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Show A REFERENCE TO UTAH. President Cleveland Reviews the Sitn-atlon Sitn-atlon Here and Comments Thereon. The Laws Must Be Observed and Polygramy Must Go Under. Our Little Navj Reviewed In All Its Weakness and Insignificance. The Postofficc Running Ahead of lis Revenue, and Farther Reduction Recommended. Continued from second page. J . THE BOARD ON FOBTIFICATIONS . f Or other defenses appointed in pursuance of the provisions of the act of Congress ap- ytwou luarcu oa, iooa, wiu in a short time present their report, and it is hoped that this may greatly aid the legislation so necessary to remedy the present defenseless" condition of our sea coast." - THE WOBK OF THE SIGNAL BEB VICE Has been prosecuted during the last year with results of increasing benefit to the country. The field of observation has been enlarged with a view of adding to its usefulness. use-fulness. The number of stations in operation June 30th, 1885, was 489. Telegraphic reports are received daily from 160 Btations. Reports are also received from seventy-five Canadian stations, 375 volunteer observers, fifty-two army surgeons at military posts, and 333 foreign stations. The expense of the service during the fiscal fis-cal year, after deducting receipts from military mili-tary telegraph lines was $797,592.97. In view of the fact referred to by the Secretary of War that the work of this service ordinarily ordi-narily is of a scientific nature, and the further fur-ther fact that it is assuming larger proportions propor-tions constantly and becoming more and more unsuited to the fixed rules which must govern the army, I am inclined to agree with him in the opinion that it should be separately separ-ately established. If this is done, the scope and extent of its operations should as nearly as possible be definitely .prescribed by law and always capable of exact ascertainment. THE MILITABY ACADEMY OF WEST POINT Is reported as being in a high state of efficiency effici-ency and well equipped for the satisfactory accomplishment of the purposes of its maintenance. main-tenance. The fact that the class which graduates next year is an unusually laree one has constrained me to decline to make appointments to second lieutenancies in the army from civil life, so that such vacancies as exist in those places may be reserved for such places, and yet it is not probable that there will be enough vacancies to provide positions for them all when they leave the military school. Under the prevailing law and usages, those not thus assigned to duty never actively enter the military service. It is suggested that the law on this subject be changed so that such of those young men as are not at once assigned to duty after graduation may be retained as second lieutenants lieu-tenants in the army if they desire it, subject to assignments when opportunity occurs under un-der proper rules as to the priority of selection. selec-tion. The EXPENDITURE OS ACCOUNT OF THE MIL IT ART i ACADEMY . j For the last fisoal year, exclusive of the sum j taken for its purpose from appropriations for j the support' of the army was $290,712.07. to compensate officers and enlisted men for THE LOSS OF PRIVATE PROPEETY While in the service of the United States is so indefinite in tits terms, and apparently admits of so many claims, the adjustment of which could not have been contemplated, that if it is to remain on the statute books it needs amendment. There should be a general law of Congress prohibiting the construction of BRIDGES OVER NAVIGABLE WATER-WAYS In such a manner as to obstruct navigation, with provisions for preventing the same. It seems that under existing statutes the Government Gov-ernment cannot intervene to prevent such a-construction a-construction when entered upon without its consent, though when such consent is asked the conditions imposed in the grant are clear and lawful. Thus it is represented that while the officers of the Government are with great care guarding against the obstruction of navigation by a bridge across the Mississippi Missis-sippi river at St. Paul, a large pier for a bridge has been built just below that place directly in the navigable channel of the river. If such things are to be permitted a strong argument is presented against the appropriation ap-propriation of large sums of money to improve im-prove the navigation of this and other important im-portant highways of commerce. THE REPORT OF THE SECRET ABY OF THE NAVY Gives a history of the operations of his department de-partment and the present condition of the work committed to his charge. He details m i mi tne course pursuea Dy mm to proieon the rights of the Government in respect to certain vessels unfinished at the time of his accession to office, and also concerning the dispatch boat "Dolphin," claimed to be completed and awaiting the acceptance of the department. No one can fail