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Show itc fidw function. Ftbltaliwt mrr WKDNlWlAY Mid PATUKDAV, ' Uytb-M.I'umuiijhis to whn all C. W. PEN BOSK, IltiiiiiH Mutineer, BnfiofM eoumum aiiou sIkhiW Ims aildrrtwl. CUAKLKi V.'. PKNKCaiK, otaiv, ; "Wednesday UTAH. Dt'O. Mornin;, '' MESIDESTC THE ' To Ike F.dhor. 0, 1ST 1 Li1" MESSAGE. Washixoton, Dee. 4 lb, 1S71. Semite ami Jfoust of Jlcpre.wila-tire: . ' ! .' In addressing my iliiril annual mes-ag- e branch of (lie to t tie government, it in gratifying to be able to state that during the past 'your suc- cess has generally intended tho elfui-t execute all tho laws found upon the statute books. The policy has been not to enquire into the wisdom of laws nl-- . ready enacted, but to learn their spirit and intent and enforce them according t v ister of the consulate at Paris and the various consuls in France under the of the latter, with great kindness as well us with prudence and tact. Their course has received tho. commendation of the German government, and has wounded no susceptibility of ttie French. The government of the Emperor of Germany continues to manifest a friend'y1'' feeling towards the . United Slates and a desire to harmonize with ho Asiatic powers as well as with the South American Republics. I have given assurance that tlie friendly feeling of that government are fully shared by the United Stales. The ratifications of the consular and naturalization conventions, with the Austrian and Hungarian Empire have been exchanged. 1 have bfcen otiicially informed of tiio annexation i f the Slates of the church to the Kingdom of Italy anil the removal of the capital of that Kingdom to Rome. In conformity with the established policy of the United Slates, I have recognized this change. The ratifications of the new treaty of of commerce between, tho United States and Italy have been exchanged. The two powers have agreed in their treaty that property at sea shall be exempt from jeapttire in case of war between the two powers. The United States hive spared no opportunity of incorporating ihis rule into the obligations of nations. The Forty-firs- t Congress at its third session made an appropriation for the organization of a mixed commission for adjudicating upon the claims of citizens of the United Slates against Spain, growing out of the insurrection inCuba. That commission has since been organised. I transmit herewith tha correspondence relating to its formation and its jurisdiction. It is to be hoped that the commission will afford the claimants complete remedy fur their injuries. It has been made the agreeable duty of the United States to preside over a conference at Washington between the plenipotentiaries of Spain and the allied South American Republics, whioh has resulted in an armistice, with the reasonable assurance of a permanent peace. The intimate friendly relations which have so long existed between the United States and Kussia continues undisturbed. The visit of the third eon of the Emperor is a proof that there is no desire on tho part of his government to diminish (he cordiality of these .elation.?. The hospitable reception which has been given to the Grand Duke is a proof that on our side we share the wishes of that government. The inexcusable course of tho Russian M n iter at Washington rendered it necessary to ask his recall and to decline to lunger rccoivo that fnuciionary as a diplomatic representative. It was, impossible with or with a just rrgard to tho digni:y of the country, to permit Mr. Catacazy to contiuue to hold interviews with this government after hia abuse of government ollicials, and during hispresent interference through various means with the relations between the United States Mid other powers. In aoeordaooe with my wishes, our government has been relieved of further intercourse with Mr. Catacaxy, a..d tlio management of tho affairs of the Imperial Nation has passed into the hands of a gentleman entirely unohjcct'ouable. With Japan we continuo to maintain intimate relations. The cabinet of the Mikado has, since tho close of the lest session of Congress, selected citizens of the United States to serve ia office of importance in several departments of his government. I have reason to think that this selection ia due to an appreciation of the disinterestedness of the policy which the United States have pursued towards Japan, It is our desire to contiuue to maintain this disinterested and just policy with China as well as JaThe correspondence transmitted pan. herewith shows that there 1b no disposition on the part of this government to swerve from its established course. Prompted by a dosire to put an end to the barbarous treatment of our shipwrecked sailors on the Corean coast, I instructed our niiubtcr at l'ekin to endeavor to conclude a convention with Corea for securing the safety and humane treatment of such mariners. Admiral Rogers was instructed to accompany him with a sutlicient force to protect him in case of need. A small surveying party, sent out, on reaching the coast was treacherously attacked at a disadvantage. Ample opportunity , was given for explanation and apology for the insult, but neither came. A force was landed. After an arduous march over a rugged and