Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-12-05
9ailp 3enueber SDnrnal.
Augusta. Tuesday Morning. Dec. s.
President's Message.

the annual Message Of the President Of
the United States. Il touches upon >
great many subjects, and presents many
recommendations and suggestions. y
shows the country prosperous, with am
Overlooking treasury and ever-increasing
resources. We briefly mention some Of
its features.
Our relations with other powers are
friendly. The British manifest DISPOSE
ton to act fairly in regard to our citi-
zens arrested in Ireland. Spain is some
what tardy in correcting differences be-
tween us and her government. new
extradition convention with Belgium has
been established. The return of the in
demnity fund to China and Japan is urged.
and the treaty with Corea awaits the action
of the Senate. The enlargement OF the
scope OF the diplomatic mission at Port
au Prince IL recommended. Lawlessness
on the borders of Mexico is still trouble
some. Our relations with Venezuela
have not changed. 1t is recommended to
send representative to participate in the
Bolivian centennial. next July. The Peru
and Gillian hostilities are referred to at
considerable length, and the President
laments that Chill should be so hard upon
Peru, but does not see how this govern
ment can Interfere. The convention of all
the nations of this continent which was
proposed by Mr.. Blaine has been allowed
to die. The President thinks the policy
proposed was somewhat novel"
The treasury department makes good
showing. The total ordinary receipts
amounted during the year which ended
June 30th to sl03 722, 250.2S; the ex-
penditu-es to S2j7 .98l 1887. The sur
plus revenue with the cash balance in the
treasury amounted to Sl66. 2Sl 800. There
are now in operation 1869 national banks,
number greater than ever before. The
President sees no good in coming silver
dollars to be stored away in the treasury.
He is in favor of reducing taxation in
order to check an excess of revenue, and
for that purpose would cut off all internal
taxation except that upon whiskey. and
cut down some customs duties and enlarge
the free list.
In military affairs the President calls
attention TO the poor State of our coast
deiences and the need of better fortifica-
tons and heavier guns. The retirement Of
officers of the army is mentioned, and some
change suggested in the law to prevent
embarrassments. No necessity exists in
the opinion of the President for any pres
ent appropriation for the improvement of
rivers and harbors. lie suggests that the
items of appropriation bills for this pur-
pose should not be grouped together. but
that each item should be in bill by ITSELF
30 that it may be considered and pass or
fail on its merits.
The exploring steamer jeanette and
her unfortunate crew are appropriately
mentioned in the message. The reconstruc-
ton of the navy is recommended, including
better vessels and bigger guns. 1t is
recommended that the lighthouse service.
the coast survey, and the cruising revenue
vessels be transferred from the treasury to
the navy department. Some way shonld
be found to promote shipbulding and
the construction of ocean steamers.
The President is in favor OF reducing
the postage on letters from three to two
cents believing that this sum will be
sufficient to pay expenses of mails. He
says If any guilty person escapes in the
Star Route trials it will not be for lack of
endeavor on the part of the prosecution.
The recommendation of the commissioner
Of agriculture in favor of protecting and
growing forests receives his hearty
approval.
One of the features OF the message
which will excite much attention is
its recommendation in favor of reform
in the civil service. The President speaks
earnestly upon this subject. He also de-
clares himself opposed to political assess
ments and in favor of law to prevent
them.
The message closes with reference to
the prosperity which attends the nation.
If the Council had only been courteous
enough TO confirm some of the excellent
nominations by Gov. Piaisted as Trustees of
the Reform School the State and the institu-
ton would have been the gamers. Why they
were not is now quite plain. argus.