Thomas County cat., 1890-12-04

Francisco in these steamers by rail to
Vancouver, an estimated income of $15,-
OO0, while Us have stated, We are paying
out for the support of the steamship line
that brings this mail to US only $36, 600,
leaving an annual surplus resulting from
this service, of $4,000.
The trade of the United States with
Australia, which is in a considerable part,
carried by these steamers, and the whole
of which is practically dependent upon
the mail communication which they
maintain is largely in our favor.
Our total exports of merchandise to
Australian ports during the fical year
ending June 30, 1890, were S11 ,2GG. .4S4,
while the total imports of merchandise
from these ports were only $4.277,676. If
We are not willing to see this important
steamship line withdrawn or continued
with Vancouver substituted for San
Francisco as the American terminal, con-
gress should put it in the power Of the
postmaster general to make liberal in
crease in the amount now paid for the
transportation of this mail.
SOUTH AMERICAN BUSINESS.
The south Atlantic and gulf ports occu-
py 4 very favored position toward the new
and imports mt commerce which the recip-
rocity clause of the tariff act and the pos
tai shipping bill are designed to promote.
Steamship lines from these ports to some
northern port of South America will al
most certainly effect connection be-
tween the railroad system of the CONT
nents long before any continuous line of
railroads can be put into operation.
The very large appropriation made at
the last session for the harbor of Calves
ton was justified as it seems to me by
these considerations.
The great northwest will feel the ad-
vantage of trunk lines to the south as
we'll as to the east and Of the new markets
open Tor their surplus food products and
for many of their manufactured products.
MONEY EyCHANGE.
had occasion in May last, to transmit
to congress a report adopted by the Inter
national American conference upon the
subject of the incorporation of an inter
national American bank with view to
facilitating money exchange between the
states represented in that conference,
such en- institution would greatly pro-
mote the trade We are seeking TO ce-
velop.
l renew the recommendation that a
careful and well guarded charter be
granted. | do not think the powers
granted should include those ordinarily
exercised by trust guaranty, and safe de-
posit companies, or that more branches
in the United States should be author
lied than are strictly necessary TO accom-
plish the object primarily in view,
namely: Convenient foreign exchanges.
1t is quite important that prompt action
should be taken in this matter in order
that any appropriations for better COM
munications with these countries, and
any agreement that may be made for re-
ciprocal trade may not be hindered by
the Inconvenience of making exchanges
through European money centres or bur-
dened by the tribute which is an incident
of that method of business.
THE SUPREME COURT BILL.
The bill for the relief of the supreme
court has after many years of discussion
reached position when final action is
| easily attainable, and it is hoped that any
differences of opinion may be so har-
moniZed as to save the essential features
of this very important measure.
In this connection | earnestly renew
my recommendation that the salaries OF
the Judges of the United States
| district courts be so readjusted that
none of them shall receive salary less
| than $4,000 per annum.
SPANISH LAND GRANTS.
The subject of he unadjusted Spanish
and Mexican land grants and the urgent
necessity for providing some commission
or tribunal for the trial of questions of
titles growing out OF them were twice
| 4 i l.. I! Of
| gress at the last session.
Bills have been reported from the
! proper committees in both houses upon
the subject and l very earnestly hope
that this congress will put an end to the
| delay which has attended the settlement
| of the disputes as to title between the set
tiers and claimants under these grants.
These disputes retard the prosperity
and disturb the peace OF large and i'm
portant communities.
The governor of New Mexico, in his
last report to the secretary of the interior,
suggests some notifications, not provis-
ions of the pending bills, relating to the
small holdings of farm lands. l COM
mend to your attention the suggestions
of the secretary of the interior upon this
subject.
| NATIONAL BANKRUPT LAW.
The enactment of the national bank
rupt law, still regard as very desirable.
The constitution having given to congress
| jurisdiction of this subject, it should be
exercised and uniform rules provided for
the administration of the affairs Of insol-
vent debtors.
The inconvenience resulting from the
occasional and temporary exercise OF this
power by congress, and from the conflict
| ing state codes of insolvency which come
into force intermediately, should be re-
moved by the enactment of simple, in
expensive and permanent national bank
rupt law.
COPYRIGHT.
l also renew my recommendation in
| favor of legislation affordins just copy
right and protection to foreign authori-
lies on footing Of reciprocal advantage
for our authors abroad.
SAFETY OF RAILWAY EMPLOYEES.
1t may still be impossible for this con-
gress to inaugurate by suitable legisla-
ton a movement looking to uniformity
and increased safety in the use of coup
lers and brakes upon freight trains en-
gagged in interstate commerce.
The chief difficulty is to secure agree
ment as to the best appliances. simplicity,
effectiveness and cost being considered.
This difficulty will only yield to legis-
lation which should be based upon full
| inouiry and impartial tests. The pur-