difficult country, the forces from which the outrages had been committed were gallantly assaulted and wero destroyed. Having thus punished the criminals and having vindicated the honor of tho flag, tho expedition returned, finding it impracticable, under the circumstances, to concludo the desired convention. I respectfully refer to the correspondence relating thereto, herewith euhmitted, and leave the subject for such action as Congress may see fit to tako. The Rcpublio of Mexico has not yet recalled the very objectionable laws establishing what is known as the free xone on the frontier of the United States. It is hoped that this may yet be done, and also that more stringeut measures may be taken by that Republic, restraining lawless persons on its frontier. I hope that Mexico, by its own action, will soon relieve this government of the difficulties experienced from these causes. Our relations with various Republics of Central and South America continue, with one exception, to be cordial and friendly. I recommend some action by Congress regarding the overduo installment under tho award of the Venezuela olainis commission of 18tjti. The internal dissensions of that government present no justification for tho absence of effort to meet their solemn obligations. The ratifications of all extradition treaties with Nicaragua havo been .exchanged. It ia a. subject for congratulation that the groat Enipiio. of Brazil has taken the initiatory steps toward tlio abolition of slavery. Our relations with that Umpire, always cordial, will naturally be made nioro so by tuis act. It is not too much to hopo that tho government of Brazil muy hmafU'C find ij, to, its. interest,, as. The past yearbas under a wise prov- ""idence, been one of general prosperity It has, however, been o tJie nation. attended with more than the usual chastisements in the loss of life and property These disasters by storm and tire. have served to call forth the best elements of human nature in our country, , and to develop a friendship for us on the part of foreign nations which goes far towards alleviating the distress occasioned by the calamities. The benevolent who; have, so, gencrou ly shared 'their means with the victims of these misfortunes, will reap their reward in the consciousness of having performed noble act and in receiving the grateful thanks of men, women nnd children whose sufferings tbty have relieved. , The relations oi the United Slates with foreign powers conduce to continThe year has been an ued friendship. eventful one in witnetsiug two great nations, ("peaking one language, and having pue lineage, settling by peaceful arbitration disputes of long standing and liable nt any time to bring these nations inlo' hostile conflict.. An example has Been set, which if successful in its final issue, may be followed by other civilized nations and be the final means of returning to productive industry millions of men maintained to settle the disputes of nations by the bayonet an I broadsword. ' I transmit herewith a copy of the treaty alluded to, which has been concluded sinco the adjournment of Congress, wifli Her Brilaiinio Majesty; and a.oopyoftbe protocol of tho conferences of the commissioners by whom it was negotiated. This treaty provides methods for adjusting the questions pending between the two nations. Various questions are ti bo adjusted by arbitration ; nd 1 recommend Congress, at an early day, to make the necessary provisions for the tribunal at Geneva, and for the several commissioners on the part of the United State called for by the treaty. His Majesty the Kiug of Italy, the president of the Swiss confederation, and IHs Mnjesly'the Kmperor of Brazil, bnv eiuti' consented, on the joint request of the two powers, to name an arbitrator for the tribunal at Geneva. I havo caused my thanks to be suitably expressed for the readin s with which the joint request has been complied with, by the appointment of gentlemen of eminence and learning to the important positions. Ilia Majesty the Emperor of Germany, as been pleased to comply with the joint wish of the two governments, and has oousouted to act as the arbitrator of the disputed water line between the United Slates end Great Britain. The contracting parlies in the treaty have undertaken to regard as between themselves certain principles of the publio law for whioli the United Stales have contended from the commencement of their history. They have also agreed to bring these principles to the knowledge of the other marina powers, ami to invite thera to accede to them. Negotiations are going on as to the form of the note by which tho invitation is to be extended to the powers. I recommend the legislation necessary on the part of the United Stales to bring into operation the articles of the treaty relating to the fisheries and to the other matter touching the relations of the I'eii.ed States towards the British North American possessions, to become operative as soon as the proper legislation shall be had on the part of Great Dritian And its possessions. It is much to be desired that this legislation may become operative before tho fishermen of the Unwed States begin to make their arrangements forth coming season. I have addressed a communication, of