davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1882-12-07
THE STAR ROUTE CASES.

In my message of December last, referred to
pending criminals proceedings growing out of the
route service of the postofice department. and ad-
vised you that had enjoiaed upon the attOr-
ney general and associate counsel to whom the in
tsrests OF the government were intrusted, the
duty of prosecuting with the utmost vigor
of the law, all persons who might be fou nd
chargeable with those offences A trial of one
of these cases has since occurred It occupied for
many weeks the attention of the supreme court
of this district and was conducted with great zeal
and ability. 1t resulted in disagreement of the
jury, but the causes have again been placed upon
the calendar and will shortly be retired, If any
guilty persons shall finally escape punishment for
their offences it will not be for lack of diligent
and urgent work of the prosecution.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1882-12-07
ANOTHER INTERESTING cosspAp1sos

IS afforded by statistics furnished me by he post
)fice department; The act of IS45 was pas
IN the face of the fact that there existed a Il,
fcie1ey of more than $50, 900. That of 1851 was
encouraged by the slight surplus of S132. 900.
The excess of revenue in the next fiscal yeal is
likely 20 he SO, 500. 900. If congress should sp-
prove these suggestions, it may be deemed desla-
BILE to supply to some extent the deficiency which
must for the Tine rssult, by increasing ne charge
FOR carrying merchandise, which is now only J6
cents per pound. But even without such an III
crease, am confident the receipts under the di-
minished rates would equal the expenditures after
the lapse of three or four years.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1882-12-07
REDUCTION OF LETTER POSTAGE.

At the last session of congress several bills
were introduced into the house of representa-
tivca for the reduction Of letter postage ID the
rate of two cants per One-half ounce. L have
given much study and reflection to this subject
and am thoroughly persuaded that such re-
duction would be for the best interests of the
public. 1t has been the policy of the govern
mont, from its foundation, to defray, as far
as possible, the expense of carrying the mails by
direct tax in the form of postage. It hag
never been claimed, however, that this serYics
ought ito. be productive of a net revenue.
As has been stated already the report of the post
master general shows there is now very consld-
erable surplus in his department. and that
henceforth receipts are likely to increase in much
greater ratio than necessary expenditure. Un-
less some change made in the existing laws, the
profits OF the postal service will, IN very few
years. swell the revenues Of the government
many millions of dollars. The time seeIns
seenr auspicisus, therefore, for some reduction
IN rates Of postage. In what shall that reduc-
tion cOn5ist9 A review OF the legislation whiof:
has been had upon this subject during the last
thirty years discoses that domestic letters consti
tute the only class of mail matter which has
never been favored with q substantial reduction
sf rates. / am convinced that the burden
ef maintaining the services falls most unequally
that class, and that more then any other it is
entitled to present relief. That such relief may
be extended without detriment to other public in
,ere:ts will be discovered By reviewing the results
Of former reductions. Immediately prior to the
act of 1885, the postage on letter com posed o:
single sheet was, viz: l. conveyed thirty miles
or less, six cents between thirty and eighty miles,
10 cents; between eighty and one hundred and
city miles, II Il cents; between one hundred and
City and four hundred miles 13Z csnts; over four
hundred miles, % cents. By the act of 1845 the
postage On single letter conveyed for any dis
:anee under 800 miles, was fixed at five cents. and
for any greater distance 10 cents. By the act OF
1851, IL was provided that a single letter if pre-
paid, should be carried any distance not exceed
ing 800 miles for three cents and any greater dis
tance six cents. Il will be noticed that both
these reductions were Of radical character and
relatively quite as important as that now pro-
POSED. In each case lthere ensued a temporary
loss of revenue, but sudden and large influx OF
business which paid that loss in three years. Un>
less the experience of past legislation in this
country and elsewhere goes for naught, it may be
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1882-12-07
RETIREMENr OF ARMY oFFIcERs.

Tbs secretary of war calls at eatiqn to the fact
That an embarrassment growing OF of the re
sent act of congress, making the retirement Of
officers of the army compulsory at the age of 81,
with the act OF 1878, is still in force, which Limits
to four hundred the number of those who can be
retired for disability or upon their own applica-
tion. The two acts, when construed together
seem to forbid the retiring, for absolute in
capacity, of officers who do not fall within tn,
purview of the latter statute, at such times az
there chance to be less than 400 names on Tho
retired list. There are now 420. 1t is not likely
that congress intended this result, and CONCUR
with the recretary that the law ought to DC
amended.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1882-12-07
THE DEPARTMENT OF JUsrrc.s

The report of the department of justice brings
anew to your notice the necessity OF enlassing
the present system of federal jurisprudence so as
10 effectually answer the requirement of our in
ere sing litigation with which il is called upon to,
deal. The attorney general reviews the sugges-
tons of his predecessor that in the interest of JUS
tce better provisions than the existing law affords
should be made in certain judicial dis ,cts for fix
ing the fees of witnesses and jurors.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1882-12-07
THE NAVY.

