davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04
Tho Seal Question.

The difference between tho two governments
touching the fur seal question in the Behring
Sea is not yet adjusted, ms will be seen by The
correspondence which viii soon be laid before
Congress. The offer TO submit the question TO
arbitration, as proposed by her Majesty's Gov
ernment, has not been accepted, for the reason
that the form of submission proposed is not
thought to be calculated to assure n conclusion
satisfactory 70 either party IL Is sincerely
hoped that before the opening OF another seal
ing season some arrangement may be effected
which will assure TO the United States n prop
erty right, derived from Russia, which was not
dsregarded by any nation for more than eighty
trouble.
In the tariff act q wrong was done 10 the King
dom of Hawaii which / am bound to presume
was wholly unintentional. Duties were levied
ON certain commodities which arc included in
the reciprocity treaty now existing betwcon the
United States and the Kingdom OF Hawaii. with
out indicating neceBsary exception in favor of
that Kingdom. hope Congress will repair what
might otherwise seem to be a breach OF faith on
the part Of this Government
An award in favor of the United States in the
matter OF the claim Of Mr.. Van Bokkelen against
Hayti was rendered on the 4th of December. 1888
but owing to disorders then and afterward pre-
vailing I'm Hayti the terms of payment we're not
observed. A new agreement as TO the time OF
payment has been approved and is now in
forCe. Other just claims of citizens Of the
United States for redress Of wrongs suffered
during the late political conflict in Hayti will,
it is hoped speedily yield to friendly trC n ment
Propositions for the amendment Of the treaty
Of extradition bttween the United States and
Italy are now under consideration.
You will be asked TO provide the means of nc
cepting the invitation of the Italian Govern
ment to take part in an approaching con ference
to consider the adoption OF a universal prime
meridian from which to reckon longitude and
time. As this prop lsal follows in the track OF
the reform sought TO be initiated by the mt rid
ian conference at Washington held on the invi-
tetion OF this Government, the United States
should manifest friendly interest I'm the Ital-
ian proposal.
In this connection may refer with approval
to the suggestion OF my predecessors that
standing provision be made for accepting. when
ever deemed advisable. the freq uent Invitations
of foreign governments to share I'm conferences
loc king to the advancement OF international
reforms In regard TO science, sanitation, COM
mercial law, and procedure, and other matters
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04
COMING LEGISLATION.
work that remains to BE Done.

In addition to the important bills that bc-
came laws before the adjournment OF the last
session, some other bills OF the highest import
ance were we'll advanced toward n final vote,
and now stand upon the calendars OF tho
two houses I'm favored positions. The present
session has a fixed limit, and IL those
Ali the work that has been. done upon them by
this Congress is lost. The proper con-
sideration OF these, Of an superintendent
bills will require not only that no work
ing day of the session shall be lost. but
that measures OF minor and local interest shall
not be allowed TO interrupt or retard the
progress Of those that are OF universal interest.
in view OF those conditions / refrain from
bringing before you at this time some sug8es.
tions that would otherwise be made, aud most
earnestly invoke your attention TO the duty d
perfectfng tho important legislation now well
advanced. 10 some Of those measures which
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04
Tho I,ensIon once.

The disability psnsion act. which was ap-
proved on the 9th OF June last, rs been put
into operation as rapidly as prac eeable. The
increased clerical force provided was rejected
OF the force nfagcd In examinations In the
field was recalled and added to the working
force OF the Office. The examination and ad.
iudication OF claims have, by reason OF
improved methods, been more rapid than
ever before. There ia no economy to the Gov
ernment in delay while there Is much hardship
and injustice TO the soldiers. The anticipated
expenditure while very large. will not, it is be-
lieved be In excess OF the estimates made be-
fore the enactment OF the law. This liberal gem
OF bills for special relief, both as to the cases
where relief Is granted and as to the amount
allowed
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04
THE WAR DEPARrMEST.
Desertlonn pccreasinr. 7.

