Los Angeles herald., 1890-12-02


and the postal shipping bill are designed
to promote. Steamship lines from these
ports to some northern port of South
America, will almost certainly effect
connection between the railroad systems
OF the continent long before any continu-
GUS line of railroad can be put in opera
ton. The very large appropriation
made at the last session for the barbor
of Galveston was justified, as it seemed to
be, by those considerations. The great
northwest will feel the advantage OF a
trunk line to the south, as well as to
the east, and of the new markets of the
supply of food products for many OF
their manufactured products.
An International Bank.
l had one occasion in May last to
transmit to congress a report adopted
by the international American confer
ence, upon the subject of the incorpora-
ton OF an international American bank,
with view to facilitating money ex-
changes between the states represented
in that conference, Such an institution
would greatly promote the trade we are
seeking to develop. renew the recon-
mendation that well-guarded charter
be granted. do not think the powers
granted should include those ordinarily
exercised by true guarantee and safe
deposit companies, or that more
branches in the United States should
be authorized than are strictly necessary
to accomplish the object primarily in
view, namely, convenient foreign eX-
changes. 1t is quite important that
prompt action should be taken in this
matter in order that any appropriations
in order for better communication with
these countries, and any agreement that
may be made for reciprocal trade, may
not be hindered for the lack of con-
venience of making exchanges.
Supreme Court Bill.
A bill for the relief of the supreme
court has, after many years Of discus
sion, been adopted and advanced to
position where final action is easily at
tainable, and it is hoped that any diff
ferences of opinion may be so termed
as to save the essential features of this
very important measure. In this con-
nection | earnestly renew my recon-
mendation that the salaries of the judges
of the United States district courts be
readjusted: that none of them shall
receive less than $4,000 per annum.
Spanish and Mexican Grants.
The subject of the adjustment OF
Spanish and Mexican land grants, and
the urgent necessity for providing some
commission or tribunal for the final
treatment of the questions growing out
thereof, was twice brought by me to the
attention OF congress at the last session.
Bills have been reported from the proper
committees of both houses on the sub
7 +l,,+ ! l. &c
congress will put an end to the delay
which has attended the settlement OF
disputes as to title-bearing settlers
and claimants under these grants.
These disputes Tetard the prosper
ity and distract the peace of large
and important committees. The gov
ernor of New Mexico, in his last report
to the secretary of the interior, suggests
some notifications of the provision OF
the pending bills relating to small hold
ings of farm lands. l commend to your
attention the suggestions of the secre
tary of the interior upon this subject.
National Bankrupt Bill.
The enactment of a national bankrupt
law is still regarded as very desirable.
The constitution having given to con-
gress the jurisdiction of this subject, it
| should be exercised, and uni
form rules provided for the
administration of the affairs of finsolvent
debtors. The inconvenience resulting
from the occasional and temporary exer-
else OF the power by congress from the
! conflicting state codes of insolvency
which come into force Immediately,
should be removed, by the enactment OF
simple, inexpensive and permanent
national bankrupt law.
International Copyright.
I also renew my recommendation in
favor of legislation affording just copy
right protection for foreign authors, on a
footing of reciprocal advantage for
authors at home and abroad.
Patent Car-CoupIers.
1t may still be possible for this con-
gress to inaugurate, by suitable legisla-
ton, movement looking to uniformity
and increased safety in the use OF
couplers and brakes upon freight trains
engaged in interstate commerce. The
chief difficulty in the way is to secure
an agreement as to the best appliances.
simplicity, effectiveness and cost. The
difficulty will only yield to legislation,
which should be based upon full in
quiry and impartial tests. The purpose
should be to secure the cooperation of
all well-disposed managers and owners,
but the fearful fact that every year in
wolves the sacrifice of 1000 lives and the
manning of 10000 young men, should
plead with congress and the managers
against any needless delay.
Irrigation Projects.
The subject of the conservative and
equal distribution of the water supply
of the arid regions, has had much con-
sideration from congress, but has as yet
not been putsupon permanent and salts
factory basis. The urgency of the sub
ject does not grow out OF any large pres
ent demand for the use of the lands for
agricultural purposes, but of the danger
that the water supply and the sites for
the necessary catch-basins may fall into
the hands of individuals or private
corporations, and be used to render SUBJ
servient large areas dependent on such
supply. The owner of the water is the
owner of the lands, however the titles
may run. All unappropriated water
sources and all necessary reservoirs
should be held by the government for
the equal use, at fair rates, of the home
stead settlers who will eventually take up
these lands. The URited States should
not, in my opinion, undertake the con-
struction Of dams or canals, but should