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Annual Communication to the Lawmaker®, , <N INTERESTING STATE OOCUMEflT - a of the Department Cltkfi la- .fHftd by/Pretidenfc - . cw«i»nd.. y-* : WHICH HE HAHDLED. • 1 If .S vVv* ' r $ K *• ItwaltaK Matter To Bo th» |«tjwt ,, ^•C a tfMia a«m«t Vhlck Will l^jTranaulll to Congr«M at a Lator Data-- uCondltion of Oar Ana* aad Narv--Work •**. . iof tk« F»st«»fll«a D«p«rUiMt--tk* Maw ^fTarlff Bill Uia Pmldaal Daalraa fea faa y'iJBoo* Willi Saaaaaa. * .To THB COKORESft or THB UNITKD STATE#:-- The constitutional duty which requires the president from time to time to give to the cou- gttm informat ion of the state of the Union and recommend to th? r oessidsrstioB -uch mjas- tures as he shall judg® necessary and expedients te fittingly entered up >n by commanding to the eongress a carefm examination of tho de­ tailed statemeatH and well rapported recom­ mendations contained in tbe reports of tin heads ot departments. who are chiefly charged With the executive work of the government. In aa effort to abridge this communication as amch us is consistent with its purpose, I shall supplement a brief reference to the contents of these departmental reports by the meutiofi of , snch executive business and incidents as are not embraced therein and by such recommen­ dations as appear to be at this particular time appropriate. While our foreign relations have not at all times during the past year been en­ tirely free from perplexity, no embarrassing situations remain th.it wtil not yield to the soil it of fairness and love of justice, which, 6ine<l with consistent, firmness, characterise a uly American foreign policy. My predeces-or, having accepted the offioe Of arbitrator of tue long ^landing missions fclmndary dispute,itendered to the president by Argentine Republic and Brazil, itn&s been my agreeable duty to receive the special envoys commissioned by those states to lay before me evidence and arguments in behalt' of their re­ spective governments. The outbreak of do­ mestic ho tilities in the republc of Brazil fouu i the United States alert to watch the in­ terests of our citizens in that country, with Which we carry on important commerce. Sev­ eral vessels of our new navy are now, *nd far some time have been, stationed at Bio de Janeiro, 'ihe struggle being be­ tween the established government, which controls the machinery of administration and with which we maintain friendly rela­ tions, and certain officers of the navy employ- teg the veese:s of their command in an attack •poti the national capital and chief seaport, fluid lacking, as it does, the elements of divided ... eiewof the „ Yantmala coaMoiMat anon A.T.?1 .JlAtSul TrV. tiOu tlwrri, % modiflea amL rattotaetioa of the award* of r „ claim commission. In progressive installments, hr«K been sesfnterl to m4 1 are beiftjr ' ricnlMrlr 1 madi th< The boundary dfiputs between V« British Gtaana is yet unadjusted. restora­ tion of diplomatic intercourse between that republic and Great Britain and reference of the question to impartial arbi tration would be a most gratifying consummation- The ratifi­ cation by Venezuela of the convention for the arbitration of the leag deftrred claim «C th* Vec»e*uela l'ran.->portatioa company Wagaltftl. 4' . .THE HAWAIIAN QUESTION,! A tpaclal Masaag* Concerning It %• be Sent to Cottgreaa. It i« hardly necessary for me to state Chftt the questions arising from our relations with Hawaii ha • caused serious embarrassment. Just prior to the installation of ths present administration the existing government of Hawaii had been suddenly overthrown and a treaty of annexation had been negoti­ ated between the provisional government of the islands and the United States and submit­ ted to the senate for ratification. This treaty I withdrew for examination and disuatchea Hon. James H. Blount of Georgia to Honolulu as a special commissioner to make an impartial investigation of the circumstances attending the change of government, and of ail the cond? ttons bearing uposth® subject of the treaty. After a thorough and exhaustive examination Mr. Blount submitted to me his re­ port. showing beyond all question that the constitutional government of Hawaii had been subvertea with the active aid of our representative to that government, and through the intimidation caused by the pres­ ence of an armed naval force of tbe United States which was landed for that purpose, at the instance of our minister. Upouthe facts developed it seemed to me the only honorable course for our government to pursue was to undue the wrong that had been done by those representing us and to restore aa far as prac­ ticable the status existing at the time of our forcible intervent ion. With a view of accom- Jilishing this re-ult within the constitutional imitfl of executive power, and recognizing »li, our obligations and responsibilities grow- fig out of any changed conditions ; fcroneht about by our rmjustifl-ihta interfer­ ences, our present minister at Honolulu has re- i ceived appropriate instructions to that end. 1 'i hus far no