davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16
Claims Against Turkey.

We have made claims against the Turk
ish government for the pillage and de-
struction of missionary property at Harput
and Marash. during uprisings at these
places Thus far. the validity of these
demands has not been admitted. though
our minister, prior TO such outrages, and
In anticipation of danger, demanded
of our missionary citizens in the localities
mentioned, and Notwithstanding that
strong evidence exists of the actual COM
pliclty of Turkish soldiers in the work of
destruction and robbery. The facts, as they
now appear. do not permit us to doubt
the justice of these claims, and nothing
will be omitted to bring about their prompt
settlement.
A number of Armenian refugees having
arrived at our ports, and order having
lately been obtained from the Turkish
government permitting the wives and
children of such refugees to Join them
here, it Is hoped that hereafter no OBJ
stacle will be interposed to prevent the
escape OF all those who seek to avoid the
perils which threaten them in Turkish do
minions
Our recently appointed consul to Erze-
roum Is at his post and discharglng the
duties OF his Office, though for some unac-
countable reason his formal exequatur
from the sultan has not been issued.
] do not believe that the present somber
prospect in Turkey will be long permitted
to offend the sight Of christendom. 1t SC
mars the humane and enlightened cvili-
zston that belongs to the close of the
that the earnest demand of good people
throughout the Christian world for II.
corrective treatment will remain unan.
swered
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16
Destruction of Pronertx.

Meanwhile as in all cases of protract-
ed civil strife, the passions of the
combatants grow more and more
infiamed. and eXcesses on both sides
become more frequent and more
deplorable. They are also participated in
by bands of marauders who now in the
name of one party, and now in the name
of the other, as may best suit the occa-
sion, harass the country at will and
plunder its wretched inhabitants for their
own advantage. Such a condition of things
would inevitably entail immense destruc-
tion of property. even If 1t were the policy
of one party to prevent it as far as prac-
ticable. But while such seemed to be the
original policy of the Spanish government
1t has now apparently abandoned 1t, and
is acting upon the same theory as the in
surgents, namely: That the exigencies OF
the contests require the wholesale ami
hilation of property that II may not prove
of any use and advantage to the enemy.
1t is to the same end that, in pursuance
of general orders, Spanish garrisons are
now being withdrawn from plantations.
and the rural population is being re-
quired to concentrate itself in the town.
The sure result would seem to be that the
Industrial value of the island Is fast d.
minishing. and that unless there Is a
speedy and radical change In the existing
conditions it will soon disappear alto
gether.
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16
FINANCIAL MATTERS.
The weakness nps Siees of Our Pres
ent Methods.

This reference to the condition and pros-
poets of our revenues naturally suggests
an allusion to the weakness and vices of
our financial methods. They have been
frequently pressed upon the attention of
congress in previous executive conimunica-
tions and the Inevitable danger of their
continued toleratlon pointed out Without
now repeating these details, L cannot re.
frain from again earnestly presenting the
necessity of the prompt reform of a sys-
tenn opposed TO every rule of sound finance.
and shown by experience TO be fraught with
the gravest peril and perplexity.
The terrible war which shook the founda-
tons of cur government more than 80 years
ago brought in Its train the destruction OF
property. the wasting of our eountrys
substance ana the estrangement Of breth-
ren. These are now past and forgotten.
Even the distressing loss of life the con-
hiet entaiied is but a sacred memory which
fosters patriotic sentiment and keeps alive
a tender regard for those who nobly died
And yet there remains with us today
In full strength. as incident of that
tremendous struggle feature of its finan-
cial necessities not only unsuited to our
present circumstances but manlfestiy a
disturbing menace to business security and
an eYer-present agent of monetary distress.
Because we may be enjoying a temporary
relief from its depressing influence should
not lull us into a false security nor lead
us to forget the suddenness of past yisita-
tions.
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16
PRESIDENT 5 MESSAGE
The Important Features of
the Chief Executives Ad.
dress to Congress.