whioli a eopy is transmitted herewith, to tho Governors of New York, Pennsylvania, TJIno, Indiana. Michigan, Illinois and Wiscousiu, urging upon the governments of thosa S'ates respectively, the necessary action on their part to oarry into tfeet the object ot the article of the treaty which contemplates the use of the canals. q;i either side, connected with the navigation of the lakes and rivers farming the boundary. In the interest of equity by the inhabitants of both countries it is hoped that thetmportance of the object and tho benefits to grow therefrom will secure the speedy approval and legislative sanction of the Slates ' concerned. renew the recommendation for an ,1 appropriation for determining tho true position of tho 49tli parallel of latitude, where it, forms the i oundary between the United States and the British North American possessions, between tho Luke of the Woods n i tho eirnmit of the Uocky Mountains. The early action of Cobgrcss en tho recommendation named wtmM put it in tho power of tho War Department t.j place a foroo in tha field during the next summer. Tho resumption of diplomatic relations between IVaaco and Germany has enablojl m to give directions for the 'ylu'drkvyul bftlio p oteciion extended to Germane in ranee by the tlij (Miiitio nnd 'consular .representatives of the United States in flint country. his just tattdd that tho delicate duty of this u Las bwa purl wined ly tho MJa- - . : pro-tcaio- . self-respe- ct time that combinntions of the character referred to in this law existed, and were than the preseut act eoutemplates. The powerful in many parts of the United true prosperity and greatness of a nation States, particularly in certain counties is to be found in tho elevation and 'edu- in Soutii Carolina. Careful investigacation of its laborers. It is a subject tion was made, and it was ascertained for regret that the reforms in thia. di- that in nine counties in that State such rection, which were voluntarily prom- combinations were active and powerful, ised by tho statement of Spain, have not embracing a sutlicient portion of the citbeen carried out in the West India colo- izens to control the local authorities, and nies. The laws and regulations for the having among other things the object of apparent abolition of slavery in Cuba depriving the emancipated class of the and I'orto Rico leave most of the labor- substantial benefits of freedom, and of ers in bondage, with no hope of release the privilege of the free political action until their lives become a burden to of those citizens who did not sympathize with their own views. their employers. Among their I desire to direct your attention to the operations were frequent scourgings and fact that the citizens of the United States occasional assassinations, generally perare large holders in foreign lands of petrated at night by disguised persons, tins species of property, forbidden by their victims, in almost all cases, being well as internationally right, to advance toward entire emancipation more rapidly the fundamental law of their alleged I recommend to Congress to country. provide, by stringeut legislation, a'suit-abl- e remedy nguinst the holding, owning or dealing in slaves, or being in'crested in slave property in foreign lands, either as owners, hirers or mortgagees, by persons of tho United States. It is to be regretted that the disturbed condition of the Island of Cuba contin ues to be a source of annoyance aid of anxiety, me exutence of a protected struggle ia euoh close proximity tVour own territory, without apparent prospect of an early termination, cannot be ether than an object of concern to a people who, while abst lining from interference in the affairs of other powers, naturally desire to see every country in the undisturbed enjoyment of peace, liCerty and tho blessings of freo institutions. Our naval commanders in Cuban waters have been instructed, in case it should becomo necessary, to spare no efforts to protect the lives and property odona fide American citizens, and to maintain the dignity of the flag. It is hoped that all pending questions with Spain, growing out of tho affairs in Cuba, may be adjusted in the spirit of peace and conciliation which has hitherto guided the two powers in their treatmeU of such questions. To give importance and add to the efficiency of our diplomatic relations with Japan and China, and to further the retaining the good opinion of those people, and to secure to the United States its share of the commerce destined to flow between those nations and (be balance of the commercial world, I earnestly recommend that an apprepriation bo made to support at least four American youths in each of those countries, to serve as a part of the official family of our ministers there. Our representatives would not even then be placed upon an equality with the representatives of Great Britain and some other powers. As now situated our representatives in Japan and China have to depend for interpreters and translators upon the natives of these countries, who know our language imperfectly, or procure for the occasion the services of employees of foreign business houses, or the interpreters cf other foreign ministers. I would also recommend liberal