El Reno Daily Eagle. (El Reno, Okla.), Vol. 1, No. 54, Ed. 1 Wednesday, December 5, 1894 Page: 3 of 4
This newspaper is part of the collection entitled: El Reno Eagle and was provided to The Gateway to Oklahoma History by the Oklahoma Historical Society.
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THE MESSAGE.
The President Sends a Communi-
cation to Congress.
01H RELATIONS WITH FOREIGNERS.
Army Affairs The Department of Justice
—The I*oHtal Department—Our Navy—
The Department of tin* Interior—
Agricultural Matters—The
Honel Issue The Tar.
iff—Etc.
Message to the congress of the United States:
The assemblage within the nation’s legisla-
tive halls of those charged with the duty of
making laws for the benelit of a generous and
free people impressively suggests the exacting
obligation and incxorabio responsibility in-
volved hi their task. At the threshold of suoli
labor now to be undertaken by the congress of
the United States, and in tho discharge of an
executive duty enjoined by the constitution, l
submit this communication, containing a brief
statement of the condition of our national af-
fairs and recommending such legislation as
seems to me necessary and expedient.
Our Foreign Relations.
The history of our recent dealings with other
nations and our peaceful relations with them
at this time additionally demonstrated the ad-
vantage of consistently adhering to u firm but
just foreign policy, free from envious or am-
bitious national schemes and characterized by
entire honesty and sincerity.
1 have endeavored to impress upon the Bel-
gian government the needlessness and positive
harmfulness of its restrictions upon the im-
portation of certain of our food products nnd
have strongly urged that the rigid supervision
and Inspection under 6ur laws are amply suf-
ficient to prevent the deportation from this
ILt.tlo
I tie maintained onlv bv the continue 1 presenee 1 with ., single exception, has adopted this for-, mtlon this Item of oxponditure is subjoat to ! pension expenditures for the year ending June 1 registry to ships built abroad and own ed by
n .... i.. .. . ........ riM....... t■ .. l., .... .f *lil 1 It. .........t...l .it 41 li 1 11. L i i a l i 'I* 11,1 \,npeidtina it tart, mi rs in l lip liipiil rtf nriispn ft
of foreign military force and at no small sacri-
fice of life and treasure. The suppression of
the Mataafa insurrection bv the powers, and
the subsequent banishment of the leader and
seven other chiefs, as recited in my last mes-
sage, did not bring lasting peace to the islands.
mation to meet the e uiditions of modern war-
fare. should alone secure for the recommenda*
tion an early consideration. It is hardly nec-
essary to recall the fact that in obedience tc
the constitution and the laws and for the pur*
of protecting the property of tho
nited States aiding the process of
federal oourts and n nov t • aw
tions to the performance by the government of
its legitimate functions it became necessary in
various localities during the year to employ a
considerable portion of the regular troops. Tho
posi
I reasury Statement.
The secretary of the treasury reports that
the receipts of the treasury from all soureesof
revenue during the fiscal year ended June 30,
1894, amounted to $372,8 i2, )89.29 and its expend-
itures to $442,505,758.87. leaving a dellcit of $69,-
803.200.58. There was a decrease of $15,932,674.-
66 in the ordinary expenses of the government,
as compared with the fiscal year 1803. There
was collected from customs *1.11.818,530 62, ami
from internal revenue $117,168,149.80. The bal-
ance of the income for the year, amounting to
$03,81 *.517.97. was derived from the sales of
lands and other sources. The value of our to-
tal dutiable imports amounted to $27.5,199.086,
being $146,857,625 less than during the preced-
ing year and the Importations free of duty
amounted to $379.795,536. being .61,748,675 less
than during the preceding year. The receipts
from customs weru *73. .:M,m 11 los. and from i and harbor improvoments and iauir.Ml.sa fm
internal revenue $13,831,539 97 less than in 1893. * -
The total tax collected from distilled spirits j
duty was discharged promptly, courageously
and with marked discretion by the officers and
men und the most gratifying proof was thus af-
forded that the army deserve* that complete
1 confidence in its efficiency and discipline which
j the country has at all times manifested.
The total expenditures for the war depart-
| meat for the year ending June 3*- 1
I amounted to $56,039,009.31. Of this sum $2.000.-
| 614.99 was for salaries and contingent expen*
ses; $23,665,156.16 for the support of the military
establishment . $5,001,682.23 f >r miscellaneous
objects, and $25.371,555.96 for public works.
This latter sum includes $19,194,037.49 for rivei
country of diseased cattle und unwholsoaie
meat.
On the 17th of March last a new treaty with
China in further regulation of emigration was
signed at Washington and on August 13 it re-
ceded the sanction of the senate.
Acting upon the reported discovery of Texas
fever in cargoes of American cattle the Ger-
man prohibition against importations of live
stock and fresh meats from this country has I her, 1893, and the money
been revived, it is hoped that Germany will | circulation or not included
was $85,259,2 0.25, on manufactured tobacco, ;
$28,617,898.02, and on fermented liquors, $31,414,-
788.04.
Our exports of merchandise, domestic and
foreign, amounted during the year to $892,140.- I
572, being an increase over the preceding year |
of $44,495,378. The total amount of gold ex-
ported during the fiscal year was $78,898,001, as
against $108,080,444 during the fiscal year 1893.
