San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1884-12-11
s,noD.,, Of The Presidents Message.

ton oil the IrcsldohI . hiosSaRo ih '"e
! San Antonio Times
The message begins by congratula
ting the people OF tho United States
on tho patient and peaceful temper
displayed by thom aftnr tho election,
and while tho contest was yet unascer-
tanned. Notwithstanding that the
recent campaign was tho fiercest and
most bitter ever wagod in this country,
and while the decision hinged on a
narrow plurality in tho great state OF
New York, the public peace was not
disturbed, which the president takes
as a proof OF tho strength OF our
political institutions, and as evidence
that tho Americans arc Gvorty-loying
people. Nevertheless, he is OF the
opinion that more definite regulations
for counting the electoral vote should
DO provided and that either Of the
changes already suggested is prefera-
bio to inaction.
Our relations with foreign powers
and their relations with one another
are next discussed. The probability
of the question of restricted Chinese
immigration being again subject for
congress to deal with is referred to |;
the purchase of premises in Corea
for the American legation, in order
to uphold the dignity OF the govern
mant in its diplomatic relations in
the East is recommended, also the
restoration OF the agency and con-
sulate generals Office in Cairo. A
continuation in existence Of the
reciprocity treaty with Hawaii is advi'
sod, and that the important duty on
works of art should be taken off.
The president asks congress to ratify
the treaty of last January with the
Spanish government, by which he
says that the commercial relations
between this country and Cuba and
Porto Rico will be scarcely less
Intimate than the interstate relations
among the states of the union. An
enlargement of the scope of the neu-
trality laws so as to include all open
acts of hostility in our territory aimed
at the peace of any nation with which
we are on friendly terms, is recon-
mended. This is intended to sup
press the Irish dynamiters. The
president thinks the naturalization
laws need revising. Many OF the
provisions refer to time and condi-
tions now only of historical interest,
and it is suggested that central
bureau of registry be established for
herecord of authenticated transcripts
of each certificate of naturalization,
and that provision be made for can
collation. and vacation of the record
in case naturalization papers prove to
have been obtained by fraud, or where
a party moves or where o party
moves or forfeits has acquired citizen
ship in any manner
The next topic discussed is the
report of the secretary of the treasury,
which the president summarizes and
discusses at needless length. He
concurs with the secretary in recon-
mending i suspension of silver coin
age and the issuance of silver certlii-
Gates, believing that if the country is
flooded with silver coin and certifi-
Gates, silver would soon become the
metallic standard, which would there
by cause commercial disturbance
and impairment which, i'll his mind,
can scarcely be over-estimated. The
languishing condition Of our foreign
trade is alluded to, and the sugges-
ton of the secretary of the treasury
that o commission be appointed to
inquire into the cause, is adopted
The most important suggestions
are 1. That series of commercial
reciprocity treaties for free and unres-
tricted commercial intercourse be-
tween the powers on this continent,
but not to infringe on the home coast
ing trade, be secured. 2. The enact
ment of measures to favor the con-
struction of steam-carrying trade un-
der the flag of the United States. 8.
The establishment of a uniform cur
rency basis for the countries of
America, so that the surplus of gold
bullion from our mines may be trans
ported to those countries which have
no gold bearing mines, and thus take
step towards the reconciliation OF
silver. The president says that it is
not desirable that these recommends
tons be applied to American countries
alone, but that the healthful enlarge
mont of our trade with Europe, Asia,
and Africa should be sought by a
reduction of the tariff burdens. The
president admits that the present
tariff is burdensome on the citizens,
and that it is in part ut least the cause
of the present languishing condition
of the merchant marine.
In conclusion an appeal is made for
the building up of our navy, and
congress is asked to bestow pension
on Gen. Grant. The first is apt to
receive early consideration. The
navy could not fall into worse
condition than it is at present. Why
Grant should receive pension is a
question which we opine many of the
members of congress will not be able
to understand. He has already re-
ceiyel his share of the fat things of
this country without being made a
national pauper, and it might be that
if he were pensioned he would throw
away all his bounty again in gamb-