The report Of the Secretary OF War exhibits
several gratifying results attained during the
year by wise and unostentatious methods. The
percentage OF desertions from the army ian evil
Tor which both Congress and the department
have long been seeking a remedy has been re-
duced during the past year "a per cent and for
the months Of August and September during
which time the favorable effects OF the act OF
June is were felt, e3 per cent. as compared with
the same months OF 1882
The results attained by n reorganization and
consolidation OF the divisions having change OF
the hospital service records OF the volunteer
service are very remarkable. This change was
effected In July, 1859, and at that time there
We're 1904 cases Awaiting attention, more than
half of these being calls from the Pension OF.
nee for information NECESSARY to the adjudica-
tion OF pehsion claims. On the 30th day OF Jufio
Inst though og,r 100000 new enlls had come ia,
there was not single caBo that he'd not beon
examined and auaWCfed
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04
The Customs service.

The Customs Administration Board provided
for by the act OF Juno 10, 1890, seleoted with
great care and IL composed in part Of men
whose previous experience I'm the administra-
ton Of the old customs regulations had made
them familiar with the evils TO be remedied, and
I'm part OF men whose legal aud judicial acquire
ments and experience seemed TO fit them for tho
work OF interpreting and applying the new stat
ute. The chief aim of the law IL 70 secure honest
valuations Of all dutiable merchandise, and TO
make these valuations Uniform at all our
ports OF entry. IL has been made manifest by
under ALI alton had been long I'm use by certain
classes OF importers, resulting not only in n
great loss OF revenue but I'm a most intolorable
discrimination against honesty. It IL not seen
howthis legislation, when u Il understood, can
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04
Ahnnt Circulation

Tho efforts OF the secretary to increase the
volume OF money IN circula ion by kee ping
down the Treasury surplus to the lowest prac-
ticabls limit have been unremitting and in n
sented by him, showing tho increase during
the nineteen months he has administered the
anarS OF Lne uePnLtmenb are interesting
I'm circulation during the nineteen months
has been in the afgcegate sos. .se6, ,sl3,
or about sl.50 per capita and OF this increase
only 81 10000 was due to the recent silver
legislation. That this substantial and needed
aid given to commerce resulted In an enormous
reduction of the public debt and OF the annual
interest charge Is matter OF increased satisfac-
tion. There have been purchased and redeemed
since March 4. 1890, 4 and az per cent bonds Ia
the amount OF S21l ,S32 450 at cost OF as G20,
74I resulting in the reduction Of the annual in.
terest charge OF s3 957, ,6O3 and total saving OF
interest of S51. SIG. .7O6
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04
Mnges OF worklnr Peop,e.

From the time OF my induction into office, the
duty of using every power and influence given
by law to the Executive Department for the
d dsvelopment OF larger markets for our prod
uots, especially our farm products, has been
kept constantly In mind, aud no effort
has been, or viii be, spared TO promote that
end. We are under no disadvantage in
any foreign market except that We pay our
workingmon and workingwomen better wages
than aro paid elsew where-better ebstractiy, bet
ter relatively to the cost OF the neces ssaries of
life. / do not doubt that very largely I'm
creased foreign trade is accessible TO US without
bartering for either our homo market for such
products of the farm and shop as our own peo-
pie Gun supply or the wages Of our working
people
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04
POSTAL DEPARTMENT..
MothBds Greatly Improved.

Tho report of the Postmaster General shows
the most gratifying progress In tho important
work committed TO his direction. The business
methods have been greatly improved. A large
economy in expenditures and an increase Of
four and threc-quartors millions in re-
ceipts have been realized. The deficiency tlis
year is IS. 7e6,g0) as against 1850. 1888 last
year, Notwithstanding the great enlargement OF
the service. Mail routes have been extended
and quickened, and greater accuracy and dis
patch in distribution and delivery have been at
tained. The report will be found to be full Of
interest and sht gestion not only TO Congress
but to those thought ii citizens who may be In
tereBted to know what business methods can do
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04

sage In relation TO the patenting OF lands to
settlers upon the public domain has been car
ried out in the administration Of the Land OF
nee NO general suspicion or imputat'on OF
and adjudication Of individual cases upon their
u erits. The purpose has been to perfect the
title OF honest settlers with such prOmptness
that the value OF the entry might not be swal-
lowed up by the expenses and oztortions TO
which delay subjected the claimant. The aver
age monthly Issue of agricultural patents has
been increased about six thousand.
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04
THE NATIONAL LAWS.
satisfac,orIly Administered.