The report Of the secretary of the navy states
he movements of the various squadrons dur
my the year, in home a1d foreign waters, where
o officers and seamen. with such ships as We
p)ssess, have continued to illustrate the high
character and excellent discipline of the naval
caniZation
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1882-12-07

I eommeud to your careful c, nsderation ii c
question whether the amendment of the fed ral
.'nstitution in the particular indicat would rot
.ford the best remedy for Wha is often a grave
embarrassment both TO the lnem0e of eongre,.
.ld to the executive, and is sometimes sariol.
iblic mischief
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1882-12-07
!. THE AGRICULTURAL BUREAU.

The report of the commissioner of agriculture
presents account of the labors Of that depart
ment during the past year, and includes informa-
ton Of much interest to the general public. The
condition Of the forests of the country and the
wasteful manner in which their destruction is
taking place, gives cause for serious
apprehension. Their action in pro-
tecting the earth's surface in modifying
the extremes of climate and regulating and sus-
tanning the flow of springs and streams, is not
well understood and their importance IN relation
to the growth and prosperity of the country can
not be safely disregarded. They are fast disap-
peaIng before destructive fires and the legitimate
requirements Of our increasing population and
their total extinction cannot be long delayed, un
less better methods than now prevail shall be
adopted for their protection and cultivation. The
attention of congress is called to the necessity
of additional legislation to preserve valuable
forests still remaining on the
public domain, especially in the extreme western
states and territories, where the necessity for
their preseryatson is greater tkan in less m0nn-
famous regions, and where the prevailing dry
ness Of the climate renders restoration, il they
are once destroyed, well nigh impossible.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1882-12-07
.HAYTI AND SAN DOMINGO.

In view of our increasing trade with both Hay
Ii and San Domingo, I advise that provision be
made for diplomatic intercourse with the latter
by enlarging the scope of the mission at Port au
Prince. I regret that certain class of Ameli-
citizens arrayed against the government of
Hayti, have thus far been urged unavailingly tc
desist.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1882-12-07
DIPLOMATIC CHANGES.

Changes have occurred in the diploma ic repre-
sentation Of several foreign powers during
the past year. New ministers from the Argentine
Republic, Austria, Hungary, Brazil, Chilli, Chin a
France, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands and
Prussia have presented their credentials. The
missions of Denmark and of Venezuela az this
capital have been raised in grade. Switzerland
has created plsnipotentiary mission to this
point, and an embassy from Madagascar and a
minister from Spain will shortly ar
rive. Oar diplomatic intercourse has
been enlarged by the establishment of relations
with the new kingdom of SerYia, by the creation
OF mission TO Siam and by the restoration of
the mission to Greece. The Shah of Persia has
expressed his qualification that charge d. affairs
will shortly be sent to that country whsre the
rights of of citizens have been courteouSy
guarded by the representatives of Great Britain.
COLLISIONS AT SEA.
l renew my Recommendation Of such legisla-
ton as will place the United States in harmony
with other powers In respect TO international
rules fer the prevention of collisions at sea- In
conformity with your joint re olution of the Sd
IF August last, / have directed the secretary of
state to address foreign governments in respect
20 a proposed conferences for considering the
subject of the universal adoption of a common
prime meridian to be used in the reckoning OF
longitude and the regulation Of time throughout
the civilized world Their replies will, in due
time. be laid before you.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1882-12-07
THE JEANETTE.

On the 1ast of December, 1881 Information was
rettived tha. the exploring steamer Jeannette
had been crushed and abandoned in the arctic
ocean. The officers and crew, after journey
ever the ice, embarked in three boats for the
coasts of Siberia. One of the parties under the
Command of Chief Engineer George W. Melville
reached the land and falling in with natives was
saved Another under Lieutenant Commander
DsLong landed in barren egion near the
mouth of the Lena river. After six weeks had
elapsed, all but two of the number had died from
fatigue and starvation. No tidings have been re-
ceiyed from tho party in the third boat under the
co nmand of Lieut.. Chipp, but long and fruitless
investigation leaves little doubt that all its num-
bE perished IN The sea. As q slight tribute to
their heroisln, give in this communication tho
names of the gallant men who sacrificed their
iyrs in the expedition:
Lieut.. Com. Geo. W. Deloag; Sargeon J. NJ.
Amber; J. J. Collins, Hans H. Erickson, Het-
wyck Kaacli. Geo. A. Bride, Walter Lee, Adolph
Driseol Carl A. Gortz, Nelse Sverton, Ii. E.
Cook, A. ii. Saetau and the Indian
ing beat wsre: Lieutenant Chas. w. Chipp,
commanding; Wm. Keerbar Alfred Watkinson
Wall. Shotbell, Albert G. Kulhne, Edwin Star,
Henry Warren and Peter E. johnson. Lieut..
Giles B. Harber and Mastec w. FL. Schoutskisch
are now bringing home the remains OF Lieut.. Do
Long and his comrades.
In pursuance OF the direction of congless The
Rodgers, fitted out for the relief of the Jeanette
in accordance with the act of congress of March
I'D, 1881, sailed from San Francisco June 16 un-
der the command of Lieut.. Robert M. Berry. On
Nov. 3Oth she was accidentally destroyed by fire
while in winter quarters of st. Lawrence Bay but
lhcers and crew succeeded in escapingto the land.
Lieutenant Berry and one of his officers after
making a search for the Jeanette along tho
coast of Siberia, fell in with Chef Engineer
Melville's party, and returned home by way of
Europe. The other officers and crew of the
Rodgers were brought f.om st. Lawrence Bay bv
the whaling steamer North Star. Mr. Clt. 4.
Rulman, who had been placed in charge of de-
post from ST. Lawrence Bay in q binding now
storm, was carried out TO sea and lost notwith-
standing all efforts to rescue him.
1t appears by the secretary's report that the
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1882-12-07

