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Benjamin Harrison
State of the Union Address
1892
To the Senate and House of Representatives:
In submitting my annual message to Congress I have great satisfaction
in being able to say that the general conditions affecting the commercial
and industrial interests of the United States are in the highest degree
favorable. A comparison of the existing conditions with those of the most
favored period in the history of the country will, I believe, show that
so high a degree of prosperity and so general a diffusion of the comforts
of life were never before enjoyed by our people.
The total wealth of the country in 1860 was $16,159,616,068. In 1890
it amounted to $62,610,000,000, an increase of 287 per cent.
The total mileage of railways in the United States in 1860 was 30,626.
In 1890 it was 167,741, an increase of 448 per cent; and it is estimated
that there will be about 4,000 miles of track added by the close of the
year 1892.
The official returns of the Eleventh Census and those of the Tenth Census
for seventy-five leading cities furnish the basis for the following comparisons:
In 1880 the capital invested in manufacturing was $1,232,839,670.
In 1890 the capital invested in manufacturing was $2,900,735,884.
In 1880 the number of employees was 1,301,388.
In 1890 the number of employees was 2,251,134.
In 1880 the wages earned were $501,965,778.
In 1890 the wages earned were $1,221,170,454.
In 1880 the value of the product was $2,711,579,899.
In 1890 the value of the product was $4,860,286,837.
I am informed by the Superintendent of the Census that the omission
of certain industries in 1880 which were included in 1890 accounts in part
for the remarkable increase thus shown, but after making full allowance
for differences of method and deducting the returns for all industries
not included in the census of 1880 there remain in the reports from these
seventy-five cities an increase in the capital employed of $1,522,745,604,
in the value of the product of $2,024,236,166, in wages earned of $677,943,929,
and in the number of wage earners employed of 856,029. The wage earnings
not only show an increased aggregate, but an increase per capita from $386
in 1880 to $547 in 1890, or 41.71 per cent.
The new industrial plants established since October 6, 1890, and up
to October 22, 1892, as partially reported in the American Economist, number
345, and the extension of existing plants 108; the new capital invested
amounts to $40,449,050, and the number of additional employees to 37,285.
The Textile World for July, 1892, states that during the first six months
of the present calendar year 135 new factories were built, of which 40
are cotton mills, 48 knitting mills, 26 woolen mills, 15 silk mills, 4
plush mills, and 2 linen mills. Of the 40 cotton mills 21 have been built
in the Southern States. Mr. A. B. Shepperson, of the New York Cotton Exchange,
estimates the number of working spindles in the United States on September
1, 1892, at 15,200,000, an increase of 660,000 over the year 1891. The
consumption of cotton by American mills in 1891 was 2,396,000 bales, and
in 1892 2,584,000 bales, an increase of 188,000 bales. From the year 1869
to 1892, inclusive, there has been an increase in the consumption of cotton
in Europe of 92 per cent, while during the same period the increased consumption
in the United States has been about 150 per cent.
The report of Ira Ayer, special agent of the Treasury Department, shows
that at the date of September 30, 1892, there were 32 companies manufacturing
tin and terne plate in the United States and 14 companies building new
works for such manufacture. The estimated investment in buildings and plants
at the close of the fiscal year June 30, 1893, if existing conditions were
to be continued, was $5,000,000 and the estimated rate of production 200,000,000
pounds per annum. The actual production for the quarter ending September
30, 1892, was 10,952,725 pounds.
The report of Labor Commissioner Peck, of New York, shows that during
the year 1891, in about 6,000 manufacturing establishments in that State
embraced within the special inquiry made by him, and representing 67 different
industries, there was a net increase over the year 1890 of $30,315,130.68
in the value of the product and of $6,377,925.09 in the amount of wages
paid. The report of the commissioner of labor for the State of Massachusetts
shows that 3,745 industries in that State paid $129,416,248 in wages during
the year 1891, against $126,030,303 in 1890, an increase of $3,335,945,
and that there was an increase of $9,932,490 in the amount of capital and
of 7,346 in the number of persons employed in the same period.
During the last six months of the year 1891 and the first six months
of 1892 the total production of pig iron was 9,710,819 tons, as against
9,202,703 tons in the year 1890, which was the largest annual production
ever attained. For the same twelve months of 1891-92 the production of
Bessemer ingots was 3,878,581 tons, an increase of 189,710 gross tons over
the previously unprecedented yearly production of 3,688,871 gross tons
in 1890. The production of Bessemer steel rails for the first six months
of 1892 was 772,436 gross tons, as against 702,080 gross tons during the
last six months of the year 1891.
The total value of our foreign trade (exports and imports of merchandise)
during the last fiscal year was $1,857,680,610, an increase of $128,283,604
over the previous fiscal year. The average annual value of our imports
and exports of merchandise for the ten fiscal years prior to 1891 was $1,457,322,019.
It will be observed that our foreign trade for 1892 exceeded this annual
average value by $400,358,591, an increase of 27.47 per cent. The significance
and value of this increase are shown by the fact that the excess in the
trade of 1892 over 1891 was wholly in the value of exports, for there was
a decrease in the value of imports of $17,513,754.
The value of our exports during the fiscal year 1892 reached the highest
figure in the history of the Government, amounting to $1,030,278,148, exceeding
by $145,797,338 the exports of 1891 and exceeding the value of the imports
by $202,875,686. A comparison of the value of our exports for 1892 with
the annual average for the ten years prior to 1891 shows an excess of $265,142,651,
or of 34.65 per cent. The value of our imports of merchandise for 1892,
which was $829,402,462, also exceeded the annual average value of the ten
years prior to 1891 by $135,215,940. During the fiscal year 1892 the value
of imports free of duty amounted to $457,999,658, the largest aggregate
in the history of our commerce. The value of the imports of merchandise
entered free of duty in 1892 was 55.35 per cent of the total value of imports,
as compared with 43.35 per cent in 1891 and 33.66 per cent in 1890.
In our coastwise trade a most encouraging development is in progress,
there having been in the last four years an increase of 16 per cent. In
internal commerce the statistics show that no such period of prosperity
has ever before existed. The freight carried in the coastwise trade of
the Great Lakes in 1890 aggregated 28,295,959 tons. On the Mississippi,
Missouri, and Ohio rivers and tributaries in the same year the traffic
aggregated 29,405,046 tons, and the total vessel tonnage passing through
the Detroit River during that year was 21,684,000 tons. The vessel tonnage
entered and cleared in the foreign trade of London during 1890 amounted
to 13,480,767 tons, and of Liverpool 10,941,800 tons, a total for these
two great shipping ports of 24,422,568 tons, only slightly in excess of
the vessel tonnage passing through the Detroit River. And it should be
said that the season for the Detroit River was but 228 days, while of course
in London and Liverpool the season was for the entire year. The vessel
tonnage passing through the St. Marys Canal for the fiscal year 1892 amounted
to 9,828,874 tons, and the freight tonnage of the Detroit River is estimated
for that year at 25,000,000 tons, against 23,209,619 tons in 1891. The
aggregate traffic on our railroads for the year 1891 amounted to 704,398,609
tons of freight, compared with 691,344,437 tons in 1890, an increase of
13,054,172 tons.
Another indication of the general prosperity of the country is found
in the fact that the number of depositors in savings banks increased from
693,870 in 1860 to 4,258,893 in 1890, an increase of 513 per cent, and
the amount of deposits from $149,277,504 in 1860 to $1,524,844,506 in 1890,
an increase of 921 per cent. In 1891 the amount of deposits in savings
banks was $1,623,079,749. It is estimated that 90 per cent of these deposits
represent the savings of wage earners. The bank clearances for nine months
ending September 30, 1891, amounted to $41,049,390,08. For the same months
in 1892 they amounted to $45,189,601,947, an excess for the nine months
of $4,140,211,139.
