Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1882-12-04
THIRD EDITION.
MR.. ARTHUR'S MESSAGE.


Mk AkIHUKS MESSAGE
WHAT 1HE PRESIDENT Has To SAY
He Gives Congress Some OF His Views OF
Matters Of Governmental Policy, ln-
ternal kevenue, Tariff Reform,
kivor and Harbor Bills,
Star Route Trials and
Other Subjects.
WASHINGTON. Dec. 4.-The second ses
sion of 47th Congress was opened at
eleven O'Clock. The galleries, though not
crowded, were comfortably filled, and on
the floor the busting throng Of members
were engaged in friendly greetings and in
exchanging iocular remarks in reference
to the recent elections. The desk occupied
last session by the late Represen-
tative Updegraff was tastefully dressed
in black and Ornamented by basket of
flowers, In his opening prayer, the chap
lain alluded feelingly to the deaths of Rep.
rssentatives Shaw and Updegraff. The
speaker then formally declared the session
opened and the clerk proceeded to call the
roll of members.
The call disclosed the presencs of 202
members. A resolution was adopted,
providing for the appointment Of com.
mittee to inform the president and IL g
Senate that the House was ready to pro-
ceed to business.
The speaker laid before the House the
report Of the tariff commission and on
motion of Mr. Kelley (Pa.) it was referred
to the ways and means committee. Mr..
Cox IN. " asked if this discharged the
commission, and upon receiving an affirm
ativc reply he remarked that hs was very
happy to hear it.
In tho senate
The Senate was called to Or1er at nom
by President pro tenn. Davis. After pray
ers by the chaplain tho customary resolu-
tiOn was adopted for the appointment .: a
committee to notify the president and the
House that the Senate was ready for bus
ness.
At the conclusion Of the morning hour
the Senate proceeded to the consideration
of the calendar. After disposing
of one Or two private bills, the Senate at
l p. nj. took recess for half an hour.
Tho Message.
The message opens by reference to
slight difference with Great Britain, on
account of the arrest Of American citizens
in Ireland, but England's disposition to
respect our rights has becn manifested by
releasing parties arrested. The difference
between the United States and Spain,
as to the effect of a judgment and certif-
cate of naturalization has not been adjust
ed, but it is hoped negotiations will
result in establishing tho position claimed
by our government. Our efforts for tho
abatement of Onerous exactions imposed
on American vessels in Spain havo thus
far been unsuccessful, and Spain has also
failed to give proper attention to our gov
ernment lenOnstrances against exorbitant
ices demanded by Spanish consuls iE
American ports.
Reciprocity With Hawaii.
Tho president then recommends early
of such notifications of our
treaty with Hawaii, as seems
to be demanded by the interests of
DUR people, and again invites the atten.
lion of Congress to the lawlessness which
prevailed on the Mexican frontier With
regard to South American affairs the presi
dent recapitulates the situation between
Chilli and Peru. Our offers of mediation
have been rejected, and to enforce them
would need employment of our army and
navy and ultimately a protectcra:e.
This would be utterly at odds with
Dur past policy, and full of en-
for the future. TIC pres
dent deplOres the fact that Chill exacts
such rigorous conditions Of peace and is
ready to support any measure which the
wisdom of Congress may devise for pro
notion Of the peace of this continent ard
the world.
Finance
In reviewing the report Of tho secretary
If the treasury the president sees nothing
20 alter and much to confirm the seuti- |
nents to which he gave expression last |
year regarding the coinage Of silver dol |
ars and the retirement of silver certifi- |
.ates.
The present rapid cxtinguishment Of |
,ur national debt is by no means a cause |
or congratulation, but rather for serious |
Last year the president |
the abolition of all internal |
evenue taxes except those on tobacco
md distilled and fermented liquors. He
1entures now to suggest that all
Internal taxes except those which |
'clate to distilled spirits, can be prudently !
lbrogated. Such a course would diminish |
he cost Of collections at least two mil
ions and half dollars, and retire from
,ffice from fifteen hundred to two thou
and persons.
The secretary's recommendation Of i'm
Mediate and extensive reduction in the /
annual revenues of the government is
heartily approved. All taxes are burden.
'Ome, however wisely and prudently i'm
,osed, and although there arc wide differ
'nces in sentiment as to the best method
# raising revenue, there is substantial
lccord in the doctrine that only such
axes ought to be levied as are necessary
or an economical administration Of the |
government.
The present excise tax should be abol-
shed as soon as it is safe to do so. So
Internal taxes wonld for the present be IN |
lnwise step, as it is doubtful if sufficient
evenue could then be made, and the pre-
ident recommends tho retention for ii Q
present Of that portion Of the system of |
Ible to the people.
Tho Tariff
The present tariff system is in many re-
'pects unjust, making unequal dstribu-
ion of its burdens and its benefits. While |
reductions. the president
5 far from advising the abandonment of q
policy of so discriminating in the adjust
nent of details as to afford aid and
protection to domestic labor. He recon-
nends an enlargement Of tho free list SO
Is to include the numerous articles which
7ield inconsiderable revenue ; q simplifica-
ion of the complex and inconsistent |
schedule of duties upon certain manufac-1
:ures, particularly cotton, iron and steel
md a substantial reduction of duties on |
hose articles, and on sugar, molasss 8,
,ilk, wool and wooden goods.