the purpose of supportirrg'iue American line of steamers now plying bot ween San Franoisoo and Japan .and China, ami the Australian line, almost our only remaining lines of ocean steamers, and of increasing their service. The national debt has been reduced to the extent of eighty-ein millions, thousand, one hundred and twenty six dollars and eighty cents, during tho year; and by the negotiation ot National bonds at a lower rate of inder-fc- t. The interest on the publio debt has been bo far diminished that now the sum to be raised for interest account is nearly seventeen million dollars less tlian on the 1st of March, 1869. It was highly desirable that this rapid diminution should take place, both to strengthen the credit of tho country, and to convince its citizens of their entire ability to meet every dollar of liability without bankrupting tbem; but in view of the accomplishment of these desirablo ends, and of the rapid development of the resources of the country, its increasing ability to meet largo demands, and the amount slready paid, it ij not desirable that the present resources of the country should continue to be taxed in order to continue this rapid payment. I therefore recommend a modification of both the tariff and internal tax laws. I recommend that all taxes from internal sources bo abolished, except those on spirituous, vinous and malt liquors and tobacco in its various forms, and from meas-ureaf- x stamps. fifty-seve- In the tariff, I suggest that a careful estimate bo made of the amounts of surplus revenue collected under the present laws, after providing for the current expenses of tho government, the interest aocount and sinking fund, and that this surplus be reduced in such manner as to afford the greatest relief to the greatest number. There are many articles not produced at home, such as compounded medicines, from which very little revenue ie derived, but which enter into general use. All such articles I recommend to be plaoed on the free list. Should a further reduction prove advisable, I would then recommend that it be made upon those articles which can bear it without disturbing home production or injuriug the wages of American labor. I have not entered into figures, because to do so would be to repeat all that ia laid before you in the report of the Secretary of the Treasury. There has been imposed npon the executive branch of the Government, the e.xecntion of the Act of Congress approved April 20th. 1871, and commonly known ns tho Ku Klux law, in a portion of the State of South Carolina. The necessity of the course pursued will be demonstrated by the report of tho committee to investiga e Southern outrages. Under the provisions of the above aot I issued a proclamation, calling the attention of the people of the United States to the same, declaring my reluctance to exercise any of tho extraordinary powers thereby conferred upon mo except in case of imperative necessity, but making known my purpose to exercise such powers whenever it should become necessary to do so for the purpose of securing to all citizens of tho United States the peaceful enjoyment of tho rights guaranteed to them by the Constitution and the la.we. After the passage oT this law informatiQn. was received, from time to citizens of different political sentiments from their own, or free persons who had shown a disposition to claim the usual rights with other citizens. Thousands of inoffensive and well disposed citizens were the sufferers by this lawless vio- lence. Thereupon, on tho 13th of October. 1871, a proclamation was issued in the terms of the law, calling upon the mem- bers of the combination to disperse within five days, and to deliver to the marshal or military officers of the United States all arms, ammunition, uniforms, disguises and other means and implements used by them for carrying out their unlawful purposes. This warning not having been heeded, on the 17th of Ociobtr, another proclamation was issued, suspending the writ of habeas corpus in nine counties in that State. Direction was given that within the counties so designated persons supposed, upon creditable information, to be members of such unlawful combinations should be arrested by the military forces of the United States and delivered to the marshal to be dealt with according to law. In two of said counties many arrests have been mado. At the last accounts the number of persons thus arrested was one hundred and sixty-eighSeveral hundred, whose criminality was as ascertained to be of an inferior degree, were released for the present; and these hive geuerally made confessions of their guilt. Great caution has been exercised in making these arrests, and notwithstanding the large number, it is believed that no innocent person is now in custody. The prisoners will be held for regular trial before the judicial tribunals of tho United States. As soon it appeared that the authorities of the United States w ere about to take vigorous measures to enforce the law, many persons absconded, and there is good ground for supposing that all of such persons have been violators of the law. A full report of what has been done under this law will bo submitted to Congress by the Attorney-GenornIn Utah there still remains a