information of the accomplish­ ment of any definite results has been received j from him. Additional advices ar© soon ex­ pected. When received they will be promptly • sent to the congress, together with all other information at hand, accompanied by a special executive message fully detailing ail the tacts • necessary to a eompiote understanding of the , case, ana presenting a history of all the mater­ ial events leading up to the present situation. Arbitration of Disputes. By a concurrent resolution, pass d by the sen­ ate Feb. 14,1880, and by the house of represen* tatives on the 3rd of April following, the presi- 1 dent was requested "to invite, from time to ; time, as fit occasions may arise, negotiations with any government with which the United mm ti .. . : the year was Change 'li»' _ The redmt repeal et quiring the purchase j# government ee a if scheme. hat andean rs change ih the < (lexion^of our currency affaire. 1 is® nut doubt that the ultimate result of this acttett will ¥» moet salutary end for reaching. In the nature of things, however.it b impo^l We to know at this time prejeiiely what c»a ^ t about by the cluuige^ the tight o/i ti ns w 11 be broughi what, f an/, supplementary administration, I have failed to see that the j ^tatee has or may have diplomatic relations, to • M' •a' ' • insurgents can reasonably claim recognition as belligerents. Thus far the position of our gov- ernment lias been that of an at entive but im­ partial observer of the unfortunate conflict. Emphasizing our fixed policy of impartial neu­ trality in such a condition "of attairs as now existed, 1 ueemed it necessary to disavow, in a manner not to be misunderstood, the unau­ thorized action of the late naval commander in those waters in saluting the revolted Bra- liliaii admiral, being indisposed to counte- Bance an act calculated to give gratuitous Sanction to the local insurrection. The Trouble with Chile. The convention between our government efcd Chili, having for its object the settlement Mid adjustment of the demands of the two tBbuutries against each u her, has been made effective by the organization of the claims commission provided for. The two flnvernments failing to agree upon file third member of the commission, the good offices of the president of the Swiss republic were invoked, as provided in the treaty, and the selection of the Swiss represen­ tative in this country to complete the organi­ sation was gratifying alike t*» the United States and Chile. The vexatious question of so-called legation asylum for offenders against the state and its laws was presented anew in Chile by the authorized action of the late United atates minister in receiving into his official residence two persons who had just tailed in an attempt at revolution, and against whom criminal charges were pending, growing out of a former abortive disturbance. The doctrine of asyluui as applied to this ease is not sanctioned by the best precedent, and Sheii allowed tends to encourage sedition and rife. Under no circumstances can the repre­ sentatives of this government be pet mitted.un- der the ill-itetined fiction of extraterritoriality, to interrupt the administration of criminal justice iu the countries to whit h they are ac­ credited. A temperate demand having been made by the Chilean government for the cor­ rection of this conduct in the instance men- Oont d, the minister was instructed no longer t tc> hairbor the offenders. , ' •yld't he president refers to the opposition of the Chinese in thi* country to the Geary iaw, and ti at as the time for registration was extended Be believes tiiey will avail themse.ves of the privile.e there offered to remain here. He commends action taken at Brussels in re­ gard to the slave traffic in Africa.] Coat* Hie ,'* Kritndlineu, } ECoeta Rica has lately testified its friendliness mt irrcjiiiering to tae L nited states, in the absence of a convention of extradition, but •i'On duly submitted evidence of criminality a noted fugitive irom justice. It is trusted that the negotiation 01 atreacy with t..at coun­ try to m et recurring cases of this kind will •Oon be accomplished. In my opinion treaties tor reciprocal extradition should be concluded With all those countries with which the United States has not already conventional arrauge- *»ent8 of that character. 