davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-12-04

pected to do. To impose upon them .
larger proportion of the cost required
for public Improvements, which are
in great measure planned and cree.
ted for the convenience of the govern
ment, and of the many thousands OF
people from all parts of the country,
who temporarily reside st the Cspitol OF
the nation, is 81 evident injustice.
Special attention is ssked by the COM
missioners Of the district IN their report,
which as herewith transmitted
70 the Importance Of permanent sdjust.
ment by Congress Of the financial rels.
tions between the United States and the
District, involving the regular annual
contributions by the United Ststes of its
Just proportion of the expenses of the
District government and Of the outlay
TOR all needed public Improvements, and
such measure of relief from the burden
OF taxation now resting upon the people
of the District, as in the wisdom OF Con-
gress may be deemed Just. The reports
of the Commissioners show that the
affairs of the District sre in condition
SIS satisfactory as could be expected, IN
view of the besvy burden OF
limited means for necessary expenses.
The debt OF the District is as follows:
Old funded debt, SS,379, 697.96, S.65
bonds, guaranteed by the United States,
Sl3,143, 25O; total bonded debt, 81, l22,-
947 80. To which should be added GER
tain outstanding claims, as explained in
the report Of the Commissioners, OF ST.
Isl, 204.52, making the total debt
of the District S23,3l0, l524S.
The commissioners also ask attention 10
the Importance Of the improvement OF
the Potomac river, and the reclsmations
of marshes bordering the city of Wash
ington, and their views on the subject
are concurred in by the members OF the
Board OF Health, whose report is also
herewith transmitted. Both the COM
mercIsl and sanitary interests OF the Dis
trict would be greatly promoted, | doubt
not, by this improvement. Your atten-
ton is invited TO the suggestion of the
Commissioners and o. the Board of
Health fer the organization of Board OF
- sAaL HUE W Iaht saiNi lsi'h hbA NNl-
troll of the disbursement OF all moneys
Tor charitable purposes from the District
treasury. desire also TO ask your es-
peclsl attention TO the need of adding 10
the efficiency of the public schools of the
District by supplemental aid from the
National treasury. This is especially
just since so large number OF
those attending these schools are
children of the employees OF the
government. earnestly commend
to your care the interests of the people
of the District, who are so intimately as
socisted with the government establish
ments, and to whose enterprise the good
order and sttractiveness of the Capitol are
largely due. And | ask your attention
10 the request of the commissioners for
legislation in behalf of the Interests en-.
trusted to their care. The appropriation
a,ked, for the care OF the reservations be-
longing to the government, within the
city, by the Commissioner OF Public
Buildings and Grounds, are Also COM
mendcd TO YOUR honorable consideration.
The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-12-04
Samoan Islands.
Trade with Foreign Nations.

The long commercial depression in the
United States has directed attention 10
the subject of the possible increase of our
foreign trade and the methods Tor It's de-
velopment, not only with Europe, but
with other countries, and especially with
the states and sovereignties OF the west.
ern hemispheres. Instructions from the
Department OF State were issued to The
various diplomatic and consular Offices Of
the government, asking them to devote
a,teI ton to the question of methods by
which trade between the respective
countries of their official residence
and the United States could be most
,udiciously fostered. In obedience TO
these instructions, examinations and re-
ports upon this subject have been made
by man, of these officers and transmitted
to the departments, and the same are
submitted to the consideration OF Con
/ prass
The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-12-04
agriculture.

The report Of the Commissioner Of
Agriculture contains the gratifying an
nouncement Of the extraordinary sue
cess which hss rewarded the agricultural
industry Of the country for the past
year with the fair prices which obtain
for the products OF the soil, especially
for the surplus which our people have 10
EXPORT. W msy confidently turn 90 this
a. the most Important OF all our re-
sources. Tor the revival Of the de.
pres ed industries of the country. The
report shows our agricultural progress
during the year, and contains a state
ment Of the work done by this depart
ment for the Advancement OF Ggrlcul-
tursl industry, on which the prosperity
of our people e. LARGELY depends. Mat
ters OF information are inc uded, Of grest
interest 20 all who s.aE BY othOrs' expert
encr 50 improve TIER own methods OF
cultivatiug. Tie efforts Of the depart
mcnt 10 increase the production OF i'm
portant articles of consumption will, ],
Is hoped. improve the demand for .abor
and advance the business Of the country,
and eventually result IN saving some OF
the many millions ..sl are now annually
paid to foreign nations tor sugar and
other staple produce which aaDltusl vst
has made necessary IN our domestic
( every day lie.
The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-12-04
National Museum .

