anaheim-gazette 1885-12-12

THE MESSAGE. An Exhaustive Review of Public Affairs. A Tribute to the Late Vice-President. Foreign Relations Described. Reference to, the Chinese on This Coast. Silver Question Discussed at Length. Naval Reconstruction Earnestly Advised. Statement of Postoffice Operations. Land-Grant Railroads to Be Looked After. Polygamic Practices Sternly Denounced. Civil-Service Reform Commended—Old Methods in the Navy Department Condemned—Public Land Frauds—Etc. Mr. Keiley as the envoy of the United States, and that gentleman has since resigned his commission, leaving the post vacant. I have made no new nomination and the interests of the Government at Vienna are now in the care of the secretary of the Legation as Charge d'Affaires and Interim. THE WAR ON THE ISTHMUS. Early in March last a war broke out in Central America, caused by the attempt of Guatemala to consolidate the several States into a single Government. In these contests between our neighboring States the United States forbore to interfere actively, but lent the aid of their friendly offices in deprivation of the war and to promote peace and concord among the belligerents, and by such counsel contributed importantly to the restoration of tranquility in that locality. The emergencies growing out of civil war in the United States of Colombia demanded of the Government at the beginning of this administration the employment of an armed force to fulfill its guarantees under the thirty-fifth article of the treaty of 1846. In order to keep the transit open across the Isthmus of Panama, desirous of exercising only the powers expressly reserved to us by the treaty, and mindful of the rights of Colombia, the forces sent to the Isthmus were instructed to confine their action to positively and officiously preventing the transit and its accessories from being interrupted or embarrassed. The execution of this delicate and responsible task necessarily involved police control where the local authority was emporarily powerful, but always in aid of the sovereignty of Colombia. The prompt and successful fulfillment of its duty by this Government was highly appreciated by the Government of Colombia, and has been followed by expression of its satisfaction and high praise to the officers and men engaged in this service. The restoration of peace on the Isthmus by the re-establishment of the constituted Government there being thus accomplished, the forces of the United States were withdrawn. Pending these occurrences a question of much importance was presented by the decrees of the Colombian Government, proclaiming the closure of certain ports, then in the hands of the insurgents, and declaring vessels held by the revolutionists to be pirates and liable to capture by any Power. To neither of these propositions could the United States assert. An effective closure of ports not in possession of the Government but held by the hostile parties could not be recognized. Neither could the vessels of insurgents against the legitimate sovereignty be deemed human beings within the precepts of international law, whatever might be the penalty of their acts under the municipal law of the State against whose authority they were in revolt. The denial by this Government of the Colombian proposals did not however, imply the admission of a belligerent status on the part of the insurgents. The Colombian Government has expressed its willingness to negotiate conventions for the adjustment by arbitration of the claims of foreign citizens arising out of the destruction of the city of Aspinwall by the insurrectionary forces. Land-Grant Railroads to Be Looked After. Polygamic Practices Sternly Denounced. Civil-Service Reform Commended—Old Methods in the Navy Department Condemned — Public Land Frauds—Etc. To the Congress of the United States: Your assembling is clouded by a sense of public bereavement caused by the recent and sudden death of Thomas A. Hendricks. Vice-President of the United States. His distinguished public services, his complete integrity and devotion to every duty and his personal virtues will find an honorable record in his country's history. Ample and repeated proofs of the esteem and confidence in which he was held by his fellow-countrymen were manifested by his election to offices of the most important trust and highest dignity, and, at last full of years and honors he has been laid at rest amidst general sorrow and benediction. The Constitution, which requires those chosen to legislate for the people to annually meet in the discharge of their solemn trust, also requires the President to give to Congress information of the state of the Union and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall deem necessary to expedite. At the threshold of a compliance with these constitutional decisions it is well for us to keep in mind that our usefulness to the people's interests will be prompted by a constant appreciation of the scope and character of our respective duties as they relate to Federal legislation. While the Executive may recommend such measures as he shall deem expedient, the responsibility for legislative action must and should rest upon those selected by the people to make their laws. A contemplation of the grave and responsible functions assigned to the executive branch of the Government under the Constitution will disclose the partition of power between our respective departments, and their necessary independence, and the need for the exercise of all the power intrusted to each in that spirit of comity and cooperation which is essential to the proper fulfilment of the patriotic obligations which rest upon us as faithful servants of the people. The jealous watchfulness of our constituencies, great and small, supplements their suffrage, and therefore by the tribunal they establish every public servant should be judged. FOREIGN RELATIONS. It is gratifying to announce that the relations of the United States with all foreign Powers continue to be friendly. Our position, after nearly a century of successful constitutional Government, maintenance of good faith in all our engagements, the advoance of complications with other nations, and a consistent amenable attitude toward the strong and weak alike, furnish proof of a political disposition which renders professions of good will unnecessary. There are no questions of difficulty pending with any foreign Government. THE FALKLAND ISLANDS DISPUTE. The Argentine Government has revived Government but held by the hostile parties could not be recognized. Neither could the vessels of insurgents against the legitimate sovereign be deemed hostile human generals within the precepts of international law, whatever might be the penalty of their acts under the municipal law of the State against whose authority they were in revolt. The denial by this Government of the Colombian propositions did not however, imply the admission of a belligerent status on the part of the insurgents. The Colombian Government has expressed its willingness to negotiate conventions for the adjustment by arbitration of the claims of foreign citizens arising out of the destruction of the city of Aspinwall by the insurrectionary forces. INSTITUTION CANALS. The interest of the United States in a praisable transit for ships across the step of land separating the Atlantic from the Pacific has been repeatedly manifested during the last half century. My immediate predicce or caused to be negotiated with the republic of Nicaragua a treaty for the construction, y and at he sole cost of the United States, of a canal through Nicaraguan territory, which was laid before the Senate. Pending the action of that body thereon I withdrew the treaty for re-examination. An attentive consideration of its provisions leads me to hold it from resubmission to the Senate. Maintaining as I do the policy of a line of Presidents from Washington's days which proscribes encouraging alliances with foreign States, I do not favor the policy of the acquisition of new and distant territory or the incorporation of remote interests with our own. The laws of progress are vital and organic, and we must be conscious of this irresistible tide of commercial expansion which, as the concomitant of our native civilization, day by day is being urged onward by those increasing facilities of production, transportation and communication to which steam and electricity have given birth. But our unity in the present is to instruct us to address ourselves mainly to the development of the vast resources of the great area committed to our charge and to the cultivation of the arts of peace within our