Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-12-02
TIE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
Eoovr1suEp Frog FIRST pAeE.l
he progress of those that are of universal in

EaDS RAGE.l
the progress of those that are of universal in
terest.
In view of these conditions, I refrain from
bringing before you ct this tine some sugges-
tons that would otherwise be made, and most
earnestly evoke your attention to the duty of
per1ectiug the important legislation now well
advanced To some OF those measures which
seem to RE most important, now briefly call
your attention.
AMERICAN STEAMSHIP LINES
desire to request, with added urgency, the
recommer dation contained in my last annual
message in relation TO the development of
American steamship lines. The reciprocity
clause of the tariff bill will be largely limited,
and is benefits retarded and diminished, If
provision is not contemporaneously made 10 en-
courage tie establishment of fiist-clsSs steam
communication between our ports and the ports
of such nations as may meet our overtures for
enlarged commercial exchanges. The steam
ship carrying the mails steadily and frequently
ana Offering TO passengers & comfortable, safe
and speedy transit is the first condition of for
eign trade. 1t carries the order o the buyer
but not all that is ordered or bought. It gives
70 the sailing vessels such caTgoes as are not
urgent or periShable, and indirectly at least
promotes that import adjunct of commerce
Here is now, both in this country and in the
nations OF Central and South America, expecta-
ti0n and confidence as to the increased trade
that viii give a double value TO your promps
action upon this question. The present situa-
illustrates the importance of early action by
Congress.
The Oceanic Steamship Company maintains a
line of steamers between San Francisco, sydney
and Auckland, consisting Of three vessels, two
of which are of United States registry and one
OF foreign registry For the service done by
this line IN carving the mails, we pay annually
the sum of $4,000, being estimated the full sea
and United states inland postage, which is the
limit fixed by law. The colonies of New South
Wales and New Zealand have been paying an
TOA IN aaE fln
mails rom sydney and Auckland to San Fran
cisco. The contract under which this payment
has been made is now about to expire, and
those colonies have refused TO renew the con-
tracts unless the United states shall pay more
equitable proportion OF the sum necessary to
hold the service.
I am advised by the Postmaster-Genera that
the United States received for carrying the
Australian mails brought to San Francisco in
these steamers by rail TO Vancouver, an esti
mated annual income of $1,000. While, as
have stated, we are paying but for the support
o: the steamship line that brings this mail to
us only $4,000, leaving annually a surplus re-
su!ting from this service OF $1,000 The
trade of the United States with Aus
tralIa, which is in @ considerable part car
ried by these steamers and the whole Of which
is practically dependent upon the mail COM
municaeicn which they maintain, is largely in
our favor. Our total exports of merchandise 10
Australian ports during the fiscal year ending
June 80, 1880, were 81, 266 4s4, while the total
imports of merchandise from these ports were
only 81, 277, GO
II we are not willing to see this important
steamship line Withdrawn or continued, with
Vancouver substituted for sau Francisco as the
American terminal, Congress should put il in
the power OF the Postuaster-G General TO make q
liberal increase in the amount now paid for the
transportation of this important mail.
The South Atlantic and Gulf ports occupy s
very favored position towards the new and I'M
portGnt commerce which the reciprocity clause
of the Tariff Act and the Postal Shipping bill
are designed to promote. Steamship lines from
tl,..rA D,
America will almost certainly effect connec-
ton between the railroad systems OF the CONT
nent long before any continuous line of rail
road ceu be put in operation.
The very large appropriation made at last ses-
sion for the harbor of Galveston was justified,
as it seemed to be by these considerations that
the great Northwest will feel the advantage of
trunk line TO the south, as well as to the East,
and of the new markets opened for the supply of
food products and for many of their manufact-
ured products.
INTERNATIONAL AMERICAN BANKS.
l had occasion in May last to transmit TO Con-
gress report adopted by the International
American Conference upon the subject of the
incorporation of an international American
bank. with view to facilitating money ex-
change between the States represented in that
conference. Such an institution would greatly
promote the trade we are seeking to develop. /
renew the recommendation that a careful and
well guarded charter be granted. l do not
think the power 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 10 accomplish the object pri-
marily in view, namely, convenient foreign
exchanges.
1t is quite important that prompt action
should be taken in this matter, in order tina.
any appropriations for better communication
with these countries, and any agreement that
may be made for reciprocity of trade may not
be hindered, aud for the convenience of making
exchanges throughout Europe, and the money
" iS m
event of tkat method of business.
bill for the relief of the Supreme Court has
after many. years of discussion, reached a posi-.
ton when fnsl action is easily attainable and
1t is hoped that any differences of opinion may
be SO merged as 10 save the essential features of
this very important measure. In this connec-
that the salaries of Judges of the United States
District Courts be readjusted, that none of them
shall receive less than 60, 900 per annum.
MEXICAN LAND GRANTS.
The subject of adjusted Spanish aad Mexican
land grants, and the urgent necessity for pro-
duclng some commission or tribunal for final
treatment of the question growing out thereof.
was twice brought by me TO the attention of
Congress at the las. session. Bills have been re-
ported from the proper Commissions and both
Houses on the subject, and 1 very earnestly
hope that this Congress will put an end to the
delay which has attended the settlement of dis
putes as to title.bearing settlers and claimants
under these grants. These disputes retard pros
perity and distract the peace OF large and i'm
portant communities.
SMALL HOLDINGS OF FARM LANDS.
The Governor of New Mexico in his last re-
port TO the Secretary of the Interior, suggests
some notifications OF the provision of pending
bills relating to small holdings of farm lands. /
commend to your attention the suggestions of
the Secretary of the Interior upon this subject.
NATIONAL BANKRUPT LAW.
The enactment of national bankrupt law
still regard as very desirable. The Constitu-
ton having given to Congress Jurisdiction of
this subject. 1t should be exercised and uniform
rules provided for the administration OF the af-
fairs of insolvent debtors. The Inconvenience
resulting from the occasional and temporary
exercise of this power by Congress and from the
conflicting State codes of insolvency, which
come into force intermediately, should be re-
moved by the enactment of simple, irex-
pansive and permanent national bankrupt law.
INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT.
also renew my recommendation in favor of
legislation atfording just copyright protection
for foreign authors on footing OF reciprocal
advantage for authors abroad.
sAFEGU ARDS AGAINST RAILWAY ACCIDENTS
1t may still be possible for this Congress to
inaugurate, by suitable legislation, move
ment looking TO uniformity and an increased
safety in the use of coupiers and brakes upon
fGI