The report OF the Attorney General Is under
the law submitted directly to Congress. but,
as the Department of Justice is one OF the
executive departments some reference to the
work done Is appropriate here
A vigorous and In the main an effective effort
has befh made to bring to trial and punish
ment all violators OF the law; but, at the
same time, care has bsen taken that
frivolous and technical offenses should not he
used TO swell the foes of officers or TO harass
well-dispos6d citizens. Especial attention is
called to tho facts connected Nith the prosecu-
ton of violations of the election laws an I of
offenses against United States officers. The
number of convictions secured, very many of
them upon I'll, as OF guilty, will. it is hoped,
have salutary restraining influence There
have been several cases where Postmasters
appointed by me have been subjected to
violent interference in tho discharge
of their Official duties, ana 10 prosecutions
and personal violence Of tho most ex-
treme character, Some of these cases
have been dealt with through the Department
of Justice, and In SOME cases the postofhcos
have been abolished or suspended. / have
directed the Pos nj iaster General to pursue this
course in all ca .es where other efforts have
failed TO secure for any Postmaster, not himself
in fault IN opportunity peacefully to exercise
the duties OF his Office. But such action will
not supplatt the efforts OF the Department OF
Justice 10 bring tho particular offenders TO pun'
ishmeit
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04
THE TARIFF AND ITS EFFECTS.
Conarcss Congrat lIate !.

1 congratulate the Congress Of the country
Fifty-frst Congress OF an Unusual number of
laws OF very high Importance That the re-
suits of this led Station will be the quickening
and enlargement OF our manufacturing indus
tries larger and better markets for our bread
stuffs and provisions both at home and abroad,
more constant employment and better wages
for our working people, and an increased supply
of safe currency for the transaction OF busi-
ness do not doubt. Some Of these measures
were enacted at so late period that the bene-
fetal effects upon commerce which we're in the
contemplation Of Congress have as yet but
partially manifested themselves.
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04
Innrenso In Ernnris.

The value of our exports OF domestic mer-
chandise during the last year was over Sl15,-
600, coo greater than the preceding year, and
was only exceeded once i'm our history. About
SlO0.OOt01 OF this excess was i'm agricultural
products. Tho production OF pig iTon--always
a good gauge Of general prosperity-is shown
by recent census bulletin TO have been
153 per cent greater I'm 1s0l than I'm 1880,
and the production of steel 40 per cmt.
greater. Mining in coal has had no limitation
except that resulting from deficient transporta-
tion. The general testimony is that labor
is everywhere fully employed, and the reports
for the last year show n smaller number OF en-
ployes affected by strikes and lockouts than in
any year since 1884 The depression I'm the
prices OF agricultur al products bad been greatly
relieved, and n bouyant and hopeful tone was
beginning to be felt by ali our people.
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04
The Portuaucse Incldont.

In tho summer of 1880 an incident occurred
which for some time threatened to interrupt the
coTdiality OF our relations with the Government
of Portugal. That Government seized the Del
agoa Bay Railway. which was constructed under
a concess sion granted q an American citizen,
and at the same time annulled the
charter. The conceseionary, who had en-
barked his fortune in the enterprise
having exhausted other means OF redress
was compelled 10 invoke the protection OF mis-
Government Our representations, made
ooincidently With those OF the Brussels Govern.
ment whose subjects were also largely intsr.
ested, happily resulted in the recognition by
Portugal Of the proprety Of submitting the claim
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04
Fraudulent NATURALIZATION.

