The National tribune., 1884-12-04

Treasury that the one and two dollar notes
be relieved from circulation in order to make
room for the silver, is heartily Endorsed;
Also the adoption of some scheme for the
redemption of the trade dollar.
The recommendation in the message of
1882 Of the abolition of all excise duties ex-
cept those relating to distilled spirits is re-
newed. In the event of such abolition the
revenues that viii still remain to the Gov
eminent, will, in the Presidents opinion,
mot only suffice to meet its reasonable ex-
penditures, but will afford a surplus large
enough to permit sIch tariff reduction as
may seem to be advisable, when the results
of recent revenue laws and commercial trea-
ties shall have shown in what quarters those
reductions can be most .judiciously effected"
commission to devise means for increas-
ing our foreign trade is recommended as an
aid to the solution of one of the gravest
problems which can appeal to the wisdom
of Congress, and the President lends his sup
port to that part of the Secretarys report
which eniphaticaliy recognizes that as an
incentive to the investment of American
capital in American steamships, the Govern
ment shall, by liberal payments for mail
transportation or otherwise, lend its active
assistance to individual enterprise, and de-
clares his belief that unless that course be
pursued our foreign carrying trade must re-
main, as it is to-day, almost exclusively in
the hands of foreigners.
The hope is expressed that the bill which
passed the Senate at the last session permit
ting banks to issue notes equal to the face
value of their deposit bonds will also be
passed by the House of Representatives.
The past year has been notable for its en-
tire freedom from Indian outbreaks.
Much urgency characterizes the Presi-
dents recommendations on the duty of be-
ginning at once the work of fortifying our
seaboard. He would have an expenditure
of SG0,000,0O0 extended over a period of
years. with an appropriation of about one
tenth of that amount made to begin the
work. This, it is expected, viii supply the
coast with adequate forts and guns of high
power, and Congress should at once enable
the Government to establish foundries and
FORCES, which viii construct guns of power
sufficient to cope with the best made in the
world
So far the work of building new cruisers
has proceeded satisfactorily, but it cannot be
too strongly urged upon Congress that
greater efforts be made to restore the Navy
to the high state of efficiency that formerly
characterized it. Instead of being lulled
into fancied security by long peace, it is
plain that considerations of wise economy
and just regard for our future tranquility
dictate the policy Of Immediately strength
ening this arm of the service.
The gratifying fact is mentioned that the
loss of revenue in the Post Office Depart
ment from the rate of letter postage has
been very much less than was generally an
ticipated The recommendation of the Post
master General that the unit of weight in
the rate Of frst-class matter shall be one
ounce instead Of half an ounce is Endorsed.
This yunu IL loss of
and would greatly promote the convenience
of the public and there should also be some
means provided whereby exceptional dis
patch may be secured for letters by the
payment Of a+higher rate of postage.
The President believes that if polygamy
can be suppressed by law, it can only be
done by the most radical legislation consist
ent with the restraints of the Constitution,
and he would recommend the absolute polit-
zeal control of the Territory of Utah be placed
in the hands of commissioners clothed with
the greatest powers that may be justly and
wisely put in their hands.
Next to the national finances the most
space is given in the message, and very
wisely too, to our commercial policy and
the extension of our foreign trade. He states
his plans at length, which we shall discuss
hereafter.
The Nations relations to Gen. Grant are
disposed of in the following paragraph:
l recommend that in recognition of the emil
nent services of Ulysses S. Grant, late General
of the Armies of the United States and twice
President of this Nation, that Congress confer
upon him suitable pension.
After some minor recommendations in
regard to forestry and other matters the
Message concludes as follows:
AS the time draws nigh when am to retire
from the public service, | cannot refrain from
expressing TO the members of the National
Legislature with whom / have been brought
into personal and official intercourse my sim
cere appreciation of their unfailing courtesy
and of their harmonius cooperation with the
Executive in so many measures calculated to
promote the best interests of the Nation And
to my fellow-citizens generally acknowledge
a deep sense Of obligation for the support which
they have accorded me in my administration
of the Executive Department of this Govern
ment.
AS we have said before, we regard this as
an unusually able State document, with all