There never has been a time in our history when work was so abundant
or when wages were as high, whether measured by the currency in which they
are paid or by their power to supply the necessaries and comforts of life.
It is true that the market prices of cotton and wheat have been low. It
is one of the unfavorable incidents of agriculture that the farmer can
not produce upon orders. He must sow and reap in ignorance of the aggregate
production of the year, and is peculiarly subject to the depreciation which
follows overproduction. But while the fact I have stated is true as to
the crops mentioned, the general average of prices has been such as to
give to agriculture a fair participation in the general prosperity. The
value of our total farm products has increased from $1,363,646,866 in 1860
to $4,500,000,000 in 1891, as estimated by statisticians, an increase of
230 per cent. The number of hogs January 1, 1891, was 50,625,106 and their
value $210,193,925; on January 1, 1892, the number was 52,398,019 and the
value $241,031,415. On January 1, 1891, the number of cattle was 36,875,648
and the value $544,127,908; on January 1 ,1892, the number was 37,651,239
and the value $570,749,155.
If any are discontented with their state here, if any believe that wages
or prices, the returns for honest toil, are inadequate, they should not
fail to remember that there is no other country in the world where the
conditions that seem to them hard would not be accepted as highly prosperous.
The English agriculturist would be glad to exchange the returns of his
labor for those of the American farmer and the Manchester workmen their
wages for those of their fellows at Fall River.
I believe that the protective system, which has now for something more
than thirty years continuously prevailed in our legislation, has been a
mighty instrument for the development of our national wealth and a most
powerful agency in protecting the homes of our workingmen from the invasion
of want. I have felt a most solicitous interest to preserve to our working
people rates of wages that would not only give daily bread but supply a
comfortable margin for those home attractions and family comforts and enjoyments
without which life is neither hopeful nor sweet. They are American citizens--a
part of the great people for whom our Constitution and Government were
framed and instituted--and it can not be a perversion of that Constitution
to so legislate as to preserve in their homes the comfort, independence,
loyalty, and sense of interest in the Government which are essential to
good citizenship in peace, and which will bring this stalwart throng, as
in 1861, to the defense of the flag when it is assailed.
It is not my purpose to renew here the argument in favor of a protective
tariff. The result of the recent election must be accepted as having introduced
a new policy. We must assume that the present tariff, constructed upon
the lines of protection, is to be repealed and that there is to be substituted
for it a tariff law constructed solely with reference to revenue; that
no duty is to be higher because the increase will keep open an American
mill or keep up the wages of an American workman, but that in every case
such a rate of duty is to be imposed as will bring to the Treasury of the
United States the largest returns of revenue. The contention has not been
between schedules, but between principles, and it would be offensive to
suggest that the prevailing party will not carry into legislation the principles
advocated by it and the pledges given to the people. The tariff bills passed
by the House of Representatives at the last session were, as I suppose,
even in the opinion of their promoters, inadequate, and justified only
by the fact that the Senate and House of Representatives were not in accord
and that a general revision could not therefore be undertaken.
I recommend that the whole subject of tariff revision be left to the
incoming Congress. It is matter of regret that this work must be delayed
for at least three months, for the threat of great tariff changes introduces
so much uncertainty that an amount, not easily estimated, of business inaction
and of diminished production will necessarily result. It is possible also
that this uncertainty may result in decreased revenues from customs duties,
for our merchants will make cautious orders for foreign goods in view of
the prospect of tariff reductions and the uncertainty as to when they will
take effect. Those who have advocated a protective tariff can well afford
to have their disastrous forecasts of a change of policy disappointed.
If a system of customs duties can be framed that will set the idle wheels
and looms of Europe in motion and crowd our warehouses with foreign-made
goods and at the same time keep our own mills busy; that will give us an
increased participation in the "markets of the world" of greater value
than the home market we surrender; that will give increased work to foreign
workmen upon products to be consumed by our people without diminishing
the amount of work to be done here; that will enable the American manufacturer
to pay to his workmen from 50 to 100 per cent more in wages than is paid
in the foreign mill, and yet to compete in our market and in foreign markets
with the foreign producer; that will further reduce the cost of articles
of wear and food without reducing the wages of those who produce them;
that can be celebrated, after its effects have been realized, as its expectation
has been in European as well as in American cities, the authors and promoters
of it will be entitled to the highest praise. We have had in our history
several experiences of the contrasted effects of a revenue and of a protective
tariff, but this generation has not felt them, and the experience of one
generation is not highly instructive to the next. The friends of the protective
system with undiminished confidence in the principles they have advocated
will await the results of the new experiment.
The strained and too often disturbed relations existing between the
employees and the employers in our great manufacturing establishments have
not been favorable to a calm consideration by the wage earner of the effect
upon wages of the protective system. The facts that his wages were the
highest paid in like callings in the world and that a maintenance of this
rate of wages in the absence of protective duties upon the product of his
labor was impossible were obscured by the passion evoked by these contests.
He may now be able to review the question in the light of his personal
experience under the operation of a tariff for revenue only. If that experience
shall demonstrate that present rates of wages are thereby maintained or
increased, either absolutely or in their purchasing power, and that the
aggregate volume of work to be done in this country is increased or even
maintained, so that there are more or as many days' work in a year, at
as good or better wages, for the American workmen as has been the case
under the protective system, everyone will rejoice. A general process of
wage reduction can not be contemplated by any patriotic citizen without
the gravest apprehension. It may be, indeed I believe is, possible for
the American manufacturer to compete successfully with his foreign rival
in many branches of production without the defense of protective duties
if the pay rolls are equalized; but the conflict that stands between the
producer and that result and the distress of our working people when it
is attained are not pleasant to contemplate. The Society of the Unemployed,
now holding its frequent and threatening parades in the streets of foreign
cities, should not be allowed to acquire an American domicile.
The reports of the heads of the several Executive Departments, which
are herewith submitted, have very naturally included a resume of the whole
work of the Administration with the transactions of the last fiscal year.
The attention not only of Congress but of the country is again invited
to the methods of administration which have been pursued and to the results
which have been attained. Public revenues amounting to $1,414,079,292.28
have been collected and disbursed without loss from misappropriation, without
a single defalcation of such importance as to attract the public attention,
and at a diminished per cent of cost for collection. The public business
has been transacted not only with fidelity, but progressively and with
a view to giving to the people in the fullest possible degree the benefits
of a service established and maintained for their protection and comfort.
Our relations with other nations are now undisturbed by any serious
controversy. The complicated and threatening differences with Germany and
England relating to Samoan affairs, with England in relation to the seal
fisheries in the Bering Sea, and with Chile growing out of the Baltimore
affair have been adjusted.
There have been negotiated and concluded, under section 3 of the tariff
law, commercial agreements relating to reciprocal trade with the following
countries: Brazil, Dominican Republic, Spain for Cuba and Puerto Rico,
Guatemala, Salvador, the German Empire, Great Britain for certain West
Indian colonies and British Guiana, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Austria-Hungary.
Of these, those with Guatemala, Salvador, the German Empire, Great Britain,
Nicaragua, Honduras, and Austria-Hungary have been concluded since my last
annual message. Under these trade arrangements a free or favored admission
has been secured in every case for an important list of American products.
Especial care has been taken to secure markets for farm products, in order
to relieve that great underlying industry of the depression which the lack
of an adequate foreign market for our surplus often brings. An opening
has also been made for manufactured products that will undoubtedly, if
this policy is maintained, greatly augment our export trade. The full benefits
of these arrangements can not be realized instantly. New lines of trade
are to be opened. The commercial traveler must survey the field. The manufacturer
must adapt his goods to the new markets and facilities for exchange must
be established. This work has been well begun, our merchants and manufacturers
having entered the new fields with courage and enterprise. In the case
of food products, and especially with Cuba, the trade did not need to wait,
and the immediate results have been most gratifying. If this policy and
these trade arrangements can be continued in force and aided by the establishment
of American steamship lines, I do not doubt that we shall within a short
period secure fully one-third of the total trade of the countries of Central
and South America, which now amounts to about $600,000,000 annually. In
1885 we had only 8 per cent of this trade.