The amount imported was $72.119.119. as against
$21,174.381 during the previous year. Tho im-
ports of silver were $13,286,552, and the exports
were $50,451,265. The total bounty paid upon
the production of sugar in the United States
for the fiscal year was $12,100,2 >8.89. being an
increase of $2,725,078.01 over the payments
made during the preceding year. The amount
of bounty paid from July 1. 1891. to August 28,
1894. the time when further payments ceased
by operation of law. was $966,185,84. The total
expenses incurred in the payment of tho
bounty upon sugar during the fiscal year was
$130,140.85. It is estimated that upon the basis
of the present revenue laws the receipts of the
government during the current fiscal year
ending June 30,1845, will lie $4.’4.427.748.44,
audits expenditures $441,127,748.44, resulting
in a deficit of $20,000,000. The flrsl day of No-
vember, 1894, the total stock of money of all
kinds in the country was $2.21 >.77:5.S88, as
against $2,201/51,1)00 on the first day of Novem-
of all kinds in
in tin- treasury
soon become convinced that the inhibition is holdings was $1,672,093,422. or $21.27 per capita
as needle is as it is harmful to mutual inter- | upon an estimated population of 68.887.00i). At
eats. Tho German government has p oteste l the same date there was held in the treasury
against that provision of the customs tariff act : gold bullion amounting to $44,615,107.55 and sll-
which Imposes a discriminating duty of one I ver bullion which was purohasedat a cost of
tenth of one cent a pound on sugars coming $127,779,988. The purchase of silver bullion un-
from countries paying an export bounty there- di r the act of July 11. 1890. ceased on the lirst
on. claiming that the exaction of such duty j day of November, 1893. and up to that time
its In contravention of articles tive and nine of
the treaty of 1828 with Prussia. In the inter-
ests of the commerce of both countries und to
avoid even the accusation of treaty violation.
I recommend the repeal of so much of the
statute as imposes that duty and I invite at-
tention to the accompanying report of the
secretary of state containing a discussion of
the questions raised by fhe German protests.
Early in the present year an agreement was
reached with Great Britain concerning instruc-
tions to be given to the naval commanders of
the two governments in Behring sea and the
contiguous North Pacific ocean for their guid-
ance in the execution of the award of the Paris
tribunal of arbitration und the enforcement of
the regulations therein prescribed for the pro-
tection of seal life in the waters mentioned.
Since communicating the voluminous corre-
spondence in regard to Hawaii and the action
taken by the senate and house of representa-
tives on certain questions submitted to the
judgment and wider discretion of congress tho
organization of a government in place of the
provisional arrangement which followed the
deposition of the queen has been announced
with evidence of its effective operation. Tho
recognition usual in such cases has been ac-
corded the new government.
Apart from the war in which the island em-
pire is engage 1. Japan attracts increasing at-
tention in this country by her evident desire
to cultivate more liberal Intercourse with us
and to seek our kindly aid in furtherance of her
laudable* desire for complete autonomy in her
domestic affairs and full equality in the family
of nations. 'I he Japanese empire of to-day is
no longer the Japan of the past and our rela-
tions with this progressive nation should not
be less broad and liberal than those with other
powers; good will, fostered by many interests
in common, has marked our relations with our
nearest southern neighbor.
Peace being restored along her northern fron-
tier. Mexico has asked the punishment of the
late disturbers of her tranquility. There ought
to be a new treaty of commerce and navigation
with that country to take the place of the one
which terminated thirteen years ago. The
friendline s of the intercourse between the
two countries is attested by the fact during
this long period. The commerce of each has
steadily increased under the rule of mutual
consideration, being neither stimulated by
conventional arrangements nor returned by
jealous rivalries or selfish desires.
Peru, I regret to say, shows symptoms of do-
mestic* disturbance, probably due to the
Ulownens of hop pi pupiirution from the war of
1881. Weakened in resources, her difficulties
in facing international obligations invite our
kindly sympathy and justify our forbearance
in pressing long pending claims. I have felt
constrained to testify this sympathy in connec-
tion with certain demands urgently preferred
by other powers.
The recent death of the czar of Russia called
forth appropriate expressions of sorrow and
sympathy on the part of our government with
liis bereaved family and the Russian people.
As a further demonstration of respect and
friendship our minister at St. Petersburg was
directed to represent our government at the
funeral ceremonies. The sealing interest*of
Russia in the Behring sea are second only to
our own. A modus vlvendl has therefore been
concluded with the imperial government re-
strictive of poaching on Russian rookeries ami
of sealing in waters which were not compre-
hended in the protected area delined in the
Paris award. Occasion has been found to
urge upon the Russian government equal-
ity of treatment for our great life in-
surance companies whose operations have
been extended throughout Europe. Ad-
mitting, as wo do. foreign corporations to
transact business in the United States, wo
naturally expect no loss tolerance for our owu
in the ample fields of competition abroad. But
few cases of interference with naturalized cit-
izens returning to Russia have boon reported
during the current year. One Krzominskl
was arrested last summer In a Polish prov-
ince. on a reported charge of unperinitted re-
nunciation of Russian allegiance, but it trans-
pired that the proceedings originated In al-
leged malfeasance committed by Krzominskl
with an Imperial official a number of years ago.
Efforts for his release, which promised to bo
successful, were In progress when his death
wa* reported.
A convention has been concluded with Ven-
ezuela for t he arbitration of a long disputed
claim growing out of the seizure of certain ves-
sels. the property of citizens of the United
States. Although signed, the treaty of extra-
dition witli Venezuela is not yet In force, ow-
ing to the insistence of that government that,
whet! Burrendered. Its citizens shall in no case
be liable to capital punishment.
The rules for the prevention of collision at
sea. which were framed by the maritime con-
ference In this city ip 1889. having been con-
currently Incorporated in tho statutes of tho
United States and Great Britain, have been
announced to take effect March 1. 1895, and in-
vitations have been oxtonded to all nmratitno
nations to adhere to them. Favorable re-
sponses have thus far been received from Aus-
tria. Franco, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.
In my last annual messago 1 referred briefly
to the unsatisfactory state of affairs In Samoa
under the operation of tho Berlin treaty, os
slgn:ifl\ illustrating tho policy of entangling
alliances with foreign powers; and on May 9,
1 s9i. In response to a resolution of tho senate I
sent a special message and documents to that
body on sutno subject whloh emphasized my
previously expressed opinions. Later occur-
rences, the correspondence In regurd to which
will be laid before congress, further demon-
strated that the government which was devised
by the three powers and forced upon the
bamouus against tholr luveterute hostility cau
there had been purchased during the fiscal
year 11,917,658.78 tine ounces at a cost of $8.71 >.-
521.32, an average cost of $0.7313 per line ounce.
