Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1881-12-09
SYNOPSIS or THE MESSAGE

The iirst annual message Of President Ar
thur begins with an appropriate and feeling
aliusion to the calamity sustained by the
country in the tragic death OF his predeces-
sor, and TO the touching manifestations of
sympathy and goodwill which the sad oc-
casion ELECTED from all the nations of the
earth, and especially from the people and
sovereign of Great Britain. Brief mention
is made of the present state of diplomatic
relations and intercourse with each of the
foreign governments of the world, as well as
of the participation of our own country in
various international congresses and confer
ences. An epitomized statement is furnished
taken from the report of the Secretary of
the Treasury, Of the condition of the national
finances and revenues. The first important
recommendation Of the message is in view of
the large surplus income of the government
and the prospective increase of that surplus
year 10y year, with the increase of popula-
ton and the reduction of the public debt
and its burden of interest In view of the
heavy load of taxation which our people
have borne 50 long the President concurs
with the Secretary of the Treasury in rec
ommending the abolition of all internal rev.
enue taxes except those upon tobacco in its
various forms and upon distilled spirits and
termented liquors, and the special tax upon
manufacturers and dealers in these articles.
Any present reduction in the tax upon IL
quors and tobacco is deemed premature in
view of the drain upon the treasury which
must attend the payment of arrears on PEN
sions.
The retirement Of the outstanding SILVER
certificates" is recommended and the repeal
of the law authorizing their issue, also the
repeal of the law requiring the coinage of a
liked amount Of silver bullion per month.
Under the law, 102, 100000 of silver dollars
have been coined, while only $4,000, 900 are
in circulation. Otherwise the President sug-
gests no interference with the currency and
no present need of additional legislation re-
specting the relunding of the public debt.
The need OF tariff revision is referred TO
and the suggestion of commission for the
purpose favored.
Gen. Sherman's recommendation IN favor
OF increasing the army TO 10000 men is APP
proved, and Thorough rehabilitation of
the navy urged upon "every consideration
of national safety, economy and honor"
The President refers TO the prosecution of
the 'star-route frauds" and his desire that it
should I've vigorously pressed for the convc-
ton Of the guilty.
The necessity for some modification of the
judicial system Of the United States, in view
of the great increase in the volume of bust.
ness In the Federal courts, and especially for
the relief of the Supreme Court, which is
oyerburdened with cases, is recognized and
urged upon the attention of Congress.
Indian affairs are treated at some length,
and the Presidents recommendation in re-
lation thereto summed up under three heads:
First, the passage of an act extending over
the Indians and Indian reservations the pro-
lection and authority Of the courts and laws
second, the allotment TO such Indians as may
desire il OF land in seyeralty. 10 be secured
20 them by patent and made inalienable for
20 or rs years; third liberal appropriation
for the support Of Indian schools
Additional legislation with view 10 break
ing up the revolving practice Of polygamy in
Utah is strongly recommended.
The largest space devoted TO any one topic |
in the message is that given TO the subject of |
civil service reform. The President prefaces !
what he has TO say upon thissubject BY quot.
ing from and reafiirming certain passages in /
his letter Of acceptance of the nomination |
for the yice-presidency.