The following statistics show the increase in our trade with the countries
with which we have reciprocal trade agreements from the date when such
agreements went into effect up to September 30, 1892, the increase being
in some almost wholly and in others in an important degree the result of
these agreements:
The domestic exports to Germany and Austria-Hungary have increased in
value from $47,673,756 to $57,993,064, an increase of $10,319,308, or 21.63
per cent. With American countries the value of our exports has increased
from $44,160,285 to $54,613,598, an increase of $10,453,313, or 23.67 per
cent. The total increase in the value of exports to all the countries with
which we have reciprocity agreements has been $20,772,621. This increase
is chiefly in wheat, flour, meat, and dairy products and in manufactures
of iron and steel and lumber. There has been a large increase in the value
of imports from all these countries since the commercial agreements went
into effect, amounting to $74,294,525, but it has been entirely in imports
from the American countries, consisting mostly of sugar, coffee, india
rubber, and crude drugs. The alarmed attention of our European competitors
for the South American market has been attracted to this new American policy
and to our acquisition and their loss of South American trade.
A treaty providing for the arbitration of the dispute between Great
Britain and the United States as to the killing of seals in the Bering
Sea was concluded on the 29th of February last. This treaty was accompanied
by an agreement prohibiting pelagic sealing pending the arbitration, and
a vigorous effort was made during this season to drive out all poaching
sealers from the Bering Sea. Six naval vessels, three revenue cutters,
and one vessel from the Fish Commission, all under the command of Commander
Evans, of the Navy, were sent into the sea, which was systematically patrolled.
Some seizures were made, and it is believed that the catch in the Bering
Sea by poachers amounted to less than 500 seals. It is true, however, that
in the North Pacific, while the seal herds were on their way to the passes
between the Aleutian Islands, a very large number, probably 35,000, were
taken. The existing statutes of the United States do not restrain our citizens
from taking seals in the Pacific Ocean, and perhaps should not unless the
prohibition can be extended to the citizens of other nations. I recommend
that power be given to the President by proclamation to prohibit the taking
of seals in the North Pacific by American vessels in case, either as the
result of the findings of the Tribunal of Arbitration or otherwise, the
restraints can be applied to the vessels of all countries. The case of
the United States for the Tribunal of Arbitration has been prepared with
great care and industry by the Hon. John W. Foster, and the counsel who
represent this Government express confidence that a result substantially
establishing our claims and preserving this great industry for the benefit
of all nations will be attained.
During the past year a suggestion was received through the British minister
that the Canadian government would like to confer as to the possibility
of enlarging upon terms of mutual advantage the commercial exchanges of
Canada and of the United States, and a conference was held at Washington,
with Mr. Blaine acting for this Government and the British minister at
this capital and three members of the Dominion cabinet acting as commissioners
on the part of Great Britain. The conference developed the fact that the
Canadian government was only prepared to offer to the United States in
exchange for the concessions asked the admission of natural products. The
statement was frankly made that favored rates could not be given to the
United States as against the mother country. This admission, which was
foreseen, necessarily terminated the conference upon this question. The
benefits of an exchange of natural products would be almost wholly with
the people of Canada. Some other topics of interest were considered in
the conference, and have resulted in the making of a convention for examining
the Alaskan boundary and the waters of Passamaquoddy Bay adjacent to Eastport,
Me., and in the initiation of an arrangement for the protection of fish
life in the coterminous and neighboring waters of our northern border.
The controversy as to tolls upon the Welland Canal, which was presented
to Congress at the last session by special message, having failed of adjustment,
I felt constrained to exercise the authority conferred by the act of July
26, 1892, and to proclaim a suspension of the free use of St. Marys Falls
Canal to cargoes in transit to ports in Canada. The Secretary of the Treasury
established such tolls as were thought to be equivalent to the exactions
unjustly levied upon our commerce in the Canadian canals.
If, as we must suppose, the political relations of Canada and the disposition
of the Canadian government are to remain unchanged, a somewhat radical
revision of our trade relations should, I think, be made. Our relations
must continue to be intimate, and they should be friendly. I regret to
say, however, that in many of the controversies, notably those as to the
fisheries on the Atlantic, the sealing interests on the Pacific, and the
canal tolls, our negotiations with Great Britain have continuously been
thwarted or retarded by unreasonable and unfriendly objections and protests
from Canada in the matter of the canal tolls our treaty rights were flagrantly
disregarded. It is hardly too much to say that the Canadian Pacific and
other railway lines which parallel our northern boundary are sustained
by commerce having either its origin or terminus, or both, in the United
States. Canadian railroads compete with those of the United States for
our traffic, and without the restraints of our interstate-commerce act.
Their cars pass almost without detention into and out of our territory.
The Canadian Pacific Railway brought into the United States from China
and Japan via British Columbia during the year ended June 30, 1892, 23,239,689
pounds of freight, and it carried from the United States, to be shipped
to China and Japan via British Columbia, 24,068,346 pounds of freight.
There were also shipped from the United States over this road from Eastern
ports of the United States to our Pacific ports during the same year 13,912,073
pounds of freight, and there were received over this road at the United
States Eastern ports from ports on the Pacific Coast 13,293,315 pounds
of freight. Mr. Joseph Nimmo, jr., former chief of the Bureau of Statistics,
when before the Senate Select Committee on Relations with Canada, April
26, 1890, said that "the value of goods thus transported between different
points in the United States across Canadian territory probably amounts
to $100,000,000 a year."
There is no disposition on the part of the people or Government of the
United States to interfere in the smallest degree with the political relations
of Canada. That question is wholly with her own people. It is time for
us, however, to consider whether, if the present state of things and trend
of things is to continue, our interchanges upon lines of land transportation
should not be put upon a different basis and our entire independence of
Canadian canals and of the St. Lawrence as an outlet to the sea secured
by the construction of an American canal around the Falls of Niagara and
the opening of ship communication between the Great Lakes and one of our
own seaports. We should not hesitate to avail ourselves of our great natural
trade advantages. We should withdraw the support which is given to the
railroads and steamship lines of Canada by a traffic that properly belongs
to us and no longer furnish the earnings which lighten the otherwise crushing
weight of the enormous public subsidies that have been given to them. The
subject of the power of the Treasury to deal with this matter without further
legislation has been under consideration, but circumstances have postponed
a conclusion. It is probable that a consideration of the propriety of a
modification or abrogation of the article of the treaty of Washington relating
to the transit of goods in bond is involved in any complete solution of
the question.
Congress at the last session was kept advised of the progress of the
serious and for a time threatening difference between the United States
and Chile. It gives me now great gratification to report that the Chilean
Government in a most friendly and honorable spirit has tendered and paid
as an indemnity to the families of the sailors of the Baltimore who were
killed and to those who were injured in the outbreak in the city of Valparaiso
the sum of $75,000. This has been accepted not only as an indemnity for
a wrong done, but as a most gratifying evidence that the Government of
Chile rightly appreciates the disposition of this Government to act in
a spirit of the most absolute fairness and friendliness in our intercourse
with that brave people. A further and conclusive evidence of the mutual
respect and confidence now existing is furnished by the fact that a convention
submitting to arbitration the mutual claims of the citizens of the respective
Governments has been agreed upon. Some of these claims have been pending
for many years and have been the occasion of much unsatisfactory diplomatic
correspondence.
I have endeavored in every way to assure our sister Republics of Central
and South America that the United States Government and its people have
only the most friendly disposition toward them all. We do not covet their
territory. We have no disposition to be oppressive or exacting in our dealings
with any of them, even the weakest. Our interests and our hopes for them
all lie in the direction of stable governments by their people and of the
largest development of their great commercial resources. The mutual benefits
of enlarged commercial exchanges and of a more familiar and friendly intercourse
between our peoples we do desire, and in this have sought their friendly
cooperation.