The total amount of silver purchased from the
time that law took effect until the repeal of its
purchasing clause on the date last mentioned
was 1 ('8,674,682.53 line ounces, which cost $155,-
93I.0J2.25. the average price per ounce being
$.9.41. The total amount of standard silver
dollars coined at the mints of the United
States since the passage of the act of February
28. 1*93, is $121,776,408, of which $378,161,793 were
eoined under the provisions of that act, $38,-
581,143 under the provisions of the act of July
14,1890, and $5,078 i:** under the act providing
for the coinage of trade dollar bullion: the to-
tal coinage of all metals at our mints during
the last fiscal year consisted of 63,485.220
pieces, valued at $106 216.73J.06. of which
there was $99,474,912.50 in gold coined.
$758 in standard silver dollars. $6.024.140.20 in
subsidiary coin and $716,919.20 in minor coin.
During the calendar year 1893 the production of
precious metals in the United States was es-
timated at 1.739,323 tine ounces of gold of the
commercial and coinage value of $37,955,000 and
00.00 ),o(K) tine ounces of silver of the bullion or
market value of $46,800,000 and of the coinage
value of $77,570,000. It is estimated that on the
tirst day of July. 1894, the stock of metallic
money in the United States, consisting of coin
and bullion, amounted to $1,251,64 1.9 3. of
which $627,923,201 was gold and $024,347,758 was
silver.
Fijt.v national banks were organized during
the year ended October 31. 1894, with a capital
of $5,285,000, and seventy-nine, with a capital of
$10,475,000, went into voluatary liquidation.
Twenty-one banks, with a capital of $2.77>,<)00,
were placed in the hands of receivers. The to-
tal number of national banks in existence on
the 31st of October last was 3,75*1, being 40 less
than on the 31st day of October. 1893. The cap-
ital stock paid in was $672.671,36», being $9,678,-
491 less than at the same time in the previous
year, and the surplus and undivided profits,
less expenses and taxes paid, amounted to
$314,121,082.10, which was $16,089*780 less than
on October 31. 1898.
The circulation has decreased $1,741,563. The
obligations Of the banks to each other were in-
creased $117,269,334. and the individual deposits
were $277,294,489. less than at the corresponding
date in the previous years. Loans and dis-
counts were $161,206,923 more than at the same
time the previous year, and checks and other
cash items were $00,319,963 more. The total re-
sources of the banks at the date mentioned
amounted to $3,473,922,055, as against $3,103,-
563,281.36 in 1893.
Army Affairs.
From the report of the secretary of war it
appears that the strength of the army on Sep-
tember 80, 1891, was 2.135 officers and 25,765 en-
listed men. Although this isapparently a very
slight decrease compared with the previous
year, tho actual effective force has been in-
creased to the equivalent of nearly two regi-
ments. through tho reorganization of the sys-
tem of recruiting and the consequent release
to regimental duty of the large force of men
hitherto serving at the recruiting departments.
The abolition of these departments, it is pre-
dicted. will furthermore effect an annual re-
duction approximating $250,000 in the direct
expenditures, besides promoting generally the
health, morals and discipline of the troops.
The execution of the policy of concentrating
the army at important centers of popu-
lation und transportation, foreshadowed
in the last annual report of the secre-
tary, has resulted in the abandonment
of fifteen of the smaller posts, which was ef-
fected under a plan which assembles organiza-
tions of the same regiments hitherto widely
separated. This renders our small forces more
readily effective for any service which they may
be called upon to perform in cases over the* ex-
tent of territory under protection without
diminishing the security heretofore afforded to
any locality; improves tho discipline, training
and esprit de corps of thearmy, besides consid-
erably decreasing 1 he cost of its maintenance
Though the force of the department has been
somewhat increased, more than three-fourths
of the army is still stationed west of the Mis-
sissippi. This carefully matured policy which
secures the best and greatest service in the in-
terests of the general welfare from the small
force comprising our regular army should not
be thoughtlessly embarrassed by the creation
of new ami unnecessary post* through acts of
congress to gratify the ambitions or interests
of localities. While the maximum legal
strength of the army Is 23,00) men the effective
strength, through various causes, Is but little
over 20.000 men. The purpose of congress does
not, therefore, seem to be fully attained by tho
existing condition, while no considerable in-
crease in the army is in my judgment demand-
ed by recent events.
The policy of sea coast fortifications In pros-
ecution of which wo have been steadily engaged
for some years past has so far developed as to
suggest that the effective strength of tho army
be now made at least equal to the legal strength.
Measures token by the department during the
year, as indicated, have already augmented tho
effective force, nnd tho secretary of war pre-
sents a plan, which I recommend to the consid-
eration of congress, to attain tho desired end.
Economies effected in the department In other
lines of Its work will offset to a great extent
tho expenditure involved in the proposition
submitted. Among other things this contem-
plates the adoption of tho three battalion for-
mation of regiment which for several years has
been indorsed by tho secretaries of war and tho
generals commanding the army. Compact In
itself, It provides a skeleton organization ready
to be billed out in the event of war, which is
peculiarly adapted to our strength and require-
ments, uud the fact that every other nution,
fortifications and other works of defense.
The appropriations for the current year ag-
gregate $52,429,112.78. and the estimates sub-
mitted by tho secretary of war for tie* next tls-
cal year call for appropriations amounting to
$52,318,529.55.