remnant of barbarism repugnaut to civilization, decency and to the laws of the United States. Territorial officers, however, have been found w ho are willing to perform their duty in a spirit of equity, and with a due seute of sustaining the majesty of the law. Neither polygamy nor ony oilier violation of existing statutes will be pcrmittod within the territory of the United States. It is not with the religion of the d saints thai we are now dealing, but thoir practices. They will be protected in the worship of God according to tho dictates of their consciences, but they will uut be permitted to violate laws under the cloak of It may be advisable for Conreligion. gress to consider what, in the execution of laws against polygamy, is to be the status of plural wives and their offspring. The propriety of Congress passing an enabling act authorizing the Territorial Legislature of Utah to legitimize all born prior to a time fixed in the act, might be justified by its humanity to the innocent children. This is a suggestion only, and not a recommendation. Tho policy pursued toward the Indians has resulted favorably, so far as can be judged from the limited time during which it has been in operation, through the efforts of the various societies of Christians,' to whom has been entrusted the execution of the policy, and the board of commissioners authorized by tho law of April 10th, 1809. Many tribes havo been induced to settle upon reservations, to cultivate the soil and perform productive labor of various kinds, and to partially accept civilization. They are boing cared for in such a way, it is lu ped, as to induce thera while still pursuing their old habits of life to embraco the only opportunity which is left them o avoid extermination. I recommend liberal appropriations to carry out the Indian peace policy, not only because it it is humano, christianlike and economic, but because it is right. I recommend to your favorable con. sidcration, also, tho policy of granting a Territorial government to the Indians on the Indian territory west of the Arkansas and Missouri and south of Kansas. In doing this, every right guaranteed to Indians by treaty should be secured. Such a course might, in time, be the means of collecting most of the Indians now between the Missouri and Pacific, and south of the British Possessions into ouo Territory or one State. The Secretary of the Interior has treated npon this subject at length, and I recommend to you his suggestions. I renew my recommendations that the publio lands be regarded a heritage to our children, to be disposed of only as required for occupation, and to actual settlers. Those already granted have been, in great part, disposed of in such a way as to secure access to the balance by the hardy settler who may wish to avail himself of them; but caution should be exercised even in attaining so desirable an object. Educational interests may well be secured by the grant of tho proceeds of the sale of public lands to settlers. I do not wish to be understood as recommending, in the least degree, a ourtailment cf what is being dono by the general government for tho encouragement of education. The report of the Secretary of the Interior, submitted with this, will give you information collected and prepared for publication, in regard to the Census taken during the year 1870, the opera tions of the bureau of education for the year, the patent office, the pension office, tho land office and tho Indian bureau. Tho report Qf tljo commissioner of t. l. self-style- his agriculture gives the operations of the for year. department As agriculture is the groundwork of our prosperity, too much importance caunot be attached to the labors of this department, vhich is in the hands of an able head with able assistants, all zealously devoted to introducing into the agricultural productions of the nation all useful products adapted to the various climates and soils of our vast territory, abd to giving all useful information as to the methods of cultivating the plants, ccrea'.3, and other products adapted to particular portions. Surely the agricultural bureau is working a great national good, and if liberally supported the more wide its influence will bo extended, and the less dependent we shall be upon the products of foreign countries. The subject of compensation to the heads of bureaus, and officials holding positions of responsibility, and requiring ability and character to fill properly, is one to which your attention is invited. But few of the officials receive a compensation equal to the responsibility of a respectable father of a family, while their duties are such as to involve millions of interest. In private life services demand compensation equal to the service rendered. A wise economy would dictate the same rule in the government service. I have not given the estimates for the support of the government for the ensuing year, or comparative statements between the expenditures for the year just past and the one just commencing, because all these figures are contained in the accompanying reports, or in those These presented directly to Congress. estimates have my approval. More than six years having elapsed since the last hostile gun wes fired between