to see from the recital contained in this report that only the application of business principles has been insisted upon in the treatment of these subjects, and that whatever controversy contro-versy has Arisen was caused by the exaction on the part of the department of contract obligations as they were legally construed in the case of THE "DOLPHIN," With entire justness to the contractor. An agreement has been entered into providing for the ascertainment by a judicial inquiry of the complete or partial compliance with the contract ior her construction, and further fur-ther providing for the assessment of any damages to which the Govfirnment may be entitled on account of a partial failure to perform such contract, or the payment of the sum still remaining unpaid upon her price, in case a full performance is adjudged. The contractor, by reason of his failure in business being unable to complete the other three vessels, they were taken possession of by the Government in their unfinished condition con-dition under a clause in the contract permitting per-mitting such a course, and are now in course of completion in the yard of. the contractor, but under the supervision of the Navy De partment. . , THE TWO NEW CBUISEBS. Congress in its last session authorized the construction of two additional cruisers and two gunboats at a cost not exceeding in the aggregate $2,995,000. The appropriation for this purpose having become available on the first day of July last, steps were taken for the procurement of such plans for the construction con-struction of these vessels as would be likely to insure their usefulness when completed. These are of the utmost importance considering consid-ering the constant advance in the art of building vessels of this character, and the time is not lost which is spent in their careful care-ful consideration and selection. All must admit the importance of an effective navy to ! a nation like ours, having such an extended sea coast to protect. Yet we have not a single vessel of war that could keep the seas against a first-class vessel of any important power. Such a condition - - OUGHT NOT LONGER TO CONTINUE. The nation that cannot resist aggression is constantly exposed to it. Its foreign pohoy is of necessity weak and its negotiations are conducted with disadvantage because it is not in a condition to enforce the terms dictated dic-tated by its sense of right and justice. , Inspired as I am by the hope shared by all patriotic citizens that the day is not far distant dis-tant when our navy will be such as befits our Standing among the nations of the earth, and rejoiced at every step that leads in the direotion of such a consummation, I deem it . my duty to especially direct the attention of Congress to the close of the report of the Secretary of the Navy, in which the humiliating humili-ating features of the present organization of this department are exhibited end the startling abuses and waste of its present method are exposed. The conviotion is forced upon us, with the certaintly of mathematical mathe-matical demonstration, that before we proceed pro-ceed further in THE RESTORATION OF A NAVY. We need a thoroughly reorganized Navy Department. De-partment. The fact that within seventeen years more than $75,000,000 has been spent m the construction, repair, equipment and armament of vessels, and the further f aot that instead of an effeotive and creditable fleet we have only the discontent and apprehension appre-hension of a nation undefended by war vessels, ves-sels, added to the disclosures now made, do not permit us to doubt that every attempt to revive our navy has thus far, for the most part, been misdirected, and all our efforts in that: direction have been little better than blind gropings and expensive, aimless follies. Unquestionably if we are content with the" maintenance of a Navy Department simply as an ornament to the Government, a constant con-stant watchfulness may prevent some of the scandal and abuse which have found their way into' our Dressnt orewnizatinn. nri -ita incurable .waste may be reduced to the minimum; min-imum; but if "we desire, to-build ships for present use, instead of naval reminders of the days that are past, we must have a department de-partment organized for the work, supplied j with all the talent and ingenuity our conn-' try affords, and be prepared totakeadvan" tage of the experience of other nations, systematized sys-tematized so that all efforts shall unite and lead in one direction. I am fully imbued with the conviction . that war vessels, though they are now useless, combine all that the ingenuity of man has up to this day brought forth relating to their construction. I earnestly commend that portion of the Secretary's report devoted to this subject to the action of Congress, in the hope that the suggestions touching- the reorganization of his department may be adopted as the first step