1 have deemed it fitting to express to the governments of Costa *ica and Colombia the kindly desire of the V nited States 10 see their pending boundary dispute finally closed by arbitration in con- 'muty with the spiritot the treaty tweeu them s^me years ago. Relations with France, ̂ j /^Our relations with the French republic con- finue to be intimate and cordial. I sincerely Jfcope that the extraction treaty with that jOountry, as u mended by tne senate, wi.l soon we operative. While occasional questions af- f^ctmg our naturalized citizens returning to tue laud of their birtn have arisen in f ir intercourse with Germany, our rela* ons with that country continue hatisfactory. ane questions i.ffecting our relations with B/it<*in have been treated in a spirit tf friendliness. Negotiations are in progress etween the two go\ernuients with a view to 4|uch concHrrent action as will make the award #n regulations agreed upon by the hehring % *ea tribunal of arbitration pra tically effect­ ive; and it is not doubted that Great Britain co-operate treely with tiiis couutry for |he accomplishment of that purpose. That ths end that any differences or disrates arising between the two governments which cannot be I adjusted by diplomatic agency may be referred ' to arbitration and be peaceably adjusted by such means " April 18, 1890, the interna- . tional American COu f c rsnc© ot Wash­ ington by resolution expressed the wish that all controversies between the republic;* ot America and ths nations at Europe might be settled by arbitration, and recommended that the government of each na­ tion represented in that conference should communicate this wish to all friendly power*. A favorable response has beetf received from Gr< at Britain in the shape ot a resolution adopted by parliament July 16 last, cordially Sympathizing with the purpose in view ana exy essing the hope that her majesty's govern­ ment wila lend ready co-operation to the government of the United States upon the basis ottheconcurrentresolutionabovequoted. It affords me signal pleasure to lay tais par­ liamentary resolution before the congress and to express my sincere Gratification that th« sentiment of two great and kindred nations is thus authoritatitely manifested m favor of the rational and peaceable settlement of Inter­ national quarrels by honorable resort to arbi­ tration. Title of Ambassador. Since the passage of the act of March 3, authorizing the president to raise tne grade' our envoys to cor res onti with the rank in which foreign cou utrie* accredit their agents here, Great Britain,France, Italy and Germany have conferred upon their representatives at this capital the title of amba-sa<ior,and I have re­ sponded by accrediting the agents of the United States in those countries with the same title. Alike elevation of mission is announced by .Russia a.id when made will be similarly met. 'ibis step fittingly comports with the position the United states hold in the family of nations. During my former administration I took occa­ sion to recommend a recast of the laws relat ing to the consular service in order that it might become a more efficient agency in the promotion of tne interests it was intended to fcubserve The duties and powers of consuls have been expanded with the growing requirements of our foreign trade. Discharging important dutii-s affecting our commerce anu American citizens abroad, and in certain countries exercising judicial func­ tions, these officers should be men of character, intelligence and ability Upon i-rooi that tne legislation of Denmark secures copyright to American citizens on equal footing with itsi/wn. the privileges of our copy- light laws have been extended by proclama­ tion to subjects ot that country NATIONAL FINANCES. Saute rigofces from the Report of the retary »f the Treasury. The secretary of the treasury reports that the receipts of the government from all sources duri g tne fiscal year ended June 30, IMS, amoun ted to $461,718,561.04 and its expenditures to $459.379,774.i9. li.if re was collected from customs $206,855,016.73 and from internal reve­ nue jl61,027,si'.'3.93. Our dutiable impoi<ts amounted Jo g«l,85«,?ll, an increase of $52,453,- 807 ovt r the pieceding year, and importations free of duty amounted to 8444,544,211. a decrease from the preceding year of 113,455,447. Inter­ nal revenue receipts exceeded those o" the preceding year by *7,147,446.32. The total tax collected on distilled spirits was fW,73U,a0U,55; on manufactured tobacco, $31,- **9,711.74. and one fei m nted liquors, #32,548,- 8W5.0T We exported merchandise during the year amounting to l'.u, a decrease of g lf>-',01^,954 from the preceding year. The amount of gold exported was larger than any previous year in the history of the government. : hang*/1 or ition may, in -- Jf TO ^8 fMfeQ, tial of expedient- Oi course, Vfier the recent finano al perturbation, time s necessary for the reesta<4isllment of business eonfiaMice, When, however, thi ough this restored con s - dence, the money wh ch has been frightened into hoarding places is returned to. trade and enterprise, a survey of the situation wiu probably disclose a safe path leading to a permanently sound currency, abundantly sufficient to meet every requirement of out1 in­ creasing population and business. In the pur­ suit of this'object we should, resolutely turn away from alluring and temporary expedients, deteruiited to be content with nothing less than a lasting and comprehensive financial plan. In these circumstances I am coaviuoed that a reasonable delay in dealing with thi* subject, instead of being injurious, will in­ crease the probability of wise action The mon­ etary conference, - hich assembled at Brussels upon our invitation, was adjourned to toe StFth day Novem- or in the present year. The consideration just stated