borders. Through jealously alert in revealing the American hemisphere from being involved in the political problems and complication of district governments, there fore I am unable to recommend proposition involving paramount privileges of ownership or right outside of our territory when coupled with absolute and unlimited entanglements to defend the territorial integrity of the State where such interests lie. While the general project of connecting two oceans by means of a canal is to be encouraged, I am of opinion that any scheme to that end be considered with favor shall be free from the features aimed to. The Tehuantepec route is declared by engineers of the highest reputation and by competent scientists to afford an entirely practicable transit for vessels and cargo by means if a ship railway from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The obvious advantages of such a route, if feasible, over others, more distant from the axial lines of traffic between Europe and the Pacific, and particularly between the valley of the Mississippi and the western coast of North and South America, are deserving of consideration. Whatever highway may be constructed across the barrier dividing the two greatest estuarine areas of the world must be for the world's benefit, a trust for mankind, to be removed from the chance of domination by any single Power, nor become a point of invitation of hostilities or a prize for warlike ambition. An engagement combining the construction, ownership and operation of such a work by this Government with an offensive and defensive alliance for its protection with the foreign states whose responsibilities and rights we would share is in my judgment, inconsistent with such dedication to universal and neutral use and would, moreover, entail measures for its realization beyond the scope of the national policy or present means. The large age has abundantly confirmed the wisdom and foresight of those earlier Administrations which, long before the conditions of maritime intercourse were changed and enlarged by the progress of the age, proclaimed the vital need of interceanic It is gratifying to announce that the relations of the United States with all foreign Powers continue to be friendly. Our position, after nearly a century of successful constitutional Government, maintenance of good faith in all our engagements, the avoidance of complications with other nations, and a consistent, ample attitude toward the strong and weak alike, furnish proof of a political disposition which renders professions of good will unnecessary. There are no questions of difficulty pending with any foreign Government. THE FALKLAND ISLANDS DISPUTE. The Argentine Government has revived the long dormant question of the Falkland islands, by claiming from the United States indemnity for their loss attributed to the action of the commander of the sloop of war Lexington in breaking up a colony on these islands in 1851, and their subsequent occupation by Great Britain. In view of the ample justification for the act of the Lexington, and the direct condition of the islands before and after their alleged occupation by the Argentine colonists, the claim is wholly groundless. RESTRICTION ON PORK. I regret to say that the restrictions continue upon the importation of our pork into France, notwithstanding the abundant demonstration of the absence of sanitary danger in its uses, but I entertain strong hopes that with a better understanding of the matter this vexatious prohibition will be removed. It would be pleasing to be able to say as much with respect to Germany, Austria and other countries, where such food products are absolutely excluded, without any present prospect of a reasonable change. THE AUSTRIAN MISSION. A question has arisen with the Government of Austro-Hungary, touching the representation of the United States at Vienna, having under my constitutional prerogative appointed an estimable citizen of unimpeached probity and competence as Minister at that court. The Government of Austro-Hungary invited this Government to take cognizance of certain exceptions, based upon allegations against the personal acceptability of Mr. Keiley. The appointed envoy asked that, in view thereof, the appointment should be withdrawn. The reasons advanced were such as could not be acquired in without violation of my oath of office and the precedents of the Constitution, since they necessarily involved a limitation in favor of a foreign Government upon the right of selection by the Executive, and required such an application of a religious test as a qualification for office under the United States as would have resulted in the practical disfranchisement of a large class of our citizens and the abandonment of a vital principle of our Government. The Austro-Hungarian Government finally decided not to receive kindly it to be removed from the chance of domination by any single Power, nor become a point of invitation of hostilities or a prize for warlike ambition. An engagement combining the construction, ownership and operation of such a work by this Government with an offensive and defensive alliance for its protection with the foreign States whose responsibilities and rights we would share is, in my judgment, inconsistent with such dedication to universal and neutral rise and would, moreover, entail measures for its realization beyond the scope of the national policy or present means. The lapse of years has abundantly confirmed the wisdom and foresight of those earlier Administrations which, long before the conditions of maritime intercourse were changed and enlarged by the progress of the age, proclaimed the vital need of interoceanic traffic across the commercial isthmus, and consecrated it in advance to the common use of mankind by their positive declarations and through the formal obligation of treaties. Toward such realization the efforts of my Administration will be applied, ever bearing in mind, the principles on which it must rest and which were declared in no uncertain tones by Mr. Cass, who, while Secretary of State in 1858, announced that "what the United States want in Central America, next to the happiness of its people, is the security and neutrality of the interoceanic routes which lead through it." TRANSCONTINENTAL RAILROADS. The construction of three transcontinental lines of railway, all in successful operation, wholly within our territory and uniting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, has been accompanied by results of a most interesting and impressive nature and has created new conditions, not in the routes of commerce only but in political geography, which powerfully affect our relations toward and necessarily increase our interests in any trains human route which may be opened and employed for the ends of peace and traffic or in other contingencies. For use in criminal to both transportation is a factor in a host of commodities scarcely second to that of their production and weighs as heavily upon the consumer. Our experience already has proved the great importance of having the competition between land carriage and water carriage fully developed, each acting as a protection to the public against the tendencies of monopoly which is inherent in the consolidation of wealth and power in the hands of vast corporations. These suggestions may serve to emphasize what I have already said on the score of the necessity of a neutralization of any interoceanic transit, and this can only be accomplished by making the uses of the route open to all nations and subject to the ambition and warlike necessities of none. The drawings and report of a recent survey of the Nicaragua canal route, made by Chief Engineer Menocal, will be communicated for your information. CLAIMS AGAINST CHILE. The claims of citizens of the United States for losses by reason of the late military operations of Chile in Peru and Bolivia are the subject of a negotiation for a claims convention with Chile providing for their submission to arbitration. THE CHINESE QUESTION. The harmony of our relations with China is fully sustained in the application of the SUPPLEMENT TO ANAHEIM GAZETTE THE ISTHMUR. Just a war broke out in the United States, leaving the post made no new nominations of the Government to the care of the secession as Charge d'Affaires. The recent outbreak in Wyoming Territory where numbers of unoffending Chinese laborers indisputably within the protection of the treaties and the law, were murdered by a mob, and the still more recent threatened outbreak of the same character in Washington Territory, are still fresh in the minds of