The skill and Industry of our ordnance offi-
cers and Inventors have, it Is believe I. over-
come the mechanical obstacles which have
heretofore delayed tho arin&moatof our coasts,
and this great national undertaking upon which
we have entered may now proceed as rapidly
as congress shall determine, with a supply of
finished guns of large caliber already cm hand
to which additions should now rapidly follow
The wisdom of providing carriages and em-
placements for their mount cannot be too
strongly urged. Tho total enrollment of the
militia of tho several states is 117.753 officer*
and enlisted moil, uu increase of 5,313 over tho
number reported at the close of th* previous
year. The reports of militia inspection bv
regular army officers show a markc 1 in crease
in interest and efficiency among the state or-
ganizations, and I strongly recommend a con-
tinuance* of the policy of affording every prac-
tical encouragement possible to this important
auxiliary of our military establishment. Tho
condition of the Apache Indians, hold as prison-
ers by the government for eight year* at a cost
of half a million dollars, has been changed dur-
ing tho year from captivity to one which gives
them an opportunity to demonstrate their
capacity for self-support and at least
partial civilization. Legislation enaeteJ
at the late session of congress gave
the war department authority to transfer
In recognition of the long and distinguished
military services and faithful discharge of
delicate and responsible civil duties by Maj.-
Gen. John M. Schofield, now the general com-
manding the army, it is suggested to congress
that the temporary revival of the grade of
lieutenant general in his b*half would be a
just and gracious act, and wouUl permit his re-
tirement now near at hand wl™
his merits.
The Department of Justice.
The report of the attorney-general notes tht
gratifying progress made by the supreme court
in overcoming the arrears of its business and
in reaching a condition in which it will be able
constant increase. The estimated cost of rural
free delivery generally Is ko very large that it
ought not to be considered in the present con-
dition of affairs. During tho year WO addi-
tional domestic money order offices wore es-
tablished. The total number of these offices
at the close of the year was 19,204. There were
11804,dti money orders Issued during the year,
being an increase over the preceding year of
994,806. Tho value of these ordes amounted
to $138,793,579.49, an Increase of $11,217,245.84.
There were also issued during the year postal
notes amounting to $12,649,094.95. During the
year 218 international money order offices were
added to those already established, making a
Cotal of 2,625 such offices in operation June 30,
1894. The number of international money or-
ders issued during, the year was 917,828, a de-
crease in number of 138,176, ami their value
•
849.382.9 *. The number of orders paid was 301,-
180. an increase over the preceding year of 60,-
268, and their value was $6,503,493.78, an In-
crease of $11,285,118,05. From the foregoing
statements it appears that the total issue of
money orders and postal notes for the year
amounted to $105,235,129.35. The number of let -
t rs and packages mailed during the year for
special delivery was 3,436.970. The special dc- |
livery stumps used upon these letters ami
30, 1896, is estimated at $140,000,00). Tho
commissioner of pensions is of the opinion
that the year 1895 being the thirtieth
after the close of tin* war of the rebellion
must, according to sensible human calculation,
see the highest limit of the pension roll, and
that after that year it must begin to deoline.
The claims pending in the bureau have de-
creased to more than 9,000 during the year. A
large proportion of the new claims tiled are for
increase of pension by those now on the rolls,
Tho number of certilieates issued was 80,213.
The names dropped from the rolls for all
causes during the year numbered 37,951. Among
our pensioners are nine widows and three
daughters of soldiers of the revolution, und
forty-live survivors of tho war of 1812.
Tho completion of the eleventh census is
now In charge of tho commissioner of labor
The total disbursement on account of tho work
for the fiscal year ended June 30. 1894, amount-
ed to $10,365,676.81. At the close of the year the
number of persons employed in the census of-
fice was 679. At present there are about 100.
The whole number of volumes necessary to
comprehend the eleventh census will be
twenty-five and they will contain 22,270 printed
pages.
A grlcult urnl Mutter*.
....... ________ _____ The secretary of wlculture In his roport ro-
puekaKcs umounted to #11:1,017. The incssen- : views the operations of his department
Iters' fees paid for their delivery amounted to for Ihe last llseal year, und makes reeommen-
*..'rtl,'.>00.70, leaving a balance in favor of the ' ♦••••*—
i rank belittlng
government of .-82.487.3J. The report shows
most gratifying results in the way of eoonomles
in the cost und amount of supplies usod In the
service, amounting in all to $16,619,017.42.
The report also contains a valuable contri-
bution to the history of the universal postal
union, an arrangement which amounts prac-
tically to tho establishment of one postal sys-
tem fur the entire civilized world.
There are now connected with tho post office
establishment 32,661 employes who are in tho
classified service. This includes many who
have been classitled upon tho suggestion of
tin* postmaster-general. He states that an-
other years experience at the head of the de-
partment serves only to strengthen tho con-
viction as to the excellent working of the civil
service law in this brunch of the public serv-
ice.
Our Navy.
Attention is called to the report of the soc-
tarv of the navy, which shows very gratifying
progress in the construction of ships for our
navy. All the vessels now building, including
the three torpedo boats authorized at the last
session of congress, and excepting the tlrst-
class battleship Iowa, will probably be com-
pleted during the coming fiscal year. The es-
timates for the increase of the navy for the
year ending June 3J.> 1896. are large, but they
include practically tie* entire sum necessary to
complete and equip all the new ships nowin
commission; so that, unless new ships are au-
thorized, the upprop nation for tho naval serv-
| let* for the fiscal year ending June 8t), 1897,
should fall below the estimates for the coming
year by at least $12,000,006.
The secretary presents with much earnest-
ness a plea for the authorization of three ad-
ditional battleships and twelve torpedo bouts,
if we are to have a navy for warlike operations.
I offensive and defensive, wo certainly ought to
increase both tho number of battleships and
torpedo boats-
1 feel it my imperative duty to call attention
to the recommendation of the secretary in re-
to dispose of cases as they arise without any gard to the personnel of the line of tho navy.