I have believed, however, while holding these sentiments in the greatest
sincerity, that we must insist upon a just responsibility for any injuries
inflicted upon our official representatives or upon our citizens. This
insistence, kindly and justly but firmly made, will, I believe, promote
peace and mutual respect.
Our relations with Hawaii have been such as to attract an increased
interest, and must continue to do so. I deem it of great importance that
the projected submarine cable, a survey for which has been made, should
be promoted. Both for naval and commercial uses we should have quick communication
with Honolulu. We should before this have availed ourselves of the concession
made many years ago to this Government for a harbor and naval station at
Pearl River. Many evidences of the friendliness of the Hawaiian Government
have been given in the past, and it is gratifying to believe that the advantage
and necessity of a continuance of very close relations is appreciated.
The friendly act of this Government in expressing to the Government
of Italy its reprobation and abhorrence of the lynching of Italian subjects
in New Orleans by the payment of 125,000 francs, or $24,330.90, was accepted
by the King of Italy with every manifestation of gracious appreciation,
and the incident has been highly promotive of mutual respect and good will.
In consequence of the action of the French Government in proclaiming
a protectorate over certain tribal districts of the west coast of Africa
eastward of the San Pedro River, which has long been regarded as the southeastern
boundary of Liberia, I have felt constrained to make protest against this
encroachment upon the territory of a Republic which was rounded by citizens
of the United States and toward which this country has for many years held
the intimate relation of a friendly counselor.
The recent disturbances of the public peace by lawless foreign marauders
on the Mexican frontier have afforded this Government an opportunity to
testify its good will for Mexico and its earnest purpose to fulfill the
obligations of international friendship by pursuing and dispersing the
evil doers. The work of relocating the boundary of the treaty of Guadalupe
Hidalgo westward from El Paso is progressing favorably.
Our intercourse with Spain continues on a friendly footing. I regret,
however, not to be able to report as yet the adjustment of the claims of
the American missionaries arising from the disorders at Ponape, in the
Caroline Islands, but I anticipate a satisfactory adjustment in view of
renewed and urgent representations to the Government at Madrid.
The treatment of the religious and educational establishments of American
citizens in Turkey has of late called for a more than usual share of attention.
A tendency to curtail the toleration which has so beneficially prevailed
is discernible and has called forth the earnest remonstrance of this Government.
Harassing regulations in regard to schools and churches have been attempted
in certain localities, but not without due protest and the assertion of
the inherent and conventional rights of our countrymen. Violations of domicile
and search of the persons and effects of citizens of the United States
by apparently irresponsible officials in the Asiatic vilayets have from
time to time been reported. An aggravated instance of injury to the property
of an American missionary at Bourdour, in the province of Konia, cal1ed
forth an urgent claim for reparation, which I am pleased to say was promptly
heeded by the Government of the Porte. Interference with the trading ventures
of our citizens in Asia Minor is also reported, and the lack of consular
representation in that region is a serious drawback to instant and effective
protection. I can not believe that these incidents represent a settled
policy, and shall not cease to urge the adoption of proper remedies.
International copyright has been extended to Italy by proclamation in
conformity with the act of March 3, 1891, upon assurance being given that
Italian law permits to citizens of the United States the benefit of copyright
on substantially the same basis as to subjects of Italy. By a special convention
proclaimed January 15, 1892, reciprocal provisions of copyright have been
applied between the United States and Germany. Negotiations are in progress
with other countries to the same end.
I repeat with great earnestness the recommendation which I have made
in several previous messages that prompt and adequate support be given
to the American company engaged in the construction of the Nicaragua ship
canal. It is impossible to overstate the value from every standpoint of
this great enterprise, and I hope that there may be time, even in this
Congress, to give to it an impetus that will insure the early completion
of the canal and secure to the United States its proper relation to it
when completed.
The Congress has been already advised that the invitations of this Government
for the assembling of an international monetary conference to consider
the question of an enlarged use of silver were accepted by the nations
to which they were addressed. The conference assembled at Brussels on the
22d of November, and has entered upon the consideration of this great question.
I have not doubted, and have taken occasion to express that belief as well
in the invitations issued for this conference as in my public messages,
that the free coinage of silver upon an agreed international ratio would
greatly promote the interests of our people and equally those of other
nations. It is too early to predict what results may be accomplished by
the conference. If any temporary check or delay intervenes, I believe that
very soon commercial conditions will compel the now reluctant governments
to unite with us in this movement to secure the enlargement of the volume
of coined money needed for the transaction of the business of the world.
The report of the Secretary of the Treasury will attract especial interest
in view of the many misleading statements that have been made as to the
state of the public revenues. Three preliminary facts should not only be
stated but emphasized before looking into details: First, that the public
debt has been reduced since March 4, 1889, $259,074,200, and the annual
interest charge $11,684,469; second, that there have been paid out for
pensions during this Administration up to November 1, 1892, $432,564,178.70,
an excess of $114,466,386.09 over the sum expended during the period from
March 1, 1885, to March 1, 1889; and, third, that under the existing tariff
up to December 1 about $93,000,000 of revenue which would have been collected
upon imported sugars if the duty had been maintained has gone into the
pockets of the people, and not into the public Treasury, as before. If
there are any who still think that the surplus should have been kept out
of circulation by hoarding it in the Treasury, or deposited in favored
banks without interest while the Government continued to pay to these very
banks interest upon the bonds deposited as security for the deposits, or
who think that the extended pension legislation was a public robbery, or
that the duties upon sugar should have been maintained, I am content to
leave the argument where it now rests while we wait to see whether these
criticisms will take the form of legislation.
The revenues for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1892, from all sources
were $425,868,260.22, and the expenditures for all purposes were $415,953,806.56,
leaving a balance of $9,914,453.66. There were paid during the year upon
the public debt $40,570,467.98. The surplus in the Treasury and the bank
redemption fund passed by the act of July 14, 1890, to the general fund
furnished in large part the cash available and used for the payments made
upon the public debt. Compared with the year 1891, our receipts from customs
duties fell off $42,069,241.08, while our receipts from internal revenue
increased $8,284,823.13, leaving the net loss of revenue from these principal
sources $33,784,417.95. The net loss of revenue from all sources was $32,675,972.81.
The revenues, estimated and actual, for the fiscal year ending June
30, 1893, are placed by the Secretary at $463,336,350.44, and the expenditures
at $461,336,350.44, showing a surplus of receipts over expenditures of
$2,000,000. The cash balance in the Treasury at the end of the fiscal year
it is estimated will be $20,992,377.03. So far as these figures are based
upon estimates of receipts and expenditures for the remaining months of
the current fiscal year, there are not only the usual elements of uncertainty,
but some added elements. New revenue legislation, or even the expectation
of it, may seriously reduce the public revenues during the period of uncertainty
and during the process of business adjustment to the new conditions when
they become known. But the Secretary has very wisely refrained from guessing
as to the effect of possible changes in our revenue laws, since the scope
of those changes and the time of their taking effect can not in any degree
be forecast or foretold by him. His estimates must be based upon existing
laws and upon a continuance of existing business conditions, except so
far as these conditions may be affected by causes other than new legislation.
The estimated receipts for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1894, are
$490,121,365.38, and the estimated appropriations $457,261,335.33, leaving
an estimated surplus of receipts over expenditures of $32,860,030.05. This
does not include any payment to the sinking fund. In the recommendation
of the Secretary that the sinking-fund law be repealed I concur. The redemption
of bonds since the passage of the law to June 30, 1892, has already exceeded
the requirements by the sum of $990,510,681.49. The retirement of bonds
in the future before maturity should be a matter of convenience, not of
compulsion. We should not collect revenue for that purpose, but only use
any casual surplus. To the balance of $32,860,030.05 of receipts over expenditures
for the year 1894 should be added the estimated surplus at the beginning
of the year, $20,992,377.03, and from this aggregate there must be deducted,
as stated by the Secretary, about $44,000,000 of estimated unexpended appropriations.