all, and there is apprehension lest the bitterness of feeling against the Mongolian race on the Pacific slope may find vent in similar lawless demonstration. All the power of this Government should be exerted to maintain the ample good faith toward the Chinese in the treatment of these men, and the flexible strenuous of the law in bringing the wrong-doers to justice should be insisted upon. Every effort has been made by this Government to prevent these violent outbreaks and to aid the representatives of China in their investigation of these outrages and it is unjust to say that they are traceable to the lawlessness of men not citizens of the United States engaged in competition with the Chinese. Race prejudice is the chief factor in originating these disturbances and it exists in a large part of our domain, jeopardizing our peace and the good relationship we try to maintain with China. The admitted right of a Government to prevent the influx of elements hostile to its internal peace and security may not be questioned, even where there is no treaty stipulations on the subject. That the exclusion of Chinese labor is demanded in other countries where like conditions prevail is strongly evidenced in the Dominion of Canada, where Chinese immigration is now regulated by laws more exclusive than our own. If existing laws are inadequate to compass the end in view, I shall be prepared to give earnest consideration to any further remedial measures within the treaty limits which the wisdom of Congress may devise. THE CONGO COUNTRY. The independent State of the Congo has been organized as a Government under the sovereignty of his Majesty the King of the Belgians, who assumes its chief magistracy in his personal character, only without making the new State a dependency on Belgium. It is fortunate that a benighted region owing all it has of quickening civilization to the bonenence of the philanthropic spirit of this monarch should have the advantage and security of his benevolent supervision. The action taken by this Government last year in being the first to recognize the flag of the International Association of the Congo has been followed by the formal recognition of the new nationality which succeeds to its sovereign powers. THE BERLIN CONFERENCE. A conference of delegates of the principal commercial nations was held at Berlin last Winter, to discuss the methods whereby the Congo basin might be kept open to the world's trade. The delegates attended on behalf of the United States on matters understanding reached with her Majesty's Government in June last, whereby the assurance was obtained that no interruption of those operations should take place during the current season. In the interest of good neighborhood and of the commercial intercourse of adjacent communities the question of the North American fisheries is one of much importance. Following out the intimation given by me when the arrangements for the extension above described were negotiated, I recommend that Congress do provide for the appointment of a commission in which the Governments of the United States and Great Britain shall be respectively represented, charged with the consideration and settlement upon a just equitable and honorable basis of the entire question of the fishing rights of the two Governments and their respective citizens, on the coast of the United States and British North America. The fishing interests being in timely related to other general questions dependent upon contiguity and intercourse, the consideration thereof in all their equities might also properly come within the purview of such commission and the fullest latitude of expression on both sides should be permitted. The correspondence in relation to the fishing rights will be submitted. THE STEAMSHIP ALERT. The Arctic exploring steamer Alert which was generously given by her Majesty's Government to aid in the relief of the Greely expedition, was, after the successful attainment of that humane purpose, returned to Great Britain, in pursuance of the authority conferred by Act of March 3, 1883. EXTRACTION TREATIES. In view of the existing engagements, extradition between the United States and Great Britain has been long apparent. The tenth article of the treaty of 1821, one of the earliest compacts in this regard entered into by the United States stipulated for surrender in respect of a limited number of offenses. Other crimes no less criminal to the social welfare should be embraced, and the procedure of extradition brought in harmony with present international practices. Negotiations have been entered into with her Majesty's Government for an enlarged treaty since 1870, and I entertain strong hopes that a satisfactory result may be soon attained. THE ALASKAN BOUNDARY. The frontier line between Alaska and British Columbia as defined by the treaty of cession with Russia follows the delimitation assigned in a prior treaty between Great Britain and Russia. Modern exploration declares that this ancient boundary is impracticable as a geographical fact. In the unsettled condition of that region, the question has lacked importance, outthe discovery of mineral wealth in the territorythe line is supposed to traverse admonishes that time has come when an accurate knowledge of the boundary is needful to avert jurisdictional complications. I recommend therefore that provision be made for a preliminary reconnaissance by officers of the United States, tothe end of acquiring more precise information on the subject. I have invited her Majesty's government to consider with us the adoption of a more convenient boundary, to be THE BERLIN CONFERENCE. A conference of delegates of the principal commercial nations was held at Berlin last Winter; to discuss the methods whereby the Congo basin might be kept open to the world's trade. The delegates attended on behalf of the United States on the understanding that their partish and be merely deliberative, without imparting to the results any binding character, so far as the United States were concerned. This reserve was due to the indisposition of this Government to share in any disposal by an International Congress of jurisdictional questions in relation to foreign territories. The results of the conference were embodied in a formal act of the nature of an international convention which laid down certain obligations purporting to be binding on the signatory Powers, subject to ratification within one year. Notwithstanding the reservation under which the delegates of the United States attended, their signatures were attached to the general act in the same manner as those of the plenipotentiaries of other Governments, thus making the United States appear without reserve or qualification as signatories to a joint international engagement, imposing on the signers the conservation of the territorial integrity of distant regions, where we have no established interests or control. This Government does not, however, regard its reservation of liberty of action in the premises as at all impaired, and holds the engagement to share in the obligation of enforcing neutrality in the remote valley of the Congo to be one whose resiliencies we are not in a position to assume. I abstain from asking the sanction of the Senate to that act. The correspondence will be laid before you, and the instructive and interesting report of the agent sent by this Government to the Congo country and his recommendations for the establishment of commercial agencies on the African coast are also submitted for your consideration. THE SOUTH AMERICAN COMMISSION. The commission appointed by my predecessor last Winter to visit the Central and South American countries and report on the methods of enlarging the commercial relations of the United States, with has submitted reports which will be laid before you. COREA. No opportunity has been omitted to testify the friendliness of this Government toward Corea, whose entrance into the family of treaty Powers the United States were the first to recognize. I regard with favor the application made by the Corican Government to be allowed to employ American officers and military instructors, to which the assent of Congress becomes necessary, and I am happy to say this request has the concurrent sanction of China and Japan. THE SANTOS AFFAIE. The arrest and imprisonment of Julius Santos, a citizen of the United States, by the authorities of Ecuador, gave rise to a contention with that Government in which his right to be released or to have a speedy and impartial trial on an anonymous charges, and with all guarantees of defense stipulated by the treaty, was insisted