the armies then arrayed against each other, one for the perpetuation, the other for the destruction of the Union, it may be considered whether it is not now time that the disabilities imposed by the 14th Amendment should be removed. That amendment does not exclude the ballot, but only requires the disability to hold office of certain classes. When the purity of the ballot box is eccure. and the majority are sure to elect officers reflecting the views of the majority, I do not see the advantage or the propriety of excluding men from office, merely because they were before the rebellion of standing aud character sufficient to be elected to positions requiring them to take the oath to support the reconstruction acts, and admitting the eligibility of those entertaining precisely the same views, but of less standing in their communities. It may be said the former violated an oath while the latter did not. The latter did not have it in their power to do so. If they had taken this oath it cannot be doubted they would have broken it as did the former classes. If there are any great criminals, distinguished above all others for tne part they took in opposition to the government, they might in the judgment of Congress be excluded from such an amnesty. This subject is submitted for your careful consideration. The condition of the Southern Suites is certainly not such as all true, patriotic citizens would like to see. Social ostracism for opinion's sake, personal violence or threats towards persons entertaining politital views opposed to thoso entcrtaiued by the majority of the citizens, prevents immigration and the flow of much needed capital into the States lately in rebellion. It will be a huppy condition of the country wheu th.- old citizens of these States wiii take an interest in public affairs, promulgate ideas honestly entertained, vote for men representing their views, and permit the same freedom of expression and ballot in those entertaining different political opinions. Under the provisions of the act of Congress approved February 21st, 1871, a Territorial government was organized in the District of Co umbia. lis results have thus far fully realized the expectations of its advocates. Under the directions of the Territorial officers a system of improvements has been inaugurated by means of which Washington i. rapidly becoming a city worthy of the The citizens of the nation's capitol. district having voluntarily taxed themselves a large amount for tho purpose of contributing to the advancement of the seat of government, I recommend liberal appropriations on the part of congress, in order that the government may bear its just share of the expense of carrying out the various systems of improvements. By the great fire in Chicago the most important of the government buildings in that city were consumed. Those burned had already become inadequate to the waots of the government in that growing city, and looking to the near future, were totally inadequate. I therefore that an appropriation be made immediately to purchase the remainder of the square on which the burned buildings stood, provided it can be purchased at a fair valuation and provided the legislature of Illinois will pass a law authorizing its purchase for government purposes, and also an appropriation of as much money as can be properly expended towards the erection of a government buildiug during this fiscal year. The numbers of imigrants ignorant of our laws, habits and customs into our country annually baa become so great, and the impositions practiced upon them so numerous and flagrant, that I suggest Congressional action for their protection. It seems to roe a fair subject for legislation by Congress. I cannot now state as fully as I desire, the nature of the complaints made by migrants of the treatment received, but will endeavor to do so during the session of Congress, particularly if the subject should reoeive your attention. It has been the aim of the administration to enforce honesty and efficiency in all public servants. Every one who has violated the trust placed in him has been proceeded against with all the vigor of the law. If bad men have secured places it has been the fault of the system established by law and custom for making appointments or the fault of those who recommend for Government positions persons not sufficiently well known to them personally, or who give totters endorsing toe character of an of - fice seeker without a proper eea8() of grave responsibility which such ac0Ur8! devolves upon them. The present laws for collectine nues, pay collectors of cu8t0msS "In salaries, but provide for shares all which, at the principal ports of particularly, raise the compensation these officials to a large sum. i h ways seemed tome- as if this svsui' must at times work perniciously u holds out inducements to dishoneslmen should such get possession of those offi ces, to be lax in their scrutiny of ff0oH entered to enable tbem fhiallv i malt large seizures. Your attention : . invited to this spectfully subject. , The continued fluctuations on value of gold compared with the Bati.n al currency, has a most damaging tg?c7 upon the increase and development, of the country, in keeping up prices of, .n