toward the reconstruction of our navy. TLU POSTAL SERVICE. The affairs of the pos'al service are exhibited exhib-ited by the report of the Postmaster-General, which will be laid before you. The postal revenue, whose rates of gain upon the rising prosperity of 1882 and 1883 outstripped out-stripped the increasing expense of our growing grow-ing service, was checked by the reduction in the rate of letter postage which took effect with the beginning of October, 1884, and it diminished during the two past fiscal years $2,790,000, in the proportion of $2,270,0CJ in 1884, to $520,CD0 in 1885. The natural growth and development of the country have in the meantime increased the expenditures,, resulting re-sulting in a deficiency in the revenue of the department of $5,225,0CD for the year 1884, and $8,333,333.33 in the last fiscal year. The anticipated and natural revival of the reve nue nas oeen retarded by the unfavorable business condition of the country, of which the postal service is a faithful indicator. The gratifying fact is shown, however, by the report, that our returning prosperity is marked by a gain of $380,C30 in the revenue of the latter half of the last year over the corresponding period of the preceding year. The change in weight of first-class matter which may be carried at a single rate of post-age,f post-age,f rom one-half to one ounce,and the reduction reduc-tion by one-half of the rate of newspaper postage, which under recent legislation began be-gan with the current year, will operate to restrain the augmentation of receipts (which otherwise might have been expected) to such a degree, that the soale of expense may gain upon the revenue and cause an increased deficiency de-ficiency to be shown at its close Yet after no long period of reawakened prosperity by proper economy it is confidently anticipated that even the present low rates, now as favorable as any country affords, will be adequate to sustain the cost of the service. is for the convenience and benefit of the people and the method by which they pay the charges of this useful arm of the public service, so that it be just .and impartial, is of less importance to them than the economical econo-mical expenditure of the means they provide for its maintenance and the due improvement improve-ment of its agencies that they may enjoy its highest usefulness. A proper attention has been directed to the prevention of waste or extravagance and good results appear from the report to have already been accomplished. accom-plished. I approve the recommendation of the Postmaster-General to reduce the ' CHARGES ON DOMESTIC MONEY ORDERS Of five dollars and less from eight cents to five cents. This charge will materially aid those of our people who most of all avail themselves of this instrumentality, but to whom the element of cheapness is of the greatest importance. With this reduction the system would still remain self-supporting. THE FREE DELIVERY SYSTEM- Has been extended to nineteen additional cities during the year, and 178 now enjoy its conveniences. Experience has commended it to those who- enjoy its benefits, and the further enlargement of its facilities is due to other communities to which it is adapted. In the cities where it has been established, the local postage exceeds its maintenance by n-arly $1,300,030. The limit to which this system is now confined by law has been nearly reacnea, ana tne reasons given justuy its extension, which is proposed. It was decided with my approbation, after a sufficient examination, to be inexpedient for the Postoffice Department to" contract for CARRYING OUB FOREIGN MAILS Under the additional authority given by the last Congress. The amount given was inadequate inad-equate to pay all within the purview of the law the full rate of fifty cents per mile, and it would have been unjust and unwise to have given it to some and denied it toothers. Nor could the contracts have been let under the law to all at a rate to have brought the aggregate within the appropriation without such practical re-arrangement of terms as would have violated it. The rat9 of sea and inland postage which was preferred under another statute clearly appears to be a fair compensation for the desired service, being three times the prioe necessary to secure transportation by other vessels upon any route, and much beyond the. charges made to private persons for services not less burdensome. bur-densome. Some of the steamship companies upon the refusal of the Postmaster-General to attempt, by the means provided, the distribution dis-tribution of the sum appropriated by an extra compensation, withdrew the services of their vessels and thereby occasioned a slight inconvenience, though no considerable considera-ble injury. The mails have been dispatched by other means. Whatever may be thought of the policy of subsidizing any line of pub lic convenience or travel, I am satisfied that it should