upon by the United States. After an elaborate correspondence and repeated earnest representations on our part Mr. Santos was, after an alleged trial and conviction, eventually included in a general decree of amnesty and pardoned by the Ecuadorian Executive and released, leaving undecided the question of his Amercan citizenship, denied by the Ecuadorian Government, but insisted upon by our own. FRENCH CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES. The frontier line between Alaska and British Columbia as defined by the treaty with Russia follows the delimitation assigned in a prior treaty between Great Britain and Russia. Modern exploration declares that this ancient boundary is impracticable as a geographical fact. In the unsettled condition of that region, the question has lacked importance, but the discovery of mineral wealth in the territory the line is supposed to traverse admonishes that time has come when an accurate knowledge of the boundary is needed to avert jurisdictional complications. I recommend, therefore that provision be made for a preliminary reconnaissance by officers of the United States, to tend of acquiring more precise information on the subject. I have invited her Majesty's government to consider with us the adoption of a more convenient boundary, to be established by meridian observations or by known geographical features, without out the necessity of an expensive survey of the whole. THE HAYTI REVOLT. The late insurrectionary movement in Hayti having been quelled, the Government of that republic has made prompt provision for adjusting the losses suffered by foreigners because of hostilities there, and the claims of certain citizens of the United States will be in this manner determined. The long pending claims of the two citizens of the United States, Pellettier and Lazare, have been disposed of by arbitration, and an award in favor of each claimant has been made, which, by the terms of the engagement, is final. It remains for Congress to provide for the payment of the stipulated moiety of the expenses. A question arose with Hayti during the past year by reason of the exceptional treatment of an American citizen. Mr. Van Bokkelen, a resident of Port-au-Prince, who, on a suit by creditors residing in the United States, was sentenced to imprisonment, and under the operation of the Hayti statutes was denied the relief secured to native Haytians. This Government asserted his treaty right to equal treatment with natives of Haytian all suits at law. Our request was denied by the Hayti Government. which, however, while still professing to maintain the ground taken against Mr. Van Bokkelen's right terminated the controversy by setting him at liberty without explanation. EPIDEMIC DISEASES. An international conference to consider the means of arresting the spread of cholera and other epidemic diseases was held at Rome in May last and adjourned to meet again on further notice. An expert delegate on behalf of the United States attended and will submit a report. MEXICO. Our relations with Mexico continue to be most cordial, as befits those of neighbors between whom the strongest ties of friendship and commercial intimacy exist as the natural and growing consequences of our similarity of institutions and geographical propinquity. The location of the boundary line between the United States and Mexico eastward of the Rio Grande under the convention of July 27, 1852, has been unavoidably delayed. I apprehend no difficulty in securing a prolongation of the period for its accomplishment. The latest concluded commercial treaty with Mexico still awaits its provisions int effect for which one year's additional time has been secured by a supplementary article signed in February last and since ratified on both sides. As this convention, so important to the commercial welfare of that two-adjoining countries, has been constitutionally confirmed by the treaty making branch. I express the hope that legislation to make it effective may not be long delayed. The large influx of capital and enterprise to Mexico from the United States continues to aid in augmenting the national well-being of our sister republics. Lines of railway pantrating to heart and capital of that country, bringing the two people into mutually beneficial intercourse, and enlarged facilities of transit add to profitable commerce create new markets and furnish avenues to otherwise isolated communities. I have already adverted to the suggested construction of a ship railway across the narrow formation of the territory of Mexico and Tehuantepec. The arrest and imprisonment of Julius Santos, a citizen of the United States, by the authorities of Ecuador, gave rise to a contention with that Government in which his right to be released or to have speedy and impartial trial on anonymous charges, and with all guarantees of defense stipulated by the treaty, was insisted upon by the United States. After an elaborate correspondence and repeated and earnest representations on our part Mr. Santos was, after an alleged trial and conviction, eventually included in a general decree of amnesty and pardoned by the Ecuadorian Executive and released, leaving undecided the question of his American citizenship, denied by the Ecuadorian Government, but insisted upon by our own. FRENCH CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES. The amount adjudged by the late French and American Claims Commission to be due from the United States to the French claimants, on account of injuries suffered by them during the war of secession, having been appropriated by the last Congress, has been duly paid to the French Government. FRENCH SPOLIATION. The Act of February 25, 1885, provided for preliminary search of the records of the French Prize Court for evidence bearing on the claims of American citizens against France for spolations committed prior to 1890. The duty has been performed and the report of the agent will be laid before you. NATURALIZED GERMANS. The interpretation of our existing treaties of naturalization by Germany during the past year has attracted attention by reason of the apparent tendency on the part of the Imperial Government to extend the scope of the restrictions, to which naturalized citizens of Germany are asserted to be liable under the laws of the empire. The temperate and just attitude taken by this Government with regard to this question will doubtless lead to a satisfactory understanding. CAROLINE ISLANDS MATTER. The dispute of Germany and Spain relating to the domination of the Caroline islands has attracted the attention of this Government by reason of the extensive interests of American citizens having grown up in those parts during the last thirty-nine years and because the question of ownership involved the jurisdiction of matters affecting the status of our citizens under civil and criminal laws. While standing wholly aloof from the proprietary issues raised between the Powers, to both of which the United States are friendly, this Government expects that nothing in the present contention shall unfavorably affect our citizens carrying on a peaceful commerce or there domiciled, and so informed the Governments of Spain and Germany. NORTH ATLANTIC FISHERIES. The marked good-will between the United States and Great Britain has been maintained during the past year. The termination of the fishing clauses of the treaty of Washington in pursuance of the joint resolution of March 3, 1883, must have resulted in the abrupt cessation on the list of July of this year in the midst of their ventures of the operations of citizens of the United States engaged in fishing in British-American waters but for a diplomatic and since ratified on both sides. As this convention, so important to the commercial welfare of the two adjoining countries, has been constitutionally confirmed by the treaty-making branch, I express the hope that legislation to make it effective may not be long delayed. The large influx of capital and enterprise to Mexico from the United States continues to aid in augmenting the national well-being of our sister republic. Lines of railway pantrating to the heart and capital of that country, bringing the two people into mutually beneficial intercourse, and the enlarged facilities of transit add to profitable commerce, create new markets and furnish avenues to otherwise isolated communities. I have already advertised to the suggested construction of a ship railway across the narrow formation of the territory of Mexico and Tehuantepec. CLAIMS AGAINST PERU. With the gradual recovery of Peru from the effects of her late disastrous conflict with