Birmingham state herald., 1895-12-04
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
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 lar officers receiving more than that sum are often charged with functions and du- ties scarcely inferior in dignity and im- portance to those of diplomatic agents, and it was, therefore, thought best to continue their selection in the discretion of the executive without subjecting them to an examination before board.
 Excluding seventy-one places, with compensation at present less than 5000, and fifty-three places above the maxi mum in compensation, the number of po- sitions remaining within the scope of the order is 196. This number will undoubt- edly be increased by the inclusion of consular officers whose remuneration in fees, now less than 5000, will be aug mented with the growth of our foreign commerce and a return to more favorable business conditions.
 In execution of the executive order re- ferred to, the secretary of state has des- ignated as a board to conduct the pre- scribed examinations the third assistant secretary of state, the solicitor of the department of state and the chief of the consular bureau, and has specified the subjects to which such examinations shall relate. It is not assumed that this system will prove a full measure of con sular reform. It is quite probable that actual experience will show particulars in which the order already issued may be amended, and demonstrate that, for the best result, appropriate legislation by congress is imperatively required.
 In any event, these efforts to improve the consular service ought to be imme- diately supplemented by legislation pro- yiding for consular inspection. This has frequently been subject of executive recommendation, and 1 again urge such action by congress as will permit the frequent and thorough inspection of con sulates by officers appointed for that purpose. or by persons already in the diplomatic or consular service. The ex- pense attending such plan would be in- significant compared with it's usefulness, and I hope3the legislation necessary to set it on foot will be speedily forthcom- ing as
 I am thoroughly convinced that in ad- dition to their salaries our ambassadors and ministers at foreign courts should be provided by the government with official residences. The salaries of these officers are comparatively small;~ and in most cases insufficient to pay, with their necessary expenses the cost or maln- taining household establishments in keeping with their important and deli cate functions. The usefulness of a na- tions diplomatic representative depends much upon the appropriateness of his surroundings, and country ike ours, while avoiding unnecessary glitter and show, should be certain that 1t does not suffer in its relations with foreign na- tions through parsimony and shabbiness in it's diplomatic outfit. These consid- erations and the other advantages of having fixed and somewhat permanent locations for our ambassadors would abundantly justify the moderate expend- iture necessary to carry out this sugges- tion.
 Finances.
 As we turn from a review of our for eign relations to the contemplation Of our national financial situation we are im- fnediately aware that we approach a subject of domestic concern more import ant than any other than can engage our attention. and one at present in such 0 perplexing and delicate predicament as to require prompt and wise treat fnent We may well be encouraged to an earnest effort in this direction when we recall the steps already taken to- wards improving our economic and finan- cial situation, and when we apprecl- ate how we'll the way has been prepared for further progress by an aroused ana intelligent popular interest in these sub jects. By vote of the people a customs revenue system designed for the protec- ton and benefit of favored classes at the expense of the great mass of our coun- trymen, and which, while inefficient for the purpose of revenue, curtailed our trade relations and impeded our entrance 10 the markets of the world, has been su- perseded by a tariff policy which, in principle, is based upon denial Of the right of the government to obstruct the avenues to our peoples cheap living or lessen their comfort and contentment for the sake of according advantages to fa- vorites and which, while encouraging our intercourse and trade with other na- lions, recognizes the fact that American self reliance. thrift and ingenuity can build up our country's industries and de- velop its resources more surely than un- availing paternalsm.
 The compulsory purchase and coinage of silver by the government unchecked and unregulated by business conditions . and needless of our currency needs. which for more than fifteen years di- luted our circulating medium, under mined confidence abroad in our financial ability and at last eliminated in distress and panic at home, has recently been stopped by the repeal of the laws which forced this reckless scheme upon the not withstanding their extreme import ance and beneficent effects fall far short of curing the monetary evils from which we suffer as result of long indulgence in ill-advised financial expedients.
 The currency denominated United States notes, and. commonly known as greenbss9ss. was issued in large volumes during the late civil war and was intend ed originally to meet the exigencies of that period. It will be seen by reference to the debates in congress at the time these laws were passed authorizing these notes that their advocates declared they were intended for only temporary use and to meet the emergency of war. In almost if not all the laws relating to them some provision was made contem- plating their voluntary or compulsory retirement. A large quantity of them, however. were kept on foot and mingled with the currency of the country, so that at the close of the year 1874 they amount ed to $3S1, ,999, ,073.
 Immediately after that date. and in January, 1875 a law was passed provid- ing for the resumption of specie pay ments. by which the secretary of the treasury was required whenever addi- tonal circulation was issued to national banks to retire United States notes equal in amount to 80 per cent of each addi- tional national bank circula tion until such notes were reduced to S300 000 000
 This law further provided that on and after the 1st day of January, 1879, the United States notes then outstanding should be redeemed in coin, and In order to provide and prepare for such redemp- tion the secretary of the treasury was authorized not only to use any surplus revenues of the government, but to is- sue bonds of the United States and dis