The public confidence in the purpose and ability of the Government to
maintain the parity of all of our money issues, whether coin or paper,
must remain unshaken. The demand for gold in Europe and the consequent
calls upon us are in a considerable degree the result of the efforts of
some of the European Governments to increase their gold reserves, and these
efforts should be met by appropriate legislation on our part. The conditions
that have created this drain of the Treasury gold are in an important degree
political, and not commercial. In view of the fact that a general revision
of our revenue laws in the near future seems to be probable, it would be
better that any changes should be a part of that revision rather than of
a temporary nature.
During the last fiscal year the Secretary purchased under the act of
July 14, 1890, 54,355,748 ounces of silver and issued in payment therefor
$51,106,608 in notes. The total purchases since the passage of the act
have been 120,479,981 ounces and the aggregate of notes issued $116,783,590.
The average price paid for silver during the year was 94 cents per ounce,
the highest price being $1.02 3/4 July 1, 1891, and the lowest 83 cents
March 21, 1892. In view of the fact that the monetary conference is now
sitting and that no conclusion has yet been reached, I withhold any recommendation
as to legislation upon this subject.
The report of the Secretary of War brings again to the attention of
Congress some important suggestions as to the reorganization of the infantry
and artillery arms of the service, which his predecessors have before urgently
presented. Our Army is small, but its organization should all the more
be put upon the most approved modern basis. The conditions upon what we
have called the "frontier" have heretofore required the maintenance of
many small posts, but now the policy of concentration is obviously the
right one. The new posts should have the proper strategic relations to
the only "frontiers" we now have--those of the seacoast and of our northern
and part of our southern boundary. I do not think that any question of
advantage to localities or to States should determine the location of the
new posts. The reorganization and enlargement of the Bureau of Military
Information which the Secretary has effected is a work the usefulness of
which will become every year more apparent. The work of building heavy
guns and the construction of coast defenses has been well begun and should
be carried on without check.
The report of the Attorney-General is by law submitted directly to Congress,
but I can not refrain from saying that he has conducted the increasing
work of the Department of Justice with great professional skill. He has
in several directions secured from the courts decisions giving increased
protection to the officers of the United States and bringing some classes
of crime that escaped local cognizance and punishment into the tribunals
of the United States, where they could be tried with impartiality.
The numerous applications for Executive clemency presented in behalf
of persons convicted in United States courts and given penitentiary sentences
have called my attention to a fact referred to by the Attorney-General
in his report, namely, that a time allowance for good behavior for such
prisoners is prescribed by the Federal statutes only where the State in
which the penitentiary is located has made no such provision. Prisoners
are given the benefit of the provisions of the State law regulating the
penitentiary to which they may be sent. These are various, some perhaps
too liberal and some perhaps too illiberal. The result is that a sentence
for five years means one thing if the prisoner is sent to one State for
confinement and quite a different thing if he is sent to another. I recommend
that a uniform credit for good behavior be prescribed by Congress.
I have before expressed my concurrence in the recommendation of the
Attorney-General that degrees of murder should be recognized in the Federal
statutes, as they are, I believe, in all the States. These grades are rounded
on correct distinctions in crime. The recognition of them would enable
the courts to exercise some discretion in apportioning punishment and would
greatly relieve the Executive of what is coming to be a very heavy burden--the
examination of these cases on application for commutation.
The aggregate of claims pending against the Government in the Court
of Claims is enormous. Claims to the amount of nearly $400,000,000 for
the taking of or injury to the property of persons claiming to be loyal
during the war are now before that court for examination. When to these
are added the Indian depredation claims and the French spoliation claims,
an aggregate is reached that is indeed startling. In the defense of all
these cases the Government is at great disadvantage. The claimants have
preserved their evidence, whereas the agents of the Government are sent
into the field to rummage for what they can find. This difficulty is peculiarly
great where the fact to be established is the disloyalty of the claimant
during the war. If this great threat against our revenues is to have no
other check, certainly Congress should supply the Department of Justice
with appropriations sufficiently liberal to secure the best legal talent
in the defense of these claims and to pursue its vague search for evidence
effectively.
The report of the Postmaster-General shows a most gratifying increase
and a most efficient and progressive management of the great business of
that Department. The remarkable increase in revenues, in the number of
post-offices, and in the miles of mail carriage furnishes further evidence
of the high state of prosperity which our people are enjoying. New offices
mean new hamlets and towns, new routes mean the extension of our border
settlements, and increased revenues mean an active commerce. The Postmaster-General
reviews the whole period of his administration of the office and brings
some of his statistics down to the month of November last. The postal revenues
have increased during the last year nearly $5,000,000. The deficit for
the year ending June 30, 1892, is $848,341 less than the deficiency of
the preceding year. The deficiency of the present fiscal year it is estimated
will be reduced to $1,552,423, which will not only be extinguished during
the next fiscal year but a surplus of nearly $1,000,000 should then be
shown. In these calculations the payments to be made under the contracts
for ocean mail service have not been included. There have been added 1,590
new mail routes during the year, with a mileage of 8,563 miles, and the
total number of new miles of mail trips added during the year is nearly
17,000,000. The number of miles of mail journeys added during the last
four years is about 76,000,000, this addition being 21,000,000 miles more
than were in operation in the whole country in 1861.
The number of post-offices has been increased by 2,790 during the year,
and during the past four years, and up to October 29 last, the total increase
in the number of offices has been nearly 9,000. The number of free-delivery
offices has been nearly doubled in the last four years, and the number
of money-order offices more than doubled within that time.
For the three years ending June 30, 1892, the postal revenue amounted
to $197,744,359, which was an increase of $52,263,150 over the revenue
for the three years ending June 30, 1888, the increase during the last
three years being more than three and a half times as great as the increase
during the three years ending June 30, 1888. No such increase as that shown
for these three years has ever previously appeared in the revenues of the
Department. The Postmaster-General has extended to the post-offices in
the larger cities the merit system of promotion introduced by my direction
into the Departments here, and it has resulted there, as in the Departments,
in a larger volume of work and that better done.
Ever since our merchant marine was driven from the sea by the rebel
cruisers during the War of the Rebellion the United States has been paying
an enormous annual tribute to foreign countries in the shape of freight
and passage moneys. Our grain and meats have been taken at our own docks
and our large imports there laid down by foreign shipmasters. An increasing
torrent of American travel to Europe has contributed a vast sum annually
to the dividends of foreign shipowners. The balance of trade shown by the
books of our custom-houses has been very largely reduced and in many years
altogether extinguished by this constant drain. In the year 1892 only 12.3
per cent of our imports were brought in American vessels. These great foreign
steamships maintained by our traffic are many of them under contracts with
their respective Governments by which in time of war they will become a
part of their armed naval establishments. Profiting by our commerce in
peace, they will become the most formidable destroyers of our commerce
in time of war. I have felt, and have before expressed the feeling, that
this condition of things was both intolerable and disgraceful. A wholesome
change of policy, and one having in it much promise, as it seems to me,
was begun by the law of March 3, 1891. Under this law contracts have been
made by the Postmaster-General for eleven mail routes. The expenditure
involved by these contracts for the next fiscal year approximates $954,123.33.
As one of the results already reached sixteen American steamships, of an
aggregate tonnage of 57,400 tons, costing $7,400,000, have been built or
contracted to be built in American shipyards.