The vacation by Judicial decrees OF fratiduient
certificates OF naturalization, upon bills in
equity filed by the AttslIi9y General In the
hpplit alton of familiar equity jurisdiction
Nearly enc hundred decfees have been taken
tfit"h Very TafF,e thnn6efa HofA Ifa1fd1fent
mendation that the laws be SO amended as to
require more fun and searching inquiry int
all the facts necessary to naturalization before
any certificates are granted. 1t certainly Is not
too much 10 require that application for
American citizenship shall be heard with as
much caro- and recorded with MS much formality
as are given to cases involving the pettiest
propartv ri
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04
Valuable Exporiments.

The experiments conducted during the year
to test the relative resisting power of armor
plates have been valuable as to at
tract great attention in Europe. The only
part of the work upon the new ships that Is
threatened by unusual delay is the armor plat.
ing, and every effort is being made To reduce
that TO the minimum. 1t is n source of con-
graduation that the anticipated influence OF
these modern vessels upon the esprit do corps
of the officers aud seamen has been fully ro-
the crew arc equivalent to n secondary battery.
Your favorable consideration is invited TO the
recommendations of the Secretary.
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04
EnpIand,s FInanclaI ranIo.

These promising influences have been in some
degree checked by the surprising and very un.
taken place In England. II is gratifying "a
know that these did not grow in any degree out
OF the financial relations OF Lonoon with oui
ties held I'm that market. Tho return OF oui
bonds and stocks was caused by money strin-
gency in England, not by any loss Of value OF
however, wholly escape he III effects Of foreign
monetary agitation accompanied BY such px
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04
The Late Tarin Act.

The general Tariff act has only partially gone
into operation, some OF its important provisions
being limited to take effect at dates vet ia the
future. The general provisions Of the law havo
been In force less than sixty days. It's perma-
nent effect upon trade and prices still
largely stand In conjecture. II Is curl
GUS to note that the advance in ths
prices OF articles wholly unaffected by this
Tariff act was by many hastily ascribed TO that
general tendency OF the markets was upward
from innuencts wholly apart from the recent
tariff Legislation. The enlargement of our cur
rency by the Silver Bill undoubtedly gave an
upward tendency to trade and had n marked Of
feet ON prices but this natural and desired Of
feet OF the silver legislation was by many err
roneously attribute to the Tariff act
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04
Looking Forward.

The indications thus far given are very hope
full OF early and favorable action by the coun-
tries from which we receive our large imports
of coffee aud sugar, and 1t is confidently be-
iieved that IL steam communication with these
countries can be promptly improved and en-
larRed the next year Will show most gratify-
ing increase In our exports of breadstuffs and
provisions, as we'll as OF somo important lines
OF manufactured goods.
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04
THE NAVY.
spiendid New Vessels.

The construction and equipment OF the new
ships for the navy have made very satisfactory
progress Since March 4, 1889, nine new yes.
sells have been put In commission aud during
this winter four more, including one monitor
will Lo added. The construction OF the other
vessels authorized is being pushed, both in tho
Government ana private yards, with energy
and watched with most scrupulous care.
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04
1he Ahti-Iottery Act.

The passage OF the act to amend certain sec
tions OF the Revised Statutes relating TO lot
teries approved September 10, 1SC, has been
received With great and deserved popular favor.
The Post flee Department aud the Der artment
of Justice at once entered upon the enforce
already the public mails have .en largely freed
from the fraudulent and demoralizing appeals
and literature emanating from the lottery COM
raniCs,
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04
AH.trs I'm It.I,

The increasing numbers and influence OF the
non Mormon population in Utah arc observed
with satisfaction. The recent letter of Wflford
which he advised his people "to refrain from
contracting any marriage forbidden by tho laws
OF the land, has attracted wide attention, and
10 IL hoped that its influence will behiQhlv beno-
fetal IN restraining infractions OF the laws Of
the United States. But the fact should not be
overlooked that the doctrine or belief
riphtful and supported by divine revelation
remains unchanged President Woodruff
does not renounce the doctrine. but refrains
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04
[CHtoAN, TfIURsDAY. DECEMBER 4. 1880.

from teaching II, and advises against the
practice OF 1t because the law 10 against IL.
Now, Il IL quite true that the law should not
attempt 70 deal with the faith or belief Of any
one but 1t is quite another thing. and the
only safe thing, so TO doal with the Territory
OF Utah as that those who believe polygamy
70 be nghtful shall not have the power 70 make
IL lawful
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04
UseIess pubic BuiIdIng Ellis.