Tliis result, is of course *ci..> ...,,■ ....„,i,»»» in*, in tin. v*iiul
unreasonable delay. This result is of course
very largely due to the successful working of
the plan inaugurating circuit court* of appeals.
In respect to these tribunals the suggestion is
made in quarters entitled to the highest con-
sideration that an additional circuit judge for
each circuit would greatly strengthen
these courts and tho contldence
reposed in their adjudication, and
that such an addition would not create a
greater force of ju Igos than tho increasing
business of such courts requires. The perma-
nent solution of what is called tho Indian prob-
lem is probably not to be expected at once, but
meanwhile such ameliorations of present con-
ditions as the existing system will admit ought
not to be neglected. 1 am satistled there should
be a federal court established for the territory
with sufficient judges and that this court should
sit within the territory and have the same jur-
isdiction as to territorial affairs as is now
vested in the federal courts sitting in Arkansas
and Texas.
Another subject of pressing moment referred
to by the attorney-general is the reorganiza-
tion of the Union Paciflc Railroad Co. on
a basis equitable as regards all private inter-
ests and as favorable to the government as ex-
isting conditions will permit. The operation
of a railroad by a court through a receiver is
an anomalous state of things which should bo
terminated on all grounds, public and private,
at the earliest possible moment.
It is not my purpose at this time to repeat
the considerations which make an inpregnablu
case in favor of the ownership and manage-
ment by the government of the penal institu-
tions in which federal prisoners are confined.
I simply desire to again urge former recom-
mendations on the subject and to particularly
call the attention of tho congress to that part
of the report of the secretary of war, in which
he states that tho military prison at Fort
Leavenworth. Kan., can be turned over to tho
government as a prison for federal convicts
without the least difficulty and with an aetua.
saving of money from every point of view.
Post Office Affairs.
The report of the post: faster-general pre-
sents a comprehensive statement of the op “ra-
tions of the post office department for the last
llseal year. The receipts of the department
during the year amounted to $75,08).479.01 and
the expenditures of $84,324,414.13. The t rans-
actions of the postal service indicate with
barometric certainty the fluctuations in busi-
nesses of the country. Inasmuch, therefore, as
business complications continued to exist
the last year to an unforeseen extent it is
not surprising that tho deficiency of revenues
to meet the expenditures of the post office
department, which was estimated in advance
at about $8,000,00), snould be exceeded by
nearly $1,250,000. The ascertained revenues of
the last year, which were the basis of calcula-
tion for the current year, being less than esti-
mated. the deficiency for the current year will
be correspondingly greater, though tho post-
idle:
The stagnation of promotion in this the vital
branch of the service is so great as to seriously
impair its efficiency. I consider it of the ut-
most importance that the young und middle-
aged officers should before the eve of ret ire-
ment be permitted to reach a grade entitling
them to active and important duty. The
system adopte l a few years ago regu-
lating the employment of labor at the
navy yards is rigidly upheld ami has fully
demonstrated its usefulness and expediency.
It is within the domain of civil service reform
In as much as workmen are employed through
* board of labor selected at each navy yard,
and are given work without reference to poli-
tics and in order of their application, prefer-
ences. however, being given to army and navy
veterans and those having former navy yard
experience.
The Interior Department.
The report of the secretary of the interior
exhibits the situation of the numerous and in-
teresting branches of the public service con-
nected with his department. I recommend this
report and the valuable recommendations of
the secretary to careful attention of congress.
The public land disposed of during the
year amounted to 10,4!0,106.77 acres,
Including 2,887,603 of Indian lands.
It is estimated that the public domain still re-
Inatnlng amounts to a little more than OOJ.OOJ,-
0)0 acres, excluding, however, about 360.0J6.00)
acres in Alaska as well as military reservations
anti railroad and other selections of lauds on-
adjudicated.
The total cash receipts from sale of lands
amounted to $2,674,285.79, including 1)1.982 03 re-
ceived for Indiun lands. Thirty-five thousand
patents were issued for agricultural lands and
3,10.) patents were Issued to Indians on allot-
ments of their holdings in severalty, the land
so alloted being inalienable by the Indian al-
lottees for a period of twenty-five years after
patent. There were certified and patented on
account of railroad and wagon road grants dur-
ing the year, 863,556.45 acres of land, an 1 at the
close of the year 29,000,00) acres were embraced
in the list of selections made by railroad and
wagon road companies and awaited settlement.
The selections of swamp lands an l that taken
us indemnity therefor since the passage of the
act providing for the same in 1849 amount to
nearly or quite80,500,000acres,of which 58.00 >,00)
have been patented to states, about 138,000 acres
were patented during last year. Nearly 820.000
acres of school and educational grants were
approved during the year and at its close I,-
250,362.81 acres remained unadjusted.
An exceedingly important recommendation
of the secretary relates to the manner in which
contests and litigated cases growing out of ef-
forts to obtain government laud are de-
termined. 1 concur in the opinion that the
commissioner of the general land office should
be relieved of this duty of. deciding litigated
land cases: that a non-partisan court should bo
created to pass on such cases and that decis-
ions of this court should be final, at least so far
as the decisions of the department are final.
The registers and receivers who originally
ihear and decide these disputes should be in-
vested with authority to compel witnesses to
{attend and testify before them. Though tho
condition of the Indians shows a steady and
healthy progress, their situation is not satis-
factory at all points. Some of them to whom
allotments of lauds have been made are found
to be unable or disciplined to follow agricultu-
ral pursuits, or to otherwise beneficially man-
age their land.
datlons for the further extension of its use-
fulness. llo reports a saving in expenditures
during tho year of $600,0)0. which is covered
back into tho treasury. This sum is 23 per
cent, of tho entire appropriation, as special
study has been made of the demand for Amer-
ican farm products in all foreign markets, es-«
pecially in Great Britain.