To the Congress OF the United States:
AS representatives of the people in the
legislative branch of their government, you
have assembled at a time when the strength
and excellence of our free Institutions
and the fitness of our citizens to enjoy
popular rule have been again made mani
fest. A political contest involving moment
GUS consequences, fraught with feverish
apprehension, and creating aggressiveness
SO intense as to approach bitterness and
passion, has been waged throughout our
land. and determined by the decree of free
and independent suffrage without disturb
ance of our tranquility or the least sign
OF weakness in our national structure.
When we consider these incidents and
contemplate the peaceful obedience and
manly submission which have succeeded a
heated clash of political opinions, we dis
cover abundant evidence of determination
on the part of our countrymen to abide by
every verdict of the popular will, and to
be controlled at all times by an abiding
faith in the agencies established for the
direction of the affairs Of their govern
ment. Thus, our people exhibit patriotic
disposition which entities them to demand
of those who undertake to make and exc
cute their laws such faithful and unselfish
| service in their behalf as can only be pro-
moted by a serious appreciation of the
trust and confidence which the acceptance
of public duty invites
In obedience to constitutional require
ment, l hereby submit to the congress
certain information concerning national af-
fairs, with the suggestion of such legisla-
ton as, in my judgment, is necessary
and expedient To secure brevity and to
avoid tiresome narration, l shall omit
many details concerning matters within
federal control. which, by no means un-
important are more profltably discussed
in departmental reports.
l shall also further curtail this communi-
cation by emitting a minute recital of any
minor incidents connected with our foreign
relations which have heretofore found a
place In executive messages. but are now
contained In a report of the secretary OF
state, which is herewith submitted.
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16
Respect for Spain.

1t may also be said that this persistent
attitude of the United States towards
Spain In connection with Cuba unuues-
tionably evinees no slight respect and re-
gard for Spain on the part OF the Amer
lean people. They, in TRUTH do not forget
her connection with the discovery OF the
Western hemisphere, nor do they under
estimate the great qualities of the Span
ish people, nor fail to fully recognize their
splendid patriotism and their chivalrous
devotion to the national honor. They
view with wonder and admiration the
cheerful resolution with which vast bod
les of men are sent across thousands of
miles of ocean and an enormous debt ac-
cumulated that the costly possession of
the Gem of the Antilles may still hold its
place in the Spanish crown.
And yet neither the government nor the
people of the United States have shut
their eyes 10 the course of events in Cuba
nor have failed to realize the extent of
conceded grievances which have led to
the present revolt from the authority OF
Spain, grievances recognized by the queen
regent and by the eortes. voiced by the
most patriotic and enlightened of Spanish
statesmen without regard to party, and
demonstrated by reforms proposed by the
executive and approved by the legislative
branch of the Spanish government. 1t is
in the assumed temper and disposition of
the Spanish government TO remedy these
grievances, fortified by indications of in
| nuential public opinion In Spain, that
/ this government has hoped to discover the
| most promising and effective means of
| composing the present strife with honor
| and advantage to Spain and with the
| achievement of all the ostenslble OBJ
jects OF the insurrectlon.
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16

without practically securing the great OBJ
tect for which they took up arms.
III Spain has not yet re-establshed her
authority, neither have the insurgents vet
made good their title to be regarded as an
independent state. Indeed, as the contest
has gone on, the pretense that civil gov
ernment exists on the island, except so far
as Spain Is able to maintain 1t. has been
practically abandoned. Spain does keep
on foot such a government. more or less
imperfectly. In the large towns and their
immediate suburbs, but, that exception
being made, the entire country is either
given over to anarchy or Is subject to the
military occupation of one or the other
party. II Is reported. indeed. on reliable
authority. that at the demand of the COM
mander-in-chief of the lnsurgent army
the putative Cuban government has now
given up all attempt to exercise its func-
tons. leaving that government confessed
ly (what there is best reason for suppos-
ing 1t always to have been In facD a gov
ernment merely on paper.
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16
Public Lands.

Our public lands. originally amounting to
1.S40 0OO, 600 acres. have been so reduced
that only 900, 100000 still remain in govern
ment control. excluding Alaska The bal
ance, being by far the most valuable por-
tion, has been given away to settlers, to
new states and to railroads. or sold at a
comparatively nominal sum.
The patenting of land, in execution OF
railroad grants has progressed rapidly
during the year and since the 4th day of
Marcn, 1898, about 25,000,0 900 acres have
thus been conveyed TO these corporations.
] agree with the secretary that the re-
mainder Of our public lands should be more
carefully dealt with, and their alienation
guarded against by better economy and
greater prudence.
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16

hfb4ts satisfactory conditions In the several
branches of the public service intrusted to
his charge. The limit OF our military
force, as nxed by law, is constantly and
and morals of our army are excellent, and
marked progress and efficiency are appar-
ent throughout Its entire organization.
With the exception of delicate duties In
the suppression of slight Indian disturb
ances along our southwestern boundary
In which the Mexican troops co-operated
and The compulsory but peaceful return,
with the consent of Great Britain. of a
band OF Cree Indians from Montana to
the British possessions no active opera
tons have been required of the army dur
ing the year past
Changes in the method of administration,
the abandonment of unnecessary posts and
and the exercise OF care and vigilance by
the various officers charged with the re-
sponsbility in the expenditures OF the ap-
propriat!ons, have resulted in reducing to
minimum the cost of maintenance of
our military establishment
During the past year the work OF con-
structing permanent infantry and cavalry
posts has been continued at places here
tofore designated. The secretary of wal
repeats his recommendation that appropria-
tions for barracks and quarters shoulc
more strictly conform to the need of the
service, as judged by the department
rather than respond to the wishes and i'm.
portunities OF localities. 1t is imperative
that much OF the money proyided for such
construction should now be allotted to this
erection OF necessary quarters for the gar
risons assigned to the coast defenses, whert
many men will be needed to properly cart
for and operate modern guns. 1t is es
sential, too, that early provision be mad,
to supply the necessary force OF artillery
TO meet the demands of this service.
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16
Pacific Rnilronds,