The reciprocity treaty with Hawaii will be-
come terminated after September 9, 1888, OR two
months notice by either party. While certain
provisions of that compact may have proved
only tnerous, its existence has fostered com
nercal relations which it is important to pre-
serve. 1 suggest, therefore, that early cOnsdera-
tion be given to such modification of the treaty
as soem to be demanded by the interests of our
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1882-12-07

The installation of Rev. Albert
Zabriskie Gray, A. NJ, as warden of
Racine College, Wisconsin, will take
place at 1870 a. M, Tuesday, Decem-
ber 10.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1882-12-07
IIHHEIA.

This government has recently had occasion to
manifest interest in the republic of Liberia by
seeking to aid the amicable settlement of the
boundary dispute now passing between that re-
public and the British possession of Sierro Leon
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1882-12-07
coUS1ISG THE VOTES FoR PRESIDENT.
OUR NATIONAL BLESSINGS.

The closing year has been replete with bless
ngs, for which which we owe to the Giyer Of all
good cur reverent Acknowledgements, for the un-
interrupted harmony of our foreign relations, the
spread of intelligence and the conservation o. the
public credit, for the growth Of the country in
all clements Of national greatness, for
should rejoice and be glad. [ trust that unfer
the inspiration II this gre prosperity our couu,
sels may be harmonious and that the dictates OF
prudence of patriotism, justice and economy may
lead % the adoption OF measures IN which con-
greSs and the executive may heartily unite.
(Siepcd CHESTER A. ARTHUR.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1882-12-07
THE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT.

The report of the secretary of the interior
with its accompanying documents presents full
statement of the varied operations of that depart
ment. In respect to Indian affairs nothing has
occurred which has changed or seriously modified
the views to which / devoted much space in
former communication to congress. I renew the
recommendations therein contained as to ex-
tending to the indians the protection of law al
lotting land IN severalty to such as deserved it,
and making suitable provision for the
education of the young. Such provision
as the secretary foreibly maintains
viii prove unavaiing unless it is broad
enough to include all those who are able and
willing to make use of IT, and should not solely
relate to intellectual training but also instruction
in such manual labor and simple industrial arts
as can be made practically available.
Among other i>npoltan subjects which are in
cuded IN the secretary's report, and which will
doubtless furnish occasion Tor congressional ac-
ton, may be mentioned the neglect of railroad
comp anies, to which large grants of.land were
made by acts of 1862 and 1864, to take the title
thereto and their consequent equitable exemption
from local taxation.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1882-12-07
THE NAVY AND THE COMMERCIAL MARIsr,

THE NAVY AND THE COMMERCIAL MARINE,
and invites attention to the continued dscadence
OF the latter aud the corresponding transfer of
our growing commerce to foreign bottoms. This
subject is one of the utmost Importance to the
national welfare. Methods of revfving American
'hip building and of restoring the United Ststes
Tag on the ocean carrying trade should receive
the immediate attention of congress. We have
mechanical skill and abundant material for the
manufacture of modern iron steamships in fair
competition with our commercial rivals Our dis
advantage in building ships is the greater cost of
labor and sailing them, high tax and greater in
tercst on capital. While the ocean highways are
already monopolized by cur fornid-
ablo competitors, these obstacles should
IN some way be overcome, and for rapid commu-
nieation with foreign lands we should not continue
to depend wholly vessels built in the yards of
other countries and sailing un der foreign flags.
With no United States steamer on the principal
rocan lines, or for any foreign parts, our facili-
ties for extending our commerce are greatly re-
siricted, while the nations which build the ships
and carry the mail and passengers, obtain there
by conspicuous advantages in increasing their
trade.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1882-12-07
...................Sl66,
FOR EIGN COMMENCE.

