Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1883-12-05
The Message.

The Presidents message is not a great
state paper. It is. however, 4 very salts
factory review Of the reports Of the Secre-
taries Of the various departments. As
rule. the suggestions Of the Secretaries
are adopted. Here and there the Presl-
dent ventures upon a suggestion OF
recommendation Of his own. 1t appears
that the country is al peace win
all other countries, and that
there Is no cause for experimenting
trouble from any quarter. Quite num-
her Of treaties Of a commercial character
have been NEGOTIATED in the last year, the
effect Of which viii be. probably, to ex-
tend our trade. The President Is espe-
ciauv s0licitOus that there should be
closer commercial relations with Mexico,
and is. therefore. anxious for the ratit-
cation Of the treaty lately negotiated with
that country. He is in favor, however,
Of compelling greater respect
for the rights OF American citizens in
Mexico. He doesn't like the way our
vessels are treated in Cuban ports. and
the OnerOus burdens placed upon some Of
our exports To Turkey do not meet his
approval. He suggests measures oil re-
taIiation. Turning 10 the Treasury ne
finds too much money there, and says
that the revenues must be cut down. but
doesn't want the cutting down process TO
be begun at once. He thinks that some
OF the surplus could be got rid of with adj
vantage in building a decent navy, and
providing coast defenses. He sees plainly
that if the revenues are not reduced
there will soon be financial troubles, be-
cause the surplus must be applied to the
payment Of the debt. and as the debt is
largely owned by the national banks,
the circulation viii be restricted in pro
norton TO the amount Of bonds called in.
He adopts the suggestion Of the Secretary
of the Treasury that the law taxing bank
circulation be repealed, and the banks be
allowed TO issue circulation to the extent
Of 90 per cent. of the market value, in
stead OF the face value Of the bonds they
hold.
The President Is emphatic in his Objec-
ton TO the reception of England's paupers.
He wants England to understand that she
cannot impose her paupers on US by way
OF Canada. He favOrs taking in the trade
dollars at a small per cent. above their
value as bullion. His recommendation
respecting state militia will probably
meet with pretty general approval. He
differs with the Postmaster General
relative to postage on drop letters. He
favors one cent postage. He, of course,
advocates Federal aid for education. The
MOrmons are subjects Of his displeasure.
He doesn't have much confidence in mild
measures in dealing with them. The
Territorial Legislature ought to be abOl-
ished. in his opinion, and a commission
appointed to make the pOlygamists see
the wickedness of their conduct. He
touches on the recent civil rights
decision, but goes no farther than to say
! that any legislation looking to the
protection Of the negroes in their civil
rights will have his approval.
The two points of the message that may
elicit some discussion are the recOmmen-
/ dation relative to the tax on national
/ bank circulation and the suggestion that
/ part of the surplus revenue be eXpend-
/ ell on the navy and coast defenses.