Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-11-29

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mission to American registry upon the payment
of duties should be allowed them upon importa-
Gon. The recovery OF our old position in carry
ing traae VIII ,,a more tnan c1unterDalanee @ any
Of restrictions upon the right of purchase while
a moderate duty on ships imported will enable
our ship-butlders to compete successfully in the
construction of iron vessels OF the largest class
The proper policy to be pursued is difficult to
determine. but the great importance of consider
ing the subject is respectfully submitted to the
attention of Congress
EXPORTS AND IMPORTS.
The report shows that our exports OF foreign
and domestic merchandise aggregated s71O 49,
Al, and our imports Of merchandise $445, u.s.
CLAIMS.
The Secretary recommends that 1t be provided
by law that no claim pending in any of the eX-
ecut1ve departments shall be allowed unless pre-
sented for payment within six years after such
claim nrSt accrued, with the usual exception in
favor OF those disqualified by age or otherwise
from presenting the claim within such time.
HE also reviews the recommendation that spe-
clal tribunal be created to sit in New York for
the trial OF revenue cases; also that the Sacreta
ry of the Treasury be authorized. in cases OF
variance between the appraised value or classi-
or more ports In the United States, to prescribe
regulations under which the board OF general
appraisers, or majority of them, shall decide
such imports.
The present force of general appraisers is lin
1ted to four. and these have been found made
praisal of imports. 1t is therefore recommended
that authority be given for the appointment OF
three additional general appraisers.
BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING.
The system adopted in the business of engra-
wing and printing notes and securities Of the
Government has been closely adhered to-, and as
result this bureau is upon thorough business
basis. During the past fiscal year an unprece-
dented amount of work has been executed ap-
prOXimat1ng 80 per cent of increase over the
year prior, while the increase in the aggregate
expenditures has been but 81 per cent. It is
gratifying to know that while this work was ex-
ecuted at reduced rates. the employees, under the
operation Of the plan of paying "by the piece"
nave been receiving better compensation Those
formerly paid $3.50 day have been able to earn
from $50 to sl.9o day OF not exceeding Six
hours labor.
1t is expected that this work will be removed
from the Treasury department building to the
new building in course Of erection by the spring
OF 1885, when, with increased facilities, it can be
consolidated and still more economically man
aged.
MISCELLANEOUS
The report next devoteS some space to the
dettc survey, the marine hospital service, public
buildings, the Iife-Saving service revenue ma
r1ne, the national board of health, the steam
tSt poat nspe, @ ton, &c; The Secretary recommends
territory OF Alaska be established by Congress.
Last spring an outbreak seemed imminent be-
tween tlle WHITES anu lnulallS at SlUka, ana mad
such an outbreak occurred, it would no doubt,
have resulted in great loss of life.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
The conclusion OF the report is devoted to the
District OF Columbia. 1t says-"The net ex-
pendltures on account Of the District of Colum-
bia for the fiscal year 1879, were $3, ,597 516 Al.
The revenues of the District deposited in the
Treasury for same period were 81, "A, ,461.16
Since July l, 1875 at which date, under section
I Of the act OF June H. 1875, the offices of the
commissioners Of the sinkingfund Of the Dis
duties and powers transferred to the Treasurer
of the United States. the bonded debt Of the
District has been reduced in the sum of $41S,-
sS26,S1, and & the t.. total annual interest charge
.. In view Of the fact that sinking fund for the
final redemption of the three-siXty- five loan of
the District was provided at the last session Of
Congress by permanent annual appropriation,
1t is recommended that permanent annual ap-
preparation for interest upon that loan and for
Interest and sinking fund for the old funded
debt Of the District, including the water stock
bonds, be made. The annual amount required
for this purpose is estimated at s1,Oss, ,352.75,
which VIII meet the interest on the entire bonded
debt of the District, and provide for the redemp-
tton Of the old bonded debt by the maturity Of
the three-siXty-five loan.
The existing provision CT law requiring invest
ment OF the appropriation for the sinking-fund
OF the threesiXty five loan in bonds of that loan
seems to work TO disadvantage, while District
bonds bearing higher rate Of interest are from
tlme 10 time maturing. Recommendation is
ohSiS ioiS ilio0C budt dutuOilly Dt given lOl luc
investment of any money appropriated for the
Slnk1ng-1unds in question In any bonds Of the
District Of Columbia.
PUBLIC SERVICE.
The Secretary acknowledges his obligations to
the several officers of bureaus and divisions of
the department for the ability, skill, and indus
try manifested by them in the discharge of their
important and complicated duties. In this
report @ he ERE refers only to the leading operations
terms; but refers for details to the statements
and reports herewith transmitted. The organ
iZation OF the several bureaus is such, and
financial transactions Of the government during
the past two years, aggregat1ng s., 1854 345 So
have been adjusted without question, with the
exception of few small balances now in the
process of collection of which it is believed the
government will eventually lose less than s13 900,
or less than four mills on each 81, 900 OF the
1m0unt involved