At the last session had occasion TO return
with my objections several bills making pro-
visions for the erection of public buildings, for
the reason that the expenditures contemplated
were In my opinion, greatly In excess OF any
public need. No class of legislation is more
liable to abuse, or to degenerate into an un-
seemly scramble about the public treasury,
than this. 1hsre should be exercised In this
matter a wise economy based upon some re-
sponsible and impartial examination and report
as TO each case, under general law,
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04

traordinary incidents as characterized this. II
Is not believed, however, that these evil incl
dents, which have for the time unfavorably az
fected values In this country, can long with
stand the strong. safe. and wholesome infu-
encos which are operating to give to our people
profitable returns in all branches OF legitimate
trade and industry. The apprehension that our
tariff may again and at once be subjected to Inn
portant general changes would undoubtedly add
depressing influence OF the most serious char
aofa
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04
Coast Defonses.

concur In the recommendations OF the Fec
retary that adequate and regular appropria-
tions be continued for coast-defense works and
ordnance. Plans have been practically agreed
upon, and there can be no good reason for delay
ing the execution of them while the defense
less state of our great seaports furnishes an ur-
gent reason for wise expedition
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04

be regarded by the citizens OF any country
having commercial dealings with us MS unfrienda
iy Ifsny duty 10 supposed TO be excessive let the
complaint be lodged there. IL will surely not be
claimed by any well-disI oaed people that d
remedy may be sought and allowed In system
Of uuasf BmuQQlinQ
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04
INTERIOR DEPARTMENT.
satisfactory results Attained.

The report OF the Secretary OF the Interior
exhibits with great fullnesB and clearness
the vast work OF that great department and the
satisfactory results attained. The suggestions
made by him are earnestly commended to the
consideration OF Congress, though they cannot
all be given particular mention hero.
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04
Must Have a Fair Trial.

There Is neither wisdow nor justice in the
suggestion that the subject of tariff revision
shall be opened before this law has had a fair
trial 1t Is quite true that every tariff schedule
is subject to objections No bill was ever
framed, suppose, that in all of its rates and
elias sihcations had the full approval even OF a
party caucus, since legislation is always aud
necessarily the product of compromise as
To details, and the present law Is no excep-
tion. But In It's general scope and effect
think 1t will justify the support OF those who
believe that American legislation should con-
serve American trade aud the wages of work
ingmen. The misinfoTmation as to the terms
Of the act which has been so widely dissent
mated at home and abroad will be corrected by
experience, and the evil auguries as to its re-
suits confounded by the market reports the
savings banks internal trade balances and the
general prosperity OF our people. Already we
begin TO hear from abroad and from
our custom houses that the pro-
hibitory effect upon imporations i'm
puted to the act is not justified. The imports
at the port OF New York for the first three
weeks OF November were nearly per cent.
greater than for the same period in 1889, and 20
per cent. greater than in same period OF 1888.
And 30 far from being act to limit exports, I
confidently believe that under it we shall secure
larger and more profitable participation in
foreign trade than we have ever enjoyed, and
that wo shall recover a proportionate particpa-
ofV Ia tho OOuun Cunt gtIhB "a 0IO VI ph0 "OstSs
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1890-12-04
The NIIitIa.

The encouragement that has beeii extended TO
tho militia of the States, generally and most
appropriately designated the National Guard, "
should be continued and ENLARGED. Those
military Organizations constitute In a large
sense, the army OF the United States, while
about Ave sixths of the annual cost OF their
maintehahce Is defIaYed bY the States.