That country received from the United States
during the nine months ending September :i<>,
1894,305,901 live beef cattle, valued at $26. >oo.-
000 as against 182,611 cattle, valued at $10,684
OOJ during the same period for 1893. During
the lirst six months of 1894 tho United King-
dom took also 112,000,0)0 pounds of dressed
beef from the United States valued at nearly
$10,000,000.
The report shows that during tho nine months
immediately preceding September 30,1894. tho
United States exported to Great Britain 222.-
676.000 pounds of pork, of apples 1.900,000
bushels, vuluod at J2.500.0J0 and of
horses 2,811 at an averago value of
$139 per head. There was a falling off in Amer-
ican wheat exports of 13,500,090 bushels and tho
secretary is inclined to believe that wheat, may
not in tho future bo the staple export cereal
product of (»ur country, but that corn will con-
tinue to advance in importance ns an export on
account of the new uses to which it is con-
stantly being appropriated. The exports of
agricultural products from tin* United States
for tin* fiscal year ending June 30,1894, amount-
ed to $028,301.6:18. being 72.28 per cent, of Amer-
ican exports of every description, and the
United Kingdom of Great Britain took more
thon 54 per cent, of ull farm products finding
foreign markets.
Tho amount appropriated for the weather
bureau was $951,100. Of that sum $138,500, or
14 per cent., has been saved and is returned to
the treasury. The appropriation to the bureau
of animal industry was $8'0,000 find the ex-
penditures for the year were only $495.429 24,
thus leaving ^unexpended $351,570.76. The In-
spection of beef animals for export and Inter-
state trade has boon continued and 12.944,056
head were inspected during the year at a cost
of lai cent per head against I1* cents for 1893.
The secretary of agriculture recommends
that the law providing for the microscopical
inspection of export and interstate meat be so
amended as to compel owners of the meat in-
spected to pay the cost of such inspection and
I call attention to the arguments presented in
his report in support of this recommendation.
The live beef cattle exported and tagged dur-
ing the year numbered 363,533. This is an In-
crease of 69,5:43 head over the previous year.
The office of experiment stations, which Is a
part of the United State* department of agri-
culture, has during the past year engaged itself
almost wholly in preparing for publication
works based upon the reports of the agricult-
ural experiment stations and other institutions
master-general states that the latest indica-
tions are so favorable that ho confidently pre-
dicts an increase of at least 8 per cent, in the
revenues of the current year over those of the
last year. The expenditures increase steadily
and necessarily with the growth und
needs of the country, so that the defi-
ciency is greater or less in any yeai
lepcudlng upon the volume of receipts. Th#
postmaster-general states that this deficiency
is unnecessary and might be obviated ut one*
if the laws regulating rates upon mail muttei
of the second class was modified. The rate re
ceived for the transmission of this second-clasi
mutter is 1 cent per pound, while the cost ol
such transportation to the government is eigh)
times that amount. In the general terms ol
the law this rate covers newspapers and peri-
odicals. The extensions of the meaning ol
these terms from time to time have admitted
to the privileges intended for legitimate news-
papers and periodicals a surprising range ol
publication, and created abuses tho cost ol
which umounts in the aggregate to the total heedless and valueless,
deficiency of the post office department. Pre- ,n’° ,nH nM
tended newspapers are started by businesi
houses for tho purpose of advertising goods,
complying with the law in form only, and dis-
continuing the publications as soon as tho pe-
riod of advertising is over. Another ubuse con-
sists In the free carriage through the malls ot
hundreds of tons of seed and grain, uselessly
distributed through the department ol
agriculture. The postmaster-general |pro
diets thut if the luw is so amended
us to eradicate those abuses, not only wid
the post office department show no deficiency
but he believes that in tho ncur future ul
legitimate newspapers, periodicals and maga-
zines might be properly transmitted through
the mails to their subscribers free of coat. 1
Invito your prompt consideration of this sub
Ject and fully indorse tho views of the post mas-
ter-general. The total number of post office!
in the United States on tho 30th day of June
1891. was 00,805, an increase of 1,403 over th»
preceding year; of theso 3,428 were presiden
tlal, an Increase of sixty-eight over the preced-
ing year. Six hundred and ten cities and town)
are provided with free delivery, ninety-three
other cities and towns entitled to this service
under the law have not been accorded it on ac-
count of insufficient funds. The expense of
free delivery for the current fiscal year will be
more than $12,300,000, and under oxlstUg lugla*
I am convinced thut the proper solution of
the Indian problem and the success of every
step taken In that direction depends, to a very
large extent, upon the intelligence and honesty
of the reservation agents and the interest they
have in their work. An unfit agent will make
no effort to advance the Indians on his reserva-
tion toward civilization or preparation for al-
lotment, of lands In severalty, and his opinion
as to their condition In this and other regards
The intelligent Indian school management
of the past year ha* been followed ov gratify-
ing results. Efforts have been made to ad-
vance the work in a sound and practical inun-
ner. The appropriation for the current year
ending June 3), 18)5, applicable to the<ordinury
expenses of tho Indian service, amounts to
$6.7:43,003 IM, being less by $663.24J.04 than the
sum appropriated on the same account the
previous year.
At the close of tho last fiscal year, on the
39th day of June, 1894, there were 909,514 per-
sons on the pension rolls, being u net Increase
of 3,532 over the number reported at the end
of the previous your These pensioners may
bo classified as follows: Soldiers and sailors,
survivors of ull wars. 753,f*0H; widows and rela-
tives of deceased soldiers, 215,151; army nurses
for agricultural inquiry lu tho United States
and foreign countries.
The department expened in the fiscal year
1892. $2,354,809,50 and out of that sum the total
uuiount expended in scientific research was
45.0 per cent But in tho year ended June 30.
1894, out of a total expenditure of $1,945,988.38
the department appliedSl per cent, of that sum
to scientific works and Investigation.