Chile, and with the restoration of civil authority in that distracted country, it is hoped that the pending war claims of its citizens will be adjusted. In conformity with a notification given by the Government of Peru, he existing treaties of commerce and extradition between us and that country will terminate on March 31, 1886. RUSSIA. Our good relationship with Russia continues. An officer of the navy, detailed for the purpose, is now on his way to Siberia, bearing the testimonials voted by Congress to those who generously succeeded the survivors of the unfortunate Jeannete expedition. SPAIN. It is gratifying to advert to the cordiality of our intercourse with Spain. The long-pending claim of the owners of the ship Mascotic for loss suffered through the admitted dereliction of the Spanish authorities in the Philippine islands, has been adjusted by arbitration and an indemnity awarded. The principle of arbitration in such cases, to which the United States has long and conscientiously adhered, thus receives a fresh and gratifying confirmation. Other questions with Spain have been disposed of or are under diplomatic consideration with a view to a just and honorable settlement. The operation of the commercial agreement with Spain of February 13, 1884, has been found inadequate to the commercial needs of the United States and the Spanish Antilles, and the terms of the agreement are subjected to conflicting interpretations in those islands. Nego lations have been instituted at Madrid for a full treaty, not open to these objections and in line of the general policy touching the neighborly intercourse of proximate communities, to which I elsewhere advert, and aiming moreover at the removal of existing burdens and annoying restrictions, and although a satisfactory termination is promised, I am compelled to delay its announcement. INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT. An international copyright conference was held at Berne, in September, on the invitation of the Swiss Government. The Envoy of the United States attended as a delegate, but refrained from committing this Government to the results, even by signing the recommendatory protocol adopted. The interesting and important GAZETTE. subject to international copyright has been before you for several years. Action is certainly desirable to effect the object in view, and while there may be a question as to the relative advantage of treating it by legislation or by specific treaty, the mature views of the Ferme conference cannot fail to aid your consideration of the subject. TREATY WITH TURKEY. The termination of the commercial treaty of 1822 between the United States and Turkey has been sought by that Government. While there is a question as to the sufficiency of the notice of termination given, yet as the commercial rights of our citizens come under the favored nation guarantees of the prior treaty of 1830, and as equal treatment is admitted by the Porte, no inconvenience can result from the assent of this Government to the revision of the Ottoman tariffs, in which the treaty Powers have been invited to join. Questions concerning our citizens in Turkey may be affected by the Porte's non-acquisition in the right of expatriation and by the imposition of religious tests as a condition of evidence in which this Government cannot concur. The United States must hold, in their intercourse with every Power that the status of their citizens is to be respected and full civil privileges allowed to them without regard to creed and affected by no considerations save those growing out of domicile, return to the land of original allegiance, or of unfulfilled personal obligation which may survive, and the municipal laws on such voluntary return. VENEZULEAN AWARDS. The negotiations with Venezuela relating to the rehearing of the awards of the mixed commission, constituted under the treaty of 1866, was resumed. In view of the recent acquiescence of the Venezuelan Government in the principal point advanced by this Government, that the effects of the old treaty could only be set aside by the operation of a new convention, a result in substantial accord with the advisory suggestions contained in the joint resolution of March 3, 1883, has been agreed upon, and will shortly be submitted to the Senate for ratification. INTEREST ON TRUST FUNDS. Under Section 3850 of the Revised Statutes, all funds held in trust by the United States and the annual interest accruing thereon, when not otherwise required by treaty, are to be invested in stocks of the United States, bearing a rate of interest of not less than 5 per cent per annum. There being now no procurable stocks paying so high a rate of interest, the letter of the statute is at present inapplicable, but its spirit is subserved by continuing to make investments of this nature in current stocks bearing the highest interest now paid. The statute, however, makes no provision for the disposal of such accretions. It being contrary to the general rule of this Government to allow interest on claims. I recommend the repeal of the provision in question and the disposition, under a uniform rule, of the present accumulation from the investment of trust funds. NATURALIZATION LAWS The inadequacy of existing legislation touching citizenship and naturalization de consular service on a footing commensurate with the importance of our national interests. At every post where a representative is necessary the salary should be graded so as to permit him to live with comfort. With the assignment of adequate salaries she so called notarial and extra-official fees, which our officers abroad are now permitted to treat as personal perquisites, should be done away with. Every act requiring the certification and seal of the office should be taxable at schedule rates and the fee therefor returned to the United States Treasury. By restoring these revenues to the public use the consular service would be self-supporting, even with a liberal increase of the present low salaries. CONSULAR INSPECTION. In further prevention of abuses a system of consular inspection should be instituted. The appointed of a limited number of secretaries of legation at large, to be assigned to duty wherever necessary and in particular for temporary service at missions, which for any cause may be without a head should also be authorized. I favor also an authorization for the detail of officers of the regular service as military or naval attachments at legations. Some foreign Governments do not recognize the union of consular with diplomatic functions. Italy and Venezuela will only receive the appointee in one of his two capacities, but this does not prevent the requirement of a bond and submission to the responsibilities of an office whose duties he cannot discharge. The super-added title of Consul General should be abandoned at missions. I defer it expedient that a well-devised measure for the reorganization of the extraterritorial jurisdiction be adopted to replace the present system, which latters under the disadvantage of combining judicial and executive functions in the same office. LEGATION BUILDINGS. In several Oriental countries generous offers have been made of premises for housing the legation of the United States. A grant of land for that purpose was made some years since by Japan, and has been referred to in the annual messages of my predecessors. The Shiamese Government has made a gift to the United States of commodious quarters in Pangkok. In Corea the late Minister was permitted to purchase a building from the Government for legation use. In China the premises rented for the legation are favored as to local charges. At Tangier the house occupied by our representative has been for many years the property of this Government, having been given for that purpose in 1822 by the Sultan of Morocco. I approve the suggestion hereforeside made that in view of the conditions of life and administration in Eastern countries, the legation buildings in China, Japan Corea, Siam, and perhaps Persia, should be owned and furnished by the Government with a view to permanence and security. To this end I recommend that authority be given to accept the gifts adverted to in Japan and Siam and to purchase property in other countries named with a provision for furniture and repairs as considerable saving in rentals would result. NEW ORLEANS EXHIBITION. The World's Industrial Exhibition held NATURALIZATION LAWS The inadequacy of existing legislation touching citizenship and naturalization demands your consideration. While recognizing the right of expatriation, no statutory provision exists