also earnestly recommend, At the re-
quest of the Board OF Regents Of the
Sm,h.onisn Institute, THAT an adequate
appropriation be made !or the establish
mert and conduct Of a national museum
under their supervision.
The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-12-04
Warrington Monument.

The report of the JOINT commission
created by an act approved August 2,
1876, entitled, IAN act providing for the
completion of the Washington monu-
ment, is also herewith transmitted with
accompanying documents. The board OF
engineer officers detailed to examine the
monument, in compliance with the 2nd
section OF the act, have reported that the
foundation is insufficient. No authority
exists for making the expenditure neces.
sary to secure its stability, and there
tore recommend that the commission be
authorized TO expeDd such portion OF TIE
sum appropriated by the act NJ may be
necessary for the purpose. The present
unfinished condition OF the monument
begun so long ago is II reprosch TO the
nation. 1t cannot be doubted that the pa
triOtic sense OF the country will warmly
respond TO such prompt provision rs may
be made tor its completion NJ an early
day, and urge upon Congress the pro-
priety and necessity of immediate legls-
lation for this purpose.
The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-12-04
Educational.

The wisdom of the legislation on tho
part OF Congress IN aid of the States for
IN education Of the whole people in
those branches of study which are taught
in the common schools OF the country, is
no longer a question. The intelligent
judgment of the country goes still fur
Their, regarding il rs also both constitu-
tionsl and expedienL for the general
government TO extend 10 technical and
higher education such aid as is deemed
essential 10 the general welfare and TO
our due prominence among the en-
lightened and cultured nations Of the
world. The ultimate future, whether OF
administration, or finance, or OF true
nationality or sentiment, depends upon
the virtue and intelligence OF the people.
1t is IN vain 10 hope Tor the success Of a
tree government without the means Of
insuring the intelligence of those who are
the source Of power. No lees than one
seventh of the entire voting population
o. our country are yet unable TO read and
write. 1t Is encouraging TO observe in
connection with the growth OF iraternsl
feeling in those States in which slavery
formerly existed, evidences of increasing
interest in universal education, and /
shall be- glad TO give my approval TO any
appropriate measures which may be
enacted by Congress for the purpose Vi
experimenting with national aid, the
local system of education in those States
and in all States, and having invited
your attention " the needs OF the Dis
trio. Of Columbis with respect 10 its
public school system, here add
that 1 believe il desirable not so much
with reference TO the local wants of the
District, but 10 the great and lasting
benefit Of the entire country, that this
system should be crowned with uni
versity IN al respects in keeping with
the nsiionsl capital, and thereby realize
the cherished hopes OF Washington on
/ thi. subject.
The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-12-04
Mark Twain Scrap Books

NDTHE LARGEST SUPPLY OF
RELIEF ORSAMENTsINT THE CITY.
Also a full supply OF Dominoes, Checker
Rrards and men. w 8. HU1CHISs'
uo24 Music and Art store
The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-12-04