It is deemed possible that an agricultural
census may be taken each year through tho
agents of the statistical division of the depart-
ment. Such a course is commended for trial
by the chief of that division. The work done
by the department of agriculture is very super-
ficially dealt with in this communication and I
commend the report of the secretary and the
very important interests with which It deals to
the careful attention of the congress.
The Civil Nervine*
The advantages to the public service of an
adherence to the principles of civil service re-
form are constantly more apparent and noth-
ing is so encouraging to those in official life
who honestly desire good government as the in-
creasing appreciation by our people of these
advantages, a vast majority of the voters of
the land are ready to iusist that the time and
the attention of those they select to perform for
them important public duties, should not be
distributed by doling out minor offices nnd
they are growing to be unanimous in regarding
party organization as something that should
be used in establishing party principles instead
of dictating the distribution of public place*as
rewards of partisan activity. Numerous addi-
tional offices ami places have lately been
brought within civil service rules and regula-
tions. und some others will probably be in-
cluded. The report of the commissioners will
he submitted to the congress,and I invite care-
ful attention to the recommendations it con-
tains.
A Hoard of Health.
Iam entirely convinced that wo ought not to
he longer without a national board of health
or national health officer charged with no other
duties than such as pertain to tho protection of
our country from the Invasion of pestilence and
disease. This would involve the establish-
ment by such board or officer of proper quaran-
tine precautions of the necessary aid and coun-
sel to locate authorities on the subject, prompt
advice and assistance to local boards of health
or health officer* In the suppression of con-
tagious disease and in cases where there are
no such local bourds.
Tint Labor Commission.
By virtue of a statute of the United State*,
passed in IHsh, I appointed in July last Hon. J.
D. Keen, of the state of New York, and lion.
Nicholas E. Worthington, of the state of Illi-
nois. to form with Hon. t'arroll I). Wright, com-
missioner of labor, who was designated by said
statute a commission for the purpose of mak-
ing careful inquiry Into the causes of the con-
troversies between certain railroads and their
employes which had resulted in an extenslvo
and destructive strike, accompanied by much
violence and dangerous disturbance with con-
siderable loss of life und great destruction of
property. Tho report of the commissioners
has been submitted to me and will be trans-
mitted to congress with the evidence taken
upon their investigation.
The Tariff.
The tariff act passed at the last session of
congress needs important amendments if it is
executed effectively and with certainty, lu
addition to such necessary amendments as will
not change rates of duty, 1 am still very de-
cidedly in favor of putting coal and Iron on the
free list. So far as the sugar schedule Is con-
cerned. 1 would be glad, under existing uggra-
tlons, to see every purticle of differen-
tial duty In favor of refined sugar
Americans appears, in the light of present
conditions, not only to be a failure for good at
every point, but to bo nearer a relic of barbar-
ism than anything that exists under tho per-
mission of statute of the United States. I
earnestly reeom mend its prompt repeal.
Ttn<> Itonil Issue.
During the last month tho gold reserves in
the treasury for the purpose of redeeming the
notes of the government circulating as money
In the hands of the people became so reduced,
ami its further depletion lu tho near future
seemed so certain, that in the exercise of
proper care for the public welfare it "-came
necessary to replenish this reserve und thus
maintain popular faith in the ability and de-
termination of the government to meet, as
agreed, its pecuniary obligations. It would
have been well If in this emergency authority
had existed to Issue the bonds of the gov-
ernment bearing a low rate of interest
and maturing within a special period,
but tho congress having failed to confer such
authority resort was necessarily hud to the re-
sumption act of 1875. and pursuant to Its pro-
vision, bonds were issued drawing Interest at
j the rate of 5 per cent, per annum and maturing
I ten years after their Issuing, that being the
i shortest time authorized by the act. 1 am glad
, to say, however, that on the sale of these bonds
the premium received operated to reduce tho
rate of interest to be paid by the government
! to less than 3 per cent. Nothing could bo worse
: or farther removed from sensible finance than
the relations existing between the currency
the government has issued, the gold held
j for Its redemption and the means which
must be resorted to for tin* purpose of replen-
ishing such redemption fund when Impaired.
Even if tho claims upon this fund were con-
fined to the obligations originally Intended,
and if the redemption of these obligations
meant their cancellation, the fund would be
very small. But theso obligations when re-
ceived and redeemed in gold are not cancelled*
but may bo reissued and may do duty many
times by way of drawing gold from the treas-
ury Thus we have an endless chain In opera-
tion constantly depicting the treasury's gold
ami never near a final rest. As if this was not
bad enough, we have by a statutory declara-
tion that it is the policy of the "overnment
to maintain tho parity between gold and silver
aided tho force ami momentum of this exhaust-
ing process and added largely to the currency
obligations claiming this peculiar gold redemp-
tion Our small gold reserve; is thus subject to
draw from every side*. Tho demands that in-
crease our danger also increase the necessity of
protecting this reserve against depletion, and
it is most unsatisfactory to know that the pro-
tection afforded Is only a temporary palliation.
It is perfectly and palpably plain that
the only way under present conditions by
which this reserve, when dangerously de-
pleted, can bo replenished is through
the issue and sale of tho bonds of the
government for gold, and yet congress has not
only thus far declined to authorize the issue of
bomjs best suited to such a purpose, but th r-i
seems a disposition in some eiuarters to deny
both tho necessity and power for the issue of
bonds at all. 1 cannot for a moment believe
that any of our citizens are deliberately willing
that thedr government should default iu its
pecuniary obligations, or that its financial
operations should be reduced to a silver basis.
At any rate 1 should not feel that my duty was
done If 1 omitted anv effort 1 could
make to avert such a calamity. As long,
therefore, as no provision is made for the
final redemption or the putting aside of the
currency obligation now used to repeatedly
and constantly draw from the government its
gold, and as long as no better authority for
bond issues is allowed than at present exists
such authority will be utilized whenever and
as often as it becomes nocessary to maintain a
sufficient gold reserve and in abundant time to
save the credit of our country and make good
the financial declarations of our government.