The estimated tonnage of all steamships required under existing contracts
is 165,802, and when the full service required by these contracts is established
there will be forty-one mail steamers under the American flag, with the
probability of further necessary additions in the Brazilian and Argentine
service. The contracts recently let for transatlantic service will result
in the construction of five ships of 10,000 tons each, costing $9,000,000
to $10,000,000, and will add, with the City of New York and City of Paris,
to which the Treasury Department was authorized by legislation at the last
session to give American registry, seven of the swiftest vessels upon the
sea to our naval reserve. The contracts made with the lines sailing to
Central and South American ports have increased the frequency and shortened
the time of the trips, added new ports of call, and sustained some lines
that otherwise would almost certainly have been withdrawn. The service
to Buenos Ayres is the first to the Argentine Republic under the American
flag. The service to Southampton, Boulogne, and Antwerp is also new, and
is to be begun with the steamships City of New York and City of Paris in
February next.
I earnestly urge the continuance of the policy inaugurated by this legislation,
and that the appropriations required to meet the obligations of the Government
under the contracts may be made promptly, so that the lines that have entered
into these engagements may not be embarrassed. We have had, by reason of
connections with the transcontinental railway lines constructed through
our own territory, some advantages in the ocean trade of the Pacific that
we did not possess on the Atlantic. The construction of the Canadian Pacific
Railway and the establishment under large subventions from Canada and England
of fast steamship service from Vancouver with Japan and China seriously
threaten our shipping interests in the Pacific. This line of English steamers
receives, as is stated by the Commissioner of Navigation, a direct subsidy
of $400,000 annually, or $30,767 per trip for thirteen voyages, in addition
to some further aid from the Admiralty in connection with contracts under
which the vessels may be used for naval purposes. The competing American
Pacific mail line under the act of March 3, 1891, receives only $6,389
per round trip.
Efforts have been making within the last year, as I am informed, to
establish under similar conditions a line between Vancouver and some Australian
port, with a view of seizing there a trade in which we have had a large
interest. The Commissioner of Navigation states that a very large per cent
of our imports from Asia are now brought to us by English steamships and
their connecting railways in Canada. With a view of promoting this trade,
especially in tea, Canada has imposed a discriminating duty of 10 per cent
upon tea and coffee brought into the Dominion from the United States. If
this unequal contest between American lines without subsidy, or with diminished
subsidies, and the English Canadian line to which I have referred is to
continue, I think we should at least see that the facilities for customs
entry and transportation across our territory are not such as to make the
Canadian route a favored one, and that the discrimination as to duties
to which I have referred is met by a like discrimination as to the importation
of these articles from Canada.
No subject, I think, more nearly touches the pride, the power, and the
prosperity of our country than this of the development of our merchant
marine upon the sea. If we could enter into conference with other competitors
and all would agree to withhold government aid, we could perhaps take our
chances with the rest; but our great competitors have established and maintained
their lines by government subsidies until they now have practically excluded
us from participation. In my opinion no choice is left to us but to pursue,
moderately at least, the same lines.
The report of the Secretary of the Navy exhibits great progress in the
construction of our new Navy. When the present Secretary entered upon his
duties, only 3 modern steel vessels were in commission. The vessels since
put in commission and to be put in commission during the winter will make
a total of 19 during his administration of the Department. During the current
year 10 war vessels and 3 navy tugs have been launched, and during the
four years 25 vessels will have been launched. Two other large ships and
a torpedo boat are under contract and the work upon them well advanced,
and the 4 monitors are awaiting only the arrival of their armor, which
has been unexpectedly delayed, or they would have been before this in commission.
Contracts have been let during this Administration, under the appropriations
for the increase of the Navy, including new vessels and their appurtenances,
to the amount of $35,000,000, and there has been expended during the same
period for labor at navy-yards upon similar work $8,000,000 without the
smallest scandal or charge of fraud or partiality. The enthusiasm and interest
of our naval officers, both of the staff and line, have been greatly kindled.
They have responded magnificently to the confidence of Congress and have
demonstrated to the world an unexcelled capacity in construction, in ordnance,
and in everything involved in the building, equipping, and sailing of great
war ships.
At the beginning of Secretary Tracy's administration several difficult
problems remained to be grappled with and solved before the efficiency
in action of our ships could be secured. It is believed that as the result
of new processes in the construction of armor plate our later ships will
be clothed with defensive plates of higher resisting power than are found
on any war vessels afloat. We were without torpedoes. Tests have been made
to ascertain the relative efficiency of different constructions, a torpedo
has been adopted, and the work of construction is now being carried on
successfully. We were without armor-piercing shells and without a shop
instructed and equipped for the construction of them. We are now making
what is believed to be a projectile superior to any before in use. A smokeless
powder has been developed and a slow-burning powder for guns of large caliber.
A high explosive capable of use in shells fired from service guns has been
found, and the manufacture of gun cotton has been developed so that the
question of supply is no longer in doubt.
The development of a naval militia, which has been organized in eight
States and brought into cordial and cooperative relations with the Navy,
is another important achievement. There are now enlisted in these organizations
1,800 men, and they are likely to be greatly extended. I recommend such
legislation and appropriations as will encourage and develop this movement.
The recommendations of the Secretary will, I do not doubt, receive the
friendly consideration of Congress, for he has enjoyed, as he has deserved,
the confidence of all those interested in the development of our Navy,
without any division upon partisan lines. I earnestly express the hope
that a work which has made such noble progress may not now be stayed. The
wholesome influence for peace and the increased sense of security which
our citizens domiciled in other lands feel when these magnificent ships
under the American flag appear is already most gratefully apparent. The
ships from our Navy which will appear in the great naval parade next April
in the harbor of New York will be a convincing demonstration to the world
that the United States is again a naval power.
The work of the Interior Department, always very burdensome, has been
larger than ever before during the administration of Secretary Noble. The
disability-pension law, the taking of the Eleventh Census, the opening
of vast areas of Indian lands to settlement, the organization of Oklahoma,
and the negotiations for the cession of Indian lands furnish some of the
particulars of the increased work, and the results achieved testify to
the ability, fidelity, and industry of the head of the Department and his
efficient assistants.
Several important agreements for the cession of Indian lands negotiated
by the commission appointed under the act of March 2, 1889, are awaiting
the action of Congress. Perhaps the most important of these is that for
the cession of the Cherokee Strip. This region has been the source of great
vexation to the executive department and of great friction and unrest between
the settlers who desire to occupy it and the Indians who assert title.
The agreement which has been made by the commission is perhaps the most
satisfactory that could have been reached. It will be noticed that it is
conditioned upon its ratification by Congress before March 4, 1893. The
Secretary of the Interior, who has given the subject very careful thought,
recommends the ratification of the agreement, and I am inclined to follow
his recommendation. Certain it is that some action by which this controversy
shall be brought to an end and these lands opened to settlement is urgent.
The form of government provided by Congress on May 17, 1884, for Alaska
was in its frame and purpose temporary. The increase of population and
the development of some important mining and commercial interests make
it imperative that the law should be revised and better provision made
for the arrest and punishment of criminals.
The report of the Secretary shows a very gratifying state of facts as
to the condition of the General Land Office. The work of issuing agricultural
patents, which seemed to be hopelessly in arrear when the present Secretary
undertook the duties of his office, has been so expedited that the bureau
is now upon current business. The relief thus afforded to honest and worthy
settlers upon the public lands by giving to them an assured title to their
entries has been of incalculable benefit in developing the new States and
the Territories.
The Court of Private Land Claims, established by Congress for the promotion
of this policy of speedily settling contested land titles, is making satisfactory
progress in its work, and when the work is completed a great impetus will
be given to the development of those regions where unsettled claims under
Mexican grants have so long exercised their repressive influence. When
to these results are added the enormous cessions of Indian lands which
have been opened to settlement, aggregating during this Administration
nearly 26,000,000 acres, and the agreements negotiated and now pending
in Congress for ratification by which about 10,000,000 additional acres
will be opened to settlement, it will be seen how much has been accomplished.
