Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1893-12-13
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
We give such portions of the message
as we think will be of interest to our
readers:

We give such portions of the message
as we think will be of interest to our
readers:
THE HAWAIIAN AFFAIR.
1t is hardly necessary for me to state that
the questions arising from our relations with
Hawaii have caused serious embarrassment.
Just prior to the installation of the present
administration, the existing government Of
Hawaii had been suddenly overthrow, and a
treaty of annexation had been negotiated be-
tween the provisional government of the is
lands and the United States and submitted to
the Senate for ratification. This treaty
withdrew for examination and dispatched
Jas. II. Blount, of Georgia, to Honolulu as
special commissioner to make an impartial
investigation of the circumstances attending
the change of government, and of all condi-
tions bearing upon the subject of the treaty.
Alter thorough and exhaustive examina-
tion MIR. Blount submitted to me his report
showing beyond all question that the consti-
tutional government of Hawaii had been
subverted with the active aid of our repre-
sentative to that government, and through
the intimidation caused by the presence of
an armed naval force of the United States,
which was lande for that purpose, at the in
stance of our Minister. Upon the facts de-
veloped, II seemed to me that the only hon
orable course of our government to pursue,
was to undo the wrong that had been done
by those representing us, and to restore, as
FAR as practicable, the status existing at the
time of our forcible Intervention. With a
view OF accomplishing this result within the
constitutional limits of executive power,an
recognizing all our obligations and RESPONSE
bilities growing out of any changed condi-
tions brought about by our unjustifable in
reference, our present Minister at Honolulu
has received appropriate instructions to that
end. Thus far no information of the accom-
plishment of any definite results have been
received from him.
Additional advices are soon ex pected. When
received they will be promptly sent to the
Congress, togather with all other informa-
tion at hand, accompanied by special exec
utive message, fully detailing all the facts
necessary to a complete understanding of the
case, and presenting history of all the ma
terial events leading up to the present situa-
ton.
THE REPEAL ACT, ETC.
The recent repeal of the provision of law
requiring the purchase of silver bullion by
the government as a feature of our monetary
scheme, has made an entire change in the
complexion Of our currency affairs. do not
doubt that the ultimate result of this action
will be most salutary and far reaching. In
the nature of things, however, it is impossi-
BILE to know, at this time, precisely what con-
,ditions will be brought about by the change
or what, If any, supplementary legislation
may, in the light of such conditions, appear
to be essential or expedient. Ofcourse, after
the recent financial perturbation, time is nee
essary for the reestablishment of business
confidence. When, however, through this re-
stored confidence, the money which has been
frightened into boarding places, is returned
TO trade and enterprise a survey Of the situa-
ton will probably disclose safe path leading
to permanently sound currency, abundant
ly sufficient to meet every requirement of
our increasing population and business. In
the pursuit of this object we should resolute-
ly turn away from alluring and temporary
expedients, determined 70 be content with
nothing less than lasting and comprehen-
sive financial plan. In these circumstances
am convinced that a reasonable delay in
dealing with this subject, instead of being
injurious, will increase the probability of
wise action.
1t seems to me that II would be wise to give
general authority to the President to invite
other nations to such conference at any
time when there should be fair prospect of
accomplishing an International agreement
on the subject of coinage.
desire also to earnestly suggest in regard
authority now vested in the Secretary of the
Treasury to issue bonds is not as clear as it
should be and the bonds authorized are disad
vantageous to the government, both as to the
timeof their maturity and the rate of interest
VICIOUS SYSTEM CONDEMNED.
The report of the Attorr eyGeneral contains
the usual summary OF the affairs and pro.
ceedings of the department of justice for the
past year together with certain recommen-
dations as to needed legislation on various
subjects. / can not too heartily endorse the
proposition that the fee system as applca-
BILE to the compensation of United States at
torneys, marshals, clerks of federal courts
and United States commissioners should be
abolished with as little delay as possible 1t
is clearly in the interest of the community
that the business of courts, both civil and
criminal, should be as small and inexpen-
sively transacted as the ends of justice will
allow.
The system is,therefore thoroughly vicious
which makes the compensation of court Of
ficials depeno upon the volume of such busi-
ness and thus create conflict between a
proper execution of the law and private gain,
which can not fail to be dangerous to the
rightsl and freedom of the citizens and an
irresistible temptation to the unjustifable
expenditure of funds. Ifin addition TO this
reform another was inaugurated which
would give to the United States commission
ers the final disposition of petty offenses
within the grade of misdeamors, especially
those coming under the internal revenue
law, agreat advance would be made toward
more decent administration of our criminal
law.
In my first message TO Congress, dated De-
cember 8, 1856, l strongly recommended
these changes and referred somewhat at