and the fact that a definite proposition from us seemed to be ex­ pected upon the reassembling of the confer­ ences. lea me to express a willingness to have the meeting still further postponed. It seems to me that it would be wise to give general au­ thority to the president to invite other nation* to sucn a conference at any time When there should b® a fair prospect of accomplishing aa international agreement on the subject of coin age. 1 desire also to earnestly suggest the wisdom of amending the existing statutes In regard to the issuance of government bonds. The authority now vested in the secretary of the treasury to issue bonds is not as clear as it should be, and the bonds authorized are disad­ vantageous to the government, both as to ths time of their maturity and rate of interest. Immigration Statistics. The superintendent of immigration, through tbe secretary of the treasury, reports that dur­ ing the last fiscal year there arrived at our ports 440,798 immigrants, of these 1,063 were not Iiermitted to land under the limitations of the aw, and 577 were returned to the countries from whence they came by reason of their hav* ing become puolic charges. The total arrivals' were 141,1134 less than for the previous year. The secretary in his report gives an account of the operation of the Marine hospital serv­ ice au<i of *the good work done under its su­ pervision in preventing the entrance and tpread of contagious diseases The admoni­ tions of the 1 st two years touching our pub­ lic health an the demonstrated danger of the introduction of contagious diseases from tor- eign ports has invested the subject of national quarantine with increased interest. A more ?[eneral and harmonious system than now ex-Bts, acting promptly and directly everywhere, and constantly operating by preventive means to shield our country from the invasion of disease, and at the same time having due re­ gard to the rights and duties of local agen­ cies would, I believe, add greatly to the safety ot our. people. ATTORNEY feENER^L'S REPORT. .Frwpoaitien to Aboliah the Fee System In pertain Caaes Iadoraed The report of the attorney general contains the usual summary of the affairs and proceed-- ings of th« department of justice for tne past year, together with certain recommendations as to needed legislation on various subjects. I cannot too heartily indorse the proposition that the fee system as applicable to the compensa­ tion of United States attorneys, marshals, darks of federal courts and United States com­ missioners should be abolished with as little (May as possible. It la clearer in the intarest eff the community that ths business of the «mrts. both civil and criminal, shall be as small and as inexpensively transacted as the ends of justice will allow. The system is therefore th- roughly vicious which m*ke» the compensation of court offi­ cials depend upon the volume of such busi­ ness, and thus creates a conflict between a proper execution of the law and private gain, which cannot fail to be dangerous to tbe rights aud freedom of tne citizen and an irresistible temptation to the unjustifiable expenditure of public funds. It in addition to this reform another was inaugurated which would give to the United States commissioners the final dis­ position f p.-ti y offenses withi n the grade of misdemeanors, especially those coming under the internal revenue laws, a great advance would be made toward a more decent adminis­ tration of the criminal law. Business ami Kxpense Increased. In my first message to congress, dated Dec. 8,1885, I strongly recommended these changes and referred somewhat at length to the evils of the present system. Since taat time the crim­ inal business of the federal courts and the ex­ pense attending it have enromously in­ creased. Th.- number of criminal prosecutions pending in the circuit and district courts of the Unit. d States on the 1st day of July, 1885, "was 8,808 of which 1,884 were for violations of the internal revenue laws, while the number of such prosecutions pendingon the 1st day of July, 1893, was 9,500, of whi. h 4,200 were for violation or the internal revenue laws. The expense of the United States court, exclusive of judges' sal­ aries, for tiie year ending July 1, 1885, was $:i.- 874,783.11. and for the year ending July 1, 1803, S4,328,678.87. It is therefore apparent that the reasons given in 1885 for a change in the man­ ner of enforcing the federal criminal law have gained coguncy and strength by lapse of time. 1 also heartily join the attorney general in recommending legislation fixing degrees of the crime of murder within federal jurisdiction, as has been done in many of the states; authoriz­ ing writs of error on behalf of the government in cases where final judgment is rendered against the sufficiency of an indictment or against the government upon any other ques­ tion arising before actual trial; limiting the right of review in cases of felony punishable only by fine and imprisonment to the circuit court of appeals, and making speedy provision for the construction of such prisons and re­ formatories as may lie necessary for the con­ finement of United States convicts ,. ,s, em- sary worx. exhaustive e roqu re- tosele STRENGTH OF THE dispute growing out of th^ d'SciTm.natinir toll* ***.