Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-12-05
The Presidents Message.

have been well and carefully considered.
It is cautious rather than bold in its recon-
mendations and suggestions. keeping to
well-worn ways rather than venturing
into new and untrodden paths. No Exec
utive since the first has had such pleas
ing picture TO present TO the people OF this
country in an annual message as il that
which is shown in the last message Of
President Arthur.
In our foreign relations we are at peace
with all the world. Our flag commands
respect everywhere, according to our
ability to maintain it. Our policy IS
peace. If we seek TO promote trade and
commerce it is by the exercise Of fair and
honorable dealing. There are some
annoyances and aegravations encountered
in our relations with some countries which
few nations as powerful as this would
long endure; but our very strength tends
to make us careless about the full asser-
ton of our rights and dignities. This is
the weak spot in our foreign policy. Be-
fore long change will be de-
manded, is demanded even now.
In regard to the financial condition OF
the country the message could not well
present more gratifying statement. Tne
treasury is full to OVERLOOKING. We are
paving off the national debt rapidly. and
vet there is surplus accommodating in the
treasury. The President does not advise,
in view Of the tariff reduction last winter,
any large reduction of taxation at this
session. He thinks the surplus might
be used to resurrect the navy.
provide defences for our harbors. and in
other ways which may add to the security
and prosperity of the nation. To relieve
the national banks of the prospective diff
fculties In regard to basis Of circulation
by the rapid payment of the bonds. he
advises the abolition of the tax on bank
circulation and permitting the banks to
issue notes for ninety per cent of the
market value of the bonds deposited
to secure the circulation. instead
of only allowing them 10 issue
ninety per cent of the face of the bonds,
The trade dollar he would have exchang
ed for standard dollars. recoined and
eliminated from circulation. The consol-
idation of customs districts is recommend
ed. Attention is specially called to the
very poor condition of our sea coast de-
fences. and the hope expressed that Con-
gress will do something in the
way of improvement in that direction.
One of the most important announce
ments of The message is that in relation to
the suspicious beginning of the revival of
the navy. Secretary Chandler has com
menced in earnest the construction of
much needed vessels of war to supply the
places of rotten hulks and unsuitable
crafts which make a considerable part of
our marine defence. Everybody has long
been laughing at our ridiculous navy. but
things are changing and we hope will
continue to change until we have res
pec,able navy. if not navy that will sail
the seas with broom at the masthead
The postoflice department is noticeable
for the success which attends its efforts
towards cheaper postage; further reduc-
ton of rates is proposed. The letter car
rier system is a success and will be ex-
tended more and more. The President
mentions postal telegraph, and discusses
some of the projects talked of, but makes
no recommendation in regard to the
matter
1t is recommended that the fees of
jurors and witnesses in the federal courts
be increased. and that salaries be paid
certain court officials instead OF fees in
whole or part.
The recommendations of the Secretary
Of the Interior in regard to dealing with
the Indians. and other recommendations
are endorsed by the President. A word is
spoken favorable to furnishing primary
education by the general government in
States where schools are denied the
people.
In presenting affairs in Utah, the Presi-
dent recommends stringent measures to
check the growth of polygamy. He
would repeal the act on which the present
government Of the Territory depends and
have Congress take the entire political
control of Mormondom.
The department of agriculture is COM
mended. A government tor Alaska is
advised. The railroad corporations are
advisedsthst Congress has power to cor
rect their short comings when necessary.
Protection of the forests is urged
Industrial expositions held this
year and others to be held next
year are kindly mentioned. The action
of the Civil Service Commission is ap-
proved. Timely words are uttered by
the President in regard to the Presidential
succession. He recommends that an
amendment to the Constitution be pre-
pared giving the President power to veto
parts OF appropriation bill without veto
ing the whole.
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