Questions relating to our banks and currency
are closely connected with the subject referred
to; they present some unsatisfactory features.
Prominent among them are the luck of elasti-
city In our currency circulation and its fre-
quent concentration in financial centers when
it is most needed in other parts of the country.
The absolute divorcement of the government)
from the business of buukiug is the ideal rela -
ttonshlp of the government to the; circulation
of tho currency of the country. This condition
cannot be immediately reached but as a step la
that direction and ns a menus of securing a
more elastic currency and obviuting other ob-
jections to the present arrangement
of bank circulation tho secretary of
the treasury presents his reported scheme
modifying present banking laws und
providing for the issue of circulating notes by
state banks fre;o from taxation under certain
limitations. Tho secretary explains his plan
so plainly and its advantage* are developed by
him with such remarkable clearness thut any
effort on my part to present arguments in its
support would be superfluous. I shall therefore
content myself with an umiualiflcd indorse-
ment of the secretary’s proposed changes in
the luw und a brief and imperfect statement of
their prominent features.
It is proposed to repeal all laws providing
for the deposit of United States bonds as se-
curity for circulation; to permit national
bunks to issue; circulating notes not exceeding
in amount 75 per cent, of their paid up and un-
impaired capital, provided they deposit with
the; government as a guarantee fund in United
States legal tender notes, including treasury
notes of 1890, a sum equal in umount to 3) per
cent, of the notes they desire to issue, this de-
posit to be maintained at ull times, but when-
ever any bank retires any part of its circula-
tion a proportional part of its guarantee
fund shall bo returned to It; to per-
mit the secretary of the treasury to
prepare and keep on hand ready for issue in
ease an Increase In circulation is desired blank
national bank notes for each bank having cir-
culation. an I to repeal tho provision of the
present luw imposing limitations unel restric-
tions upon banks desiring to reduce or increase
their circulation, thus permitting such increase
or reduction within thedimit of 75 percent, of
capital to be quickly made as emergency may
arise. In addition to tho guarantee fund re-
quired it is proposed to provide a safety fund
for the immediate* redemption of the circulating
notes of failed banks by imposing a
small annual tax, say one-half
of I per cent upon the average circulation of
each bank until the fund amounts to 5 per cent
of tho total circulation outstanding. When a
bank fails Its guarantee fund is to be paid
into this safety fund and its notes are to be re-
deemed in the tirst instance from such safety
fund thus augmented; any impairment of such
fund caused thereby to be made good from the
immediately available cash assets of said
bank, ami if these should bo insufficient such
impairment to be made good by prorata as-
sessment among the other banks, their
contributions constituting a first Ilea
upon tho assets of the failed bank la
favor of the contributing banks.
That each national bunk, except In case of a
failed bunk, shall redeem or retire its notes in
the first instance at its own office or ut agencies
to be designated by it. that no tlxe;d reserve
used be maintained on account of deposit*.
Another very important feuture of this plan is
the exemption of state banks from taxation by
tho United States in cases where it is shown
to the satisfaction of tho secretary of tho treas-
ury and comptroller of the currency by banks
dulming such exemption that they have
not had outstanding their circulating
uotes exceeding 75 per cent. of
their paid up and unimpaired capital:
that their stockholders are individually liable
for the redemption of their circulating notes to
the full extent of the ownership of stock; that
the liability ot such banks upon their eireulat-
strteken out
1 e arnestly repeat here the recommendation I
have made in another portion of this commu-
I nication. that the additional duty of one-tenth
of a cent per pound laid upon sugar imported
I from foreign countries paying a bounty on its
ex|M>rt be abrogated. It seems to me that ex-
in wur or Ihn riibolllon. 414. Of thcHu pension- 1 cee.llnifly Important, considerations point to
ors. SJ.OSI are surviving soldier, of Indian and -------------* ------------- u'u'’
other wars prior to the late civil war and
the widows and relatives of such soldiers.
The remainder, numbering 937.505, are re-
ceiving pensions on account of tho war of the
rebellion, and of these 469,344 are on the rolls
under the authority of the act of June 27. 1890,
Notnetlmes called tho dependent pension luw.
The total amount expended for pensions dur-
ing the year was $139.8)4,461.05, leaving an un-
expected balance from the sum appropriated
of $25,205,71$.64. The sum accessary to tuue 4
tariff law. I ink notes constitutes under their state law a
first lieu up in their assets; that such banks
have kept and maintained a guarantee fund in
United States legal tender note*, including
treasury notes of 1890 equal to 30 per cent, of
their outstanding circulating notes and that
such banks have promptly redeemed their cir-
culating note* when presented at their prlnoi-
the propriety of this amendment. With the I Pai or branch office,
advent of a new tariff policy not only contom- 1 I conclude* this communication, fully appro-
plated to relieve the consumers <*f our land in | elating that the responsibility for legislation
the cost of their dully life;, hut to Invite a bet- | affecting the people of tho United States rests
ter development of American thrift, and croute i upon their representatives In the- congress and
for us closer and more profitable commercial ro- assuring them that whether accordance “
lationn with the rest of the world. It follows as a
logical and Imperative necessity that we should
at once remove the chief, if not only, obstacle
which has long prevented our participation In
the foreign carrying trade of the sea. The
ancient provision of our luw denying American
with
recommendations I have made or not. 1 shall
be glad to co-operate in perfecting any legis-
lation that tends to the prosperity and welfure
of our people.
(Signed) GHovmi Cleveland.
Executive Mansion, Decomber 3, 1894.
v
4
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Diven, William H. El Reno Daily Eagle. (El Reno, Okla.), Vol. 1, No. 54, Ed. 1 Wednesday, December 5, 1894, newspaper, December 5, 1894; (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc911280/m1/3/: accessed April 24, 2024), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, https://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.