««>.ao, anu iw expenuicure* •Inposed in We i?nd gn~.« resulting hi a deficiency of *2*,<K *ai«oe- of , ( - ' b m f r i to ^ On tbe 1st day of Xovem :ind tr,l.m the omn,mt of mnrmv of all V\ - &k> lake ports of 1 *>,V the 8ub8i.ii |M* of cna thereupon sn fug disej-imi •thi'ougll' additions • ,,'etffciibes co­ llie two Co United States, was adjusted n of a more equitable sched- •5. and my predecessor .ued his proclamation impos- ug tolls upon British transit canals. A request for t.lie list of extraditable ad by the existing treaty between .s is under consideration. Dur- -v • year an American citizen, employ- w f w . . . i Q . a s u b o r d i n a t e c o m m e r c i a l p o s i t i o n i n ' % ;'wHa;vti, after snit'ering a prolracieo imprison- . went on an uutounded chai ge of smuggling, .,;-^as finally liberated on judicial examination. * .* ji, / Upon urgent representation UMiie Haytiau gov- •"* -is igsK', JHrninent, a suitable indemnity was paid to the ePi. ily - law of Hayti, a sailing vessel. " liaMug discharged her cargo, is refused clear- *" '• ^ ?j, 'ance until the Uuties on such cargo have been v/" *(, " l'aid. Tne hardship of this measure upon 'A. , ^uierican shiiio« ners who conduct the buiK of * <!arry'i»g trade of that country has been in- f y -i Histed on with a view of securing the removal j i>l this cause of complaint. *_ .. 1'lie Auixpala Incident. Over M,000 Men Enlisted In tha Employ '* of Unci* Sam. The secretary of war reports that the strength of the army on the 30th day of Sep­ tember iast was 25,778 enlisted men and 2,144 of- a mount ing to 8108,680,844," and eJceedfngVhe ^>0??^' amounl=exp^ted^ing. yeSr by i^l.Ml.^O® f^'^ugar bS?nty w^».a?uao a5. w il I and contingent expenses; 823,377.. crease over the preceding year of $2,(*13,053.0®. It is estimated upon tiie basi.-, o> present rev­ enue laws that the rece.pt-> of tiie government for th.1 year ending June 30, 1894, « ill be $430,- ' 121,3&>.3o, and its expenditures 845s, 121,305.38, " " ' ' ,(xt0.00 . ember, 1893, the amount of money of all kinds in ci culation, . or noi included in treasury holdings, was $1,- 718,544,082, n increase for th;; vear of fll^,- 40t,!<47. Estimating our population at 67,426,- U00 at the time mentioned, the j,er capiia cir­ culation was 8^5.49. On the same date there was in th.: treasury gold bullion amount­ ing to $9C,657,273, and silver bullion which was purchased at a cost-of $120,261,553. The pifrehas»-s of silver under the law of Julv 14, IKK* during tbe lust fiscal year aggregated fine ounces, which cost $45,r»31,- 374.5.J The total amount of silver purchased fiom the time that law became operative uutil ' the repeal of its purch siu^ clause, on the 1st day of November. lfcilM, was 168.674.500.46 fine ounces, which coat $155,!J3it,W0.&4. Between the 1st day of March, lt^li, and the 1st oay of No­ vember, 1893. the government purchased, under all laws, 5ti3,0(.iJ,717 ounces ot tine silver at a Ci st of 8 jlo."j-2,9l8. The silver dollars that have been coined under the act of July 14, 1890, aumber 36,087,285. The seigniorage arising from such coinage was 86,977, 118.39, iea\ ing on 828.35 for the support of the military establish­ ment; $6,077,033.18 ror miscellaneous objects, and 820,518,031.41 for public works. This utter sum iuemdes $15,2U6,876.46 for river and harbor improvements and 83,206,141.20 for fortifications aya other works of defense. The total enrollriient in the militia of the sev­ eral states was, on the 31st of October of the current year, 112,597 officers and enlisted men. The officers of the army detailed for the inspec­ tion and instructions of this reserve of our military force report that increased interest and marked progress are appai ent in the dis­ cipline and efficiency of th.- organization. Neither Indian outbreaks nor domestic vio­ lence have called the army into service during the year, and the only active military duty required of it has been in the department of Texas, where violations of the neutrality laws of the United States and Mexico were prompt­ ly and efficiency dealt with by the troops, eliciting the warm approval of the civil and military authorities of both countries. The operation of wise laws and the influences of civilization constantly tending to relieve the country irom the dangers of Indian hostilities, together with the increasing ability of the states, through the efficiency of the national guard organizations. ti$ protect their citizens from domestic violence, lead to the suggestion that the time is fast approaching wi en there Upon receiving authentic information of the i.mj mij-itn ti,, ^',7,, phould be a reorganization of our aruty on the 1 r^ o'i's §ue ounces of sil- lines of the present necessity of the country. , ver. wnichcjst 8140,7o»,218. This cnan«e c ontemplates neitner increase in . firin it upon an American mail eteamex