Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1879-12-06
ruE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.


Of the financial operations OF the treas
nry and their good effects upon the bus
mess of the country. The resume Is not
materially differeat from the facts and
figures presented in the report OF the
Secretary of the Treasury, to be found
elsewhere, aud of which we treat in an
o,her article. The public credit has
been as greatly benefited by resumption
as the general business of the country,
and the President thinks that all the re-
manning 5 per cent. and 6 per cent Sc
curities of the government can be re
funded in 4 per cent. bonds, thus effect,
inc a further reduction of $ll,00o'"'o
in annual interest. -.
The silver dollars coined under 'ne
recent acts OF Congress no" a'. noa III
e45.0OO,S50, of which s3Z'ooo,Hof sun
remain ia the treasury. Upon 'he oas.e
nt this fac, and of the current PROPOSE
ZION for uniry OF action to effect per,
'nanaut sys,eo, Tor the equality OF gold
Ia s;Iver in the exchange between COM
'-,.;al nations, the President advises
Concress to refrain from further exper'.
ments with the coinage aud TO suspend
the coming of silver dollars az now Or
dered by law.
lie SAYS that ''the retirement from clr-
culation of United States notes, with the
capacity of legal-tender in private con
tracts, is step to lie taken in our pro-
rress towards safe and stable curren
ry,which should be accepted as the pol
lev aud duty of the government and the
interest and security OF the people.
The President expresses it as his "hrm
conviction that the issue of lega-tender
paper money on the credit and authority
of the government, except IN extreme
emergency, lis without warrant in the
constitution and violation OF sound II
uancia, principles" He therefore advo-
Gates lseirretirement and the rigid main
tenanee of the sinking funds, in order
10 extinguish the national debt as soon
rs possible, in pursuit OF our Traditional
government policy. If more revenue
lie needed, it can be easily obtained by
duties on tea and coffee.
Tie President refers to the continued
deliberate violation Of the laws sup
pressing polygamy by prominent cit
liens of Utah, and demands the strict
enforcement of these laws, which have
teen decided 10 be constitutional by the
Supreme Court.
lie appeals to Congress and the peo-
ple of the country to unite in bringing
general public opinion to bear in favor
OF the general observance OF and respect
for the laws enforcing the sanctlty OF
the suffrage throughout The whole land,
and launches into long and earnest ar
uument in favor of his views about the
reform of the civil service, which have
several times before been discussed by
linn. The President reports that con
siderable satisfactory progress has alrea-
dy been made in these directions, but
he thinks that much remains still 10 be
done. He distinguishes deliberately be
wecn offices which are simply executive
and administrative and those which are
more or less political, deeming il 10 be
cmimently proper for the President Oh
fetal advisers TO explaiL before the peo-
pie the policy of an administration
brought Into office 10y the popular vote,
and adj, ocatcs the providing OF Just and
adequate means for examining candidates
70, Office, so that the worthiest claimant
NAV be certain OF getting the appoint
ment. The Presidents duties III these
particulars are obvious, but he contends
that nothing adequate in the premises
can be accomplished by him without the
co operation of Congress and the con-
siderate and intelligent support OF the
people The resumption OF work by the
civil service commission is recommended,
aud ALI appropriation to that end IS
urged.
The foreign relations of the govern
ment continue peaceful. The difficulty
with Great Britain growing out OF the
Fortune Bay (Ncwfoundland) outrages
is being considered by Lord Beacons-
fields government. The fisheries ques-
ton, only temporary adjusted by the
treaty at Washington, needs 10 be per
manently settled as whole, and ncgo-
tia,ions to that end are now in progress.
The message also touches upon the cat
Gle trade restrictions, upon llte-savlnS
measures taken by the Dominion gov
eminent i'm connection with the COM
merce of the great lakes, and upon the
Australian international shows, recon-
mendng an increased appropriation Tor
American exhibits
The late treaty with Japan, it Is en-
pected, will serve as model fcr oiher
countries. China has expressed wiling
ness to discuss the emigration question
with us in dispassionate way, and ne
rotiations to that end are now pending
Border raids on the Rio Grande from
tier have been checked, and our diplo-
matte intercourse with the United States
of Columbia is again restored. This is
regarded as especially fortunate Ii view
of the prominence which has just been
attained by interoceanic canal project.
Our increasing trade with Mexico and
South America suggests to the Presi-
dent the expediency of Congress pro-
,idinp means for regular and more fire.
ouent mail communication with these
countries.
Additional Legislation is claimed to
be needed for the protection OF the
rights of people in Alaska, and a form
of territorial government Is recommend
ed there. The President after comment
ing upon the operations of the army and
navy during the year, and showing that
the Department of Justice has been OBJ
structed by lack of appropriations and