Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1881-12-14
The Presidents Message.


dent Arthur begins with an appropri-
ate and feeling allusion to the calamity
sustained by the country in the tragic
death Of his predecessor, and TO the
touching manifestations Of sympathy
aud goodwill which the sad occasion
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 we'll as Of the parlici-
patton 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. TIE first important recon-
mendation of the message is in view
of the large surplus income of the
government, aud the prospective in
crease of population ana the reduc-
ton OF the public debt and its burden
of Interest. In view Of the heavy
load Of taxation which our people have
borne so long the President concurs
with the Secretary of the Treasury In
recommending the abolition and all
internal revenue taxes except those
mon tobacco in its various forms "a
upon distilled spirits and fermented
liquors, and the special tax upon mau'
ufacturers and dealers in these articles
Any present reduction in the tax upon
liquors and tobacco is deemed prema-
turc in view Of the drain upon the
treasury which must attend the pay
ments Of arrears on pensions.
The retirement Of the outstanding
ssilver certificates is recommended,
and the repeal Of the law authorizing
their issue, also the repeal of the law
requiring the coinage Of fixed amount
of silver bullion per month. Under
the law 102, 100000 of silver dollars
have been coiued, while only 44,OOO,-
900 are in circulation. Otherwise the
President suggests no interference
with the currency, and no present
need of additional Legislation respect
ing the refundiDg Of the public debt.
The need of tariff revision is referred
to, and the suggestion of a commits
sion for the purpose favored.
Gen Sherman's recommendation in
favor Of increasing the army to 30.'
900 men is approved, and a thorough
rehabilitation of the navy urged upon
every consideration of national safety
economy and honor.
The President refers to the prose-
cution of the star route frauds and
his desire that it should be vigorous
ly pressed for the conviction 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 business in the Federal
courts, and especially for the relief OF
the Supreme Court, which is over
burdened with cases. is recognized and
urged upon the attention of Congress.
Indian affairs are treated at some
length, aud the President s recommen-
dations 10 relation thereto summed
up under three heads: First the pass
age of an act extending over the lbs
dams and Indian reservations the
protection and authority Of the courts
aud laws second, the allotm ent 10
such Indians as may desire 1t OF land
In severally, to be secured to them
by patent and made inalienable for
twenty II twenty-five years; third,
liberal appropriation for the support
of Indian schools,
Aititioa,l l'gi.l,ti,n with a. view
to breaking up the revolving practice
ofpolygamy in Utah is strongly recon-
mended.
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 lie has &c
say upon this subject by quoting from
and reaflirming certain passages in his
letter Of acceptance of the nomination
for the vice presidency The history
of civil service ref rrn in England is
briefly reviewed, and the main princi
pies of the English civil service sys'
tenn explained. While declaring biz
readiness to second any measure of
reform which Congress may adopt,
the President points out some Of the
practical difficulties which many advo'
Gates OF reform have been in the habit
Of overlooking or making light Of
aud shows the necessity Of proceeding
with caution and elaboration. The
whole discussion of the subject in th'
message is intelligent and discrimina
ting. The entire document is sensible
and business-lIke in its statements and