The secretary calls attention to the pub-
lie interests involved In an adjustment
of the obligations OF the Pacific railroads
to the government, I deem 1t to be an i'm
portant duty TO especially present this sub
ject to the consideration of the congress.
on January /, 1897, with the amount al
ready matured. more than S13. 900, 900 of the
principal of th' subsidy bonds issued by
the United States in aid of the construc-
ton of the Union Pacific railway includ-
ing its Kansas line, and more than S6.000,-
600 of like bonds issued in aid of the Cen
trail Pacific railway, including those issued
to the Western Pacific Railway Company,
will have fallen due and been paid or must
on that day be paid by the government.
| Without any reference to the application of
the sinking fund now In the treasury, this
Will create such a default on the part of
these companies to the government as will
give II the right to at once institute pro-
caedings TO foreclose its mortgage lien. In
addition to this indebtedness that will
be due January l, 1897, there will mature
between that date and January /, 1899, the
remaining principal of such subsidy bonds
which must also be met by the govern
ment These amount to more than S20,-
100000 on account of the Union Pacific
! lines, and exceed $21 900, 900 on account of
| the Central Pacific lines.
The situation of these roads and the
condition of their Indebtedness to the gov
ernment have been fully set forth in the
reports of various committees to the pres
ent and prior congresses, and as early as
1887 they were thoroughly examined by
special commission appointed pursuant to
an act of congress. The considerations re-
quring an adjustment of the governments
relations to the companies have been clear
ly presented and the conclusion reached
with practical uniformity that II these
relations are not terminated they should
be revised upon basis securing their safe
continuance.
Under a section of the act of congress
passed March 3, 1887, the president Is
charged with the duty In the event that
any mortgage or other incumbrance para
mount to the interest of the United States
In the property of the Pacific railroads
shall exist and be lawfully liable to be
enforced, to direct action of the depart.
ments OF the treasury and of justice in
the protection of the interest of the United
States by thorough judicial proceedings
including foreclosure of the government
| liens In view of the fact that the con-
gress has for number OF years almost
constantly had under consideration plans
for dealing with the conditions existing be-
tween these roads and the government
have thus far felt justified in Withholding
action under the statute above mentioned.
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16
The Union Pacific Case.

In the case of the Union Pacific, how
ever, the situation has become especially
and Immediately urgent. Proceedings have
been Instituted to foreclose first mort
gage upon those aided parts of the main
line upon which the government holds a
second and subordinate mortgage lien. In
consequence of these proceedings and in
creasing complications, added to the default
occurring on the LIST day of January. 1897
a condition will be presented on that date
so far as this company is concerned, that
must emphasize the mandate OF the act
OF 1887, and give TO executive duty under
It's provisions more imperative aspect
Therefore, unless congress shall otherwise
direct, or shall have previously determined
upon a different solution of the problem,
there will hardly appear to exist any rea-
son for delaying, beyond the date of the
default above mentioned, such executive
action as will promise to subserve the pub
lie interests and save the government from
the loss threatened by further inaction.
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16
INTERIOR DEPARTMENT..
Spent AS Much Money 1t Used to
Take to Run the Government.

The report of the secretary of the interior
presents a comprehensive and interesting
exhibit OF the numerous and important
affairs committed to his supervision. 1t is
impossible In this communication to do
more than briefly refer to a few of the
subjects concerning which the secretary
gives full and instructive information.
The money appropriated on account of
this department for its disbursement for
the fiscal year ending June 30, 1896, amount
ed to more than $4,000, 600. or a greater
sum than was appropriated for the entire
maintenance of the government for the
two fiscal years ended June 80, 1861.
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16
DEPARTMENT. OF AGRrcuLTunE.



The secretary reports that the value OF
our exports of farm products during the
last fiscal year amounted to $50 600 600
an increase of Sl7000.OOO over those OF the
year Immediately preceding This state
ment is none the less welcome because
of the fact that Notwithstanding such in
crease the proportion of exported agricul-
tural products TO our total exports of all
descriptions fell off during the year The
benefits of an increase in agricultural
exports being assured, the decrease in the
proportion to our total exports is the more
gratifying. when we consider that il Is
owing to the fact that such total exports
for the year increased more than $75 000,-
0O0
The large and increasing expectation of
our agricultural products suggests the
great usefulness of the organization.
lately established in the department for
the purpose of giving to those engaged In
farming pursuits reliable information con-
cerning the condition and needs ana ad-
vantages of different foreign markets.
Inasmuch as the success of the farmer
depends upon the advantageous sale OF
his products and inasmuch as foreign
markets must largely be the destination
of such products, 1t is quite apparent
that a knowledge of the conditions and
wants that affect those markets ought to
result in sowing more intelligently and
reaping with better promise OF profit.
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16
THB CUBAN QUESTION.
Friendly Offices of the United states
offered to Settle the Mnr.

fhe insurreetion in Cuba still continues,
with all its perplexities. 1t is difficult to
perceive that any progress has thus far
been made towards the paeifieatlon of the
island, or that the situation of affairs, as
depicted in my last annual message, has in
the least improved.
If Spain still holds Havana and the sea
eorts and all the considerable towns, the
Insurgents still roam at will over at least
two-thrds Of the inland country. The de-
termination of Spain to put down the in
surreetlon seems but strengthened with
the lapse of time, as is evineed by her
unhesitating devotion of largely increased
military and naval forces to the task.
There Is much reason to believe that the
Insurgents have gained In number, char
acter and resources. and are none the less
ndexible In their resolve not to succumb
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16
Indian Annirs.

The total Indian population of the United
States is Ia, ,235. according TO a census made
in 1895. exclusive of those within the state
of New York and those comprising the Ave
civilized tribes OF this number, there
are approximately 3s 900 children of school
age. During the year, 1888 of these were
enrolled In SCHOOLS. The progress which
has attended recent efforts to extend In
dian school facilities and the anticipation
of continued liberal appropriations to that
end cannot fail to afford the utmost sa It's
faction to those who believe that the edu.
cation OF Indian children is q prime factor
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16
mnripe Ho.p,,aI service.

The operations of the marine hospital
service. the revenue cutter service, the
steamboat inspection service, the light
house service, the bureau Of navigation and
other branches of public work attached to
the treasury department. together with
various recommendations concerning their
support and Improvement are fully stated
in the report Of the secretary OF the treas
ury, to which the attention of congress
Is especially invited.
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16
Conc1udine Remarls..

In concluding this communication. Its
last words shall be an appeal to the con-
gress for the most rigid economy In the
expenditure of the money 1t holds in trust
for the people The way to perplexfux
extravagances Is easy. but a rer4fn 10
frugalty Is difficult. When. however. ii.
is considered that those who can bear
the burdens Of taxation have no guaranty
of honest care, save In the fidelity OF their
public servants, the duty of all possible
retrenchment Is plainly manifest When
our differences are forgotten and our con-
tests of political opinion are no longer re-
membered, nothing in the retrospect OF
our public service VIII be as fortunate
and comforting as the recollection Of Of
flcial duty well performed and the mem-
ory of a constant devotion to the interests
Of our confiding fellow countrymen.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
Executive Mansion, Dec. I. 1896.
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16

During the past year, rapid progress has
been made toward the completion of the
scheme adopted for the protection and
armament Of fortificatiofs along our sea
coast, while equal progress has been made
IN providing the material for subma rine
detenses In connection with these works
III is peculiarly gratifying, at this time,
10 note the great advance that has been
mace IN this important undertaking since
the date of my annual message to the SD
congress at the opening of its second an
hual session In December 1898 At that
time, informed the congress of the APP
preaching completion of nine Pinch 20 10
men and "a S-inch high-power steel guns
ana 70 l2-inch rihed mortars. This total
then seemed insignificant compared with
the great work remaining to be done vet II
was none the less a source of satisfaction
to every citizen when he reflected that if
represented the first instalment OF the new
ordnance of American design and American
manufacture and demonstrated our ability
10 supply from our own resources guns of
uheNcelled power and accuracy Al that
GATE, however, there were practically nc
carriages upon which 10 mount these guns
and only 81 emplacements for guns and
o4 Tor mortars. Nor were all these EN-.
placements in condition to receive theil
armament. Only one high-power gun wa.
al that time in position for the defense OF
the entire coast. Since that time the mum.
Der OF guns actually completed has beer
increased to 81 Pinch, Sc 10-inch, and g.
S-lnch rified mortars.
In addition there are in nrocess of con
struction one 16-ineh-type gun, so Pinch
56 1O-inch, "a S-inch high-power guns ant
mortars
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16

Nevertheless, realizing that suspicious on
the part -1 the weaker OF the two COM
Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1896-12-16
THE WAR DEPARTMENT.
Little Active Work for the Army
During the Year.

The report of the secretary of war ex-