providing means for renouncing citizenship by an American citizen, native born or naturalized, nor for terminating and vacating the improvident acquisition of citizenship. Even a fraudulent decree of naturalization cannot now be canceled. The privilege and franchise of American citizenship should be granted with care and extended to those only who intend in good faith to assume its duties and responsibilities when attaining its privilege. It should be withheld from those who merely go through the forms of naturalization with the object of escaping from the duties of their original allegiance without taking upon themselves those of their new status, or who may acquire the rights of American citizenship for no other than a hostile purpose toward their original Government. These evils have had many fragrant illustrations. I regard with favor the suggestion put forth by one of my predecessors that provision may be made for a Central Bureau of Record of the decrees of naturalization granted by the various Courts throughout the United States now invested with that power. The rights which spring from domicile in the United States, especially when coupled with a declaration of intention to become a citizen, are worthy of definition by statute. The stranger coming hither with intent to remain establishing his residence in our midst, contributing to the general welfare and by his voluntary act declaring his purpose to assume the responsibility of citizenship thereby gains an inordinate status which legislation may properly define. The laws of certain States and Territories admit a domiciled alien to the local franchise, conferring on him the rights of citizenship to a degree which places him in the anomalous position of being a citizen of a State, and yet not of the United States within the purview of Federal and international laws. It is evidently within the scope of national legislation to define right of alien domicile as distinguished from Federal naturalization. COMMERCIAL TREATIES. The commercial relations of the United States with their immediate neighbors and with the important areas of traffic near our shores, suggest especially liberal intercourse between them and us. Following the treaty of 1883 with Mexico, which rested on the basis of reciprocal exemption from customs duties, similar treaties were invited by my predecessors. Recognizing the need of less obstructed traffic with Cuba and Porto Rico and met by the desire of Spain to succeed the guiding interests in the Antilles, steps were taken to attain those ends by a treaty of commerce. A similar treaty was afterward signed by the Dominican republic. Subsequently overtures were made by her Britannic Majesty's Government for a like mutual extension of commercial intercourse with the British West Indian and South American dependencies, but without result. On taking office I withdrew for reconsideration the treaties signed with Spain and Santo Domingo then pending before the Senate. The result has been to satisfy me of the expediency of entering into engagements of this character, not covering the entire trade. These treaties contemplated the surrender by the United States of large revenues for inadequate considerations. Upon sugar alone duties were surrendered to an amount far exceeding us the adoption boundary, to be observations or measures, with extensive survey movement in the Governance made prompt possess suffered facilities there. Citizens of the manner deterred claims of the states. Pelletier proposed of by art favor of each which, by the final, it redeem for the payee of the ex- THE exceptional citizen, Mr. M. Portaundt residing intended to imposition of the relief posits. This Gov't ought to equal initial suits denied by the which, however, maintain the an Bokkeen'sopsy by set-explanation. An expert United States report. Continue to consider the spread of diseases was undermined since An expert United States report. The re-enter between the eastward end of theention of July finally delayed, in securing a for its accommodation immensely awaits the its provisions year addisby a supply February last idea. As this the commerining countries, informed by the press the hope effective may large influx of mexico from the old augment of our sister pertaining to that country, mutually benign enlarged facility com- and furnish communicated to the sug-grail way across the territory of The inadequacy of existing legislation touching citizenship and naturalization demands your consideration. While recognizing the right of expatriation, no statutory provision exists providing means for renouncing citizenship by an American citizen, native born or naturalized, nor for terminating and vacating the improvident acquisition of citizenship. Even a fraudulent decree of naturalization cannot now be canceled. The privilege and franchise of American citizenship should be granted with care and extended to those only who intend in good faith to assume its duties and responsibilities when attaining its privilege. It should be withheld from those who merely go through the forms of naturalization with the object of escaping from the duties of their original allegiance without taking upon themselves those of their new status, or who may acquire the rights of American citizenship for no other than a hostile purpose toward their original Government. These evils have had many fragrant illustrations. I regard with favor the suggestion put forth by one of my predecessors that provision may be made for a Central Bureau of Record of the decrees of naturalization granted by the various Courts throughout the United States now invested with that power. The rights which spring from domicile in the United States, especially when coupled with a declaration of intention to become a citizen, are worthy of definition by statute. The stranger coming hither with intent to remain establishing his residence in our midst, contributing to the general welfare and by his voluntary act declaring his purpose to assume the responsibility of citizenship thereby gains an inordinate status which legislation may properly define. The laws of certain States and Territories admit a domiciled alien to the local franchise, conferring on him the rights of citizenship to a degree which places him in the anomalous position of being a citizen of a State, and yet not of the United States within the purview of Federal and international laws. It is evidently within the scope of national legislation to define right of alien domicile as distinguished from Federal naturalization. COMMERCIAL TREATIES. The commercial relations of the United States with their immediate neighbors and with the important areas of traffic near our shores, suggest especially liberal intercourse between them and us. Following the treaty of 1883 with Mexico, which rested on the basis of reciprocal exemption from customs duties, similar treaties were invited by my predecessors. Recognizing the need of less obstructed traffic with Cuba and Porto Rico and met by the desire of Spain to succeed the guiding interests in the Antilles, steps were taken to attain those ends by a treaty of commerce. A similar treaty was afterward signed by the Dominican republic. Subsequently overtures were made by her Britannic Majesty's Government for a like mutual extension of commercial intercourse with the British West Indian and South American dependencies, but without result. On taking office I withdrew for reconsideration the treaties signed with Spain and Santo Domingo then pending before the Senate. The result has been to satisfy me of the expediency of entering into engagements of this character, not covering the entire trade. These treaties contemplated the surrender by the United States of large revenues for inadequate considerations. Upon sugar alone duties were surrendered to an amount far exceeding us the adopition boundary, to be observations or measures, with extensive survey movement in the Governance made prompt possess suffered facilities there. Citizens of the manner deterred claims of the states. Pelletier proposed of by art favor of each which, by the final, it redeem for the payee of the ex- THE exceptional citizen, Mr. M. Portaundt residing intended to imposition of the relief posits. This Gov't ought to equal initial suits denied by the which, however, maintain the an Bokkeen'sopsy by set-explanation. An expert United States report. Continue to consider the spread of diseases was undermined since An expert United States report. The re-enter between the eastward end of themention of July finally delayed, in securing a for its accommodation immensely awaits