The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1892-12-09

piercing shells, and without shop instructed
and squipped for the construction OF them.
We are now making what is believed to be
projectile superior TO any before in use. "A
smcSeless powder has been developed and q
slow bur ing powder for guns of large caliber
high explosive, capable OF use in shells fired
from service guns, has been found and the
manufacture Of gun cotton has been developed
so that the question OF supply is no longer in
doubt.
The development Of a naval militia, which
has been organized in eight states aud rought
into cordial and cooperative relation with
the navy, is another important achievement.
There are now enlisted in those organiza-
tons 1900 men and they are likely to be
greatly extended. l recommend such legisla-
and develop this movement The Recommending
tons of the secretary will, l do not doubt, re-
celve the friendly Consideration of congress-
for he Las enjoyed, as he has deserved the
confidence of all those interested in the devel-
opment of our navy, without any division
upon partisan lines. | earnestly express the
hope that work which has made such noble
progress may not now be stayed. The whole
some influence for the peace and the increased
sense of security which our citizens domiciled
in other lands feel when these magnificent
ships u der he American flag appear is already.
most gratefully apparent. The ships from
our navy which will appear in the great naval
parade next April in the harbor OF New York
VIII be convincing demonstration TO the
world that the United States is again u naval
power.
The work of the interior department. always
very burdensome, has been larger than ever
before during the administration of Secretary
Noble. The disability pension law, taking of
the eleventh census, the opening of vast areas OF
Indian lands to settlement, the organization OF
Oklahoma and the negotiations for the cession OF
Indian lands furnish some of the particulars OF
the increased work; and the results achieved
testify to the ability, fidelity, and industry of
the head of the department and his efficient
assist ants.
Several important agreements for the cession
of Indian lands negotiated by the commission
appointed under the act of March =, 1882 are
awaiting the action OF congress Perhaps the
most important of these is that for the cession
of the Cherokee strip. I his region has been
the source OF great vexation to the executive
department, and of great friction and unrest
between the settlers who desire to occupy it
and the Indians who assert title.
The report of the secretary shows a very
gratifying state of facts as to the condition or
Che general land Office. The work of issuing
agricultural patents, which seemed to be hope
lessly i'll arrears when the present secretary
undertook the duties of his ONCE has been 50
expedited that the bureau is now upon cur
rent business. The relief afforded to hon
est and worthy settlers upon the public lands.
by giving to them an assured title to their en-
tries, has been of incalculable benefit in devel
oping the new states and territories.
The court of land claims IS considered in the
message; also the allotment OF lands 10 In
dams. The president tells of having been
called upon several times TO remove Indian
agents for misconduct.
Cheyenne ana ArapahOe.
In a special message to this con. ress at the
last session stated the reasons why bad not
approved the deed for the release to the United
States by the Choctaws and Chickasaws of the
lands formerly embraced in the Cheyenne and
Arapahoe reservations and remaining after
allotments to that tribe. A resolution of the
senate expressing as the opinion of that body not
withstanding the facts stated in my special
message, the deed should b. approved and the
money S2g9l 40 paid over, was presented to
me May Is, 1872. My special message was in
l..xl- 30 h.. 90
to this subject aud in view of
the fact that. it is conceded that the
appropriation proceeded upon a false basis as
to the amount Of lands to be paid for, and is by
$4,000 in excess OF the amount they are entitled
to (even if their claim to the land is given full
recognition at the rate agreed uponD have
not do so at least until both houses of congress
have acted upon the subject. 1t has been in
formally proposed by the claimants to release
this sum of S5O.OOO but have no power to de-
mand accept such q release, and such an
agreement would be without consideration and
void.
Pertaining to Pensions.
The report of the commissioner of pensions,
to which extended notice is given by the secre-
tary of the interior in his report, will attract
great attention. Judged by the aggregate
amount of work done the last year has been
the greatest history oithe Office. believe that
the organization of the Office is efficient and
that the work has been done with fidelity.
The passage of what is known as the disability
bill has, as was foreseen, very largely increased
the annual disbursements to the disabled vet
Grams of the civil war. The estimate for this
fiscal year was S144,956,00O and that amount
was appropriated. A deficiency amounting to
Sl0,05S t2l must be provided for at this se sion,
The estimate for pensions for the fiscal
year ending June 30, 1894, is S165,000,000. The
commissioner OF pensions believes that, If the
present legisia ton and methods are main
tanned ana further additions to the pension
laws are not made, the maximum expenditure
for pensions Will be reacnt d June 10, 1894 and
will be at the high point SIS, 0OOO0O per annum.
adhere to the views expressed in previous
messages that the care of the disabled soldiers
of the war of the rebellion is matter of
national concern and duty. Perhaps no emo
ton cools sooner than that of gratitude but
can not believe that this process has yet
reached point with our people that would
sus ain the policy of RENTING the care of
these disabled Veterans to the inadequate
agencies provided by local laws. The parade
on the 10Th OF September last upon the streets
OF this capital OF 5000 Of the surviving union
veterans of the war Of the rebellion was a
most touching and thrilling episode and the
rich and gro cious welcome extended to them
by the Dlstr CT of Columbia and the applause
that greeted their progress from tens of
thousands of people from all the states
did much to revive the recoDections of the
grand review, when these men and many
thousands others now in their graves were
welcomed with grateful JOY as victors in q
struggle il which the national unity, honor, and
wealth were all at issue.
In my last annual message | called attention
to the fact that some legislative action was
necessary i'll order TO protect the interests of
the government in its relations with the Union
Pacific railway The commissioner of rail
roads has submitted u very full report, giving
exact Information as to the debt, the liens upon
the company property, and its resources. We
must deal with the question as we find it and
take that course which will, under existing
conditions, best secure the interests of the
United States. | recommended in my last an
nual message that commission be appointed
to deal with this question, and | renew that
recommendation and suggest that the commits
sion be given full power.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
Many Interesting Suggestions Made by
Secretary Eusk.