Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1884-12-02
The Message.

The Presidents message viii not ap-
pear 70 the general reader as remark
able document in any respect. II is about
the regulation length, and it reviews and
approves the reports Of Secretaries Of the
different departments OF the government
in the usual way.
There IS 70 particular reason, however,
why it should Re remarkable, or why it
should contain anything startling. TIE
country is AT peace with all nations, and
the outlook tor a prosperous future is
promising. The message, taken all in all.
is Il plain, unpretentiOus and sensible
State paper, and is in admirable keeping
With the tone Of Mr. ATthur's administra-
ton. tits respectable and satisfactory,
and Mr.. Arthur's administration is re-
spectacle and satisfactory.
The message opens with an excellent
recommendation 1t is that Congress
without further delay provide bet
ter method for counting the cleo
toral vote. Congress has been
tinkering with this subject for long
while, and has made scarcely any pro-
gress with il. The country wants Con-
gress to act with regard to it, in order
that it may be rid OF the apprehension Of
danger that grows out Of it.
A good deal appears to have been dore
in the way Of making treaties since the
last meeting Of Congress. A treaty
with regard to a Nicaragua canal and
railroad has been completed, a
acOmmercial treaty with Spain has been
arranged and treaty with Belgium has
been agreed upon. This commercial
treaty with Spain, considered in connec-
ton with a similar treaty with Mexico now
awaiting ratification, and the treaty with
the Haiwaiin Government, a desire for a
renewal Of which has been expressed,
suggests the idea that the Republican
party appears to be aiming at a certain
kind Of free trade by means Of CONNER
cial treaties.
The President is certainly right about
one thing. The country has about all the
silver dollars and silver certificates that
IS good for it. There is a danger point
in this silver coinage business and
it may be reached sooner than
is generally suspected. The silver dollar
is worth only - cents, and the silver GER
tifcate is worth no more. The Secretary
Of the Treasury points out that these sill
yer certificates are deprecated curren-
cy, and in the event Of financial troubles
the people may refuse to take them for
more than they are worth.
The Recommendation to call in 81 and 3.
bills may be wise, but will be read by the
public with regret. The repugnance to
silver on account Of its weight is very
general.
The recommendations relative to one
cent postage on drop letters and the pay
ment Of salaries to United States Attor-
neys and Marshals instead Of fees, are old
but good. No doubt they VIII be adopted
in good time.
The Presidents views with respect to
culdvating closer trade relations with the
countries south Of US viii command at
tention. 1t is certain that we must look
in that direction for much of our COM
mercial prosperity in the future. A good
beginning has been made by interesting
the Mexican and South American people
in the New Orleans Exposition.
Of course there is a word of commen-
dation for the civil service law. The Re-
publicans are now particularly anxious
that the law shall be sustained.
The President realizes that this is the
last message from Republican Presi-
dent that viii be read 10 Congress TOR
some time. It may be the last for many
years. The President takes the occasion,
therefore, TO express his appreciation of the
kindness and courtesy his administration
has received from Congress. AS Mr.. Ar
thur has made a good President, and is
liked by Congress and the country, his
pressions of appre :iation are doubtless
reciprOcated by Congress-,