The work in the Indian Bureau in the execution of the policy of recent
legislation has been largely directed to two chief purposes: First, the
allotment of lands in severalty to the Indians and the cession to the United
States of the surplus lands, and, secondly, to the work of educating the
Indian for his own protection in his closer contact with the white man
and for the intelligent exercise of his new citizenship. Allotments have
been made and patents issued to 5,900 Indians under the present Secretary
and Commissioner, and 7,600 additional allotments have been made for which
patents are now in process of preparation. The school attendance of Indian
children has been increased during that time over 13 per cent, the enrollment
for 1892 being nearly 20,000. A uniform system of school text-books and
of study has been adopted and the work in these national schools brought
as near as may be to the basis of the free common schools of the States.
These schools can be transferred and merged into the common-school systems
of the States when the Indian has fully assumed his new relation to the
organized civil community in which he resides and the new States are able
to assume the burden. I have several times been called upon to remove Indian
agents appointed by me, and have done so promptly upon every sustained
complaint of unfitness or misconduct. I believe, however, that the Indian
service at the agencies has been improved and is now administered on the
whole with a good degree of efficiency. If any legislation is possible
by which the selection of Indian agents can be wholly removed from all
partisan suggestions or considerations, I am sure it would be a great relief
to the Executive and a great benefit to the service. The appropriation
for the subsistence of the Cheyenne and Arapahoe Indians made at the last
session of Congress was inadequate. This smaller appropriation was estimated
for by the Commissioner upon the theory that the large fund belonging to
the tribe in the public Treasury could be and ought to be used for their
support. In view, however, of the pending depredation claims against this
fund and other considerations, the Secretary of the Interior on the 12th
of April last submitted a supplemental estimate for $50,000. This appropriation
was not made, as it should have been, and the oversight ought to be remedied
at the earliest possible date.
In a special message to this Congress at the last session, I stated
the reasons why I had not approved the deed for the release to the United
States by the Choctaws and Chickasaws of the lands formerly embraced in
the Cheyenne and Arapahoe Reservation and remaining after allotments to
that tribe. A resolution of the Senate expressing the opinion of that body
that notwithstanding the facts stated in my special message the deed should
be approved and the money, $2,991,450, paid over was presented to me May
10, 1892. My special message was intended to call the attention of Congress
to the subject, and in view of the fact that it is conceded that the appropriation
proceeded upon a false basis as to the amount of lands to be paid for and
is by $50,000 in excess of the amount they are entitled to (even if their
claim to the land is given full recognition at the rate agreed upon), I
have not felt willing to approve the deed, and shall not do so, at least
until both Houses of Congress have acted upon the subject. It has been
informally proposed by the claimants to release this sum of $50,000, but
I have no power to demand or accept such a release, and such an agreement
would be without consideration and void.
I desire further to call the attention of Congress to the fact that
the recent agreement concluded with the Kiowas and Comanches relates to
lands which were a part of the "leased district," and to which the claim
of the Choctaws and Chickasaws is precisely that recognized by Congress
in the legislation I have referred to. The surplus lands to which this
claim would attach in the Kiowa and Comanche Reservation is 2,500,000 acres,
and at the same rate the Government will be called upon to pay to the Choctaws
and Chickasaws for these lands $3,125,000. This sum will be further augmented,
especially if the title of the Indians to the tract now Greet County, Tex.,
is established. The duty devolved upon me in this connection was simply
to pass upon the form of the deed; but as in my opinion the facts mentioned
in my special message were not adequately brought to the attention of Congress
in connection with the legislation, I have felt that I would not be justified
in acting without some new expression of the legislative will.
The report of the Commissioner of Pensions, to which extended notice
is given by the Secretary of the Interior in his report, will attract great
attention. Judged by the aggregate amount of work done, the last year has
been the greatest in the history of the office. I believe that the organization
of the office is efficient and that the work has been done with fidelity.
The passage of what is known as the disability bill has, as was foreseen,
very largely increased the annual disbursements to the disabled veterans
of the Civil War. The estimate for this fiscal year was $144,956,000, and
that amount was appropriated. A deficiency amounting to $10,508,621 must
be provided for at this session. The estimate for pensions for the fiscal
year ending June 30, 1894, is $165,000,000. The Commissioner of Pensions
believes that if the present legislation and methods are maintained and
further additions to the pension laws are not made the maximum expenditure
for pensions will be reached June 30, 1894, and will be at the highest
point $188,000,000 per annum.
I adhere to the views expressed in previous messages that the care of
the disabled soldiers of the War of the Rebellion is a matter of national
concern and duty. Perhaps no emotion cools sooner than that of gratitude,
but I can not believe that this process has yet reached a point with our
people that would sustain the policy of remitting the care of these disabled
veterans to the inadequate agencies provided by local laws. The parade
on the 20th of September last upon the streets of this capital of 60,000
of the surviving Union veterans of the War of the Rebellion was a most
touching and thrilling episode, and the rich and gracious welcome extended
to them by the District of Columbia and the applause that greeted their
progress from tens of thousands of people from all the States did much
to revive the glorious recollections of the Grand Review when these men
and many thousand others now in their graves were welcomed with grateful
joy as victors in a struggle in which the national unity, honor, and wealth
were all at issue.
In my last annual message I called attention to the fact that some legislative
action was necessary in order to protect the interests of the Government
in its relations with the Union Pacific Railway. The Commissioner of Railroads
has submitted a very full report, giving exact information as to the debt,
the liens upon the company's property, and its resources. We must deal
with the question as we find it and take that course which will under existing
conditions best secure the interests of the United States. I recommended
in my last annual message that a commission be appointed to deal with this
question, and I renew that recommendation and suggest that the commission
be given full power.
The report of the Secretary of Agriculture contains not only a most
interesting statement of the progressive and valuable work done under the
administration of Secretary Rusk, but many suggestions for the enlarged
usefulness of this important Department. In the successful efforts to break
down the restrictions to the free introduction of our meat products in
the countries of Europe the Secretary has been untiring from the first,
stimulating and aiding all other Government officers at home and abroad
whose official duties enabled them to participate in the work. The total
trade in hog products with Europe in May, 1892, amounted to 82,000,000
pounds, against 46,900,000 in the same month of 1891; in June, 1892, the
export aggregated 85,700,000 pounds, against 46,500,000 pounds in the same
month of the previous year; in July there was an increase of 41 per cent
and in August of 55 per cent over the corresponding months of 1891. Over
40,000,000 pounds of inspected pork have been exported since the law was
put into operation, and a comparison of the four months of May, June, July,
and August, 1892, with the same months of 1891 shows an increase in the
number of pounds of our export of pork products of 62 per cent and an increase
in value of 66 1/2 per cent. The exports of dressed beef increased from
137,900,000 pounds in 1889 to 220,500,000 pounds in 1892 or about 60 per
cent. During the past year there have been exported 394,607 head of live
cattle, as against 205,786 exported in 1889. This increased exportation
has been largely promoted by the inspection authorized by law and the faithful
efforts of the Secretary and his efficient subordinates to make that inspection
thorough and to carefully exclude from all cargoes diseased or suspected
cattle. The requirement of the English regulations that live cattle arriving
from the United States must be slaughtered at the docks had its origin
in the claim that pleuro-pneumonia existed among American cattle and that
the existence of the disease could only certainly be determined by a post
mortem inspection.
The Department of Agriculture has labored with great energy and faithfulness
to extirpate this disease, and on the 26th day of September last a public
announcement was made by the Secretary that the disease no longer existed
anywhere within the United States. He is entirely satisfied after the most
searching inquiry that this statement was justified, and that by a continuance
of the inspection and quarantine now required of cattle brought into this
country the disease can be prevented from again getting any foothold. The
value to the cattle industry of the United States of this achievement can
hardly be estimated. We can not, perhaps, at once insist that this evidence
shall be accepted as satisfactory by other countries; but if the present
exemption from the disease is maintained and the inspection of our cattle
arriving at foreign ports, in which our own veterinarians participate,
confirms it, we may justly expect that the requirement that our cattle
shall be slaughtered at the docks will be revoked, as the sanitary restrictions
upon our pork products have been. If our cattle can be taken alive to the
interior, the trade will be enormously increased.
