The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1893-12-08
THE MESSAGE.
President Cleveland sent 1t to Congress


Monday.
WASHINGTON, Dec. president Cleve-
lands message was given to congress Mon
day. In it's full text it is very long, but
the greater part is devoted to a review of
the reports of the various departments.
There is nothing radical or sensational in
the message, the Hawaiian matter being
but briefly touched upon, and the recon-
mendations on the tariff question being in
line with the presidents well known
views.
After showing that we are at peace with
foreign powers, and dispOsing briefly of
such diplomatic negotiations as have been
consummated or under way, he refers 10
the steps taken in regard To the Geary law,
the arbitration oyer the Boring sea seiz-
ures, the discrimination in canal tolls,
troubles in the South American republics,
urges that the Nicaragua canal be COM
pleted under American auspices, the latest
Samoan difficulty, the trouble with Spain
over the outrages on our missionaries in
the Caroline islands, and with Turkey, etc.
lie then takes up the Hawaiian matter
and, after recounting the facts already
known, and the action of the administra-
ton thus far, he says:
Upon the facts developed it seemed to
me the only honorable course for our gov
eminent TO pursue was to undo the wrong
that had been done by those representa-
us and TO restore as far as practicable the
status existing at the time of our forcible
intervention. With a view of accomplish
ing this result within the constitutional
limits of executive power and recognizing
all our obligations and responsibilities
growing out of any changed conditions
brought about by our unjustifiable inter-
ference our present minister at Honolulu
has received appropriate instructions to
that end. Thus far no information of the
the accomplishment of any definite results
has been received from him. Additional
advices are soon expected When received
they will be promptly sent to the congress
together with all other information ut
hand, accompanied by a special executive
message fully detailing all the facts neces-
sary to a complete understanding of the
case and presenting history of all the
material events leading up the present
situation.
After briefly giving condensation of
the report of the secretary of the treasury,
he says:
The recent repeal of the provision of law
requiring the purchase of silver bullion by
the government as q feature of our none
tary scheme. has made an entire change in
the complexion of orr currency affairs.
do not doubt that the ultimate result of
this action will be most salutary and far
reaching.
The reports of the secretaries of navy.
war and interior, the attorney general and
the postmaster general, already made pub
lie, are given in condensed form. OF the
postmaster generals report, he says:
He concurs with the recommendations
OF the secretary of the interior in regard to
the treatment of the Indians, the disposal
OF public lands and upon forestry.
After devoting considerable space TO the
report of the secretary of agriculture, and
the subject Of pensions, he then took up
civil service REFORM
/ am, if possible, more than ever con-
WINGED of the incalculable benefits con.
ferred by the civil service law, not only in
its effect upon the pnblic service, but also,
what is even more important, in its effect
in elevating the tone of political life gen
orally. The course of civil service in thi,
country, instructively and interestingly,
illustrates how strong hold a movement
gains upon every people which has under
lying it sentiment of justice and right,
and which at the same time promises bet
ter administration of their government.
The law embodying this reform found
its way to our statute book more from feai
or the popular sentiment existing in it,
favor than from any love for the reform
itself on the part of the legislators; and it
has lived and grown and tiourished in spite
of the covert as well as open hostility of
spoilsmen, and notwithstanding the
querulous impracticability of many self
constituted guardians.
The president then discusses the tariff
question in all its phases, and in conclusion
says:
pels me to invoke for the manifest inter
ests of a generous and confiding people the
most scrupulous care and to pledge my
willing support to every legislative effort
for the advancement of the greatness and
prosperity our beloved country