touching , "• Pf J' 7„ A at the port of Amapala because her captain if,.' refused to oehvtr up a passenger froth Nic- ', * • aragua to Guatemala upon demand of the mUi- •••" tar, authorities of Honduras, out- minister to : '} ^ jki that country under instructions protested w- If ^ a"lst the wanton act and mjmandjeu satis- '»!' f<" faction, 'lhe government of Honduras, actu- ^ '• T#.' atedby asense of justice and in a spirit of 'i,'\ *'\>i tr;endshiii, prompt y disavowed the illegalcon- ' ' . ' * . y. - duct of its officers, auU expressed sincere re- Tfli. yet for the occurrence. It is confidently an- " rV.T ticipated that a satisfactory adjustment will ' i ,4 V t k-jtju be reached of the questions arising out of t!lu seizure and use ot xVinerican vessels by in- surgeuts in Honduras and the sui.sequent de- '.f j iiial by the successful government of commer- V") .V 'J* cial privileges to those vessels on that ac- Vi, I/-". .4 count. ItUl" -• "• M [lb® president then tells of our close relations «&l* *4 with Mexico and the advantage which" the Kic- '•0-3.* araigua caiial will give us. He uses the Sa- moan incident as an illustration of the im- si Coinage of the Mints; Our total c oinage of all metals during the l»st fiscal y>iar consisted of 79,280.875 pieces, valu' d at 843.685.178.80, of wh.ch tiiere was g!0,038,140 in gold coin, 85,343.715 iu silver dol-rs, 87,2'7.220.9u in subsidiary silver < oin. and ,21,086,102.!)0 in minor coins. During the calen­ dar year lh'.tt the production of precious meials in tneUnited States wa ̂estimated to be 1,596,375 fine ounces of gold of the commercial and coin­ age value of $33.000,000f and 58,0. 0.U00 line ounce# of silver of the bullion or market valXie of $50,- 750,000 and of tile coinage value of $74,989,9 0.. It is estimated that on the 1st day of July, 1893, the nse. allic stock of money 111 the Uuited States, consisting of coin and bullion, amounted to 16.), ot which $597,697,1^5 was gold and $615,801,484 was silver. One hundred and nineteen national banke .were organized during tue year ending Oct. 31, 1893, with a capital of 811,2510,000 Forty-siX went into voluntary liquidation and 158'sus- i peuded. Sixty-five of the suspended banks were insolvent, e.'ghty-six resumed business - jy l- '# • number nor added expense, i}ut a redistribu­ tion of the force and an encouragement of measures tending to greater efficiency among the men and improvement of the service. The adoption of batta.ion formations for infan try regiments, tho strengthening of the artil­ lery forces, the abandonment of smaller aud unnecessary posts and the massing of the troops at important aud ac esttible stations, all promise to promote the usefulness of the array. In the Judgment of army officers, with but few except! Jiis, the opet ation ot the law forbidding the're-enlistment of men after ten years' service has not proved its wisdom, and while the arguments that led to its adop­ tion were not without merit, tne experience of the year constrains me to Joth in the recommendation for its repeal. Our Coast ll«leii*M. /It ia gratifying to note that we have begun to attain completed results in the comprehensive .scheme ot seacoast defense and fortification, "entered upon eight years ago A large sum has of at - Water*] .¥ with pureaaee of lift gun! which' should be delivei _ tor tegt betorv Inly I, I8W.. et, heary ordnahoe k«»P» pace, w! Aeede, bat to render thiaa the purposes they are dt__, -- placements must be prep&rea for then, frog gress has lieeit made in this direction, and it Is desirable th.t congress by adequate appropriations should provide for the un- interrupted prosecution of tfaism After mudk prelim narr woyrk «_ c^amiuat on, in »'•'•'•••dance with ments of the 1 > w, the board appo a magazine ride of modern tyj ~ replace the obsolete Springfieli fa tr. service, completed its labore'during tbe last year, and the wo k of manufacturing is vow in progress at the national armory at Springrteld. It is contldently expected th«t by the en.! of the current year oar infsntry w fl be supplied w th a weapon equal to that of the most progress ve a- uiios of the worl 1. The work on tne projects Chickamauga and Chat­ tanooga national mil tary pa- k has been prosecuted with zeal and judgment, and its opening will bts celebrated during the coming year. Over nine square miles of the Chickamauga battie field have been acquired, twenty-five miles 01 roadway have been con­ structed, and permanent tablets havn been placed atma..y ni-torical points, while the in­ vitation to the states to niai k the positions of their troops participating in the battle has been very generally accepted. The work or lo­ cating an i preserving the lines of battle at the Gettysburg battle fie.d t» making satisfactory progress on the plans directed by the last con­ gress g Advance IN Military Schools. The reports of the military academy at West Pcint aud the several schotfs for special in­ struction of officers, ahow marked advanee in education of the army aud a commendable am­ bition among its officers to excel in tbe mili­ tary