The National tribune., 1884-12-04
THE PREsInENI,s MESSAGE.

THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
The message which President Arthur
transmitted to Congress upon its assembling
last Monday does him the greatest credit.
No more plain, direct, sensible, business-like
document ever proceeded from the pen of an
American President It is not brief, how
ever, at the expense of lucidity or conference,
for every subject touched upon is treated
comprehensively, and in words that convey
the writer's exact meaning in the briefest
form.
The message begins with graceful allu-
sion to the long political contest which has
just concluded, and congratulates the Ameri-
can people that in spite of the fervor and
intensity with which the contest was waged
the public peace suffered no disturbance,
and the people everywhere patiently and
quietly awaited the result Nothing" says
the President, could more strikingly illus
trate the temper of the American citizen,
his love of order, and his loyalty to law
nothing could more signally demonstrate
the strength and wisdom Of our political in
stitutions."
Allusion is made to the neglect of Con-
gress to provide for pacific settlement of
a disputed election similar to that which
occurred eight years ago.
Passing to discussion of our foreign af-
fairs, he says that the hostilities between
France and China embarass our eastern
relations somewhat. The Chinese Govern
ment has promptly paid the claims of
American citizens whose property was de-
stroyed in recent riots, and he renews his
recommendation that the Canton indemnity
fund be returned to China.
The flag of the International Association
of the Congo was recognized by him as that
ola friendly government, but in very careful
avoidance of any prejudice to conflicting
territorial claims The re-establishment of a
commercial agency at Cairo is recommended.
One of the most important diplomatic acts
with Nicaragua authorizing the construction
by the United States of a canal, railway and
The contemplated route proceeds 60 miles
along the River San Juan and Lake
struction about IL miles on the Pacific and SO
miles on the Atlantic side. The construc-
such as our commercial interests impera-
lively demand
been very trying to our officers whose duty
it was to preserve neutrality; but as a rule
very few expeditions were allowed to depart
from our ports. A treaty has been nego-
tiated with Spain which promises rich COM
mercial results in our trade with the An
titles. The greatest difficulties in diplo-
matte way have been with the Sultan of
Turkey, who has seemed indisposed to
regard in proper spirit the stipulations
with him.
The President recommends that in order
to take advantage of the invitations which
are continually being extended to us to par
ticipate in expositiOns in various countries
of Europe that the President be empowered
to appoint commissioners to such exposi-
tons without pay, and a special sum be
State to pay their reasonable expenses. The
question of international copyright should
Justly obtain the attention of Congress
The neutrality laws are so imperfect in
their operation as to call for radical re-
committed in our territory against the peace
of friendly nation. The statutes already
arisen since and which must be provided
for, and acts Of hostility which fall short of
the equipment of armed vessels or the sail
ing of filibustering parties must be reached
and punished.
The naturalization laws should be revised
so as to do away with some sections which
have only historical interest and incongruities
such as those which favor the naturalization
of men who have served in the Army or in
the merchant service, but give no special
favors to those who served in the Navy Or
Marine Corps.
The condition of the national finances is
summed up in the following table:
1t appears that the ordinary revenues for the
fiscal year ended June 80, 1884, were
From Sl95 G67 4S9 T6
From internal revenue l2 $50 0T2 81
From all other sources ........... 81 $3.50, 307 65
Total ordinary revenues ....... 3is, $40, 500 90
The public expenditures during the same period
were
For civil expcnses.....,. SOD 3I2 9O7 II
For foreign intercourse: 200 766 81
For Indians. 6,d75,9 20
For pensions. So 400 22S 06
For the military establishment in
Guiding river and harbor improve
ments and arsenals ................ 80 429 Cos Sc