Agricultural products constituted 78.1 per cent of our unprecedented
exports for the fiscal year which closed June 30, 1892, the total exports
being $1,030,278,030 and the value of the agricultural products $793,717,676,
which exceeds by more than $150,000,000 the shipment of agricultural products
in any previous year.
An interesting and a promising work for the benefit of the American
farmer has been begun through agents of the Agricultural Department in
Europe, and consists in efforts to introduce the various products of Indian
corn as articles of human food. The high price of rye offered a favorable
opportunity for the experiment in Germany of combining corn meal with rye
to produce a cheaper bread. A fair degree of success has been attained,
and some mills for grinding corn for food have been introduced. The Secretary
is of the opinion that this new use of the products of corn has already
stimulated exportations, and that if diligently prosecuted large and important
markets can presently be opened for this great American product.
The suggestions of the Secretary for an enlargement of the work of the
Department are commended to your favorable consideration. It may, I think,
be said without challenge that in no corresponding period has so much been
done as during the last four years for the benefit of American agriculture.
The subject of quarantine regulations, inspection, and control was brought
suddenly to my attention by the arrival at our ports in August last of
vessels infected with cholera. Quarantine regulations should be uniform
at all our ports. Under the Constitution they are plainly within the exclusive
Federal jurisdiction when and so far as Congress shall legislate. In my
opinion the whole subject should be taken into national control and adequate
power given to the Executive to protect our people against plague invasions.
On the 1st of September last I approved regulations establishing a twenty-day
quarantine for all vessels bringing immigrants from foreign ports. This
order will be continued in force. Some loss and suffering have resulted
to passengers, but a due care for the homes of our people justifies in
such cases the utmost precaution. There is danger that with the coming
of spring cholera will again appear, and a liberal appropriation should
be made at this session to enable our quarantine and port officers to exclude
the deadly plague.
But the most careful and stringent quarantine regulations may not be
sufficient absolutely to exclude the disease. The progress of medical and
sanitary science has been such, however, that if approved precautions are
taken at once to put all of our cities and towns in the best sanitary condition,
and provision is made for isolating any sporadic cases and for a thorough
disinfection, an epidemic can, I am sure, be avoided. This work appertains
to the local authorities, and the responsibility and the penalty will be
appalling if it is neglected or unduly delayed.
We are peculiarly subject in our great ports to the spread of infectious
diseases by reason of the fact that unrestricted immigration brings to
us out of European cities, in the overcrowded steerages of great steamships,
a large number of persons whose surroundings make them the easy victims
of the plague. This consideration, as well as those affecting the political,
moral, and industrial interests of our country, leads me to renew the suggestion
that admission to our country and to the high privileges of its citizenship
should be more restricted and more careful. We have, I think, a right and
owe a duty to our own people, and especially to our working people, not
only to keep out the vicious, the ignorant, the civil disturber, the pauper,
and the contract laborer, but to check the too great flow of immigration
now coming by further limitations.
The report of the World's Columbian Exposition has not yet been submitted.
That of the board of management of the Government exhibit has been received
and is herewith transmitted. The work of construction and of preparation
for the opening of the exposition in May next has progressed most satisfactorily
and upon a scale of liberality and magnificence that will worthily sustain
the honor of the United States.
The District of Columbia is left by a decision of the supreme court
of the District without any law regulating the liquor traffic. An old statute
of the legislature of the District relating to the licensing of various
vocations has hitherto been treated by the Commissioners as giving them
power to grant or refuse licenses to sell intoxicating liquors and as subjecting
those who sold without licenses to penalties; but in May last the supreme
court of the District held against this view of the powers of the Commissioners.
It is of urgent importance, therefore, that Congress should supply, either
by direct enactment or by conferring discretionary powers upon the Commissioners,
proper limitations and restraints upon the liquor traffic in the District.
The District has suffered in its reputation by many crimes of violence,
a large per cent of them resulting from drunkenness and the liquor traffic.
The capital of the nation should be freed from this reproach by the enactment
of stringent restrictions and limitations upon the traffic.
In renewing the recommendation which I have made in three preceding
annual messages that Congress should legislate for the protection of railroad
employees against the dangers incident to the old and inadequate methods
of braking and coupling which are still in use upon freight trains, I do
so with the hope that this Congress may take action upon the subject. Statistics
furnished by the Interstate Commerce Commission show that during the year
ending June 30, 1891, there were forty-seven different styles of car couplers
reported to be in use, and that during the same period there were 2,660
employees killed and 26,140 injured. Nearly 16 per cent of the deaths occurred
in the coupling and uncoupling of cars and over 36 per cent of the injuries
had the same origin.
The Civil Service Commission ask for an increased appropriation for
needed clerical assistance, which I think should be given. I extended the
classified service March 1, 1892, to include physicians, superintendents,
assistant superintendents, school-teachers, and matrons in the Indian service,
and have had under consideration the subject of some further extensions,
but have not as yet fully determined the lines upon which extensions can
most properly and usefully be made.
I have in each of the three annual messages which it has been my duty
to submit to Congress called attention to the evils and dangers connected
with our election methods and practices as they are related to the choice
of officers of the National Government. In my last annual message I endeavored
to invoke serious attention to the evils of unfair apportionments for Congress.
I can not close this message without again calling attention to these grave
and threatening evils. I had hoped that it was possible to secure a nonpartisan
inquiry by means of a commission into evils the existence of which is known
to all, and that out of this might grow legislation from which all thought
of partisan advantage should be eliminated and only the higher thought
appear of maintaining the freedom and purity of the ballot and the equality
of the elector, without the guaranty of which the Government could never
have been formed and without the continuance of which it can not continue
to exist in peace and prosperity.
It is time that mutual charges of unfairness and fraud between the great
parties should cease and that the sincerity of those who profess a desire
for pure and honest elections should be brought to the test of their willingness
to free our legislation and our election methods from everything that tends
to impair the public confidence in the announced result. The necessity
for an inquiry and for legislation by Congress upon this subject is emphasized
by the fact that the tendency of the legislation in some States in recent
years has in some important particulars been away from and not toward free
and fair elections and equal apportionments. Is it not time that we should
come together upon the high plane of patriotism while we devise methods
that shall secure the right of every man qualified by law to cast a free
ballot and give to every such ballot an equal value in choosing our public
officers and in directing the policy of the Government?
Lawlessness is not less such, but more, where it usurps the functions
of the peace officer and of the courts. The frequent lynching of colored
people accused of crime is without the excuse, which has sometimes been
urged by mobs for a failure to pursue the appointed methods for the punishment
of crime, that the accused have an undue influence over courts and juries.
Such acts are a reproach to the community where they occur, and so far
as they can be made the subject of Federal jurisdiction the strongest repressive
legislation is demanded. A public sentiment that will sustain the officers
of the law in resisting mobs and in protecting accused persons in their
custody should be promoted by every possible means. The officer who gives
his life in the brave discharge of this duty is worthy of special honor.
No lesson needs to be so urgently impressed upon our people as this, that
no worthy end or cause can be promoted by lawlessness.
This exhibit of the work of the Executive Departments is submitted to
Congress and to the public in the hope that there will be found in it a
due sense of responsibility and an earnest purpose to maintain the national
honor and to promote the happiness and prosperity of all our people, and
this brief exhibit of the growth and prosperity of the country will give
us a level from which to note the increase or decadence that new legislative
policies may bring to us. There is no reason why the national influence,
power, and prosperity should not observe the same rates of increase that
have characterized the past thirty years. We carry the great impulse and
increase of these years into the future. There is no reason why in many
lines of production we should not surpass all other nations, as we have
already done in some. There are no near frontiers to our possible development.
Retrogression would be a crime.
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