The excess is ess tbsn it has 'ea bt fora any
Of he prevItu SIX years appe by the fol-
lowing table:
Year ended June 30th, xc9ss Of txports over
IN ports of merchandise.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1882-12-07
RIVER AsR HARgoR BILLS.

The grounds that induced me to withhold my
signature from the bill entitled IAN act max
ing appropriations for the construction, repair
and preservation of certain works on rivers and
harbors," which became law near the close of
that no similar measure will be deemed necessary
during the present session Of congress. Indeed,
such measure would now be open to serious
objection in addition to that which was lately
urged on your attention. 1 am informed by the
sum appropriated ter the various items specified
in that act remains unexpendsd. The new
works, for which authorized expenses have been
incurred. are only two, for which the total ap-
preparation was S21e oea. The present available
balance is disclosed by the following tables
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1882-12-07
COLLISIONS AT SEA.
rSrERcHASok OE sArroxAL DOCUMENTS.

An agrsenont was reached at Paris, in 1875.
between the principal powers fer the interchange
Of official publications through the medium Of
their respective foreign departments. This ad
mirable custom, which has been built up by
Ike enterprise of the Smithsonian institute offered
h practical basis for our cooperation in this
scheme, aud an arrangement has been effected BY
which that institution will perform the necessary
labor by direction Of the department Of state.
a reasonable compensation therefor should be
provided by law.
THE DIPLOMATIC SERVICE.
A clause of the act making appropriations for the
diplomatic aud consular service, contemplates
the reorganization of both branches of such SER
vice q salaried basis. leaving fees to inure to
the benefit of the treasury. / cordially favor
such project as likely correct abuses in the
present system. The secretary of state will pre-
sent to you at an early date, plan for such Or
ganization.
THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
A full aud interesting ngexhibit of the operation,
of the treasury department, is afforded by the re-
port of the secretary.
Receipts.
1t appears that the ordinary revenue from all
sources for the fiscal year ending June 80, 1882
Fo1l
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1882-12-07
POLITICAL AssEssuENTg,

I declare my approval of such legislation az
may be found necessary for suPplanting the
isting pr DIVISIONS of the law in relation to poiti>
cal assessments. In July last I authorized a
public announcement that employees of the gov
ernment should regard themselves as at liberty
to exercise their pleasure in making or refusing
TO make political contributions, and that
their action in that regard would in no manner
affect their official status. In this announcement
acted upon the view which had always main
Lained and still maintain, that a public officer
should be absolutely free, as any other citizen TO
give or withhold contribution for the aid Of
the political party of his choice. It has, however
been urged, and doubtless not without foundation,
that such contributions have at times been OBJ
tanned from persons whose only motive for giving
has been the fear of what might befall them il
they refused. 1t goes without saying, that
such contributions are not voluntary. In my judg.
ment, their icollection should be prohibited by
aw. A bill which will effectually suppress them
vii receive my cordial approval.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1882-12-07
THE PRESIDENT DEFENDS HIMSELF.

L feel bound 10 correct a prevalent mis-.
apprehension as 20 the frequency with which the
present executive has displaced the incumbent of
an Office and appointed another in his~stead. 1t
has been repeat .dly alleged that he has in this
particular signally departed from the course
which las been pursued under recent administra-
tiOns of the government. The facts are as fol-
lows: The whole number Of executive appoint
lnents during the four years Immediately pre-
ceding Mr.. Garfield's accession to the presidency
was 1886; of this number 244, or per cent. in
volyed in the removal of previous ncumbents
The ratio of removals to the whole number of ap-
pointments was much the same during each of
those four years. In the first year with 790 ap-
pointmens there were u removals, or 8.3 per
cent; In the second, with 9l7 appointments there
were IS re nOvals or 9.3 per cent; in the third
with $50 appointments there were 48 removals,
or 10 per cent; in the fourth, with 429 appoint
meats there were AZ removals or 8.6 per cent. Ia
the four months of President Garfeld's admins
i5tration there were 800 appointments and 80 re
lnoyals, 22.7 per cent. Precisely
be same number of removals, SO, has
taken place in the fourteen months which have
luce elapsed, but they constitute only 7 8 per
cent. of the whole number. of appointments q, Q,ll8)
within that period. and less than &c per cent OF
the re list OF officials g 459) exclusive of the
81" ~ and navy, which is filed by presidential
Gppointment).
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1882-12-07

To'al primary expenditures s257, 9S1, 43e 5?
Leaving surplus revenue of S145 ,543 $40 II
which, with an amount drawn from ri .u>
balance in the treasury, of S2O797 ,694.Si, mai
ing 1856 ,2Sl ,505.55, was applied: