davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Condon globe. (Condon, Gilliam Co., Or.) 189?-1919, 1896-12-18
THE TARIFF.
The PFesident's Defense of the Wilson
Bill.

desire to refer to the statement else
where made concerning the government re-
ceipts and expenditures for the purpose Of
venturing upon some suggestions touching
our present tariff law and its operation.
This statute took effect on the 18th day
of August, 1894. Whatever may be its
shortcomings as a complete measure of
tariff reform, 1t must be conceded that it
has opened the way to a freer and greater
exchange of commodities between the
United States and other countries, and
thus furnished a wider market for our prod
ucts and manufacturing. The only entire
fiscal year during which this law has been
in force ended on the 30th day of June, 1886.
In that year our imports increased over
those of the previous year more than
IS. 500. .000 while the value of the domestic
product we exported and which found mar
kets abroad was nearly s70.Oo0 900 more than
during the preceding year.
Those who Insist that the cost to our
people of articles coming to them from
abroad for their needful use, should only
be Increased through tariff charges to
an extent necessary to meet the expenses
of the government, as well as those who
claim that tariff charges may be
laid upon such articles beyond
beyond the necessities of the government
revenue and with the additional purpose
of SO increasing their price in our markets
as TO give American manufacturers and
producers better and more profitable oppor-
tunities, must agree that our tariff laws
are only primarily justified as sources of
revenue to enable the government to meet
the necessary expenses of Its maintenance.
Considered as to its sufficiency In this
aspect the present law can by no means
fan under just condemnation. During the
only complete fiscal year of Its operation
II has yielded nearly S. 0O0, 900 more revenue
than was received from tariff duties in the
preceding year. There was, nevertheless, a
deficit between our receipts and expendi.
lures Of a little more than SIS. 900.
The situation was such in December
seven months before the close of the fisca
, year. that the secretary of the treasury
foretold deficiency of $l7,o00,000 The
/ great and Increasing apprehension and
/ timidity in business circles and the de-
preston in all activities intervening since
I that time, resulting from causes perfectly
I well understood and entirely disconnected
with our tariff law or its operation, seri
I ously checked the imports we would have
4 otherwise received and readily account fol
4 the difference between the estimate OF thu
/ secretary and the actual deficiency as wei
| as for a continued deficit. Indeed, it mus
/ be confessed that we could hardly have haC
! a more unfavorable period than the las
two years for the collection of a tariff
revenue.
We cannot reasonably hope that our re
cuperation from this business depression
| will be sudden. but 1t has already set II
4 with a promise Of acceleration and con
I tinuance.
Condon globe. (Condon, Gilliam Co., Or.) 189?-1919, 1896-12-18
FINANCIAL MATTERs.
The Weakness and Vices 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 communica-
tions, and the inevitable danger of their
continued toleration pointed out. Without
now repeating these details, cannot re.
fraln 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 country g
substance and the estrangement of breth-
rem. These are now past and forgotten.
Even the distressing loss of life the con-
fiict entailed is but sacred memory which
fosters patriotic sentiment and keeps alive
tender regard for those who nobly died.
And yet there remains with US today
in full strength, as an incident OF that
tremendous struggle. feature of Its finan-
cial necessities not only unsuited to our
present circumstances. but manifestly g
disturbing menace to business security and
Condon globe. (Condon, Gilliam Co., Or.) 189?-1919, 1896-12-18
posroFFIcE DEPARTMENT.
The Dehcit Less Than I'm Former
Years.

Our postoffice department Is in gocd
condition. and the exhibit made of its
operations during the fiscal year ended
June 30 1896, IL allowance Is made for
imperfections in the laws applicable TO ii,
is very satisfactory. The total receipts
during the year were $50. .499. .208 40. The
total expenditures were $685. 2Se "a, ex-
elusive OF $l.559, 1893 n, which was earned
by the Pacific railroads for transportation
and credited on their debt to the govern
ment. There was an increase of receipts
over the previous year Of s5,516,080 q, or
I'll per cent, an increase Of expenditures Of
s3s36.1A %. or AZ per cent. The deficit
was 81, SIS. .956 10 less than that of the pre-
ceding year.
The chief expenditures OF the postal SER
vice are regulated by law and are not in
the control Of the postmaster-general. All
that he can accomplish by the most watch
full administration and economy is to en-
force prompt and thorough collection and
accountings for public moneys and such
minor savings in small expenditures and in
letting those contracts for postoffice sup
plies and star service which are not regu-
lated by statute.
An effective cooperation between the
auditors office and the postofiice depart
ment, and the making and enforcement
OF orders by the department requiring i'm
mediate notification to their sureties Of
any delinquencies on the part OF post
masters and compelling such postmasters
to make more frequent deposits Of postal
funds. have resulted in a prompter udit-
ing of their accounts and much less de-
fault to the government than heretofore.
The years report shows large extern
sIons Of both star route service and rail-
way mail service, with increased postal
facilities. Much higher accuracy In hand
ling mails has also been reached az
appears by the decrease OF errors in the
railway mail service and the reduction OF
mail matter returned to the dead-letter
office.
Condon globe. (Condon, Gilliam Co., Or.) 189?-1919, 1896-12-18

sonably assumed that the hitherto ex-
pectant attitude Of the United States will
be indefinitely maintained. While we are
anxious to accord all due respect to the
sovereignty OF Spain, we cannot view the
pending conflict in all Its features and prop
eriy apprehend our close reiStions to It
and It's possible results without considering
that by the course of events we may be
drawn Into such an unusual and unprece-
dented condition as win fix limit to our
patient waiting for Spain to end the con-
test. either alone and In her own way,
or with our friendly cooperation.
When the inability of Spain tc deal sue
cessfully with the insurgents has become
manifest, and 1t Is demonstrated that her
sovereignty is extinct In Cuba for all pur-
poses OF its rightful existence, and when
hopeless struggle for its re-establish-
ment has degenerated into a strife which
means nothing more than the useless
sacrifice OF human life and the utter de-
struction Of every subject matter of the
conflict. situation will be presented In
which our obligations to the sovereignty of
Spain will be superseded by higher obli-
cations, which we can hardly hesitate to
recognize and discharge. Deferring the
choice OF ways and methods until the time
for action arrives, we should make them
depend upon the precise conditions then ex-
isting; and they should not be determined
upon without giving careful heed to every
consideration involving our honor and in
terest, or the international duty we owe
TO Spain. Until we face the contingencies
suggested, or the situation Is by other in
cidents imperatively changed, we should
continue In the line of conduct heretofore
pursued, thus In all circumstances exhib-
iting our obedience to the requirements OF
public law and our regard for the duty en-
Joined upon us by the position We occupy
In the galaxy Of nations.
A contemplation of emergencies that may
arise should plainly lead US to avoid their
creation, either through a careless disregard
OF present duty or even an undue stlmula-
tion and ill-timed expression of feeling. But
] have deemed 1t not amiss to remind the
congress that a time may arrive when a
correct policy and care for our interests,
as well as regard for the interests of ether
nations and their citizens, Joined by con-
siderations OF humanity and desire to see
, rich and fertile country Intimately re-
lated 20 US. saved from complete devasta-
tion, will constrain our government 10 such
action; will subserve the Interests involved
and at the same time promise to Cuba and
Its inhabitants an opportunity to enjoy the
blessings OF peace.
Condon globe. (Condon, Gilliam Co., Or.) 189?-1919, 1896-12-18
THE CUBAN QUESTION.
Friendly Omces of the United States
offered TO Settle the War.

Friendly ORices of the United States
offered TO Settle the War.
The inaurrection in Cuba still continues,
with all Its perplexities. 1t Is difficult to
perceive that any progress has thus far
been made towards the paciticatlon OF the
island. or that the situation OF affairs, as
depicted In my last annual message. has In
the least improved.
II Spain still holds Havana and the sea-
ports and all the considerable towns, the
insurgents still roam at will over at least
two-thlrds OF the inland country. The de-
termination Of Spain TO put down the In
surrectlon seems but strengthened with
the lapse of time, as Is evinced by her
unhesItating devotion OF largely increased
military and naval forces TO the task.
There Ii much reason to believe that the
insurgents have gained In number char
acter and resources, and are none the less
lnfiexible in their resolve not to succumb
without practically securing the great OBJ
ject for which they took up arms.
II Spain has not yet re-established her
authority, neither have the insurgents yet
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 It, has been
practically abandoned. Spain does keep
on foot such 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 insurgent army
the putatve 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 q gov.
ernment merely on paper.
Condon globe. (Condon, Gilliam Co., Or.) 189?-1919, 1896-12-18

The secretary calls attention to the pub
lie interests involved in an adjustment
of the obligations of the Pacific railroads
to the government. 1 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 $13. 900. 900 OF the
principal OF the 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 $6,0O0.-
900 OF like bonds Issued In aid of the Cen
trail Pacific railway, including those issued
to the Western Pacific Railway Company.
viii 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 .uch default on the part of
these companies to the government as will
give It the right to at once institute pro-
csedings 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 l, 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 s21. 100000 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 9
special commission appointed pursuant to
an act of congress. The considerations re-
quiring an adjustment OF the governments q
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 q 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 a number of years almost
constantly had under consideration plans
for dealing with the conditions existing be-
tweer these roads and the government,
have thus far felt justified in Withholding
action under the statute above mentioned.
Condon globe. (Condon, Gilliam Co., Or.) 189?-1919, 1896-12-18
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
Exports Of Farm Products.

Exp0FtA oil E0rm FrOUuCHS.
The secretary reports that the value Of
our exports of farm products during the
last fiscal year amounted to $50, ,O00. 900.
an increase of SIT zoo, 900 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 of 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 1t Is
owing to the fact that such total exports
for the year increased more than SIS. O00.'
OO0
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 and 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 tc
result in sowing more intelligently and
reaping with a better promise of profit
Such information points out the way te
a prudent foresight in the selection ant
cultivation of crops and to a release from
the bondage Of unreasoning monotony Of
production, a glutted and depressed mar
ket. and constantly recurring Improbable
toll
Condon globe. (Condon, Gilliam Co., Or.) 189?-1919, 1896-12-18
A Way Ont Of II.

Nevertheless, realizing that suspicious on
the part OF the weaker OF the two COM
batants are always natural and not al
ways unjustifable, being sincerely desirous
In the interest OF both as well as on our
own account that the Cuban problem should
be solved with the least possible
delay, 1t was intimated by this
government to the government OF
Spain some months ago that IL a
satisfactory measure of home rule were ten
dered the Cuban insurgents, and would be
accepted by them upon a guaranty Of Its
execution, the United States would en-
deavor to find way not Objectionable to
Spain of furnishing such guaranty.
While no definite response to this inti-
nation has yet been received from the
Spanish government, It is believed to be
not altogether unwelcome. while, as already
suggested, no reason Is perceived why 1t
should not be approved by the Insurgents.
Neither party can fail to see the impor-
tance Of early action, and both must realize
that to prolong the present state Of things
for even short period will add enormously
to the time and labor and expenditure
necessary to bring about the Industrial re-
cuperatlon of the Island, 1t is, therefore.
fervently hoped on all grounds that earnest
efforts for healing the breach between Spain
and the insurgent Cubans upon the lines
above indicated may be at once inaugu-
rated and pushed to an immediate success
full ISSUE The friendly offices of the United
States. either In the manner above outlined
or in any other way consistent with our
constitution and laws. will always be at the
disposal of either party.
Whatever policy may arise, our policy
and our interest would constrain us to
object to the acquisition OF the island or
to any interference with Its control by any
other power.
Condon globe. (Condon, Gilliam Co., Or.) 189?-1919, 1896-12-18
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
The Important Features Of
the Chief Executives Ad.
dress to Congress.