not be done under cover of an expenditure ex-penditure incident to the administration of a department, nor should there be any uncertainty un-certainty as to the recipients of the subsidy or any discretion left to an executive officer as to its distribution If such gifts of public pub-lic money are to be made for purposes of aiding any enterprise in the supposed interest inter-est of the publio, I cannot but think that the amount to be paid and the beneficiary might better be determined by Congress than in i any other way. THE INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS Of delegates from the Postal Union countries coun-tries convened in Lisbon, in Portugal, in February last, and after a session of some weeks, the delegates signed a convention amendatory of the present Postal Union Convention, in some particulars, designed to advance its purposes. This additional act has had my approval and will be laid before you with the departmental report. I approve ap-prove the recommendation of the Postmaster Post-master General that another assistant be provided for his Department. I invite your consideration of the several other recommendations recom-mendations contained in his report. attohnby-oenebal's bepobt. I The report of the Attorney-General contains con-tains a history of the conduct of the Department Depart-ment of Justice during the last year, and a number of valuable suggestions as to needed legislation, and I invite your careful attention atten-tion to the same. The condition of business in the courts of the United States is such that there seems to be an imperative necessity neces-sity for remedial, legislation on the subject. Some of the courts are so overburdened with rending cases that the delays in determining litigation amount to a denial of justice. Among the plans suggested for relief is one submitted by the Attorney-General. Its main features are the transfer of all the original jurisdiction of the Circuit Courts to the District Courts, and an increase of Judges for the latter where necessary; an addition ad-dition of Judges to the Circuit Courts, and constituting them exclusively courts of appeal ap-peal and limiting appeals thereto; further restrictions of the right to remove causes from the State to the Federal Courts; per-j per-j nutting appeals to the United States Supreme Su-preme Court from the courts of the District of Columbia and of the Territories only in the same cases as they are allowed from the State Courts, aud guarding against an unnecessary un-necessary number of appeals from the Circuit Cir-cuit Courts. I approve the plan thus outlined, out-lined, and recommend the legislation necessary neces-sary . for its. application to our judicial system. - - - The present mode' of compensation of United States Marshals and District Attorneys, Attor-neys, the message declares, should be phanged to fixed salaries. ' Under the present metnoas unscrupulous Marshals are found -encouraging frivolous prosecutions. - From this point to the close, the message is not sent in full, a synopsis only being wired. Ed. Democrat. : OUB INDIAN WABDS. The message deals at great length on the Indian question, citing the facts already touched upon in the report of the Secretary of the Interior. After, reviewing the facts about the education of the Indians and their tribal relations, the President says : "I recommend the passage of a law authorizing author-izing the appointment of .six Commissioners, Commission-ers, three of whom shall be detailed from the army, to be charged with the duty of a careful inspection from time to time of all the Indians upon the reservations or subject sub-ject to the care and control of the Government, Govern-ment, with a view of discovering their exaot condition and needs, and determining what steps should be taken on behalf of the Government to relieve their situation in the direction of their self-support and complete civilization, and to ascertain from such inspection in-spection what, if any, of the reservations may be reduced in area, and in suoh cases what part not needed for Indian occupation may be purchased by the Government from the Indians and disposed of for their benefit, and what, if any, Indians may with their consent be removed to other reservations, with a view to their concentration." The message suggests that the powers and funotions of the Commission should be strictly defined. PUBLIC LANDS AND PENSIONS. TTia mpcen rrn iaotiyi marina ttiA tatuioI o-nA modification of certain land laws and-deprecates the massing of large tracts in the hands of syndicates for speculation. The President urges that the trans-continental roads be held to a strict accountability accountabil-ity in the matter of their grants. The message cites that in July, 1885, there were 345,125 persons borne upon the pension rolls, an increase during ten years of 110,CC3 persons. He recommends that care be taken to cleanse