Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1881-12-10
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

The first annual message Of President
Arthur begins with an appropriate and
feeling allusiOn to the calamity sustained
by the country in the tragic death of his
predecessor, and to the touching manifes-
tations Of sympathy and goodwill which
the sad occasion elected from all nations
of the earth, and especially from the reo-
pie and sovereign of Great Britain. Brief
mention is made of the present state of di-
plomatic relations and intercourse with
each of the foreign governments of the
world, rs well as of the participation of
our own country in various international
congresses and conferences. An epitO-
mixed 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 recon-
mendation of the message is in view OF
the large surplus income Of the govern
ment, and the prospective increase OF that
surplus year by year, with the increase
of population and the reduction of the
public debt and its burde of interest. In
view of the heavy load Of taxation which
our people have borne so long the Prcsi-
dent concurs with the Secretary ofthe
Treasury in recommending the abolition
of all internal revenue taxes except those
upon tobacco in its various forms and up
on distilled spirits and fermented liquors,
and the special tax upon manufacturers
and dealers in these articles. Any pres
ent reduction in the tax upon liquors and
tobacco is deemed premature in view OF
the drain upon the treasury which must
attend the payment of arrears on pensions.
In reference TO this latter subject the Pres
ident elsewhere gives some data in regard
-, nd
upon the pension bureau, and suggests
as measure of justice as well as econo-
my, such an increase of the clerical force
of the bureau as will expedite the settle
ment of the claims already too long de-
layed.
The retirement of the outstanding "sil-
yer certificates is recommended, and the
repeal of the law authorizing their issue,
also the repeal of the law requiring the
coinage of Il fixed amount Of silver bullion
per month. Under the law l02, 0OO,OO
of silver dollars have been coined, while
OILY 81, 900, 900 are in circulation. Other
wise the President suggests no intcrfer-
ence with the currency, and no present
need of additional Legislation respecting
the refunding 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 ia
vor of increasing the army to 1000 men
is approved, and Il "thorough rehabilita-
ton of the navy" urged upon "every con-
sideration of national safety, economy and
honor"
The President refers to the prosecution
of the ''star-route frauds" and his desire
that it should be vigorously 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 i'll the volume
of business in the Federal courts, and es-
pecially for the relief of the Supreme
Court, which is ovcrburdened with cases,
is recognized and urged upon the atten-
ton of Congress.
Indian affairs are treated ut some
length, and the Presidents recommends
tions in relation thereto summed up I'M
der three heads: First, the passage of an
act extending over the indians and Indian
reservations the protection and authority
of the courts and laws; second, the allOt-
ment TO such Indians as may desire it of
land in severalty, to be secured to them
by patent and made inalienable for 20 or
% years; third, liberal appropriation for
the support of Indian schools.
Additional legislation with view to
breaking up the revolving practice of
polygamy in Utah is strongly recon-
mcnded.
The largest space devoted to any one
topic in the message is that given to the
subject CT civil service reform The Pres
ident prefaces what he has to say upon
this subject by quoting from and reaiiirm-
ing dertain passages i'll his letter of accept
ance of the nomination for the vice-presi-
dcncy. The history of civil service re-
form in England is briefly reviewed, and
the main principles of the English civil
service system explained. While declar-
ing his readiness TO second any measure
of reform which Congress may adopt, the
President points out some of the practical
difficulties which many advocates of re-
form have been i'm the habit of overlook
ing or making light of, and shows the ne
cessity of proceeding with caution anu
delibcratiOn. The whole discussion OF the
subject in the message is intelligent and
discriminating, and will be read with i'll
terest by the public. The entire document
is sensible and business-like in its state
mcnts and suggestions, dignitied in tone,
and written in simple direct English. 1t
is entirely free from any flavor Of ''stal-
wartism," or partisanship of any kind,
and, in short, every way worthy of the
high office which Mr.. Arthur has been so
unexpectedly ard suddenly called upon to
fill.-Balt. Sun.