To the Congress OF the United States:
An 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
80 intense AZ 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 Mt 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-
NOTED by serious appreciation OF the
trust and confidence which the acceptance
OF public duty invites.
In obedience to constitutional require
ment. ] hereby submit TO the congress
certain information concerning national af-
fairs. with the suggestion OF such leglsa-
tion AS, In my judgment. Is necessary
and expcdIent. To secure brevity and TO
avoid tresome narration. I shall omit
many details concerning matters within
federal control. which. by no means un-
important, are more proftably discussed
In departmental reports
shall also further curtail this communi-
cation by omittIng 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:
Condon globe. (Condon, Gilliam Co., Or.) 189?-1919, 1896-12-18
Demand for Interyention.

These inevitable entanglements Of the
United States with the rebellion In Cuba
the large American property interests
affected and considerations OF philan-
thropy and humanity In general. have led
to vehement demand In various quar-
ters for some sort Of positive Intervention
on the part of the United States. 1t was
at first proposed that belligerent rights
should be accorded the insurgents. q
proposition no longer weighed because its
untimely and impractical operation would
be clearly perilous and Injurious to our
interests. 1t has since been and Is now
sometimes contended that the independ-
ence Of the insurgents should be recog-
nized. But, imperfect and restricted as
the Spanish government of the island may
be, no other exists there unless the Will
of the military officer In temporary com
mand OF particular district can be dig
nified as a species of government. 1t is
now also suggested that the United States
should buy the island--a suggestion pos
sibly worthy OF consideration II there
were any evidences OF a desire or will
ingness on the part OF Spain TO enter
tain such a proposal II is urged, finally,
that. all other methods failing. the exist
Ing internecine strife in Cuba should be
terminated by our Intervention, even at
the cost OF a war between the United
States and Spain-a war which its advo-
Gates confidently prophesy could neither
be large in its proportions nor doubtful
In its issue nv
Condon globe. (Condon, Gilliam Co., Or.) 189?-1919, 1896-12-18

Our public lands. originally amounting to
1,840, ,000, 900 acres, have been so reduced
that only 600.000.0O0 still remain in govern
ment control, excluding Alaska. The ball
ance. being by far the most valuable por-
tion, has been given away to settlers, to
new states and to railroads, or scld at q
comparatively nominal sum.
The patenting Of land, in execution of
railroad grants has progressed rapidly
during the year. and since the 4th day of
March, 1893, about 25.0O0,OO0 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.
Condon globe. (Condon, Gilliam Co., Or.) 189?-1919, 1896-12-18
Concluding Remarks.

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 perplexing
extravagances is easy, but return to
frugality is difficult When, however, It
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 will be as fortunate
and comforting as the recollection Of Of
fetal duty well performed. and the mem
ory of a constant devotion to the interests
OF our confiding fellow countrymen.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
Executive Mansion. Dec. z. 1893.
Condon globe. (Condon, Gilliam Co., Or.) 189?-1919, 1896-12-18
our Concern in oubn.

The spectacle OF the utter ruin Of an
adjoining country, by nature one OF the
most fertile and charming on the whole
globe. would engage the serious attention
Of the government and the people Of the
United States In any circumstances. In
point Of fact. they have concern with II
which Ii by no means OF wholly senti-
mental or phllanthropic character. 1t lies
80 near to Us as TO be hardly separated
from our territory. Our actual pecuniary
interest in It Is second only to that OF the
people OF Spain. II ID reasonably estimated
that at least from $4,000. 900 to $4,000. 900
OF American capital Is invested in planta-
tions and In railroads. mining and other
business enterprises on the island. The
volume of trade between the United States
and Cuba, which In 1889 amounted to about
te4, 100000 rose In 1899 to about si0S, 900 900.
and In 1894, the year before the present
insurrection broke out, amounted to near
ly 39e 100000