profession and to fit themselves for the hignest service to the eountry. Under the su­ pervision of Adjutant-General Robert Wil­ liams, lately retired, tbe bureau of military information has become well established add is performing a service that will put in pos­ session of the government in time of war most valuable information and at all times serve a purpose of great utility in keeping the army advised of the world's progress in all matters pertaining to the art of war. POSTOFFICE DEPARTMENT. Depression In Business Quickly Redueas the Revenues, The report of tl.e postmaster general con­ tains a detailed statem nt of the operations of tue post office department during the last fiscal year and much interesting information touch­ ing tli.s important branch of the public-serv­ ice The business of the mails indicates with absolute certainty the condition of the busi­ ness of the country and depression in financial affairs inevitably and quickly reduces the post­ al revenues. Therefore a larger discrepancy than usual between the postoffice rece pts and expenditures is the expected and unavoidable result of the distressing stringency which has prevailed throughout the country dtiring much of the time covered by the postmaster general's report At a date when better times were anticipated it was estimated by his predecessor that the deficiency on the 90tn day of June, 1893, would be but a little over a million and a half dollars. It amounted, however, to more than five mil- lions. At the same time and under the influ­ ence of Tike anticipations estimates were made fo the current fiscal year ouuiisg June 3ft, 1894, which exhibited a surplus of revenue over ex­ penditures of $872,240.71: but now in view of the actual receipts and expenditures during that oart of tne current fiscal year already expired, the present postmaster general esti­ mates that at the close, instead of a surplus, there will be a deficiency of nearly eight million dollars. The postoffice receipts for the fiscal year amounted to 97S.8B8JBfl8.ia, and its expenditures to 18UW4,104.90. Thi* postoffice deficiency would disappear or be immaasely decteaaed if leas matter was carried free through the mails, an item of which is upward of 300 tons of teeds and grain from the agricultural depart­ ment Total Number ef Odices. The total number of postoffices in the United States on the 30th day of June, 1893, was 68,400; an increase of 1,264 over the preceding year. Of these 3,360 were presidential, uu increase in that class of 204 over the preceding year. Forty-two free delivery offices were added dur­ ing the year to those already existing, making a total of 610 cities and towns provided with free delivery on June 30,1893. Ninety-three other cities and towns are now entitled to this service under the law, but it has not been ac­ corded them on account of insufficient funds to meet the expense of its establishment. I am decidedly of the opinion that tne provisions of the present law permit as general an introduc­ tion of this feature of mail service as is necessary or justifiable, and that it ought not to be extended to smaller communities than are now designated. The expense of free delivery for the fiscal year endinu June 30, 1894, will be more than $11^000,- 000 and under legislation now existing there must be a constant increase in this item of ex­ penditure. There were 0,401 additions to the domestic money order offices during the last fiscal year, being the largest increase in any year since the inauguration of the system. The total number of these offices at the ciose of the year was 18,- 434. There were 13,309,735 money orders issued from these offices, being an increase over the preceding year of 1.24u,293 and the value of these orders amounted to 8127,576,433.65, an increase of $7,509,632.58. There were also issued during the year pos­ tal notes amounting to $12,903,070.73. Dur­ ing the year 195iutern1ititm;«t money-order = ffi- ces were added to those already provided, m iking a total of 2,407 in operation 011 June 80, 18$®. The number of intsrnntional mo e o - ders asued during ^the year was 1.0 5,999, an increase over the preceding year of #2, >2a, and their value was $1 ,341,83 .80, an increase of $1,221 50 .81. The number of O' ders paid was 300,917. an increase over the preceding year of 13, Ki, and their value whs 85,283,375.7 , an in- c ease of $94,0.i4.8 ». F • om tne fore oin • state­ ments. t appe <rs that the total issue of money* orders and postal notes for the year amounted to $116,821. 