the its provisions year addisby a supply February last idea. As this the commerining countries, informed by the press the hope effective may large influx of mexico from the old augment of our sister pertaining to that country, mutually benign enlarged facilitie com- and furnish communicated to the sug-grail way across the territory of The inadequacy of existing legislation touching citizenship and naturalization demands your consideration. While recognizing the right of expatriation, no statutory provision exists providing means for renouncing citizenship by an American citizen, native born or naturalized, nor for terminating and vacating the improvident acquisition of citizenship. Even a fraudulent decree of naturalization cannot now be canceled. The privilege and franchise of American citizenship should be granted with care and extended to those only who intend in good faith to assume its duties and responsibilities when attaining its privilege. It should be withheld from those who merely go through the forms of naturalization with the object of escaping from the duties of their original allegiance without taking upon themselves those of their new status, or who may acquire the rights of American citizenship for no other than a hostile purpose toward their original Government. These evils have had many fragrant illustrations. I regard with favor the suggestion put forth by one of my predecessors that provision may be made for a Central Bureau of Record of the decrees of naturalization granted by the various Courts throughout the United States now invested with that power. The rights which spring from domicile in the United States, especially when coupled with a declaration of intention to become a citizen, are worthyof definition by statute. The stranger coming hither with intent to remain establishing his residence in our midst, contributing to the general welfare and by his voluntary act declaring his purpose to assume the responsibility of citizenship thereby gains an inordinate status which legislation may properly define. The laws of certain States and Territories admit a domiciled alien tothe local franchise, conferring on himthe rightsof citizenshiptoa degreewhichplaceshimintheanomalouspositionofbeinga citizenofaState,andyetnotoftheUnitedStateswiththepurviewofFederalandintERNationallaws.IestidentlywithinthescopeofnationallegislationtodefinerightofaliendomicileasdistinguishedfromFederalnaturalization. COMMERCIAL TREATIES. The commercial relations ofthe United States with their immediate neighbors and withthe importantareasoftrafficnearourshores,suggestespeciallyliberalintercoursebetweenthemandus, Followingthetreatytothe Treatyof1883withMexicowhichrestedonbasisofreciprocalsemptionfromcustomsdutiesothertariefswereinvitedbymypredecessors. RecognizingtheneedoflessobstructedtrafficwithCubaandPortoRicoandmetbythedesireofSpaintosuccuratetheguilngishinterestsinthenAntiles,thestepsweretakentoattainthoseendbya treatyofcommerce.AsimilartreatytowasafterwardsignedbytheDominicanrepublic. SubsequentlyoverturesweremadebyherBritannicMajesty'sGovernmentforalikemutualextensionofcommercialintercoursewiththeBritishWestIndianandtheSouthAmericandependenciesbutwithoutresult. On takingofficeIwithdrewforreconsiderationthetreatiet所 signedwithSpainandSantoDomingothenpendingbeforetheSenate.Theresulthasbeento satisfymeoftheexpediencyofenteringintoengagementsofthischaracternotcoveringtheentiretradeThesetreatietcontemplatedthesurrenderbytheUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesforadequateconsiderations.UponsugaralonedutiesweresurrenderedtoanamountfarextenderingtheentiretradeThesetreatietcontemplatedthesurrenderbytheUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesforadequateconsiderations.UponsugaralonedutiesweresurrenderedtoanamountfarextenderingtheentiretradeThesetreatietcontemplatedthesurrenderbytheUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesforadequateconsiderations.UponsugaralonedutiesweresurrenderedtoanamountfarextenderingtheentiretradeThesetreatietcontemplatedthesurrenderbytheUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesforadequateconsiderations.UponsugaralonedutiesweresurrenderedtoanamountfarextenderingtheentiretradeThesetreatietcontemplatedthesurrenderbytheUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesforadequateconsiderations.UponsugaralonedutiesweresurrenderedtoanamountfarextenderingtheentiretradeThesetreatietcontemplatedthesurrenderbytheUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesforadequateconsiderations.UponsugaralonedutiesweresurrenderedtoanamountfarextenderingtheentiretradeThesetreatietcontemplatedthesurrenderbytheUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesforadequateconsiderations.UponsugaralonedutiesweresurrenderedtoanamountfarextenderingtheentiretradeThesetreatietcontemplatedthesurrenderbytheUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesforadequateconsiderations.UponsugaralonedutiesweresurrenderedtoanamountfarextenderingtheentiretradeThesetreatietcontemplatedthesurrenderbytheUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesforadequateconsiderations.UponsugaralonedutiesweresurrenderedtoanamountfarextenderingtheentiretradeThesetreatietcontemplatedthesurrenderbytheUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesforadequateconsiderations.UponsugaralonedutiesweresurrenderedtoanamountfarextenderingtheentiretradeThesetreatietcontemplatedthesurrenderbytheUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesforadequateconsiderations.UponsugaralonedutiesweresurrenderedtoanamountfarextenderingtheentiretradeThesetreatietcontemplatedthesurrenderbytheUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesforadequateconsiderations.UponsugaralonedutiesweresurrenderedtoanamountfarextenderingtheentiretradeThesetreatietcontemplatedthesurrenderbytheUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesforadequateconsiderations.UponsugaralonedutiesweresurrenderedtoanamountfarextenderingtheentiretradeThesetreatietcontemplatedthesurrenderbytheUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesforadequateconsiderations.UponsugaralonedutiesweresurrenderedtoanamountfarextenderingtheentiretradeThesetreatietcontemplatedthesurrenderbytheUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesforadequateconsiderations.UponsugaralonedutiesweresurrenderedtoanamountfarextenderingtheentiretradeThesetreatietcontemplatedthesurrenderbytheUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesforadequateconsiderations.UponsugaralonedutiesweresurrenderedtoanamountfarextenderingtheentiretradeThesetreatietcontemplatedthesurrenderbytheUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesforadequateconsiderations.UponsugaralonedutiesweresurrenderedtoanamountfarextenderingtheentiretradeThesetreatietcontemplatedthesurrenderbytheUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesfor adequatelyconsiderations.Uponsugaronlinedutieswere surrenderedtoanamountfarextenderingtheentiretradeThesetreatietcontemplatedthesurrenderbytheUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesfor adequatelyconsiderations.Uponsugaronlinedutieswere surrenderedtoanamountfarextenderingtheentiretradeThesetreatietcontemplatedthesurrenderbytheUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesfor adequatelyconsiderations.Uponsugaronlinedutieswere surrenderedtoanamountfarextenderingtheentiretradeThesetreatietcontemplatedthesurrenderbytheUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesfor adequatelyconsiderations.Uponsugaronlinedutieswere surrenderedtoanamountfarextenderingtheentiretradeThesetreatietcontemplatedthesurrenderbytheUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesfor adequatelyconsiderations.Uponsugaronlinedutieswere surrenderedtoanamountfarextenderingtheentiretradeThesetreatietcontemplatedthesurrenderbytheUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesfor adequatelyconsiderations.Uponsugaronlinedutieswere surrenderedtoanamountfarextenderingtheentiretradeThesetreatietcontemplatedthesurrenderbytheUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesfor adequatelyconsiderations.Uponsugaronlinedutieswere surrenderedtoanamountfarextenderingtheentiretradeThesetreatietcontemplatedthesurrenderbytheUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesfor adequatelyconsiderations.Uponsugaronlinedutieswere surrenderedtoanamountfarextenderingtheentiretradeThesetreatietcontemplatedthesurrenderbytheUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesfor adequatelyconsiderations.Uponsugaronlinedutieswere surrenderedtoanamountfarextenderingtheentiretradeThesetreatietcontemplatedthesurrenderbytheUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesfor adequatelyconsiderations.Uponsugaronlinedutieswere surrenderedtoanamountfarextenderingtheentiretradeThesetreatietcontemplatedthesurrenderby.theUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesfor adequatelyconsiderations.Uponsugaronlinedutieswere surrenderedtoanamountfarextendering.theUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesfor adequatelyconsiderations.Uponsugaronlinedutieswere surrenderedtoanamountfarextendering.theUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesfor adequatelyconsiderations.Uponsugaronlinedutieswere surrenderedtoanamountfarextendering.theUnitedStatesoflargerevenuesfor adequatelyconsiderations.Uponsugaronlinedutieswere surrenderedtoanamountfarextendering.theUnitedStatesOflargerevenuesfor adequatelyconsiderations.Uponsugaronlinedutieswere surrenderedtoanamountfarextendering.theUnitedStatesOfLargerevenuesfor adequatelyconsiderations.Uponsugaronlinedutieswere surrenderedtoanamountfarextendering.theUnitedStatesOfLargerevenuesfor adequatelyconsiderations.Uponsugaronlinedutieswere sorrowederientionsofexplicitationandeconomyparticularlyinparticularwayacrosstheritageofforcesreport. COBALT DEBT PAYMENTS. The amount paid on public debt during fiscal year ended June 30, 1885 was $4592345434543454345434543454345434543454345434543454345434543454345434543454345434543454345434543454345434543454345434543454345434543454345434543454345434543454345434543454345434543454345434543454345434543454345434543454345434543454345434543454345434543454345434543454345434543454345 As this commercial country, informed by the collective may large influx of Mexico from the aid in augmentment of our sister representing to that country, mutually bennialized facility and furnish communited to the sugtrailway across the territory of By Peru from restoration of acted country, it claims of our in conformity by the Governnties of comference us and on March 31, with Russia connavy, detailed on his way to annual voted by eneriously succeunfortunate to the cordiality in. The longest of the ship through the adnian authorities, has been an indemnity arbitration in United States has reached, thus yielding confirmation Spain have under diplomatic to a just and operation of with Spain of found indeneeds of the Spanish Antilles, ment are subpretations in have been infull treaty, not in the line of the neighborly communities, to and aiming of existing burcations, and almation is promining its announce- RIGHT conference September, on the Government. The attended as a committing result, even by regulatory protocol and important guishing interests in the Antilles, steps were taken to attain those ends by a treaty of commerce. A similar treaty was afterward signed by the Dominican republic. Subsequently overtures were made by her Britannic Majesty's Government for a like mutual extension of commercial intercourse with the British West Indian and the South American dependencies, but without result. On taking office I withdrew for reconsideration the treaties signed with Spain and Santo Domingo then pending before the Senate. The result has been to satisfy me of the expediency of entering into engagements of this character, not covering the entire traffic. These treaties contemplated the surrender by the United States of large revenues for inadequate considerations. Upon sugar alone duties were surrendered to an amount far exceeding all the advantages offered in exchange. Even were it intended to relieve our consumers, it was evident that so long as the exemption but partially covered our importation, such relief would be illusory. To relinquish a revenue so essential seemed highly improvident at a time when new and large drains upon the treasury were contemplated. Moreover, embarrassing questions would have arisen under the favored nation clauses in the treaties with other nations. As a further objection, it is evident that tariff regulation by treaty diminishes that independent control over its own revenues which is essential for the safety and welfare of any Government. Emergencies calling for an increase of taxation may at any time arise, and no engagement with a foreign power should exist to hamper the action of the Government. THE TONNAGE DUES. By the fourteenth section of the Shipping Act, approved June 25, 1884, certain reductions and contingent exemptions from tonnage dues were made on vessels entering the ports of the United States from any foreign ports in North and Central America the West India islands, the Bahamas and Bermuda, Mexico and the Isthmus as far as Aspinwall and Panama. The Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Portugal and Sweden and Norway, have asserted under the favored nation clause in their treaties with the United States, a claim to like treatment in respect to vessels carrying to the United States from their home ports. This Government, however, holds that the privileges granted by the acts are purely geographical, incurring to any vessel of any foreign Power that may choose to engage in the traffic between this country and any port within the defined zone, and no warrant exists, under the most-favored nation clause, for the extension of the privileges in question to vessels sailing to this country from ports outside the limitation of the Act. Undoubtedly the relations of commerce with our near neighbors, whose territories form so long a frontier line, difficult to be guarded, and who find in our country, and equally offer to us, natural markets, demand special and considerate treatment. It rests with Congress to consider what legislative action may increase the facilities of intercourse, which contiguity makes natural and desirable. EXPENSES OF THE DIPLOMATIC SERVICE. I earnestly urge that Congress recast the appropriations for the maintenance of the public debt, $61,286,756 41; for the District of Columbia, $83,409,650 95; for miscellaneous expenditures, including public revenue, $51,728,054 21. PUBLIC DEBT PAYMENTS. The amount paid on the public debt during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1885, was $45,983,245 13, and there has been paid since that date and up to November 1, 1885, the sum of $369,828, leaving the amount of the debt at the last named date, $1,511,475,800 46. There was, however, at that time, in the Treasury, applicable to the general purposes of the Government, the sum of $66,818,292 38. The total receipts for the current fiscal year ending June 30, 1885, ascertained to October 1, 1885, and estimated for the remainder of the year, were $315,000,000. The expenditures uncertained and estimated for the same time are $245,000,000, leaving a surplus, at the close of the year, estimated at $70,000,000. EXPORTS AND IMPORTS. The value of the exports from the United States to foreign countries during the last fiscal year was as follows: Domestic merchandise: $726,687,946 Foreign merchandise: 18,906,809 Gold: 8,477,872 Silver: 33,753,633 Total: $784,421,280 Some of the principal exports with their values and the percentages they respectively bear to the total exportation are given as follows: Articles Value Per Cent. Cotton and cotton manufactures: $213,799,019 29.42 Manufactured breadstuffs: 160,350,830 22.07 Provisions: 107,322,456 14.77 Oils-mineral vegetable and animal: 54,326,502 7.43 Tobacco and its manufactures: 24,767,305 3.41 Wood and its manufactures: 24,464,332 2.96 Our imports during the year were as follows: Merchandise: $579,580,963 80 Gold: 26,091,896 00 Silver: 6,550,827 00 Total: $622,822,376 80 The following are given as prominent articles of imports during the year with their values and with the percentage they bear to the total importation: Articles Value Per Cent. Sugar molasses: $767,397 13 13.29 Coffee: 467,233 18 8.09 Wool and its manufactures: 444,504 92 7.73 Silk and its manufactures: 403,500 02 6.99 Chemical dressings and medicines: 350,708 16 6.09 Iron and steel manufactures: 315,635 89 5.09 Flax,hemp,jute and their manufactures: 322,548 74 5.69 Cotton and its manufactures: 281，520 01 4.68 Hides and skins other than fur skins: 105，866 43 2.56 The ratio of the entire amount of duties collected from the following articles of import is to the total duties collected: Sugar and molasses; 25; wool and its manufactures; 15; silk and its manufactures; 8; iron and steel and their manufactures; 7; cotton manufactures; 6; flax and nemp and jute and their manufactures; 5. REDUCTION OF TAXATION ADVISED. The fact that our revenues are in excess or the actual needs of an economical administration of the Government justifies a reduction in the amount exacted from the people for its support. Our Government