{ ton of such articles as pay valorem taxes
While this fell injuriously in the dlmlnu,
! ton of revenue, it has been accompanies
with very large increase of exportatlc n;
The total exports during the last hscai
year, including coin, have been $685.
687, 457, and the imports have been s49z,-
O97,545 leaving a balance OF trade IN
favor of the United States amounting
to the sum of $l66,539. 9l7, the beneficial
effects of which extend to all branches OF
business. The estimated revenue for the
next fiscal year will impose upon Congress
the duty Of strictly limiting approprIs-
tions, including the requisite sum for the
maintenance OF the sinking fund, within
the aggregate estimated receipts, While
the aggregate of taxes should not be In
creased. Amendments might be made
to the revenue laws that would, without
diminishing the revenue, relieve the
people from unnecessary burdens. A
tax on tea and coffee is shown by the ex.
perlences not only of our own but OF
other countries, to be easily collected
without loss by differentiation or
fraud, and is largely borne in
the country of their production. A tax
Of ten cents a pound on tea and two
cents q pound on coffee would produce
revenue exceeding Slz,000000, and thus
enable Congress to repeal multitude OF
annoying taxes, yielding revenue not
exceeding that sum. The internal rev.
enue system grew out OF the necessities
OF the war, and most of the legislation
imposing a tax on domestic products
under this system has been repealed.
By the substitution of tax on tea and
coffee, all forms of internal taxation may
be repealed, except that on whisky, splr-
its, tobacco and beer.
Protection of the Revenue.
Attention is also called to the necessity
OF enacting more vigorous laws for the
protection OF the revenue and for the
punishment Of frauds and smuggling.
This can be done by judicious provisions
that will induce the disclosure OF at
tempted fraud by differentiation and
smuggling. All revenue laws should be
simple in provision and easily understood,
so far as practicable The rates OF taxa
ton should be in the form of special
duties and not ad velorum, requiring the
judgment of experienced men to ascer-
tain values and exposing the
revenue to temptation of fraud.
My attention has been called during the
recess of Congress to abuses existing IN
the collection oil the customs and strenu-
Gus efforts have been made for their cor
rection by executive orders. The recon-
mendstions submitted to the Secretary of
the Treasury by commission appointed
TO examine into the collection of customs
duties at the port of New York, contain
many suggestions for the modification OF
the customs laws, to which the attention
of Congress is invited.
The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-12-04
Depreciation. on Government Tim
her Lands

Invite the attention Of Congress 20
the Importance of the statements and
suggestions made by the Secretary of the
Interior concerning the dcprcdatiOns
committed on the timber lands of the
United States and the necessity for the
preservation of the forests. 1t Is be-
lioYed that the measures taken in puT-
sUance' of the existing law TO arrest
these depredations will be entirely sue
cessiul 1t Congress by al sp-
preparation for that purpose renders
their continued enforcement possible.
The experience of other nations teaches
US that country cannot be stripped OF
It's forests with impunity. We shall bold
ourselves liable TO the gravest conse-
quences unless the wssteful and improY-
ident manner IN which the forests of the
United States are destroyed be efectual-
ly remedied. | earnestly recommend
that the measures suggested by the Sec
rotary of the Interior Tor the suppression
of deprCdations upon the pubic timber
lands of the United States, for the selling
Of timber from the public lands and tor
the preservation OF the for
csts be- embodied in law,
and that considering the urgent
necessity of enabling the people of GER
tain States and Territory TO purchase
timber from the public lands IN legal
way, which at present they can not do.
Such law should be passed without IN
avoidable delay. | would also call the
attention o. Congress to the statements
made by the Secretary OF the Interior,
concerning the disposition that might be
made of the department lands not irrlga.
bic west OF the hundredth meridian.
These lands are practically unsslesblo
under the existing laws and the sugges
ton Is worthy Of consideration that Il sys-
TEN Of lease hold tenure would make them
source of profit to the United States,
while 81 the same time equsllz-
ing the huajness Of cattle raising
which is az pre-gu, carried on upon them
The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-12-04
Pals Exposition.

The invitation OF the government OF
France to participate in the exposition
Of the products OF agriculture, industry
and fine arts to be held IN Paris during
the coming year WAS submitted for your
considerable; At the extra session. 1t Is
not doubted that its acceptance
At once by the United States, and a
we'll selected exhibition OF products OF
the American Industry on that occa,
sion will tend to stimulate international
commerce and migration. as well as to
promote the friendship between the two
countries
The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-12-04
The Great Strike.

The very serious riots which occurred
in several OF the States in July last, rem
dcred necessary the employment OF q
considerable portion of the army to pre-.
serve the pesce and maintain order IN
the States of West Virginia, Msry land,
Pennsylvania snd Illinois, These dis
turbarces were go formidable rs 10 defy
the local and State authorities, and the
National Executive VISA called on, in
the mode provided by the constitution
and laws, to furnish military aid. am
gIa,ilied 10 be abe to state that the
troops sent in response 10 calls Tor aid IN
the suppression eli don este violence
were abe, ~ lae influence OF their
presence il Tue disturbed regions,
TO preserve ina posce and restore oder
without the use + sorce. IL the discharge
OF this dehc4.e AMI important duty, both
the officers snd men acted with great
prudence and courage, and for their SER
vices deserve The thanks OF the country.
The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-12-04
Public Debt.

1t is matter of congrstu!ation that
notwithstanding the severe difference
caused by the war, the public faith with
all creditors has been preserved, and that
as the result of this policy the public
credit has continuously advanced, and
our public securities are regarded with
the highest favor in the markets of the
world. l trust that no act of the gove' n
ment will cast shadow on its credit.
The progress of rounding the public
debt has been rapid and satisfactory
Under the contract existing when |
entered upon the discharge OF the duties
OF my office, bonds bearing interest at the
rate of Al per cent. were being
rapidly sold and within three months
the aggregate sales OF these bonds had
reached the sum OF $500, 100000 With
my sanction, the Secretary OF the Treas
ury entered new contract tor the sale
OF 4 per cent. bonds, and within thirty
DAYS after the popular subscription to
sgcd bonds was opened, subscrlptlons
were had amounting TO $50, 4S6, $50,
which were paid for within ninety days
after the date OF subscription. BY this
process, within but little more than one
wear, the annual interest on the public
debt was reduced in the sum OF 1910
600. | recommend that provision be
made to enable the people to easily con-
vert their savings into government Sc
curities us the best mode in which small
savings may be well secured and yield a
moderate interest. 1t is Oh object OF
public policy to retain among our own
people the securities OF the United
States. In this way our country is
guarded against their sudden return
from foreign countries, caused by war
and other disturbances beyond our limits.
The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-12-04
Tnc Texas Border.

The Disturbance along the Rio Grsnde
in Texas, to which have already reler-
red have rerder ccessav the constant
employment of military force il that
vicinity. A fuii report of all the recent
military operations IL that quarter have
been transmitted 10 the House of Repre-
sentatives, ia snswer to 3 resolution OF
that body, and it will. therefore, not be
necessary TO enter into the details. l
regret to say that these lswless incursions
The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-12-04
Shipping Interests.

The commerce of the United State
with foreign countries, and especially the
report OF the domestic productions, has
OF late years, largely increased, but the
greater portion OF this trade Is conducted
by foreign vessels. The importance OF
eniargiDg our foreign trade, and especial
lv by direct and speedy interchange
with the countries on this continent
cannot be over estimated, and it is q
matter OF great moment that our own
shipping Interests should receive to the
utmost practical extent the benefit of our
commerce with other lands. These con-
sdoratioas are forciby urged by all the
large commercial cities OF the country
and public attention is generally and
wisely attracted 70 the solution OF the
problems they present. Il is not doubted
that Congress will take them up IN the
broadest spirit OF liberslitY and RESPOND
to the public demand by practical legis'
lation upon this important subject.
The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-12-04
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS..

The Board, in behalf Of the United
States Executive Department At the H.
transitional Exhibition Of 1916 hss con-
c..aed it, lsbors. The final report OF
taa Board was Transmitted - Congress
b. ..e President near lie close OF the
last session. A. these papers are under
stood 20 contain interesting and valuable
information, and Will con -.Itute the only
repor. eua1atIng from the government
Oh he subi-c. Of the Exhibition, l lrvite
attention to the matter tLd recommend
IN. tie report be published iyr general
i..uI.uat.yl.
The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-12-04
rx,radi,ion with England.

A question arose some time since as
to the proper meaning OF the eHtradi-
t;or articles of the treaty of 1915, be-
tween the United States and Great
Britain. Both governments, however,
are now in accord in the belief that
tbsou,stion is not one that should be
allowed to Illustrate the ends Of justice,
or disturb the friendship between the
two as,iocs. No serious difficulty has
arisen in accomplishing the extra
di.on Q: crrmin sls. when necessary ils
or, bable that all points 81 disagreement
will IN due time be settled, and Ii need
be, more explicit declarations will be
made in new treaty.
The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-12-04
Report of the Secretary of War.

The report of the Secretary of War
shows that the army has been actively
employed during tine year, and has rem
dered very importaEt service in sup
pressing hostilItles il the Indian country
and in preserving the peace and protect
ing lie and property IN the interior, ::
well as along the Mexican border. a
long and arduous campaign has been
prosecuted with final complete success
against portion OF the Nez Perces tribe
OF Indians. A full account OF this cam
paign will be found in the report of the
General Of the army. 1t will be seer
that in Its course several severe battles
were fought, in which q number of gal
liant officers and men lost their lives.
ioin with the Secretary OF War and thu
General OF the army IN awarding to th,
officers and men employed IN the long
and toilsone pursuit and the final esp
ture OF those Iudians the honor anC
praise which are so justly their due,
The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-12-04
District of Columbia.

Congress Is empowered By the constI-
tuition with the authority Of exclusive
legislation over the District OF Co
lumbis, il which the seat OF gov
eminent Of the nation is located.
TIE Interests of the District having
no di.ec. representations IN c ngress,
are entitled to especial consideration and
care St the hands oil the general govern
ment. Tca capitol OF the United States
belongs to ,le nstion, and II Il natuI 81
that the American people should take
pride il the seat OF their national gov
eminent, ard desire i! ito De 81 ns-
ment TO Inc country. Much hs= been
done to render it beautiful, convenient
and attractive, but much demands T
be done which It's permanent TnbaoItahi'
are not able and ought not be e1
The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-12-04
Civil Service.

The organization OF the civil service OF
lie country has for number OF
Years attracted more and more of
Ito public attention. So general
tss become the opinion, that the
methods of admission to II and the con-
tiIlo1s of remaining in it are unsound,
that both great political parties have
agreed in the most explicit declarations
o'the necessity of reform, and IN the
most emphatic demands for 1t L have
iuUy believed these declarations, and
demands to the expression OF sincere
conviction of the intelligent masses OF
People upon the subject, and that they
SHOULD be recognized and followed by
e'snest and prompt action, on the part OF
'aeLegislatve and the Executive Depart
~ents OF government. In pur-
,1srce of the purpose indicated
O7iore my accession to office, endeav-
V'ea to have my own views distinctly
sa1eFsiood, and upon my inauguration
=! accord with the public opinion was
a.a'ed IN terms believed TO be plain and
ss-AHoIguous. My experience in the
- AoJulive chair has strongly confirmed
S ,-s Iehet in the great advantage the
,'ry would find in observing strictly
~ plan of the constitution, which I'M.
! E,Fs on the Executive the sole duty and
f.spooaoihiy of the selection of those
80 49," officers who by law are appointed
No. not elected and which, in like msn-
Hrt. ''signs 10 the Senate the complete
M 4' 70 advise and consent to or reject
'Ds Nominations so made, whilst the
The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-12-04
The Indians

leave 10 your mature consideration
the present condition Of tn lndIan
tribes in the territory q tie Uni.ed
States, and our relations Wiz ;uem are
fully set forth in the reports OF the Secre-
tsrv of tie Interior and the Commits
sioners OF Indian Affairs. A!ter series
of most deplorsble conflicts, the success
ml Termination of which will reflect
honor upon the brave soldiers Who &C
complish he'd it but cannot lessen our regret
at their occurrence. We are now at peace
with all the Indian tribes within our
borders. To preserve that peace just
The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1877-12-04

Much delay consequent upon the sccu-
sation of fraud in some Of the awards has
cured in respect to the distribution OF
limited amounts received from Nenez-
uela, under the treaty of April, 20, 1866,
applicable to the awards of the joint CON-
mittee created by that treaty. 80 long
as these matters are pending IN Congress
the Executive cannot assume either to
pass upon the questions presented or to
distribute the fund received. 1t is emf
nently desirable that dedoite legislative
action should be taken, either affirming
the awards to be final or providing some
method for re-examlnation OF the
claims.