43.24. >p»fit»l Delivery Stamps* The number of letters and packages mailed during thfe year for special delivery was 3,375,- 683. an increase over- the preceding year of neat ly 22 per cent. The special delivery st amps used upon these letters and packages amounted to 8337,569.30, and the messenger fees paid for their delivery amounted to $250,506.71, leaving a profit to the government of $80,976.59. The railway mail service not only adds to the promptness of mail delivery at all offices, but it fs the special instrumentality wnich puts the smaller aud way places in the ser­ vice on an equality iu that regard with the large and terminal offices. This branch of the postal service has therefore receiv. d much attention from the postmaster general, and though it is gratifying to know that it is tn a condition of nigh efficiency and great usefulness. I am led to agree with the postmaster genera} that these is room for its Further improvement. * • • UNITED STATES NAVY. Gratifying Condition Reported by tbe See* retary--Demand for Cruisers, The report of the secretary of the navy con­ tains a history of the operations of his depart­ ment during the past year, and exhibits a most gratifying condition of the personnel of cur navy. He presents a satisfactory account of the progress whigh has been made in the construction of vessels and makes a number of recommendations to which attention is especially invited. During the past six months the demands or cruising vessels have been many ana urgent. There have been revolutions calling for vessels to protect American interests m Nicaragua, Guatemala, Costa Kica, Honduras, Argentina and Krazil, whilq the condition of attairs In Honolulu has required the constant presence of Due or more ships. With all the3e cails upon our navy, it became necessary, in order to make up a sufficient ttert to patrol the Behring tea under the modus vivendi agreed upon with Great Britain, to detail to that service one vessel from the fish commission and three from the revenue marine- Progress in the construction of new vessels has not been as rai-id as was anticipated. There have been delays in the completion of unar- mored vessels, but for the most part they have been such as are constantly occurring even in. countries having the larjje^ experience in naval ship buildi-ig. The most serious delays have been in tbe work upon armored ships. The trouble has been the failure of contractors to deliver armor as agreed. The difficulties seem, now. however, to have been ail over­ come, and armor is being delivered with satis­ factory promptness. [The list of vessels completed and in progress ef completion are here giv«?n.) While 1 aui distinctly <n favor of const'-tently pursuing the policy we have inaugurated of build ng up a thorough and efficient i.avy, I Cannot refrain from tho suggestion that the cougre s should carefully ta\e nto account the number of unfinished vrssels ou our bands and the depleted condition of out Directly from first hands, at &mi«fl8ion prit*«, *»d Jiftf* made ift careful selection of goods suitable to our trade, i» eoet and quae tit ji MessW. Joseph Beifield 6 Co,, of Chicago, who are admitted - by all to be the foremost: lad largest man utacturera oorrect styles of Ladies', Misses' and Children'! CLOAKS i " •- •i. r. ~ - 7 . 7 . si K -4 V"'. V ' 4 \ : •-* Mi*®* *<"«• safeMi-is •ft,.'.*. JACKETS is the United States* v #e catried ovrrafew garment^ last Vear Which wd* shiped to an t auction house of Messrs Geo. P, Gow & Co , tor cash, and this will give us an exclusively new stock, free of all stickers, or out-«*f^ style garments Our styles are the newes* , end we c»rry *11 piss** in colors aud blacks, all well made and of the best of material. Our stock ie very large, with prices th« lowest; "•C r •• i,j: W::gfV We are now adding Jo our stoefc a large and new line ol made, well wearing, stylish and cheap suits and overcoats, in *11 sizes, trom age 4 to size 46 or 50. from the welt known manufactur­ ers, Messrs. Kirk Nathan and Fischer. Come early and oblala first choice. ' - " Autumn and Winter Dress (foods, Storm Serges, Hop Sackings, Imported Serges, Henriettas, iantines, Flannels, Velyets. Plushes, Braids, Damestio^ > Warps, Battings „v ' - * WOOL AN© MERINO UNDERWEAR. scarlet, natural and white, in all sizes/ for men, women, >; and children, at papular prices. 8wits Condes' fully; i^|p#£«i||ted goods in stock. Uu^on suits ^f'. V";. ladies, misses and children*' ,v, - jt ? f\ j , Waiiave again bought a large stock of the Famoua and fully: "Badger State Overalls, Shirts* Jackets* Buck Coatt warranted Badger and i^nts tor tbe fall winter. We can tit and suit everybody. • 4'v4i- Ni# New lanketSi and New Flannels, All kinds of Yarns, Wool and Cotton Hosiery in black, natural j gray. tan and brown. •; "v'~ Window Shades, Curtam|. TRUCKS HAND BAW8, We are exclnsive agents for the fam­ ous and fully warranted Douglas $3 " Shoes and also carry other grades same factory, 1̂ ** Fargo's custom made Boots am Shoes in all sizes and various widths an< kinds, constantly in stock. Prices waj down. Fargo'a $2,50 men's shoes l lace or Congress is a great hargaii^r?A Hats and Gaps, Gloves and Mittens Lustre Baud and White Granite Crockery, RocilnghmW ; Ware. Pure and unadulterated T'as, Coffees and v Spices, Canned tJcods and Provisions. T& » - .tfpX In our old and reliable time-tried and firt md storm tested con panies, on all classes of insurable property at ast rates. Our buJ ness in this line is very extensive and your int csts receive tne poMibft. . Respectfully, . - ' •"> * y P*5. f fsi '*<•"> •k." , h pK t; W 4 * v ̂ ^ r, ' ;