the rolls from the fraudulent personages. per-sonages. - UTAH MATTERS RECEIVE ATTENTION. In the Territory of Utah the law of the United States passed for the suppression of polygamy has been energetically and faithfully faith-fully executed during the past year, with measurably good results. A number of convictions con-victions have been secured for unlawful cohabitation and in some cases the plea of guilty has been entered and a slight punishment punish-ment imposed, upon the promise by the accused ac-cused that they would not again offend. againsG ine law, nor aavise, counsel, aia or abet in any way its violation by others. THE UTAH COMMISSIONERS Express the opinion, based upon such information infor-mation as they were able to obtain, that but few polygamous marriages have taken place in the Territory during the past year. They further report that while there cannot be found upon the registration lists of voters the name of a man actually guilty of polygamy, polyg-amy, 8nd while none of that class are holding hold-ing oftce, yet at the last election in the Territory Ter-ritory all the officials elected, except in one county, were men who, though not actually living in the practice of polygamy, subscribed sub-scribed to the dootrine of polygamy as a divine di-vine revelation and a law unto all, higher and more binding upon the conscience than any human law, local or national. Thus is THE STRANGE SPECTACLE PRESENTED Of a community protected by a republican form of government, to which they owe allegiance, sustaining by their suffrage a principle and a belief which sets at nanght that obligation of absolute obedience to the law of the land, which lies at the foundation founda-tion of republican institutions. The strength, the perpetuity and the destiny of the Nation rest upon our homes, established by the law of God, guarded by parental care, regulated by parental authority and sanctified by parental love. These are not the homes of polygamy. The mothers of our land who rule the Nation as they mould the characters charac-ters and the actions of their sons, LIVE . ACCORDING TO GOD'S HOLY ORDINANCE, And each, pure and happy in the exclusive love of the father of her children, sheds the warm light of true womanhood, un perverted and unpolluted, upon all within her pure and wholesome family circle. These are not the cheerless, crushed and unwomanly mothers of polygamy. The fathers of our families are the best citizens of the Republic. Wife and children are the sources of patriotism, and conjugal and parental affection beget devotion to country. The man who. undented unde-nted by plural marriage, . is surrounded in his single home with his wife and children, has a stake in the country, which inspires him with respect for its laws and courage for its defence. These are not the fathers of polygamous families. There is no feature of this practice or the system which sanctions it, which is not opposed to all that is of value in our institutions. There should be no relaxation in . THE FIRM BUT JUST EXECUTION OF THE LAWS Now in operation, and I should be glad to approve such further discreet legislation as will rid this country of this blot upon its fame. - THE CTVIX. SERVICE. In regard to the civil service question the President says: "I am inclined to think that there is no sentiment more general in the minds of the people of our country than the conviction of the correctness of the principle upon which the law enforcing civil service : Y.nnnA " TTa Mtfarotaa Vila fnTOiOT expressed views on the subject and says: "I venture to hope that we shall never again be remitted to -the system which distributes publio positions purely as a reward for partisan parti-san service. Doubts may well be entertained whether our Government could survive the strain of a continuance of this system which upon every change of administration inspires an immense army of claimants for office to lay siege to the patronage of the Government, Govern-ment, engrossing the time' of the publio officers with their importunities, spreading abroad the contagion of their disappointment disappoint-ment and filling the air with THE TUMULT OF THEIR DISCONTENT. Tne functions of the Presidential office have caused public anxiety and a just demand that the recurrence of such a condition of affairs should not be permitted. In conclusion I commend to the wise care and thoughtful attention of Congress the needs and welfare of an intelligent ' nation. To subordinate those to the narrow advantages advan-tages of partisanship or the accomplishment of selfish aims is to violate the people's trust and to betray the people's interests, but an individual sense of responsibility on the part of each of us and a stern determination to perform our duty well must give us peace among those who have added in their day and generation to the glory and prosperity I of our beloved land. - i (Signed) ' Gboveb Cleveland. |