articles necessary in every day lif. fosters a spirit of gambling alike to national morals andprejudicial nuances. If the question can national; be met as to how to get a fixed value ift '' currency, that value constantly ami uniformly approaching par with specie a very desirable objectwill be gained. For the operations of the army in t year, the expense of maintain tnK it the estimates for the ensuing year, for continuing sea coast and other ,ni improvements conducted under the supe-- L vision of the War Department, I refer you to the accompanying report of thr Secretary of War. I call yo. r attention to the provisions' of the act of Congress, approved Marclw which 3d, 18(59, discontinues promotion in the staff corps of the army, until provided for by law. I recommend that tho number of officers in each grade of staff corps be fixed, and that whenever the number in any one grade falls below the number so fixed, that the a. cancy may be filled by promotion from the grade below. 1 also recommend that, when the office of chief of corps becomes vacant, the place may be filled by selection from the corps in which exists. The report of the Secretary of the Navy shows an improvement in the number and efficiency of naval forces, with, out material increase in the expense ef supporting it. This is due to the policy which has been adopted and is being extended, as far as our material will; admit of, in using vessels as cruisers several stations. By these means we have been enabled to occupy at once a large extent of ocean frontage, to visit more frequently the ports where the presence of our flag is desirable, and generally to discharge more efficiently the appropriate duties of the navy im time of peace, without exceeding the number of men or the expenditures authorized by law. During the past yeair the navy has, in addition to its regular service, supplied the men and oflicers-fo- r the vessels of the const survey, and! has completed the surveys, authorised by Cnngress, of the Isthmus of Darineai ami Tehuantepec; and in like manner,, has sent out an expedition completely furnished and equipped, to explore tbi unknown ocean of the north." Tho of the report, on the necessitw for improving the material of the navy and the plan reccommended for reducing the service to a peace standard by the gradual abolition f certain grades, of officers, the reduction of others, andl the employment of some on the servicer of the commercial marine, are all considered and deserve the thoughtful ' of congress. I also reccommend that all promotions in the navy should rank by selection), instead of by seniority. This coarse-wisecure in the higher grades and hold out an incentive officers to improve themselves im the knowledge of their profession-- . Thes present cost of maintaining the navy,, its cost compared with that of the year, and the estimates for year, are contained in the ae companying report of the Secretary of the Navy. The increased receipts of the Post Office Department, as shown by theaeeomi-panyin- g report of the is a gratifying exhibit in that branch of the public sorvice. It index of the growth of education, and! of the prosperity of the people, two elements highly conducive to the viger and Withia vast stability ef the Republic of it like much ours, territory all requiring the service of the mails, it is not at present to be exmade-selpected that this department can be a Nt approachi gradual sustaining, to this end from year to year is confidently expected; and the day is not far distant when tho Post, Office Department of the government will prove a much greater blessing to the whole people than it is now. The suggestions of the Postmaster General, for improvements in the department presided over by him are earnestly reccommended to yonr special attention, especially the documents favorable to the consideration off the plan for hinting the telegraph of the United States with the postal service. It is believed by such course the cost of telegraphing could reduced; and it would secure teladvantage of extending the egraph throughout portions of the counenterprise will try .where private it. ' Commerce, trado, and" above all, the efforts to bring a people widely scattered into a community of in terests, arc always bennefitcd by rep' intercommunication, and the ground work of republican institutions is en tocouraged by increasing such facities, all from news with par' Speedy gether of tho country. The desire to reap th benefits of such improvements, will ttim-ulaI refer you to the reeducation. General for fuUj the Postmaster port of details of the operations of last year, and for comparative statements of thft results with former years. A civil service reform which can ear reel this abuse te much desired. In mercanti'e pursuits the business men who give a letter of recommendation t a friend to enable him to obtain credit for a stranger, is regarded as moTrf of responsible for the integrity friend and his ability to meet his obligations. A formality which would enforce-thior principle against all endorsers ,n8U would trust persons for public reeommendar. greater caution in making A salutary lesson has. tious. , (he-pas- m-th- ll greater-efficienc- e sparsely-populated- f sje--te- m te s |