, 1888-12-04

ernment too easily accorded in favor Of
the citizen, the failure to support claims
against the government by proof, is often
supplied by no better consideration than
the wealth of the government and the
poverty of the complainant. Gratuities
in the form OF pensions are granted on no
other real ground than the needy condl.
ito n Of the applicant or for reasons less
valid, and large sums are expended for
public buildings and o her improvements
upon representations scarcely claimed to
be related 10 the public needs and necessi-
ties. The extent to which the considera-
ton of such matters subordinate and
postpone action upon subjects of great
public Importance, but involving no special
private or partisan interests, should arrest
attention and lead to reformation.
FOREIGN RELATIONS.
In pursuance of a constitutional pro.
VISION requiring the president from time
to time to give to the congress informa-
ton of the state OF the Union, | have the
satisfaction to announce that the close OF
the year finds the United States in the
enjoyment of domestic tranquility and at
peace with all nations. Those interna-
tional questions which still await settle
ment are all reasonably within the domain
of amicable negotiation, and there Is no
existing subject OF dispute between the
United States and any foreign power that
is not as susceptible OF satisfactory ad-
iustment by frank diplomatic treatment.
THE sACKvLLE-wEsT AFFAIR.
Near the close of the month of October
last occurrences of n deeply regrettable
nature were brought to my knowledge
which made it my painful but imperative
duty to obtain with as lutte delay as pos
slble a new personal channel OF diplomatic
intercourse in this country with the gov
eminent of Great Britain. The CORES
pondence in relation to this incident will.
in due course, be laid before you, and
will disclose the objectionable conduct of
the official referred to. in his interference
by advice and counsel with the suffrages
OF American citizens in the very crisis Of
the presidential election then near at
hand. Also 10 his subsequent public
declarations to Justify his action, super
adding impugnment OF the executive and
senate of the United States in connection
with Important questions now pending in
controversy between the two govern
ments.
THE oFFENSE THUS COMMITTED
was most grave, involving disastrous pos.
sibilities to the good relations of the
United States and Great Britain, consti-
tuting a gross breach of the diplomatic
privilege and invasion of the purely do
nestle affairs and essential sovereignty Of
the government to which the envoy was
accredited, having first fulfilled the Just
demands OF international comfy by afford.
ing full opportunity for her majesty's
government to act in relief of the situa-
ton. | considered a prolongation Of the
discussion to be unwarrantcd aud there
upon declined to further recognize the
diplomatic character of the person whose
continuance in such position would destroy
that mutual confidence which is essential
to the good understanding of the two gov
ernments and was inconsistent with the
welfare and self respect of the government
VI the United States. The usual inter
change of communication has since con-
tlnued through her majesty legation in
this city.
AMERICAN CITIZENS ABROAD.
With the rapid increase of immigration
to our shores and the facilities of modern
travel, abuses ofthe generous privileges
afforded by our naturalization laws call
for their careful revision. The easy and
~unguarded manner in which certificates of
American citizenship can now be obtained
has induced a class, unfortunately large.
10 avail themselves Of the opportunity to
become absolvcd from allegiance to their
native land, and yet by a foreign residence
10 escape any just duty and contribution
20 the country Of their proposed adoption.
Thus, while evading the duties of citizen
ship 10 the United States. they may make
prompt claim for national protection and
demand its Intervention in their behalf.
international complications of n serious
nature arise and the correspondence OF
the state department discloses the great
number and cqEplcxity Of the questions
which have been raised. Our laws regu.
lating the issue Of passports should be
carefully revised.
SECRETARY or THE TREASURY.
The report of the secretary Of tho treas.
urY exhibits in detail the condition Of our
national finances. The total ordinary
revenues of the government for the fiscal
year ended June 80, 1883. amounted 10
1879, 2G6, S74. 10, of which $2l9, 09l 1906
was received from customs duties aud
1924, DOG, S7l,9S from internal revenue
taxes The revenues of the government
lOi AlH year tIulnR Ount ~, lohD, ahccT-
tanned for the quarter ending Sept. 80,
1888, and estimated for the remainder OF
the time, amount to S377, 900, 600, and the
actual and estimated ordinary expendi-
lures for the same year are $273, 600, 900,
leaving an estimated surplus of $I04, OOO,.
900.
THE ARMY.
The secretary Of war reports that the
army at the date Of the last consolidated
returns consisted Of 2.ls9 officers and
"a, SAG enlisted men. The actual expen-
ditures OF the war department for the
fiscal year ended June 80, 1888. amounted
SAG. $40, 707, of which sun $9l, 5s5, I66
was expended for public works, including
river and harbor improvements. A board
of ordnance officers was convened at the
Wateryleit arsenal on October 4, 1888, to
prepare the necessary plans and specifca-
tons for the establishment of an army
gun factory at that point. The prelimin.
aries of this board with estimates for shop
buildings aud officers quarters were ap
proved by the board of ordnance and
Notifications.
II DETAILED DRAWINGS
and specifications for the gun factory
building are well in hand and will be fin
tuhal yr,sl.n -. -