Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1881-12-17
PRESIDENT dRrniR,s MEss4GE.

Alter an iaitI:d and feeling reference to
the murder Of the late President the message
notes our coflial relations with European
countries save in some trivial questions, men
tious American enterprise as taking part in
foreign expositions and congresses, has a
word aucnt our governments influence in
conciliating boundary disputes abroad and
then proceeds to say:
The report of the Secretary Of the Treas
urv gives highly satisfactory exhibits OF the
state of the iiaaaces. His recommendation
is approved for the early retirement of the
silver certificates and repeal of the act crea-
ting chem, and for taerepeal of the provision
fof 3 fixed amount of coinage monthly
leaving 50 much only 70 be coined ss shall
meet the demands; and further; that unless
the three and one-halfper centum bonds can
DE refunded "a q lower rate nelegislation re-
garding them Is desirable The years busi-
ness prosperity, which yielded TO the govern
ment through taXaticn so large q surplus re-
venue Is a matter Of congratuiatiOn. Under
existing revenBt laws and because of the re-
ductiou of tie public debt and Its interest
and the populations increase this surplus
must Increase each year. Even if the annu-
al receipts and expenses remain Is at pres
cot il is estimated the debt might be paid in
Zen years. In view of the past heavy taxa
tiOns +. were well 20 consider the wisdom of
reducing the revenue even if the debts pay
ment be delayed The time has come when
the people may Justly demand relief and
pubic economy will render it easy 10 afford.
Therefore concurrence Is had in the Treasu-
~ recommendation 70 abolish All internal
revenue taxes save on tobacco, distilled and
fermentcd liquors and the special tax on
their manufacture latter aiiording the
Government a proper supervision for pre-
venting fraud also Establishing the stamp
tax on matches. proprietary articles, playing
cards. cheques and drafts and the repeal OF
the law assessing bank capital and deposits
the latter being especially unjust though
with its removal banks shOgid be required to
reimburse the government tor printing and
furnishing the circulating notes. Though
an immediate reduction of the tobacco and
LIQUOR tax Is uaadyisable because Of the pen
sion arrearage drain on the Treasury 1t shd
soon be made without impairing the revenue.
Revision of the tariff Is needed bur caution
and a helping commission are urged.
The War : .cretary'S recommendation 70
increase the army's enlisted strength 10 30,
600 men is approved. Legislation Is needed
20 preyea intrusion or Indian lands. In
adequate provision Tor the Indian Bureau Is
noted. The Chief OF Engineers suggestion
regarding the condition OF iortiications and
coast delences is commended; also the re-
commendation 70 increase the strength OF
the Engineers Battalion. The thorough re-
Mobilization of the Navy Is urged. \ mod
ifcation of the Money Order system Is sug-
rcsted reducing the fee on five dollar and
lower orders 10 five cents and making 500
the maximum limit of an order. Leslsla-
ton Is needed the disposition of unclalm-
ed money orders-now aggresating over a
million. The establishment of savings de-
positarics I'm connection with the Z. O. De-
partment is recommended. The so-called
star routes have been decreased: in length
1919 miles. in cost 1901, IA; the officials
and counsel charged herewith have been
euoined 70 prosecute vigorously all persons
found guilty of postal frauds. The govern
meut's success in gradually clyillAng the
Indians and absorbing them into civil life
demands renewed legislation, and recon-
mcuiatious are made. Existing statutes a
neut polvgamy are dead letters and the adj
hcrcnts of NormOnd0m arc spreading into
Idaho. Arizona and other Territories. The
T.. =. Supreme Court notes the secrecy at
tending the celebration OF polygamous mar
riarc- in the Territories Is rendering proof
OF polygamy very difficult, and suggests a
modification 0i the law of evidence making
a wife incompetent % testify against her
husband. This suggestion is approved and
legislation for the Territories Is recommend
ed making a woman married o. man charg-
ed with hisamy legal witness on his trial
for such offence; and requiring under heavy
penalties that any one solemniEng a mar
ria.-c shall file q certificate thereof in the
Territorial Supreme Court. Ii Is suggested
that any fund-as from public land sales
dedicated TO education shall be wisely dis
tributed in the different States according TO
the ratio Of iilteracy. rs thereby the section
most in need will reap it> special benefits
The Commissioner OF AEriculture's suggest
ION touching the capacity OF that Depart
ment for greater usefulness deserves atten-
ton The fact OF So enormous a sum 20 be
expended 90 meet the arrearage OF pensions
Is ana admouitiou to Congress and the Exec
utivc tO give caution, consider; ton % sim
liar projects in tu,ure. He gives some al
teution 20 civil service reform. The contin-
ued decline OF the L. :. merchant marine Is
dep,ored, and the subject commended to the
wisdom of congress The crowded Library
of Congress calls for immediate attention a.
To site, etc, for increased facilities. The
District of Columbia urges three pressing
needs upon the attention of Congress the
reclamation of the Potomac marshes, the re-
moyal of the railroads and depots from the
citys centre, the poor water supply. Con
greSs should definitely fix the status of the
Nice-Presidcntial office in the case of the
Presidents inability and it Will, It's hoped,
enact some wcll-dehned measure for count
ing, recording and declaring the vote for
President