Butter ana E gs.
Cincinnati Dec 4. Tho eleventh
annual se sion of the national butter
cheese and egg association began this
afternoon at Smith Nixons hall May-
or Stephens made an address of wel-
come. S. B. Hubbard of Vermont
vice president responded. Secretary
It. M. Littler introduced President
J. J. McDonald of Philadelphia who
made a brief address.
AG rau d Strike..
London Dec. 4. The weavers' of
Lancashire numbering DOKX) are or-
ganizing a strike against reduction of .
wages.
The president attempts to paliute
the negro by saying congress should
adopt some measure to protect the
rights of the negro. The supreme
court h' just decided congress has no
such'ijower.
WANTED To know the wuornubnuts of nn
Knlmhnian iiami'tl Arthur Kilmir Reiwl-
liig nieii about tliirty-two years. Tlioae who
cau kiv iu'orimUlon please aililresstliiH olllce.
iiov27-il&w1t
TT7 AKTF.n A
number of pood dairy cows
vv with vounir calves.
AiiiiresH
d&wlt J. P. ROGEKISi Austin Texan
Excelsior
Aoatln Texan.
W. 2T. CHTJCI201T
PROPRIETOR.
Bills Caps and every variety of Cut Stono for
buildings furnished on short notice.
Ordurs Irom abroad solicited. nov29-wl y '
Or. C. . FISHER. HO MEO PA THIS!
Austin Texas
Treats ALL CHRONIC DISEASES
Sends Homeopathic Medicines to any
address by Mail or Express. Consulta-
tions Free. Fees Moderate. Office 1 '05-
Hickory Street under Annua Hotel
"THE BEST 19 THE CHEAPEST." '
SAWgpjniPl"rk THRESHERS
MILLS Oi U 1.1 J Houe Pown
(For alleectionsancl purposes. Write for Pnm Pamphlet
mad Prloeti to The Auluzuui & Taylor Go. MMrHrWil OliiOb
OPIUM
HABIT
Opium Home i
pr. n. h. EAinL
of the iJeOuirarr
fioro. now o tiers a Uimwlr
wber
ibv tlir ons mm
hi I r mi Lama onULl. 3
inuniLaiii;. rur wBbiiouuiaia ana epaoraetudDU letUirm frou
eminent medical men and a full detcrfptloo of the treatment.
Wnm IL 1L KAA E A.M M.IK M H. HU fM. w lor
iutTftisOJiB
Krtnn to tm wtth TEH
rS. & Jtm'U get tj mail
a oninra ini m annn
fl aqthat will .THj: yrn h. Ruflf MONET to On Month
3 than any thinned In Amurl.-i. AfiflOluteOrtttlnty.
Ulieedaoci4iltuL.LVui:r.i;.i71IJreuwlctiftt.lI.Yosfc
EVERY ONE
who eeaia name on postal card to TEXAS
VASH um SAN0H AasUn Texas will
get a samp! eopj tn. Sabaeristlm. 1$
DR. JOHN BULL'S
. FOR THE CURE OF
FEVER and ACUE
Or CHILLS and FEVER
AID ALL MALARIAL DISEASES.
The proprietor of thie celebrated medicine
justly claims for it a superiority over all rem-
edies ever offered to the publie for the BATE
CERTAIN 8PEEDY. and PEKMA5KNT onr
of Ague and Fever.orChillB and Fever.wheto
er of short or long standing. He refer to the
entire Western and Southern oonntry to bear
him testimony to the truth of the assertion
that in no case whatever will it fail to cure if
thedirections are strictly followedaad carried
out In a great nffny oaaea a lingie dose haa
been sufficient fora cure and whole families
have been oared try a single bottle with a per-
feet restoration of the general health. It is
however prudent and in every case more cer-
tain to core if its use is oontinned in smaller
doses for a week or two after the disease has
been chocked more especially in difficult and
long-standing cases. Usually this medicine
will not rcqturo any aid to keep the bowels in
good order. Should thrt patient however re-
quire aoathartio medioine.after having taken
three or four doses of the Tonic a single dose
of BULL'S VEGETABLE FAaHLY PILL3
will be sufficient.
DH. JOHH BULL'S
SMITH'S TONIC SYRUP
BULL'S SARSAPARILLA
BULL'S WORM DESTROYER
Tfra Popular Remedies of the Day.
Prlaelpal Otnee 831 B sin SL. LOUIS TILL
Smitli's Tonic Symp
a
J )
T
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The Austin Weekly Statesman. (Austin, Tex.), Vol. 13, No. 14, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 6, 1883, newspaper, December 6, 1883; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth277923/m1/1/?rotate=90: accessed April 25, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .