Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-12-02
Presidents Message.
Continued from First Page.


ending June 30, 1881, estimated according to
existing laws, will be S2ss, 900; and the
estimated ordinary expenditures for the same
period will be S27s, 097, 1864. S9-leaving a
surplus of -, 902. 635. 81 for that year.
The large amount expended for arrears OF
nersions during the last and the present IFS
cal wear, amounting to S2l, IA ,2i9.6o, has
prevented the application of the full amount
required hy law to the sinking-tund for the
current year: but these arrears having been
substantialy paid, ii is believed that the sink
ing fund can hereafter he maintained without
any change Of existing law.
The Secretary of War reports that the
War Department estimates for the fiscal
wear ending June 30, 1881, are S40,3s0, i2s.-
80. the same being for less sum of money
than any annual estimate rendered to Con
gress from that department during period
of mt least twelve years.
He concurs with the General of the Army
in recommending such Legislation as Will au-
thorize the enlistment of the full number OF
twenty Ave thousand men for the line of the
Army, exclusive of the three thousand four
hundred and sixty-three men required for de-
tacbed duty, and therefore not available for
service in the field.
He also recommends that Congress be
asked to provide by law for the disposition OF
a large number of abandoned military posts
and reservations, which, though very valua-
BILE in themselves, have been rendered use
less for military purposes by the advance oil
civilization and settlement
He untes with the observation-disclosures
in recommending that an appropriation be
made for the construction of a cheap andper-
fectly fire-proof building for the safe storage
of a vast amount of money accounts, vouch-
ers claims and other valuable records now
in the Ouartermaster-Ge GENERALS office. and ex-
posed to great risk of total destructionby fire.
He also recommends, in conformity with
the views of the Judge 1vocate General.
some declaratory Legislation in reference to
the military statute of Limitations as applied
to the crime of desertion.
In these several recommendations | con-
cur.
The Secretary OF War further reports that
the work for the improvement of the South
Pass of the Mississippi river, under contract
with Mr. James b. Eads, made in pursuance
of an act of Congress, has been prosecuted
during the past year, with greater measure
of success in the attainment of results, than
during any previous year. The channel
through the South Pass which, at the begin
ming of operations in June, 1875, had depth
of only seven and one-half feet of water, had
on the sth Of July, 1879 minimum depth OF
twenty-six feet, having width of not less
than two hundred feet, and central depth of
thirty feet. Payments have been made in ac-
cordance with the statute, as the work pro-
crossed amounting in the aggregate to ST.
go, 900: and further payments will become
due, as provided by the statute. in the event
of success in maintaining the channel now Sc
cured.
The reports of the General Of the Army and
of his subordinates, present full and detail
ed account of the military operations for the
suppression of hostilties among the Indians
of the Ute and Apache tribes, and praise is
Justly awarded to the officers and troops en-
gagged for promptness, skill and courage dis
PLAYED.
The past year has been one of almost I'M
broken peace and quiet on the Mexican from
tier, and there is reason to believe that the eff
forts of this Government and of Mexico, to
maintain order in that region, will prove per-
manently successful.
This Department was enabled during the
past year to find temporary though crowded
accommodations, aad safe depository for
portion of its records, in the completed east
wing of the building, designed for the State,
War, and Navy Departments. The construc-
ton of the north wing of the building. part
of the structure intended for the use of the
War Department, is being carried forward
with all possible despatch, and the work
should receive from Congress such liberal ap-
preparations as will secure its speedy compile
ton.
The report of the Secretary of the Navy
shows continued improvement in that branch
of the service during the last fiscal year. Ex-
tensive repairs have been made upon vessels,
and two new ships have been completed and
made ready for sea.
The total expenditures Of the year ended
June 80, 1879, including specific appropria-
tons not estimated for by the Department,
were $13.555. 1909. The expenses charga-
BILE to the year, after deducting the amount of
these specific appropriations, were Sl3,343,-
3I7 10; but this is subject to reduction of
$2s3, 025.99, that amount having been drawn
upon warrants, but not paid out during the
year. The amount of appropriations appli-
cable to the last fiscal year was Sl4, 53S ,646-
H. There was, therefore, a balance of ST.
479, o54 81 remaining unexpended, and to the
credit of the Department. on June 30, 1879.
The estimates for the fiscal year ending June 80,
1881 are Sl4 1854, l47 %, which exceeds the APP
preparations forthe present fiscal year$36l 1917
20. The reason for this increase is explained
in the Secretary's report. The appropriations
available for the present fiscal year are Sl4,-
502 ,25O, e. which will, in the opinion of the
Secretary, answer all the ordinary demands
of the service. The amount drawn from the
Treasury from July to November |. 1879
was So, 40, 40t, IL, of which 81 ,O95, 44O 33
has been refunded, leaving as the expenditure
for that period 81 ,G74 1868 49, If the expend-
lures Of the remaining two-thirds of the year
do not exceed the proportion for these four
months, there will remain unexpended, at
the end Of the year, SAT- 1853 30 Of the cur
rent appropriations. The report of the Sec
Rotary shows the gratifying fact that among
all the disbursing officers of the pay corps of
the Navy there is not one who is defaulter
to the extent of a single dollar. unite with
him in recommending the removal of the
Observatory to more healthful location.
That institution reflects credit upon the Ma
ton and has obtained the APPRECIATION of
scientific men in all parts of the world Its
removal from its present location would not
only be conducive to the health of its officers
and professors, but would greatly increase its
usefulness.
The appropriation for judicial expenses,
which has heretofore been made for the De
partment of Justice, in gross, was subdivided
at the last session of Congress, and no appro-
priation whatever was made for the payment
al L